Rachmaninoff

[center][IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/alexanderedward-chronicle.jpg[/IMG][/center] [INDENT][SIZE="1"]So where are you being stationed little brother? [INDENT]Knock it off Thomas! [/INDENT] Stop being so slow! Read it out loud already! [INDENT]Stop being so impatient! I?m still reading? Oh?[/INDENT] What do you mean oh? [INDENT]Hey! Give that back![/INDENT] Wait High Czenoble? You?ve been assigned to work in High Czenoble? That?s great little brother! Congratulations! [/SIZE][/INDENT] ?[B]Tell me again why we?re dragging this fool back to High Czenoble?[/B]? A feeling of movement, a sense of darkness, and yet nothing seemed to be real, feeling more like a dream than anything else, but if it wasn?t a dream? who was talking?[I] I have to be dreaming? right?[/I] Alexander wasn?t sure and for some reason he couldn?t seem to focus enough to determine what was going on. It was like being in a dark haze, one that had him feeling disconnected from everything going on around him. ?[B]Because Thomas told us to, that?s why.[/B]? A sound of something being hit? or was it [I]someone[/I] being hit as it was followed with a grunt of surprise. ?[B]Stop asking stupid questions.[/B]? ?[B]It?s not stupid![/B]? The first voice complained. ?[B]Even if the [I]Vigilant[/I] was defeated we?re still going to need to help with organizing the forces that are gathering in Brigit Town and the other cities.[/B]? A sigh. ?[B]Which is why we?re doing this you dimwit, they don?t need us to help with that. Leave the thinking up to Thomas.[/B]? ?[B]Don?t insult me. I?m not as stupid as you think I am.[/B]? The first voice was becoming louder as the feeling of being in motion intensified for Alexander. [I]The Vigilant was defeated?[/I] ?[B]I know who this idiot is married to. What I want to know is why the hell we?re just letting him go.[/B]? ?[B]Your still stupid?[/B]? The sound of someone being smacked again seemed to echo oddly, making Alexander struggle to try to get out of the strange dream he seemed to be in. [I]What kind of dream is this? [/I]There was something urgent, something more important that he needed to be doing? but he couldn?t remember what it was. ?[B]Who took care of Annie?s kid?[/B]? ?[B]What...? Oh! I didn?t realize?[/B]? ?[B]Whatever moron, now hurry up before he finishes waking up. I don?t want to hit him again if I don?t need to.[/B]? Something was pounding dully, something that was becoming more intense, more painful with each passing moment. A feeling of nausea came over Alexander, as if he was going to throw up his breakfast?[I] breakfast? [/I]The voices fell silent and the feeling of motion intensified even more as brilliant white light filled his eyes. Causing him to try to close his eyes even more. He tried to talk but nothing more than a unintelligible grunt came out. ?[B]This will do.[/B]? The sense of motion came to a jarring halt when Alexander felt himself being dumped onto the pavement? [I]what?[/I] He could hear the sound of footsteps heading away and then nothing? No wait, he could hear carriages? [I]carriages? Where am I?[/I] It took awhile for him to wake up enough to realize that he was in some back street. His head was pounding painfully and when he tried to get up, he lost what was left of his breakfast to the ground instead. [I]What is going on? [/I] With a grimace of pain he moved on his hands and knees until he was able to sit with his back against the building, closing his eyes as waves of dizziness nearly caused him to pass out again. [I]Where the hell am I? Why can?t I remember what I was doing? [/I]He reached up to where his head was pounding only to pull away when touching the back of his head hurt. Once again he heard the sound of footsteps, he turned his head slightly only to be confused by what he saw, the top of what could only be the Royal Police Guard building where he worked in the distance. [I]I?m in High Czenoble?[/I] But? that wasn?t right, was it? But it had to be as the footsteps got louder and a moment later, coming around the corner were members of the guard like himself. But when they tried to ask him how he had gotten hurt, or what patrol he was assigned to as they started making arrangements to take him to get treated, for the life of him he couldn?t remember.

Utah doesn't really have regional food but we do have a few quirks, one being Fry Sauce. It's a mixture of ketchup and mayonnaise that is served with fries. The other is Jell-O, they even went to the fuss of declaring it the state's official snack food. For the most part though, it's just plain food around here.

Well, this makes for an interesting read. I'm not quite sure where you are going with it but still interesting. It's clear that there's probably more to it, but I found these two aspects kind of fun in an almost dreamlike way:[quote name='indifference;805136][COLOR="Indigo"][SIZE="1"]The moment was interrupted as if I could see what was going on behind me, a cigarette butt being casually tossed aside, sailing through the air on a downward arch towards? the pavement glistening in the sun from the spilled gasoline, a realization that other than perhaps the small boy, I could do nothing to get away in time.[/SIZE][/COLOR][/QUOTE]That part had a very surreal feel to it, the aspect of somehow seeing behind yourself. Just as this part does, flames with no heat.[quote name='indifference'][COLOR="Indigo"][SIZE="1"]As if in slow motion, everyone was knocked off of their feet as the tanker went up in a ball of flame, flames that had no heat.[/SIZE'][/COLOR][/quote]Anyway, I'm curious as to where this is going, if there is more to it that is. Regardless, I enjoyed reading it. Oh and it goes without saying, if there is more... post it. :p

