Mordir: *Smiles at Sarai's words, but the smile wavers*

*To Abigail* Uhh... Does it help that Yassuel saved Mordir's life?

Ivy: *Looks at Virika, then smiles* It's okay. Maybe Papa was just teasing. He and Mama do that sometimes. *Giggles* Once when Papa came home from a long trip, he pretended he was a hungry beggar at the door. He had a different voice, I was scared. But then Mama opened the door and I saw Papa, and she gave him food-

Mordir: *Smiles slightly at Virika* All's forgiven, lass. Your father and I like to banter.

Ivy: -and then Mama pushed Papa out the door! Zye and I were worried, but then Papa came back in and kissed Mama.

Mordir: Did Tinsley give you caffeine? *Yelps in alarm when Abigail tackles him* Oi! Get off! I haven't heard of John Newton!

*Shouldn't think Abigail tackling Mordir is funny, but she kind of does*

Zinaan: *Gives Tawni one of those semi-awkward little kid hugs* He'll come back. Don't worry.

Mordir's cried.

Mordir: Oh, thanks. P(

Tynx: *Yips in alarm* What, are like a ticking time bomb?! You only start talking when you count down?!

*To Lajh* There is now.

Mordir: *Tries to escape, but gives up* If God forgives me and loves me like you all say, why is it that every time I get close to someone, they die?! Every time. First it was the boy from the traveling performers, then it was the rogue chief. Then it was my sister. I ki- *glances at children* I do what I do because it seems to be the only thing I'm good at! *Looks away*

Lillian: *Looks up worriedly*

Chayn: *Looks at Lajh, Alace, Timothy and Tawni lazily, burying her snout in the warm, silky sand*

Timothy: I like stories too.

Tawni: *hugs Zinaan back, smiling* *to Timothy* Stories are fun.

Sarai: *gets a 'I-feel-bad-because-Mordir-feels-bad' look on her face, blinks back tears and hugs him tighter* It's okay. It really is. *has no idea what to say now, besides 'it's okay'*

Tinsley: who's your dad with the plan?

....not really.

Virika: *giggles amiably* that sounds fun! ...my daddy doesn't come near me for a long while when he first gets home. He says he is still in soldier mode and doesn't want to hurt me *to Mordir* you do? Yeah...he likes to talk.

Simperer: did I just get zinged by my little girl?

...maybe.

Lajh: *drags Timothy and Tawni to the sand pit with him* come on!

Breindel: *smiles at Flash* you don't need all the answers. Knowing Esh Okhlah is in control is sufficient.

Alastair: so...does somebody say ready set go?

No. Theology gives me energy. And no, I will not get off you until you hear me out.

Simperer: *mutters something under his breath and drags me off Mordir, twisting my arm behind my back and clamping his hand over my mouth* let the characters tell him. You don't need development.

*muffled yelp* *nods vigorously*

Simperer: good. *releases me*

Virika:

Explain yourself out of that one, "soldier".

Timothy: I never had a father...

Tanner: My dad's gone...

Trevelian: Nearly everything I know I learned from my father. He was a great man.

Aren: My father is on the Phoenix Council. He is well honored and cares for his people and family, but at times I believe he would prefer that I spend more time working with our Fearn colleagues than I do with my human friends.

Ouska: *gives a dry, rasping cough* Ye wonder why they die, lad? Everyone dies. Some are just less fortunate in how they go.

Mordir: *Looks at Sarai and smiles slightly. He reaches up and wipes away her tears* No tears, little princess. A young face like yours shouldn't have tears and a frown. Not for me.

Ivy: Soldier mode? Your papa's a soldier? *Looks at Simperer with something like awe*

Hmmm... Does it help that he brings Mordir's parents to him when Mordir was hurt/hesitant to go himself?

Mordir: You may just want to give up. *Smiles at Virika* I have noticed he likes to talk, yes. We had quite a lot of talking when we first met. *Half-glares at Abigail when Simperer pulls her off of him. He sits up.*

Ivy: *Watches Simperer warily now* Is your papa in soldier mode now?

