Maully

[color=green]Wow, this is something ugly. Wiccansamaurai, that is a terrible story. It is very tragic, and yet not uncommon. I do not mean to belittle your tragedy by any means by saying that, do not misunderstand. Drugs do these things to people, I agree. I do not condone the use of hard drugs, they make a mess of things. I myself have had a good deal to do with them, but, thankfully, that period in my life is over. Not everyone has my parents, willing to go to any lengths to help me, and not everyone has the will to determine that they aren't going to do it anymore. I have been clean now for five years, and happier for it. Now recreationally, I still do not condone drug use, and I will not abide to be around it, for my own sake. I do have several friends who are potheads, but they live productive lives. They go to their jobs, they do well in school. It's seems so simple to explain, but to put a blanket statement like,"They aren't hurting anyone but themselves," it seems too trite, I guess. I have no power to make them stop though, so I don't raise the issue with them, I just remove myself from the situation.[/color] By the way, this is my 250th post hurray!

[color=green]Name: Molly Age: 23 DOB: 12/28/80 Location: Kansas One Word: outspaken No, seriously. Describe yourself in one word: Detached Occupation: Video store clerk Color: Grey and yellow, but not together Food: Spaghetti Beverage: Dr Pepper Alter Ego:none, sorry... Dream Job: Talent scout for a record label Self-Proclaimed: Genius, movie geek Ethnicity: Irish/Geman Extracurricular: Singing Hobby: Movies! and bar hopping with my buddies Dessert: Fresh fruit medley Musician: Ani DiFranco/ Jeff Buckley Group: Hard to say... Mac or PC? I prefer Mac, but own a PC Blog: [url]http://www.myotaku.com/users/molletta/[/url] Home Page: none Book: The Outsiders Collection: Well, everything under the sun, really... Won't Eat: Calamari TV Show: Don't really like Tv... Words to live by: Live so that there's standing room only at your funeral Addicted to: Dr. Pepper and myOtaku Comic: Batman! Movie: Singin' in the Rain! [/color]

[color=green]I have been pining to see lost in Translation for a long time! It didn't come to a theatre near me, so I have to wait for video next week. Yes, it hits shelves next Tuesday! City of God and 21 Gram are others that I am quite curious to see. I do not like living in a place so lacking in culture that I have to drive at least an hour to see anything that doesn't grad multimillions in it's opening weekend. On a lighter note, I am happy to see a nod to Ken Watanabe for best supporting. I thiought he was great in The Last Samaurai. [/color]

[color=green]I definitely think it is both, but a natural talent helps. I have little skill in the art department, though I have taken a couple of classes. My hands just don't transfer images from my head to paper well, and no amount of practice or training seems to help me, much to my dismay.[/color]

[color=green]I agree with Terra, if you don't take on the responsiblilty to be interested, then don't bother. I vote in every election, even minor ones. I like to think of myself as poilitically minded, though I'm not as on top of the information as I would like to be at this point. I feel that voting is very important, but you should know what's going on and make and educated vote. I don't agree with voting stictly on party lines. You should familiarize yourself with candidates viesw and platforms and make and educated say in what's going on. I also see ChibiHorseWoman's point. I take advantage of the fact that I did vote to complane about the way things are going and feel justified in doing so. If you are going to complain, try and do something about it.[/color]

OOC: I don't know what class the Gryffindors are going to... Someone help molly, please! IC[color=green]Hermione was so relieved to have met Liz. She was beginning to think that she wouldn't find anyone with her passion for reading. She still didn't think that she would in the Gryffendor house. "What are you thinking about, Hermoine?" Karen asked her. "Nothing really. Karen, do you think I'm a boring Know-it-all?" "Don't you pay any attention to that Draco Malfoy! He's such a jerk!" "But Ron said it too. I don't think I will fit in at Gryffendore very well..." "Ron never knows what he is talking about, so don't pay him any attention. Really, he's like my brother, and he is always saying stupid things he doesn't mean." Remus spoke up at this point, "Hermione, you hve a thirst for knowledge, and that's is a great thing. I am glad of it, as you have already offered to help me with my studies Don't let people hold you back because they are jealous." Hermione gave remus a huge hug. "Thank you so much! That is such a sweet thing to say. The three of us will be great friends, i know it." At this point, Hermiones remembered that she had left her quill and parchment at the table at lunch and felt ashamed of herself. There wasn't time to go back, but she wanted to be prepared on the first day. To not be would make a bad impression. "Karen, I've forgotten my parchment and quill, do you have an extra?"[/color]

