a falling star fell from your heart and landed in my eyes i screamed aloud as it tore through them and now it's left me blind

So I had some crazy dreams last night, and long story short, new novel idea!

So guys, mentally meet Alter. He's a swordsman. He'll be sharing his adventure with us at some point in the future. (but think of it this way - when this is the next harry potter, you can go back to this blog post and go "OH MY GOD THIS IS THE DAY SHE CREATED AWESOME".)

I'll come up with a name for the story at some other time.

Until then I'll just drop little hints here and there about him. :>

please don't go i want you to stay i'm begging you please oh please don't leave here

Taking a leaf from Neko-chan's book and deciding to do a sort of writing thing. Meme? Form?

Things I Like To Write:

+Angst. Though I've gotten gradually less dependent on it over the years, you still can't be a good angst fix.
+That one character. Yeah. You know him/her. There's always that one character. There's something about him/her that makes them a blast to write. Usually for no good reason.
+Fight scenes. C'mooooon, they're fun! I see stories like I would see a movie, so scenes where the action is nonstop is more fun for me. Though I think I've also gotten rusty here too since I stopped Dark Knight. Or maybe DK ruined me; I'm too use to ninjas. Damn those ninjas.
+Jokes. Yeah, I'm lame. But I like writing in those tiny, subtle little things that only one in a million people will ever understand. References like that, too. Or I'll take the stupidest thing and turn it into a running joke, just to see how many people catch on. Nathan's smoking habit is a very obvious example. The cough medicine in Pedestal is a little less obvious.
+Character abuse. This is basically a culmination of the above things, but I thrive off of it. I could not function without it. :D I mean, look at my stories. Name a character who doesn't have some form of mental problem. Name one, I challenge you. (I mean, The Rook is basically this. Just this.)

Things I Like To Read:

+Romance. Ranging from fluff to smut, I dig it. |D Actually, smut should practically get its own category in this list... Oh well.
+Horror/Dark. Stephen King, Poe... It's delicious. Which is weird, considering I'm a total pansy. Still, I dig me some dark, dark stories. The darker, the better.
+Deep things. You know, those books that just make you think once you get through with them. You just lay back, spread-eagled, on your bed and stare at the ceiling and think.

I'll do things I dislike to read/write later on.

i'm your biggest fan i'll follow you until you love me

Wow, so Pedestal reached 100 chapters. Officially. Not counting the 47.5 chapter or the april fool's one. BUT STILL.

That's a lot of chapters.

A year and a couple months ago, I never would've guessed my little pact with Neko-chan would've gotten this big or, well, epic. I was writing by the seat of my pants for the longest time (the first time I started thinking of an actual plot was around the Froslass' appearance). And now look. A plot! A fun cast!

I don't know what I'll do with myself when Pedestal ends. XD ...Well, probably the same thing I'll do when Dark Knight ended, only minus the crappy sequel. :'D

I swear to god I will make a MLIP shirt at some point, too.

[ps: the part of the lyrics 'promise i'll be kind but i won't stop until that boy is mine' remind me very strongly of sonya...]

you know what i don't hate?

I made a little comic about Sonya - and, by extension, the Rabbit and Nathan - today as a random request. X3 Here is the first part, out of four. Just a sugary sweet little thing that shows a bit about Sonya's psyche and her and Nate's relationship.

I haven't written in forevah though. D: This makes me a sad, sad Skitty. INSPIRATION, COME BACK TO ME. In a couple years, I might write an epic, epic novel, but as it is, right now, I cannot. >w> Top-secret project though. If it gets pulled off (and I don't die for it), it'll be spectacular.

Tonight, I will write WHIPLASH! if it kills me. If it kills me.

Wolfie will also (very hopefully) have my picture done by the end of this week! *fingers crossed* OH GOD. This would mean that I could potentially get The Rook off to publishing this weekend. This weekend. *insert hyperventilation here*

and i can't fake it the way i could before i hate you but i love you i can't stop thinking of you it's true i'm stuck on you

“Looking for someone?” Vaikuntha asked curiously.
“Yeah, my parents… And Hanna and Jude and Cossette. They’re here somewhere…”
“Even if you cannot see them, I am sure they are cheering with all their might for you, brother.”
“You mean for us. We’re a team now. Even more now, I mean.”
“Ah… Yes, that is right! I have people cheering for me, too.” He smiled happily to himself, pleased with this. I frowned thoughtfully at him. I knew his parents weren’t here, and he hadn’t introduced me to any other visitors (I had introduced him to Jude and Cossette), so maybe he didn’t have anyone here for him…
I set my mouth in a firm line and said, “Yeah, Vai. You have people cheering for you, too. You’re now an honorary part of Team Awesome, yeah?”

You know Vai totally teared up and had a really shoujo-manga-ish moment with a smile and everything. YOU KNOW IT.

And Nathan waxes philosophical:

“…It’s quiet,” Sonya said, straddling the empty windowsill. She stared out at the downpour. Nathan leaned against it, arms crossed against the slight chill the rain had created. It seemed as if the world was painted in nothing but shades of grey. But even with the dull roar of the rain, it was true. It was quiet out. Silent, once you learned to tune out the rain. “I wonder… I wonder what this place was like when it was still alive. When there were still people living here. D’you think someone sat here, right here, and stared out at the rain like I am now?”
Statistically speaking, it had probably happened. Nathan exhaled and leaned down onto the bottom of the sill, and said instead, “Doesn’t it make you feel better to think that you are the only person to have ever done it?”
Sonya turned to him, surprise written across her face. She relaxed into a smile, though, and soon turned back to the rain. “Yeah, I guess so. It’s more fun to be unique.”
“It is, but it’s also sort of lonely.”
“Is what why you’re here with me?”
“Yeah. I guess it is.”

but we are two worlds apart can't reach to your heart when you say that i want it that way

1. What is your full name? Do you have a nickname?
Lenore Coracks. Some have called me Nora, but I wouldn't call it a nickname.

2. How old are you? When is your birthday?
I... am not going to share this. ><;;; [word of god: she's older than everyone else. far older. think about a decade.]

3. Where were you born? Where do you live now? Are you patriotic?
I was born in Sovine, I live in Sovine now, and...

4. Who are/were your parents? (Names, occupations, personalities, etc.)
My mother was a half Lanne, half Bauk immigrant who fell in love with my father. He was a politician of some sort for awhile, but he retired when I was young and acted as some sort of consultant. My mother also worked for the government with translations and teaching others.

5. Do you have any siblings? What are/were they like?
I had an older brother. He died in the war.

6. What is your occupation?
I'm an Inven... again... *sigh*

7. How tall are you? How much do you weigh?
U-Um... let's skip this question... [word of god: she may not act it, but she's very self-conscious about her height]

8. What color is your hair? What color are your eyes?
Black. All of it black...

9. What is your race?
I suppose I am a mix. The Lanne genes are fairly strong in me, though. Officially speaking, half Sovinian, a quarter Lannish, and a quarter Baukish.

10. To which social class do you belong?
During my childhood, upper class. After my father retired and my brother was drafted, we sunk into the middle class. Now I am back in the upper echelons with my canceled retirement...

11. Do you consider yourself to be attractive? Do others?
Yes. And I guess so. I'll go ask Allen.

12. What is your style of dress?
I... wear lots of yellow. ._.;;; Yellow and pastel colors. W-With my dark hair and eyes, I can't wear darker colors, so...

13. Do you have any scars? Tattoos? Birthmarks? Other unique physical features?
A couple scars here and there. No tattoos or birthmarks. As for physical feature... Well, I do not have a nivedidus around my head. ;> [word of god: she has several scars from her first career as an Inven, and a couple on her stomach from surgery]

14. Do you have any allergies, diseases, or other physical weaknesses?
None that I'm aware of.

15. Are you right- or left-handed?
Right-handed. And firmly. *glares at left hand* You are useless to me.

16. What does your voice sound like?
D-Deep... -_-||| [not all that deep, she exaggerates] A little soft, a little raspy, but deep. u_u

17. What kind of vocabulary do you use?
I like to think myself fairly refined and well-educated.

18. List three quirks or other defining characteristics.
I am currently the only Inven in a second run, I am amazingly tall, and I am deathly afraid of birds of prey. [word of god: this is a joke. true in-story, but I made her that was because it was funny. see notes on her name origin for details.]