Darren didn’t really know what to expect when someone finally came to retrieve him from the cell he had been transferred to not to long ago. The only thing he was certain of was that it was not likely to be pleasant. Just as he had a feeling that he would be expected to cooperate, whether he wanted to or not. Not that he had any love for the High Council, but at the same time he had no interest in doing what the New Alliance wanted either. After all it was partially the Resistance’s fault he was required to work for the High Council in the first place. His thoughts scattered as the door to his cell finally opened to admit a security team of four, two of them immediately coming his way, a set of binders in their hands. He offered no resistance when they forced his arms behind him and bound them fast before ushering him out of the room and down a long narrow corridor. The flat gray metal walls telling him he was probably planet side since most ships were more open. Though he had no real experience with the prison transport ships that were used when dealing with criminals so he could be mistaken. It took them very little time to reach their intended destination and upon entering through the large door that opened automatically, it was with a shock that he realized it was an interrogation chamber. Of the type that the New Alliance claimed that they would do away with, one meant for torture. Darren tried to clamp down on the rising feeling of fear that ran through him as they took him over and forced him to sit in the chair meant for interrogation. Hoping it was nothing more than a scare tactic since they had not bothered to unbind him and strap him in. There was a tall, slender Versilan with long silver blonde hair sitting on the control panel for operating the powerful disruptors used to cause pain. Darren tried to take a small measure of comfort in the obvious fact that the equipment was not running, but as his eyes met with those of the unknown man, he got the feeling that he would not hesitate to do what was needed. The only jarring thing was that for some odd reason, he looked familiar, but he couldn’t think of when or where he would have seen him. “[B]Darren Anderson,[/B]” he spoke up when it because apparent that Darren would not. “[B]I’m sure I don’t have to explain how this will work. Or what it is that we expect of you.[/B]” He waited as if giving Darren a chance to speak and then continued, “[B]I will be frank, we expect you to sort the data for us, just like you were going to do for Stevens.[/B]” The man leaned forward a bit, his expression serious. “[B]As much as I would prefer to avoid using the drastic method of torture, I can and will follow through with it if you refuse to cooperate.[/B]” Darren didn’t doubt it and at the same time he didn’t know what to do about it. “[B]What did you do with Mike?[/B]” He finally asked. “[B]Did Kiva kill him like she did the others?[/B]” He wasn’t sure why he even asked since he wasn’t expecting an answer. “[B]And does that matter? You’ll still be required to do as we ask, whether I answer you or not.[/B]” “[B]Of course it matters, if he’s still alive, this has nothing to do with him. If you’re thinking he knows the shipping protocols, then you’re mistaken. Mike did not help me write them. Torturing him will get you nothing.[/B]” The man just looked at his hand held computer as if checking something and then he looked back at Darren. “[B]Putting that minor detail aside, the real question here is whether or not you will sort the data and piece it back together so we can see what was sent.[/B]” “[B]Why? Why should I help you? Or anyone working for the New Alliance for that matter?[/B]” Darren knew it was the wrong answer by the flat look in the eyes of the Versilan facing him, but part of him was still furious over what had happened when his clearance had been hacked by the Resistance. At how that incident had led to him eventually being forced to work for the High Council. The man finally sighed as if he had expected nothing else from Darren. “[B]You certainly have cause to dislike the New Alliance, especially after all that has happened to you.[/B]” He stood up. “[B]It still doesn’t matter though.[/B]” He motioned to the security who hauled Darren to his feet. “[B]You have one day to make up your mind. Either you help us of your own free will or I use whatever methods are necessary to ensure that cooperation.[/B]” His eyes turned a bit cold. “[B]Don’t make me break you Darren. Don’t let the petty grievances over what happened in the past cloud your judgment. Don’t make me give you a real reason to hate the New Alliance.[/B]” Darren had no answer for that and it seemed that he was not expecting one since the Versilan merely motioned to the security who took him back to his cell, removing the bindings once the door was open and merely shoving him back inside. Once the door was closed Darren sat down on the bed and leaned back until he was touching the wall. [I]Now what do I do? [/I] He had no illusions as to his ability to withstand any form of torture. Even if he was the Shipping Expert, he was still a civilian in the sense that he had no military training. And he was certain that if even if Stevens and the others knew where he was, it was highly unlikely they would attempt to rescue him. He knew how that worked, he wasn't [I]that[/I] naive. They'd simply silence him given the chance to keep the New Alliance from getting their hands on the information. Darren sighed, it should have been simple, cooperate and avoid being tortured or not cooperate and get tortured and eventually be forced to cooperate in the end anyway. [I]If only my clearance hadn't been hacked... [/I]but that was a useless thought and he thrust it aside. It wasn't like he'd ever get to clobber the one responsible or rather the one believed to be responsible for doing it. The chances of him ever meeting William, the head of the Resistance was non-existent. With a sigh he went back to trying to decide what to do, before they came for him again.

[B]Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata[/B], the third movement. [URL="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqSulR9Fymg"][U]Click![/U][/URL] What makes this recording fun is the pianist, Wilhelm Kempff. He may not be around anymore, but he was a fantastic concert pianist.

As you all know, it will be valentines day in a week. I know this was brought up last year but hey, each year is different right? After all, last year I wasn?t dating so that?s put a different spin on it already for me since I know I?ll be doing something with my girlfriend. Anyway? Basically, what do you do, if anything, for this day of the year? Even if I don?t have a girlfriend I always get some flowers for my mom or any girls who are good friends. It?s just the nice thing to do in my opinion. I can?t imagine not giving my mom something since not only is she a sweetheart, but it just seems to be a fitting way to remind her of how much I love her. I?ve noticed that it?s a toss up among my friends as to whether they like the day or hate it. I?ve always liked it but then that?s just me. It probably helps that I?ve never had any negative experiences, even when I was single on that day. Though I?ll admit that having someone to spend it with makes it more fun, or at the very least seem more fun. So, what?s your take? Or rather, what will you do?