Tynx: *Isn't sure whether or not he should get of Kid* Guys.... I think this person is destruction waiting to happen.

Lillian: Why are we talking about dads?

Mordir: *Looks at Ouska* I know everyone dies. But people I care about die because of me. I dared the performer boy to go higher on the mountain, and he died because he couldn't escape the rockslide fast enough. The chief rogue saved my life in exchange for his, and my sister did the same. Every day I worry I'll find out that Ivy or Zinaan or Iluna have died.

Then you'll be a mess. *Is whacked* Oi! No hitting the author! I'm trying to lighten the mood!

Aris, you seen to be the honorary new-page creator

Simperer: *smoothly to Ivy* yes, I am a soldier.

Fibber.

Simperer: it's true, I am!

Used to be.

Simperer: I still am, on occasion!

...so this Yassuel did that? Hmm....................nope. Still don't like him. o.o *shrinks back from Mordir* *squeaky whisper* sorry...

Virika: I don't know. I think so...o.o *takes Ivy's hand and gently tugs her towards the sand pit*...if he is we should probably come over here just in case.

Tinsley: May or may not be my fault that fathers just dominated the conversation...*looks at Trevelain* yours was awesome. *pokes Kid's solar plexus again* what about you, Silentstar?

Alastair: my dad is... ...So Tanner...who should we get to say "Go!"?

Lajh: *begins digging a huge hole in the sand*

....*sobs quietly even though she's still petrified*......Aris, you do realize I'm going to be an emotional wreck when I read this, right?

Tawni: *squeaks in shock when Lajh starts dragging her and Timothy towards the sand pit* *makes a scared sound and struggles to get away*

Flash: If it's God you mean... I've tried. But it's so hard to believe sometimes...

Sarai: *blinks rapidly and looks up at Mordir again* But you're hurting, and I wanna help.

Me: *to Lillian, quietly so Flash doesn't hear me* Because Flash is really upset right now; he saw the relationship Ivy and Virika have with their dads, and it reminded him that his dad was... not nice at all.

It does seem that way.

Ivy: *Eyes widen* You are? So, you fight in wars?

*Hugs Abigail* No worries. He's just being grumpy.

Ivy: *Follows Virika* Okay. My daddy seems angry, too. He isn't usually, but sometimes Mama sends Zinaan and me outside, and I think Papa is angry then and she doesn't want us to see.

*Stares at Mordir

Mordir: No. I'm just sulky. Not angry.

Oh. I see. Dads are cool.

Chayn: *Watches Lajh* What are you doing?

*Hugs Abigail again* I'll be an emotional wreck with you.

Mordir: Gracious, ladies. My life isn't sob-worthy.

Yeah-huh! *To Annwyl* Aw.... *Hugs Gash and hurries away*

Mordir: *Smiles and smooths back Sarai's hair* I appreciate your wanting to help me. I don't think there's much you can do, unless you would like to tackle me too?

*Is sobbing in the corner for all the charries*

Tynx: I didn't see you cry that much when I died/was in trouble/for my past. B(

Me: *is crying now herself*

Flash: *is hugged by an Aris* *blinks in surprise*

Sarai: *frowns in confusion* Would me tackling you really help?

Lajh: I'm sorry Tawni, I'm not scary, honest! Chayn, I'm digging to the other side of the world! .

crazy child...

Breindel: yes...yes it can be. But He's always there. Always.

Simperer: not wars...Skirmishes...the occasional battle, but there hasn't been a war in my time. I'm usually not called out for that, anyway. ...

*hugs back* when he's grumpy he looks like he wants to murder me...

Virika: we should build a castle

Yes it is, Mordir! Yes it is!! aww, poor Tynx...nobody cried for him....

Tawni: *stares at Lajh with wide eyes, still scared and breathing quickly*

Flash: *bites his lip* I wish it felt like He was.

Tanner: Oh right. You can say go if you want.

Trevelian: *looks at Tinsley a bit amused* What makes you say that?

Timothy: I don't think she wants to play in the sand... Don't be scared, Tawni. Do you want to go into the pit and play in the sand or should we stay up here?

