Sunday, December 18, 2005

sorry for this modification
original message: dude i did something to make the print bigger on my computer screen. Its huge!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i can read it w/o my glasses now! its so cool.

new message: okay so when i was playing around in my profile to add a club i wanted to link it to the creator and somehow my original post became part of that link. Hopefully this cures everything and we can get right back to being normal... what ever that may be.
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Saturday, December 17, 2005

   Happy 100!!!!!
Hell ya!!! 100 visits and counting! I would like to take the time to thank all of those who visit. I reward you with a new bg *poof!* now you see double!! But is it itachi or sasuke? ... or even more mysteriously, both?

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Sunday, December 11, 2005

happy Holiday time!!!
Hope you all aren't going as broke as i am! and I also Hope that all of you that have finals are doing well, (i haven't studied yet -_-;;). I wish you all luck, luck, luck, duck... wait...... malards, i wish you all malards... yes, very good... I think >.<
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Wednesday, November 23, 2005

Identification please....
Gar!!! I lost my drivers id!!! im so freaking mad that i cant find it. I swear i put it in my purse... but i cant find it anywhere (I looked in all the weirdest places i could think of. like all my other purses, but I swear i had it on monday....................) On another note, i had to register for classes over the phone because when i went to the registration office they said they couldn't help me register. >.< I'm so freaking confused!!!! Isn't the nature of a REGISTRATION OFFICE to REGISTER PEOPLE!!!!!!! i mean SERIOUSLY!!!! why the hell to i have to do it over the phone, when i was there today anyway and took the time to walk over?! i waisted thirty minutes of my valuble work time, and then had to go home and waist an hour trying to do it on line. But I cant remember my gliffing password or my registration number, or even my effing username because it's been two gliffing years between usage!!!! That and my registration number is on the back of my id!!!!>_<............ Did i mention it took me three hours to be registered? then I had to search for my bro because he apparently broke his toe last week and the doctor called back with exrays, but he was busy watching his friends play football instead of being where he was supposed to be!!!

in conclusion: today was one of those days where you want to shoot someone/thing or have someone shoot you... so im so playing video games!!!!!!!!!!! Metal Gear Solid II here i come!!!!
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Tuesday, November 22, 2005

Narutards.....
-_-;; i had to get a headband and while I was there i got keychains.... my bro got trigun soundtrack... i gave him five bucks... Then I wore my headband home and I'm gonna wear it to college^^ I'm giving the key chains away to other narutards for X-mas/haunicka(sp?)/Kwanza(sp?), along with tea!!
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Sunday, November 20, 2005

darkness
Heehee, haveing no power is so much fun!!! or at least I enjoyed playing with my FFAC action figures. I have Sephiroth and my bro has Vincent. We did stupid stuff with them, and repliodzero was with us. We tried to play poker by candel light but we gaveup and started to mess aroud with the "Highly posable and able to assume almost any position" clause on the action figures. GET YOUR MIND OUT OF THE GUTTER!!!!! The greatest pose was Vincent's "everyones got a little captain in them." you know, from the captain morgan spiced rum commercials. Its great. We made them hug too, it was kawaii!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That is if you think sephiroth and vincent in the midst of a huggle is cute... -.-;;;
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Thursday, November 17, 2005

   no electricity...
I know i will be sad to not be able to post and catch up with all of your lives, but this weekend the electricity in my house will be off because we're working with the circutry. >.< we're also cleaning out the garage. So I will probably be like my newfriend tenchi K and develop and ulser from working in the garage alone. I'm the muscle, my moms so lame and weak and my bro doesn't get off his @$$ long enough to do anything. So.... this post will be extra super long. Mwahahahahahahahaha!!!!!!!!!! bask in the longness!!! I SAID BASK!!!!

Last Part!!!!!

