Cyriel

Oh, ok, so I've only heard one Rammstein song, and that's "Du Hast." But I just thought I'd mention that I also recently saw the music video, and it made me very...disturbed. Agh, it was scary.

Sometimes the answers to these questions also depend on what kind of faith you believe in... As for me, I kind of went through the same phase, and then just thought that maybe our purpose here is to find a purpose. Either that, or realize that we are able to live without a purpose, but it's not really living. But after a while, I kind of found different answers. I found that if I try to find a purpose about me living, there really isn't one. But if I try to base the purpose of my life on others, then there's something that I'm willing to strive for. Someone told me that the way to achieve the things we most want in life: love, comfort, happiness, is to give them to others.

I'm actually kind of confused about what exactly you're trying to argue here... Are you saying that following Jesus is good, but organized religion isn't? Could you clarify a bit more...?

I think that I especially enjoyed this one - yes, my favorite out of the three. I mean, it's way shorter than the other two, but I think that the brevity makes it all the sweeter and more touching. As for the rythmic (sp?) pattern, I think that it's very very...oh, what's the word... well, it's just different, but it still keeps enough of a cadence to keep it going. It adds to the complete tone quality of the piece, and it's lovely. Because just like in the poem, the pattern you have seems to breathe its own breath, and seems to be living on its own, not depending on any other pattern or grid before it. It's very effective. [I]Waves rising and falling in their own time,[/I] - it's so completely my favorite line! Again, it seems to embody the freedom that this poem seems to have - just free of everything, especially with the imagery you use of nature - it's all free, and at the same time, it belongs. This poem reminds me something of a book I read, called [U]Bite the Sun[/U], (or it may be Biting..) and just the last line really reminded me of that, because of the way you incorporate the sun. And just the simplistic quality of the imagery is wonderful, and smooth, and just really natural. I also like your choice of words, like the minerals being stranded - it's an interesting, yet natural, combination. Symbols and metaphors? Wow, that could go on forever. But this really reminded me of redemption. Or, I guess you could put it as going through trials and suffering and storms, and yet still surviving to start over again. It's, as I said before, something of a redemption, or second life. Saying that one will go through the tempest and challenges, and they will change you, but that doesn't necessarily mean for bad. It could change you in a way you didn't see before, and you will still be able to reach up again for life. Changed, and still alive.

You mean...Faust, by von Goethe? Eck, we had to read that book for AP Lit. Um, basically it's about a guy named Faust who's spent his whole life studying and learning from books and just gaining a lot of knowledge. However, he hasn't really experienced anything since his whole life was studying, and now he's regretting it all and that stuff. So! The devil dude, named Mephistopheles, cuts a deal with Faust, and basically it's giving Faust a second chance at life to do and experience everything that he wants. However, at the time that Faust reaches happiness and content, Mephi will snap Faust into hell as his slave forever. And that's the deal, and so Faust and Mephi go out on their little adventures in the world, and so forth. But the entire theme of the story is for Faust somehow to reach redemption. Anyway, did you say buy it? NO. DO NOT BUY THE BOOK. Borrow it from your library. Not to mention, yeah, there are versions in German, but if you get those, I promise that you are in for an agonizing read. Not to mention that it's confusing enough in English. Seriously, once you start reading it, you'll understand it's one of the hardest things to understand until you get the hang of it. And the first act (it usually comes in two books) is sooo boring until like the last third. And the second act? Haven't read it, because it's even more difficult and weird to understand. Frankly, I thought it's a really good work, but it's just kind of hard to get through at times... And I wouldn't recommend buying it until you've actually tried to read it. Hope that helped. :)

Hmm...parts I like, and parts I don't like. I actually like the tone that this poem portrays a bit more than your first, but maybe it's just because I like happier stuff more...:) But I thought that some of the stanzas were really good and heartfelt. I especially liked the lines: [I]Delicately bound together, Caring deeper than ever before, Opening our lives to each other, Devotion reaching to our very core. Two souls venturing forth, Leaving everything certain and known,[/I] It really seemed to capture the essence that you presented. Once again, the imagery is lovely, and especially your nature imagery. For example, where you say "[I]Uncertain as the wing blows[/I]," just the image being related to a metaphor of the wind, and in turn to nature, makes it so simplistic and understandable. This poem actually kind of reminds me of some of the structure and pattern of [U]Faust[/U], by von Goethe. I liked this poem a bit more because of the tone, but I think that your first poem sounds more natural, and so in structure I like the first one more. The second one it seems like some of the pattern was a little...forced? I don't know. But it was still wonderful to read. #3 please! :D

Wow...how to express..how impressed I am with this. The format through this changes a bit, but it still matches quite well I thought. Each stanza was like a reflection of the sea itself, like each wave coming in on its own time and choosing, different, and yet in tune with everything else. It reminds me of another piece, something called.."Where the World Begins" I think.