Tawni: *hesitates, hiding behind Timothy* *peeks out at the sand* *thinks for a moment* Yeah, I do...

Simon: *calls out in an attempt to help* I think your suddenly dragging her and Timothy towards the sand pit scared her, Lajh. That's all.

Kid: *nods and scribbles down something else* Destruction and creation

Lajh: oh... I'm not scary, really, I promise. *stands on his head* see?

Breindel: I wish that too...*quietly begins rubbing her left foot* but He is. We just have to wait for Him to reveal Himself.

Alastair: okay.....on your mark....get set....GO! *takes off running*

Tinsley: oh...I dunno, that he taught you things, I guess. I mean, I learned from elves, but none were my father. What was it like? ...Your dad is destruction and creation? Simultaneously? how does that work? ...you cross your T's different.

Tawni: *watches* *her scared expression vanishes, replaced by a small smile* *she giggles a little*

Flash: *his brow furrows, and he turns to look at her* You mean... you mean sometimes you don't feel like He's here? It's not just me?

Lajh: *comedically* whoa, whoa, oh nooooo!! *tips over and faceplants into the same pit, does a backwards somersault, then shakes the same or of his hair and grins* tadaaa!!

Breindel: *soothingly* of course I have. When I was imprisoned in Heilaga Miasto, every day it seemed He grew further away...like He had decided I was worthless...but, even then He was still shown to be with me.

Tawni: *laughs* You silly! *meant to say 'you're', but didn't quite manage it*

Flash: *blinks back a few tears, sniffing and wiping his eyes with the sleeve of his hoodie* It always seems like I'm the only one struggling; like all other Christians or people who believe in God have it all figured out and know without a doubt that God is with them.

Trevelian: *puts a hand on Flash's shoulder* We all have our struggles.

Flash: *looks up at Trevelian* I never realized that. Everyone I come across seems so strong, like they have everything figured out.

*To Flash* Sorry. Couldn't help myself.

Mordir: *Chuckles a little at Sarai* I don't think it will. I was partially teasing Abigail.

Chayn: *Sits up and watches Lajh dig* What do you expect to find? *Pushes a bit of sand with her tail over Lajh when he falls in*

Ivy: Oh.

Haha. He looks like he wants to murder anyone when he's grumpy. He wouldn't hurt a fan.

Mordir: Wouldn't I?

Not if you value your life, dignity, and role in the story.

Tynx:

Ivy: Yeah! I like building castles! But I usually do it with blocks. I've never built a castle in sand before!

Yes, she's a sheltered child. Mordir takes precautions.

Mordir: *Looks at Abigail* Ah, no it's not. I've pretty much resigned myself to it. No tears for me, aye? *Tosses Abigail a chocolate*

Flirt.

Mordir: Oi!

Lillian: Yay, he's being happy again!

Tynx: Well, as happy as Mordir usually is, anyway.

I didn't cry over Tynx because he wasn't as developed as Mordir is. Now he has sad-ish backstory. His original story is pretty much canceled out.

Tynx: Wait, so I don't die?

Nope. We'll call that story your audition.

Tynx: YYYEEEAAAHHH!!! *Looks at Kid* Wait... I'm confused. What are you doing? Is this you we're talking about, or your dad?

You wouldn't be shouting for joy if you really understood how scarred your childhood is.

Mordir: Is there any character at all who has a background that hasn't been brutally twisted?

Um.... I dunno, probably. Tae's history is fine, aside from being kidnapped... um... Seiryu's, maybe. Emeer and Chayn's might be okay.

Mordir: You have no idea. I was asking about the ones you do know.

I have no idea. I'll let Emeer and Chayn have happy childhoods. Chayn at least.

Trevelian: They are difficult to face, so we often don't admit them if we can help it...

Me: Melany had a decent childhood except for the part where she was seen as cursed and abandoned in the wilderness to be eaten by jackals as a baby.

Flash: *smiles a bit at Aris* That's okay. *to Trevelian* Yeah, I guess so...