Xalif knocked on the door of the Queen’s chamber. The two of them heard a shuffling and the door opened a cracks width. “What is it!” boomed Curucam’s voice.
“The Volb have already invaded. The message was a hoax.” Xalif answered urgently. The door swung open and Curucam stepped out and grabbed his wet shirt collar, sending a trickle of water down his front.
“This better not be a joke.” Curucam warned through gritted teeth. He threw Xalif inside, who stumbled to get his footing. Luin walked toward him, sliding past Curucam timidly. They watched as Curucam strode to the Queen’s bedroom door, it opened as he lifted his hand to knock. The Queen stood in the doorway wearing a silk robe over a frilly dressing gown. She rubbed her eyes and yawned, “What’s going on?”
“These two say the messenger was a hoax and the Volb have already invaded.” Curucam informed her. The Queen’s eyes widened and she looked toward Xalif and the deaf soldier.
“Tell me it’s a lie.” She pleaded; it made Xalif sorry he had to tell her the truth.
“I can’t.” He told her. “This soldier came from the Forest division. He says the Volb are already at the edge of the forest.”
“Then who sent the messenger?” the Queen asked Luin. Xalif tapped the man’s shoulder and signed the Queen’s question. She and Curucam observed with questioning stares.
“He’s deaf.” He explained. Luin signed aggressively, with a scowl on his face.
“Some one on the inside,” Xalif translated. “Most likely staged to weaken the castle’s guard, the Field Marshal believes someone hired the messenger.”
“Yes, but who is powerful enough to keep word of the Volb’s breach from reaching the castle?” Curucam asked.
“The Volb themselves,” The Queen answered. “They surround a city and leave no one alive.”
“They slipped past the beacons...” Curucam protested.
“Or they waited for the guard to fall asleep.” Xalif interjected. “There was only one guard when they slipped past, and no man can stand more than eighteen hours on duty before the needs of sleep overtake their senses.”
“But the other beacon guards should see the massive army coming into the territory.” The Queen rationalized.
“Not if the offenders are smart.” Curucam reasoned. “They could kill the one guard and sneak passed in small groups.”
“Dressed for battle?” Xalif asked. “It’s impossible, the villagers would notice.”
“Alright, what’s your thesis, huh?” Curucam retorted. “They kill all the beacon guards?”
“Exactly,” Xalif answered. Curucam shook his head in disbelief. “It’s not impossible. Once you’ve killed the guard you don’t need to worry about that tower. Move on to the next one and wait for them to mess up. If you kept doing this...”
“You could disarm every beacon tower.” The Queen finished her eyes wide with shock. An uncomfortable silence followed. Curucam scowled grabbing Xalif’s throat with one of his strong hands. “How do you know all of this?” He inquired, lifting Xalif off of his feet.
“It’s a statistic, all of the ex-captains...” Xalif choked; Curucam’s grip was cutting off his airway. The pressure of Curucam’s hold was surprising, and his vision was blurred. He clawed the hands at his neck, desperate to breath. He choked as the pressure increased, and thought his neck would break.
“Stop it.” The Queen’s voice sounded. The pressure at Xalif’s neck subsided and he fell to the floor. He gasped for air, and rubbed his neck tenderly. “Violence will not solve this issue.” The Queen told them. “We’ll have to wait for them here. I want you to act as nothing happened, in case there is a link to the traitor within the castle. It will remain between the four of us.” Xalif choked his understanding and was helped out by Luin. The two of them walked to the battlement and took up places among the watch.
Why didn’t you defend yourself? Luin asked.
What do you mean? Xalif signed back. Luin pointed to the rapier at his hip.
You always have that rapier with you, but I’ve never seen you use it. Why didn’t you use it when he was strangling you?
If I did, who would look after the Queen? Luin nodded and signed his understanding. They went back to their vigil and Xalif found it hard to concentrate. His mind kept returning to the Queen and her silk night gown. Once he started to day dream he would move back into the rain, the cold water sharpened his senses and he would snap back to waking life. He kept doing this all night until the first sight of dawn. She came slowly, spreading faint light in the rain. He left before his men and woke the members of the next shift with a gong in the plaza. The men assembled and he sent them to relieve his men. By then the sky had changed from black to a dark grey, and he fled to his quarters. He had forgotten to don his bandages, reluctant to do so because of the bruise on his neck. He was lucky the rain blocked the early morning sun. When reached his room he stripped off his wet clothing and put on dry ones. He was fast asleep as soon as his head hit the pillowcase.