Hello, darling Inari. :) Waiting for your second now. The imagery in this one is beautiful - made my heart flutter and my smile sad.

Apple pie. No, not just apple - apple PIE. :D

[SIZE=1]OOC: heehee, sorry it took me so long...no ideas. IC: [COLOR=DarkSlateGray]Walking away quickly from the curb, she didn't look back, leaving Edgar behind on the corner. The evening air was slightly chilled, like a glass of liquid that had been left in the fridge. She felt damp, as if the water hanging in the air was deliberately clinging to her body. Brushing back a few strands of hair, Leigh was reminded again of her now-homeless disposition. [I]How long has it been since I've had a shower?[/I] She didn't want to continue that certain thought process. It had been over two months now that Leigh had run away, and she didn't regret. She could never regret it, so unsurprisingly, she had survived. Of course, she had also lost a few pounds in the process, and she couldn't be that picky anymore... However, the only thing Leigh was concerned with at the moment was the empty feeling in her stomach, and where she was going to spend the night. Luckily, it was still warm, although with autumn coming on, soon she would have to find better shelter for the cooler weather. For now, she could deal with it. She had experienced worse things than a cold night - another path of thought that she barred herself from. Suddenly, her keen eyes picked out a police car, and she quickly ducked into an alley, waiting for it to pass before she continued. [I]The last thing I need is for some cop car to pick me up as a run-away. I'd probably get sent back, and then I'd be stuck in a go*damn correctional facility...[/I] The thought was not exactly welcome...even if they did have food and heating. Sighing heavily, and kneading her stomach under her jacket, Leigh made her way again towards a familiar cemetery, one that she had been roaming for quite a while now. The gravestones were ironically comforting - the dead were more familiar to her than the living.[/COLOR] OC: Ok, so I know this doesn't leave Leigh in a spot for much contact with the other chars, but don't worry, it'll get there. I'm just developing her I guess, so...yeah. Oh, and don't rush her please, although maybe just brushes with others is fine. By the way, I hope you (Undefeated) don't mind that I made the season late summer/early fall, but it was my best guess since kittychanann is teaching classes in school and all... [/SIZE]

[SIZE=1][COLOR=DarkSlateGray][B]Name:[/B] Leigh Carlson [B]Age:[/B] 17 [B]Appearance:[/B] attachment. Familiar, Undefeated? ;) [B]Biography:[/B] The typical teenage delinquent originating from a broken family and abusive home life. A bastard at birth, Leigh had four other siblings, all born of different fathers. They grew up with their beautiful mother, who lived off of social security, drugs, and different boyfriends. At the age of eight, Leigh was raped by one of her mother's various boyfriends, and again when she was twelve. When she told her mother, she was ignored, because her mother was so desperate to hang on to these men. There were several other occurrences, but Leigh never told anyone again. When Leigh was fifteen, her mother was arrested and convicted for the carrying and usage of illegal substances. She was sent to jail, and Leigh and her half-siblings were split and sent into foster homes. Leigh, alone and afraid, angry and rebellious, enraged at the world, passed through several foster homes, and was sent back repeatedly. Finally, sick and tired of it all, Leigh ran away, and is now currently living on the streets. [B]Relationship with Edgar:[/B] Leigh had an odd obsession with cemeteries. She liked to go there and read the gravestones, sometimes sleeping in the graveyards. One day she happened to be spray-painting some certain gravestones. By chance, these were the graves of the three dear people that Edgar had lost on that snowy night fifteen years ago. And by chance, Edgar dropped by to visit those graves. Seeing Leigh, Edgar caught her red-handed, and thus proceeded to force her to clean off everything she had dirtied. She had no choice to obey him (full grown man vs. teenage girl), and slowly, while she was cleaning off the paint, they slowly opened up and began to speak to each other. No doubt, both were very angry, but that seemed to create a bond, however weak. And after that, they continued to meet. They are not good friends. They don't know each other. They don't even really like each other. And both hold grudges. ...But for some reason, both also hold onto this odd relationship. Perhaps because Leigh has never had any single person hold her to doing the morally right thing. Perhaps because Leigh reminds Edgar of one of the three that he lost. Perhaps because Edgar seeks redemption, and Leigh doesn't even believe in it. [/COLOR] OC: I know, not the typical thing you really outlined for the people, but I hope this is okay Undefeated. Beautiful seeing you again Inari.[/SIZE]