Just to give this thread a bit of a jump... there's an interesting site online where you can put in the name of a composer you're interested in listening to and it will not only pull up pieces by the composer in question but by others that have a similar sound. I blame this on Allamorph by the way since I believe he's the one who mentioned it, but if you're wanting to check out some classical music and yet aren't sure what... it's a good place to get some random exposure. I'm not sure if I agree with what they consider similar to another composer, but still it's a fun site. [URL="http://www.pandora.com/"][U]Pandora[/U][/URL]

[quote name='Goodbye, Face'][font=arial][size=1]Uhhh. All of them. If they weren't worth listening to 20 times then I don't know why I'd buy/download it in the first place.[/font][/size][/QUOTE]Exactly, unless it's music for school or teaching, if I don't like something enough to listen to it more than a few times, I don't bother to get it. XP And instead of getting into an absurdly long list... it's easier to say that recently, music where I've listened to the cd more than twenty times, would be stuff by Bach and Rachmaninoff. I certainly have enough of their works to cycle through, in face I'm currently listening to one of the piano concertos by Rachmaninoff. I'm quite certain I've heard those more than a mere twenty times.

[quote name='Allamorph'][FONT=Arial][B]Post-edit:[/B] It looks like we're going to be playing Shinigami Tag for the next several posts. :p [COLOR="DarkRed"]Rach[/COLOR], we'll probably need to talk soon about timing; if Alex goes looking for Nathan, he might end up finding something he's not expecting at all.[/FONT][/QUOTE]Well that's not going to happen for at least a day in the human world. Alex intends to wait until he's fully healed before he goes to talk to Nathan. And since he'll check in for work, if they have an immediate assignment for him, it might even be longer than that. Though not by much, say another half a day at most.

[quote name='ZeitGeist']And if Mitt Romney declared a love for classical music? Because he looks like the guy who sells those box sets from Time Life.[/QUOTE]Even if he turned out to be one of the greatest contemporary classical composers of this time, I would still [I]not[/I] vote for him. :p The guy's an outright liar or rather he has no trouble contradicting the basic foundation or principles of the religion he is a member of. And yet since many members of the Mormon church do what's known as discussing things a mile wide but only an inch deep. They don't catch those contradictions whenever the topic is brought up. I haven't been a member for just over six years so I don't care about that, what I do care about is the lying just so he'll look more like a viable choice to people who are not Mormon. You either follow your religion or you don't. And yes I know that all of them probably do that, I still find it a bit disgusting. And since further explanations would get off on a religious tangent, I'll leave it at that.

Alex sort of left once Lucia had as well, but not all that far really, finding a spot on the roof of the next building over to take a seat with Nall calmly sitting on his left shoulder like always. He was feeling uncertain as to what he should do next, more than a desire to keep an eye on Adrian. It wasn't that he didn't want to, it was more that he didn't want to incur his irritation. Adrian was civil most of the time, but when he was annoyed, his comments were sharp and cutting and Alex had not forgotten the last time he had used that disdain of his on him. He didn't understand why Adrian seemed to hold everything and everyone other than perhaps Astera in such contempt, though he imagined he had his reasons. He'd stay for a little while and then he knew he would head for his own place. Alex and Nall were free to do as they pleased for just a little bit. He had already shot off a brief message and an estimate of how long it would take for his spiritual energy to repair the damage the Count had done. The short reply had been nothing more than a fine, contact us when you are ready. By his estimates that would take about a day in the human world. I wonder how long it will take for Adrian to heal? "Are you planning on staying here for a while Alex?" "Sort of. If Adrian wasn't..." He paused as he was at a loss for words to describe what he wanted to say. Since he couldn't think of a polite way to put it. "Don't worry about it, Lucia is right. Astera can call us if there is a need and if he keeps waking up to realize that someone is hovering over him, it will only annoy him. Besides, it's not like we can't check the area a couple of times a day. Even once we start working again since I imagine he'll be laid up for a while." Alex was puzzled, how would Nall know how long it would take Adrian to recover? "How would you know that Nall?" Nall snorted with surprise. "Honestly Alex, this is why you need more training instead of running around with your head in the clouds." "There's no need to be rude Nall." "Alex, you were cursed, stripped of the protection that comes from being a Shinigami. On top of that, all of you had battled extensively before you even got to the Count. Between the curse, the strain of what he did to move so quickly, and then recklessly pouring nearly every ounce of spiritual energy he had into the flames of purification directed at the Count on top of that... He's lucky he didn't kill himself in the process." Alex's didn't know what to say to that, after all, he hadn't helped the situation by getting hurt, putting the others in the position of needing to defend him. Otherwise, the Count would have killed him, of that he had no doubt whatsoever. He hadn't even known that one could move that quickly. And though he was sure Nathan had not intended it, after the Count pulling that move on him... having him do something similar had scared the hell out of him, even if only for a moment. Alex finally sighed. "I need to learn more, if other vampires can move quickly like the Count, Nathan and Adrian, if I run into them again, I won't stand a chance. But Adrian said no, do you think Nathan would be willing to tell me?" "You'll have to ask him to find out." Nall said as Alex finally got up to leave and go to his own place. Alex just sighed as he took to the air and made his way to his own place in the city. Once he healed up, then he'd look into talking to Nathan.

