The Oakley Family

I have been introduced and become addicted to a new site called Azalea's Dolls, where you basically pick a background and make up your characters! I LOVE this site! I have been on it almost constantly for the last three days making up every single character I could think of. The first ones I did was The Oakley Family: (click to make bigger)

Left to right: Rowan, Aswyn, Brogan and Ella

I love this picture because it seems to get each one of their personalities perfectly. Rowan is fiery and impish, Aswyn is noble and refined, Brogan is easy going and cheerful, and Ella is innocent and perfect.

Second I made one of all my main characters:

Left to Right: Arries, Soryn, Rowan and Atokad

Sorry about Rowans shirt. I figured out how to fix it later, but I had already saved this one.

The site is a lot of fun, but beware, once you get into it, it will rob you of writing time -_- .

The End of One Thnig and the Beginning of Another

Well, summer break is finally here! I have officially survived two full terms of college! After being so busy over the last six months, it is a strange feeling to have nothing to do. I must now decide what I want to do over the summer months. Other that the normal college student summer goals, such as get a part time job, work on my fitness, etc... My main plan for the summer is to write! My dear characters have been neglected for far too long, and I do think a few of them are getting crabby.

Today I sat down at my computer for the first time in nearly six months and opened the file named "My Story". The moment I opened up the file, I entered into that wonderful world, my world. I began to write, slowly at first, for I was a bit rusty, and then with more and more speed, until now, 1,500 words later I am ready to share a small snippet with you, my friends.

Why this rare treat, you my ask, well, I will tell you. Today I got the wonderful, thrilling pleasure of writing into being for the first time, my most favorite character that I have ever created... Soryn Llyr. He is no longer a figment of my mind, waiting for his part to come, no, he is now reality. I think this must be how it feels to have a baby, to be waiting so long for this person you have created and grown to love, and then to see him finally come to life... ah, it is a feeling like no other. 

And now, without further ado... I give you Soryn Llyr!

I have decided to simply give you the whole scene, with the exception of a small part, since I don't think it gives anything away, and it will give you a good feel for my whole story, not only Soryn.

"The Clapping Clam tavern was an old stone building with ivy growing up on either side of the wooden door. As soon as they walked in the door Rowan and Brogan were greeted by the smell of the clam chowder for which it was famous, a blazing fire, and the soft trill of a harp, from the corner where old Marc, the local bard sat. “Well, Lord Brogan! What can I get for ye today?” asked Balbo, the tavern keeper. He was a medium sized man in his early 40’s with broad shoulders and a middle to match. He had laughing blue eyes and his light brown hair and beard were slightly unkempt, giving him a flustered look. “Hello Balbo, I will get the usual, chowder and an ale.” Answered Brogan as he looked around the crowded room for a place to sit. “And you, young miss, will it be the usual chowder an’ cider for ye?” he asked cheerfully. “You guessed it,” replied Rowan as she followed her father to a table near the fire.

“So, what have ye been up to for the last month?” Brogan asked after they sat down. “Oh, the usual,” she answered, “Hiding from mum and Ella, lest I be made to sit around and do some of that wretched embroidery, sword practice with Sir James, poor Galien trying to get me to hit a target with a bow,” Brogan laughed, “What?” she asked incredulously, “I don’t know why he doesn’t just let me use my sling, I’m much better with that.” She took off her cloak and hung it over the chair in front of the fire. “So what about you, Did anything interesting happen while you were in Brockhoist?” She thought she saw a shadow of worry cross her father’s face at the mention of Brockhoist, but it disappeared just as quickly, and before she could ask him about it, Balbo arrived with their food. Two huge bowls of thick, creamy clam chowder, a thick slab of fresh bread, and two large mugs, one of ale, and one of steaming apple cider. “Thar ye go my Lord,” He said as he set it down on their table, “Fresh made,” he said proudly. “And it smells as good as ever, thank you Balbo.” Brogan replied, his smile returning. As he reached for his spoon, the tavern keeper bobbed his head several times and moved away from their table, smiling cheerfully.

As they ate, Marc the Bard, began playing a light jaunty tune on his harp that soon had everyone’s feet tapping and several men clapping their hands to the rhythm. Balbo was scurrying back and forth, refilling mugs of ale, bringing food to newcomers, and clearing the tables of those who had left. Rowan sighed contentedly as she leaned back in her chair with her mug of cider. There was no other place on earth she would rather be....