19. How often do you bathe? Do you wear perfumes?
Often enough, and only for special occasions. I used to before...

20. What kind of facial expression do you commonly wear (dour glare, wry smile, etc)?
A small smile, maybe? [a mysterious smile, more like]

21. Do you use body language? How?
I try to keep my personal space, but I gesture a lot with my arms. Not just my hands - my arms.

22. Do you have a commonly used saying?
"So, are you pregnant yet?"

CHILDHOOD

23. What is your earliest memory?
I can't pick one out that is distinctly the 'earliest'...

24. How much schooling have you had? Did you enjoy it?
I had private schooling during my childhood, and then entered into Inven training at age fifteen. The entrance age was later back then because they didn't know the dangers of equipping the nivedidus later...

25. Where did you learn most of your knowledge and skill?
From raw experience. :I

26. How would you describe your childhood in general?
Serene. I was a happy child, but not obnoxiously so.

27. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A mother...

28. When and with whom was your first kiss?
...With Thomas, about three months after we were paired together.

29. Are you a virgin? If not, when and with whom did you lose your virginity?
Err... to Thomas again, but I'm not comfortable saying 'when'... [in other words, early].

30. Do you have a notorious or celebrated ancestor? Does that affect you?
Dear, I will be the notorious ancestor.

INFLUENCES

31. What do you consider the most important event of your life so far?
...that one february...

32. What do you consider your greatest achievement?
I haven't achieved a lot, I'm afraid.

33. What is your greatest regret?
...That I couldn't save him.

34. What is the most embarrassing or shameful thing ever to happen to you?
Heh... Let's just say it involved that time of the month coinciding with a mission and Thomas being very, very embarrassed as well.

35. Do you have any secrets? If so, what are they?
I'm an open book. If you know how to read it.

36. What is the most evil thing you have ever done?
I've killed.

37. When was the time you were the most frightened?
When I heard the news about Thomas.

38. Have you ever traveled outside of your country? If so, to where?
To Bauk a couple times, to the badlands...

BELIEFS

39. What is your alignment?
There is no god.

40. Are you basically optimistic or pessimistic?
Hmm, I wonder. :>

41. Do you believe in a god? If so, which one and why?
No. Not anymore.

42. Do you believe in an afterlife?
I wish I could, but I'm afraid I don't.

43. What is your greatest fear?
There's not a lot I fear that I haven't run into before.

44. What makes you angry? Sad? Happy? Why?
Allen sometimes makes me all of those. Thomas, too. They're just... like that, I suppose.

45. Do you think people are basically good or basically evil?
No. Everyone has some good and some evil in them.

46. What are your views on politics?
At this point, I place my hands over my ears and close my eyes.

47. What are your views on gambling, lying, theft, and killing?
Nasty human vices.

48. How far will you go to defend your beliefs?
Not very. Once upon a time, I would've taken it far. But I guess... all the fight's just left me, huh?

49. How much do you value money?
I couldn't care less about it. Thomas handled the finances before, and Allen's unassumingly taken it over now.

50. In your opinion, what is the most evil thing any human being could do?
Take a life that was needed.

51. Do you believe in self-sacrifice for the greater good?
No. Humans are selfish creatures, and we don't care about the greater good. If there was a 'greater good' I wouldn't have lost him to it, would I?!

52. Do you believe in the existence of soul mates and/or true love?
Yes. I do.

53. Are you superstitious?
Not at all.

54. How much do you respect the beliefs and opinions of others?
I don't care enough to disrespect them.

55. How honest are you about your thoughts and feelings?
Honest about most things. But in other things, I will lie through my teeth.

56. Do you have any biases or prejudices?
Yes. [word of god: s-so curt... *A*]

DEALING WITH OTHERS

57. Who is the most important person in your life, and why?
I guess it's Allen's turn to fill that role. *sigh* [thomas will probably always have that role...]

58. Who is the person you respect the most? Despise the most? Why?
I greatly respect no one at this point. There isn't anyone who deserves my respect anymore. That's not to say I despise anyone, though... I guess I'm just growing into a bitter old woman.

59. Do you have a significant other? Who? Why?
I had one. Not anymore. [much to allen's dismay] Thomas was my fiancé once upon a time.

60. Do you have a lot of friends? Who is your best friend?
Uh... Actually I don't. Most of the Inven in my class are dead or married and raising kids of their own. I don't keep in contact. Allen's become my dear friend, and I suppose he and Nathan are a package deal... and if there's Nathan then there's Sonya...

61. How do you relate to members of the same race? Class? Sex?
The same as anyone else.

62. How do you relate to members of a different race? Class? Sex?
The same.

63. Have you ever been in love? If so, describe what happened.
Yes, I have been. I was paired with Thomas and love bloomed. All those happy years together... *happy sigh*

64. What do you look for in a potential lover?
...nothing anymore. I'm tired of love.

65. How close are you to your family?
Not close.

66. Do you want a marriage, family, and/or children?
... [word of god: she would smile politely through this question and then later that night go cry herself to sleep; she wants all of them very, very much]

67. Do you tend to argue with people, or avoid conflict?
I avoid, unless it's something worth arguing about.

68. Are you a listener or a talker?
A listener sometimes, a talker sometimes.

69. How long does it usually take for you to trust others?
It depends. I trust Allen on principle, but others, not so much.

70. Do you hold grudges?
I guess I do.

71. Do you tend to take on leadership roles in social situations?
Yes. It usually comes with being the tallest and *cough* oldest.

72. Do you like interacting with large groups of people?
Not particularly.

73. How well do you express yourself?
Well. :>

74. How quickly do you judge others?
Not quickly at all. Impressions of others are constantly changing, after all. Example one: Allen. *nod*

75. Do you care what others think of you?
At this point, not at all.

76. Do you have any enemies? How or why are they your enemy?
Just the abstract ones Sovine's fighting.

PERSONAL TASTE AND OPINIONS

77. What is your favorite pastime? Color? Food? Possession?
I... I used to play the piano. ._.;; And paint a little. My favorite color is pale yellow, my favorite food is anything poultry, and my favorite possession is the yellow dress Thomas bought for me.

78. What are your preferences in arts and/or entertainment?
Classical things. Old things. Beautiful things.

79. Do you smoke, drink, go whoring, or use drugs? Why or why not?
I don't do any of the above. They're just not for me, and not very healthy, either.

80. How do you spend a typical Saturday night?
Curled up on the couch with a book sipping tea. Or being dragged out to do something by Allen. ^^

81. What is your most cherished fantasy?
A... A happy family.

82. How long is your attention span?
Long.

83. Do you laugh a lot? What do you find funny?
Not laugh, but I do smile often. (not all of them are real. u_u) I find some of the younger generation's antics funny, and some inside jokes come to mind...

84. Is there anything that shocks or offends you? If so, what?
Abortion offends me. Greatly. ...And Allen's frank devotion is something that still shocks me.

85. How do you deal with stress?
Reading and ignoring it. Not healthy, but it gets me through things.

86. How much athletic ability do you have? Artistic?
I'm fit and flexible, but not particularly strong or fast anymore. I can paint a little and I'm pretty sure I remember how to play the piano.

87. Do you like animals? Do you like children?
I adore both.

88. Are you spontaneous, or do you always need to have a plan?
I like plans better, but spontaneity has its uses, primarily on the battlefield.

89. Do you have a pet? If so, what is his/her name? Species? Fur color? Etc…
Not at this time, no.

SELF-IMAGE

90. What is your greatest strength as a person? Weakness?
I'm very even-tempered and can read others fairly accurately. Unfortunately, I tend to be a little... emotional over certain topics. [thomas, pregnancy, family]

91. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
Being a little shorter would be nice... u_u;;

92. Are you generally introverted or extroverted?
Introverted more and more lately.

93. Do you like yourself?
...Probably not very much.

94. Do you have a daily routine? How do you feel if your day is interrupted?
Yes, I do. I like routine; it allows me to go through the motions without having to think too much about it. I can handle interruptions, though, with relative ease and grace.

95. What goal do you most want to accomplish in the next six months? Your lifetime?
For the time being, survive the next six months. Maybe someday... start a new family...

96. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years? 20 years?
Hopefully not still working. -_-; I'm too old for this.

97. If you could choose, how would you want to die?
I would've preferred to die with Thomas.

98. What is the one thing you would like to be remembered for after your death?
Being a good mother.

99. What three words would you use to best describe your personality?
I would use? Hmm, let's see... Compassionate, lukewarm, bitter.

100. What three words would others probably use to describe you?
Caring, smart, ...tall.

101. Why are you risking your life to adventure?
I ask myself that more and more often, you know. :/ Some days I wonder.

the dust has only just begun to form crop circles in the carpet

YES!

Somehow, somehow I managed to get a buffer up for Pedestal again! *o* This makes me ungodly happy. But it means no more missed updates (no promises though) and return to the occasional monday update even!

In fact, I think next week shall be a monday/thursday update week. ;D

I'm currently working on chapter 102, and chapter 98 is going up tomorrow, so that's an indication of where I'm at. I'm starting another challenge (there's the assassins one to wrap up, another one, and then the one I'm at) now and it gives me moar Vai time. <3 Because everyone needs more Vai time. It also has a little more team interaction, which is always fun to do but lately has been a little less spotlit in the plot. >:

Anyway, that's pretty much it. XD; WHIPLASH! has sorta suffered because of this, but hey, once I'm done with Pedestal... I'll have all the time in the world for that bb.

like indecision to call you and hear your voice of treason

1. What is your full name? Do you have a nickname?
Allen Pershing. Nope, no nickname really. :>

2. How old are you? When is your birthday?
I'm practically twenty - my birthday is August 28th! [word of god: as of the end of chapter six, it's august fifteenth-ish]

3. Where were you born? Where do you live now? Are you patriotic?
I was born in Sovine, and still live in Sovine. Though I'm actually a country boy, haha; I was born outside the capital. And yes, I'm very patriotic!

4. Who are/were your parents? (Names, occupations, personalities, etc.)
Both my parents were very rural. You know, farming, ranching a little, very grounded people.

5. Do you have any siblings? What are/were they like?
I have an older brother and a younger sister. Erik's sorta quiet - okay, he is quiet. Deathly quiet. Painfully quiet. He's really shy, too. It's hilarious to see him interact with any strangers or girls... XD But he's great. Ora's a sweet little girl, too. She's really friendly and the cutest little thing. >u<

6. What is your occupation?
I'm a Tego now. :D

7. How tall are you? How much do you weigh?
5'10, 152 pounds...

8. What color is your hair? What color are your eyes?
Sandy blond hair, and I don't know this really weird hazel/gold eye color. I never really cared to give it a name.

9. What is your race?
Sovinian for generations. :P

10. To which social class do you belong?
Uh, countryfolk? Does that count? Or now I guess I'm a military man, haha. I have no idea really.

11. Do you consider yourself to be attractive? Do others?
Er... *blush* I guess so? I mean, I don't think I'm unattractive... o_O;; I have no idea what others think. I'll ask Sara Grace or Leno--okay, actually, no, I won't ask Lenore. >>;;;

12. What is your style of dress?
Well, now it's military gear... In my downtime, though, Lenore can't get me out of sweatpants.

13. Do you have any scars? Tattoos? Birthmarks? Other unique physical features?
Yes to the first, no to the second, no to the third, and I don't know, maybe? I've noticed that most urban kids in my graduating class have dark hair and eyes. ._.

14. Do you have any allergies, diseases, or other physical weaknesses?
Nope! I'm healthy as a horse. ;P

15. Are you right- or left-handed?
Right-handed, but I can use most weapons with both hands. :3

16. What does your voice sound like?
Er, I'm a little more softspoken than, say, Nathan or Jack. (or even Maria.) Or I guess my voice isn't as deep and intimidating as them. -_-; Then again, Nathan's is steadily going hoarse because of his smoking... XD

17. What kind of vocabulary do you use?
I'm not sure. I don't usually think about such things?

18. List three quirks or other defining characteristics.
I've gotten this bad (and annoying >A>) habit of clicking the lighter Nathan gave me, so there's that, OH AND I'M THE ONLY ONE IN MY CLASS NOT TO SPECIALIZE. :D :D :D I say that counts as every quirk ever.

19. How often do you bathe? Do you wear perfumes?
Eheh... I'm one of those guys that you have to chuck into the shower when I get busy with something... (or lazy...) But no, no perfume. o_O

20. What kind of facial expression do you commonly wear (dour glare, wry smile, etc)?
I don't know, a smile? Probably?

21. Do you use body language? How?
Doesn't everyone? I'm sorta a physical person, I guess. No, wait, I'm not - but I'm a close-to-your-personal-space person. I have a very small bubble and usually I expect others to, too... ^^;

22. Do you have a commonly used saying?
"What if--*insert terrible scenario here*"

CHILDHOOD

23. What is your earliest memory?
Fighting over one of the cats with Erik. I wanted to give it a bath, and Erik told me it wouldn't be a very good idea. Well, somehow I won the argument... and it turned out not to be a very good idea. (I listened to him more after that.)

24. How much schooling have you had? Did you enjoy it?
I didn't go to a whole lot of schooling, just because I lived pretty far out in the countryside. Then I joined the military and had Tego training for a very short six years. That was... interesting.

25. Where did you learn most of your knowledge and skill?
Mm, it's about half and half.

26. How would you describe your childhood in general?
Hard work. Lots and lots of hard work. ._. But it was pretty fun.

27. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Just like Erik, haha. Then I somehow got it into my head to go off to the city and join the military. I can't even remember how that seed got planted... ._.

28. When and with whom was your first kiss?
This neighbor girl who lived a couple miles down the road from us. .w. I had the hugest crush on her for most of my childhood... It happened when I was what, let's see... nine? Maybe?

29. Are you a virgin? If not, when and with whom did you lose your virginity?
Nope, I'm not, and let's just say it will be an experience I never forget. :D;;; NEXT QUESTION NOW (dear god Lenore never ask me this) [word of god: that 'whoring around' nathan and his friends did? about that... let's just say they dragged the then-country-boy out with them.]

30. Do you have a notorious or celebrated ancestor? Does that affect you?
Nope. .w. [this is such a stupid question]

INFLUENCES

31. What do you consider the most important event of your life so far?
Um, probably getting paired up with Lenore? I feel as if I should say something grander...

32. What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Er, wasn't this just asked?

33. What is your greatest regret?
I sort of tripped over the finish line with the training, haha... If Nathan and Zeren hadn't stopped and helped me study for those last few tests, I'm not sure I would've passed. I sorta regret falling behind so bad and for getting into that situation in the first place...

34. What is the most embarrassing or shameful thing ever to happen to you?
Um... I don't care to share that. >>;;;

35. Do you have any secrets? If so, what are they?
Yup. I have many secrets. Doesn't mean I'm sharing. XP

36. What is the most evil thing you have ever done?
There was this time when we stole the girls' clothes when they went swimming on a school trip... :'D I'm not sure it qualifies as 'evil', though they sure as hell thought so.

37. When was the time you were the most frightened?
Getting on that bus and heading to the city for the first time alone... It was terrifying. I was a kid, so sue me.

38. Have you ever traveled outside of your country? If so, to where?
No, no I haven't. [like nate & sonya, he'll travel more later on]

BELIEFS

39. What is your alignment?
Aha, an agnostic... Seriously don't tell my family though. It'd break my mother's heart. >: But I guess that's what military training does to you.

40. Are you basically optimistic or pessimistic?
Pessimistic... >>

41. Do you believe in a god? If so, which one and why?
Isn't there only one? o_O That's what I was taught growing up.

42. Do you believe in an afterlife?
I guess. I mean, something has to happen after you die... right...?

43. What is your greatest fear?
Being too weak, not being able to save someone.

44. What makes you angry? Sad? Happy? Why?
I'm not so sure I have an 'angry' side. More panicked, probably. As for sad... Well, you know, the obvious things: death, leaving people, having people leave you... whenever Lenore is mean to me... ;m; Lots of things make me happy. Being with my friends, winning a fight against Nathan, Nathan not smoking, Lenore not calling me annoying... .w.