Hm, I tried PMing about this, but just another nag - are we going to start? Because I'd really hate to see this beautiful thread go to waste. I'm hoping that we haven't been forgotten here...

[COLOR=DarkOrchid]So it's a strange question, but what is everyone's favorite donut? :tasty: Personally, mine is the apple fritter. Why, you ask? Well, let's explain. First of all, the sweet sensation of the soft pastry accented by the crisp taste of apples in every bite! Yummyness! I had the best apple fritter in Tillamook, WA. The store-bought ones are ok, but the ones made in bakeries are excellent! Prima! Superb! Mama mia! Ok... Seriously, the glaze was just the right texture, being just the perfect sweetness as well, melting in your mouth just as you bite into the pastry. Perfection in itself. Well, please do give me your opinion. Oh, and I think Krispy Kremes suck. heheheheh.[/COLOR]

[SIZE=1][COLOR=DarkSlateGray][B]Name:[/B] Maeve (Full name: Maestitia) [B]Age:[/B] 17 [B]Race:[/B] Unknown - takes appearance of human [B]City of Birth:[/B] Origin is of the Beor Mountains, but was found just outside of the city of Uru Baen by Galboratrix. [B]Weapon:[/B] Her weapons are seemingly crude, but in actuality are deadly works of art. Made entirely from the bones of dragons and other creatures, Maeve keeps a collection of various assorted blades, able to wield them all with cunning and skill. However, her favorite is a pair of twin pikes, which revolve around her sad figure with deadly grace. [B]Side:[/B] Galboratrix [B]Appearance:[/B] see attachment - credit to artist [B]Bio:[/B] With no memories from before her 12th birthday, Maeve was born under the full dominion of Galboratrix. Because there were no other memories for her, she isn't aware of any other life possible. She had been wandering the dark roads for as long as she could remember, alone and unwanted. However, one day she heard a terrible scream in the sky, and looking upward, saw a great dragon made entirely of bone and skeleton. It rushed towards her, and before she could run, the dragon grasped her hand in its mouth, tearing the [I]gedwey ignasia[/I] into her palm. Still bleeding, she screamed and ran, only to turn as the dragon roared in pain and death. Galboratrix, in pursuit of this rebel creature that refused to serve him, had swooped down and savagely killed the dragon on another beast. The bones fell to the ground immediately, broken and lifeless. Galboratrix, seeing the strange girl, made to kill her as well, but before he could do so, the ground seemed to rise up under them, uttering forth a golem of enormous proportions, of old stone and ruins, with the bones of the dragon seemingly mixed in to its earthly body. On its back was the [I]gedwey ignasia[/I], red from her blood, which had fled to the ground under her feet. It rose up to protect her, under an unspoken bond and pact it was unable to break. She was almost speechless. Once again, Galboratrix paused, and seeing the strange girl, took an interest in the orphan. He took both the girl and the golem, and after a time, took to raise her in his service. Thus, he gave her the name Maestitia, or 'Sadness,' and she grew under his tutelage and doctrine. The golem, forever now her companion, she named Praecanus, or 'Premature Gray.' Her life thusfar has still been of lonely stillness, broken only by the orders and tasks that Galboratrix commands of her. _______________________ [B]Pact Partner:[/B] Golem [B]Pact Partner Name:[/B] Praecanus [B]Appearance:[/B] A gargantuan hulk of massive stone, earth, and bone, it's surprising what an intelligent mind that the golem can have. The mark of the [I]gedwey ignasia[/I] still remains on its back, but it is old and faded, and is not visible unless truly looked for. The bones of the dragon still are mixed in with its body, and many times it will collapse to the ground, and be unseen to the human eye, only to reform itself in a later shape.[/COLOR][/SIZE]

