kiiblade

A Land of Wonder and Nightmare

"Close enough." Frowning down to his sneaker, Ghent looped the lace around his finger and secured the knot in one swift, irritable action. If Elayra had her way, the entirety of Wonderland would call him Featherhead before nightfall.
Rising to his feet, Ghent grit his teeth and leaned closer, silently challenging the girl to finish her sentence.
Drust's outburst made short work of their argument. Ghent straightened hastily, only to receive a push from Elayra. Unable to tear his eyes away from the knight, he half-stumbled, staring at the darkness threatening to consume their guardian.
Spirits?! Ghent's legs felt weak. He eyeballed the forest, shuddering at the idea of having to spend the night in such a horrible, haunted place.
"Okay, okay!" Looking back to the pair, Ghent decided to tackle their current problem. If Drust didn't calm down, someone would get hurt. Or worse. Swallowing uneasily, the boy raised his hands to surrender. "No more fighting. We'll conserve our energy."
The promise didn't accomplish much. To Ghent's dismay, Elayra wouldn't back down. Based on her body language alone, he had a bad feeling things were about to get physical.
"If...that's your main concern," Ghent interrupted hesitantly, posture stiff. "I have plenty of stamina." Speaking up was risky, but he didn't want to be singled out. The fact that Drust automatically assumed he would be the first to tire irked him.
"Can't we talk this over?" Unfortunately, his words fell on deaf ears. With one last twitch, Drust advanced towards the girl and restrained her by the wrist.
"Guys, come on!" Ghent stepped in to separate them. The fabric of Drust's sleeve scarcely brushed against his fingertips when he felt a nagging buzz of energy inviting him -- no, tempting him -- to let magic settle the disagreement.
No! What are you thinking?! Ghent dropped his arm and clenched his fists in refusal. He wouldn't give in. Magic could do more harm than good, and potentially hurt the both in the process.
"DRUST!" Left with no choice, Ghent raised his voice. "Come on! She's already hurt!"
Drust appeared to slow. Ghent followed his gaze to the wound on Elayra's chin, praying that the sight would be enough to bring the knight back to his senses.
There was a long pause. Ghent's heartbeat thundered in his ears. After Elayra was freed, he exhaled shakily.
"I-I won't." Hearing Drust's voice again nearly made the boy jump. The warning in the words chilled him to the core; he had no desire to wander on his own. Not with the dead lurking somewhere inside.
Swallowing hard, Ghent allowed Elayra to pull him in the right direction. He glanced to her wrist, feeling partially responsible for Drust losing his temper.
"Are you okay?" Ghent kept his gaze on Hollow Forest, expression tight with worry. If magic exists, he reminded himself, ghosts can too.

A Land of Wonder and Nightmare

Right?! I love them more with each and every post. I adore them together, their relationship is already the best thing. x'D
I definitely freaked learning about Hatter being one of the Forsaken -- I have no idea if that was written beforehand in the plot...if it was, I forgot, but that's a good thing because it came as a big surprise. THAT'S going to be interesting.
I loved Drust's little history lesson about where Hatter got his name! I couldn't keep the smile off of my face. Too stinkin' adorable.
And, of course. Elayra. I'm still chuckling to myself. She doesn't miss a single beat. *laughs*

Ah, PVC pipe! Okay, that's easier to imagine. Little brats! Glad it could be repaired without too much damage done. I know repairs like that can be terrible to deal with. You had pet rats, huh? Nice! I forgot those guys can be domesticated.

Hamtaro was a big chunk of my childhood. I think I was nine when it came out. I remember buying the toys even before I saw the show. For years, sister and I would create countless wars with them. We built castles out of blocks, lined hamsters up where we pleased, and used bouncy balls and marbles as ammunition. The show was cute, but we preferred the toys and our battles. To this day, I have a big love for hamsters.

Yes, yes I did. I watched it a few more times today because...well, why not?
You may have mentioned that before, but I certainly don't object to being told again. The same goes for you, my friend!
Just one more. I promise. I couldn't pass up on the chance for you to see a...*sniffle* baby dormouse. Look at him in all of his chibified glory! I think my heart's going to burst. I wasn't prepared for this level of adorableness. I must protect him with my life.
Hah! Good point! That's probably why he didn't show up. I'm pretty sure the dormouse in Disney's cartoon version was drunk. There was definitely something in that tea.

