The Enemy

Oh Goddess, I didn't even know where to begin with Eloril's sudden return! So many questions ran through my mind. Why had Eloril returned? Why did he have an infant with him? Why was this infant most likely of the alien race?

Eloril and I did not even exchange any sort of "Hello". Thankfully, the screaming child quieted down and Eloril started right into an explanation. He had been traveling through some woods on his way back home. When he heard a child crying he quickly investigated and found the infant he was holding. Eloril assumed the child had to be so incredibly sick if its entire body was green the way it was. Although he wasn't sure if the child would last until he made it back here, Eloril had no other idea as to what to do and returned to seek my help. I was the only one here he could turn to.

Reluctance

As you might imagine, the mood has been rather poor around here ever since Eloril left.

It is hard for Elerith and Nadrien to smile. It was so difficult for them to understand what had happened. When they went in their rooms, everything was fine. However, when they came out they found their uncle, who had become so important in their lives in such a short amount of time, was gone and never coming back. I'm sure they feel abandoned. I know I feel that way. I knew Eloril was upset and angry, and I feel terrible for being so hard on him, but I did not truly believe those things would drive him away. I thought after he had time to clear his head that he would come back.

It has never been so painful to be wrong.

Heartbreak

Eloril and I have always been similar- especially in regards to our dreaming and imaginative minds. I'm sure while he was searching for where I had been whisked off to, he visioned that he would arrive in a grand manner and vow to take me back home no matter what he had to do. When he accepted that I must remain here, I saw him thinking of how he would be the most helpful he had ever been in order to make things easier for me. He talked of finding ways to bring in plenty of money and the such.

Unfortunately, reality keeps hitting him hard. Another way we are the same- he also has no skills to be employed in human works nor the necessary papers to allow him to do so. I wonder if he even got proper recognition from the humans to be here at all. As the weeks have passed, Eloril realized there really isn't much he can do to help. Mostly he assists with the chores and keeps the girl entertained. Still, I've never seen his good attitude falter. It seems he knows just him being here is the most important thing.

Brother

For what felt like hours, I stood there thinking I was dreaming. I must have laid down and fallen asleep. The dream of the knocking on the door and my brother in front of me must have come on so quickly that I was now considering it reality. After all this time, why would Eloril be on my porch? Why wouldn't he have sent word before his arrival? Even as he pulled me into the tightest hug, I still could not grasp this was indeed happening. All I knew was that, dream or not, I didn't want to let him go. I'm sure he'll disappear if I do.

Found in Time Chapter Six

So I've finally decided to release the full first seven chapters of my NaNoWriMo novel, Found in Time. I've written more than these chapters and will eventually finish, but since I do intend to have this novel published someday I don't think it would be a good idea to release the thing in its entirety.

Also, please keep in mind when you're reading that I wrote these chapters very fast. There is guaranteed to be a lot of mistakes or areas in desperate need of revision. There are many parts I don't like. It's kind of difficult to go ahead and put these chapters out with them having so much wrong with them, but I still really want to do it. Please leave comments telling me what you like, or if there's anything confusing. Please also keep in mind that the first seven chapters are Part One of the story. Part Two will explain a good portion of background not comprehensively explained in Part One. This may be why it feels as if some things are not properly described. Still, speak up if something seems as if it's completely out there. You might be the one to catch something I've overlooked.

So, without further ado, here's the sixth chapter of Found in Time!

Visitor

A holiday known as Snowflake Day has arrived. More importantly than that, it is also Aravilui, Arluwen, and Amadrie's birthday. While the girls originally wanted to throw a big party, they changed their minds at the last second. We had a quiet celebration in the morning so we could spend the day together before they finally left. When I saw how beautiful and intelligent they all turned out to be, I became so glad. Having three children to look after all at once is certainly one of the most difficult things I have ever done. Honestly, when they were first born I thought everything was going to get so much worse. Despite the troubles, I am forever grateful for these daughters and wouldn't change a thing.

Found in Time Chapter Five

So I've finally decided to release the full first seven chapters of my NaNoWriMo novel, Found in Time. I've written more than these chapters and will eventually finish, but since I do intend to have this novel published someday I don't think it would be a good idea to release the thing in its entirety.

Also, please keep in mind when you're reading that I wrote these chapters very fast. There is guaranteed to be a lot of mistakes or areas in desperate need of revision. There are many parts I don't like. It's kind of difficult to go ahead and put these chapters out with them having so much wrong with them, but I still really want to do it. Please leave comments telling me what you like, or if there's anything confusing. Please also keep in mind that the first seven chapters are Part One of the story. Part Two will explain a good portion of background not comprehensively explained in Part One. This may be why it feels as if some things are not properly described. Still, speak up if something seems as if it's completely out there. You might be the one to catch something I've overlooked.