45. Do you think people are basically good or basically evil?
Um, yes. I do. ._. Is that bad?

46. What are your views on politics?
Uh, I plead the fifth? I'm just a simple country boy...

47. What are your views on gambling, lying, theft, and killing?
Bad. :I ...doesn't mean I haven't done those, but still. Morally, they're in the red.

48. How far will you go to defend your beliefs?
Pretty far, I guess.

49. How much do you value money?
I guess I'm a little cheap, haha... I blame that growing up on a farm. We were never very rich.

50. In your opinion, what is the most evil thing any human being could do?
...

51. Do you believe in self-sacrifice for the greater good?
...Yeah, I guess I do, don't I?

52. Do you believe in the existence of soul mates and/or true love?
...Yes. :'D;;

53. Are you superstitious?
Not really, I guess, but I do avoid doing some things because of bad luck, heh.

54. How much do you respect the beliefs and opinions of others?
I try to. (sometimes, though, if they're an idiot...)

55. How honest are you about your thoughts and feelings?
Honest when it gets me what I want. I can be a little manipulative when I need to be, though. |D

56. Do you have any biases or prejudices?
Eh. I used to think city folk were jerks and stuff, but living there for the past six years changed my mind on a lot of things.

DEALING WITH OTHERS

57. Who is the most important person in your life, and why?
My family's all pretty important to me - and of course Lenore!

58. Who is the person you respect the most? Despise the most? Why?
Hmm... Those are both hard...

59. Do you have a significant other? Who? Why?
...heheheheh >u>;;;

60. Do you have a lot of friends? Who is your best friend?
I guess so. I'm pretty much friends with the entire graduating class. ^^ Though Nathan's my best friend.

61. How do you relate to members of the same race? Class? Sex?
Um, well? I guess. D:

62. How do you relate to members of a different race? Class? Sex?
Uh, I guess well... I don't interact much with other races (unless some of my classmates count?)...

63. Have you ever been in love? If so, describe what happened.
Um, probably not. I thought that crush on that girl was love, but it wasn't. .w. [word of god: lenoooooore]

64. What do you look for in a potential lover?
Uh, a great personality? :D;; I don't know who will be reading this...

65. How close are you to your family?
Really close. I miss them. >:

66. Do you want a marriage, family, and/or children?
Yeah. I mean, it seems fun, and who doesn't like love? Haha... ^^;

67. Do you tend to argue with people, or avoid conflict?
It depends what about. Usually I'm an avoider.

68. Are you a listener or a talker?
A listener, mostly... But I get talkative when I worry. [which is often]

69. How long does it usually take for you to trust others?
Awhile. :/

70. Do you hold grudges?
I try not to.

71. Do you tend to take on leadership roles in social situations?
I try not to, but sometimes I'm forced into it... especially when the first two ranks in our class are too busy fighting to do anything... >I

72. Do you like interacting with large groups of people?
Sometimes.

73. How well do you express yourself?
Probably not all that well. XD; But I'm steadily getting better at it. Lenore's helping.

74. How quickly do you judge others?
First impressions are pretty quick. I consider myself a good judge of character.

75. Do you care what others think of you?
To some extent, I guess. But that's been decreasing these past couple years.

76. Do you have any enemies? How or why are they your enemy?
Sometimes I think Nathan's out for my blood... Aside from that, I guess the countries we're at war with count?

PERSONAL TASTE AND OPINIONS

77. What is your favorite pastime? Color? Food? Possession?
I like outdoor things, like hiking and camping. Hmm, my favorite color would be green, my favorite food is probably a roast beef sandwich, and my favorite possession... huh, I guess the lighter Nathan gave me, ha. I don't have many others I consider special, anyway.

78. What are your preferences in arts and/or entertainment?
Lenore's got me into classical music, if that counts. She also regularly insists I read certain books.

79. Do you smoke, drink, go whoring, or use drugs? Why or why not?
I don't smoke. -_-; I drink occasionally and socially, and, uh, no more whoring. >> Ever. No drugs, either. :/

80. How do you spend a typical Saturday night?
Sometimes Nathan and Jack drag me out drinking, though lately Lenore's been making me stay home. So I guess my new 'typical' is relaxing at home with her.

81. What is your most cherished fantasy?
Um... >>;;;;;; NO COMMENT KTHX.

82. How long is your attention span?
Um, sorta long? I don't know the system of measurement we're using.

83. Do you laugh a lot? What do you find funny?
Yeah, I do. :D I find some of others' antics funny. I like laughing at other people. :D

84. Is there anything that shocks or offends you? If so, what?
Some of Sonya's antics shock me. ._. Greatly. Also, some of the things Lenore says.

85. How do you deal with stress?
Going for a walk. A long walk. Or beating someone. :/

86. How much athletic ability do you have? Artistic?
I'm athletic thanks to my upbringing and training, but not much artistic ability. Lenore wants to teach me how to paint though. I guess she's the artsy one of this pair.

87. Do you like animals? Do you like children?
I like both, yes!

88. Are you spontaneous, or do you always need to have a plan?
I can be spontaneous, but I guess I like plans. Though they have a habit of going wrong... really fast...

89. Do you have a pet? If so, what is his/her name? Species? Fur color? Etc…
No, I don't. I'm not sure if they're allowed in the dorms.

SELF-IMAGE

90. What is your greatest strength as a person? Weakness?
Hmm. My greatest strength would be my flexibility with weapons and fighting styles, even argument styles, haha. Weakness... uh, probably my tendency to worry. [or his self-sacrificial nature, though it's unknown whether or not he knows he possesses this]

91. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
Being taller than Lenore would be nice, though I'm not sure I'd like to be that tall. So, uh, stop worrying about the small things so much.

92. Are you generally introverted or extroverted?
Extroverted, though it doesn't mean I'm all that outgoing.

93. Do you like yourself?
Pretty much.

94. Do you have a daily routine? How do you feel if your day is interrupted?
Don't all military personnel? I get a little antsy if it's interrupted, though.

95. What goal do you most want to accomplish in the next six months? Your lifetime?
I don't know, still be alive, I guess. As for lifetime... Retire at some point, settle down, start a family, move back out to the country...

96. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years? 20 years?
Five years, still working. Probably still working in ten, too. I'm not sure when I want to retire, so maybe even still working in twenty. Could you imagine? A Tego with a twenty-year-long career. ovo

97. If you could choose, how would you want to die?
Not of lung cancer. -_-

98. What is the one thing you would like to be remembered for after your death?
Hmm. I guess being a good person.

99. What three words would you use to best describe your personality?
Worrier, cheerful, caring?

100. What three words would others probably use to describe you?
Worrier, trollish, friendly.

101. Why are you risking your life to adventure?
I signed up for it. Literally. |D

and only one will survive i wonder who it will be this is the ultimate showdown of ultimate destiny

Woo, updated Pedestal for the first time in EVER. It really feels like forever, though. I really ought to work on that. XD; At least if I wrap it up I can concentrate solely on WHIPLASH!.

...though I'll miss all of the reviews in my inbox WAH. (I dub thee "dark knight syndrome".)

I'ma gloss over a lot of the challenges, too. XD This is taking forever and I sorta want to wrap it up. Or at least get onto the giant awesome battle royale-esque fight at the end. WHERE ALL WILL BE REVEALED kukuku.

it's so hard to be a diamond in a rhinestone world you've got my heart and it's beating for every girl

I read "Le Jardin" by Megan Gedris (same author as Yu+Me, which I suggest you read as well) and thoroughly enjoyed it. I am also wanting to write a short, dark, poe-esque story about love and murder as well, but I am le terrible when it comes to short stories. That and I wouldn't know where to begin.

idk what else. I'm trying to write today, I really am. I haven't written in forevah. (oddly enough I'm not going into withdrawal like I normally do, but I do believe I can attribute that to my drawing) I wrote about a paragraph for the new pedestal chapter, but I really wish I could work on WHIPLASH! some more...

Speaking of my darling little WHIPLASH!, I gotta plan more of that out. ._. I'm in the delicate phase of "wtf am I doing with this story here". In other words, I have the beginning (obviously), I have the cast, and I have the ending. But past that, I'm shooting in the dark here. So I made it storm. :'D

But I really gotta come up with some fun missions for them. XD I have a couple ideas for some tagteam missions and character exposition, but hmm... HMM...