....Rowan turned her attention back to her food, but the contented feeling had lessened as she mused over Black Tom and his friends. Suddenly a cheerful greeting broke through her thoughts, “Well, Brogan me chap, ye made it back in time after all!” She turned to see the massive form of Odif, the horse trainer walking towards them. “Aye Odif, ye didn’t think I’d miss me ol’ friend’s wedding did ya?” said Brogan as he stood to shake hands with Odif and give him a massive clap on the back. Rowan noticed the slight shadowy form of Soryn, Odif’s nephew, standing slightly behind his uncle. “Hi Soryn,” she ventured, Soryn turned and glared at her, his dark brow furrowing in a scowl and his black eyes snapping in annoyance. Odif turned to his nephew and frowned. “Soryn, are you going to greet the young lady or not?” he asked, pinning Soryn with his piercing deep blue eyes. “Hi.” Soryn sneered before sitting by himself at a separate table.

“You’ll have to excuse him, he’s been having a hard time with my gettin’ married.” Odif said softly. “Why?” Rowan asked, stealing a sidelong glance at the brooding figure at the other table. “I think he’s afraid that it will turn out like when his father remarried.” “What happened?” She asked, unable to mask her curiosity. “Rowan,” Her father chided, somewhat sternly. “It’s alright Brogan,” Odif replied. “You see, Soryn’s father remarried because he needed someone to watch over his son while he was out at sea, but Soryn’s stepmom hated him, and every time Svengal, Soryn’s father, was gone she would have no mercy on him. When his father died when he was eight, her hatred of him got so bad that he ran away from home and had to learn to live out on the streets. Finally when he was seventeen he walked all the way from Brockhoist to here and found me. Since then he has been able to find a small amount of happiness liven with me an’ working with my horses, but now I’m gettin married, and I think he’s afraid he’ll get kicked out again.” Odif sighed sadly. “Why don’t you tell him that won’t happen?” Rowan asked, “I’ve tried,” Odif said sadly, “But he’s had a hard life for his young age, and has learned the hard way to trust no one.” “Oh.” Rowan replied. “But,” said Odif in a slightly more cheerful tone, “he just got accepted as Darryl Retawz’s new apprentice! I hope the woods will do him some good, and who knows he might even make friends with Darryl’s boy, Atokad.” “That’s great!” said Brogan as he mopped up the last of his soup with his bread.

Rowan turned to study the young man at the other table; his black hair was kind of long, and was cut around the base of his neck, his skin was bronze, and his black eyes now studied his hands which were folded on the table. He was the same height as her, and slightly built, but she had seen him working with horses, and knew he was strong. His shoulders were now hunched miserably, and his mouth turned down in a frown, but of course, he was always frowning. She had only seen him smile once, when he was working with a young horse, and it at last decided to trust him. As it nuzzled first his hand, and then his neck, he had smiled, and laughed a little too. He stirred suddenly, as if he could feel her watching him, and she turned away before he could catch her.  

Brogan and Odif talked for a long while over several mugs of ale, but finally Brogan rose to leave. “Well, I best be heading home before Aswyn starts worrying what happened to Rowan.” He said as he paid Balbo for the meal. “Aye, I’ve got a bit of work to finish up before tomorrow,” Odif replied, also rising. “And I’ve got to get this rascal something nice to wear. Can’t have him showin’ up to the wedding looking like he just got done mucking a stall.” He said as he wrapped one massive arm around Soryn’s shoulders. Soryn scowled and tried to wiggle free, but Odif held on. “Oh no you don’t.” He laughed, “you’re not escaping again. No, this time you’re comin’ with me.” He said as he practically dragged his nephew out the tavern door and towards the seamstresses place."

 Well, there you have it! It is sooooo good to finally have him in the story, and don't worry, he eventually becomes more likeable, and by the end of the story even loveable (though he would hate to hear it). I hope you enjoyed this brief introduction to my favorite character, and don't worry, there will be plenty more to come!

A Formal Introduction

I have talked alot about my story and my characters, but I don't think I have ever actually formally introduced you to each one, and since they are so dear to me, I don't see any reason to not let you begin to know them as well.

I will begin, of course, with Rowan Oakly, my main character...

Rowan is strong willed and fierce. When her father goes missing, she is not the kind to sit around and wait for the adults to find him. No, with the help of her closest friends (Arries, Atokad, Soryn and the Black Twins) she sets out on her own to track down the people who have kidnapped her father and the crown prince. Little does she know that she will uncover a plot far larger than any of them could have ever anticipated. Weapon of choice... definitely the sword and the sling for long range.

Arries Retawz has been Rowan's best friend for as long as they could remember...

