Character Castle 2.0
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Lolll that was so funnn!!
This isn’t like Isaias or Rosemary at all. They really mean their philosophical nonsense. I bet Frey wouldn’t even if he swore before the Benevola Wolf.
Completely true XD
Frey
Mara seems to have had enough of our little game. What a pity, I’m just starting to enjoy myself.
“You don’t have to do that,” she says, arms crossed, brows drawn in a deep frown.
Inwardly laughing, I widen my eyes in mock innocence.
“Do what? What could I have done that could possibly displease you, my lady?” I ask, carefully toeing the line between genuine and mocking. Okay, perhaps a little closer to mocking.
“Treat a stranger like a gullible idiot just because she doesn’t know what’s going on.” She shakes her braids out of her face, and they cascade down her back. Her expression isn’t petulant, as it would be if she were playing along. That’s what Ophelia would have looked like, most likely. Mara isn’t like that.
“What’s your problem, hmm? Why are you saying stuff you don’t believe?”
I grin. I always say things I don’t believe. The things I do believe are few and far between, and far from certain. The things I don’t believe are plentiful and vary. Some of them I’ve tried, like trying on a coat for size. Things like ‘you’ll have more friends once you’re out of high-school’. They never fit.
I decide to circle back to my tried and true methods, like repeating what I’ve already said.
“I just told you, I have no reason to lie to you.”
I can’t keep the grin off my face, the thrill of the banter rushing through me like adrenaline. It peaks as the girl scowls, her glare as hard as stone.
I need to keep her from being so irritated she abandons me.
“I would never lie to you,” I say, my tone still half teasing, half hurt, as though her actions have wounded me deeply.
(Author’s note: Sometimes I can’t stand Frey, this is one of those times)
“You’re teasing, and that’s not much better,” she counters.
I am, but it’s what I do best. Instead of answering, I choose to seize upon her statement and dissect it in the most philosophical way I can manage.
“Is it really?” I lean back in my wheelchair, steepling my fingers as though thinking deeply. “Lying is bad when it hurts people. Teasing doesn’t, right? Is one truly equal to the other?”
Mara takes a deep breath, doing everything to keep her temper under control. It delights me to see it.
“I’m done with this foolishness.”
There it is. I’ve gone just a little too far, and she’s ready to cast me off. Drat, I’ll have to manage better next time. I cover the sinking feeling spreading through me like one of the aches. I’m well used to hiding things like that.
“Do you actually know anything about this place or not?” Mara asks.
“If I did, I would have told you,” I say, barely troubling to keep up the veneer of teasing.
I might have. Perhaps. Unless it was more advantageous or funnier not to tell her.
“If you, like me, know nothing, then maybe we could help each other find some answers,” Mara suggests.
Perhaps she isn’t planning to abandon me altogether. I cast a glance up at her, trying to read her expression.
“You think I could help you, my lady?” I ask, irony dripping off my words.
My back is starting to ache. I should get up soon, if I stay in my wheelchair too long, it’ll start hurting anyway. Like everything else, it’s a careful balance.
However, I only have one chance to get up for the first time in front of someone new. I have to make the most of it. Mara would have a spectacular reaction. She’d been staring at my wheelchair before, and she seems not to take jokes that well. It’ll be perfect.
I don’t have the desire or energy to stretch it out as much as I could, so I keep it to the abbreviated version.
I slip the locks on the wheels into place, a barely visible motion she doesn’t notice.
I reach back for my cane. If I try to get up and my legs start aching like they usually do, I’d look ridiculous if I had to sit right back down again.
“But, if you like, we can go ask someone,” I say. I just need to say something while I do it, for better comedic timing. I rise as I speak, as though I didn’t quite think about it.
A sharp pain shoots through my left knee, all the way down to my foot. I grit my teeth and wait for it to pass. It doesn’t. Electricity seems to trickle down from my spine, the burning tingle impossible to completely ignore. I casually glance across the room, so Mara can’t see the edges of pain in my expression. I’m used to hiding it, but sometimes it’s just a lot.