[CENTER][IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/alexanderedward-chronicle.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] Alexander had not planned on going to New Czenoble, but when the leads he had for tracking down Aleica's mentor Dr. Victor Rawlings, indicated that he had possibly fled to New Czenoble, it had left him with no choice. And since he had grown up there, unlike many of the Guard, he was well acquainted with the city and would have no trouble finding his way around. The trip, though it had been at an ungodly time in the morning, had been quick enough and he found himself exiting the train with only the first hints of dawn starting to show. Alexander didn't waste any time, heading immediately for the slums of New Czenoble, to where his lead indicated he needed to look. The air in the city as everyone was either heading for work or some other errand was terse as there were still quite a few guards out and about on patrol. It was easy to see who was a guard from New Czenoble and who was one from High Czenoble, since even though the dark uniforms were identical, Alexander's had a light gray trim, giving it a more distinguished look. And though usually that did not matter, today he could clearly feel resentment in the glances being sent his way as he hurried down the streets. The further he went, the more he began to wonder what was going on to have everyone on edge, since even the increase in guard wouldn't cause that, or would it? Alexander paused briefly to get one of the hot little bread pockets stuffed with sausage and egg that were often sold early in the morning and then leisurely eat it as he traveled down the few remaining streets before his destination. He had barely finished with the meal when a large rumbling sound caught his attention, causing him to look up to the sky, wondering what in the world he was hearing since the close nature of the buildings he was currently traveling through made it hard to get a clear view. A moment later he had his answer as of all things, an RPG Gunship was flying over head, in the direction of the Shot Tower, something that in his position, Alexander couldn't really see. Confused, he, along with many of the other citizens, watched as it passed by. He only waited long enough to see the emblem for the coat of arms for the Royal Police Guard with the word [I]Vigilant[/I] in bold letters right above. Even though Alexander couldn't really see all of it he already knew what a gunship looked like. RPG Gunships were massive air ships, much like a Zeppelin only instead of decks for passengers, it was fitted with automatic gun turrets, powered by a combination of magi technology and the steam engines that powered the ship. The massive engines putting out smoke that even from his view Alexander could clearly see. [I]What in the world?[/I] His assignment temporarily forgotten, Alexander turned and took a short cut through some of the buildings, to get to where he would have a better view of where the ship was going. At that altitude, it would hit the Shot Tower, which made no sense. He was halfway through the alley way when he heard the ship become more quiet as the engines went into hover mode and then the loud speakers as they ordered everyone to to clear the city square. It made no sense to Alexander, that is until he managed to push through those who were starting to gather to watch and get a clear view. The large banner of the Underdogs hanging on the tower and the group gathering in the square made it crystal clear as to why the ship was even there. For the longest moment he just stood there, frozen in shock over what he was seeing. [I]Are they out of their minds? There's no way the Dynasts will overlook that![/I] But the next shock came as he realized that among the people gathered at the base of the tower, holding banners were none other than other Guard members. [I]What are they thinking?! The fools![/I] Not that he didn't sympathize with the idea of better treatment, but that to stand one's ground against a gunship was utter foolishness. But even he could have never predicted what would happen next. He had thought that when the alloted time was up they would start by using water cannons to force the people to disperse. And only the obvious hum of the automatic turrets activating and taking aim told him otherwise. [I]What? But...! Surely they wouldn't!?[/I] A split second later the [I]Vigilant[/I] opened fire, ripping through the first ranks of the members gathered in the square and all hell broke lose as screams erupted and people began to panic and flee. The next thirty minutes was like an eternity spent in hell as members of the Underdogs started firing back at the [I]Vigilant[/I] and others showed up on rooftops to get a better shot at the engines of the massive ship. Alexander barely had time to register that other guard members had dropped what they were doing and joined in the attack against the [I]Vigilant[/I], their shouts of anger making it clear that they were furious over what was clearly an unnecessary display of force. Something that Alexander had to agree with, why had they broken with procedure and used lethal force without using non-lethal methods first? It made no sense! The more pressing matter, even as he found himself cringing at the sounds of the battle, was attempting to avoid getting trampled by the fleeing people as he tried to pull back and find a better vantage point that would keep him clear of the mess. Even if he didn't agree, he couldn't attack the gun ship like some of the others were doing. He was working his way back when an unexpected pair of hands snatched his uniform and he was pulled into a side alley before he could realize what was happening. "[B]You idiot![/B]" A voice roared at him as he was shoved into one of the walls and pinned into place by none other than his brother Thomas. "[B]I told you to stay away![/B]" He let go once Alexander realized who had grabbed him and quit struggling. "[B]You didn't tell me you were involved in something as stupid as this Tom![/B]" Alexander shouted, getting angry. "[B]Are you out of your mind?[/B]" He winced as the sounds of screams and then the unmistakable fire of what could only be a cannon being fired went off. He flinched when the building he was pressed into shuddered from the impact of the shot. Worried that it was coming down he pushed off and moved away from the wall. Thomas just shook his head. "[B]I don't have time for this.[/B]" He turned to one of the others who were with him and whispered something before turning back to Alexander. "[B]Nothing personal little brother, but this is for your own good.[/B]" He gave a meaningful look to one of the others who was standing to the side of Alexander. "[B]What do you...[/B]" Alexander didn't get to finish, all he caught was a hint of movement and then something struck with stunning force and he fell into darkness.

I only have two preferences really, one I'd prefer that the candidate is a Democrat and two I absolutely refuse to vote for Mitt Romney. I'd rather not vote for Hillary since I don't care for her idea of Universal Health care, but if faced between her and Romney, she'd get my vote just to keep him out. I just wish we had better choices since I really don't like any of them to tell the truth.

