Rachmaninoff

[quote name='Sandy;799090][B][strike]SunfallE[/strike]Rachmaninoff:[/B] I believe that in your latest post you meant the health care of [i]New[/i] Czenoble, since I'm sure the wealthy families of High Czenoble get the best possible treatment. ;D I want to emphasize that even though these two cities are very near to each other in distance, they are totally different. The aristocrats of High Czenoble basically rule New Czenoble, since their factories employ most of the citizens there.[/QUOTE]As Shy already pointed out, it was me who posted. Also, the wording is correct, you're just taking the wrong direction with it. [quote name='Rachmaninoff'] Alecia did not want to get into the usual banter over their opposing views in regards to the [B']treatment the citizens of High Czenoble received.[/B][/quote]I discussed this with Beth and that's exactly how she meant it. Alecia objects to the better treatment they receive compared to less fortunate cities. My understanding from Beth is that she is going to expand on that as the story progresses so I was merely setting that up. To give an example, one idea she had is that the staff present to see to every whim or tiny ache the more wealthy might experience, is more staff than is truly needed and that some of them could be at work in New Czenoble where their services are more in demand. The idea was that Leonhart is aware of how vocal she is about High Czenoble needing reform in the sense that they don't need so many highly qualified medical personnel just to take care of some rich kid who got a stomach ache from eating to many sweets. :p Both of us discussed this as well as concerns my own character has that both of us intend on expanding on as the rpg progresses.

[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] [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/maceyellen-chronicle.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/leonhartavatar.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] "[B][I]As well as one can be these days. But I hope you two enjoy the party. And for goodness sake Alexander. Loosen up. Nobody is going to cook you.[/I][/B]" Alexander's eyes widened just a tiny bit at Macey Ellen's blunt statement, making him feel even more self conscious of how out of place he felt. And yet at the same time the statement was delivered without any trace of the usual sarcasm he was use to getting, giving him the impression that she sincerely meant him well. "[B]Ah... Thank you.[/B]" He finally stammered. "[B]I appreciate the advice.[/B]" "[B]There's no need to be so formal either.[/B]" Alexander paused again and then made up his mind, deciding to take her words as intended and speak more freely. "[B]So how have you been?[/B]" "[B]I was wondering that myself.[/B]" Alecia chimed in. "[B]I understand that you've been quite busy at Prometheo Labs.[/B]" "[B]But of course, what with my new project and all. But really, I'm more interested in what you two are up to.[/B]" Alexander couldn't help but be amazed at how easily Macey Ellen used only a word or two and yet steered the conversation to idle talk as to Alecia's and his work. And since she carefully steered clear of any mention of Vincent, who Alexander as a member of the Royal Police Guard was well aware would be attending the party, he too made a point of avoiding any mention of him. Not that he would have anyway. Alexander's career was still in it's early stages but not so short that he didn't have first had experience in dealing with the inevitable fall out often caused by a divorce. The last thing he would ever do was to bring up something like that. A moment later and Macey Ellen favored both of them with a sad smile. "[B]You're my favorite nephew Alexander, for being the very soul of tact in not bringing up pointless things.[/B]" And then with yet another sad smile Macey Ellen was gone. [CENTER]-------------------------------------------------[/CENTER] The rest of the evening continued to go smoothly, even though it was obvious that some of the guests did not care for Alexander. They would never openly say anything in front of Alecia but it didn't stop a handful of looks sent his way that were far from kind. To her credit, Alecia merely ignored them with all the grace and dignity of a member of the Almagest family, enough that before long, when it became apparent that they would get no reaction out of either one of them, those few who would create a scene if given a chance, merely moved on to other amusements. If not for the horrible gift that had been delivered anonymously to Leonhart, Alexander could have probably managed to relax a bit. But even though he knew that the Almagest Estate would not be without it's own protection, it still weighed on his mind as he worried just a bit over who would send such a malicious gift. All thoughts of it were brushed aside as they finally found a moment to speak to Leonhart though. "[B]Grandfather.[/B]" Alecia said warmly as she reached forward and kissed him on the right cheek. "[B]It's good to see you doing so well.[/B]" "[B]Thank you for coming Alecia, Alexander.[/B]" Leonhart smiled a bit at the obviously happy couple before him. "[B]So how have the two of you been? I understand you've been quite vocal with your views for health care in High Czenoble Alecia.[/B]" Alecia looked down, "[B]True grandfather, though I'd much rather discuss how your day has been.[/B]" As much as she loved her grandfather, Alecia did not want to get into the usual banter over their opposing views in regards to the treatment the citizens of High Czenoble received. Leonhart just chuckled. "[B]You always were and still are a thoughtful and kind granddaughter.[/B]" He smiled when she looked back up at him. "[B]As much as I would enjoy one of our discussions, your reluctance only reminds me that there are those who would see it in the wrong light.[/B]" Alecia gave him an impish grin. "[B]In other words they would use it as an excuse to claim you and I are fighting when both of us know that would be far from the truth.[/B]" "[B]Well only in that it would not be a true fight.[/B]" Leonhart sighed a tiny bit. "[B]It is a pity since such a lively discussion would brighten my day.[/B]" "[B]Then you should come to dinner sometime grandfather,[/B]" Alecia gave him a knowing look. "[B]We can argue to our hearts content without wagging tongues to overhear.[/B]" Leonhart laughed. "[B]I'll have to take you up on that offer.[/B]" He turned to Alexander, "[B]In the meantime, you keep taking good care of my granddaughter.[/B]" He said with mock seriousness. "[B]Of course sir.[/B]" "[B]That just won't do.[/B]" Leonhart said sternly and yet kindly. "[B]Leonhart or grandfather will do just fine.[/B]" "[B]Uh.. yes s... I mean grandfather.[/B]" Alexander stammered and then jumped slightly when Alecia elbowed him and indicated his right pocket where the gift they had brought was still residing. With a slightly embarrassed smile he pulled out the small satchel and handed it to Leonhart who opened it, pulling out the small little booklet that upon opening, careful writing could be seen on each page. Each one a short little snippet or saying of either wisdom or humor that Alecia knew her grandfather was fond of quoting. "[B]Now this is actually quite useful.[/B]" Leonhart said with a laugh. "[B]No more hunting to see just which book had what quote in it.[/B]" Which was something he often did when looking for a particular one. "[B]You must have gone to quite some trouble to have this made.[/B]" Alecia just smiled, after all, she had a good memory for that sort of thing and other than to have someone carefully write in the pages since her handwriting though neat, was hardly elegant, it had actually required very little fuss. "[B]Not at all grandfather,[/B]" She said mischievously, "[B]Finding something you would like is no trouble at all.[/B]" And then after a few more pleasantries were exchanged, her and Alexander returned to the rest of the party to make room for the next set of well wishers.