A few days later Curucam passed by Xalif on the outside of the battlement. “Where are you going?” He asked him. Curucam turned around, “None of your business...” He proclaimed.
“Everything that happens outside the battlement is my business.” he reminded, walking up to Curucam.
“Your business has nothing to do with me.” Curucam spat.
“Oh, I think it does.” Xalif informed. “I wouldn’t be doing my job if I let you leave.” Curucam glared at him.
“How is that?” he seethed. “You’re in charge of security and I’m not charging the gates.” The sarcasm in the man’s voice severed a nerve in Xalif’s resolve.
“You left the Queen unguarded the other day.” Xalif accused, exercising all his will power to control his anger. He saw surprise through Curucam’s anger. “And you’re leaving her now.”
“That’s not your field.” He reminded, through gritted teeth. Xalif grabbed him by the collar of his shirt and pulled his face closer to his.
“If you ever leave her unguarded like that again during this war,” He warned in a menacing tone. “I’ll kill you.” Xalif pushed him away and he left. He watched as Curucam entered the castle at the gate. He entered after him, intent on tailing him through the castle, but Curucam had vanished. He walked the castle’s entire area searching for anything out of place and found his way to the garden. There was an assortment of flowers and a pond. Near the back there was a Cherry Blossom tree with a small bench underneath it that seated two people. Presently a white figure sat beneath the tree. He wandered over and as he neared the figure it became clear it was a woman, her skirt encompassed most of the bench. As he came closer she looked his way. “General!” The familiar voice of the Queen exclaimed.
“Are you aware of what time it is, my lady?” He asked her as he approached the bench.
“Is it late?” She asked naively.
“It’s near midnight.” He informed, keeping his voice void of his recent aggravation. He bowed when he reached the bench. When he straitened she was looking over the pond pensively. Her face was engraved with worry.
“I can’t sleep.” She confessed. “Not when he’s gone.”
“When who’s gone, my lady?” He inquired.
“Curucam.” She told him still staring out across the pond. Xalif wondered if he should tell her about their earlier meeting. “My lady,” he began. She looked up at him and rubbed her neck. “Would it be better if I sat down?” He asked. She nodded and he sat, careful not to sit on the skirt of her dress. “How often does he leave you alone?” he continued.
“Lately he leaves when I least expect it and doesn’t come back for hours. I’m beginning to think I should relinquish him of his duties.”
“I should say so!” He fumed. “For crying out loud, the Volb are nearly at our gates! If something were to happen to you I’d...” He stopped. He was so wrapped up in his anger that he wasn’t aware of what he was saying and almost exposed his feelings for her.
“You’d what, General.” She asked. When he didn’t answer she touched his shoulder. “Tell me.” She insisted.
“I can’t...”
“Come on, tell me.” She laughed.
“No!” He yelled in frustration. She stood and moved in front of him. She bent down and prodded his chest with her forefinger. “I order you, to tell me!” She yelled back. He stood and she backed away as he loomed over her.
“Don’t be afraid.” He whispered. “Everyone’s always afraid.” He reached out and touched her face with his mummified hand. “My love is too deeply embedded for me to harm you.” He told her. He left her standing by the pond; there was nothing more for him to say. The damage had begun, and he mentally prepared himself to be fired in the morning. But morning came, the Guards switched, and his routines went uninterrupted. He entered his room and laid himself down on his bed.
“What could this mean?” He wondered. “Surely she would think I was offensive. Lord knows everyone else does... So, why haven’t I been fired yet?” As he was pondering this over, a soft knocking came from outside his door. “Here it is.” He thought as he hauled himself out of bed and over to the door. He closed his eyes as he opened it, and slowly opened them to see one of the Queen’s hand maidens standing in his door way. He stood dumbfounded as she pushed her way in.
“I have a message.” She told him. He closed the door and offered the chair for her to sit on. She sat down and straitened her skirts. He sat down at the foot of his bed. “I’m fired, aren’t I?” He asked her, with his head in his hands.
“Nothing like that.” She assured him. “She says it’s about what you told her last night. She wants you to meet her in the same place tonight after you have stationed your men.”