Also can I say I cannot wait for a year to pass in-story so Emil can properly come back, kick ass, and take names? I want to introduce Luca Becker moar and oh god there are a couple scenes with him I am SO EXCITED for. :D :D :D Like him literally beating on Nathan when he upsets Sonya and then the little kiddies being brats and cheering. (also I plan to keep subtly mentioning Becker until people know the name, though he's only been in one itty bitty scene thus far)

It'll go something like this:

It wasn't hard to know where Sonya was headed. There were only so many places she could go, anyway, and none of them were nearly so keen to be sympathetic than Emil and Luca. Unfortunately, she had a head start and speed on him. By the time he arrived, panting, at the building, Luca was already waiting outside for him, arms crossed.
He didn't seem at all surprised to see Nathan there, either. Trying to regulate his breathing and setting his hands on his knees, Nathan bit out, "I'm not going to fight you for her, Becker."
"I have strict orders not to let you on the premises. And since she has Emil by the balls and he has me by the balls, I think it prudent not to argue against them," Luca said flatly, pushing himself away from the wall. He didn't appear to have a gun on him - which was good, considering Nathan hadn't had the time (or foresight) to grab his. Dog tags jingling as he waltzed over, he used his height to stare down at Nathan. He tried his best to stare back, but it was hard when he was losing by height, muscle, hand-to-hand combat training... and even he knew that he was morally in the wrong here.
Still, Sonya was his Inven. He had to do something, even if it involved getting his ass handed to himself in order to get to her.

yeah idk.

may i have your attention please - please refrain from not smoking

I really like doing those 101 question things, but egad they are long as sin. D: I really would like to do Allen and Lenore and maybe even Sara Grace and Jack and Maria, or maybe even Emil as well... Or, for that matter, a hella lot of characters. But it really is a long bitch. ._. And I hate how it stretches out the page... (hence why I'm going to start sprinkling in these little ones; they'll start moving the long things down the page and out of the way... eventually.)

In other news I am still absolutely amazed at how much of a troll Allen has become. As evidenced by this sentence (each one is a link; click, click~). Seriously though. I had originally planned for him to be a motherly-hen-type... Or a worrier, at any rate. He still is, definitely, but he's more mischievous and immature and developed a sense of humor along the way. (him and his candyland picture are now the new one for this site, too) ...I guess that's just how characters evolve.

So for the rest of this post, here are a couple characters from their conception to their roles now. (and who knows, they'll probably grow more along the way~)

+Nathan Loar was originally supposed to be very, very laid back. Somehow, he lost that. Most of it. Almost all of it. He's now a little more easily annoyed, and more stressed, haha. Maybe it's just how Sonya acts around him.
+Sonya Karahalios wasn't originally going to be so peppy and cheerful and immature. Then again, I actually wholeheartedly like her transformation.
+Lenore was originally supposed to have a bad, bad case of PTSD. She still does, but apparently she hides it better. Then again, she hasn't been in a chapter for awhile... I'm thinking about writing a chapter about Allen and her (as opposed to Nathan & Sonya), so I'm sure we'd see more of her then. But yeah, she was originally a freak. XD She was originally going to greet other females with the question "so are you pregnant?". Yeah.
+Sara Grace has gone from a vague concept of 'bitch' to 'righteous bitch'. *shrug* I like her character and design a bit more, but I'm a little irked at how feminist she's become...

bitches love me 'cause they know i can rock

1. What is your full name? Do you have a nickname?
Sonya Karahalios.

2. How old are you? When is your birthday?
I'm twelve! And my birthday is June third. :>

3. Where were you born? Where do you live now? Are you patriotic?
I was born... some place else. I live in Sovine with Nathan now, and you bet your butt I'm patriotic! Why else would I have become an Inven?

4. Who are/were your parents? (Names, occupations, personalities, etc.)
Um. ...I'm not sure. I can hardly remember them. They died when I was pretty young.

5. Do you have any siblings? What are/were they like?
Only child. I think.

6. What is your occupation?
I'm an Inven! :D

7. How tall are you? How much do you weigh?
I'm 4'9, and I weigh ninety pounds.

8. What color is your hair? What color are your eyes?
I dye my hair! :D Brown with silver bangs. It's amazing. And I have violet eyes. I also wear glasses. [word of god: the violet eyes are a slight plot point]

9. What is your race?
Um... Sovinian? [not genetically]

10. To which social class do you belong?
Um? I don't know.

11. Do you consider yourself to be attractive? Do others?
I am adorable. And I'm going to be hot when I grow up and grow boobs and curves. Then Nathan will fall for me and my gorgeous looks and we'll get married and live happily ever after.

12. What is your style of dress?
Cute things! o< I like short sleeves and skirts. Also colors!

13. Do you have any scars? Tattoos? Birthmarks? Other unique physical features?
A couple (small of course!) scars, no tattoos, a mole on my back shoulder blade. AND I HAVE SILVER HAIR :D :D :D Does that count?

14. Do you have any allergies, diseases, or other physical weaknesses?
Um, probably. I don't have any diseases though. And I guess I'm sorta... not-strong. But it's why I have Nathan!

15. Are you right- or left-handed?
Right-handed.

16. What does your voice sound like?
AMAZING I'M SURE.

17. What kind of vocabulary do you use?
Uh, I don't know. Normal?

18. List three quirks or other defining characteristics.
I am the best hider in my class! And and and I have the best Tego ever! I also have silver hair. |D

19. How often do you bathe? Do you wear perfumes?
I take showers often but baths when I have the time, and no, I don't wear perfume. Maybe I should start that...

20. What kind of facial expression do you commonly wear (dour glare, wry smile, etc)?
I don't know. A smile, I hope. [yep.]

21. Do you use body language? How?
I don't know. I guess so. I'm pretty open and very physical with other people. ;D

22. Do you have a commonly used saying?
Not that I know of. ._.

CHILDHOOD

23. What is your earliest memory?
...Um... >> It was of my parents dying NEXT QUESTION NOW

24. How much schooling have you had? Did you enjoy it?
I had schooling and then Inven training. I didn't like school so much but I mostly liked the training.

25. Where did you learn most of your knowledge and skill?
Most of it was probably from Inven training...

26. How would you describe your childhood in general?
Um, pretty happy, I guess. It's not like I missed my parents. I had plenty of teachers and friends and a couple foster parents when I was younger, but it was pretty fun.

27. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
An Inven. :D MISSION ACCOMPLISHED.

28. When and with whom was your first kiss?
...n-no one yet... >w> I'm still waiting for the perfect opportunity to kiss Nathan...

29. Are you a virgin? If not, when and with whom did you lose your virginity?
Y-Yes I am. o__o;;; I'M TWELVE OKAY. I'M SUPPOSED TO BE ONE AREN'T I?! D;

30. Do you have a notorious or celebrated ancestor? Does that affect you?
I don't think I do. :D So it doesn't~.

INFLUENCES

31. What do you consider the most important event of your life so far?
Hmm. Um... coming to Sovine.

32. What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Graduating from Inven training and getting paired with Nathan.

33. What is your greatest regret?
I don't know. Losing my parents...

34. What is the most embarrassing or shameful thing ever to happen to you?
One time my skirt got stuck on a crate's corner in the obstacle course, and I sorta didn't notice until it ripped... >>; And of course the ONE BOY in the class happened to be behind me. ARGH.

35. Do you have any secrets? If so, what are they?
I... actually remember more of my parent's death than I let on. u_u;; I remember these things attacking us. I'm not sure what or who they were, but my father picked me up and we were running. Eventually we got cornered or they caught up or something, because my mother threw herself at the monster-people to stop them and give my father and I some time to escape. It only bought us time. The next thing I know, my father had dropped me and was bleeding on me. I-I tried to run on my own but the things caught me and picked me up. I remember crying and screaming. Then this black-haired man with glasses was there. I distinctly remember him, because I remember the way some blood was splattered across the lenses. He picked me up and told me that everything would be fine...

36. What is the most evil thing you have ever done?
I don't know. I don't think I've done many 'evil' things. ._. I hope not.

37. When was the time you were the most frightened?
...when my parents died...

38. Have you ever traveled outside of your country? If so, to where?
Probably, if I was rescued coming in. *shrug* I don't know where, though.