So, without further ado, here's the fifth chapter of Found in Time!

Surprise

With everything that's happened recently, and adding on a rougher than normal pregnancy, I'm afraid I've been at the end of my rope for the past couple days. My patience doesn't last very long, and I'm quicker to snap. I feel a bit guilty for being so tough on the girls, but on the other hand, Arluwen and Amadrie have finally begun to act more responsibly. All of them have actually.

One morning when I just could not be bothered to get up to cook, Aravilui took it over for me. Her first attempt at making waffles ended up burning them. The birds got a good breakfast though. Her second attempt was much better. Arluwen is quick to play with Elerith when needed, and Amadrie has been working on improving all the appliances in the house. It really is a load off my mind when I don't have to spend half the day cleaning.

Found in Time Chapter Four

So I've finally decided to release the full first seven chapters of my NaNoWriMo novel, Found in Time. I've written more than these chapters and will eventually finish, but since I do intend to have this novel published someday I don't think it would be a good idea to release the thing in its entirety.

Also, please keep in mind when you're reading that I wrote these chapters very fast. There is guaranteed to be a lot of mistakes or areas in desperate need of revision. There are many parts I don't like. It's kind of difficult to go ahead and put these chapters with them having so much wrong with them, but I still really want to do it. Please leave comments telling me what you like, or if there's anything confusing. Please also keep in mind that the first seven chapters are Part One of the story. Part Two will explain a good portion of background not comprehensively explained in Part One. This may be why it feels as if some things are not properly described. Still, speak up if something seems as if it's completely out there. You might be the one to catch something I've overlooked.

So, without further ado, here's the fourth chapter of Found in Time!

Found in Time Chapter Three

So I've finally decided to release the full first seven chapters of my NaNoWriMo novel, Found in Time. I've written more than these chapters and will eventually finish, but since I do intend to have this novel published someday I don't think it would be a good idea to release the thing in its entirety.

Also, please keep in mind when you're reading that I wrote these chapters very fast. There is guaranteed to be a lot of mistakes or areas in desperate need of revision. There are many parts I don't like. It's kind of difficult to go ahead and put these chapters with them having so much wrong with them, but I still really want to do it. Please leave comments telling me what you like, or if there's anything confusing. Please also keep in mind that the first seven chapters are Part One of the story. Part Two will explain a good portion of background not comprehensively explained in Part One. This may be why it feels as if some things are not properly described. Still, speak up if something seems as if it's completely out there. You might be the one to catch something I've overlooked.

So, without further ado, here's the third chapter of Found in Time!

Guilt

Today was another day off for businesses and schools. The girls were so looking forward to the festival, but of course it was raining again. It's been raining almost every day for the past couple weeks straight, and the mood has been rather gloomy because of it. Everyone misses the sunlight. Lothirien, Aravilui, Arluwen, and Amadrie still remained determined to enjoy the festival though. I told them it was fine to go, but since I didn't want Elerith out in that weather, the two of us would stay home.

Found in Time Chapter Two

So I've finally decided to release the full first seven chapters of my NaNoWriMo novel, Found in Time. I've written more than these chapters and will eventually finish, but since I do intend to have this novel published someday I don't think it would be a good idea to release the thing in its entirety.

Also, please keep in mind when you're reading that I wrote these chapters very fast. There is guaranteed to be a lot of mistakes or areas in desperate need of revision. There are many parts I don't like. It's kind of difficult to go ahead and put these chapters with them having so much wrong with them, but I still really want to do it. Please leave comments telling me what you like, or if there's anything confusing. Please also keep in mind that the first seven chapters are Part One of the story. Part Two will explain a good portion of background not comprehensively explained in Part One. This may be why it feels as if some things are not properly described. Still, speak up if something seems as if it's completely out there. You might be the one to catch something I've overlooked.

So, without further ado, here's the second chapter of Found in Time!

Found in Time Chapter One

So I've finally decided to release the full first seven chapters of my NaNoWriMo novel, Found in Time. I've written more than these chapters and will eventually finish, but since I do intend to have this novel published someday I don't think it would be a good idea to release the thing in its entirety.