I turn back and notice her staring at me in bewilderment and shock. Perfect.
I glance down, then raise my eyebrows as though wildly shocked.
“Oh look, a miracle. I’ve been cured,” I say, in a perfectly deadpan voice.
I’ve done this act more often than I can count. It was always so awkward the first time, since people usually assume I can’t walk. When they find out I do, it gets uncomfortable for everyone involved. This is a quick way to diffuse the tension.
Without darkness, there is no light. If there was no nighttime, would the stars be as bright?
@inkhorn that was FANTASTIC!!! You absolutely nailed Kit!
Kit:
The girl clears her throat and shoots me a scathing glare. “I, Cahira Beckwith, daughter of Lord Nial Beckwith, would suggest that you take upon yourself the role of a groveling servant whose desire is to avoid imprisonment and possible death.”
Oh. So she’s one of those people. An image flashes in my mind – Alastor’s blue eyes narrowed in a petulant sneer. “My father” was always the first threat he pulled out when crossed, second only to social manipulation.
A petty annoyance simmers in the back of my mind. I know this girl isn’t Alastor, but she reminds me of him – she even looks like him – and that makes me upset. Is it ok for me to be mad at her? She’s being really annoying, after all.
“Ah,” I grin. “It’s been a while since I’ve played that role. I apologize if my act is a little rusty.” I gaze back at her with pleading eyes, molding the rest of my face in a mournful expression of fear. Think like “sad-puppy-caught-outside-on-a-rainy-night” scared. That should do it.
“Do you want to die?” the girl hisses. “I. Am. Cahira. Beckwith.”
I immediately drop the puppy face, and twist my lips in a plastic smile. “Pleasure to meet you, Cahira. You can call me Kit, and, no, I have no desire to die.”
She straightens, glaring up at me with blazing eyes. “Be warned, Kit, I will report you, and then you will see the power behind my name of which you seem to fail to recognize. I swear that before the next sunrise, you will be imprisoned and never to see the light of the sun again,”
“Um, I think you’re a little confused-”
She snorts. “There is nothing to be confused about. My father is Lord Beckwith, who, last I checked, is the one who is truly in charge. And he does not take kindly to pink-haired men mocking his daughter.”
“Oh come on, why bring my hair into this?” I roll my eyes. “Besides, I only did what you asked. You should give me a bouquet of roses for my outstanding performance.” I raise an eyebrow, quirking my lips in a sly smile.
Does that count as flirting? I’m not actually attracted to her or anything, so hopefully it doesn’t count. I wouldn’t want to make Val feel left out, after all. Anyways, I don’t actually want a bouquet of roses from Cahira – I really just wanted to see how she’d react. Now if Val gave me a bouquet of roses…
A kid suddenly laughs from a corner as Cahira flushes with rage. “Hah! Your daddy’s not here to protect you so you better watch out.” he yells. “You can believe that I’m not going to stand up for you!” I snicker, stepping back suddenly as Cahira’s face twists with fury, eyes spitting fire.
*laughs as one fey*
Val:
“Ch-challenge?” The man struggles to his feet, gazing back at me anxiously. “What do you mean?”
“Well…Usually the castle likes to throw challenges our way. They’re not deadly as far as I can tell, but they’re awful nonetheless. Last time, we had to share our worst regrets, or have them played out on a screen in front of us…” my voice catches as I try to block out the memories. “It was horrible, and there were some I wish I’d never seen…”
“And then after that, His Lordship himself appeared to fight, and as soon as he was defeated we each met our future self, and as far as I can tell we’re all just stuck here miserably waiting for the next challenge.” I pause. “There seems to be a pattern of sorts – before we had to share our worst regrets, we had a nice banquet and watched a ballet performed by some of our party. So, we had a nice challenge, then a miserable one. As for me, I thought meeting my future self was rather nice. So I’m going to assume we’ve got another miserable challenge coming our way.”