"[B]Now I wonder just who could have played that card.[/B]" Celesta said. But no one answered of course, like her they would not reveal who their souls were, even though at this point it was all but certain as to who was representing who. She sighed just a tiny bit as she would find out soon enough just who had called the new soul into play. If she was still around that is. [CENTER][IMG]http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c323/SamSandy/Ragnarok/ragnarok-soul-jeanne.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c323/SamSandy/Ragnarok/ragnarok-soul-enora.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] Enora didn't know who was more surprised, her or the woman who was carrying a baby and running in a futile attempt to avoid getting soaked as she made for the building where Enora had appeared. Enora stepped aside as Jeanne ran inside and then sat down, exhausted and chilled to the bone. "[B]Can I help you?[/B]" Enora asked her politely. "[B]Who are you?[/B]" Jeanne asked warily. "[B]I am Enora and please let me at least get your little one into something dry.[/B]" She pulled off the simple wrap around her waist. "[B]He'll be quite warm while his clothing dries out.[/B]" Jeanne hesitated and then finally let Enora take Kenneth from her. "[B]He's not mine by the way. He was separated from his mother and I've been trying to find her.[/B]" "[B]Then perhaps I could help you?[/B]" Enora said as she quickly stripped Kenneth of his wet clothing and with expert practice wrapped him up snuggly. Jeanne just looked on in surprise at how easily she took care of Kenneth. "[B]I take it that you have children of your own?[/B]" "[B]Sixteen.[/B]" Enora replied. Jeanne opened her mouth in a silent O. "[B]I had no idea, you don't look old enough to have that many...[/B]" She stopped and flushed, embarrassed at her assumption. "[B]I'm sorry, I didn't mean that... Let me start again. I'm Jeanne and this is Kenneth. I know you said your name is Enora, so just when and where are you from?[/B]" Enora just smiled at her mistake, after all in the past people did not live as long as they did in her time. "[B]I am from the year 3007, Cairo, Egypt. I came back in time to see what prompted the Goddess to reveal herself.[/B]" "[B]Oh Hell,[/B]" Jeanne leaned back and slammed her head into the wall behind her. "[B]Does this mean now I'm the one who is really dead?[/B]" "[B]What do you mean?"[/B] Enora asked as Jeanne stopped trying to get the water out of her clothes and just stared off despondently. "[B]You do know where you are, right? In the Ragnarok, the final battle between the gods. If you are here then it must meant that whatever god you are champion too has won, most likely this Goddess you speak of.[/B]" Jeanne could see that Enora was still confused. "[B]What I'm saying is your coming here only heralds my death. After all, it seems that only one of us will leave here alive.[/B]" Enora just tilted her head to the side. "[B]Or my coming means that my death would be required to ensure the Goddess' true champion is the one to survive. Your assumption is illogical.[/B]" She concluded. Jeanne just laughed bitterly. "[B]Once you've been here a while, if you live long enough, you'll see just how [I]illogical[/I] this place really is.[/B]" Jeanne stood up. "[B]If you wish to help me hunt for Charlotte, Kenneth's mother, that's fine by me, but don't expect me to like you. I won't hide the fact that I resent that you are here. If this really is the Ragnarok, you being here means I might have to choose between letting you die over myself and that's a choice I don't want to have to make.[/B]" "[B]Then don't worry over it.[/B]" Enora said. "[B]Justice is at times harsh, even though we would wish it otherwise. I assure you I understand that all to well.[/B]" She paused and attempted to hand Kenneth back but Jeanne waved for her to keep carrying him, after all, she didn't have any dry clothing to change into. She simply picked up Kenneth's to carry along as she followed along with Jeanne in her search for the boy's mother.