[SIZE=1]OC: Thank you everyone for keeping me alive! :D [COLOR=DarkRed]With Tanya on his arm, Blake carefully made his way around the ballroom, casually pausing at points to 'converse' and be sociable. And check out the security. But Tanya apparently kept having trouble with her dress, because her grip on his arm was cutting off his circulation. As he steered them into a private corner, he let his lips brush by her neck. [B]"Lessen the grip, will ya? You're wrinkling the suit,"[/B] he whispered, winking. Tanya was not so amused, and threw her gaze elsewhere. Still, Blake noticed the light blush that tinted her cheeks. He suppressed a laugh, and then spotted Zeddrick out of the corner of his eye. Tapping Tanya's shoulder, Blake gestured to Zeddrick, and she nodded. They made their way over, Blake noticing the not-so-friendly look that passed between Zeddrick and Phelan. [B]"Hey, my fellow partner in Armani, is everything alright?"[/B] he asked as Zeddrick turned to him.[/COLOR][/SIZE]

OOC: Eek, sorry I was gone... IC: As he went to intercept the target, Blake couldn't help but grumble to himself. [I]What is this? When did they say picking up chicks was part of the job? And why me? Geez, it's Zeddrick with the silver tongue...[/I] That was until he got in a closer proximity with Geraldine Wollaber. Eyebrows raised slightly, Blake couldn't help but be slightly impressed by her physique. [I]Heh, too bad she's already a dead woman walking. ...A really hot dead woman...[/I] Sighing again, he hurried over to make contact before the woman reached her car... ____________________________________________ Not long after, Blake returned, a crafty grin on his face. Jalena scowled, "Well?" Blake shrugged, "Heh, well what?" "Did you find out where she lives?" He brushed his hand through his hair, "Well, maybe. Haha, just kidding. Of course I did. Not only that, but she has a beach house as well as an apartment. Oh, and did I mention that I have dinner at her house in two nights?" He winked, chuckling. Zeddrick immediately cuffed him on his back, "Man, I hate you! That's should have been my job!"

[COLOR=DarkRed][SIZE=1]Blake took his eyes off of the abstract piece, his attention being repeatedly diverted. Focusing on Tanya, he wondered if the run-in had been intentional on her part. [I]Meh, who cares...[/I] [B]"Blake Hyobanshi...or rather Easy...right?"[/B] she asked. He shrugged, [B]"You know any other guys in this line of work who serve sushi for a living?"[/B] Tanya smiled, [B]"I suppose not. An interesting choice I'd say. Reason of entry?"[/B] Blake looked at her a moment more, eyes drawn to the yellow ribbon in her hair. [I]...Meeting chicks was not in the job description... Heh, I guess it'll help pass the time.[/I] [B]"I like fish,"[/B] he answered simply, drawing out another amused smile from Tanya. [B]"And you? Though maybe I shouldn't ask - after all, not many ladies are in this profession."[/B] But although Blake's polite conversation passed as minute socialization for the moment, his attention stayed on Jalena and Phelan, watching their ambiguous movements. After all, flirting was not exactly high on his list of priorities. He was rewarded when Zerverius finally arrived, the roar of a plane catching the attention of all persons in the room. Following the others to meet their employer, Blake found himself separated from Zeos and Imi in their two groups. [I]Oh well, Zeos doesn't exactly need any help...and it's usually a good thing to stay away from Imi. Crazy hormones...especially when she's with Zeos. Jeez, I wonder how that's going to work out.[/I] He couldn't help but satirize their whole relationship - it was so humorous. Still, they were quite dedicated to each other in truth. And the group he was in wasn't half bad; in fact, he preferred it. As Jalena finished outlining their mission, Blake leaned back in his chair. [B]"Miami? We should hit Disney World while we're there.."[/B] [/SIZE][/COLOR]

Frankly, all the guys I've met know I play video games, but they obviously don't chase after me through every greek myth. Is it because I beat them?-_- Ah, and for the asking out thing... Well, I've never really understood why exactly you have to "ask someone out." Personally, I think that's the stupidest thing in the world. I mean, you ask if you want to be boyfriend/girfriend? From what I've seen, I think relationships are better when they just kind of form on their own. So I'd say don't ask, and just try to become more than a friend to her. Then you don't have the awkward question that can result in awkward answers/silences, which can result in an uncomfortable friendship.