[quote name='SunfallE'][COLOR="RoyalBlue"][FONT="Lucida Sans Unicode"]I have nothing to say really, because like indifference, I find the topic boring. Not that it isn't fascinating, but rather because I can't seem to manage to find someone to talk with on it who doesn't take offense when I don't agree with how they see it. And in the end, the actual topic isn't interesting enough to me to put the energy into debating it in a calm manner. The last time I tried, I got told by one of my more religious relatives that my [I]'lack of faith'[/I] was going to result in my going to hell for even considering evolution. :rolleyes:[/FONT][/COLOR][/QUOTE]Same here really, all the pointless debates and uproar over having evolution even taught in school has turned me of to the topic altogether. And in the end I really don't care, it is fascinating, but like you said it's too easy to run into people who are too narrow minded to accept that you don't agree. Sadly, even my own parents fall prey to this since they are firmly rooted in religious beliefs as far as how man came to be. It's one of those hot topics that my family has simply decided to not discuss to keep us sane. lol

[CENTER][IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/alecialeanna-chronicle.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/alexanderedward-chronicle.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] The Chimera Cup was, as always, quite the event. There were always accidents and ruthlessness among the jockey's and this year was no exception. After the excitement of the first accident and one of Gustave's own flying Chimera's nearly crashing into the Marquee, his remaining airborne contestant had shocked Hugo Black and the Dynasts by winning the Air Cup. Something that all Chimera enthusiasts knew would not go over well. Hugo Black was a sore loser, even more so than the Dynasts were. Which was probably why he had been chosen since Black was known for doing anything to secure a win. It was with great reluctance that the spectators finally tore themselves away from the Chimera Circuit. Heading home to spend the rest of the evening gossiping over the unexpected win by Gustave Achard. After all, for someone other than the Dynasts own jockey to win was practically unheard of. It wouldn't matter that as usual they had secured the Ground Cup, not getting both would be the talk of the city for days to come. And Alexander, as he and Alecia got out of the carriage that had taken them to their home, couldn't forget the barely concealed look of anger on the faces of the Heirs. Like everyone else, Alexander knew all about the politics behind the Chimera Cup. But he had never been close enough to really see it. And though he had found the races fascinating, at the same time he couldn't help but be a little disgusted by the poor sportsman ship on the part of the Dynasts own personal jockey. Alexander put it out of mind as he finished helping Alecia out of the carriage and paid the driver for his time. He had no sooner turned than an unexpected voice addressed him. "[B]There you are, I was beginning to wonder if you were coming home or not![/B]" Alexander turned to see his older brother, Thomas Madison leaning against the front door to their home. He pushed off with a grin and came down the steps to greet both of them. "[B]I swear, you get prettier all the time Alecia.[/B]" He said with a wink after kissing her on the cheek in greeting. "[B]And you never change Tom.[/B]" Alecia said with a laugh. "[B]So what brings you to High Czenoble? Did you attend the Chimera Cup?[/B]" Thomas shrugged. "[B]Sort of, it's kind of a bit too expensive for my tastes. What I really came here for was to talk to Alex. I don't suppose you'd mind if I steal him for a bit? There's a pub where we can get a drink and not bore you to death with guard business.[/B]" Alecia looked to Alexander who shrugged, indicating he had no idea what was going on. "[B]I suppose so, I probably should head over to check on Fauntleroy since I'm sure he went to Rosengard instead of the Eshe Rehema like he was suppose to.[/B]" She smiled and reached up with her right hand, placing it on Alexander's cheek before giving him a light kiss. "[B]Don't be to long alright?[/B]" "[B]I won't.[/B]" He promised as she turned and left to head for Rosengard, as soon as she was out of sight he turned to Thomas. "[B]What could possibly be so important that you couldn't wait for me to come to New Czenoble tomorrow?[/B]" "[B]Nothing really,[/B]" Thomas shrugged again as the two of them headed down the street. "[B]I came to see the Races for a change and found out that for the likes of me, they really are too damn expensive. The price of a seat is absolutely absurd.[/B]" "[B]Not to mention the price of a train ticket.[/B]" Alexander gave him a knowing look. "[B]You've never been interested in the races before, what's going on? Is there something back home I should know about?[/B]" "[B]Easy there![/B]" Thomas laughed. "[B]You don't think I wore my guard uniform for nothing do you? I told them I had business with you so I didn't have to purchase a train ticket.[/B]" Alexander sighed. "[B]Tom, don't pull stunts like that, you'll only get yourself in trouble if you abuse your station as a member of the Guard.[/B]" "[B]Nonsense,[/B]" Thomas waved his hand dismissively as they finally came to the establishment in question, entering the doors and then angling for one of the seats back in a corner where they could talk in private. After taking a moment to order a couple of ale's Thomas's expression became more serious. "[B]I'll get straight to the point brother,[/B]" he paused to smile at the serving girl as she set their drinks on the table and then turned back to Alexander once she had left, picking up his glass and taking a sip. "[B]I came to tell you to steer clear of New Czenoble and getting involved in the Underdogs. It's trouble that you don't need, believe me.[/B]" Alexander choked a bit on his drink, setting it down before he responded. "[B]What are you talking about?[/B]" He looked to see if it was yet another one of Thomas's pranks, but for once he looked utterly serious. [I]How could he even know about that? I haven't told anyone about what Jonathan Grants said![/I] "[B]You can play that way if you wish.[/B]" Thomas leaned forward, lowering his voice even more. "[B]But I know that you've been asked to join the Underdogs. It's my fault really. For commenting on what an honest and decent guy you are. If I had known it would be taken seriously enough for someone to actually approach you, I would have kept my mouth shut.[/B]" Thomas finished off his drink and sighed. "[B]I'm sorry little brother, you have no idea how sorry I am. As much as I support the cause, at the same time, you're too damn honest in my opinion and the last thing I want is to see you caught up in this mess.[/B]" "[B]Are you trying to tell me that...[/B]" Alexander shook his head, how could this be? His own brother was a member as well? At that moment he felt like someone had smacked him upside the head. "[B]Yes. I am.[/B]" Thomas leaned back a bit. "[B]Stay in High Czenoble, steer clear of the Underdogs. Even if you've married into one of the wealthiest families here, some of us are smart enough to see that Alecia is nothing like the others. Kind and compassionate. Unlike that cold hearted bitch Lady Bavaria.[/B]" "[B]Tom.[/B]" Alexander protested, not that he liked Lady Bavaria, but rather that his voice has raised a bit. [I]I had no idea that people disliked her other than some of the Almagests.[/I] "[B]Are you actually trying to defend that whore? You should hear the gossip! Everyone knows that her late husband is barely in the grave and she's already got an eye on becoming the next queen![/B]" He laughed. "[B]She's a gold digging little slut and everyone knows it.[/B]" "[B]That's not it. You need to lower your voice before you attract unwanted attention.[/B]" Alexander said in a pained voice. "[B]Fair enough[/B]." Thomas grinned and then became serious again. "[B]Anyway, I should get going if I want to catch the last train back to New Czenoble.[/B]" He stood up at the same time Alexander did. "[B]Just keep in mind what I said okay? I don't want to see you getting yourself killed.[/B]" Alexander just nodded as his brother turned and left the establishment. And then when he realized that he was just standing there thinking... he left a tip on the table and left to head back to Rosengard to see if Alecia was done checking on Fauntleroy yet.