[color=green]I hate to spew the same thing again... but art is very difficult to define, if it can be at all. I don't cosider "Chair" to be art at all. Especially since the artist "found" it. Art should make a person emote something. It should strike you and make you feel. The feelings could be, "Oh, that's pretty" or something much. much deeper. Art should also come from a place of feeling. These are my humble opinions remember. I don't think that "Chair" came from feelings of the artist, though it may have evoked some long lost memory of his grandpa. Does that make it art? I don't really think so. [/color]

[color=green]Hermione was so taken aback by Liz's greeting, she was silent for a few minutes. She then started to talk to Liz, and discovered that she had found a kindred spirit. They had read many of the same books and learned many of the same spells. Soon, the 2 of them were laughing like they'd known each other all their lives. They were completely involved in their conversation and forgot about the others at the table who were staring at them like they both had 2 heads. Hermione hadn't had much to eat when the notice to get back to class was sounded. It actually startled her. "I hope to see you again," Hermione said to Liz as she got up. Liz echoed her sentiment. She ran to catch up to Karen and Remus. "So, almost went to Ravenclaw, you think, huh? I'm glad you didn't," Remus said. Karen butted in, "Me too! I mean, really, they may be smart, but who's more fun that us?" All three of them laughed as they walked to class.[/color] OOC:I hope that's a good intro for Hermione and Liz, Artemis!

[color=green]I would never consider online to be a primary station to meet people. I go online most of the time purely for discussion. Once in a great while I find someone who's opinions and thoughts coincide with my own. I enjoy chatting with them, but most of the time that is all. I do have a small group of internet friends, but rarely, if ever, do they take precidence to my tangible friends here at home. It may be easy to talk to someone online, that also means it's easy to lie to someone online. I may be a 65 year old man for what most of you know. It just takes some common sense. Online friendships are fine. You're not judged by your appearrance, but on the level you speak/type. You can also be selective of who you talk to. Sometimes people can spark a friendship that way. Don't be too hasty though. That's how it is in the long run.[/color]

[color=green]Gamaliel sat in the woodman's cottage, planning her approach of the pearly gates. [i]This is a fool's errand[/i] she thought to herself. [i]He wants me to die...Ha! He'd have to deal with me for eternity then.[/i] She took the opportunity to laugh at her own bad joke. She was pacing. She had not been able to stop moving since she was given her new mission. She was really frightened. It was a fairly new concept for her. "I just have to suck it up and go, soon," she said aloud. She armed herself with her knives and bow. She left the hellish quiver in her house, though. Gam walked to a human cathedral. [i]This seems like a sincer start.[/i] Gam entered the building and felt rather nervous, she had never been in a church before. She looked around, rather impressed at the design and beauty of the building. She didn't know what came next. She just kind of stared until she hear a voice behind her. "Is there anything I can do for you?" She turned to face a man she could only assume was some kind of clergyman. "I wish to serve God." It was the only response that she could think of. The man smiled at her. "Dear child, that is admirable. In what capacity do you wish to serve Him?" "Father," she hoped this was the right title for him, "I am a sinner, and am not worthy to serve Him." She said it with such sincerity, she almost believed herself. She just hoped that he wouldn't ask her to confess her sins. "Child, that is a large step in the right direction, just admitting so. Do you pray, ask for redemption?" "Never before, Father. I have never had any thoughs of such a thing until recently." "Pray with me, then." Gam followed the the clergyman to a pew and knelt beside him. She could not help but envy the simplicity of this man life, all he needs, he believes his God will provide him. She watched as he bowed his head and folded his hands and did as he did. "Lord, help show this lonely child the way to you. She has made the first step and looks to You help to her find her way to You." She listened to him as he prayed for her. She wondered where inside himself he found the capacity to care for others like that. She had never felt such a thing. When he was finished, they rose. "Thank you, Father. I am feeling much better now. I will be back to see you." "I shall look forward to it." The man showed her to the door and watched as she flew away into the sky. She was heading for the Gates. When she arrived, she was met with emnity form the guards. She surrendered to crossbow and arrows without promting. The angels were rather confused by this. "I am Gamaliel. I am sure by now you know of me. I am a messenger from Lucifer. I carry a message for God. I have surrendered my weapons, and I request an audience with God." [i][b]She shall be permitted.[/b][/i] A voice rang out in the air. Gam was led to the throne room. She was not left alone, which was to be expected. "God, I am sent with a message for you from Lucifer. We have taken Tilion, an Angel in Your service. He is now a captive of hell. There are also the bodies of other angels now stuck in Hell, having been killed there. I am here to notify you of them and see what kind of deal you may wish to strike for them." Gam knew this was not the mission, and she would probably burn for it, but what else could she do?[/color]