Also, please keep in mind when you're reading that I wrote these chapters very fast. There is guaranteed to be a lot of mistakes or areas in desperate need of revision. There are many parts I don't like. It's kind of difficult to go ahead and put these chapters with them having so much wrong with them, but I still really want to do it. Please leave comments telling me what you like, or if there's anything confusing. Please also keep in mind that the first seven chapters are Part One of the story. Part Two will explain a good portion of background not comprehensively explained in Part One. This may be why it feels as if some things are not properly described. Still, speak up if something seems as if it's completely out there. You might be the one to catch something I've overlooked.

So, without further ado, here's the first chapter of Found in Time!

To Belong

Ever so slowly, the weather has changed. The temperature has been getting colder and the days have been shorter. Summer seemed as if it would last forever, but the autumn season has finally unseated it. The mass of green leaves are now a beautiful rainbow of gold, red, and yellows. I've always found the changing of seasons to be a fascinating time, so my mood has been good recently. The only thing that has been bringing me down is the nausea that keeps coming in the middle of the night. I have not missed that aspect at all.

Dream House

It certainly is nice to hold a young child again. It already seems like an eternity since Aravilui, Arluwen, and Amadrie were toddlers. Of course, my children have no choice but to let me hold onto them every once and a while. Still, it's not the same. Even though my greatest dream is to return home, I now look forward to my children being born. Bearing them might the reason why I'm here in the first place, but they're also what makes it possible for life here to be enjoyable.

Grandchildren

When Charlie came over the next time, it was my turn to surprise him. I let our conversation go on until he casually sneaked in his suggestion. Honestly, I wish I could have captured a picture of his face when I agreed with him. He was either thinking that he was dreaming, or that he had gone crazy. Charlie had to ask me three times to repeat myself because he couldn't believe it. I almost changed my mind then. How many times was he going to make me say the words that ripped my heart apart more every time they were spoken?

What's Really Best

Charlie has moved up gradually in his work, but has become busier rather than freer with his time. Although he has called a lot, he hadn't come to visit in some time. It was a bit of a surprise when he showed up today to visit Lothi. He was surprised himself to see three more toddlers crawling around the house. I could tell from his words that he thought I was watching some other woman's children, but Charlie eventually realized that they were indeed mine.

Luck?

Even though it took me some time to get into the routine of caring for a young child, I've gotten back where I need to be. In fact, I feel as if I've been more efficient than ever. Perhaps I'm taking too much of the credit, and Lothirien is just a smart child, but in what feels like half the time she has learned everything needed. She walks as if she never knew how not to, and she uses words I hadn't heard from my other children until they were older. Whether Lothi is a step-above or I have grown to be a good teacher, I'm proud of her either way. I suppose it's good that she knows what she needs to with another child already on the way.

Namesake

All of my children's birthdays seem to keep coming so fast. Elaril has grown from a handsome child into a handsome adolescent, excuse me, teenager. I'm always happy to see them grow older, but saddened as well. Ureliel, on the other hand, was positively ecstatic that she and Elaril were the same age again. The two of them are always at their most happiest when they are.

NaNoWriMo Chapter Six Excerpt

Please check out my National Novel Writing Month profile page here!

This was the sixth excerpt posted from my novel, Found in Time.

NaNoWriMo Chapter Five Excerpt

Please check out my National Novel Writing Month profile page here!

This was the fifth excerpt posted from my novel, Found in Time.

New Neighbors

With Sildor learning everything that he needs, I knew I could no longer delay meeting more men. Unfortunately, the difficulty of finding suitable men has not decreased over time. I tried to be creative in my searching. Instead of going to the tavern or walking along the street, I collected all the information I've learned to choose a good spot where men are likely to gather. I feel as if I'm a hunter looking for animals rather than an noble-blooded elf.

Anyway, an idea came that I should try the building called a "gym." It is a place where residents can go to make their bodies stronger. Being tough and manly is apparently a big deal for the men here, or so I've heard. I went there hoping I would not be too out of the ordinary. What am I saying? I am always out of the ordinary. The humans here have no manners so they take one look at me and refuse to stop staring. I've grown accustomed to it, I suppose, but it's harder dealing with it in new situations where I already feel nervous.

I did not have to spend much time at the gym though. After walking around the whole building, I only met two men. Surprisingly, the rest of the humans there were female. It certainly was not what I was expecting. The first man I met, Mr. Kenji Midden, was taken by another woman. Then there was Mr. Bernard Webber. I don't want to sound horribly mean, and I honestly do not hold this fact against him, but I didn't know it was possible for one's body to grow so large.

As you might assume, we elves live very healthy lifestyles. We eat only what we need and are rarely indoors sitting down. At home, I've never seen anyone with more than a subtle roundness to them. I've seen some people who weigh more here, but not any Mr. Webber's size. I really only point this out because it is surprising. Otherwise, he was much kinder than others I have met. He too was taken by a woman so my search was fruitless.