“I’ll be there.” He told her, the anticipation of what she wanted to say made him tense. The maid left and he tried for hours to sleep, his body finally won the struggle with his mind and he drifted off uneasily.
He awoke and left his room, the sun was setting and his shift was about to begin. When he reached the plaza he rang the gong and his men materialized from the shadows the Night Guard assembled shortly after them. He dismissed them and his men faded into the darkness of dusk. The Night Guard left as slowly as they assembled. There was one of them that stayed, it was Luin. He saluted and awaited orders from Xalif.
Why are you still here, do they not have use for you in the forest? Xalif asked him
The Field Marshal has resorted to sneak attacks. He says I make too much noise. Luin signed sheepishly.
I want you patrol the battlement. He signed. Luin saluted and left as the guards from the day shift sauntered into the plaza. Xalif watched them saunter sleepily into formation. He dismissed them quickly and headed for the garden. When he arrived the Queen was sitting on the bench beneath the cherry blossom tree once again. He crossed the bridge and bowed before her. “You wished to see me, my Queen?”
“I did.” She replied. Xalif looked up from his bow to see the Queen smiling with a quiet affection toward him. He was flattered she wanted to meet with him. She patted the space of bench beside her and he sat down.
“Might I ask why you wished me here?” He asked. The Queen laughed, and pushed his hood back with a gloved hand.
“You can’t deny...” She cooed, pulling off his scarf so his face was exposed. “That you’re not happy see me.” Xalif studied her face, and knew there wasn’t any sarcasm in her words.
“Listen...” He spoke in a gentle tone. She put her finger on his lips to silence him.
“You listen,” She instructed. She took her finger from his lips and he waited. “I fired Curucam this morning.”
“You did?” He asked, not able to hide his surprise.
“Yes, he was unhappy about it. He made a scene and carried on so much I had to get the guards at the end of the hall to throw him out of my apartments.” She paused and Xalif saw worry creep onto her beautiful features. “He threatened me.” She went on. “That’s why I had my hand maiden tell you to meet me here. I’m afraid he might betray me.”
“Have you seen him lately?” He asked her.
“No.” She answered; she looked back at him questioningly. “Why do you ask?”
“He knows the secret passages.” He told her.
“You don’t think he would lead anyone here...” The Queen gasped. Her eyes widened as she cupped her hand over her gaping mouth.
“He must not...” Curucam’s voice sounded from their right. The General turned swiftly to see Curucam standing a few feet away. “Other wise he would have realized sooner.” Xalif stood drew his rapier. He threw back his cape and drew the Queen close with the free arm.
“Realized what?” He inquired, tensed for Curucam’s attack.
“I could easily lead anyone through the secret passages, now that the Field Marshal’s forces are diminishing day by day. For instance...” He snapped his fingers and a Volb man from behind the tree charged at them with a pike. Xalif evaded it and pulled the queen out of the way, she screamed, filled with fright, in his ear. The man ran past before he could change direction and Xalif sliced the man’s thigh with the blade of his rapier. The pike master swung the weapon laterally and Xalif made the Queen duck under the attack. He sheathed his rapier and picked her up while the pike master used the centrifugal force of his swing so the pike would circle around his body while controlling the direction with his arms. When the blade came toward them it was angled lower and Xalif was able to jump it. He landed on the flat side of the blade breaking it off the long pole it was attached to. He then ran to the other end of the area before the pike master could swing again. He and the Queen watched as Curucam approached the pike master with an unsheathed rapier.
“You’re a disappointment.” He voiced as he slit the man’s throat. The Queen screamed again as they watched the man’s blood squirt from his arteries and ooze from his mouth and neck. He fell to the ground with a sickening gurgle.