BELIEFS

39. What is your alignment?
To what?

40. Are you basically optimistic or pessimistic?
Optimistic!

41. Do you believe in a god? If so, which one and why?
Not really. Or I guess there could be one out there... There probably is.

42. Do you believe in an afterlife?
Yup. There's a heaven and a hell, right?

43. What is your greatest fear?
Losing someone. Losing Nathan.

44. What makes you angry? Sad? Happy? Why?
Hmm, things that make me angry... When I don't get my way, when people are jerks, when Nathan doesn't take me seriously... Sad things would be when people give me that sad look when they hear about my parents, or the fact that my parents are dead anyway. I sort of wanted that family ideal, right? Happy - friends, Nathan, going to new places, animals, cake, all sorts of things.

45. Do you think people are basically good or basically evil?
I guess so. Isn't that why we're at war?

46. What are your views on politics?
Uh... I don't know. .__.

47. What are your views on gambling, lying, theft, and killing?
They're all pretty bad. :/

48. How far will you go to defend your beliefs?
Pretty far, I guess. I mean, if I didn't believe in these things, I wouldn't care, right? So since I do care, I would want to defend them.

49. How much do you value money?
I guess a lot. I never had a whole lot as a kid, so when I do have some, I feel rich and want to spend it on nice things.

50. In your opinion, what is the most evil thing any human being could do?
Kill someone who doesn't deserve it.

51. Do you believe in self-sacrifice for the greater good?
Um... I guess so...

52. Do you believe in the existence of soul mates and/or true love?
Yes! I do! :D *looks at Nathan*

53. Are you superstitious?
Not really, I guess.

54. How much do you respect the beliefs and opinions of others?
I guess so.

55. How honest are you about your thoughts and feelings?
Honest. I let people know what I'm thinking. :>

56. Do you have any biases or prejudices?
I hate snakes. Does that count?

DEALING WITH OTHERS

57. Who is the most important person in your life, and why?
Nathan is, because he protects me, he's awesome, he's handsome, and he's just so cool. *happy sigh*

58. Who is the person you respect the most? Despise the most? Why?
I respect Nathan and Samantha and Lenore Coracks. Well, her Tego, too. A lot of Tego I respect. Um, I don't think I really despise anyone. Though Ann Iridos is sort of a bitch. :/

59. Do you have a significant other? Who? Why?
Nathan, if he counts. >u<

60. Do you have a lot of friends? Who is your best friend?
I do have a lot of friends! :D I was friends with most of my Inven class. But Samantha would definitely be my best friend.

61. How do you relate to members of the same race? Class? Sex?
Fine, I guess?

62. How do you relate to members of a different race? Class? Sex?
Emil's pretty quiet and that Maria lady was mean, but... I don't know. Fine, I guess.

63. Have you ever been in love? If so, describe what happened.
I'm not sure. I do like Nathan a lot though...

64. What do you look for in a potential lover?
Handsome, strong, brave... |D Someone who cares about me and will listen to what I have to say. Someone who will take me seriously. Someone who will protect me.

65. How close are you to your family?
...

66. Do you want a marriage, family, and/or children?
Yes yes and yes! :D

67. Do you tend to argue with people, or avoid conflict?
I'll argue if I'm right. :/

68. Are you a listener or a talker?
I'm a talker I guess, hee.

69. How long does it usually take for you to trust others?
Um, I guess not that long?

70. Do you hold grudges?
A bit. A little bit.

71. Do you tend to take on leadership roles in social situations?
I guess so. I like organizing other people and telling them what to do, at least.

72. Do you like interacting with large groups of people?
Yes! The more the merrier, right?

73. How well do you express yourself?
Um, well? I get by. :>

74. How quickly do you judge others?
Pretty quickly, I guess. I mean, you can tell a lot about a person by their appearance.

75. Do you care what others think of you?
A little. Who doesn't?

76. Do you have any enemies? How or why are they your enemy?
Ann Iridos is still a bitch, and her friends are mean, too. They're just mean girls.

PERSONAL TASTE AND OPINIONS

77. What is your favorite pastime? Color? Food? Possession?
I like climbing on things and exploring, my favorite color is probably red or pink, my favorite food is baguettes dipped in beef broth, and my favorite possession is probably my nivedidus, haha.

78. What are your preferences in arts and/or entertainment?
I don't know? I like art, I guess. Most paintings are pretty. Entertainment... Like movies?

79. Do you smoke, drink, go whoring, or use drugs? Why or why not?
No to everything! :/

80. How do you spend a typical Saturday night?
Just hanging out with Nathan. Sometimes with his friend and Lenore.

81. What is your most cherished fantasy?
...and Nathan will help me up onto the white horse and we'll ride off into the sunset...

82. How long is your attention span?
What are you imply--hey, look, another lizard!

83. Do you laugh a lot? What do you find funny?
I do. :> I find lots of things funny! I find funny things funny. :D

84. Is there anything that shocks or offends you? If so, what?
Snakes offend me. And I guess I'm shocked at why people would want to go to war with us...

85. How do you deal with stress?
I run around outside.

86. How much athletic ability do you have? Artistic?
I'm pretty quick on my feet and I'm a good climber, but I'm not very strong or muscle-y... I like drawing, but I'm not sure how good I really am at it...

87. Do you like animals? Do you like children?
I love animals! Or some of them, anyway. Cats and dogs and lizards and birds and horses and rabbits. I guess I like children.

88. Are you spontaneous, or do you always need to have a plan?
I'm spontaneous. :> I mean, plans are nice, but you have to be able to think on your feet, right?

89. Do you have a pet? If so, what is his/her name? Species? Fur color? Etc…
I keep finding lizards on our missions and I want to keep one, but Nathan says no. :< I found this really great one that was orange like his hair, too...

SELF-IMAGE

90. What is your greatest strength as a person? Weakness?
Um, I don't know. I've never given these things much thought. :D

91. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I WOULD HAVE BOOBS.

92. Are you generally introverted or extroverted?
Extroverted! ...That's the one that means you're friendly, right?

93. Do you like yourself?
Yup. :>

94. Do you have a daily routine? How do you feel if your day is interrupted?
Yes I do. Nathan makes me have one, that military man. I don't mind if my day is interrupted, so long as it's a nice interruption.

95. What goal do you most want to accomplish in the next six months? Your lifetime?
Survive our missions for the next six months... For my lifetime, get married (to Nathan!) and start my own family. Retire as an Inven.

96. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years? 20 years?
Um, probably still active duty for five years. Probably ten years, too. Maybe twenty? I guess I don't know how long I want to be an Inven for...

97. If you could choose, how would you want to die?
In my sleep. When I'm old. oAo ...Or I guess falling off a cliff would be sort of fun. At least you'd get to fall.

98. What is the one thing you would like to be remembered for after your death?
I'm not sure. Being an awesome Inven, I guess.

99. What three words would you use to best describe your personality?
Friendly, cheerful, bright.

100. What three words would others probably use to describe you?
Friendly, talkative, shameless. .w.

101. Why are you risking your life to adventure?
Because I'm an Inven! It's my job. Me 'n Nathan get to do this for our mission and we get to save a bunch of people and shoot some rebels and enemies and monsters and stuff... It'll be great.

why does my heart cry feelings i can't fight you're free to leave me but just don't deceive me

1. What is your full name? Do you have a nickname?
Nathan Loar. [I haven't gotten around to giving out middle names. Maybe their culture doesn't have them.]

2. How old are you? When is your birthday?
I'm almost twenty, and my birthday is January 26th, sir.

3. Where were you born? Where do you live now? Are you patriotic?
I was born and raised in Sovine, and naturally I still live there now. I am very patriotic; it's why I joined the military.

4. Who are/were your parents? (Names, occupations, personalities, etc.)
My father was an officer who was killed in the war when I was still young. He was always pretty strict, a very strong man. My mother is the softer side of the family, very warm and a bit of a worrier. Allen sort of reminds me of her sometimes. She usually stayed at home, but I think she's gotten a job since I left for training... I'm not sure... I haven't spoken to her in a long time...

5. Do you have any siblings? What are/were they like?
I'm an only child. Although Allen is like a brother to me. I suppose Sonya would be a bit like a younger sister.

