writers-whim

[writers-whim]

20 Alternative Losses Your Protagonist Can Face That Don't Involve the Death of a Person.

In one of my recent posts, I talked about losses as a core principle in driving a plot forward.

It's recommended in almost all guides. But here's the thing: someone doesn't have to actually die to create that emotional rollercoaster.

Here are 20 different losses your protagonist can face without losing someone to the cold hands of death:

1. Loss of a dream job opportunity

2. End of a long-term relationship or marriage

3. Betrayal by a close friend or family member

4. Financial ruin or bankruptcy

5. Loss of a beloved pet (The pet could go missing.)

6. Rejection from a prestigious program or institution

7. Injury or illness leading to the loss of physical abilities

8. Destruction of a childhood home

9. Loss of custody of a child

10. Failure to achieve a lifelong dream or goal

11. Being falsely accused of a crime

12. Natural disaster destroying personal belongings and home

13. Loss of a valuable family heirloom

14. Experiencing discrimination or injustice

15. Being forced to move away from a beloved community

16. Losing a significant competition or contest

17. Loss of memory or cognitive abilities

18. Falling out with a mentor or role model

19. Closure of a cherished local business

20. Loss of one's reputation due to scandal or rumor

Thank you for all of your support. If you love my blog, consider gifting me a rose. Val's here, and I hope your characters are ready to paint the town red.

Check out this printable template that helps you structure the nuanced parts of your plot you normally skip out on.

You also receive a free add-on that enhances your plot. It saves you time and helps you maintain quality.

[writers-whim]

Best Writing Advice I’ve Ever Received

1. “You can’t edit a blank page.”

This advice hit me like a ton of bricks when I first heard it. It’s so simple, yet so powerful. Writing something—even if it’s not perfect—is better than writing nothing at all. The idea is to get the words out, even if they’re messy, and then fix them later. There’s always room to improve, but the hardest part is starting. So, don’t wait for perfection. Just write.

2. “Show, don’t tell—except when you should tell.”

It’s one of the classic writing rules, and yet, I found this piece of advice to be both a game-changer and a huge relief. So often, we get stuck on the idea that “showing” is the ultimate goal. But sometimes, telling is just as effective. It’s about knowing when to lean into subtlety and when to give the reader exactly what they need upfront.

3. “Write the book you want to read.”

This was one of the most liberating pieces of advice I’ve ever received. So many times, we get caught up in writing what we think people will want to read, or what we think is “marketable.” But when you focus on writing a story you genuinely want to read—one that excites and moves you—everything else falls into place.

4. “Don’t compare your first draft to someone else’s final draft.”

This one is a tough one to swallow, especially in the age of social media where we’re constantly exposed to the polished, perfect versions of other people’s work. It’s easy to feel like you’re falling behind when you compare your rough drafts to someone else’s masterpiece. But every writer starts somewhere, and your first draft is just that—a draft.

5. “Make your characters want something, even if it’s just a glass of water.”

This advice came from a workshop, and it’s one that I’ve come back to time and time again. It’s a reminder that characters need motivation—whether it’s a big goal like saving the world, or something small and personal, like finding a glass of water in the desert. A character without desire is a character that feels flat and uninteresting.

6. “The best way to improve your writing is to read more than you write.”

This advice took me a while to fully understand, but it makes perfect sense. Reading other authors’ work, especially those whose writing you admire, teaches you things that can’t be learned through theory or workshops alone. You’ll pick up on pacing, voice, structure, and what makes a story truly captivating—all while expanding your understanding of storytelling.

7. “Your first draft is just you telling yourself the story.”

This was another gem of wisdom that I didn’t fully grasp at first. It’s easy to fall into the trap of wanting your first draft to be perfect, but it’s not meant to be. The first draft is for you—to explore the plot, the characters, the world. It’s your chance to get everything down and see where it leads, without worrying about perfection.

8. “Write with the door closed, rewrite with the door open.”

This is one of Stephen King’s rules of writing, and it’s a brilliant one. When you’re drafting, don’t worry about anyone else reading your work. It’s your time to be raw and experimental. But when it comes to revising, open that door—let others in for feedback, because the revision process is where the magic happens.

[writers-whim]

Descended from the Stars (V)

IV                                                            V                                                    VI

The next morning goes the same as the previous. I don't get up until I hear Xiumin leave his room, get dressed and eventually make it downstairs. Xiumin makes breakfast, however, today we make small conversation as we eat. 

I get the feeling this is going to become a daily routine for us and any other Warrior I may claim in the future.

Despite having a whole wardrobe of clothing to chose from, Xiumin wears the same thing as yesterday. I'll have to ask if he likes the clothes at his disposal and take him shopping later on in the week if they aren't his style.

I wear clothes of blue, black and white, keeping it light and casual because it's only school and the middle of spring, meaning the weather is heating up and it can get humid very fast.

Over the last day, we'd become closer and act like friends rather than Summoner and Warrior, just like I want us to. Xiumin still has times where he freezes or throws up his mask but I've been seeing it less and less the more time we spend together.

His card is still in the box I'd put it in when we first met, I'd found a proper card case in one of the many closets of the house, so I can keep it on me at all times during school and when I leave the house.

A small leather case of white with beautiful gold and black spiralling designs stitched into it, all stemming from a sparkling jewel-like button.

Mysteriously, the book his card fell out of has vanished and while saying he knows nothing about it, I know Xiumin's lying.

As we sit at the island counter once again eating breakfast, we chat about the day's schedule, talking casually about what my classes might be like and the possibility of getting a horrid teacher or two.

I know I won't be well-liked because of my upbringing and lack of knowledge but accept the fact I won't be making friends anytime soon. It's no different from my other schools.

"Will I be in my card tomorrow while you are at classes, Avery?"

I pause, fork halfway to my mouth. "Well, I assume I need to bring you with me considering this is a Summoner school but I don't know if you have to be in your card. What do you think?" 

Picking up his plate he walks over to the sink. "How about you take me in my card and if I need to be there in person you can summon me." I nod in agreement, that's a logical solution.

"Plus we don't know how the other Summoners are going to react to you, at the most extreme, they may attack you so I think you should take me with you in either form." Again I nod.

Finishing my meal I also stand, placing my plate on top of Xiumin's. "I'll go get your card then we can head off and try to find my class."

I run-up to my room, taking the box out from a small cubby hole I found behind one of the pictures. Sprinting back downstairs, I puff lightly, stairs are not my best friend when running.

I hold out the card to Xiumin, "You do know how to get into your card right? Cause I sure as hell don't."

He chuckles, smiling as he does so. "You aren't the one getting in the card anyway. Yes, I do know how to get back into my card, Avery." As he finishes his sentence he gains a deep blue aura, before vanishing into the also glowing card.

Looking closer at the card, now in a better light, I see every line on the back shimmering faintly as it catches the light. The water drops on the face looked so realistic I hold back the urge to wipe them off the card.