Xalif unsheathed his rapier once more as Curucam stepped to ward them. He raised the rapier to guard as Curucam rose to attack. “Step away.” He told the Queen, nudging her behind him. When Curucam brought his rapier down Xalif guarded the attack. Curucam swung at Xalif with his free hand. Xalif dodged pulling back and was glad that he didn’t run into the Queen. She had retreated to the tree where he could clearly see her. Curucam advanced and the two of them danced back and forth easily parrying each other’s attacks. Curucam got tired of the dance and started to fight more aggressively. Xalif remained loose, parrying Curucam’s aggressive advances. Once his opponent started to sweat he started attacking, with a greater force than Curucam. He had the advantage he needed as Curucam’s parries became sloppy. He stepped back instead of advancing and waited for Curucam to attack. The man fell right into his trap, swinging laterally. Xalif parried and twisted his wrist around causing the rapier in Curucam’s to fly out of his hands and into the pond. Curucam stared at the tip of Xalif’s rapier, now at eye level with him. “Give me a reason.” Xalif demanded.
Curucam hit the rapier aside with the back of his hand and came at Xalif reaching out for his throat. Xalif dodged his hands and reluctantly swung his rapier at Curucam’s neck. He coughed sputtering blood and crumpled to the ground, the same sickening gurgle sounded as he landed. Xalif looked in the direction of the Queen as he sheathed his rapier; she was still standing beside the tree. He walked over to her, and saw that she was wide eyed with terror even though the danger had passed. “It’s alright, my lady,” He told her touching her shoulder lightly. She blinked out of her frightened stupor and looked up at him. He touched the side of her face, “You’re safe.” She embraced him and began to cry. He didn’t know why, no one but her enemies were dead, but he comforted her anyway. When she was done sobbing he took her to her apartments and asked the guards to watch over her. He then tightened security around the secret passageways and discovered two more armed Volb soldiers. He killed them on sight, and took the bodies, as well as the pike masters and Curucam’s to be burned at the coroner’s. He was on the battlement when dawn broke. He wrapped the scarf around his head and hooded himself, watching the path as the light defined its edges. As the light grew he saw movement within the trees, he whistled a signal to his division and the men lined up in front of the castle. He waited and watched as a party of men walked out of the forest toward the castle. The let up a hardy shout and clamored on gaily, singing songs. One of his men in front of the castle turned and cupped his hands around his mouth. “IT’S OUR PARTY, GENERAL!!” he shouted up to him. “THEY ARE SINGING SONGS OF VICTORY!!!”
The army fought in the forests using stealth and sneak attacks and had won the conflict that night. The soldiers who died in battle were buried in the cemetery near the castle’s church; among them was the body of Kayden. Xalif attended the funeral and saw his parent’s for the first time in his life. They shunned him, as usual, and caused a scene so horrible that he was asked to leave the ceremony. He stood by the church door and watched as his brother’s body was placed in the Earth. It brought tears to his eyes, he had brought flowers, prayers, and compassion; all of it unwanted.
His feet carried him into the cemetery, and he wandered the far side of the rows of head stones until he found the one he was looking for. It read: R.I.P, General William Drake, beloved uncle, died in service. It was all he had been able to afford when he passed away. He wanted to erect a memorial of his uncle’s likeness to mark the grave, but his mother and father wouldn’t chip in for one. He placed the unwanted roses over his Uncle’s grave. He stood for a long time, slowly coming to terms with his emotions. He balanced being stiffed by his parents with the logic that they never, truly, wanted him and that he shouldn’t make any efforts to comfort them. But the loss of his brother was a burden, and streams of tears fell from his eyes and wet the scarf. He felt a hand on his shoulder and turned up to see the Queen accompanied by the priest. “I heard...” she explained. “They’ve left his grave... do you want to say you’re condolences?” Xalif shook his head and wiped his eyes with his bandaged hands.
“No, they don’t want me, so I don’t want any part of them.” He told her, trying to convince himself.
“In that case, I better go start the sermon.” The priest voiced. He patted Xalif on the shoulder and left.
“I came over here to think about my life and I found these roses belonged at this grave.” Xalif told the Queen when the priest was out of earshot.
“Who’s buried here?” She asked.
“My Uncle,” He told her. He bent down and plucked one rose from the bouquet. “He shared my affliction, and was the only relative that would take me in. He taught me everything...” He handed her the rose, and she accepted it. “...including the formalities of courtship.” He offered his arm and she linked hers with his. They walked out of the graveyard and into the church, the acolytes closing the grand oak doors behind them.