The man’s gaze weakens in a lifeless gaze as his face blanches sickly white. I’m not really sure he heard me, to be honest. I clear my throat.
“Would you like to join Kit and I? It’s a lot easier when you’ve got someone to lean on. I know I couldn’t have done it alone.” I smile weakly, nervously extending my hand. “I’m Val, by the way. What’s your name?”
*laughs as one fey*
Yes! I do that with plants XD If I feel like actually talking while on a hike, I’ll tell people all about the plants along the trail and whether they’ll heal, feed, or kill you. I might have concerned @lady-grace when I informed her that we were camping next to a plant that could kill one if smelled. Me:“Yes, it is poisonous. Look at the mottled, hairy stem — don’t get too close, mind. You don’t want to breathe in the toxic spores — the stem distinguishes it from the edible plant. So does its musty, sour odor, but well, by then it might be too late…”
AWWW THAT’S THE COOLEST SPECIAL INTEREST!!!!
Seriously, I’ve wanted to get into plant identification for so long now, but so far it hasn’t stuck. Once I’m done moving though…
I especially want to learn to identify medicinal plants and edible plants!
And…uhhh…what plant is that? That kills you if you smell it??? I’m going to have to learn to identify it for my own peace of mind XD
And I’m so glad you like the Spire idea! I’m just so glad to have Basil back in the story :’) I’ve really been praying about it recently, and I’m just trusting that God will continue to shape the story how He wants!
Also
😁 I can’t wait! Question is, who can actually yeet that chunk of metal?
Basil might be able…if he actually wanted to XD
Also, Mara’s backstory is SAD
Her dad BEATS HER???
I feel so bad for her, and I wish she weren’t an antagonist 🙁
*laughs as one fey*
*peeks around corner. Waves* hello everyone. What’s going on these days? Who all are in the castle, and may I throw in a character, or are you over- stuffed? (“No, no room” is a fine answer, since I’ll probably go back to not having time once I get over this broken ankle!)
Quoth the raven, "Nevermore!"
https://silverpenstrokes.wordpress.com@emily-waldorf Welcome back! We’ve got plenty of room if you want to add someone!
So, the characters have just completed a challenge where they meet their future self…which was…interesting. I think this challenge definitely pushed Kit and Val closer to a formal confession, but Kit decided to start bickering with someone instead, so it’s going to be awhile longer 🥲 @mamaauthoress has a character who didn’t have a future self, and he’s reeling from that revelation…and @e-n-leonard has a character who became a Benevolent in the future 🙁 (I’m assuming you’re familiar with her worldbuilding, since you were involved way before I rejoined 😂)
Anyways, there’s about to be a new challenge where the characters have to give up something very important to them, and if they fail to do this, they have to walk in a fashion show as a punishment 😂 (Kit’s raring to go, but it looks like he’s going to have to wait a while 😂)
I’m so sorry to hear about your ankle! I hope it heals soon!
How’s your writing going?
*laughs as one fey*
@calidris thanks! I know Kit, Val, Myra, and Frey, but who are the other folks in here? That last challenge sounded so awesome!!
I’m not sure yet who I’ll drop in.
My writing is… complicated. I’m taking a prose course (from Story Embers’ very own Hope Ann), and have not been doing much else, which is driving me mad. Maybe this castle will jumpstart me. You?
Quoth the raven, "Nevermore!"
https://silverpenstrokes.wordpress.comCALIX:
“Well…Usually the castle likes to throw challenges our way,” the girl started. “They’re not deadly as far as I can tell, but they’re awful nonetheless. Last time, we had to share our worst regrets, or have them played out on a screen in front of us …” her voice caught. “It was horrible, and there were some I wish I’d never seen …”
I blanched. I’m glad I missed that …
“And then after that, His Lordship himself appeared to fight, and as soon as he was defeated we each met our future self, and as far as I can tell we’re all just stuck here miserably waiting for the next challenge.”