So happy because today marks a year of me being on this website! *confetti toss* I gave you a mention in my status, and now I feel all sentimental. I look forward to the years to come! ^D^

P.S - "Holland" was totally intentional. I know the name is Holeland, but the goof got his name wrong.

A Land of Wonder and Nightmare

The news about his father was a terrible shock. As Ghent attempted to come to terms with what this information meant, Elayra became defensive about his choice of wording.
"They're just mindless zombies," Ghent finished for her, returning the glare. "How is that not crazy?"
Before they could engage in another argument, Drust took over. The knight seemed irritated at first, but he was good enough to share a bit of history regarding how Hatter got his name.
Biting his tongue to keep from interrupting, Ghent shut up and listened. He felt like the world's biggest idiot after the knight referred to the Mad Hatter as fictitious.
"Oh...I thought..." Ghent shook his head, mentally kicking himself for using Disney movies as a guide to Wonderland. The mix-up was an honest mistake, but it sounded so stupid to say aloud. "I thought Hatter was his real name," he mumbled, following Drust's gaze to the forest ahead.
Seeing nothing new, Ghent turned his attention back to Drust. The knight had more information about Hatter than he realized.
"I guess the name's not that bad." Feeling oddly touched by the tale, Ghent changed his mind. His initial reaction was to think the name silly, but it grew on him over time and use. Plus, the image of an eleven-year-old Hatter sporting his favorite hat was undeniably cute.
"I mean, at least it doesn't sound stupid." Ghent shot Elayra an accusatory glare for the name she used for him.
He nodded in agreement when Drust called the name dismal, freezing mid-nod when he was hit with the newest -- and possibly strangest -- order yet.
Ghent shifted uncomfortably. He didn't like Drust bringing up his being vinifcium. The truth about his bloodline didn't make him feel special, it made him feel weird. Not only that, but now his name was taboo for outsiders.
"But..." Intimidated by Drust's steely stare, Ghent caved. "Yeah...understood." The boy didn't sound too pleased about it, but he lost the nerve to object.
Sighing at his newest list of misfortunes, Ghent squeezed the bottom half of his sleeve in an attempt to speed the drying process. He was enlightened, but disturbed. His father was one of the Forsaken, and now he couldn't even use his own name. As if to answer his concerns, Elayra told him not to worry.
Ghent's eyes narrowed. She was smiling again. He braced himself for an insult, and Elayra didn't disappoint. Sure enough, she referred to him as Featherhead. Twice.
"Listen, Blondie," Ghent turned to face her, voice hushed. He wanted to keep the arguing between them, but it was impossible with Drust right there. "You'd better not call me that in front of anyone, because I don't want the name to stick!" After hearing about his father's permanent alias, he had more reason than ever to object to the name.
"At least 'Blondie' fits," Ghent went on, folding his arms across his chest. "'Featherhead' sounds dumb, which I'm not," he stooped to retie his sneaker, scowling up at the girl for good measure. "Even Holland Tweedle sounds better than that!"

Sarah, Prompto and the Chocobos |EasilyAmused & Polarize|

"Really?" The mention of the crown city was enough for Prompto turn his attention away from the stars dotting the sky. "I grew up in Insomnia," he hugged his knees to his chest, his eyes settling on the Chocobo Ranch sign across the field. "It's nice...but they don't have chocobos," he reminded her, a smile pulling at his lips. "Aside from that, though...I think you'd like it." He hesitated, feeling tongue tied. "If...you ever decide to visit, I'll give you the grand tour!" Did he just say that out loud? He did. Hopefully she didn't think him too forward for saying so, but the offer was there regardless.

When Sarah called him brave, Prompto's eyebrows rose a little in surprise. He never thought of himself as brave. Far from it. His offer to help came instinctively. Helping out was second nature to him. "Ah, it's nothing," he leaned back, keeping upright by bracing a hand against the roof. "Glad to help! Anything for the chocobos, am I right?" He chuckled lightly, falling serious when the girl made the request to be careful.

"I'll be careful," Prompto promised, touched that she would be concerned enough to warn him a second time. "You too though, okay?"

A Land of Wonder and Nightmare

True! I enjoy odd conversations, never know what information you'll get.
Looks like we are both learning about new animals! I never heard of a kangaroo rat. When I heard 'rat' in the name, I expected them to be scary, but those are actually cute! Of course, it's easy for me to say so when they haven't chewed through the pipes at my house. How is that even possible? .__. Must have little razor teeth!
Very observant of you to have noticed it! That must have been a doozy to fix. Hopefully your catching it early helped to avoid major damage to the house?