Thus, concludes my story.... Mwahahahahahaha!!!! Seriously, i didn't know where to divide it because the climax was involved. Also I have a good add for you:

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Wednesday, November 16, 2005

uh... part 5... i think
It's really short this time.... because of the ad.
As the weeks passed Xalif’s duties became monotonous. He walked the perimeter of the battlement late one night. He was bored, and the weather was bleak. It rained steadily for three days already and the mud around the battlement was slick and his boots sank halfway. His clothes, the cloak that failed to keep him dry and the rapier at his hip added dead weight to his tired limbs. There were a few more feet to go until he reached the side entrance to the battlement. He planned to switch places with whoever was stationed there and rest his limbs. “I hope there’s a fire.” He griped. The entrance came into view and he strove to move faster. Mud flung up onto his pants due to his quickened step, but he ignored it and kept going. When he finally made it to the entrance his pants and the bottom half of the cloak was covered in mud. The guard admitted him into the alcove and Xalif sank onto the floor. There wasn’t a fire, but the guard handed him a steaming cup of cider. “Thank you.” He told the guard.
“Least I could do.” The guard replied. He sat down adjacent to Xalif and waited for the general’s orders. Xalif sipped at the cider and his eyes strayed to the entrance of the alcove. “What the devil...” he voiced. There was a man approaching, and the guard got up and stood at the entrance. The man walked right up to the guard with out speaking a word. “What is your business?” the guard asked. The man began moving his hands very quickly in a number of gestures. When he was finished the guard admitted his entrance. As the man came closer Xalif recognized him as the deaf soldier he sent with the men he deployed to the forest.
Luin, what’s going on? Xalif signed. A sickening feeling came over him and he became edgy.
The enemy, they are already inside our territory.” Luin signed.
How? Xalif asked.
We think there is a traitor somewhere near the castle. The enemy has already taken the villages beyond the forest. The captain thinks the messenger was a fake. He sent me to rub it in your face. Xalif got to his feet.
Follow me. He quickly signed. Luin followed.
“Keep a sharp look out!” He ordered to the guard. Luin tapped Xalif on the shoulder and signed, where are we going?
To the Queen Xalif answered. This is very bad, very important news, she needs to hear and I don’t think she knows sign language.