Knowing I couldn't stay away from home for long, I returned to my children in a disappointed mood. I have not been in this town for too great a time, but my chances of finding suitable men aren't getting any better. If there's no one here to assist me then I should not be here.

Leaving the Nest

I am glad that someone has inherited my mother's artistic talents. It is good that I have taken up writing for Elaril is constantly attached to the easel. He can finish paintings much faster than I can. Of course, his works are still that of a child's, but it won't be too much longer before they are brilliant. Maybe I can save one of his paintings some day, and bring it back with me when I return home. I'm sure my mother would like that very much. I would as well for Elaril will be long dead before such a time comes. That painting will be all I have to remember him by......

I try not to think of that cold reality.

Imagination

Everyday my children do something surprising- sometimes even before I have the chance to properly wake up. This morning it was Ureliel causing the situation. I hadn't even changed out of my nightclothes yet. I was heading to the bathroom to shower when I found her suddenly sprinting out the front door in her pajamas! I brought her inside right away, and asked why she was so shaken up. Ureliel told me she thought there were monsters under her bed. She said she checked and saw some, which was why she bolted out of the house. I looked under the bed with her to show her there was nothing. There wasn't even a lost sock. I could tell she was embarrassed so I haven't mentioned the matter any further.

Growing Older

I can't believe it, but Elrun's birthday came once again. He's now an adolescent, or "teenager" as his age group is more popularly called here. Either way, this birthday of his has left me a bit scared. Firstly because his body is going through rapid changes, and it is likely he'll become more rebellious and troublesome. He's already begun to wear a jacket that has a skull on the back. I won't judge too quickly though. Elrun has given me no reason otherwise to think he'll become a troublemaker. He's still the same sweet boy I know.

What I'm actually more scared of is the reality that my first baby will leave after his next birthday. He'll be all grown up, and will move out. I don't understand how human mothers deal with the rapid growth of their children. I've said it before, but if Elrun was a full elf he would still be crawling around as a very young toddler. He hasn't stated his intentions as to what he wants to do when he becomes an adult, but I hope he stays close by.

It is nice that he's able to help out around the house more. Our trash receptacle keeps getting knocked over again and again by stray animals. Elrun is quick to clean up the mess, and he's eager to help look after his siblings so I can rest or get other work done. Elrun has made me almost cry once although not for any of the reasons you might be thinking. Even though he's busy with school and helping me out, he went and got a part-time job at the local food store. Elrun said he got the job because he wanted to and that it would be good work experience in the future. I know it's because he doesn't want us to have to worry about money ever again. Ureliel and Elaril won't seem the same struggles that Elrun has, and he seems determined to keep it that way.

NaNoWriMo Chapter Four Excerpt

Please check out my National Novel Writing Month profile page here!

This was the fourth excerpt posted from my novel, Found in Time.

A Blessing

With this entire task, and the way things have been going for me so far, I never thought I would catch a break. I work hard, but as soon as I get enough money to feel comfortable some new necessity comes along to leave us destitute. I don't understand why everything revolves around money for you humans. We have no real need for a currency back home. Everyone works because they want to make each others' lives better. With everyone helping out, there's little left that requires money to be bought. If anything, we rely more on trading. It seems as if such a peaceful system will never be achieved here. Humans are too greedy. They want too much, and are never satisfied with the riches that they already have. Unfortunately, I have found my thoughts revolving around money constantly as well though.

So I made a wish. I might not have felt great love for the Goddess lately, but she is not an evil being who takes pleasure out of her people's suffering. I believed that she would find a way to help me.

NaNoWriMo Chapter Three Excerpt

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This was the third excerpt posted from my novel, Found in Time.

NaNoWriMo Chapter Two Excerpt

Please check out my National Novel Writing Month profile page here!

This was the second excerpt posted from my novel, Found in Time.

Simple Joys

I don't think it has struck me until this day of just how much time has past since I left home. Some days it feels as if I have only just left, and on others I wonder if that life was nothing but a dream. Then I look at the child in front of me. Elrun's birthday has come, and he aged up into a beautiful little boy.

It was strange to me to see how fast he has grown. I know all parents think their children grow up too fast, but it is especially true in my case. If Elrunamir was a full elf, he would still be a newborn. By the time he reaches adulthood, this supposed elf counterpart of his would still be a toddler. It scares me to think that one day will come where he will be an old man while I will look no older than I do today. He will pass before me. All children I bear here will. I wish there could be something I could do to change that, but reality is cruel. Perhaps having to watch the children that I love slowly pass into oblivion is even crueler than this entire task.