This time, however, there's Xiumin's name in blue calligraphy beneath the 'EXO' on the face, the royal blue standing out from the almost white color of the card itself.

Beginning the walk to the lecture buildings I hold my schedule in my hand, the class number highlighted in green and the corresponding room on the map the same green.

I only come across a few students, each with their groups of friends, giving me looks of either resentment, contempt or curiosity. News of who I am gets around faster than I thought it would and classes hadn't even started yet.

I ignore the looks as I make my way up the stairs, into the building and my new classroom. Being one of the first people there, I have full choice of where I want to sit but still choose to claim a seat in the back row, the end furthest from the door so I can be left in peace.

The room begins to fill slowly from front to back, both seats in my row staying vacant as we'd only about fifteen students in our class. I know the attitude of my new classmates will be no different to those before them, staying away from the weird girl.

Only now it wasn't just my eyes and attitude keeping people from approaching me.

After five minutes of endless chatter, the teacher walks in.

He's young, of that I am certain. He has a babyish face like Xiumin, making him look younger than he most likely is. Small eyes and full lips send girls into fangirl mode, his lean but muscled build and clear skin made all the boys jealous. 

"Quiet down class." He says, standing in the aisle between the rows of tables. "I am Kang Daesung, your teacher for everything in this class. Learn the way here because we are not moving anytime soon. The seats you are in now are yours for the rest of the year. Deal with it." Several people groan as they look to their sides seeing who they're stuck with for the year, others just don't seem to like where they are positioned in the class. I'm fine with where I am, if anything, I'm more than happy to be alone in the back.

"You will be taught everything that cannot be taught on the battlefield such as math, science, history both normal and Summoner, first aid, and languages, in here with me." More people moan but Daesung continues, seemingly uncaring as to what they think of the curriculum.

"Since it's your first day I will explain to you what the school expects of you and what you can expect from it in return. You are expected to follow the rules on the board in the main foyer and in your student handbook, the most important being that you listen to the Instructors and don't fight each other with your Warriors outside class unless a Teacher has authorized it."

"Every morning you will be in here with me, lunch is at one and field training stars at two-thirty. Your Instructor will explain what you will be doing there. Some of you may have classes after field training, I wouldn't know. Any questions?" He pauses in his explanation, sweeping the class with his eyes for any raised hands.

"Alright then, because today is the first day, you will head straight to the backfield for training now. You better have brought at least one card with you, if you haven't, good luck." Everyone begins picking up their bags and walking towards the door as Daesung casually dismissed us.

"One other thing," everyone pauses, turning back to face our teacher. "You, as a class, will be known as 1DW." He then turns and leaves the room through the door he'd come through, one that went straight into his office, if the large desk and chairs are a hint.

Glad that I'd brought Xiumin with me, I exit the room last, going straight to the field at the back of the school.

Walking down the steps, I arrive at the field to find it empty, our instructor nowhere in sight. Shrugging I sit on the ground, leaning against a large tree close to the building.

As I close my eyes, I hear a rustle of leaves and lazily open them to see a man in black and red sitting on a branch above me, right where the sound originated from.

"I know you can see me." He speaks up, looking down towards me.

"I know you know." Keeping my answer short I reply, sarcasm leaking through. He sighs, shaking his head at me. "Don't give me away." I close my eyes again, resting. "I won't."

The doors soon open again, the rest of my class strolling casually down the steps only to stop and gossip in their groups as they see no instructor.

Dumbasses, he's wearing red in a green tree and you can't see him?!

"Not even five minutes in and I am disappointed in you already." The man finally jumps down from the tree, making everyone else start as he lands gracefully.

I laugh at their reaction. The girls are sent back into fangirl mode as his features are revealed, the sunlight hitting them, making them look even better.

"I am Lee Seungri and you will address me as such. I will be your field instructor teaching you fighting skills and how to use your Warriors." His voice is powerful and firm, demanding attention and respect from everyone.

"Does anyone not have a Warrior with them?" He skipped over all our faces, smirking as he recognizes me from where I'm now standing at the edge of the group.

A girl and two boys sheepishly raise their hands. Seungri sighs, summoning a Warrior dressed in green and brown.

"You will run around the entire campus with my Warrior keeping you on track. You will not stop until you get back here even if it takes you longer than my assigned time. If you get back and class has not yet finished, Deng-ah will work with you on solo combat since you don't have your cards." His gaze made the three shiver as they notice, he's dead serious.

One of the boys is brave enough to laugh at their misfortune and Seungri's gaze pierces through him in return. "You will be joining them since you think it's so funny."

He gives orders to his Warrior, sending the five of them off on their way before turning towards us.

"Right, the rest of you summon one of your Warriors and let's begin." I reach into my card pouch and take out Xiumins card, watching as those around me spend time deciding between three to eight cards.

I close my eyes and call to Xiumin mentally just as we practiced many times the day before.

'Xiumin, I need you'. The blue glow makes itself known once again as he appears next to me, the glow mixing with those of the other Warriors who are called.

"Now everyone is ready," Seungri summons another green-clad Warrior, "I want you to reach into the box over there and select one paper, then order you Warrior to retrieve whatever is written on it. This is to show authority and get your Warriors to prove their skills. Go."

One by one my class run and select their paper, sending their Warriors off with only a few words and a wave of their hands. My fingers graze only the bottom of the box as I reach in until it comes across the last paper. Unfolding it I read my item before calling to Xiumin.

"Xiumin, go grab me a white water bottle, please."

A smile made it's a way onto his face, "Is the one from your bag  acceptable?" "Well, it's a white drink bottle." I shrug.

Darting off, Xiumin races back to the tree I placed my bag under, reaching into the side pouch and drawing out my assigned object.

"Thanks, Xiumin. You can do whatever you want now." I accept the drink as it's held out to me by my grinning Warrior.

Returning his smile I watch as he takes up my previous spot under the tree and closes his eyes. I sit next to him, pulling my bag close as I open it and pull out a sketch pad and pencil to pass the time.

All the other students watch as my Warrior sits down and begins napping, gawking in disbelief. None of them expected to see a Warrior interacting so informally with his Summoner and not being punished.

Seeing what's happening Seungri comes over to me, staring down at my seated form.

"Why is your Warrior sleeping? Did you not listen to my instructions?" A few people snigger around me, not hiding their blatant dislike of me.

I shake my head, gesturing with a hand to the bottle beside me, "No, I listened. I already had a white drink bottle in my bag so he just grabbed that one, you also never said what they had to do once they had completed their task so I am allowing him to do whatever he wants and he wants to nap."

"And you're letting him?" A girl asks, astonished.

"Yes. He needs to rest to be able to function properly, just like us and it's not like I need him at the moment." I address her as if she's stupid, which I wouldn't doubt.

I look down at Xiumin. "You awake?" He let out a loud and obviously fake snore. His response has the class and Seungri stunned into a dumbstruck silence. 