She stopped for a beat. “There seems to be a pattern of sorts – before we had to share our worst regrets, we had a nice banquet and watched a ballet performed by some of our party. So, we had a nice challenge, then a miserable one. As for me, I thought meeting my future self was rather nice. So I’m going to assume we’ve got another miserable challenge coming our way.”
I had no future self …
My thoughts blurred.
I began to spiral-
“Would you like to join Kit and I?”
I looked at her, not realising my vision had unfocused.
“It’s a lot easier when you’ve got someone to lean on. I know I couldn’t have done it alone.” She smiled, nervously extending her hand to me. “I’m Val, by the way. What’s your name?”
“C-Calix,” I said, my voice wheezy as I tremulously took Val’s hand. “Calix Meir.”
“Nice to meet you,” Val said, her smile strengthening a bit as she pulled me gently from my hiding spot.
I nodded back, trying to swallow and walk with her. My knees shook, and I was still rather tremulous from that revelation.
Don’t think about it, don’t think about it.
Anxious gremlin coming through
@emily-waldorf Lets see…
@mamauthoress has Eve and Calix – siblings who wield immensely powerful magic in their world
@e-n-leonard’s siblings @lady-grace and @ethan-leonard joined SE!
@e-n-leonard has Mara, who’s actually an antagonist in her story (but I love her so much :’)
@lady-grace has Yarrow, a teen boy in a fantasy story
@ethan-leonard has Emporer Saevus, an evil dark lord from a fantasy story(speaking of which…Kit picked a fight with Emporer Saevus as soon as he entered…it was…not his best moment XD)
I think that’s it for now! @jared-williams isn’t active right now 🙁
@everyone feel free to fill her in on your characters! You can give a much better explanation than I can XD
@emily-waldorf are you studying at the Author Conservatory?Tbh, I haven’t actually done any writing. I started a newsletter, and I’m (slowly) working on a blog right now, which is fun! I’ve mainly been working on plotting, and tbh it might take a while for me to actually start writing the story. I think it’s something I really need to pray about first – it’s developing into some pretty…heavy territory? Faith and religion (and the difference between the two) end up playing a pretty significant and honestly rather disturbing role later on (during Basil’s arc,) and that’s definitely something I need to pray about how to include (I also think I have more growth I need to do before I can accurately portray it.) Of course, there’s the issue of Kit and his struggle with same sex attraction, and Basil’s arc is honestly rather violent and upsetting…
Idk, I think it’s harder because the touchy issues aren’t just in the background – they play a very visible and very significant role in the story (which imo is how they should be – I don’t think we should include heavy topics just because, and I think if anything heavy or potentially disturbing is in the story there should be a clear reason for it to be there.) I just really, really want to make sure I get this right, and so I’m holding off on actually writing the story for now. I just don’t feel prepared to write it at this stage in my life. For now, I’m focusing on trying to include God in the writing process, and ask Him what His will is for this story 🙂
Also…I really really need to actually figure out the plot XD It’s coming along though! Recently, a lot just kind of clicked into place, and I’m very satisfied with how it’s turning out!
On a much lighter note, remember how I was telling you that Kit and Val’s *relationship issues* stemmed from a lot of miscommunications based on Kit being neurotypical and Val being neurodivergent? Well…turns out that’s no longer true, because I realized that Kit does indeed have classic ADHD XD It fits perfectly though, and I love it because they just perfectly complement each other’s strengths, and fill in for each other’s weaknesses :’) It also explains a lot about his character and personality, so that’s cool too
*laughs as one fey*
“C-Calix,” the boy wheezes as he takes my hand. “Calix Meir.”
“Nice to meet you.” I smile as I pull him out of the corner. He nods, hand trembling. Are you sure you’re ok?