I still have no money to buy Elrun some more toys. He says he is fine with the teddy bear and Lala, but I'm not fine with it. When I think back to my own childhood and how much I had, I can't help but to feel as if I'm failing miserably. My stomach has also gotten much larger. The next child will be arriving soon, and things will only get harder. I am going to do all that I can though. Our situation might be tough at the moment, but someday luck will fall upon us.

NaNoWriMo Chapter One Excerpt

Please check out my National Novel Writing Month profile page here!

This was the first excerpt posted from my novel, Found in Time.

The Unthinkable

Elrun and I took another walk out to the park. Well, one of the parks. There are many in the town- each designed for a certain animal for residents to bring their pets to. Sometimes there will be people about, and other times there will be no one in sight. That day the park was fairly full of people. It was also a beautiful morning with Elrun and I had both having slept peacefully, so I was feeling pretty good.

However, that trip to the park also showed me something troublesome. I set Elrun on the ground to play with the two other toddlers that were there. I kept an eye on him, but I also made the acquaintance of three men. Through some subtle hints, I got them to reveal their relationship status. All three of them were married. It dawned on me that this town had a distinct lack of men suitable for assisting me on this task. How would I ever continue onward like this? I would never make it home if I kept on having such terrible luck. That was when the most horrible thought came into my head.

I might have to seduce them anyway.

I quickly tried to throw the thought out of my mind, but it would not be gotten rid of. It lingered, catching me off guard the second I let my mind relax. It tried to rationalize itself. It would make me think of my family, my land, and my people. Depressing visions of me being doomed to wander forever here flashed across my eyes. "You'll have to do it at some point," the dark thoughts whispered to me, "These men will go to other women anyway. You might as well take your chance. If they are willing to give themselves away so easily, then you can't really be blamed..."

I fought with my own mind all day. Elrun was well-behaved and went to bed quickly, but by the time I placed myself down to go to sleep, I felt as if I had been awake for a hundred years. I found sleep somehow, but it did not come willingly. The thoughts penetrated into my dreams. Even in my sleep I could find no rest. I woke up feeling more exhausted than ever.

My own thoughts wanted me to break. They got their wish. If it would stop these thoughts, then I would do anything.

Toddler Years

In the past, I have always wondered what it would be like to be completely in charge of a young life. I never imagined I would get the chance to know what such a thing was like so early in life considering that elves rarely marry before their first millennium, let alone have children. With me being only a little over 400-years-old, I truly am an outlier. At some points I wish I had though to ask someone to come along with me. Surely one of my friends would have been kind enough to join me through this trial. Then there are other times where I am glad I am alone. I couldn't have stood to have anyone see me in the condition I was after Rodney and I had our encounter. Yes, for now, being alone is alright. I feel as if things have been moving more smoothly recently anyway. I am rapidly growing accustomedto doing everything by myself. There is also more time to sleep, and it is beyond fun to interact with Elrunamir. I've begun teaching him how to talk.

I am more determined to get him to progress more on getting him to do his business by himself though. When I used to help watch over the young children back at home, I always left the nasty work to the mothers. I have had my share of days, mostly when playing with Eloril, where I would come home covered in dirt and earth. The dirtiness that young children get covered in was another matter entirely. I swore years ago I would do everything to deal as little with those messes as possible. Of course, everything has changed now. Little Elrun certainly isn't the one to be doing the cleanup, and I cannot ignore his filthy diapers simply because I find them unpleasant. However, it has been interesting to see my change regarding the matter. I found that I have stopped caring. I take care of each mess without giving them a second thought. Such a change is one of the mysteries of motherhood. I will certainly have a lot more in common with naneth when I return home.

Motherhood

It is amazing how one day can completely change how I think and feel. Only yesterday I thought the scariest thing in the world was how I was going to give birth by myself. Now I am recovering from that, and have found something even more frightful in the passing time. My fear is if I will be able to raise this child of mine properly alone. I have watched over children before, yet their mothers had always been close by. Will I know what to do when Elrunamir is hurting? Will I be able to guide him through life's challenges? Will I even be able to afford what he needs?

Elrun wakes and cries often, but most of the time all he needs is my touch for him to calm down. Honestly, I was unsure of what I would feel for my children when they were born. This task has and always will be undesirable. I might get used to the seducing of men, but I will never enjoy it. Then there's the fact that this child I'm holding is half human. He's half of what I hate the most. He's half of the man who went to sleep with another woman hours after he finished with me.