Sarai: Oh. Okay. *still holding onto his arm*

Me: Hm. Let's see; do any of my characters have a normal and happy backstory... *thinks for quite a long time* Um... Alana had a happy backstory, it was just when the villagers chased her out for being a witch that things got hectic... and... yeah, I'll think of more later.

Rinja....and she says it with a smile...XDDDDDD let me think...Alastair and Lajh have pretty normal back stories. Not Tinsley or Bri or the Simperer, though. Not even--well, Breindel was relatively normal.

Lajh: Hey! *shakes more sand out of his hair* ...we might find something... Tawniiiii, come to meeeee....*begins singing that as he dramatically extends a hand*

Virika: I don't know if I have either...but let's try!

Is there any sand around Heilaga Miasto?

Simperer: *shrugs*

No tears? But...*catches chocolate* o.o *smiles and turns red*...no promises

Alastair: is Tanner coming? I did say Go...

Tawni: *giggles some more* *looks up at Timothy, hesitates* *stands on her tip-toes, taking his hand and pulling him down so she can kiss him on the cheek* I be back soon. *nods* *runs over to Lajh*

Tanner: Over here by the tree.

Timothy:

Enya: Oh. *smiles at Jonah*

Lajh: Hey! *flops into the hole he dug* welcome to my kingdom, fair lass. How shall I serve you with my sandiness?

Alastair: *panting* What--how--? Eeh *skids to a stop and thuds to his seat* *winded* I think...you win. how come...how come you run...So fast?

Tanner: Well, I'm older, so my legs are a bit longer, and it was my job to be fast when I was a gladiator.

Timothy: *slides down into the sand pit*

Kid: *points to himself*

*To Kitra* Oh yeah, except for the early childhood trauma, I'm sure she had a fairytale life. Seymour and Aelynn have normal lives. Except for when they're ridiculed by the elves, who hate them.

Mordir: Okay, do any your character actually have a normal life? Without those 'exceptions'?

Um... Chayn, probably.

Mordir: Should even question why a DRAGON gets off better than HUMANS do???

I'm a writer. My mind is probably as twisted as your background.

Mordir: *Backs away slowly* *Is whacked* Hey! I was kidding!

P( I wonder why characters don't have many happy backgrounds. I mean truly happy. They're not abandoned, but they have parents, maybe siblings, they live and are happy.

Mordir: *Looks at Sarai* Why not go play with the other children? I think Some of them are building a sandcastle. I hear rumors that the sand king is in his court.

Ivy: Okay!

Chayn: *Cocks her head, watching Lajh* You are a funny little human.

Mordir: *Smiles at Abigail* I'm sure there are other characters worth crying for. Like Flash.

Because unlike you, he's actually rather receptive to being told about God and salvation. *Dictionary flies past* Oi! My dictionaries!

Mordir: P( I listened.

Yeah, but you're set on being a hopeless case.

Mordir: Well that's your fault. You don't want me reformed yet.

.........

Zinaan: *Digging in the dirt*

Tynx: So you're destruction and creation? What does that do to you? Do you like cancel yourself out, so then your a normal person?

I think I'm gonna duck out of here over the weekdays. I have school that really has to be done, and I need to buckle down and hack at it. I'll be around on weekends, but I'll probably be absent during the weekdays. *Faces her characters* You all BEHAVE. I don't want to come back on Saturday and find Mordir's killed someone, Tynx lost his tail, Lillian's now a villain, and Chayn ate someone.

Mordir: That all could happen in a few days?

With you lot, it just might.

Lajh: Squire Timothy, I'm so glad you joined us in my realm *screams in mock terror and runs away from Chayn, putting himself between her and Tawni* a monster has infiltrated my kingdom! How has this happened? where are my sand guards? I see them not...Fear not, princess, I will protect you! *still acting comedically scared*

oh, the theatrics....my goodness, boy, I had no idea.

Lajh:

But I don't wanna cry for Flash! He understands that he has a sad story. YOU don't seem to care! DDDX

Tinsley: yea, how does that work, o silent destructive one?