[quote name='Sakura'][size=1][B]EDIT:[/B] I compared the link I clicked that [B]Sandy[/B] posted to the image [B]Shy[/B] posted on Page 8 of this thread and they are identical for me at least.[/size][/QUOTE]Sounds like you need to clear out the info for your browser since until I did that, I couldn't see the difference either. If you have firefox, trying holding down the shift key while clicking on the reload or rather refresh button for your browser. The crest is in the lower left hand corner of the image.

[quote name='Aceburner;797698]It's really just the principle of the matter. Only the most extreme of masochists wants to talk to Tingle, and this game makes you fork over money to him.[/QUOTE]Well it's not that I want to talk to him, but I can't help but laugh at how he's even more annoying and irritating in this version than he was in the others. XP Him with that silly outfit and all just makes me both cringe and laugh over the idea of someone actually dressing and acting like that. lol[quote name='SaiyanPrincessX'][SIZE="1"']I'm hoping to get Twilight Princess soon; for GCN, but I don't know if its worth the purchase.[/SIZE][/quote]If you don't have a Wii, then you'll never miss the other aspects of the game that it includes because of the controls. So unless you're getting a Wii soon... it is most definitely worth the money to get. It's a fantastic game. That and Link is still left handed like he's suppose to be instead of how they made him right handed in the Wii version. But I only say that since a few of my friends, though they love the Wii, hate how that was changed so I twit them over the fact that sure I have the different controls but at least Link isn't backwards. :p

[quote name='The13thMan;798770][COLOR=DarkOrange][FONT=Century Gothic] I think it's important to try things before you go making claims about them. You claimed that you would never be interested in doing marijuana when you have no idea what it would be like. This, to me, is foolish.[B] /Snip/ [/B]Of course... that may be a false presumption on my part. Let me ask this question, have you ever been high? If so then i take back what i said. And i do mean this sincerely. [/FONT][/COLOR][/QUOTE]I think it?s important to not try things that are illegal. Or to go around telling me or anyone else that they should give it a try. Just as I think it?s foolish to assume that one has to have experienced something to know they have no interest. I would have thought it was obvious that I do not do illegal drugs. [QUOTE=The13thMan'][COLOR=DarkOrange][FONT=Century Gothic]In my opinion, those "some people" are arrogant to assume that sort of fun does not appeal to them when they have little to no idea what that fun is like. If those people do know what being high or getting drunk is like and decide it's not for them then there is no arrogance to be observed. I say that purely to clarify. I've tried both and have realized that they're only good on occasion. I would never want to get high or drunk regularly. Once every few weeks is plenty for me. Surely there are activities that are both relaxing and fun that don't involve getting drunk or high... but you don't get drunk or high! That's sorta the whole point here. I'm surprised you missed that... =/[/FONT][/COLOR][/QUOTE]Just as I think it?s arrogant to assume one has to try something that is illegal in order to know if it would appeal to them. I?ve no interest in getting high when the fallout is obvious. Getting caught and fired from your job for one, getting arrested by the police, being mentally and physically affected when you are trying to do what I would, practice playing. You?re totally missing the point in that going off on a tangent about experience being necessary to understand just how stupid illegal drugs can be isn?t required.[quote name='The13thMan;798770][COLOR=DarkOrange][FONT=Century Gothic]You're absolutely right here. If you don't want to get high or drunk then i commend you for staying above the influence. It really is great for you. But i'm just going to say, from a person that has tried those things, go ahead and give it a shot at least once. It's worth the experience. And afterwards you can go and do your other super fun activities that don't involve getting high or drunk. But at least you will have the experience for later use. =D [/FONT][/COLOR][/QUOTE]And I?m saying that telling others to do something illegal is not good and far from appropriate. It is not worth the experience to tell someone to do something that can land them in a lot of trouble. Stop trying to make trying marijuana something that everyone should do because that?s utter BS. They don?t need the experience for later use, ever.[QUOTE=The13thMan'][COLOR=DarkOrange][FONT=Century Gothic]Shoot... i just went back and read your first post on this subject. I missed it the first time through. I can see now why you wouldn't be interested in trying it. Now, that's not to say my points are now invalid, they're still quite valid with the premises i were aware of at the time of writing them. I still think you should try it. But given your previous experience with your friends and pot i would say just try it once. Try it to understand better what was going on. Don't try it a second time because of your experience with your friends. Believe me, one time won't get you hooked. Especially with all of the negative experience you've had with your friends. That said, i've had negative experience with friends and family abusing drugs too. This is why i see it as such a huge responsibility when i partake in such forms of...intoxication. I do not under any circumstances go driving while drunk or high. I don't do a lot of things. I make sure somebody knows what i'm doing and to have my back while i'm doing it. I make sure not to get too high or too drunk. Basically, i do everything in my power not to abuse these drugs. This is what i recommend to anyone who's interested. Well... i wrote a lot and now i'm sleepy. Gooooodnight. [/FONT][/COLOR][/QUOTE]It does help to actually read what people have said before responding to their latest post. lol Still I?m going to say it again. Stop with the bit on you should try it. It?s illegal and attempting to push drug use is not acceptable here. That kind of advice about how one won?t get hooked from one time is also utter BS as you are hardly an expert on the subject. If you really felt responsible you?d quit with the silly push of insisting I should try it once.[quote name='The13thMan'][COLOR=DarkOrange][FONT=Century Gothic]I don't appreciate the lecture. Keep it to yourself next time. Also, you're mistaken. I'm not encouraging people use marijuana illegally, only use it. Go fly to Amsterdam if you're so concerned with the law. Don't make presumptions on my statements and continue to scold me for them. Once again, Y'all a bunch a squares. Ooo, i'm mean. =D[/FONT][/COLOR][/QUOTE]That?s enough. If you weren?t so busy pushing how one should try it or making the unbelievably ignorant claim that you aren?t encouraging someone to use marijuana illegally then you wouldn?t have required the lecture to knock it off. So I expect you to drop the attitude and let it go like you were asked. It is illegal, and we don?t need you telling me or anyone else they should try it. It?s been said already, but OtakuBoards is not the platform for promoting illegal drug use. And further arguments or posts along that line will be deleted.