And yet, Elrun is also half of the people that I love the most. He has the same inside beauty of his namesake, and the same smile of my mother. More importantly than any of that, Elrun is half of me. We look completely different so some moments it's hard to believe we're connected in such a way, but I always know it is true in my heart. He's part of me. That's what I focus on. I love him more than I ever imagined- to the point where I am almost scared at how greatly I adore him.

Pregnancy

I woke up the following morning on the couch. I obviously must have moved there some time during the night, but I couldn't recall ever getting up. That day was a strange day. I ate my breakfast, washed the bedding thoroughly, did some painting, and read a book. I waited and waited for the strong depression I expected to hit me. However, the day was closing before I knew it. The next day was the same. The day after that as well. In fact, the days and weeks began moving by in a blue. It is true that as an immortal I am used to the ages moving past me in the blink of an eye, yet ever since my experience with Rodney it was if I have payed attention to nothing. That night had been awful, but I otherwise felt...normal. Changed and desperate for home, but normal. Each day I simply got up to live what had become my life. Nothing out of routine happened. The only new task I had to face was fixing the objects in my house that suddenly began breaking all the time. It was beyond me how I managed to restore everything to its usual condition. Mostly what I end up doing is fiddling around with the many screws, and the problem resolves itself.

About a month after that night, I received a call from Ms. Bird. Although I originally thought she wasn't someone I wanted to know due to her "career", she has proven to be surprisingly kind and helpful. She was the only one around town I moderately knew as she made a point to call me every other day. Her call was expected, but the information she had for me was not. She was curious if I had heard what was going on with Rodney. I did not know. He had been surprisingly distant. It was a strange change from the polite man I had known. It was Ms. Bird's call that would show me the Rodney I had known was not who he actually was at all. Apparently, he had stated romantic intentions towards a woman named Gracie Loveland. Ms. Bird was stunned her had, for Rodney was known for hopping around from woman to woman. The two had been keeping their secret relationship.

Ms. Bird then revealed to me the date when Rodney had stated his intentions towards this Ms. Loveland. It had been on the same evening when we had spent time together. My heart sank further when Ms. Bird continued talking and I learned Ms. Loveland had been seen shopping for something called "emergency contraceptives" the following morning. When I realized what such a thing was, I understood what the two had been doing. The phone call ended, and I sat down on the couch in despair. I harbored no romantic feelings towards Rodney. There was not the slightest chance that we would ever end up together. However, I was still deeply hurt. His kind manner had only been a trick to convince me to give him what he wanted. He had gotten, and he had moved on. How important our time together had been and what it had meant for me was not a concern of his in the slightest. My emotions and my struggles were insignificant.

Starting the Task

Several days passed, and I found myself relaxing more as I steadily became more accustomed to my surroundings. What also helped was that I discovered it was possible for me to sell the little animal house in the back of my yard that I had no use for. Not only was I able to obtain a fair sum of money for it, but not having to worry about painting so much to earn money allowed me to get out of my house. The town of Appaloosa Plains began opening up to me as I wandered along its streets. To my joyous surprise, I learned the town contained something called a horse park. Many horses were stored there, and there was plentiful room to go for a ride. I eagerly jumped at my first chance to make a trip to such a wonderful sounding location. To be around horses again would certainly raise my spirits. Also, I considered in the back of my mind that I might come across the opportunity of meeting men who had similar interests to me. I really did need to make the acquaintance of  more men than Mr. Donahue.

When I reached the center, it dawned on me why my parents chose to send me to this place. Although much of it was very different from home, I truly was able to find some peace being around all the horses and other animals. However, I wondered for just how long would this town's beauty and serenity be appealing to me. I was not nearly naive enough to think I wouldn't outgrow this place or lose interest. Fate and reality would have everyone and everything around me shift, but I would remain relatively unchanged. I knew what this town could offer me would fade at some point, and I would be stuck if I were to linger.

Frustration

When Mr. Donahue left, he did not stop the story box from working. Considering that I had no idea how he had started it in the first place, how to get it to quiet was an art beyond my understanding. I simply hoped it would go silent if I let it be for long enough. However, even by the time I was preparing to go to bed the thing continued to make its racket. I took a look at what was on the box, but everything was so foreign to me that I didn't dare touch it. For all I knew, the thing could explode if I did something wrong. My attention focused on the rectangle device Mr. Donahue had been previously holding instead. There was a name embossed on it that matched the name on the box. Few of the buttons were labeled, but I decided the large red one might be a good choice. I was right. The box went quiet.

