GotWala

Haha, great! Me and my eyes will look forward to it!

That was really nice... It's just wonderful when people truly understand one another, isn't it? And your music selection was very powerful too, haha! The closest thing to a gripe I have is how often I'd get lost in the text walls, haha. I think it might be a good idea to make new paragraphs whenever someone speaks, that way it splits up the text and makes it less possible to lose your spot while reading. Other than that insignificant problem, this was another rewarding experience for me, haha!

Richard immediately snapped out of his embarrassed state at Emelia's words. No! Absolutely not! "Emelia! Do not ever think that again!" Shouted Richard as he looked Emelia in the eye, his visage becoming the vicious gaze of a predator once more as a deep scowl formed. "My curse is not for others to bear! My vile, putrid kind only create violence and destruction in our wake! I am an agent of annihilation, a minion of evil, a disgusting monster! Hurk!" Richard realized in his fervor that his intense body language had aggravated his wounds. A sharp pain came to his gut as he coughed and fell back down in the cot, breathing heavily and staring at the ceiling. "Please... I beg of you, Officer Vanderton," Spoke Richard softly as his harsh look melted and his eyes started misting. "Do not envy a Gifted."

I wish you and your boyfriend (Soon to be partner) the best in this life! May your love blossom into something we can all admire and draw hope from! Sorry if I got a bit sappy there, but it's a habit of mine, haha.

Ahh, hello! While I'm not sure whether I can consider myself an author, I figure that this might be a good way to reignite an old passion, haha. Oh, you can call me GotWala, or just Wala! As it stands, I'm a fantasy writer amongst the genres. However, I really like have fantasy elements in a modern setting! That, or I enjoy implementing pseudo-science and technology into High Fantasy. Basically, while I understand that a fantasy is a fantasy, something drives me to have realistic uses and/or understandable explanations for the supernatural elements. Hmm, I think my strengths come in my ability to make interesting, creative, and lifelike characters. I like to think that the people that reside within a world are more important than the plot or world itself, haha! As for a weakness, I'd say it takes the form of a few things: Lack of brevity, obsession with "over-detailing", Occasional dry writing, grammar, and general lack of confidence in my work. There, that seems like quite the list of downfalls, haha! Honestly, I had a fondness for writing and world-building for as long as I can remember. Always taking the backseat of a story, I would watch my brother play our videogames and would enjoy it more than playing myself. I'd play pretend all the time and would draw maps of worlds that never were during elementary school. My obsession with fiction throughout my childhood and even now, probably came from my desire to run from reality. The world needed to be more interesting, and I wanted to feel like my existence had meaning, like a hero from a story's had. Over time, I've realized how silly that was, but the fact that my life revolved around my imagination has impacted me greatly. As much as I know it only serves to make me inefficient for society, I don't think I could let go of my false realities even if I tried, haha! Well, I'd like to say I have some of my work to share, but I haven't actually written anything down in two years, haha... Although, I have recently started to play a character in a Roleplay by Dobby called Brailen's Gifted. It's been great for me, as it's not only filled a void for 'playing pretend', but has also gotten the creative juices flowing. Because of this, I've started to work on a World Setting like Acquiescence's Vyker or Hukuna's Graterras! I hope to have it up in the Creative Writing thread sometime in early January, along with a piece of writing that would take place in the setting. As for any hints as to what you can expect, I was inspired to create it by my old map-making hobby and one of my favorite videogames (Chrono Cross)! I hope that by writing here and by reading the writings of the other talented people here, I can keep my passion for escapism alive and well, haha!

Haha, I'd be concerned if you had intense fever-dreams almost every night! Needless to say, I look forward to what comes next in our starving artist's adventures in paying the rent!

Yes! I have the habit of adding soundtracks to my writing and/or role-plays as well, haha! Dreams or other giant imagery dumps are just good fun in my book. (Also, I have acquired a taste for black coffee (Black as night, sweet as sin). It's mostly my grandfather's fault, since he told me when I was 8 that I'd be a p**** if I didn't like coffee. I didn't know what 'that' was, but it sounded like an insult, haha!)