[color=green]Remus muttered on behind Hermione, but she was intent to not lose site of the nurse. The soon came to a large statue of a griffon at the end of a long hallway. The statue started to spin and rise above the flor and a staircase appearred. They were led up the stairs and introduced by the nurse. She then promptly left. "Hello, Miss Granger. What has happened to you?" "Well, Professor Dumbldor, Sir... I received a letter this morning. When I opened it after class, there was a black parchment inside and it burst into flames when I removed it from the envelope. It startled me and burned my hands, so Remus walked me to the nurse and she brought us here." "Do you have any idea where the letter came from?" "No, sir. I don't. I was hoping, when she said we were coming here, you may be able to tell me something about it." "Miss Granger, that letter may ha ve been a simple prank. It also could be something much darker, more sinister. As a first year, I don't expect you to have made anyone unhappy or angry, but any thoughts you have would be helpful." She looked at Remus. "I only just arrived yesterday, sir. I barely know anyone, even in my own house. I hate to point fingers unfoudedly..." "An admirable trait. I advise you to only open mail that you know the origins of, and any new mystery mail, present to Professor McGonagle." "Yes, sir. May we go back to class?" "Of course. You're expected soon." Hermione and Remus left the office and Remus looked at her with worry. "He didn't know what it was about. What are you going to do?" "He may know more than he thinks we need to. As for me, I plan to do exactly as he says, only open mail I recognize. Come on, we're late." The two of them quickened their pace and arrived at their second class just in time to hear the homework assignment. The two of them were practically mauled by their new friends. Questions of, "Where were you?" and, "What happened?" rang out from all sides. Hermione relayed the whole story yet again on the way to the next class. Harry and even Ron, the red haired boy seemed very concerned. From behind her someon said, "You probably deserved it, Know-it-all muggle." TThe Gryffindors turned around to see Draco Malfoy and a group of Slytherins standing there. [/color]

[color=green]When I was a sophomore in high school, some Surge! representatives came to our Homecoming pep rally and handed out free cans of the stuff and T-shirts. I always thought it was very similar to Mountain Dew and I am not a huge fan of either. The only reason I remeber the soda is because we got it for free, and free is always good.[/color]

[color=green]Gam returned to the palace at the command of Lucifer. The plan was concisely relayed to her. "It may work, my Lord. It is a good plan. I just have one worry. Nymphanie must assume it was my arrows that fell their heroes. She will be in motion to guard against me. Also, Angels can read your soul, and they will know I am not to be trusted at that point. I shall try though, Lord, if it is your wish." "It is my wish, Gam. If you fail, they will kill you, and just as well for me." "My Lord, why have I fallen into such disfavor? How have I failed you that deeply?" "Gamaliel! You were to gather me information and bring me a young half-dragon general. Your information was sketchy, at best,and now, your cover is blown, the half-dragon's faith is stronger than ever, our strong ally is defeated and the Angel of Chaos has returned to Splendor! The Pride of God is now our best weapon, the pride of God and his willingness to forgive. No go from here, and if you cannot succeed in this mission, you may as well throw yourself upon the blade of Artemus, and save me the trouble of killing you myself." [i]Well, if he's trying to help my repentance performance be realistic, it may work. He's never been so angry at me before, or treated me so harshly. Shall I ever win his favor back, or shall I follow Nymphanie? Join the ranks of our enemy... Stop it, Gam. You will make it into Heaven, and from there, you shall win the war! But for which side?[/i][/color]