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Tuesday, November 15, 2005

In the Shadows IV
Ok... yeah I know the last part of my so called short story was gross and icky and all the above. I also know that it was too short, I wanted to fill it out more and stuff but it was deemed unnecissary in the long run... because it was supposed to be short and my teacher told me to shorten it when I was still in the begining of the story and had about fifty pages.... yeah.... but this is the part where you find Xalif does have a conscience about it all. Injoy!!

The night the troops set forth to Lord Yuan’s battle Xalif woke to find his armory was empty. There was a piece of parchment on his desk with a scribbled note that read:
Since your brother performs your duties we have decided to take back the armor. He has a use for such things, unlike you. I don’t know what we saw in you. As always you remain a disappointment.
Xalif sat down on his bed, his heart in pieces. The armor represented his acceptance into his family. His father presented him with it the day he was appointed General. He slowly wrapped his body as his mind relived the event. He worked so hard to make them proud of him and it was the first time his efforts paid off. Possibly the only time now that his brother was the apple of their eye once more. Kayden went off to glory, while he stayed and preformed his brother’s duties as if he was demoted back to Captain. It was incredibly embarrassing, and he didn’t know how he would ever win back his parent’s good graces.
Xalif grabbed his scarf and wrapped it around his face. On his way out he grabbed his cloak from the end of the bed. Xalif was thankful for the sweet solitude of the midnight hours where he was free from the scrutiny of people. No doubt the masses noticed he didn’t depart with the troops that morning. He wondered if they even cared. He reached the barracks were he assembled and dispatched his men to the areas the Queen specified, and took his place as a wraith among the shadows of the castle.
Upon one of his rounds he passed by the graveyard near the cathedral. The sickle moon cast eerie shadows over the grave stones and the leafless trees. An owl hooted and Xalif jumped, he realized it was an owl as it floated silently across the night sky. “Get a hold on yourself, Xalif.” He muttered to himself. He had always been skittish around the graveyard. Rumor and superstition haunted his mind as he passed by. He walked on, unaware of his quickened pace. As he approached the pathway leading into the cathedral, he paused and looked up at the stained glass window. Its pattern glittered in the dying candle light, cascading a mirror image onto the cobblestone path leading to its doors. It would soon be too late to enter the sanctuary of its halls. Xalif swallowed his fear of the cathedral’s graveyard and approached the grand oak doors. They were open slightly to admit and expel the late church goers. When he reached them an old woman leaning on a young man’s arm was going out. He opened the door wider for them and they passed by. The young man scowled at him as the older woman smiled.
“Thank you, young man.” She told him, patting his arm as she passed. Xalif nodded and watched them slowly walk off.
“You shouldn’t talk to that man,” The young man scolded. “He’s a red eyed devil!”
“Nonsense,” The old woman dismissed. “Devils don’t go to church.” Xalif stepped inside the cathedral and the acolytes greeted him. He walked down the isle to the confessional boxes. They were the only service offered so late, mainly to ease the minds of the people so their guilty consciences sleep easier. He stepped into an empty box and waited for the priest. While he was waiting he took off his hood and the scarf from around his face. There were low voices coming from one of the neighboring boxes. He tried not to overhear, but his ears picked up the familiar voice of the priest.
“It’s not a sin, my daughter.” He consoled.
“It feels like I’ve sent them to die.” Sobbed the familiar voice of a woman. Xalif couldn’t discern who it was through the sobs.
“The Lord smiles on you for your compassion to your fellow man, your highness.” The priest consoled. “So, the Queen feels guilty about sending troops to Lord Yuan.” Xalif surmised. He leaned in the direction of their box so he could hear the conversation better.
“How can he smile on me when I’ve sent them into peril?” She asked through her sobs.
“When we make decisions for the good of many, he forgives the forsaking of the few.” The priest told her. “Your compassion will lead us to a golden age... never lose faith.”
“Bless you, father.” She choked.
“May He hold you in his palm until we meet again.” He blessed. Xalif heard the door to the neighboring box open and close. He sat back up and listened to the sound of fabric dragging on the ground. It stopped near his door. Xalif watched as the knob to his box turned, the door opened. “Curucam?” the Queen called poking her head into his box. Her eyes were puffy from crying, and she held a handkerchief in her hand. “Oh...” she uttered, her face turning red. “Pardon me.” Xalif nodded, unable to speak. She was radiant up close and he was frozen in his seat. “Did you perhaps see were the man went that was in this confessional?” She asked.
“Sorry...” He croaked. He apologized and cleared his throat softly. “It was empty when I arrived.” Xalif stood, “But I would be happy to look for him.” He told her. She retreated from the door and he stepped out into the candle light. She looked at him thoughtfully for a moment, and he fidgeted under her stare.
“You seem so familiar...” she told him. “Have we met?” Xalif opened his mouth to answer but the priest interrupted.
“Xalif!” He greeted heartily. “It’s nice to see you again...” He paused and Xalif saw his gaze went toward the Queen. “Am I interrupting something?” He asked.
“Her highness was looking for her guard, father. Have you seen him?” Xalif explained.
“I saw him step out when I entered the confessional with you, your highness.” He answered.
“He wasn’t there when I came in a few moments ago.” Xalif informed the Queen. She was still staring into his face and didn’t answer. The priest touched her arm. She snapped out of her stupor and looked at the priest.
“This is General Xalif, my Queen.” He told her. The two of them watched as her eyes widened with recognition.
“Oh, General...” She breathed in surprise. “I didn’t recognize you with out your hood.” Her face turned a deep crimson.
“Do you want me to look for Curucam?” He asked again. She looked thoughtful for a moment and then slipped her arm around his. “Just take me home.” She ordered. “The guards can look after me there.” Xalif turned to the priest.
“I won’t be back, father. I don’t want to keep you up too late.” He told him.
“Then may He watch over you.” The priest returned, he then turned and walked inside another confession box.
Xalif lead the Queen outside, he couldn’t believe she was at his arm. The scent of roses lingered around her, and she walked gracefully, seeming to float at his side. He wished he wasn’t wearing his bandages so he could feel the fabric of her silk gown, but he would need them in the early morning when he assembled the day guard. It was a shame; it was likely to be the only time he would be able to find out.
Soon the silence between them became uncomfortable. He wanted to say something, but he didn’t know what to say. There was nothing they could talk about, and he couldn’t ask why she felt guilty. He didn’t want her to know he had eaves dropped on her confession. They soon reached her private apartments in the heart of the castle. He accompanied her all the way to her suite where he had warned her about the messenger.
“Thank you.” She voiced as he opened the door for her. Her hand maidens immediately rushed to her side. Xalif bowed and closed the door after she stepped inside. He waited until he heard the lock slide into place before leaving. During his duties that night he found his mind returning to her, and her sweet face would appear before his eyes. His daydreams helped the night pass by swiftly and soon the sun’s first rays turned the sky an early morning blue. He assembled the Day Guard and dismissed his own guard. When he reached his room he found breakfast laid out for him. His stomach growled and he realized he hadn’t eaten. He devoured the food in a matter of minutes and flopped down on his bed. He was soon asleep and dreaming of a time when he would be around her once again.
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Sunday, November 13, 2005