Obviously, very few Summoners treat their Warriors as people, not slaves.

I ignore their reactions and continue to talk with Xiumin. "You know the bag would make a comfier pillow." He responds by grabbing my bag and tipping sideways, using it as a pillow.

Xiumin opens his eyes, grabs my water bottle from where it sits beside me before uncapping it and drinking. "Avery, your water bottles empty." He whines, sounding very much like a child.

"Well, you can go fill it up if you a drink." I nudge him with my foot as I stand, back to my astonished classmates.

"Why didn't I think of that?" He exclaims, leaping up and running off towards the closest water fountain, forgetting about his abilities.

"You let him speak to you like that and don't punish him?" The same girl from before speaks up as the confused haze seems to fade from them. Her jaw moving in circles, chewing her pink gum obnoxiously loud.

"Why should I?" I challenge, shaking my head.

A boy from beside her speaks up, "He showed you the ultimate disrespect by being so informal and calling you by your real name."

"That may be what you have been taught growing up, but I learned about this just after orientation. Once I was told what normal behavior for a Summoner is, I decided to do things my way and I told him to call me by my name, being called Master makes me uncomfortable." I argue.

"Also, even though there aren't many, some Summoners do treat their Warriors like people, I happen to be one of them."

Just because I'm new to this doesn't mean I will let them walk all over and force their ways upon me. I will do things my way. No matter what others may say or do.

"You shouldn't have been allowed here. Your nothing but trash compared to us. Human. You play by our rules or you leave."

Next thing I know a glow almost blinds me and a Warrior appears at the boy's side. Without even a look the Warrior comes charging towards me, his intent displayed by his flaming fist. Everyone backs off, Seungri staying where he is, not moving to interfere, a strange look in his eye.

I quickly move my right foot back slightly, muscles tensing as I prepare myself to dodge the incoming fist, as he continues running at me head-on.

He's so close, I can almost feel his breath against my face. Just as I begin moving, he's propelled backward as a wall of water forms, stopping him from hitting me. 

"No one hurts my Summoner. No one hurts Avery." A dark voice growls from behind me.

I stand, watching through the water as the Warrior stands and tries to attack again before a part of the wall breaks off, extending to make a sphere around his head and he begins clutching his throat.

Drowning.

[writers-whim]

DFTS Xiumin Mood Board BW

Thought I’d try something a little different. 

Hoping to make this a usual thing for every new character or chapter or something like that. IDK what the hell I’m doing so we’ll see....

Tell me what you think

[writers-whim]

Descended from the Stars (IV)

III                             IV                       V

A loud thud from downstairs wakes me from my dreamless nap. I quietly make my way downstairs, going as far as to tiptoe. The closer I grow to the living room the clearer the sound of chains rattling becomes, as well as what sounds like sparklers going off.

Slowly I come through the doorway, the sound of the thud now revealed to be one of my book-ends on the floor. The chains and sparklers, however, are still a mystery, but as I creep closer to the bookcase the noises become louder and a single brown leather book moves, shifting from side to side and even seems to be jumping in the confined space of the shelf.

Curiosity wins over my fear as I slowly reach a hand out to the book, its movements stilling as my fingers run along its spine. Gently pulling it from the shelf my arms almost collapse from its weight.

The noises grow louder as I turn the book face up and scan the cover. It's encrusted with precious gems in a circle around gold writing and infinity symbol underneath it, surrounded by a gold border. 

My fingers lightly trace the circle, the sound of chains rattling fading as if my touch calmed whatever it is. Lowering my hand to trace the infinity symbol I read the words in the circle curious as to why it was there. "Brothers." Still tracing the infinity symbol my mind reels, endless possibilities and questions swirling through my head.

I panic and drop to the ground as the book opens and lets out a spray of light blue and white sparks. Waiting for the sparks to disperse I lean over and pick up the now open book, intent on reading it before a blue glow catches my attention from the ground.

The light is emitted from the card. With a slightly shaking hand, I pick it up, its glow stopping once I take it in my hand.

Lifting it closer to my eye level I study the card. It's slightly bigger than a normal playing card but fits nicely in my palm. The back is a bunch of light blue and white lines scattered randomly with a swirling pattern in each corner and the letters'EXO'between the bottom two swirls. 

The face of the card had the same letters, front and center on a light blue fade to white background, the swirls are replaced by a bunch of circles, like drops of water. The card vibrates lightly in my grasp. Could this be one of the Warrior cards that Weijin told me about?

Recalling our mostly one-sided conversation, I remember how he said cards were claimed. Contemplating trying to claim the card I feel crazy. If this wasn't a Warrior then I'd feel like an idiot, but if it is then I'd have to accept that everything is real. 

Another series of small vibrations came from the card in my hand, chasing away my doubts.

Well, what do I have to lose? Shrugging I left to the small cupboard just outside the living room and retrieve a needle from my sewing kit. Taking a deep breath I prick the index finger of my right hand and let a single drop of blood drip on to the card, landing right in the center of the X before watching bug-eyed as it's absorbed, leaving no trace of it ever being there.

A small tingle comes from my finger as the tiny hole I'd made magically heals itself before disappearing. A single tear slips from eyes as I realize nothing is happening. No light means no Warrior. No Warrior means nothing is real. 

I hadn't realized it before, too caught up in confusion, but I want everything to be real. I want this to be a Warrior card. I'm tired of normal life. Tired of the same routine every day. I'm bored of the same town, the same people and the same life.

I'm bored of being alone, with only Gran to talk to. Even as a child I didn't cry often, bottling up my emotions and wearing a mask so I'd be left alone, but everyone has a breaking point and I've managed reach mine when my hope was shattered.

I want someone I could rely on, someone who I can spend hours talking about anything and everything with. I want a true friend, someone who wouldn't stab me in the back the moment someone offers them something better than what I can give, even if I give my everything.

A Warrior could be that. They can't betray their Masters, whether out of fear or loyalty, they'd stay by my side. They would have to be pried out of my cold dead hands before they ever left because I wasn't going to break the laws of this foreign society. 

And in return for their friendship and loyalty, I'll help them get stronger by becoming stronger myself.

"Don't cry, Master." A masculine voice speaks up from beside my hunched over form. A hint of sadness in his voice.

My head shoots up, only to be met with the sight of a males chest in front of me. 

Blinking rapidly I gaze up to see a male with a babyface in front of me. His dark toffee-colored hair is spiked up slightly at the front, his cheeks chubby and brown eyes deep. 

My jaw falls slack in shock; he's the most handsome boy I've ever seen. He wears a pair of dark ripped jeans, a blue and white jacket over the top of a blue shirt and white trainers. 

"Who are you? How did you get here? Are you a Warrior?" I ask, never removing my eyes from his face.

"Yes Master, I am a Warrior. You summoned me here by bonding with me and bleeding on my card." His voice is light, but his tone holds a hard edge to it as if he wants to be anywhere but here.