OOC: EEP, Artemis! I can share the boys, but I'll only do it grudgingly. :) [color=green] IC: Remus and Hermione helped each other off the ground. "Will you walk with me to the infirmory? I would like to get something for my burns. I don't want to be late, but my fingers sting." "Well, Hermione Granger, I would be happy to." She smiled at him and they walked together, neither one really sure of the way. "Remus, you're so quiet all the time. Are you nervous to be here? Not that there's anything wrong with that, I was just wondering." "Well, when I got on the train to come here, I didn't have any friends, except my owl. She's a wonderful bird, and kept me from being lonely much of the time. I wasn't sure I was going to make any friends. As for being quiet, I don't want to needlessly talk. I don't say much unless I need to." At this point, they reached their destination. The nurse put some nasty smelling gel on Hermione's hand and the burns immediatley went away. "How did you get these burns in Transfiguration, Miss Granger?" "Well, ma'am, I didn't get them in class. I received a letter by owl this morning. When I opened it up, there was a black parchment inside. It burst into flames in my hands." "Hmm, I think the two of you should come with me. i'll write you a pass for your classes. I think you should tell Professor Dumbledore about your letter." [/color]

[color=green] It actually took a few episodes of Trigun to get me hooked. At first, I found Vash rather silly and annoying. I still, to this day do not like Meryl's character. I found that the messages in the show were also a little too black and white, good and evil for my tastes. There is no grey area for Vash. Enter Nicholas D Wolfwood, and there is now plenty of grey. Wolfwood saved the show for me. His dry wit and seriousness set his off from the rest of the silly and over-reactionary characters in the show. The friendship he struck up with Vash was very well suited, since they set each other off very well. Wolfwood has the kind of maliable morality that give realism to his character, while vash whitewashes everything to suit his personal vow of never killing.[/color]

[color=green] Just as Gam and Legnakrad were about to reach the castle, they heard a loud ruckus. They ran to the other side of some rocks and saw a full-on battle in progress. They arrived just in time to help dispatch some angels and see Tilion captured. Gam turned to face Legnakrad. "Well, more good news!" They were now part of a large group heading for the castle. Upon Entering Lucifer already knew of Gam's exploits. "Good work, Child, thought it would have been better if you had killed Artemus. He shall heal, you know. Then you will have to dispatch him, if you get another chance." After this Tilion was presented before him. "A good catch. He will be useful. Were all the others killed? I find the thought of Angels eternally resting here supremely amusing." He smirked to himself. "There is much to be done, and He will need to be contacted about his fallen soldier here." Lucifer pointed to Tilion at this point, "You will tell me things. Things I need to know about what is going on in Heaven." At this point Tilion was dragged away. Legnakrad stood before Lucifer, knowing that he must know the secret to bringing down Heaven, but thoughts of Nymphanie came to mind instead. Gam was leaving when Legnakrad turned from Lucifer to ask about Nymphanie. "You know as well as I, Legnakrad, she has betrayed us. She must pay, not only with her life, but watching me take the life of her new love." Gam then turned to leave. [/color]