We've been getting storms and are expected to keep getting them, but other than a few closures, most if not all of the schools are open. It's pretty rare for them to ever close the entire school down on account of snow. Usually it's side complications like having a water line break or something else caused by the cold weather that results in classes being canceled. So I still get to have the fun of heading out into the cold each day. XP I suppose the good news is that the management of the complex I live in gets to handle all the snow shoveling.

[quote name='MistressRoxie'][color=#9933ff]Yeah, I know someone who changed while they were in a relationship. I got pushed to second place by my friend when she had a b/f. I was annoyed at the time, and then realized she wasn't going to change (even after I pointed out her behavior) so I just dealt with it.[/color][/QUOTE]Well I don't know what it's like with your friend... But I am guilty of it as well. Though it's not that my friends aren't important anymore, it's that when you're in a relationship where you get along well and you start to really care about your girlfriend... it kind of becomes natural that you spend time with them that use to be time you always spent with just your friends. I try to counter that by still being a part of the major get together stuff that we do each month though, because in the end, my friends are still important as well. XP I'm not sure if I explained that right or not. I guess I think it's possible to balance the two and I would hope my friends would understand that means less one on one time that in no way means I don't care for them anymore. It helps that most of them really like her though so unless one of them is saying nothing, my understanding is that they're fine with the change. At least I assume they are since they even make a point of not intruding when it's not necessary.

[quote name='indifference'][COLOR="Indigo"]Time to get back on track and make sure that Lady Bavaria is dealt with! I mean seriously people... can you imagine her... as Queen? Perish the thought! We must band together and shove her over the edge of the section she will be in at the Chimera Cup just as a band of Chimera's go racing by... Being trampled to death by Chimera's would be a fitting end for a miserable creature like her! :p Oh and in case you've missed it here... I'm volunteering to have Harrison be the one who [I]'accidentally'[/I] pushes her over the edge![/COLOR][/QUOTE]Alexander volunteers to conveniently be looking the other direction when the commotion happens. Then when asked he can honestly say he didn't see what happened, well other than the part where she screams as she's trampled to death by the Chimeras racing by. :p Anyway, I don't intend to post again until after the next[I] 'drama'[/I] happens since in my opinion it would be more meaningless socializing and I already covered that in my last post, so I see no need to cover it again.

Now as for the Chimera's I have always assumed they were a mixture because of Chimera creation. Some with perhaps scales, some with feathers, some like horses or some like Chocobo's. And each race tailored to fit the type of Chimera being entered so there would be different types depending on the class or nature of the creature.

Kerstin couldn’t get the images of all that had happened in the last while out of her mind, from her initial run in with the local authorities, to the more prominent take over of sector eight by the Imperial Fleet. It was one thing to read about war and yet another to actually see it right before your own eyes. It seemed like no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t get the image of the transport system collapsing into the city below, crushing the buildings that were underneath, out of her mind. Even if she couldn’t see the people, just realizing that they had to have been there was still enough to make her feel sick inside. It made attempting to focus on her assignment from Stevens next to impossible. After all, she was suppose to recreate portraits of the people who had been in those meetings. But all she could concentrate on was wishing Darren hadn’t been sent elsewhere, wishing he was around to talk to. Somehow, she knew he would understand why it bothered her so much. [I]I wonder what Stevens sent him to do… [/I] Her thoughts scattered as a chime indicated someone was at the door to her quarters on the [I]Conqueror[/I]. Kerstin was surprised when she voiced the command to open the doors and it turned out to be Jared. She hadn’t really talked to or seen him since the whole mess started and knowing that he had led the invasion didn’t help. It may have been his duty as an officer but she had a hard time accepting it. “[B]What did you need Jared?[/B]” She didn’t bother to get up from her position on the sofa, keeping her feet tucked up under her. She kept looking out towards the view of space, even when he sat down next to her. “[B]Let me guess, you want to know how I’m coming along with the sketches right?[/B]” She finally turned to look at him, surprised that he seemed a bit uncomfortable. Kerstin frowned. “[B]I sent a message to Stevens, I know he needs them as soon as possible, it’s just a little hard to concentrate at the moment.[/B]” “[B]That’s not why I’m here.[/B]” “[B]Then why are you?[/B]” “[B]It has to do with Darren…[/B]” Once again Jared looked uncomfortable and Kerstin felt her heart sink. Her throat constricted painfully and she found herself unable to say a word. Jared took her silence as an indication to continue. “[B]He was sent to retrieve some important data, data that only he could sort through. We’ve learned that not only was this information gone, but that his ship the [I]Wilkey[/I] was destroyed.[/B]” Jared hurried to explain when she started to cry silently, tears running down her face. “[B]The only way someone would have known about what he was up to is if someone leaked the information to the New Alliance. We believe that Darren was taken as well since he’s the only one who could sort the information.[/B]” “[B]I see.[/B]” Kerstin choked out between her tears. “[B]I’m sorry Kerstin,[/B]” Jared said. “[B]Even if we believe he’s alive, we have no idea where they took him. As soon as we hear anything I’ll be sure to let you know.[/B]” Kerstin just nodded not trusting herself to speak, waiting until Jared had left to hang her head and cry. [CENTER]-------------------------------------[/CENTER] Things had certainly taken a rather ironic twist, one that had surprised Darren. He had laughed at the secrecy of his assignment. As well at how serious Stevens had been about not only upgrading his ship but actually assigning members from the Elite Task Forces to escort him and Mike. But now? He felt like an utter fool. A naive and foolish one at that. He should have known better, they were at war and Stevens, for all that he appeared like an airhead, was no one's fool. He would not have wasted the resources on his ship or in assigning personnel to him that could have been used elsewhere. And Kiva's words right before she shot him? [I]-I find this rather amusing. I rescued you from the Resistance on Earth, and now I'm capturing you. Quite ironic, isn't it?-[/I] Obviously whatever was in the data he was sent to retrieve and then sort had to be crucial in some manner. Why else would the Resistance or rather the New Alliance bother to capture him? Even if she had turned out to be an undercover agent, Kiva had been an Elite Specialist, one of the Empire's finest. They wouldn't waste her time or her skills if what was in the data wasn't important. Now the only question on his mind was where in the world he was being taken too. Since he had woken up in the tiny cell, no one had spoken to him and his attempts to get an answer, especially in regards to what had happened to Mike had gone unanswered. After watching Kiva ruthlessly gun down his escort, he could only hope she hadn't done the same to Mike. Darren sighed and resisted the urge to bang his head against the wall from his position of sitting on the small bed in the cell, for all he knew, he wasn't even on Kiva's ship but someone else's.