I hurriedly clear my tears away with my sleeve, "I know that, but what about the light?" Blinking he answers not breaking eye contact with me. "There was a light, however, you were covering your eyes so you wouldn't have seen it."

Feeling stupid I try to change the subject, "Oh. What's your name Warrior?" He stares curiously at me, not seeming to understand what I am asking of him. "My name is whatever you tell me it is, Master." 

The same feelings from before flood through my system, horror, shock, and contempt, as I recall part of my previous conversation. I can't do it. I can't just give him a name and expect him to live by it. He should be able to choose his name.

"No. I'm not going to name you." He seems as if he's about to fall over backward in shock. 

"You summoned me, you have to give me a name, that's how things work." Frustration begins creeping into his voice.

"Give yourself one." I shrug, not at all bothered by my request.

"Things don't work that way!" He yells, "You summoned me, therefore, you have to name me! There is no other option!"

I'm taken back at the fury edging into his tone, his youthful face not matching the emotions he displays. Regaining my composure at being yelled at so suddenly, I narrow my gaze into the glare that has kept people from coming near me for nineteen years. 

His eyes widen as he appears to process what he'd just done. A small thud sounds as he falls to his knees at my feet, chin lowered to his chest as he squeezes his eyes shut tightly. "I apologize for yelling at you Master, but I stick by my word, it is not how things work and it never has been."

My heart breaks slightly at his begging. The sharp words almost masking the terror in his voice. I remember what Weijin had said about Warrior's being disciplined by their Summoner's for disobeying orders or showing disrespect, I wonder what horror he had been put through previously to make him so scared.

I'm not mad at him, only shocked that he yelled at me and I don't understand why he won't just give himself a name, even if it isn't something he's normally asked. No one should have to live with a name they hate with no other options, even if it's only temporarily.

I crouch in front of him, placing a hand in his shoulder as I nudge his chin up with the other. Follow my silent command, he lifts his head, teary, fearful eyes staring directly into my own.

"Tell me your name." I urge him gently, knowing we are both too trapped in our emotions to be any more forceful. 

"I don't have one, Master. You have to name me." His bottom lip begins to shake as he speaks, faint whimpers barely audible but still escaping occasionally.

Controlling my facial expressions, I make my face blank and made my eyes show anger. I'll apologize to him later but it's better than hurting him physically.

"I'm not going to ask again. Tell me your name." My voice is firm, leaving no room for discussion.

"I'm not going to name you, I will never force a name on you or any of my future Warrior's. Most other Summoners may do so but I am not like them. Tell me the name you wish me to call you."

Tears threaten to fall from his eyes as he glances down to his card, the strong front collapsing as soon as he notices his card still between my fingers. 

I stand, leaving the un-named Warrior on the floor, as I pick up the book again, moving to place it back in the bookcase when a slight shimmer catches my attention.

Placing it down on the small mahogany table, I tentatively flip the worn pages of the book, stopping once I reach the page causing the shimmering. 

Slowly, almost as if someone is writing them, words appeared on the page, cursive and black but easy to read.

Xiumin Desaliar Water specialty Warrior Opposed by Earth Control   10/10 Strength 9/10 Combat  9.5/10 Note: For an unknown reason any water Xiumin manipulates or forms has a lower temperature than normal Water Warrior's.

"Xiumin." I test the name out, dragging out each syllable. "That's your name?" He looks up, shocked as I speak, guessing his name from seemingly nowhere.

"How did you... How did you know that?" He questions, shocked and curious. I point to the book, the elegant words having stopped being written, permanently staining the page. Shuffling closer, he looks over the page I hold open, brows furrowing as he reads over the information on the page.

After a long silence, I speak again. "So, is it your name?"   

"Yes, but If you don't like it I can change it." He becomes nervous again.

"If that is what you want to be called then it is what I will call you. It's a nice unique name anyway. I like it." I reassure him. 

Committing the contents of the page to memory, I close the book and move to place it back in the bookshelf it fell from. Pushing it gently back into its space, a small silver box catches my eye.

It looks to be no bigger than a small pencil case and is covered in carvings of roses and vines. Grasping it lightly in my hands, I turn the key, already in the lock and lift the lid.

At least twenty small dividers run lengthways, filling the box, covered in red velvet and undamaged. 

Taking a wild guess, I try placing Xiumin's card inside one of the slots. A perfect fit. Locking the box I pull the small key out and place the chain it's attached to around my neck. 

"You...you're not going to harm or destroy my card because I refused to tell you my name, Master?" He whimpers quietly in fear of my answer.

"No, I won't hurt you. I understand why you didn't tell me your name and I can't hurt you for that. I doubt many Summoner's, if any at all, have asked you to name yourself." I retake my crouched position in front of him, my hand going back to rest on his shoulder.

The tears finally escape, creating transparent trails down his smooth cheeks. "Your different to the other Summoners I have had, Master."

"First rule, call me Avery."

"But I can't, it doesn't work like that." Another set of tears emerge as more take their places swimming in his eyes.

"Friends don't call each other Master do they?" I ask gently. Xiumin shakes his head in reply. "So call me Avery, I want to be different to the other Summoner's here. I want to be a friend, not an army General." 

"Okay, Avery." He hesitates, unsure if I'm serious about being called by my name.

I smile and raise a hand, reaching out towards him before running my hand through his hair, fixing some of the displaced strands. I then pull up my sleeve, wiping away the trails on his cheeks, not liking him upset. 

"You were serious when you said you wouldn't hurt me, weren't you?" He hesitantly whispers, surprised by my actions.

"I don't want to be like any of the other Summoner's I've met. I didn't even know about all this until a few hours ago and hated most of what I was told about the Summoner-Warrior society. I don't want to be like them."

"You knew nothing about this?" He seems shocked, making himself more comfortable on the floor as his eyes widen.

"Nothing, not one bit. I don't even know why I was accepted into this school, or given his house or anything about how a Summoner is supposed to act, or if Grandma knew something I didn't." I shrug, too tired to be bothered by it.

"This is going to be a different experience then." He smiles, looking even cuter than before.

"I'm glad I found you, not some completely emotionless Warrior who wouldn't change for anything." Shrugging was starting to become a habit as I did it again.

  "This is so weird. I don't usually have a choice in these things." He murmurs.

"You do now Xiumin and you always will when you're with me. I want you to be yourself freely an in return I will help both of us become stronger. Now it's late and I want to sleep, come choose a bedroom and then we can sleep." I yawn, eyes beginning to droop as the clock shows the time, 12:57.

"I will try, Avery." He reassures as we both rise from the floor. "Good. Now let's go."

Waking up in the morning is easy. Getting out of the fluffy heaven that is my new bed, is not. I don't move until I hear a door shut and remember Xiumin.  Getting dressed I keep it casual considering it's only Sunday and classes won't start until tomorrow, meaning I'll be staying at home with my Warrior.