Sounds good! I'm always game. So, the same goes for you. ^D^

Oh? *looks* No worries, I didn't even notice! Whose to say it's not a bit of both?

Eep!! I'm so excited! Every step brings us closer!



Great choice in gif, by the way. You're really taking on the evil mastermind role. xD

Seems like today's a day for learning about new adorable animals. I...oh my gosh. You have no idea what this has done to me. I have always loved hamsters and I have got to say, these are even cuter. I started looking up videos because I needed to see one of these precious souls in action. Stop whatever you are doing, and LOOK. AT. THIS.
Ever see something so cute, you cry? I just did. As I type this, I wipe tears out of my eyes. I think I watched it ten times. THIS IS A GLIMPSE OF HEAVEN.
As I do research of my new favorite animal in the world I learn that they eat caterpillars. Should Absolem be concerned?

A Land of Wonder and Nightmare

Ghent failed to suppress a laugh as Elayra smacked his arm away. Twirling the stem of the leaf between two fingers, he released his prize and smirked wider when Elayra scowled deeper. She was jealous, he was certain of it.
"There was nothing accidental about it!" Ghent's obnoxious grin was soon wiped from his face. The boy remained focused on Elayra, failing to notice her reach for the sword again. "I meant for the door to open, and now it is," he gestured to the pathway with a dramatic wave of hand. "You're welcome."
Children? Feeling Elayra was responsible for the insult, Ghent returned the glare. Begrudgingly, he followed her through the doorway, halting when his too-bulky backpack became wedged between the space provided.
"For pities sake," Ghent twisted left and right to free his luggage. Feeling Elayra's eyes on him, he froze and inwardly groaned after she called dibs on sparring with him first. Wisely, he refrained from responding. The more annoying he was, the less mercy he would be shown. The evil gleam in Elayra's eyes made that obvious.
Great. Now she wants to kill me! Ghent had no one but himself to blame, yet he blamed Elayra anyway. Tugging on the straps impatiently, he freed his inconveniently shaped backpack and trudged after the pair. His excitement about opening the gate was quelled by his own foolishness.
"My...what?" Ghent took on a blank expression. He barely caught what was said, and would have missed Drust's comment entirely if not for the look Elayra gave him. He was so used to them referring to his father as Hatter, he almost forgot about the 'Mad' part. Madness wasn't something Ghent wanted to be associated with. Especially not after questioning his own sanity over the years.
"I guess I'll have to give that some thought." Peering over Elayra's head, Ghent could see hints of the upcoming forest. Still new to the world of Wonderland, he wasn't troubled by the sight. It didn't look welcoming, but he didn't expect to feel welcomed after what he was told about Wonderland's condition.
"So...where did he get that name from?" Ghent started to quicken his pace so he wasn't lagging behind. Before Miles showed up, he recalled Elayra beginning to tell him something about Hatter. This was an opportune time to get answers.
"Is there a story behind that? Or is he...you know." Ghent suddenly felt uncomfortable. He hesitated, keeping the two in his line of vision to read their faces. "Is he crazy?"

A Land of Wonder and Nightmare

No wiggle room necessary! You gave me more than enough to work with, and inspired me all at once. Despite having zero energy today and an annoying writers block, I managed to finish a reply. So yay! Finally, I feel a little productive.

*blinks* You were joking?! And here I am, spilling my guts about milk-turned-yogurt cups.
I finished cleaning the closet, and the only other thing worth reporting is that I found a knife covered with frosting. I'm making sure there's zero traces of food in here, because when winter hits...we get a lot of mice from the fields. We have an ermine that lives in our house, and my grandmother's house for the past 2 years. He shows up randomly in both, and no one does anything about him. He's just accepted -- and, dare I say welcomed? -- because he kills mice. Yeah...I have an interesting family.
He's cute, so he's okay in my book... but my bed's pretty much on the floor since it's a trundle, and I have a great fear of him running over me in my sleep. NOT HAPPENING.

Do I sense the possibility of a, “I’m bored. Let’s throw these guys into random situations,” somewhere down the line?

That's a big wholehearted YES from me. 8D

Oh, thank you so much! I am so glad you liked that! Funnily enough, I was coming here to compliment you on the description of the magic. I loved how you described it, and how it reacted with the gate. I was just as surprised as the rest of them when the door opened! Their first real success!