Although I wanted the thing to stop making its noise, the absolute silence that swept over the house was disconcerting. In the elven lands all of the buildings, for the most part, do not have doors, but open archways. There are drapes for when one needs privacy, yet the majority of the time there is very little to separate us from the outside world. I am used to the gentle breeze of wind and sounds of little creatures wafting throughout the halls. The large window in my bed chamber here could not be opened, so I retreated to my bed trying to ignore the engulfing silence. The fear from earlier in the day returned. Though I was more cut off from the world outside here than I was at home, I felt horribly exposed. I don't know why I attempted to rest, for I found little sleep that night. The suffocating silence and unease was part of the problem. It was the terribly uncomfortable bed that was the other issue though. I might have endured less pain if I had slept on the floor instead. It was a true blessing when the sun rose. The warm sunlight was a welcome change from the moonless, cold night sky.

I sighed as I began going about my day. I took a look at the oven machine, but was even more confident I would cause it to explode if I even looked at it the wrong way. Human machines terrify me. I knew I needed to learn how to operate it soon though. I had some cold bread for breakfast, and that and salads for dinner would not be nearly enough to sustain me.

Loneliness

It has been about a week since I left my home. The town that had been chosen for me to reside in is a great distance away from the elven lands. The contact took me there in some contraption called a car, and we traveled at a high speed every day. We only stopped to eat at places called fast food restaurants. Since I had no idea what they offered, the contact ordered for me. I cannot fathom how you humans suffer through such food or much less enjoy it. I quickly learned that the only option I could stomach from those places were the salads they served. Even then I had trouble forcing myself to place that fake food into my mouth. I hoped that normal meals would be less repulsive. Otherwise, I would starve long before I got anywhere close to returning home.

The contact and I stopped at inns to sleep, although he told me they were called hotels here. During our days of driving I had nothing to keep me entertained other than the "music" the contact had playing. It was only noise to me. I thought I was going to lose my mind. Relief actually overcame me when we reached the town- Appaloosa Plains. I expected the human side to be full of desolation and sickened land, but it seemed not everything had been corrupted yet. Though the appearance of the town was strange compared to what I am used to, it was still beautiful nonetheless. The same could not be said for my house.

The Beginning

How did it end up like this? Why did this have to happen to me? I know these questions have gone through the minds of others in worse predicaments than the one I'm facing, but I can't stop them from haunting every moment of my waking existence. I never thought I would be in this kind of situation, but here I am. I know I need to move forward, but all I can think of is the world I left behind...

Etael Family Final Review

My original plan for when the 10th Generation child reached Young Adult age was to bring the rest of heirs back to life with ambrosia and use Young Again Potions on them. That way I could take a nice group shot of all of them together. Unfortunately, with the game crashing issue I experienced that is no longer possible. I'll know next time to save all the Sims to the bin.

This post is a compilation of all the information for the Etael family heirs- traits, favorites, children, name pronunciations, etc.

PGC Update #11 (Etael Family's Last)

Kaet's been having a fun time exploring in the tunnels she's been finding with her miner.

PGC Update #10

Ghost Sirtana appears every so often, and Tuon takes the chance to talk to her whenever he can.

Outside My Window

At my university I have been graced to have an amazing room. It's a suite, and because the room is located on the corner, my roommate and I have two windows while most of the occupants of the building only have one. One window overlooks the gorgeous hills, and the other shows the beautiful town. Many times when it rains there are rainbows, and almost every night we get beautiful sunsets. Here are some pictures I've taken from our room that will hopefully make your day a little bit brighter. Click on the pictures to view them in their full size!

PGC Update #9

As promised, here is a proper picture of Araceli. Isn't she cute?

PGC Update #8

The next baby boy born turned out to be the long-awaited perfect heir! His name is Tuon, and he luckily didn't acquire the floating face glitch (which I've learned how to fix anyway).

PGC Update #7

Happy birthday Sirtana!

PGC Update #6

A very long one this time, so strap yourself in and let's get started!

Although Taeh and Lahashi keep contact with the active family, no one has spoken to Willard since he left. However, one night he just randomly visited the house. He went over to talk to Tirin who was fishing in the backyard.

PGC Update #5

I'm so terrible at remembering to put down the traits and stuff for the heirs. Anyway here's Amesis' information:
Traits- Dislikes Children
Good
Genius
Loser
Hopeless Romantic

His favorites are: Egyptian music, lobster thermidor, and orange.

I'll remember to post Niran's this time, lol. So, let's get started. This will be a good sized post. Enjoy!

C-ute's "Aitai na"s Success (Update!)