The room Xiumin had chosen last night is the one at the end of the separate hall across from my room, but also the closest to my room. The room is beautiful just like the rest of the house and is stocked with men's clothes, so I needn't worry about what he was going to wear. 

Going downstairs I notice Xiumin in the kitchen, just sitting at the counter while looking out the window, deep in thought. 

He's in white jeans with a white shirt, black shoes and a light blue jacket with white detailing. His hair is spiked up slightly at the front, the same style as last night. 

"Good morning Xiumin." I greet him as I make my way to the cabinets, looking for food I can use for breakfast.

"Morning Avery." He sends a nod in my direction, cocking his head to the side as my hunt for food continues. Finally, I come across a carton of eggs, some milk and bread, throwing my hands up in victory as I gather them.

"Let me do it," Xiumin speaks lightly, still wary of what my reaction will be. I frown as I apprehend the effect his previous Summoners had on him. 

Nodding in agreement I let him do as he wishes with the ingredients, instead of moving to take his now empty seat at the counter.

Minutes later a plate of the most delectable smelling scrambled eggs and toast is placed in front of me. Thanking Xiumin I take the plate and begin to dig in, almost inhaling it. 

Looking up I notice the lack of plate in front of Xiumin, he's only staring at me as I eat. "Where's yours?" 

He blinks. "What do you mean?" 

"Where's your breakfast, you need to eat as well." He lowers his gaze as my stare intensifies. 

"I must wait for my Summoner to finish before cleaning up and then making myself food." 

I stand and walk over to him, placing a hand on his shoulder to which he flinches. "Xiumin make yourself some food and eat with me." 

"But-" "No. I won't eat until you are eating with me." I cut off his argument before it could even begin. "I want you to forget everything your previous Summoners have told you to do, I want you to be a friend, not a slave. I know it will be a long while before you're completely comfortable with me but I'll wait and let you go at your own pace, but in return, I want you to eat with me so I know you're healthy and eating properly.

Eyes gleaming, he stands and does as asked and before long we are both stuffing our faces with his creation. Finishing we both stand before placing everything we used in the sink to be washed later.

Advancing out to the back yard I gesture for Xiumin to follow me before sitting in the middle of the large field that serves as my garden until it meets the tree line of the forest. 

As he sits in front of me he looks around confused but keeps his features cool, I wouldn't have noticed his nerves if it wasn't for the brief flicker in his eyes.

I lean forward, chin on my folded hands and elbows on my knees. "What are your abilities?" 

He blinks. "I am a Water Warrior, as the book said." 

"Is that why your card glowed blue?" I ask, eager to learn more.

He blinks again. "Yes, all Water cards glow blue, while Fire glows red, Spirit is purple, Air, white and Earth, green."

"What can you do? Please, show me," He stands wordlessly and moves to the side of the pool. Looking back at me he lifts both hands upwards slowly, palms to the sky. The water in the pool rising with them. 

He moves his hands in a series of motions, the water following every one of them. The sun catching on its surface and creating intricate light patterns on the tiles beneath his feet.

I'm entranced, so when he drops his hands entirely too soon and the water stop moving, I feel slightly disappointed.  I'm speechless, knowing Xiumin is a Warrior and has abilities is one thing, but seeing it with my own eyes. Unbelievable.

Everything seemed so much more real now.

"Wow." He blinks again before a smile creeps across his face and he begins laughing at my bewildered expression.

I freeze as the sound reaches my ears. It was nothing like the bells many books describe them as. It's a more masculine sound, full of heartfelt happiness and sincerity, sounding more wonderful than any author could ever describe. 

I hope to hear that sound frequently, even if it's at my expense.

As he calms, I address him again, "What else can you do?" 

Stilling, he begins similar hand movements at a smaller scale to what he did before with the pool. A small ball of water forms between his hands, swirling in a perfectly smooth sphere. 

"You can touch it you know." He held out his hand so I could touch the sphere. Poking a single finger inside the ball I frown in confusion as my finger reflexively darts back, the water is cold, very cold. 

"It's cold." I take my finger out as Xiumin drops his hands and the water ball drops, soaking into the grass below us. 

"My water is always at a cooler temperature than that of normal water Warriors. If I encase someone in it for long enough they can get hypothermia." Frowning at the hypothermia part of his statement, I continue my questions. 

"What rank are you?"

While I've been around him for only a few hours, I notice as Xiumin stiffens at this particular question. 

Putting his mask back up, he answers, "I am a Desaliar. I am a lone star." 

I frown again. "I know you don't trust me and that's why I'm not going to demand answers because I know you're hiding something. I said I wanted you to be yourself, even if that means arguing occasionally or withholding information that is not vital to both or our survivals."

We continue with our session for several hours, me asking questions with Xiumin answering them and practicing different moves and commands with his powers, those we liked being practiced to perfection and given a name so our opponent wouldn't know exactly what he was doing.

We retire to bed late into the night after another meal cooked by Xiumin who this time eats with me with no arguments. 

Mentally I feel on the verge of a breakdown, the pressure of the first day of school being only a few hours away making it difficult to sleep before exhaustion finally catches up, dragging me into its depths.  

[writers-whim]

Lee Avery - Coral and Baby Blue Mood-board

Hopefully the first of many

[writers-whim]

Descended from the Stars (III)

II                       III                               IV

Holding back tears I say goodbye to Gran and watch as she starts her hours drive back to the secluded house I've called home for the past six years. I'm left standing in front of the Academy's main entrance, hearing and seeing a few other students saying their own goodbyes as I pass them, entering the Academy. 

The campus is enormous. It could be considered its own town or city with its size. Tall white painted concrete walls separate the campus and the outside world, even though it's in the middle of nowhere. The tall iron gate I'd just come through seems to be the only way in or out.

Closing my eyes I take a deep breathe, gathering the courage to continue walking further into the Academy. Snapping them open I begin my journey through the secluded paradise.

Patches of grass are spread evenly throughout the large space, wooden benches and small trees adding life to the place along with the groups occupying them. A tall fountain sits in the centre of the large open area, roads branching in every direction from it.

Nocte Academy is more than I expected it to be. I'd expected a large modern building at the front where classes would be held, dorms in separate buildings out the back along with sports fields and other classroom blocks. High school has influenced me too much.

I follow the main road to the fountain before turning in every direction, taking in as much as possible. Most of the roads that branched off from the fountain lead to rows and rows of two-story houses in colors ranging from red to white to black and every other color on the spectrum. Cars are parked outside many of them leading to the conclusion that they're occupied by the second year and above students.

One or two of the roads lead to rows of shops selling clothes, school supplies, food, etc. I can faintly make out the green of a football field or park further down another. A large build labeled 'Performing Arts' takes up one side of another road, the other being occupies by an art gallery and more stores.

The main road continues straight ahead to the main campus building, the entrance to the main hall already crowded with first years. As I continue forwards the positioning of the footpath allowed me to get a better view of what I have already seen and observed more of the campus. 