Arries is a healer at heart, and has always been more at ease with the forest than with people, but for the sake of king and country she has set aside the quiet peace of the forest and became a fiercely loyal, and extremely useful piece in the fight to reclaim Azeroth from the evil hoards of Falcon. Weapon of choice... A bow and a dagger.

Soryn Llyr has been alone for most of his life...

His father was murdered when he was eight, and his step mother chased him out of the house not long afterwords. He grew up on the streets, and has learned to trust no one. When you first meet him he appears bitter and distrustful and often downright unfriendly at times, but once you get to know him you will find him loyal and full of mischief. Weapon of choice... a bow and the long knife his father gave him before he died. H is proficient with the sword as well.He is also extremely good at knife throwing.

Atokad Retawz has been trained by one of the best...

He is quiet and logical, and is always there to help when you need a cool and level head. He was born and raised in the coastal village of Radcliffe and the surrounding forest. He is the son of Darryl Retawz, one of the most wanted men in the opposing kingdom, and he was trained in the war arts, and particularly the Ranger arts by Galien, a ranger and "spy" known throughout the kingdom and is even legendary in Falcon's army. Atokad and Soryn have some extreme tolerance issues until around the middle of the book, then they get it sorted out.

Darryl Retawz grew up on the seas, but is now one of the most wanted men in the opposing kingdom...

Darryl is half dwarven. His father was a dwarvish pirate, so naturally and grew up on the sea. He was trained by the best in the arts of navigation, trading, seafaring, and the dwarf favorite... Warfare. When he ran away from his father and that lifestyle, he was hired by the merchant, Brogan. But not only has he been working for Brogan, he is also one of the leaders of the rebellion against Falcon.

Galien is the close childhood friend of Brogan Oakley, and also one of the most skilled ranger in Azeroth...

He was born in Galica, but when they ran out of food on the island because of an enormous army encamped on it's rocky lands, his family moves to the Highlands, where he meets Brogan Oakley. The two boys grow up together and train together as warriors. (There is alot more to this story, but alas, I cannot speak of it yet). Eventually Brogan settles down and has a family and becomes a merchant, (though he is very active in the rebellion as well). Galien takes to training young rangers and doing anything in his power to oppose Falcon.

Sir James was once the old kings most trusted knight, but since the kings death and the disappearance of the crown prince, he has been made to go into hiding...

Since the disappearance of the prince, James has been doing everything in his power to stop Falcon from taking over Azeroth. He has become the head of the rebellion, with Darryl, Galien and Arries as his most valuable weapons.

Flint is the king of the Elves but he has wandered alone for many years...

Flint is a wise and gentle leader, and also the greatest warrior the elves have known for many centuries. Nearly 150 years ago, there was a great battle that ended badly. Flint was separated from his people, and the people had no choice but to flee without him. They left a riddle for him to find, if he lived, that would lead him to their hiding place. Ever since then, he and his daughter Jossa have wandered Azeroth, searching for the answer to the riddle. He is the one person Falcon wants to find the most. They were once friends before Falcon turned dark.

Falcon has been fighting for many years for throne of Azeroth, and he is finally so close...

Raised with an abusive father, he ran away after he watched his mother die at his fathers hands. He was taken in by a order of assassins and trained by them. It didn't take long for him to become the best of them, and eventually their leader. He now longs for the throne of  Azeroth, but most of all, to find and kill his childhood friend, Flint, whom he is convinced betrayed him.

Niki was found in a boat wreck as a baby, and is now one of the most feared assassins and Falcon's "Significant Other"...

Niki is the most feared and skilled assassin in all of Azeroth. She has never failed a quest, and once she is on your tail, there is no escaping.

Jossa is Flint's only child and travels with him throughout Azeroth...

Jossa's mother disappeared when she was three, and ever since then, she has traveled with her father, Flint.

Well, I think that is all of the important characters at least, Let me know what you think of them! Soryn, Rowan, Falcon and Jossa are my favorites, but Soryn is definitely my most favorite.

Arries

A New Horizon

I find myself looking forward to next Monday with a mixture of excitement and nervousness. As I stand at the edge of the unknown, I find myself wanting to stay within sight of familiar territory, and yet I also am longing for the excitement of exploring the new horizon, the thrill of discovery, the adventure of the unknown.

What is this grand adventure of which you speak, you may ask. Well, I'll tell you. Next Monday, January 9, 2012, I begin Collage. I have been homeschooled my whole life, and so not only will this be a new horizon to me, but a whole new world1

Will I be able to fit in, or will all of the big city folks sneer and snicker at this quiet country girl? Will I make the grade? Will I make a friend? I hope so. What if I get lost? What if I don't understand the Math or Sciences they teach? But what if I do? There are so many unanswered questions, but I guess that is the adventure of the unknown. You get to find, and make, the answers to these questions, step by step.