[CENTER][IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/alexanderedward-chronicle.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/alecialeanna-chronicle.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/victoriaann-chronicle.jpg[/IMG] [img]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/maceyellen-chronicle.jpg[/img] [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/marieevangeline-chronicle.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/catherinesaraavatar.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/damegrimalkinavatar.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/fauntleroy-chronicle.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] Once things had settled down a tiny bit and the group had finally made it to the Races, Alexander couldn't help but smile a little to see so many of them gathered together for the Chimera Cup. The only thing that would put a damper on things would be when Lady Bavaria showed up. If only they could be so lucky and have her avoid them altogether, but it was something he was sure was a hopeless wish. After the events surrounding Leonhart's untimely death, in his opinion, diplomat or not, she was turning out to be a utter disappointment. Even if he didn't always get along or fit in with the other family members of the Almagest's, none of them seemed to be as petty as she was turning out to be. Even those who didn't really care for Dame Anna had the good sense to not object to Catherine choosing to invite her along or to her obvious support of Henry who was participating in the races, though his turn to race wouldn't come until much later. It was too early for the finalists and for now the crowd was enjoying the fun of watching all the preliminary races. Something that though it wasn't really Alexander's thing, he still enjoyed watching. It was his first time to see it as well since attending the races wasn't something he would have done in the past. "[B]Careful Victoria![/B]" Fonty was telling her as she talked excitedly about the races, waving her arms about and nearly hitting his left arm that was still in a sling. "[B]Sorry Uncle Fonty![/B]" She giggled as she moved so she was in a seat on his right side instead, "[B]I keep forgetting that you're hurt since I figured Alecia would tie you to your bed to keep you from escaping![/B]" "[B]Victoria Ann! I would never![/B]" Alecia started to protest and then laugh when Alexander poked her gently in the side. "[B]Sure you would,[/B]" Eva teased from where she was standing before she turned back to the gentleman she was talking with. "[B]All right! All right![/B]" Alecia finally gave in. "[B]You win! But it's only because he needs to rest so he can get better![/B]" Alexander smiled at her and then frowned a bit when he noticed that Dame Anna was looking rather glum, even with Catherine sitting next to her and chatting brightly. He got up and moved over to join the two for a moment. "[B]Are you not feeling well?[/B]" "[B]Oh no! I'm fine Alexander. It's kind of you to ask, but really, I'm fine.[/B]" Dame Anna looked down at her hands. "[B]It's just that I'm not sure this is a good idea.[/B]" "[B]Nonsense dear,[/B]" Catherine interjected with a wave of her hand. "[B]I simply won't hear it anymore. I know my brother well enough to know that he would feel the same.[/B]" "[B]You should listen to her Dame Anna,[/B]" Alexander advised. "[B]If anyone is not welcome here, I assure you, it is not you.[/B]" He turned at the sound of Alecia calling his name. "[B]If you'll excuse me ladies.[/B]" Alexander turned to go and see what Alecia wanted, wondering what would happen in the end. Lately it seemed like every time they turned around, something else came up and on some level, the objection to Dame Anna made no sense to him. But then an issue of an illegitimate child wasn't as pressing in New Czenoble as it was among the wealthy. That sort of thing was common enough that most people just ignored it. They were too busy making ends meet to squabble over things like that. Things like that... [I]-There's no medical treatment for the less fortunate, there's starvation and deplorable conditions everywhere you turn in that pathetic excuse for a city!-[/I] Grant's words flashed though his mind, reminding him that for most of the citizens there, putting food on the table came before petty squabbles over someone's legitimacy. He shoved the thought aside. "[B]Why so serious Alexander?[/B]" Macey asked him when he got to where the two were standing. "[B]I was thinking about what happened with the bomb the other night.[/B]" He answered truthfully, though he did not elaborate as to what he was thinking about. He wasn't about to tell either one of them what his superior officer had said. Alecia smiled and took his arm in hers. "[B]Lets go and get something to eat, I'm starving and for some reason the food smells really good.[/B]" Alexander just let her steer him towards one of the closest vendors, wondering if Alecia really was sick. Since when did she like the greasy street food that the vendors sold at a place like this? Unlike the park, this kind of fare had never appealed to her. Or to him either, it had a way of coming back later and making you wish you had never touched the stuff.