More houses can be seen further out in what seems to be a more secluded area, only these were much larger two-story homes with only a few three-story homes at the furthest point of the road. A large forested area appears on the horizon next to the larger homes, blocking the view of anything beyond.

Pulling my luggage up the stairs leading to the entrance, I huff when I get to the top, blowing a stray piece of hair away from my eyes. Walking inside I look around, people chat with each other, standing diligent by their luggage as more people enter and try to find space in the mass of people in the hall.

A raised stage is at the far end of the hall, a large bulletin board beside it. A boy walks up to the microphone on the stage, clearing his throat before waiting for silence. Everyone quickly complied.

He gives a toothy grin as he begins speaking. "Welcome first years to Nocte Academy! I'm glad you made it on time even though there will always be the stragglers. I am Kim WeiJin and I am the student representative for the fourth years of the academy. I want to wish you all good luck with your studies here and for your future after Nocte."

His deep voice resonates through the large hall, his slight Chinese accent is amplified by the mic. "As you know Nocte is known as one of the most prestigious schools in the world..." He goes on to explain rules and some of the buildings of the academy.

"Now, if you were paying attention as you came through the main road you would have noticed the houses on the Southside of the property. Those are your dorms. At Nocte we don't want you to dread coming here because it is a school, we want you to feel at home and prepare you for life outside these four walls if you don't already have your own house." A buzz arose from the crowd as the purpose of the houses is revealed.

"There will be no bills and no mortgage but you will have to cook and clean the house for yourself. For the first term, there will scheduled checks and throughout the rest of the year these checks will be random meaning you have to constantly manage your home," the buzz grows louder as Weijin revealed more and more.

"Once you are given your dorm number that is it for the next four years, incoming first-years will take residence in the lots left by the graduated fourth years so the living area of each year group will rotate each year. North is fourth years, East Third, South Second and First West. This is not only the direction of the residential areas but also the name of the street you will need to take to get there." Heads tilt as some fail to understand the new information given by the Fourth year.

"The list of where you will be staying is posted on the board next to the stage, the number corresponds to the house you will live in. Move-in, settle down and explore before classes start on Monday. Your time table will be in your letterbox."

People begin pushing and shoving to get to the board and get out as soon as possible with the air becoming quickly humid and stuffy with so many people. I press myself against the wall as thoughts run rampant through my mind. What sort of school is this? Am I not supposed to be here? Was I not supposed to be given a letter?

WeiJin speaks again, yelling into the mic to be heard over the noise that has arisen from the crowd. "Can Avery Lee please meet me outside for a moment." This only amplifies my fears and made my heart beats faster as worry sets in. Those who heard the announcement begin chatting even louder while those who didn't remain oblivious. I glance at WeiJin again only to see him already gone from his place on the stage. I hurriedly grab my bags and speed walk outside. 

The light of WeiJin’s glasses almost blinds me as I advance down the stairs, the reflected light beam hitting me straight in the eye. He looks up as he hears the tapping of my luggage on the steps, looking me up and down as I made my way to him.

"Your an odd case Avery." He looks me straight in the eyes, not at all disturbed by their unnaturally bright green hue.

"Huh? What does that mean?" He laughs, loud and boisterous, attracting attention from those around us.

"Walk with me and I'll tell you as we head to your dorm." He turns on his heal practically skipping in the other direction before pausing and waving a hand at my still frozen form. I scramble to catch up with him as he goes back to his skipping.

"The Principal wanted me to explain something to you. You're a special case and I was surprised to hear that you had been admitted in for several reasons-"

"What reasons?" I interrupt his little rant, eager for answers.

"We'll get to that later. All the other students know what this school is really about and you are the odd one out in that category which is why I'm here to explain and answer any questions you may have."

We pause as we reach the end of the road. In front of us stands one of the large three-story houses I'd seen earlier, the biggest of them all. Large windows and vines loomed over us as we made our way through the front door. Making our way to what I assume is the living room we sit on the leather couches sitting in front of the unlit fireplace.

"Where are we?" WeiJin grins again as I express my cluelessness.

"This is your dorm, well house, mansion thing." I'm pretty sure my eyes bulge out of my head.

"My house? This?" He nods in response. "Wow."

"Yip, however as cool as this place is I still need to explain everything to you so get comfy."

I lean back into the black leather and grip a red fluffy pillow close to my chest as WeiJin completely distorts my view of reality.

"Wait, what?" I ask not understanding anything WeiJin's just told me. WeiJin sighs in either annoyance or frustration. It's more than likely a combination of both.

"We are all summoners." He repeats his words as if he talking to a toddler, staring unblinkingly into my eyes to get his point across.

"Summoners? Like demons and stuff?" I scratch my head in confusion.

"Kind of. Summoner is a general term used to describe those who have the ability to summon entities from a realm outside our own. All those who can be summoned are summoned through a card connected to their spiritual being allowing their master to summon them at will once they have bonded." WeiJin explains.

So many questions I want to be answered float to the forefront of my mind however I'll let him finish before overwhelming him with them all. I nod, biting my lip slightly as a signal for him to continue.

"Everyone here at the academy was brought up with the knowledge of all this so you are a special case that is the first of its kind here, this means because this is all new to you I will need to explain everything which will take a while." Taking his cue I resume I leaned back position, hugging a cushion from beside me close to my chest.

"Warriors, as a general term, are beings from the stars. Each Warrior can harness an ability from one of the five specialties of Fire, Water, Earth, Air and Spirit. Summoners, in turn, use their powers by ordering their bonded Warriors to do as they wish. Warriors are connected to cards by their spiritual essence meaning each card will summon only the warrior it is connected to. You get cards through trials while others are passed through the generations and others are claimed by the victor of a death battle." He pauses waiting for me to absorb the new information.

"Warriors have four ranks Zodiac, Disciples, Descendants, and Desaliars. There are only twelve Zodiac. The Zodiac is the most powerful Warriors and has powers that fall outside or on the extremely more powerful end of one or more of the five specialties. They are one of a kind and are the only one of their constellation. They are believed to be only a myth as they have not been seen by anyone in millennia. 

Disciples are those from the Desaliar rank, which I will cover in a moment, who have chosen to follow the Zodiac as gods, worshiping them and in turn, gain similar but extremely weaker abilities and forfeit their own." He pauses again waiting until I nod to continue.

"Descendants are those who are apart of a constellation and other than slightly stronger abilities nothing is different about them. A single constellation is shared by several Desaliars.  Desaliars are the weakest of the Warriors and are the most common among Summoners. They are not connected to a constellation and are weaker than the other three rankings. The Summoners are ranked instars one to five by their ability to control their cards and battle with them as well as their own  capabilities." 

He pauses again only this time I relent to asking a question as my restraint weakens. "What happens to the Warriors in their cards?" 