6. What is your occupation?
I'm (finally) a Tego.

7. How tall are you? How much do you weigh?
6'1, 169 pounds, sir.

8. What color is your hair? What color are your eyes?
O-Orange hair, and no, it's not dyed. Dark brown eyes.

9. What is your race?
I'm Sovinian and proud.

10. To which social class do you belong?
My mother and I were well off, since my father left us some money and military pay, but now that I've become a Tego, I'm slowly inching up there.

11. Do you consider yourself to be attractive? Do others?
...uh. I don't really give a damn how I look. But if Sonya is any indication, I'm something like a god in human form. *sigh*

12. What is your style of dress?
Military uniforms, school uniforms, does it matter? I rarely get to wear casual clothes anymore.

13. Do you have any scars? Tattoos? Birthmarks? Other unique physical features?
A couple scars from training exercises gone wrong (*cough*), but no tattoos - those are technically illegal for military personnel. Nothing really on my body. I'm boring like that. :/

14. Do you have any allergies, diseases, or other physical weaknesses?
As a child, I was allergic to pollen, but I've since grown out of that. Physical weaknesses? Are you kidding me? They dragged such things out of me in training.

15. Are you right- or left-handed?
Right-handed, though I can use a gun with both.

16. What does your voice sound like?
...uh? How am I supposed to judge that?

17. What kind of vocabulary do you use?
Military? I'm not sure how to judge this one either.

18. List three quirks or other defining characteristics.
I smoke. (Get the hell over it, Allen.) My favorite food is pickles, I can safely sleep with a gun under my pillow, and, uh... [word of god: he can hold his liquor, but he can't hold his libido in such instances ;D he doesn't know this, though]

19. How often do you bathe? Do you wear perfumes?
I shower daily on downtime, but missions don't give me that luxury. And no, I'm male. :|

20. What kind of facial expression do you commonly wear (dour glare, wry smile, etc)?
A flat or uninterested stare. Or glare. I'm not sure which.

21. Do you use body language? How?
Actually, not very much. Military training has severely stunted my body language; too much standing at attention and tension. Even now, I subconsciously do it...

22. Do you have a commonly used saying?
Probably something along the lines of "No, Sonya".

CHILDHOOD

23. What is your earliest memory?
Some holiday, and I was being carried by my father. He then tossed me in the air and I distinctly recall having a blast... I didn't say it was an exciting memory.

24. How much schooling have you had? Did you enjoy it?
Regular schooling and then completed Tego schooling. I thoroughly enjoyed it, though it was hell at the time.

25. Where did you learn most of your knowledge and skill?
Tego training. -_-

26. How would you describe your childhood in general?
Subdued.

27. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A soldier like my father, until he died in action and my mother forbade it. Then I decided to become a Tego.

28. When and with whom was your first kiss?
Err... I'm not sure I feel comfortable with this one. [He was dared by one of the older trainees in his class to kiss Maria Delgado, haha. He ended up chickening out and kissing Sara Grace instead.]

29. Are you a virgin? If not, when and with whom did you lose your virginity?
No I'm not and I'm leaving it at that. [with his girlfriend-at-the-time, a non-tego-trainee when he was sixteen ohoho]

30. Do you have a notorious or celebrated ancestor? Does that affect you?
No one that I know of, sir. So I guess it really doesn't affect me then, does it?

INFLUENCES

31. What do you consider the most important event of your life so far?
Graduating from Tego training.

32. What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Graduating at the (almost) top of the class.

33. What is your greatest regret?
...almost top of the class.

34. What is the most embarrassing or shameful thing ever to happen to you?
Finding out Sara beat me goddamn it. I was slipping those last few months because I was helping Allen scrape a passing grade, but still. Goddamn. ><

35. Do you have any secrets? If so, what are they?
Everyone keeps secrets. And I'm keeping mine.

36. What is the most evil thing you have ever done?
This one time on the third-year-outing, Gallagher, Bethaway, Kaya, Wright, Allen and I decided to go swimming. When we knew the girls were out. So we basically crashed their bath. I don't think they ever forgave us for it, but hey, at least they had the paranoia to wear their underwear. (we did steal their shirts afterward when they chased us off, though)

37. When was the time you were the most frightened?
During our first training exercise in the badlands. I was young, I was weaponless, and there were people chasing me. It was a natural reaction. >>

38. Have you ever traveled outside of your country? If so, to where?
I've been to Bauk a couple times, and out to the badlands numerous times on missions. Past that, no. [later in the story, he'll travel more]

BELIEFS

39. What is your alignment?
Eh, I'm more or less an atheist.

40. Are you basically optimistic or pessimistic?
I'm toeing the line between the two, but probably a little more optimistic with a cynical coating.

41. Do you believe in a god? If so, which one and why?
Didn't I just say I was an atheist?

42. Do you believe in an afterlife?
Not really, no. You die and that's the end.

43. What is your greatest fear?
Lately, losing Sonya or another close friend.

44. What makes you angry? Sad? Happy? Why?
Sara, running out of cigarettes, and a run of bad luck all make me angry. Death and helplessness make me sad (and frustrated). I guess a lot of things make me happy. Spending time with friends, being over with training, eating pickles... Drinking. Drinking also makes me happy. :|

45. Do you think people are basically good or basically evil?
No. But I believe those Paronese bastards are basically evil. :/

46. What are your views on politics?
I don't have a lot. I follow the leader of the country, and that's it.

47. What are your views on gambling, lying, theft, and killing?
Hey, gambling's fun so long as it doesn't become an addiction. Lying is obviously morally wrong but white lies aren't so bad, and if they're to protect someone, then I can understand them. Theft is also morally (and legally) wrong, but in extreme cases, maybe it's okay...? And killing... An order's an order. Death is necessary to save lives.

48. How far will you go to defend your beliefs?
Far.

49. How much do you value money?
Not a lot. I've never been wanting, and hey, Tego pay is pretty damn fine.

50. In your opinion, what is the most evil thing any human being could do?
Kill mercilessly, or kill an innocent.

51. Do you believe in self-sacrifice for the greater good?
...Very much so, I guess. It's what I'm doing, anyway.

52. Do you believe in the existence of soul mates and/or true love?
*shrug* I've never given much thought to it. Sure, why not.

53. Are you superstitious?
Not at all.

54. How much do you respect the beliefs and opinions of others?
It depends on whether or not they're an idiot about it. Or Paronese. Or Sara.

55. How honest are you about your thoughts and feelings?
Eh, I guess pretty honest. Though I'm honest if people ask. I'm not going to spill my heart to anyone.

56. Do you have any biases or prejudices?
...Paronese bastards... Also Sara Grace Kellner is a rank-stealing bitch.

DEALING WITH OTHERS

57. Who is the most important person in your life, and why?
I feel as if I should answer Sonya on principle...

58. Who is the person you respect the most? Despise the most? Why?
I respect my father, from what I remember of him, and the leader of our country. I also have a great deal of respect for Allen. I probably despise the vague Paronese people we're fighting against. Also, Sara. Rank-stealing bitch.

59. Do you have a significant other? Who? Why?
No I don't. Though Sonya would probably tell you otherwise. *sigh*

60. Do you have a lot of friends? Who is your best friend?
I get along with most of my graduating class, and I guess most of them are my friends. Allen is my best friend, though.

61. How do you relate to members of the same race? Class? Sex?
Sovinian is fine. Same class is fine. Same sex is fine.

62. How do you relate to members of a different race? Class? Sex?
Er, it depends. Lannish people are fuckin' weird (read: only experience is with Maria & Emil), the few Bauks I've met are sorta mean, and anyone we're at war with are mighty bastards. Different classes I'm cool with though. It's really not an issue. Different sex is fine, too. Girls aren't all bad.

63. Have you ever been in love? If so, describe what happened.
I don't think so. At least, I've never felt that sappy spark that most other people cite when speaking of love.

64. What do you look for in a potential lover?
Tits. *shrug* What can I say; they're awesome. She also has to have a pretty face without makeup, and pretty eyes.

65. How close are you to your family?
Dad's dead, and I haven't spoken much to my mother since I entered into training... I could be closer.

66. Do you want a marriage, family, and/or children?
Um, I guess. In the far future. Far future. And if I get married, then I want a son. Maybe a daughter too, but definitely a son.