Two weeks ago or so, I posted the music video for C-ute's new upcoming single "Aitai Aitai Aitai na", as well as my thoughts and expectations. The single was released today, and the results are quite hopeful. "Aitai na" has sold 28,455 copies on its first day. It also debuted higher on the Oricon charts (#3) than "Kima wa..." did (#4). Unfortunately, I'm not able to find the first day sales for "Kimi wa..." so I'm not sure if "Aitai na" has already started to sell better. However, if sales keep up for a couple days, then it's possible that this single could become C-ute's highest grossing one. Even if it doesn't, it's first day sales have already surpassed the total sales results of 11 of C-ute's now 19 singles. I'm looking forward to the upcoming week. It will be exciting to see how far "Aitai na" will go.

UPDATE: The first week sales have finally been released, and the result is amazing! In it's first week, "Aitai na" has sold 46,827 copies. This means it has effectively outsold "Kimi wa...", which sold 46,096 copies after 4 weeks. "Aitai na" is now C-ute's best selling single. Now we just have to wait and see if it outsells Chou HAPPY SONG, the most recent collaboration single between C-ute and BerryzKoubou. To do that, "Aitai na" will have to sell more than 56,895 copies. It will be close, but at this point all we can do is wait and see. Congratulations C-ute!

For your entertainment here are the two B-sides to "Aitai na". "Saikou Music" is found on the Limited B, C, and D copies, while "Kanashiki Heaven" is on the Regular and Limited A versions. Personally, I enjoy "Kanashiki Heaven" much more. "Saikou Music" is alright, but it's not my favorite. I think it sounds too much like music from a Pokemon game sometimes.

"Saikou Music":

"Kanashiki Heaven":

PGC Update #4

And we're back here again! Let's get caught up a little bit, shall we? Something I neglected to mention last time was that I moved Laveah, Van, and Cielah out of the house to start afresh. Amesis and Tirin had a day or so of quiet before it was found out that Tirin was pregnant. We left off with her about to give birth to her first child.

Our Own Hunger Games

One week ago, on the 20th, my friends and I were participating in our own Hunger Games competition! In total there was eight of us who participated. There were others who were supposed to show, but of course there's always a couple people who say they're coming and never show up. Anyway, we met at Harold's house to watch the Hunger Games movie before heading over to McDonald's for our last meal.

We then went to a nearby camping ground in the middle of a forest. The campsite (as well as the bathrooms) were temporary safe zones during the game. One could only stay at the campsite for five minutes at a time before being required to head out into the fray again. Out of the two tents we set up, one was easy to do, but the other was complicated and took much more time to assemble. When that was finished we all headed over to the Cornucopia to start the game.

PGC Update #3

(Just a quick note about this post. Since I find the mosaic censor the Sims 3 uses to be annoying, I have a mod that disables it. Naked Sims without the censor are pretty much just like naked Barbies. There's nothing actually there. There will be a couple pictures in this post of a naked Laveah without the censor. I highly doubt anyone will actually find these offensive, but if you're really that sensitive I would suggest you don't read this post >< )

This update will probably end up being on the longer side. The triplets continued to age up, as well as the rest of the members of the household. A lot of things happened and I'm eager to share! Also, I leave to go back to college tomorrow so I'd like to take care of this now before I get too busy.

So the first major thing that happened after I last posted was another robbery:

PGC Update #2

Hello there! I'm back again with another update about my Sims 3 Perfect Genetics Challenge progress! Last time we left off with Laveah aging up to a Young Adult, and preparing to start her task of sending her perfect genetics down to at least one of her children. Since I forgot to put Laveah's information in my last post, here it is now:

Laveah's Traits- Couch Potato
Loves the Outdoors
Good
Light Sleeper
Dislikes Children (of course)

Her favorite music is indie, her favorite food is pancakes, and her favorite color is aqua.

I Want, I Want, I Want to Meet You

℃-ute, the J-Pop group whose previous single I reviewed here, has just released on their Youtube channel the music video for their new single "Aitai Aitai Aitai na". You can watch it below at the end of the post.

The Sims 3- Perfect Genetics Challenge!

So it's been some time since I've last posted, but I figure I'd reopen with a post containing an update of a challenge for The Sims 3 that I got from Mod the Sims here.

On the 9th page you'll find my first update about my luck so far with the challenge. However, it seems that after I posted no one else had any more to say about their progress. It was over a week before someone else did post. I'm progressing through the challenge fairly quickly, and I know if I post there I will continue to have to wait, or either double post (which I don't want to do). Plus, there were so many more pictures I wanted to put on the thread, but I got rid of most of them because I felt like my post was overtaking the thread. These are the reasons I decided to move my updates to my blog. I can write and post as many pictures as I want without bothering anyone. Here we go!