He cocks his head at the odd question but answers anyway. "We don't know really. Because they are connected to stars and constellations, we suspect that their spirit returns to their connected star and waits to be called again. Maybe they live in the cards, maybe they are trapped in nothingness, who knows. " He shrugs in nonchalance as if he'd never even thought about it.

"What does this have to do with me?" I tighten my hold on the cushion as WeiJin smiles.

"Avery, this school is for Summoners to learn how to be Summoners and control their Warriors, giving them the chance to gain new ones at the same time through trials set up by the Council."

"That can't be true. I'm not a Summoner. I didn't know anything about this before you started talking." I begin to panic, unwilling to accept this new aspect of the world.

"Avery, I know you don't believe me but let me prove to you then you can bombard me with as many questions as you want, I know you have been holding them back."

I watch as he reaches into a brown pouch at his side, pulling out a silvery grey card with lilac spirals dancing across its surface. Holding it flat in his hand his brow creases lightly as a small flash of light appears next to him, fading to reveal a boy with black hair with white tips, dressed in grey and black with lilac accessories such as his belt and shoelaces.

"You called me Master?" Despite is slight smile his voice is monotone and blank of any emotions, as are his eyes, I note as I look closer.

"See Avery, this is all real." WeiJin leans forward as he places the card back in his pouch, the Warrior standing beside him not moving an inch.

"The fuck is this?! He wasn't there before! What was with that light? What the fuck is going on?" I leap, rapid-fire, into my questions taking full advantage of his invitation.

"This is Shin he is apart of the Spirit specialty and possesses the power of Hypnosis. That light occurs whenever a Warrior is summoned and it takes a lot of training to control its intensity." I stay frozen, almost matching the state of the warrior before me.

"You okay Avery?" No, I'm not okay. My whole world, the last nineteen years of my life flipped on its head. Destroyed. Gone. Unbelievable. 

"This...is all real?" It sounds more like a question as the statement escapes from my parted lips.

"Yes." Damn his calm and collected self. I sigh heavily, recovering from my almost mental breakdown. "This is going to take some getting used to but eventually you'll get used to it." Another encouraging smile is sent my way by the Chinese charmer himself.

"Do you have any other questions?" What don't I want to question is a more accurate question. "How do Summoners and their Warriors usually interact, I mean I need to know if I want to fit in."

"Summoners order their Warriors and Warriors follow. If they disobey or ignore an order they are punished in whatever way their Master sees fit even if it means destruction, which is only achieved through fire by the way. Summoners can do as they wish to the Warriors they have bonded with but if they discipline or do anything to other Warriors, outside of battle, that their Master doesn't like, the Summoner will be punished before the Council. Some get their cards striped, others are whipped." He says it so casually I get goose bumps even imagining having to discipline or punish a Warrior outside of battle.

"Other than that, Warriors generally follow their Summoners command, in order for them to get stronger, their Summoner has to get better at wielding them and giving orders, however, most don't try to help their Summoners improve, settling with just taking orders. Although there are some who do try to help, they are usually shot down before any actual improvements." WeiJin comments, smirking as he looks towards Shin.

"Relax, for now, look around your new place and try to read up as much as you can in the library I was told was upstairs on our world. Take it easy, you might even find a card hidden in this place, who knows." The light shines again as WeiJin sends his Warrior back to his card, standing as he does so. He pats my shoulder as he walks past me towards the door.

"Hang on, you haven't told me how to claim or summon a Warrior." WeiJin spins a look of horror on his face as he misses out likely the most important part of being a Summoner. 

"Right. To bond with a card, you must place a drop of your blood on the face of the card and a Warrior will appear. Once bonded you name them and they are yours to do as you wish. From then on to summon them you can either call to them mentally or verbally by saying something like 'Jeff of Cygnus I summon you' or something like that or you can kiss their card."

"This is sounding more and more like Pokémon." I deadpan taking notice of the fact that he said I would name my Warriors, depersonalizing them even further. I'm not liking the norm of this society so far.

WeiJin chuckles as he turns and begins making his way out again calling back before he left the house completely. "Basically. Good luck Avery." Then I was alone.

Staying curled up on the couch I contemplate moving and only do so once I realize that my luggage is still sitting at the foot of the staircase by the entrance.

Climbing the stairs I drag my suitcase behind me, my smaller duffle bag riding on top of it as the larger is slung over my shoulder. The staircase itself is grand with dark railing and red steps. Cream carpet covers each step and the hallway it leads into on the second floor.

Stopping to explore I leave my luggage at the base of the second set of stairs I open the first door of the hallway revealing a linen closet. I seal the door and push on to the next door. This one opens into a room filled to the brim with books. The library.

The next few doors reveal what seems to be small guest rooms, each with  closet and bathroom, more closets and the main floor bathroom.

Picking up my luggage again I proceed up to the third and final floor of the house. This time instead of leading to another hallway, it spans into an open circular room with one hallway splitting off from it.

The room itself is furnished by three leather couches, a TV, a piano in a corner, small bookcases and photo frames filling the blank spaces on the walls.

Turning I begin down the hallway, opening every door I reach only to quickly realize they're all bedrooms, larger than those downstairs and decorated as if they were on a home and garden magazine cover.

Each has its theme of one or more colors like green, blue, red and brown. Each, like those downstairs, has a closet and bathroom. None of them take my eye enough to call my own.

Moving my way back into the main room I spot a pair of double doors made of the same dark oak as the rest of the house, sitting directly opposite the hallway explaining why I hadn't seen them when I first came up.

Opening them all air is pushed from my lungs as I gape in amazement. The room has the same cream carpet as the rest of the house but the walls are a vibrant purple, matching the rug and some of the smaller pillows on the bed.

Light blue curtains, bedspread, and pillows complement the ceiling that is painted to look like the sky. Small holes indicate to me that once night fell and the room turned dark, the ceiling would go from day to night, the small holes glowing like stars.

White sliding doors reveal a large closet that would fit all my clothing and still have room left over. Another door next to it spans into my own bathroom, an oak vanity, three white walls with a dark tile feature wall, a large bath, shower and toilet in pure white. This alone was heaven.

A set of white doors heads out on to a balcony that overlooks the back yard, forest, pool and enabled me to see a large chunk of the campus. I can't help but wonder why I, the clueless newbie have been given the largest and most private house on campus.

I leave my bags in my room and make my way back down to the bottom floor, going back to opening every door I notice. There are the living room and the ash grey and white kitchen across from it. A large dining room that could seat at least twelve opened on from the kitchen.

Another bathroom similar to my own is tucked next to a small laundry that was hidden away near the back door which leads out to the open backyard where a set of outdoor furniture sits on a paved area facing out towards the forest, while the pool rests opposite from it.

Returning to my room I arrange all my belongings where they should be, then take down some of the empty photo frames to put pictures in them at some point. A few of my trinkets are placed on the mantel of the fireplace in the living room while others end up perched in the bookcases or on shelves within one of the three floors.