[quote name='The13thMan;798751][COLOR=DarkOrange][FONT=Century Gothic]Haha. You're no fun, man. I can totally understand you being against the use of it if you at least tried it once. It's like saying steak sucks without ever trying it and only seeing people moaning about how stuffed they are from their big fat steak dinners. Try it before you diss it. [/FONT][/COLOR][/QUOTE]There we go, lets do something illegal just so we can say we tried it once! :rolleyes: Big difference between steak and drugs, there's just no comparison. There are plenty of things that don't require one to actually 'try' it in order to be against it. Like Allamorph mentioned, I'm not about to try self-injury just to justify saying I'm against it. XP[quote name='The13thMan;798751][COLOR=DarkOrange][FONT=Century Gothic]Nobody needs to be intoxicated to any level to have fun, unless of course you're hooked on the stuff and are literally going through withdrawal without it. But it doesn't mean it isn't fun. It's also a different type of fun. You can't have drunken fun without drinking alcohol. You can't have a high time without some pot. And even smoking can give you that nice cool relaxing buzz that no other activity can. Not even Monopoly or Battleships! =D [/FONT][/COLOR][/QUOTE]And for some people that kind of fun appeals about as much as the idea of going to the dentist and having a tooth pulled without any painkiller. Some of us don't want drunken fun or being high fun. Besides there are activities that are relaxing and fun and yet don't involve getting wasted or high. lol[QUOTE=The13thMan'][COLOR=DarkOrange][FONT=Century Gothic]Anyways, i'm not here to argue your opinion on the legalization of pot (in this post), i'm just trying to get ya to live a little. And you gotta try new things from time to time to do that. [/FONT'][/COLOR][/quote]You can try new things without ever touching something like drugs or alcohol. There's so many experiences out there to be had so one hardly needs pot for that. I think it goes without saying that I can 'live a little' without ever doing drugs. :p

[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][/CENTER] Alexander was standing in front of the large silvered mirror attached to the wall above the equally impressive dresser made of fine wood, a type he did not recognize. Something that though Alecia claimed was simple was still far beyond anything he or his family had ever owned. Much in the same way their [I]small[/I] home they had been given as a wedding present was also more than what he was use to. It was small, compared to the Almagest estate that is, but for one such as Alexander who had grown up in a home in New Czenoble that was barely big enough for his own parents himself and two older siblings... It was anything but small. His parents had been pleased when he had been appointed to work in High Czenoble as it had resulted in him being assigned a room in the main dorms built close to the Headquarters of the Royal Police Guard just for members like himself who did not have family living in High Czenoble. Though the rooms were tiny, all members were required to present themselves in a fashion befitting where they were stationed, and that had included well maintained facilities for their needs. And incidentally had freed up his room for his family to use, something that his brothers had been quick to take advantage of. Alexander resisted the urge to fuss over his dress uniform, no matter how many times he straightened it, it wouldn't make him any less nervous about attending a party that was so beyond what he was use to socially. He turned around to check briefly to make sure there were no threads hanging lose and then turned at the sound of Alecia entering the bedroom, already wearing a dress of the softest silks with with patterns of vines running through the skirt in various shades of green. Alecia did not wear corsets as they interfered with free movement, instead she wore a type of flat wrap that was about six inches wide and went from her waist up. It's darker green complimenting the similar dark trim along the bottom her her dress, the collarless top and sleeves that from the elbows down flared out much like the skirt did. With her soft blonde hair teased into curls and a green silk ribbon holding it back a bit from her face, she was as lovely as always. "[B]You look lovely,[/B]" He smiled as she came over and fussed a bit with his uniform, straightening out a few creases. Finished she looked up at him and smiled in return. "[B]We should get going or we'll be late.[/B]" Alexander followed her to the main room and then helped her into the green cloak that went with the dress, draping it over her shoulders and then once she fastened the clasp at the base of her neck he opened the front door and then shut it once she was outside. He offered her his left arm and then once she wrapped her right arm around his, they left for the short walk to the Almagest Estate.