Ahh, a nice and eventful cliff-hanger! That dream sequence during this chapter really got me going, haha. The intensity was definitely there along with those beautiful descriptions. Between that and the multi-cultural interaction at the Inn, I'm not sure what I found most enjoyable!

Richard was relieved that Emelia didn't press further into the 'Maiden' subject; however, that relief was short lived when Emelia berated him for treating her like a lady. I am perplexed... Is that not how women are to be treated? As they are? That is how Father treated Mother and it is how Mother taught me to act! I would think I should be more tactful and gentlemanlike considering my status as a... Richard realized that he had once again lost himself in thought during a conversation. "No, it is fine. I will call you Emelia since that is your name sake... Unless you would prefer Elliot? In which case I could refer to you as such once more... Or just Officer Vanderton?" Hypothesized Richard as he turned back over to face Emelia, some of the red of embarrassment still on his face as his eyes grew to their usual intensity as he pondered aloud. "I will try not to act... 'Like that', as you put it. However un-chivalrous it may be..." Emelia... She is being quite amiable to me even after I have demonstrated my vices. Hell, even my Gift has not dissuaded her from conversing with the likes of me. Maybe... Maybe she would be willing to be my ally... He realized once again that he was staring and thinking for far too long. "If... Ahh, how can I say this..." Awkwardly spoke Richard as he rested his chin on his left hand; his eyes shifting around with his disjointed thoughts. "If it is sparring that entertains you then... Perhaps when I am given some time to rest... If it would not be inconvenient for you..." Am I still treating her like a lady? Of course you are, Richard! You blasted fool! Loathsome dog! Revolting creature!

Ahh, I was actually curious about The Crystal Isles the most out of all the areas in Graterras! I'm sure this will be a good way to explore a magic-based culture through the eyes of what may be a very different citizen, but a citizen of The Isles nonetheless. Gah, I should be thankful, but this is another thing added to my list of reading material from you, haha!

Richard dropped his left hand slowly as his gaze took on one of shock. Elliot... Emelia Vanderton... Elliot is- "Ell- No, Emelia Vanderton!?" Gulped Richard in surprise as he turned to face his partner. "You were... But that..." Richard shook his head in disbelief as he collected his thoughts. He- She deceived me! This Emelia Vanderton had lied to me from the beginning. But why? I cannot begin to understand... "I-I apologize for being overly friendly with you, Miss- Erk! Officer Vanderton!" Stated Richard as he turned his face away from Emelia, trying to hide the fact that it was turning red with embarrassment. "I am terribly, deeply sorry for any uncouth behavior I may have had in your presence!" Richard's head started to piece together the signs that had been all around him since first seeing Emelia at the station. The boyish look, the gruff voice that while practiced still sounded young, the raven-haired maiden- "Yes, the maiden... I..." Richard stammered out a response, attempting to find the best way to say it. "Mother... She used to read me stories whilst Father was on his rounds about... About silly, childish things..."

Richard laid on the stretcher slipping in and out of consciousness; his surroundings changing constantly from the outside of the pub, to a familiar road in the Living Quarter, and finally to the inside of the station's sick bay. All the while, Richard thrashed about in his stupor, constantly muttering about 'Protecting the Maiden from the monsters'. Eventually, Richard finally stops his fever dreams as he lets out a sharp gasp and sits up in the cot. As he attempts to turn and survey his surroundings, a sharp pain originating from his gut courses through his body. "Gah! Curse my... My weakness," Gasps Richard as he tightly grips his left fist and attempts so with his right. "The station... I am back at the station." Richard started to lay back down and turn his head to look around the room, eventually spotting Emelia who seems to be standing guard. Elliot is safe. Those horrid beasts did not hurt... him. "Elliot," Said Richard as his face took on a look of pain and anger, wincing as he lowered his gaze. "I faltered in the line of duty. I have failed you and the rest of department; my corrupt power not being enough to stifle the darkness." Slightly sitting up, Richard covered his face with his left hand in shame, trying to hide his mortified look. I should have been capable. I should have drove the scourge of taint from Trevalus. Why must I falter so!? "I am sorry," Softly spoke Richard as his muscles tensed. "You are more worthy of this position than I, Elliot. No, Officer Elliot... I still do not know your full name... I beg your forgiveness for that as well..."