Alastair: oh...I didn't think of that...it was still fun

Jonah: *smiles back at Enya* Tell me a bit about yourself?

Tawni: *giggles again, scuffs the ground with her bare foot* Um, I dunno...

Sarai: *tilts her head, glances over at the other children* No, I'm fine staying here with you.

Tawni: *eyes widen when Lajh screams, hides behind him, peeking around his side and staring at Chayn*

Lajh: *grins impishly* *conspiratorial whisper* what do you think we should do, Princess Tawni?

Tawni: *looks up at him with wide eyes; not quite fear, but just wariness and a bit of new-experience overload* *whispers* I don't know.

Lajh: *nods slowly, weighing her comment like a wise bit of advice* hmm....let us consult the other wise counselor, Squire Timothy the Sandyhaired.

You're one to talk, Mr Sand King.

Lajh: I meant the color. My hair is still brown even though there's sand in it. At least...I think it's still brown. Tawni, it hasn't turned green yet, has it?

Quit using that smiley face. It's annoying.

Lajh:... *still "shielding" Tawni, he creeps over to Timothy and whispers loudly* Help us save my kingdom!

Tawni: *nods, looks up at Timothy*

Kid: *shakes his head, and writes more* I destroy, and then I recreate.

Timothy: Okay. *flies up the Chayn's eye level* 'Scuse me, can I help you?

Chayn: *Blinks in surprise, then gets to her feet and arches her neck in a semi-intimidating manner and lifts her lip in a slight snarl, raising her wings a little* Thou shalt fear me, Sand King! I come to fill my lair with your golden hoard.



Mordir: I know my story is a sad one. I have moments when I do get depressed about it. But I can't do much about it. What happened to me back then... it's made me what I am now. If I can't save people-

Whoa-kay, don't get all gloomy again. I like you better when you're all snarky and stuff.

Chayn: *Looks at Tawni* And I require a fair princess for my lair! Mine rivals will fear me all the more when I have a princess.

Don't scare the wits out of the girl, Chayn.

Mordir: *Smiles at Sarai* You're a very sweet little girl. I doubt you give your brothers much grief, do you?

Aw, Mordir, you're, like, so adorable with kids.

Lillian: He's creepy.

Because you don't know much about him.

Chayn: *Eyes narrow into slits as she glares at Timothy* My lair is in need of gold. The Sand King's stock will supply it richly. Step aside if you value your life, little squire.

Ivy: *Stops when her feet touch the sand* Ooh! My toes sink!

Tynx: *Drapes himself over Kid's shoulder* Doesn't that kind of defeat the purpose of yourself? You're stuck in an endless loop. When you talk, is that when you destroy and create again?

Timothy: Lajh, she just wants your gold.

Aren: All speech destroys silence, yet it creates something new.

Tawni: *in response to Chayn's comment about needing a princess* No no no! *squeaks and hides her face against Lajh's back* (She's a four-year-old. She still thinks the whole adage, 'if I can't see them, they can't see me', applies. XD)

Sarai: *giggles* Not much.

Timothy: Oh, and she wants Tawni. *to Chayn* But you can't have her. She has to stay with us until she can go home. You can probably have to gold though, I don't think we're using it.

Kid: *shakes his head and lets out a long sigh*

Lajh: Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo! You cannot have her, blue monster! She is my charge, and you can't have her! *whispering* Don't worry, Tawni, I'll protect you *pats her head* oh, and...I think I'll keep the gold too.

Somebody having a dramatic "possessive hobbit syndrome" episode?

Lajh: I don't have a script...I'm making it up as I go.

...I like him both ways. One makes me laugh and the other makes me sob.

Virika: o.o it is all...not solid. *throws a fistful of sand in the air* *gets it in her eyes and cries*

Simperer: *runs over* let me see, let me see...ssh, you're ok, you're ok...

And now he enters panic mode.

Simperer: I'm not panicking....

Timothy: No, I definitely think we can give her the gold...

Lajh: Yeah, we could, but where's the dramatic tension in that?

Timothy: We can't risk our lady's life and liberty for dramatic tension!