We can talk about that later. Right now, I have to find Kit. I glance around the room, a sharp retort suddenly catching my attention. Kit’s standing in front of the door, vehemently bickering with a mean looking blonde girl. Seriously? Now, of all times?
I groan, and turn to Calix. “That’s Kit, with the pink hair. He’s a good friend of mine. I guess he’s busy right now, but I’ll introduce you once he’s done.”
*laughs as one fey*
@inkhorn @mamaauthoress I’m going to start the next challenge! We can still continue our character interactions, if you’d like 🙂
*laughs as one fey*
AWWW THAT’S THE COOLEST SPECIAL INTEREST!!!! Seriously, I’ve wanted to get into plant identification for so long now, but so far it hasn’t stuck. Once I’m done moving though… I especially want to learn to identify medicinal plants and edible plants! And…uhhh…what plant is that? That kills you if you smell it??? I’m going to have to learn to identify it for my own peace of mind XD
I’m happy to be a resource for you if you want 🙂 XD I’d love an excuse to infodump about plants! It’s also useful knowledge for writing 😁 The plants that can poison you if you smell either are Poison Hemlock and Water Hemlock. They have little toxic spores that can wreak havoc when inhaled, though they won’t necessarily always kill (but they can). Generally people get poisoned when they mistake them for wild carrots or parsnips or yarrow and eat it. Honestly I don’t think either look one bit like yarrow. Anyway, Poison or Water Hemlocks causes severe respiratory distress, paralysis, coma, and death in a matter of hours, being violent in action. Interestingly, the homœopathic medicine Conium maculatum is made from diluted and potentized Poison Hemlock, and is used for states of increasing debility, soft tissue injuries, paralysis, and withdrawal from life. Water Hemlock is also made into the medicine Cicuta virosa, which is used for nervous system spasms, epilepsy, delirium, and confusion. Besides a special interest in botany, I’m also studying to become a homœopathic doctor. 😄
Basil might be able…if he actually wanted to XD
😂 he could… @lady-grace said she could drop in her Princess Julia to do it XD she’s such a thundercloud she’d probably want to. Julia can turn into a big black horse, so she can just send Saevus flying with a good kick.
Also, Mara’s backstory is SAD Her dad BEATS HER??? I feel so bad for her, and I wish she weren’t an antagonist 🙁
Yes 😭 she is the character who makes me and all the other characters cry. I attempted having her as not an antagonist (cause I like her! She could be a good protagonist!), but she kept making all these horrible decisions that led her into the darkness 😭 Her dad can be violent sometimes, yes, not like regularly, but often enough so that she’s wary of him and protects her little brother Rael from him. When Victor found out, he was so mad…I’m honestly amazed he was able to keep a smooth face in front of Mara’s dad.
Welcome back, @emily-waldorf ! That’s too bad about your ankle, and I hope it gets better soon. 🙂
We are called to be lights in the cosmos.
May your inkwells never run dry!I’m going to start the next challenge! We can still continue our character interactions, if you’d like 🙂
Sounds good!
It’s great to see you back! And, I hope that ankle heals up well.
My two characters are Cahira Beckwith and Conroy Flinston.
Cahira (my MC) is a selfish, spoiled, arrogant girl who is also rather sensitive. She’s not the friendliest of characters, but she does have some general sense of right and wrong.
Conroy is a nine-year-old boy who is energetic, curious (and thus observant), and tries to be independent.
Val:
I glance back as the wall behind me suddenly creaks, rolling forward with a grinding screech. “The room’s shrinking!” someone yells. I stumble, yanking Calix forward as the crowd surges around us. The walls in front roll back, parting as we flee the room. It’s so much darker in this new room. I shrink back as people bump into me, brushing past us in a frantic escape. The wall suddenly screeches to a halt, leaving us trapped in pitch darkness. The murmuring of the crowd echoes off of shadowed walls around us. I frown. “I think we’re in some sort of great hall,” I whisper to Calix.