   In the Shadows Part III
Okay so this is the part where the desease gets gross... but I think you would have expected this from the site......... seeing as how it's all Alucarded and stuff.This part is actually very short, I had to cut it down and take so much out of it. Also I think heartsmind said it best in her last post: this is lengthy for a short story. In fact, it's nick name is not so short story on my computer. I wrote it for a creative writing class in High School a semester and a half ago.... and then we did a magazine! I'll post it too, once i figure out how to link to a place were you all could read the whole thing at once.
Well, enjoy!!

When the sun set that day Xalif was exhausted. The Queen sent him on every errand she wished to prepare for the war. He must have circled the castle ten times while doing the monotonous errands that should have been entrusted to his brother and he had just told his men where they would be stationed.
Finally, he reached his chamber the moment the last of the sun’s rays sunk behind the hills off in the distance. There was a meal set out by the cook’s servant on his small desk, lighted by a single candle. He looked at the wine glass and the red liquid that filled half of it. He knew it wasn’t wine, it was too thick. A chicken, some bread and cheese accompanied the glass. He closed the door behind him, took off his cloak, and placed it on the small bed that sat on the right side of the room. He took off the armor and placed it in the armory in the corner. Then he sat on the bed and unwound the bandages that encompassed his body. He glanced at the meal again, when he had finished. The glass was uninviting but his stomach pleaded for food. He hadn’t eaten since that morning. He got up and stuck his finger in the glass. He shivered the contents where still warm. He stuck his finger in his mouth, the salty liquid a torture to his taste buds. It had been a fresh kill, one collected for his cause. He looked at the chicken and knew where the meat had gone. Sighing he pulled the only chair over to the desk and stared at the glass. Its contents were reddish brown; it had set for a while. He reached for it and swirled its contents around. As it swirled it turned a brighter shade of red. “Like wine,” he thought, “Blood tastes better oxygenized.” He put the glass to his lips and thought of wine as the contents slide, thickly down his throat. “Wine,” He thought on, looking at the residue in the glass. “Never felt so sickening going down.”

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