I definitely like that, it really fits what I was thinking actually. If I'm going to die in that manner, that's how I'd want to go. I'll be honest and admit that actually made me feel emotional. It was just what I asked for: Sad, tragic and beautiful all in one. So thank you. You wrote it beautifully. :catgirl:

Lady Bavaria has some explaining to do... What with the report finding that the bomb was smuggled in [I]after[/I] she dismissed the security that Daedalus had arranged. Time to sit back and let him flay her alive I would say. :D And if you're wondering, I ran that by Shy before I posted it. I hope I got him right Gavin, let me know and I'll edit that if you wish. In the mean time, Fonty had better hope he's already gone with Alecia on her way to check on him.

[quote name='Gecko']uhh, we can't edit the sigs ourselves. Its a part of the site, and hosted on the site. We can only choose the background image and the statistics... The only chance we have of changing the sigs size is of Sothis rescripts her functions in whichever programing language she uses.[/QUOTE]Sure you can, if you can't access the signature directly, it's call, print screen, open it up in something like photoshop and edit/trim the size. Turn around and rehost elsewhere and insert it into your signature here. And yes, adding more would run the simplicity that this site offers. We like having posts where the text/conversation part is bigger than the signatures. ;)

[CENTER][IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/alexanderedward-chronicle.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] Alexander had dropped Alecia off at the front doors of the Eshe Rehema Medical Center while he went down the street to check in at the Royal Police Guard. Even though he was off duty, he wanted to check on the news of just how the bomb had gotten into Rosengard in the first place. By now he figured there was enough information for a preliminary report on what had happened. He had barely made it in the door before his superior officer Jonathan Grants spotted him and pulled him into his office, making Alexander uncomfortable after what he had told him the other night. Something that had him looking away instead of directly at him like he usually did. "[B]Take a seat Alexander,[/B]" He instructed as he himself did so behind his desk. "[B]I'd rather stand sir.[/B]" "[B]Nonsense.[/B]" He dismissed his concern waiting until Alexander had reluctantly done as asked. "[B]Now I can only think of one reason why you would be here and that would be to get the official report on how the investigation is coming along.[/B]" He shoved a set of papers across the desk towards Alexander. "[B]Since Lord Almagest is still in the process of being released from the Eshe Rehema, there's no reason why you can't simply take this over to him. I was about to do so myself so you'll be doing me a favor.[/B]" He leaned back and waited patiently while Alexander glanced through the report. "[B]Is this accurate? I mean... you realize what this implies right?[/B]" "[B]Of course I do, even if she is his widow, no one is above being considered. Now personally I think it's nothing more than an unfortunate coincidence, but she's going to have some serious explaining to do to Lord Almagest I would imagine.[/B]" He stood up, Alexander doing the same. "[B]Now get going, you can fill me in on your own investigation later as well as what I discussed with you the other day.[/B]" Alexander didn't have a chance to even respond to that as Jonathan Grants steered him towards the door and then shut it firmly behind him once he was out in the corridor. With a shrug, Alexander left to head back to where Alecia was. [hr=black]100[/hr] [CENTER][IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/alexanderedward-chronicle.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/alecialeanna-chronicle.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/harrison-chronicle.jpg[/IMG] [img]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/daedalusavatar.jpg[/img] [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/harriet-chronicle.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] It didn't take Alexander long to find Alecia who was talking to Daedalus, Harriet and Harrison. Just as he entered the room both Nellie and Dawlish left after muttering something about arranging for a carriage. "[B]There you are.[/B]" Alecia said as Alexander came over to join her. "[B]I'm glad to see you doing better.[/B]" Alexander caught himself before he added a sir to the end. There was something about Daedalus that always had him wanting to address him in that manner. He supposed it was on account of how he carried himself or the fact that he had served in the military. "[B]We should get going dad, it won't take long for the others to get us a carriage.[/B]" Harrison looked impatient to be gone, almost tugging on Daedalus's sleeve before he caught himself and stopped. "[B]Why don't we go and help them Harrison?[/B]" Harriet suggested. "[B]I believe Alexander needs to talk to your father if I'm not mistaken.[/B]" She smiled at Alexander and then taking Harrison with her she left. "[B]I'll be checking on Fauntleroy,[/B]" Alecia said simply before she too left the room. A moment later it was just the two of them and Daedalus simply reached his hand out for the papers that Alexander had on him. He waited patiently while he read them, noting how his expression turned to one of barely concealed anger at what was in the report. "[B]I had assumed as much.[/B]" He finally said after folding the report and tucking it into one of his pockets. "[B]Who else has been told about this?[/B]" "[B]No one. Sir Grants was on his way to bring this report to you when I checked in. I'm afraid it's just as he said, by removing the security without your consent, or ensuring that the replacements were there first... Rosengard was without any form of protection on all fronts for over an hour. More than enough time for someone to slip a bomb in.[/B]" Alexander resisted the urge to get angry himself, after all, Lady Bavaria's stupidity had almost killed them all. "[B]They're double checking the reports, but everything points to the bomb being smuggled in during that lapse of security. The guard you had arranged, before they were dismissed, report that a standard check of the area showed the cellar to be empty at that time.[/B]" Daedalus nodded grimly. "[B]Thank you for bringing this over Alexander and for ignoring Bavaria's orders to stay out of Rosengard. She and I will be having a little chat about that, among other things.[/B]" He stood up. "[B]Now if you'll excuse me, my family is waiting for me.[/B]" Alexander just watched him leave and then he too left the room to go and find Alecia.