I don't touch any bedroom except my own, they're fine as they are.

Three hours later and everything is where it should be, neatly organized and clean. My mind is still reeling from everything WeiJin told and showed me, still not able to process it all. Hoping sleep would help I flop onto my bed, curl up and close my eyes, blocking out the world around me as I fade from consciousness.

[writers-whim]

Descended from the star (II)

I                              II                         III

I walk into the kitchen to see my Grandmother seated at the table reading the paper. Same as every morning. Eggs and toast sitting on a plate in front of her, coffee in her usual rose covered mug beside it. "Morning Gran." I give in to the enticing smell and begin eating my own share of eggs and toast already laid out for me across the table. She looks up from her paper with a frown on her wrinkled face as she eyes my manner, scolding me as she does every morning. "Honestly Avery, you think you would learn by now that we won't run out of food. You can take your time eating." Swallowing my toast I reply " It's a habit." "A habit that needs to be broken Avery, your nineteen not four anymore." She sighs heavily as she returns her grey eyes to the paper. We eat in silence until I stand, taking both plates, mugs, and cutlery, before going to the sink and washing them. The paper rustles as Gran turns to face me. "Have you had any letters from the university's you sent applications to?" She's always a very direct woman, never beating around the bush. "Not yet but I'm not expecting to get any soon cause I'm still fresh out of high school." "Don't say that dear, you were top of all your classes for all of High School and excel at many other extracurriculars. Always hope." Silence once again fills the room as I finish washing the dishes, placing them in the rack to dry. Gran continues reading the paper, humming and clicking her tongue occasionally as she reads through the articles. The chime of the doorbell echoes through the entry hall as the clock strikes 8:30. Gran lifts her head as I pass her, her eyes boring holes into the back of my shirt. I reach the front door and bend down to grab the mail that Steven, the neighbourhood mailman, has put through the slot in the door. Bills, postcard, letter, bills, Nocte Academy, bills- I pause in my shuffling as the sender address on the letter registers in my mind. Nocte Academy. Nocte is one of the most prestigious schools in the world. Students from anywhere and everywhere attend, however, it's almost impossible to get into. You can apply but almost no one gets in. I sent my application in and expected to be rejected like 99% of other applicants. The Academy never sends letters of rejection. Ever.

I'm in so much shock I don't realize as I make my way back into the kitchen and stand in front of Gran staring at the letter like an idiot. "What is it, Avery?" "A letter. From Nocte Academy." She freezes name, coffee half way to her lips. "Nocte Academy?" I nod. "That's fantastic! They must have seen your record and the potential you hold. I'm so proud of you Dear." I sigh in relief as Gran comes out of her frozen stats and lights up like the sun. "Open the letter and read it to me, darling, I want to hear what they have to say." I clear my throat and carefully rip open the snow white envelope, unfolding the letter inside.  

"Dear Miss Lee,

Congratulations on being accepted into Nocte Academy. You have been given the once in a lifetime opportunity to attend one of the most prestigious schools in the world and guarantee a successful future.

You have potential we see in few and encourage in many. You will be attending the Academy for the standard four years and will have to move into the dorms by the end of the week prior to the beginning of classes.

All expenses will be paid for you through your scholarship and classes will begin on the 26th of this month.

We welcome you to Nocte Academy and cannot wait to see what you will achieve.

Principal Kwon and the Board of Directors."

Heaving a sigh I plop down on my usual chair, prying my eyes away from the letter as I do so ."I don't want to live in the dorms. I want to stay here with you Gran."

"It will be a small sacrifice, in the long run, My Dear, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I will not let you turn it away purely because you have to move out."

"Yes, Gran"

"We will pack today and I can drop you off tomorrow after book club. Plus it never said anything about having to stay during holidays so I assume you can visit then."

"Thanks, Gran." She smiles, in turn, her eyes narrowing into small crescents as she stands to get ready for her knitting club meeting.

I lean back as I sigh, flicking through the letter several more times as the weight of reality settles in my heart.  I'm going to a new place filled with new people.

I'm going to start a new chapter in my life.

[writers-whim]

Descended from the stars (I)

I                                                                                    II

When I was a young girl my parents used to take me to our holiday home on Jeju Island every summer. Every clear night I would lay in the field backing the house and just gaze at the sky. Something about it always fascinated me, it was always changing but never changed.

My parents and I had finished dinner an hour before and I had been laying in the field ever since. The night was clear and the stars glimmered like precious gems on a black silk cloth.

My Father came out and lay next to me. He had never done that before.

My Mother joined us on the grass. She had never done that before.

This was the start of our new found tradition.

We lay in silence, basking in each others presence. My parents began pointing out pictures in the sky, playing dot-to-dot with the stars. These pictures I would later find out were called constellations.

They told me the tales of the swan Cygnus, the Great Bear, the dippers and many more but the ones that fascinated me the most were those of the Zodiac. The twelve great constellations otherwise known as the star signs.

Years went by since that night and many things had changed. My parents had passed away and I moved in with my Grandmother, I went through school and friends were ever changing. I had part-time jobs were I saved money for the one constant in my life.

Our home on Jeju Island.

Every summer I would make the trip to the island alone or with Grandma. I would still stay out late and lay in the field under the stars, recalling all the tales my parents had acted out for me.

I was no longer the six-year-old girl who was hearing the legends of the stars for the first time. I was no longer the mourning thirteen-year-old girl sitting in the backyard bawling her eyes out for only the stars to see.

I was a graduate, sitting strong at the top of all my classes and extracurricular activities. I was on to the next chapter of my life.

This is where the story begins.

[writers-whim]

I re-designed the map order worksheets during my time at WOTC as manager of cartography. Mainly it was just to make the worksheets completely digital and accessible for anyone who was to design maps for our game worlds. These are the final versions which were being used up till 2003 at WOTC.  The list of map symbols goes back to the dawn of role playing game maps and TSR.  Dave Sutherland and Dennis Kauth were the two people who really started all of the organized nature of making map orders easier to produce for the TSR RPG R&D design department.  

Dennis Kauth was originally from an engineering background, so he even made sure that all of the symbols had a corresponding number in case of the situation where someone was not able to draw things out in a competent manner, they could just simply write a number on the map reference and circle it, thus making “it” the object or feature from the master key.  The mapping standards is one of the first things Dave & Dennis showed me when I started work in the mapping department at TSR in the early 90s.  

In those days the whole thing was a large packet of stuff in a folder,  including several different sized blank map pages, the symbols list and a  blank fold-up poster map sheet printed with a hex grid for the old ‘gazetteer” style maps and a few examples of how to draw a proper map reference.  For the most part everyone in R&D used these map standards to create their map references,  however there were always a few that would come in on cocktail napkins and such but it was really worth it to have a standard  for the map orders.  Fun little bit of history,  Good times and Good gaming!

[writers-whim]

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