67. Do you tend to argue with people, or avoid conflict?
I'll argue a bit, but usually it's just not worth the hassle.

68. Are you a listener or a talker?
A listener usually. It helps that Sonya's such a talker.

69. How long does it usually take for you to trust others?
A long while, but when it comes to a mission, I don't have much of a choice, do I? I'm trusting these people with my life...

70. Do you hold grudges?
*glares at Sara Grace*

71. Do you tend to take on leadership roles in social situations?
Yes. I outrank (most of) them in most cases, and I'm a bit of a leader, I guess. [actually, he's instantly a follower if anyone outranks him]

72. Do you like interacting with large groups of people?
I'm not comfortable, but I can handle it. I do like it if I like the people.

73. How well do you express yourself?
Sometimes... Sometimes I wish I could be better at it.

74. How quickly do you judge others?
I don't judge. I usually don't care enough to.

75. Do you care what others think of you?
Usually not. The ones who I do care already know me.

76. Do you have any enemies? How or why are they your enemy?
Saraaaaaa >I She usurped my rightful place at the top of the class. She also repeatedly chose me for our training exercises.

PERSONAL TASTE AND OPINIONS

77. What is your favorite pastime? Color? Food? Possession?
Napping is a fun pastime; I missed it during training. I guess I like the color blue, that one shade that's sort of grayish. Or midnight blue. I like pickles, and my favorite possession is my .45.

78. What are your preferences in arts and/or entertainment?
Uh?

79. Do you smoke, drink, go whoring, or use drugs? Why or why not?
I smoke regularly. I drink occasionally. I've only "gone whoring" twice, and I don't plan on making that a habit, either. I've never done drugs and never plan on it. This is just how I roll. [he enjoys smoking and drinking, but had bad experiences with a practical joke played on him during a "whoring" excursion, and drugs just never appealed to him]

80. How do you spend a typical Saturday night?
Usually it was spent at the firing range or if I was free, drinking with my buddies. Nowadays, Sonya tires me out so I'm in bed pretty early.

81. What is your most cherished fantasy?
Er... *blush*

82. How long is your attention span?
Long. I'm not Sonya. :/

83. Do you laugh a lot? What do you find funny?
I... guess I could laugh more... I find a lot of things funny. I guess...

84. Is there anything that shocks or offends you? If so, what?
Surprises shock me. :/ Sara offends me.

85. How do you deal with stress?
Smoking and napping and drinking. In order of preference.

86. How much athletic ability do you have? Artistic?
I'm damn athletic. ...Not so much artistic though.

87. Do you like animals? Do you like children?
Animals are fine, I guess. Young children make me uncomfortable. Sonya has done nothing to cure me of this.

88. Are you spontaneous, or do you always need to have a plan?
Plans are preferable.

89. Do you have a pet? If so, what is his/her name? Species? Fur color? Etc…
Does Sonya count? No? Then how about all of those damn lizards she keeps bringing me? I ought to get a snake just to scare her...

SELF-IMAGE

90. What is your greatest strength as a person? Weakness?
I'm physically strong and can keep a cool head under pressure. My weakness would be, er, probably the fact that I follow orders to a fault.

91. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
Number one rank! D<

92. Are you generally introverted or extroverted?
Introverted.

93. Do you like yourself?
On the whole, yes.

94. Do you have a daily routine? How do you feel if your day is interrupted?
Wake up, smoke, brush my teeth to get rid of the smoke smell, wake up Sonya, take a shower, go wake up Sonya again, eat breakfast, get dragged out to do whatever she wants to do. It's oddly similar when I'm out on a mission...

95. What goal do you most want to accomplish in the next six months? Your lifetime?
Next six months: survive. Lifetime: ...survive. I'm not sure.

96. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years? 20 years?
In five and ten years, still active duty. Maybe in the next twenty years, I'm not sure. I... don't actually have a lot of my life planned out...

97. If you could choose, how would you want to die?
I have this romantic sort of notion of dying on the battlefield, but of old age sounds better and better these days...

98. What is the one thing you would like to be remembered for after your death?
Being a damn fine Tego.

99. What three words would you use to best describe your personality?
Indifferent, loyal, strong.

100. What three words would others probably use to describe you?
...It depends very heavily on who you ask.

101. Why are you risking your life to adventure?
Because I joined the military. That's how it works. I want to serve my country.

this world is just illusion always trying to change you

Got done with chapter 6 of WHIPLASH!, woo. Sorta neglected Pedestal in order to do so oh well. >A> Pedestal's almost done, and WHIPLASH! is just starting... So I guess logically speaking I should concentrate on Pedestal more so I can wrap it up and move on with my life, right? BUT SINCE WHEN DO I FOLLOW LOGIC.

In other news, after watching parts of The Talented Mr. Ripley, I decided to agree with my mother in the fact that Jude Law would be better cast as the Ram, not the Rook. He even has the accent to boot. (Though the Ram's is very slight and comes and goes.)

I really should work on The Ram at some point. This year's NaNo anyone? It'll definitely wait until after Pedestal though; two stories has me straining as it is.

Maria is slowly turning into a fan favorite, too, which makes me lol. XD; She's such a minor character but I'm thinking she should become more major. If only for the interactions.

Here's some fun facts that I wish I could work into stories but I'm not sure how I'll be able to:

+Annie Delgado, Maria's "sort of" sister-in-law, is "sort of" because her hubby and Maria's bro died. After Annie started fooling around with other men, most of the family basically disowned her, though she kept his last name. (yes, she's currently screwing Chad Coley. that's why they repeatedly look so disheveled; sex hair ftw! Nathan will catch onto this eventually.)

+I think Jack Gallagher x Maria Delgado is so canon I don't even. They're well suited in a weird way.

+Though the Mockingbird and the Owl are basically joined at the hip, I can't see any sort of romance between them. Huh. Platonic relationships ftw! It's not used nearly enough in literature these days.

+Inven are traditionally female and Tego are traditionally male. There is no real rule for this, except societal pressure and, well, tradition. Inven are trained and recruited younger (especially lately), and girls, who are more mature at that point, are encouraged to join up. Boys, who are less mature, figure they'll hold out for the 'real' training - Tego training. Of course there are (notable) exceptions like Emil and Sara Grace.

+Tego do not normally become snipers, just because their jobs are so physical and usually close-range. Still, because of their physical disadvantage, it's a popular route to take for female Tego. Maria and Talli Johnson (the Tego who went missing on the first mission) are both trained as snipers, though Talli also trained with a .22 rifle in closer range fighting as well. Maria, if pressed to fight close combat, will simply hit people with her rifle like it's a baseball bat. She also is known for kicking men between the legs.

+Allen is the only Tego ever to have trained so... evenly. There have been others to specialize in more than one area, but he tried his damnedest to get pro at everything. He obviously has strengths and weaknesses, but otherwise, he did a damn fine job at it. Even though his test scores suffered terribly and resulted in a pretty sad class ranking.

+Lenore is currently the oldest active Inven. I'm not sure how old she actually is, though. She was recruited back in the day when Inven were recruited older - before they figured out the hazards of connecting the nivedidus so late - so she joined probably around the age of fifteen and went onto the battlefield at sixteen or seventeen. (as opposed to Sonya getting chucked onto the battlefield at the tender age of twelve)

+Tego training has gone through very little changes, though, especially dealing with ages. It's been pretty much the same, though initially, simple soldiers were sent out to protect the Inven. As the project evolved, Tego were created with that exact purpose in mind.

+Tego have to be skilled in one form of hand-to-hand combat, one melee weapon if I may borrow the term from video games, and one long-range weapon. Naturally, most simply get good at brawling and pick up a gun, but a couple have decided to be weird. Throwing daggers, swords, and even a crossbow (once) have all been recorded as being used by Tego throughout the years.

+Tego have several different uniforms. The most common is the summer/southern one, which Nathan and Sonya sport for most of the story. There is also a winter/northern version, which is designed for colder temperatures. There is a battlefield/front lines version too, which closely resembles a soldier's. Then there are hybrids of all of these. In fact, after the first year of active duty, Inven and Tego are basically allowed to frankenstein a customized uniform for themselves, based on what works and what doesn't. There are guidelines, of course, but it still makes for some interesting outfits...