[quote name='The13thMan'][COLOR=DarkOrange][FONT=Century Gothic]I think you anti-pot'rs oughta go out and smoke some. It's actually quite enjoyable when done so responsibly, just like drinking and (probably to a smaller degree) smoking. Go get some friends together and watch a movie and each some junk food. It'll be fun, trust me. =D[/FONT][/COLOR][/QUOTE]Don't be silly. I simply have no intention of attempting to make it legal or supporting the fight for it. If it happens fine, if it doesn't fine. I think it shouldn't be legal, and that is personal opinion only, I'm not out there actively trying to stop the efforts either. One thing I do know is I sure as hell am not going to go out and try it. :rolleyes: Responsible or not, I have no interest in it, or smoking or drinking either. I don't need to be high or wasted to have fun. lol

Well I?ve been playing Lunar Silver Star Story Complete and it?s amazing how an older game is turning out to be one of my favorites out of everything I?ve played. It?s a relatively straightforward or rather simple story of an idealistic youth named Alex who?s sole dream is to one day become the next Dragonmaster who is the guardian of the Goddess Althena. Without giving away too much the basic story revolves around Alex being required to work to become the next Dragonmaster in order to stop the evil that is threatening their world and his foster sister Luna. Now what makes this game fun is the characters and all the fun interactions between them. Alex, the main character if the game is the honest, straightforward typical hero. He?s accompanied by Nall who looks like a white cat with wings and Nall is certainly one of my favorites out of the entire game with his snarky attitude. There are more of course, but those two are my favorites in the game. Overall it has well-developed characters, a solid storyline, excellent anime cut scenes along with good dialogue and voice acting, even for the NPC?s. It has an older 2D style of graphics of course but it just doesn?t seem to matter since the rest of it is so well put together. As soon as I finish this I?ll be playing the sequel Lunar 2: Eternal Blue Complete.

[quote name='XeEmO;798633] Do you think marijuana should be legalized? [/QUOTE]No.[quote name='Retribution'][font=Arial']I invite those who are anti-Mary Jane to give a valid reason as to why it should remain illegal. To be honest, I have yet to hear any reasoning worth my time.[/font][/quote]I?ve no interest in supporting the legalization of Marijuana. And my reasons are as follows: [LIST] [*]Exposure, like second had smoke from cigarettes I want nothing to do with it or the cancer causing effects it can have. Just as I don?t want to be high either. [/LIST] The other reasons fall under how I?ve seen it affect those around me who do smoke it: [LIST] [*]Loss of interest in doing things with friends. [*]Loss of interest in studying for school. [*]Loss of interest in going to work on time. [*]Loss of interest in doing things with their kids. [*]Getting in trouble with the law for selling. [*]Getting in trouble with the law for having it in their possession. [*]Getting in trouble and fired from work for testing positive at a random drug screen. [*]Dumping friends because they won?t ?smoke? with them. [*]Dropping out of school because they quit studying and were failing. [/LIST] There are others but that sort of thing is what I?ve seen in each and every friend I?ve had who got into this stuff. So why would I want to legalize something that has done nothing but mess up the people I know who use it?

Welcome to OtakuBoards [B]EmoHinata-chan[/B], I'm going to close this for a couple of reasons here. First of all if you want to cover anime topics then the place for that is here: [URL="http://www.otakuboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=27"][U]Anime Central[/U][/URL] Second, when starting a topic we need you to put more effort into it. Using good spelling and grammar as well as capitalization and punctuation just makes it easier for others to understand what you are saying. And finally, favorite threads, asking what people's favorite whatever is, are only permitted if reasons are given for people's choices. A good example would be to explain a little about each character, what series they are from and more than just the simple statement that they say something and can kick or kill like there's no tomorrow. If you're uncertain, take a look around and see what others have done by checking out the different threads, or feel free to pm myself or any other member of the staff. [B]Thread Closed[/B]