“Well done!” the Castle booms from the ceiling. “For this next challenge, I’ll be requiring each of you to part with your most prized belonging – and no, money doesn’t count. Refusal to comply will result in mandatory participation in my upcoming fashion show.”
Brilliant white lights flicker on, illuminating a long runway in the middle of the hall. I squint, shading my eyes in the sudden brightness. We’re standing in the middle, with rows and rows of seats lining the hall on either side of us, curving around the runway and disappearing into the shadows beyond. I squeeze Calix’s hand as a wave of anxiety floods my veins. I have to give up my most prized possession? But what? It’s not like I just carry heirlooms with me, and besides, I have sentimental attachment to all of my belongings. They all feel irreplaceable to me…
But walking in a fashion show? In front of everyone here? That’s honestly my worst nightmare. I hate being the center of attention, and I hate having to perform – especially in front of people I barely know!
I just don’t want them to see me fail…If it’s any comfort, they’ve already seen my worst regrets. Besides, it’s not like anyone else here is an experienced model either…
My feet are rooted to the ground, my head swimming with a thick fog of panic. Distantly, I hear the castle call out a name…
“Christopher Goldenseal, come forth and make your decision.”
“I choose the catwalk!” Kit’s voice rings loud and clear, fraught with anticipation. I can see him excitedly bobbing up and down at the edge of the group, fidgeting with his coat in the silence. “Please?” He wistfully glances at the runway as something like a sigh rumbles in the hall.
“Very well. Come up here and stand to the left of the aisle.” Kit struts to the front, grinning back at our party. He beams at me, hair bobbing as he lightly bounces on the balls of his feet. I force a wan smile back at him. I wish I could share his enthusiasm…
LET THE SHOW BEGIN!!!
@anyone-else-i-missed
*laughs as one fey*
@calidris no. My mom and sisters are, though! That’s frustrating, but it sounds normal. I think it’s related to my problem. I want my WIP to be absolutely perfect, and I’m scared that if I write it, it won’t be…I know, not the brightest philosophy, but there it is. I love plotting stories! Let me know if you ever think another brain would help– though I’m sure you can figure it out yourself.
Yes, heavy themes mustn’t be treated lightly. Prayer is the best answer! And…Kit and Basil in one story. Yeesh! You can do this, though, with the Lord’s strength. 🙂
Let me know when the blog gets going, so I can subscribe, and/or feature you on my blog, somehow!
@ inkhorn @e-n-leonard thanks! It’s good to be here
<p style=”text-align: left;”>@all of you</p>
<p style=”text-align: left;”>introducing…</p>
TULLIANAge: 20-23.
Appearance: short, big boned, light brown hair and hazel- green eyes. Short, expressive face, features set far apart. Small nose. Quick, wide grin.
Personality: an energetic, happy person, with not much heart for studying. Agreeable to all, but close to only a few.
He is what I call an Empath, which means he can FEEL others’ emotions. As in, if he’s surrounded by too much joy, he gets a headache. He becomes nauseous if close to…fear, I think it is.
Situation: he studies at the school of magic in the capitol of Reantare, a medieval-era kingdom. He is close friends with the prince, his teacher, and
VOLTEMAND (no, I’m not copying Harry Potter).
Age: 24.
Appearance: tall, slim, exact posture, except when he’s so deep in thought he forgets himself. Dark hair and deep brown eyes that are often troubled. Elongated features and fine, expressive hands–the dirt and callouses long worn off.
Personality: taciturn, introspective. He has few acquaintances and few friends. (Exactly the same friends as Tullian). Cynical, hardworking.
He is an energy wielder. People have forgotten what it is, and the power is rare and extremely difficult to control.
His situation is the same as Tullian’s.
He comes from a poor family.
Quoth the raven, "Nevermore!"
https://silverpenstrokes.wordpress.com
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