A Land of Wonder and Nightmare

The magic was beautiful as it was dangerous. The lights and colors were a sight to behold, casting a brilliant glow over Ghent's hand and the gate around it. Had his senses been dulled, he may have felt exhilarated rather than frightened. He didn't know what was to come, but the feeling of instability warned him that the outcome wouldn't be good.
"No, no, no!" Ghent tried to talk the magic out of misbehaving, and the magic paid him no mind. Before he could warn Drust and Elayra, the magic rebelled and they were assaulted by a violent shockwave of force.
Yelling out, Ghent was hurled backwards without much chance to prepare for a landing. His backpack served as a shield for the third time that morning, helping to prevent injury as he slammed into the ground. The slickness of the overgrown weeds made the boy skid a few inches back, scuffing the earth to reveal fresh dirt underneath.
"Oww..." Rolling onto his throbbing side, Ghent winced when Drust called his name. "I'm good," he slowly raised his hand to show he was alive, brows furrowing when Elayra responded with only a groan.
Stupid magic! Fearing the worst, Ghent sat up, spotting Drust first. The knight was already on his feet, which made Ghent wonder if he ever hit the ground at all. Elayra was several paces away when she regained her footing. The trio appeared unscathed for the most part, which was a miracle after how far they were thrown.
Still on the ground, Ghent made eye contact with the girl, confused by her expression. She wasn't angry. "Sorry about that," he began to apologize for his newest failure, dumbfounded when the girl turned to the gate and proceeded to yell at it, rather than him.
Brilliant? He couldn't have heard that right. Fearing Elayra hit her head, Ghent scrambled to his feet. When she disobeyed Drust's newest warning, Ghent winced again. The knight took off after her, so Ghent took after him to serve as a barrier between the two should another fight arise.
"Elayra, don't bother!" Approaching from behind, Ghent hung back as Elayra unleashed her frustrations on the gate. He didn't want her anywhere near it after the magic reacted so badly to his interference. He swallowed hard, eyeing the glowing heart with apprehension. The heart's glow was the last thing he remembered before the invisible force sent the three of them flying.
Drust didn't seem to want Elayra near the gate either. Ghent allowed him to move ahead, startled by the force he used when jerking Elayra away from their current obstacle. That couldn't have felt good with her injuries.
"Whoa, come on!" Ghent reached out to help catch her, but Elayra never lost her balance. To avoid her finding out about his unneeded -- and unwanted -- help, he stepped away, head hung low. His failure to open the gate was the cause of this.
"Guys...I'm sorry, but I don't think I should try that again." Humbled by defeat, Ghent's eyes were downcast when he heard a loud squeak of rusted metal. To the amazement of all three, the door opened for them.
"Did...that just open?" After a long pause, Ghent put both hands to his head, laughing in disbelief. "It actually worked!" In his excitement, he turned to high-five Drust, but he awkwardly lowered his arm as an afterthought. Even if Drust knew what the gesture meant, Ghent decided he wasn't the high-fiving type. To avoid further embarrassing himself, he faced Elayra, pleasantly surprised to find her smiling. This was a rare moment, one to be ruined by his own cockiness.
"Featherhead?" Ghent snorted at the name as he always did. "Really? I think I'm entitled to my real name after my hard work here, Blondie." Plucking a browned leaf from Elayra's hair, he smirked at her. "After all, someone as brilliant as myself deserves respect." He purposely used her word from earlier, fully aware of the unintentional compliment.

A Land of Wonder and Nightmare

I remember my sister bought it to make a hobbit inspired dress, except she never did. I have a feeling I'll find the fabric she bought, too.
Oh my word. Don't get me started on finding horrifying remnants of food. I found a cup of yogurt once...except, it wasn't yogurt originally...it was milk. I STILL have warlike flashbacks about that.
A hot dog... I won't even ask how it ended up there!

*grins* That's way too much fun to think about.

Ya think? xD

Well, that just made my day! I'm so pleased that you like him so far! ^~^ Awh, yeah...he's going to have plenty to cry about, I'm sure. x'D

Hey, no problem! Trust me, I've been there. Who hasn't? Take all the time you need. I haven't been feeling all that creative lately, both in writing, and in crafting. If you knew how many hours I've spent this week binge watching on Netflix...*shakes head*

How do *you* get into your characters' heads?

I don't get into my characters heads, they get into mine.
It's really weird, but for my more developed OC's, it feels like they completely take over when I'm writing a scene. I know how they think, so I know how they'll react.

Dialog comes naturally to me, writing expressions/body language is more difficult because I'm still a little rusty. Because of this, I usually plan dialog first, and go from there. :D