Now that the afternoon meeting was over, Edward was back in his personal rooms standing with the glass doors leading outside in point blank view. Though his crown was sitting on the ornate chair next to the massive desk arranged so he could work and enjoy the view at the same time, it was unburdened with the heavy mantle as this time he was still wearing it. The thick and soft material resting on his shoulders and clasped just beneath his neck in front and the long heavy material touching the floor cut down on the drafts running through the room. Cold and bitter drafts as the winter rains had begun and even with the fire burning cheerfully at the far side of the room and just to the side of the desk in the dual fireplaces in his personal sitting room, it too was chilly without the mantle or some other form of heavy clothing to keep him warm. Edward just stood there with his hands clasped behind his back as he watched the rain come pouring down. If anything it was a sure reminder that fair weather was over until spring and even then that too could be cold, harsh and far from pleasant. He turned and walked back over to his desk and sat back down once he had set the crown aside on the corner of the desk. He picked up the papers he had been reviewing before he had left for the meeting with his advisers earlier. Not a whole lot had changed, but Edward was not one to slack off and get behind on what was current in his kingdom. One did not maintain a firm rule by sitting to the side and letting others make the shots. England had not come this far and maintained it's secular power by foolishly neglecting her duties. A knock at the door indicated that Jeffery Madison had arrived, closest adviser or not he was not above serving his king personally and today was no exception as he brought in a small tray with hot spiced wine for Edward, setting it down on the desk before bowing slightly and then waiting for Edward to speak. "[B]Take a seat Jeffery,[/B]" Edward indicated with a thrust of his chin in the direction of the chair on the other side of the desk. "[B]I've told you before that such formality is not required between friends when we are in my personal quarters.[/B]" Jeffery just bowed again before he finally took a seat. "[B]Have you reviewed the list Sire? For the Yuletide celebration to be held shortly?[/B]" Edward took a sip of the wine before replying, "[B]I have, and though your attempts to blatantly invite every eligible woman is a bit tiring, I see nothing wrong with the list.[/B]" "[B]Sire, if I may explain...[/B]" Jeffery started to protest but Edward just laughed at him. "[B]Don't take me so seriously Jeff, I know perfectly well that to not invite them would be a mistake. Nothing brings about discontent quicker than a noble who feels left out. No if anything go a little further and invite a few that normally would be considered questionable. [/B]" He leaned back a bit and took another sip of the wine. There had been a lot of discontent lately and even with all of the hard work by Stark and others in the police service, it would be foolish to overlook the ripples of restlessness that were being picked up on. Edward set the glass down before checking on the list again. The names of those who were invited and those who were not carefully written on the paper in neat columns. He picked up a pen, dipped it in ink and then went through and made little marks next to the others who would be perfect to include. Then, finished he slid the paper over to Jeffery Madison. To his credit, other than to raise an eyebrow, nothing else was said. "[B]Anything else Sire?[/B]" He inquired as he got up and made ready to leave. "[B]No, that will be all.[/B]" Edward waited until he was gone before he finished off the wine and then went back to standing at the doors and watching the rain that was still coming down.

[quote name='Gavin;798574][SIZE="1"]Me scary ? When did that happen ? :animesmil[/SIZE][/QUOTE]Oh, I don't know... perhaps this contributes to that aura of being scary?[QUOTE=Gavin'][SIZE="1"]You all know far, far too much... Crystia, be aware, I'm coming for you first. :p[/SIZE][/QUOTE]I'm sure there are more instances that just that one as well. :p Anyway, this whole thing looks like fun and I must say that I'm very glad for the info in the first post about the family. It will definitely help me to keep the relationships between the characters straight.

Well this is certainly interesting... Enora if rearranged is Raone no less. I'm beginning to understand the [I]take down Kathy campaign[/I] comment from earlier. XP At this rate, we'll never win! Oh if only I had a death card... Enora's stay in the Ragnarok would be rather short I'm afraid. :p [B]EDIT:[/B] Just because I'm bored and I like having an easy list to acess... here's all of the negative actions since life points cannot be earned anymore. :p [B]Swearing aloud[/B] (1 Death Point) - Shy, SunfallE, Bkstyles [B]Hitting someone on purpose[/B] (2 Death Points) by indifference, Shy, Shy [B]Calling someone names[/B] (2 Death Point) by Rachmaninoff, indifference, Aaryanna [B]Shouting angrily at someone[/B] (1 Death Point) by Shy, Shy, Aaryanna [B]Lusting after someone[/B] (2 Death Points) by indifference, Rachmaninoff, indifference [B]Kicking something or someone[/B] (1 Death Point) by Aaryanna, Rachmaninoff, indifference [B]Tripping someone[/B] (1 Death Point) by SunfallE, Shy, indifference [B]Going a separate way from others[/B] (2 Death Points) by indifference, Rachmaninoff, Rachmaninoff [B]Choking someone[/B] (3 Death Points) by Aaryanna, Rachmaninoff, Rachmaninoff [B]Threatening someone[/B] (2 Death Points) by Rachmaninoff, Aaryanna, indifference [B]Getting depressed[/B] (1 Death Point) by Rachmaninoff, SunfallE, Rachmaninoff [B]Accusing someone falsely[/B] (2 Death Points) by Darren, Rachmaninoff, indifference [B]Wishing someone’s death[/B] (3 Death Points) by Darren, Aaryanna, Rachmaninoff [B]Knocking someone out[/B] (2 Death Points) by Shy, indifference, Shy [B]Attacking someone with a weapon[/B] (3 Death Points) by Aaryanna, Rachmaninoff, Aaryanna [B]Forcing someone else to do against their will[/B] (2 Death Points) by Rachmaninoff, indifference, Aaryanna_Mom [B]Hiding something useful from others[/B] (1 Death Point) by indifference, Aaryanna_Mom, Rachmaninoff [B]Distrusting everyone[/B] (1 Death Point) by Rachmaninoff, Rachmaninoff, indifference

[quote name='The13thMan'][COLOR=DarkOrange][FONT=Century Gothic]So, my question is simply how you feel on the matter. Do you have some great goal that you're always trying to achieve? Are you drifting along lifeless without motivation? Does something like this even matter to you? Or are the immediate rewards sufficient?[/FONT][/COLOR][/QUOTE]What motivates me? Why do I keep working on my education and music? It's really hard to explain other than I like doing it. It's that simple. My goal if you will is to finish and do part of what I already do, teach. I like giving lessons and teaching classes as well as playing. The only question at the moment is whether or not I'll do much in the way of travel or performing outside of where I currently live. That one I'm kind of undecided on since I'm perfectly content with simply working as a teacher and performer locally. My biggest motivation right now is to finish college, something that if it goes well will happen in the next two years. Though by finish I mean getting my Ph.D I already have my bachelor's and in just three weeks I'll have my Master's degree. After that my next motivation will be to find a job I like and settle down or rather move into the next phase of my life so to speak. If we're talking about immediate rewards, sure getting paid is nice but the long term one of finishing my education is of course better or more motivating in my case.