I really love string instruments, haha. This is the best I've got!

I know it's not much, but I would love to see Independent Writing receiving a sub-forum! People would get to see the treasures that get obscured by it's surroundings, and there would be more specialized support from the community. Even if some of us won't actually make a writing project of our own, I'm sure people would enjoy reading another's work and giving (constructive) criticism. Perhaps some of the spectators might be helpful to allow and artist's creation to flourish. Anyways, it seems like some of the Moderators are already willing to support the birth of such a thing, so I'm sure their input and support means more towards bringing about this change, haha.

Ell... Elliot... I am almost there... Richard started to lose his balance as his left leg started to give out. His blurred vision and labored breathing caused him to get close to blacking out many times, and also showed him strange visions. All around him were the bodies of monsters from... From the stories Mother used to read him. The monsters... I slew the... Richard felt his right arm go slack as he turned his gaze back to... A raven-haired princess. The... Maiden! I am... Knight... Protect the... Richard's hallucinations came to a close as he closed his eyes and opened them again, only to find himself hanging slightly off the ground. No... I am... "Let me... Monsters... Save her..." Rasped Richard in between harsh breaths as his head tilted towards some of the King's soldiers. "I cannot... Falter..."

Ahh, that's some good news that Richard may or may not ever learn, haha!

Whatever happens, I hope we don't take up too much time from everyone else again, haha! Hmm... I hate to influence anyone's decision, but surrendering might earn you some mercy. Considering the only person you harmed/threatened was Richard, and who honestly gives a damn about that jerk off, haha?

Which is great, by the way! There should never be a "black or white" situation for anything, honestly. Reality isn't like that whatsoever, so why should this? (Even though this is a fantasy and exists in opposition of the truth, but that's another thing, haha!)

Nah man, it's cool, haha! Richard's already given you guys a way out, if you so desire. It's up to you whether or not you two want to walk free but be wanted men or turn yourselves in and hope for the best. At least, that's how it seems. Admittedly, you both were inadvertently caught in a situation where, realistically, there is no correct answer. So if anything, you guys made a choice and stuck with it, haha.

Richard was about to close the gap between him and Thomas before a sudden droning noise pierced through his ear drums. S-sound!? This must be his- He had no time to finish his thought before the glass bottles all around him shattered in violent, explosive force. The rain of the translucent shards caused Richard to bring up his shield to parry them with marginal success, as some of the glass found home in his legs. It was then that the wooden fence was formed in between Richard and Thomas, causing Richard to turn towards Desmond who was the source of this obstacle. Controlling wood!? How? With control of moisture maybe... Accelerated growth? Blast, Richard! Observe and adapt! Desmond's threat came to Richard as he looked to see, indeed as mentioned, a wooden spike underneath him. This... This is unforgiveable! Yet I am only one man... No! If my fellow officers are to stay alive, if Chief Montgomery is to acknowledge my purpose... If Elliot... Damn! "You cretins are brazen in your foul actions! I told you to surrender and you reacted with insolence and your damnable powers! Have you no sense of right and wrong, or does your curse cloud your minds so!?" Said Richard with contempt as he lowered his sword. "I will remember this act of treason against Trevalus, mark my words..." Richard turned and began his ascent up the stairs, head hung in shame as drew blood biting his own lip. He turned to the officers up above and spoke. "There are two Gifted in the wine cellar. One has the ability to manipulate foliage, and thus can make this entire building a death trap," Explained Richard as his shoulders slightly shook, head drooping lower to hide the starting of tears forming. "My cursed power... It is not enough! I cannot guarantee your safety, nor the safety of any innocents involved. They have requested passage out of the Steelsword Pub with our cooperation. In exchange, no more blood has to be spilled. Escort them for me, as... As I must attend to the outside perimeter now that the inside has... Has been dealt with to the extent of my capabilities." Richard moved past his fellow officers as he wiped his eyes with his right arm, trying his best to stifle his weakness. I have faltered once more... Why is my curse never enough? Forgive this lame hound... Richard increased the pace of his powerful stride as he proceeded to go outside the Steelsword Pub. Elliot was not inside with me... Are they alright!? Richard's eyes snapped into focus once more as he quickly surveyed the area, desperately searching for the rookie who relied on his Gift like the others. It took very little time for Richard to find Elliot talking with what he could presume to be bystanders here. Richard quickly hurried his way to Elliot, passing over several bodies from the less cooperative Gifted who attempted to flee. Richard's vision started to slightly blur, however he continued to move forward despite the obvious blood loss from the glass shards and the knife still present in his gut. "Future Officer Elliot! Are you unharmed!?" Sputtered out Richard with genuine concern as his usual predatory gaze and harsh features had softened. "The scope of this obstruction- My failure to stop them- I- Please tell me you and the others are fine! I cannot- Not after what-" Richard's vision blurred more as he started to get closer and closer to hyperventilating from the stress of his failures and his worries over the others started to overwhelm him. I-I... F-Faltered...