[color=green]After hermione had answered the question above and beyond the call of duty she received a few dirty looks from other students, but Harry grinned at her as the Professor announced 5 points to Gryffindor. She felt only slightly embarrassed that she had been so eager. She got over it very quickly though. [i]I have worked very hard, and I must prove that even though my parents are muggles, I do deserve to be here. I am surprised, however that Harry didn't know that. Isn't he supposed to be really great?[/i] Hermione finally returned his smile and then looked to Remus. "if you need help with your studies, I'd do that. You look like you may need a good friend anyway." She gave him a wide smile, thn returned her focus to the class work. After class on the way out Ron sneered at her and called her a know-it-all. Karen broke in at that point, "Be nice, Ron. Just because she works harder than you do!" Hermione smiled at Karen while trying desperately to hide her contampt for Ron. At this point, she remembered her letter and went off by herself to read it. Just as she were about to open it, Remus appearred behind her. "Thank you for offering to be my friend. I'm Remus, what's your name? I missed it on the train. Everyone else seems nice, but you're the first to offer to be my friend." "I'm Hermione Granger, and it's nice to actually meet you, Remus. As I said before, if you need any help with your studies, I will be happy to do so. Right now, though, maay I be alone to read my letter?" "Oh, of course, I'm sorry to have bothered you." They both smiled at each other on their parting. Hermione wondered who her letter was from. Her parents wouldn't send something by owl...She opened the envelop. Inside was a piece of black parchment that didn't appear to say anything. When she took it out of the envelope, it burst into flames. Her screams caught the attention of her new classmates.[/color]

OOC: Sorry, I've been away. [color=green]Hermione walked to transfiguration with the others from the table. They all seemed really nice except the red haired boy. She had not had a chance to open her letter that she had received at the breakfast table. Her curiousity was piqued, but she was so excited about classes that she decided it would wait for lunch. As they reached the classroom, she was somewhat happy to see the quiet boy, Remus, sit next to her. It kept the red head away. Hermione kind of liked this Remus boy, though he did seem a little insecure. She thought that he seemed very nice, but lonely. She turned as he started to ask her questions about class. She was elated to think that someone might be as excited about classes as she. As she was about to answer his question, the teacher began to speak, and she immediately turned around. As she whipped her head around to the front, she caught sight of Malfoy staring a hole in their direction. She wondered what is was that made him look so angry all the time. [i]He doesn't seem very nice at all. He's got those yes-man cronies as well... I think I shall try and stay away from him.[/i] At this point the teacher had turned herself into a cat and there was a murmur amongst the students. Hermione became sure then that she is going to love Hogwarts.[/color]

[color=green]Gam Revelled in the slight victory she could claim for herself. She had put the Angel of Chaos out of commission, at least for a short while. She may even have claimed his immortallity. She smiled to hersele. Even Lucifer would have to be happy with that. She made way to the Palace. As she walked, she greased her bow string. A rustle to her side made her stop. It was Legnakrad. "I saw her at the bettle.... She was with that [i]Angel[/i]" Legnakrad Spat the word. "She has abandoned us, Gam." "All the reason you should tell Lucifer how to overthrow Heaven, Legnakrad. We are in dire need, and your secret may be our only hope. They have defeated the Dragon." "You are here, even with the failure of your mission?" "My mission has not failed, Legnakrad. I gathered the information I was told to, and I have put Artemus temporarily out of commission, along with Delnorath. His faith is strengthened and there is no chance of turning him now." The two of them continued together to the palace, both with news they hope would turn the tide of the battle in their direction.[/color]

[color=green]Hermione awoke early and excited. The first day of classes! She hadn't gotten to know many people besides the inept boy who lost his toad on the train. His name was Nevil. He was a nice boy though. She couldn't believe that she had actually met [i]Harry Potter[/i]. That had been the highlight of the train ride. She wanted to come across his patha gain, but that red headed boy had been rude to her. She dressed and headed to the dining hall. She spotted Karen, the girl who had been with Harry yesterday and asked if she could sit with her. There was another girl there too. The formal introductions commenced and Hermione sat. "So, are you really excited about classes?" Hermione asked the other girls. "Are you kidding? School is nothing to be excited about. I am nervous though." Karen replied. As she did they three girls were joined by Harry and Ron.[/color]