[quote name='Konata;798458]And this topic is about the girl who committed suicide.[/QUOTE]Though it's undeniable that the topic does cover the fact that the girl committed suicide, it's also undeniable that it's also about whether or not there should be consequences for cyber bullying. Not everyone is going to commit suicide obviously, but I do think cases like this do prove the point that bullying is something that needs to be addressed. Though again obviously something like that isn't very easy or even possible, but if there is proof then at the very least some form of punishment is warranted I believe.[quote name='Konata'']Before I can say anything supporting the child's side, I would like to know about all sides that affected the entire situation. And overall, there is hardly any information about the parent, compared to the massive redundant load of information about the girl. I'd like to look both ways before crossing the street.[/quote]If you look around, ignoring that the news is biased since to some degree that too is unavoidable, then there is news on the parent though it's sketchy at best and indicates that they are remaining silent as a result of the fall out from the woman's actions. So your view or analogy of looking both ways before crossing the street is a bit flawed in that you can look only at the moment one side has a bend that you can't see what is around it just yet. I do think it's relevant to remember that first of all depression is hard to understand for anyone [something you've already addressed] and my limited understanding is that for some it can be a physical issue instead of one of 'weakness' though in this case we don't know which it is. Also, if she really did suffer from ADD, then unlike the rest of us, simply dropping something isn't so easy. Someone like that does not think the same way as other people do and I would imagine that might have come into play when it came to her ability or inability to simply walk away from what was going on. In the end, the suicide isn't what worries me [since there really is no proof that it drove her to it] what worries me is that if this other parent really did harasses her in that manner, then she needs to be dealt with instead of being allowed to walk away without being required to own up to her mistake in harassing the girl.

Basically what kind of events are held in your town? Here in Salt Lake City Utah there is one that happens every year without fail and that would be the lights being turned on for Temple Square the day after Thanksgiving at dusk. With over 300,000 lights Temple Square is pretty impressive looking and makes for a nice stroll if you have the time to walk through the grounds and the surrounding area. [CENTER][IMG]http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/9676/churchsaltlaketemplehd0.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] Normally I go on the day the lights are turned on but this year I didn't because I went to the Mannheim Steamroller concert on Friday instead. The lights will be on through Christmas though so I'll just go see that another day. Another thing I go to is what's known as the Festival of Trees. An event where you go and see decorated Christmas trees but the entry fee and all the proceedings go to the Primary Children's Medical Center. It's just fun to go and take a look so I usually do. [CENTER] [IMG]http://img251.imageshack.us/img251/6623/2002festival10rq4.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] So what kind of events do you all have in the city you live in? Or rather which ones do you enjoy going to each year? I know for myself that it just doesn't seem like Christmas if I don't take the time to check out the stuff going on around the city.

[quote name='AzureWolf']Most experts (and women) would disagree with you, Rachmaninoff. I know it's counterintuitive, and I didn't think it made sense, and good lord I wish I could find that 2007 British survey they did, but something like 77% of women surveyed said they would forgive a guy for a few white lies early in the relationship if she ended up liking him, and something like a whopping 98% of at least one person in a successful relationship (i.e., one that ended in marriage) admitted to lying early on. They said the person they fell in love with wasn't the person they discovered when the lies were gone, but they were able to overlook that. [/QUOTE]Sorry if I wasn't clear enough, but I was referring to the type like Retribution is talking about, the kind where your entire relationship is a lie, not the more trivial ones of not being blunt over someone's cooking, clothing or other things since those don't require brutal honesty. There's a difference between being polite and outright misrepresenting yourself on a deeper level. And that's what I was getting at. The music is a good example really, I'm not about to claim I love certain heavy metal groups or rock music when I clearly do not. It has resulted in a girl thinking I was 'boring' since I'm heavily into classical type music, but at the same time I found her taste in music equally as boring so cute or not, I'd rather not be dating in that instance. XP

What I don't understand or rather what I find the saddest about this entire thing is that it was a parent who did it over the most trivial of matters. Deliberately harassing another kid to find out if they said mean things about their daughter. I mean she was pretending to be someone online and instead of simply asking she spreads rumors and hate messages about a girl she knows in real life? What kind of sick parent puts someone else's kid through that kind of cruel treatment and then doesn't even have the decency to apologize to the family? As much as I hate vigilante justice, but seeing that it seems that the police aren't going to do anything, I don't feel sorry that others found out and are giving the mother grief over what she did to that poor girl. I mean regardless if she knew about the girls depression issues or not, her behavior was far from responsible or even 'adult' in my opinion. That's far worse than someone saying rude things about her own daughter. The whole thing is just sick really, that she would even do that in the first place.