Oh, that was me stating what Richard was doing during the sequence of events that lead up to Thomas' Gift use. (To simulate a sense of real time.) However, I can see where that is problematic, so I will be cautious about such posts, haha. Oh, and I've cleared things up with Red's Charizard regarding this whole thing. It turns out he was not using the sonic burst as a projectile but instead as a way to shatter all of the glass in the area to attack me that way. Thank you very much for helping me with this, Dobby!

Wait, using "Before X" on the other person is wrong, correct? I was using "Before X" in the context of my action being interrupted by the actions they took before me. Is that agreeable, or am I missing something?

Huh, that's actually how I figured it worked to be honest, Stratos. Though I can understand why it might need to be clarified just in case, haha. This might be pestering again, but I'm still sort of... Stuck. I imagine I'm just being impatient, but I was still wondering what the proper course of action for me should be here. The response to Richard's slash was sort of vague, so I'm not sure if it's right for me to simply make an assumption and roll with it. I wouldn't want to disrespect Red's Charizard by doing that, nor would I want to commit the act of Modding with these assumptions. I apologize for the murmurings of a green horn here, but I don't feel comfortable with saying, for example, "Richard's eyes quickly shift to where his quarry has moved in an attempt to evade his Gift, before Thomas uses his Gift. Before Richard can move, there is a sudden rippling in the air that seems to collide with the lime-green arc of Richard's attack. This collision causes both an eerily loud noise followed by the shattering of the arc, causing Richard to flinch as pain rushes through his left arm." I'm more than likely overthinking a very simple concept in Forum Roleplays, but I am loath to making any more mistakes, haha.

And so it begins! I hope you two are ready, because this skirmish amongst PC's came sooner than I expected, haha. EDIT: Well, I've sent Red's Charizard a PM to discuss the details of this altercation to avoid assumptions, however I've reached somewhat of an impasse. Is it right to continue this action sequence without Typhlosion present? After all, Desmond is in the cellar as well, haha.

This... This monster pretends to be human!? Another one like... like... "Three! I have given you ample time to surrender and you have failed to comply! Your arrogance has brought this conflict upon yourself! You are all the same! We are the same! For your crimes against the pure people of Trevalus and for your sinful existence, I..." Roared Richard as he moved his sword to begin a slashing motion. "I will purge you from the existence you taint!" Richard slashed his sword through the air in a wide, horizontal arc as a red haze filled the edges of his vision. The gritting of his teeth was almost audible as his face contorted in feral rage. The space where he slashed formed a lime-green edge which after one and a half seconds, proceeded to fly toward Thomas at high speeds. Strike true, Richard Gallus! I CANNOT FALTER!