[COLOR=DarkRed][SIZE=1][B]"The Book Man?"[/B] Lian repeated. [B]"You have a nickname for him already? Interesting...he never answers me except by pseudonym or title. I've never tried his name."[/B] Her sight was on the floor. She turned back to Lala, [B]"He must be fond of you already."[/B] Vahnhel stepped in, [B]"That's enough, Dots. Two minutes and you're already starting to chafe."[/B] Lian nodded, [B]"Sorry, guess I'm just impatient tonight." "Demons whispering in your ears again?"[/B] Lian only smiled, her eyes bright. Lala watched with interest, catching the hidden meanings with her eyes. Defeat was obviously hard for the Wind Talker, but not uncommon in the presence of the Book Man. She tried to pick up more, but Lian wavered the air between them, making the reflections distorted. Lian had picked up on Lala's powers quite quickly. But even this wavering told Lala something - Lian was on the defense. But soon, the subtle shifts in the air subsided, only to leave emptiness. Lian had cleaned up quickly, and left no trace to be picked up. She turned to Lala, [B]"Yes, I know the Book Man. Relationship?"[/B] She smiled. [B]"I'm not sure there is one. You'd have to ask the Reverend, although his version will be less to my liking." "Dots."[/B] Lian nodded, and then sat down next to Lala, [B]"Yes, I know Vahnhels. Will he be in there much longer? Usually he's so skilled in directing their tongues."[/B] She turned to Lala again, [B]"He can make them dance so wonderfully. And I hope you can stay, although I don't know why the Reverend would chase you away."[/B][/SIZE][/COLOR]

[COLOR=DarkRed][SIZE=1]Hanging up his apron, Blake left the Speakeasy through the backdoor, calling a farewell to his boss. He closed the door, and breathed in, and at the same time wishing that he hadn't. It smelled of rotting fish and seafood - his boss had forgotten to pay the trashmen again. Blake shook his head, brushing a hand through red hair. He took off at a light run, until he reached the small kendo dojo that he usually stopped by after work. The dojo was clean and traditional, and a bit on the small side. However, despite its size, it was one of the most successful in the city, due to the high standards upheld there by Zeos Uchiyama, master of the dojo. Entering the dojo, he saw a few students sparring, but Zeos was nowhere in sight. [I]Odd...usually he's here right now. Did he tell me he was going somewhere? Imi isn't here either...[/I] [B]"Hey, Blake!"[/B] a student called. Blake waved nonchalantly, [B]"Hey Kira."[/B] [B]"Are you looking for Zeos?"[/B] [B]"Yeah, did he go somewhere?"[/B] [B]"Yep, he left a while ago. He got a call from Imi, and I think it was to meet up at some club or something..."[/B] Blake nodded his thanks, and then left, taking out the small ad again. [B]"Club..? Ah, Angel's Warehouse. Well then, I guess I better head over... Jeez, fate really is not letting me out of this, is she? Fickle creature... Oh well.." [/B] A few minutes later, and he arrived at the Angel's Warehouse. Entering into its classic interior, Blake took a few moments to orient himself. He decided that the bar was the best place to start. Before he could say a word, the bartender pointed in a direction, [B]"VIP area, Easy."[/B] Blake's eyebrows rose, [B]"Do I know you?"[/B] [B]"Nah, your boss just called and said you'd be here."[/B] Blake chuckled, [B]"I see. Thanks."[/B] [I]I'm really going to have to have a little talk with him...[/I] He headed to the VIP area, wondering what he was getting himself into.[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[SIZE=1][COLOR=DarkRed][B]"Hey Easy, did you see this ad in the paper?"[/B] Blake immediately slapped a piece of raw tuna on the guy's mouth, [B]"Boss, didn't I tell you not to use that name with me here?"[/B] He shook his head in annoyance. His boss was cool and all, but sometimes he just didn't know how to keep his mouth shut, especially since he had found out about Blake's other "occupation." The guy smiled, and placed the tuna back on the wood tablet, [B]"Sorry about that, I just got excited is all. Are you going to answer the ad?"[/B] Shrug. [B]"Maybe."[/B] [B]"Aw, come on Blake! It says there's good pay and travel too! I'll be you'll get some real exciting targets,"[/B] his boss said again, shoving the ad into Blake's face. Blake took it, shoving it into his pocket without looking, [B]"Heh, I don't know. I'll check it out later."[/B] [B]"Why not now?"[/B] Blake sighed and rolled his eyes, propping a toothpick in his mouth, [B]"Because we got customers!"[/B] Laughing to himself, he returned to his chopping board, where some wriggling eels were waiting to be served up by the blade.[/COLOR] OOC: Whee, just an introductory. I didn't want to dash of to AW right away...it just seemed kind of unnatural. Meet up later though.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=1][COLOR=Purple]Ah, SA, bra stories. K, I know it's kind of pathetic, as I'm 16 and going to be a senior and all, but I didn't know that bras have sizes until about a month ago. Seriously! All I wear are sports bras, and in the juniors section they didn't really have sizes with numbers or letters - just small, medium, large. I mean, simple! So my first bras I got in middle school, and I haven't had to buy new ones since, except now. So I went, and...I was like, "What the heck do these mean? 34A?" Wow, didn't have a clue, and the numbers and stuff scared me. So yeah, my first experience with bras, I suppose. Funny how it was not very long ago.-_-;; Ah, and reading about TSS on the tampon box, that scared the crap out of me. I was so worried! But I still have no idea what it is... That's pretty funny though, MistressRoxie. :laugh: [/COLOR] [/SIZE]