OOC: edited for bad spelling and punctuation, sorry guys. [color=green]Gam returned to the battle field in time to be thrown back back in the tulmult created by the detruction of the dragon, Lucifer's ally. She knew at this point she must find some way to bring Delnoreth over or she was doomed. There were no other warriors in sight when she saw Artemus fall to the ground. She knew him to be alive, though gravely injured. To her delight, Delnoreth arrived at Artemus' side. She too out her crossbow and armed it with a black arrow, tipped in poison from her endless quiver. Only a faint smile appearred as the arrow sank itself into Artemus' left wing. Before Delnoreth could rise to defend himself, an arrow found it's way into his right shoulder. [i]No kill shots today, the poison is slow acting, though vicious in it's pain. Artemus will not be able to fly, and that will only get worse. Lucifer may have need for them later, whether they know it or not. Nymphanie would have to wait... things would not all come together at once. Besides, Legnakrad still has a secret to reveal.[/i] Gam disaapearred into the hellmouth she had recently risen from. [/color]

[color=green]The first years were all loaded into boats and set to row across the moat. The sky was dark and everything was rather spooky. Hermione sat in quiet anticipation. She was terribly excited. When the boats finally reached the other side, Hermione practically leapt off the boat. She saw some familiar faces from the train...the red headed boy caught her eye first. How can you miss hair like that, then she saw his companions, which included Harry Potter. She was suddenly filled with a competetiveness that she quickly quelled. [i]Friends, Hermione...you want to make them your friends.[/i] The First year students were shuffled into a room where a stately elderly woman explained to them that they were to be sorted into their houses. A murmer went through the crowd of students. Hermione suddenly took notice of a blond boy sneering in the direction of Harry. He looked angry, and had high-dollar robes. She wondered wo he was.[/color]

[color=green]Gamaliel could not listen to Nymphanie. "You have betrayed your own kind, Nymphanie. How could you? Just as we were to have an edge as well!" With that Gam took flight through the fissure. [i]I must make it to the palace. Lucifer must hear of this.[/i] [b][i]Gamaliel, what are you doing here? There is a battle to fight in![/b][/i] "Sire, Nymphanie has turned against you and Artemis has been allowed back into Heaven. He now leads the Choir of Angels into battle against the Dragon-Spirit. There are 3000 Half dragons on the side of God at only hours notice. The tide may have turned against us at this juncture. We must restrategize!" [b][i]This is grave news indeed. Come to the palace at once![/b][/i] Gam made way quickly to the palace. She arrived in the throne room in moments. "This disappoints me, Gamaliel...You have not succeeded in your mission." "Sire, what mission was that? I have told you the numbers of the half-dragons loyal to God. Was there another that I was not made aware of?" "You were to turn Delnoreth. You failed..." "Sire, I have not yet failed." "God has returned to him! His faith restored! How have you not failed?! We now have not one, but three dangerous enemies! You have FAILED! Go, fix things, now...or it will mean no good for you." Gam slinked out of the throne room. She didn't know what had gone wrong...She had gathered the information, but evidentally her mission had been more than that. She must return to Delnorath before Nymphanie could tell him who she is. As she took flight from the castle, she was already scheming ways to kill Nymphanie.[/color]

OOC: Sorry I'm late! [color=green] Hermione was still helping Nevil look for his frog, but was having no luck. She had tried every compartment at least once. [i]I might as well try that one again.[/i] Just as she was about to knock, she saw the frog in a boy's lap. "So, you haven't seen it, hm...?" "I've only just found it. We were going to come and find you." Hermione blushed, "Oh, well, thank you then." She took the frog, and as she was turning she caught a glimpse of a scar on one of the boy's foreheads. "You're Harry Potter, aren't you?! I've read about you. I'm Hermione Granger." She held out her hand. Harry shook it. Everyone else obligingly introduced themselves, except Remus. "Who are you, then?" "I'm Remus." "Oh, well, hello Remus." The general small talk carried on until Nevil showed up to see if she had found his frog. More introductions were made, but Remus seemed rather uncomfortable. Eventually Nevil and Hermione found their ways back to their own seats.[/color]

[color=green]Name:Hermione Granger Appearence: Curly brown hair, short House: Gryffindor Friends: Ron, Elizabeth Jones Small Bio: The Daughter of muggles, Hermione works extra hard to prove herself at Hogwarts. A loner who enjoys to read, Hermione has a bit of a hard time making friends[/color]