[quote name='Aaryanna_Mom']There's just no getting around how wonderful a real Harpsichord sounds when you play it. I speak from experience on that of course. ;)[/QUOTE]You'll definitely get no argument from me either and as Beth said it was fantastic to hear at the concert. What I loved best was all the extra little snippets they wove into some of the songs just for the performance. It's a shame that their next performance is too far away, I'd love to hear them perform live again. :catgirl:

Well my gamecube is still collecting dust, though I'll probably pull out Twilight Princess and beat it again just for the fun of it. Or I'll attempt to finally finish the cave of trials since I've never gone farther than what was needed to have [spoiler]farires at one of the springs.[/spoiler] In my Playstation2 is [B]Lunar: Silver Star Story Complete[/B] hence my current avatar and banner which is from that series. As it says at Wiki: [INDENT]Lunar is the story of the idealistic lad named Alex who dreams of one day becoming Dragonmaster, the legendary guardian of the Goddess Althena and commander of the Four Dragons. The game begins fifteen years after the disappearance of the previous Dragonmaster, Dyne, who is presumed to be dead. A monument to Dyne was built in his home town and is an inspiration to all of Alex's dreams. As a series of extraordinary events unfold, Alex sets out on an adventure with his foster sister, Luna, to meet the dragons. Eventually Alex is compelled to realize his dream of becoming Dragonmaster in order to stop the evil forces which threaten Luna.[/INDENT] What makes this game fun even though it's a PS1 is that the game has well-developed characters, a solid storyline, fantastic anime cutscenes, and the dialogue and voice acting (especially for non-playable characters) is excellent. It's quickly shaping up to be one of my favorite games of all times. As soon as I get to the end I intend to play the sequel[B] Lunar 2: Eternal Blue Complete[/B], another PS1 game. As for my computer, I've been playing Diablo II Lord of Destruction, but only occasionally since I've been too caught up in playing the Lunar game.

[quote name='AzureWolf'][LIST][*]While honesty is the best policy in a long-term relationship, a few white lies in the beginning to get a date with her is ok. She will forgive you if she digs you and had a chance to know how awesome you are. [/LIST][/QUOTE]Actually, that in my opinion is one of the stupidest things you can do. Because if the relationship goes anywhere at all, those little white lies have a way of coming up and ruining what could have been a good thing. I've seen my friends get nailed by that mistake plenty of times. If you have to lie to get that first date then you're in sad shape really. That and I think it's unacceptable to lie to a girl that you like or are interested in. And in poor taste as well because if you really are awesome, no lying is needed for her to see that. Anyway, it wouldn't hurt to ask and see if she'll tell you why you weren't her type and even if your not don't take it to hard. It's not uncommon to go out with someone who your pretty sure isn't your type and yet you tried it anyway to see if you would like one another. That's just the way dating goes. I've had plenty of girls I asked out and in the end we had nothing in common. Sometimes she ended it, sometimes I did. Anyway, being a guy myself, I can't tell you what girls want, but since it varies depending on the girl there wouldn't be any point really. Just be yourself and above all else be as honest as possible so you don't end up in a relationship that is nothing more than a lie.

[quote name='SunfallE'][COLOR="RoyalBlue"][FONT="Lucida Sans Unicode"]Another one that I really like is Johann Sebastian Bach. He just has so much music that sounds deceptively simple and yet can be so difficult to play correctly. And when someone gets it right I just love listening to it. For instance I'm currently listening to The Six Suites for Unaccompanied Cello by Bach. [/FONT][/COLOR][/QUOTE]Sounding deceptively simple would be accurate. lol As much as I love The Six Suites for Unaccompanied Cello... I don't even want to think about how many hours and hours I have spent learning to play them. XP Bach is great fun and yet as you said, his works can be very difficult to get correctly. When it comes to the suites, the fourth and the sixth one were the hardest to learn. Not that the others didn't have their issues, but those two took a lot of work to get right. Though technically I would have to say the fourth was the most demanding. Anyway, moving to more recent classical composers or rather 20th century ones, I also like the work by John Williams. I've always liked the music to movies like Star Wars, Jurassic Park, Indiana Jones and the music he did for the Olympics when it was here in Salt Lake City. It was performed with the Utah Symphony Orchestra and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. My only regret is that I was not a member of any of the orchestra's in Salt Lake at the time. That would have been sweet to be a part of.

Well I have my music friends, the ones that we get together after practice and do things like catching a bite to eat or simply talking about what's up. There's also the friends who are fellow students and teachers and we too get together when we have time. Though we tend to stick to topics surrounding music and school. Then there is my friends I grew up with and my roommates, the main things we do together is watch movies, go out to dinner, play games, or rather they play games while the rest of us talk about whatever topic is currently on the table so to speak. We don't really party or drink so it's more like a simple get together to hang out. When the weather is agreeable, we do a lot of hiking on the weekends in the surrounding mountains. Part of why I commented in another thread about the lack of scenery being appalling at some college. Sure you can go wandering around in a city, but I wouldn't consider it hiking and that's one of my favorite pastimes. :p