[SIZE=1][COLOR=DarkRed]Heh, from what I see, lucifer's going to have problems with Zeddrick [I]and[/I] Blake. Lucky lucifer.[/COLOR] :)[/SIZE]

[SIZE=1]OOC: Where is everyone? IC: [COLOR=DarkOrange]Walking back into the classroom, she resisted the urge to scream and slam the door. Keeping her frustration pent up inside, Rana tried to calm down. [I]What is wrong with me? Why am I suddenly so..lost? Why can't I seem to do anything right? I can't even keep Uchiyama and Yu in line anymore..[/I] She clenched her teeth, her breath hissing in and out. Miyabi, if she noticed, didn't say anything, trusting her apprentice to keep appearances. Her eyes were attracted to Sosoke's form, sitting beside the window, staring out with a grim set to his face. But then her eyes traveled to the window, and beyond the glass that separated them from the outside. The grounds were empty for the moment. However, hidden from sight was the front garden, where the testing was now in progress. Where students might be battling for their lives. And where most of them would fail. [B]"If not all,"[/B] she whispered to herself. She bit her lip. [I]How can I say things like that? I'm such a hypocrite, telling Zeos not to lose hope, when here I am giving up.[/I] She could have hit herself for that; hated herself for being so pathetic. Pathetic and weak. [I]And that's why Uchiyama and Yu no longer respect me as an equal. I'm weak to them, I suppose.[/I] She stared at the two of them a moment longer, her gaze continually traveling to each of them as she studied their faces in stillness. [I]But how can I be strong?[/I] The thought snapped her, but she immediately regained control. Quickly, she eliminated the depressed feelings that seemed to be rampaging in her mind, and started to reorganize her duties, trying to keep herself detached from her emotions. It was so irregular of her to think of strength and weakness, especially because when rationalized, Orange's skill in combat was pretty much equal with theirs. Not that they had sparred recently... She had been busy with other things. [B]"I think the Graveyard Shift is getting to me,"[/B] she commented to Miyabi. [B]"Hmm... Deja Vu affects us all, I suppose."[/B][/COLOR] OOC: Sorry, I know that was a terribly blah post...[/SIZE]

I must agree with ReFlux. [spoiler]Haku's death in Naruto was not only absolutely beautiful, but so touching! Especially since he had such an effect on Naruto. Naruto couldn't help but voice everything that the audience also must be thinking - how could Zabuza be so cold?!:( Zabuza's demise also added to that event in its entirety, and was one of the most touching ones that I've ever seen.[/spoiler] lol, this is such a funny looking post.