And so I look forward to the next few months and years with anticipation. What will the future hold?

Sierra

Conversations with my characters!

Okay, I found this on Cosette's blog, and thought I would try. 

Now, just for your information, I have already had a talking to with all of these characters, and they have all agreed to get along while I interview them.

The character's I am interviewing:

Rowan:

 

Soryn:

Flint:

And Falcon (yes, I do trust him to keep his word and be peaceable. Now if it was Skree....)

Okay, here it goes. You ready guys?


Me: Do you want a hug?
Rowan:Eeew!
Soryn: *Glares in disgust*
Flint: *Looks slightly confused and cocks head to one side* Why?
Falcon: Of course, if it would make you more comfortable *Smiles charmingly*


Me: Do you have any kids?
Rowan: Really, I'm seventeen and your asking if I have kids?
Soryn: Kids? You have got to be kidding me. 
Flint: I have a daughter
Falcon: Of course not, what would I do with kids?
Soryn: *Sneers* Besides torture them or turn them into your slimy little minions you mean.
Falcon: No, I wouldn't do that to my own, I have everyone else's children to do that to *smiles again*


Me: Soryn, mind your manors. Have any of you ever killed anyone?
Rowan: Besides assisting in killing the five assassins you just set me up against, no, not yet.
Soryn: I've been in my share of fights, living on the streets and all, but I don't know if I ever actually killed someone.
Flint: More than I would like.
Falcon: *Grins wolfishly over at Flint* Thousands, and thousands yet to come!


Me: Love Anyone?
Rowan: I love my family, and my friend, Arries.
Soryn: *Sneers* What is love.
Flint: My people, and my daughter most of all.
Falcon: I loved someone, once... *Narrows eyes angrily at Flint*, but he killed her.
Flint: Falcon, she was an assassin. She was killing my people, I had no ch---
Falcon: Silence!
Me: Guys! GUYS! Cool it.


Me: What is your job
Rowan: Other than regular house chores? I don't know, I clean the barn sometimes, and I help my dad with the merchandise.
Soryn: I work with my uncle. He is a horse trainer.
Flint: Other than that I am the king of the elves---
Falcon: *Sneers* What elves?
Me: Falcon.
Flint: *Frowns at Falcon* Other than that I am king of the elves, my job is to protect Azeroth from ah... *glances at Falcon* ...Tyranny. 
Falcon: I am proud to say that I am an assassin, a slayer of elves, a war lord, a tyrant, and best of all, I am the future lord of Azeroth!


Me: Favorite season?
Rowan: Autumn! I love harvest time!
Soryn: I don't care, as long as it isn't raining.
Flint: Spring and summer
Falcon: Summer


Me: Who's your best friend
Rowan: Arries
Soryn: I don't have friends
Rowan: What about Atokad
Soryn: I don't like Atokad
Rowan: You could if you would only be nice to him and give him half a chance
Soryn: *Snorts* doubt it.
Flint: He was mine... once *nods head towards Falcon* but now my closest companion is my daughter.
Falcon: Didn't I tell you before that I didn't have any friends?
Me: Yes, yes. 


Me: Hobbies?
Rowan: Sword fighting, shooting my sling and escaping my sewing to run out in the woods.
Soryn: Eating!!!
Rowan: *Snorts in disgust* Boys.
Soryn: No, seriously. When you live on the streets you never know when your next meal will be.
Flint: Reading
Falcon: *Grins cheerfully*
Soryn: Uh-oh
Falcon: Torture!
Soryn: I knew it.


Me: What are you going to do when this tag is over?
Rowan: I have to go practice with Sir James
Soryn: Clean stalls, get in another brawl with Atokad, I don't know!
Flint: I promised my daughter I would go with her to Lord Brogan's library.
Falcon: I have to go straighten something out with... uh... my men.


Me: What is your eye color?
Rowan: Green, flecked with gold
Soryn: Black
Flint: Flint Grey
Falcon: Black


Me: Are you good or bad
Rowan: What kind of question is that? The only bad one here is him *waves hand at Falcon*
Falcon: *Smiles and bows slightly* and proud of it my lady!
Soryn: If He is bad, than I am good.
Flint: No one is good, but if your question is if I seek to do right, then yes.


Me: What is your greatest fear? 
Rowan: Loosing my family
Soryn: I don't fear anything
Flint: Failing those I love
Falcon: Dying before I have killed every elf in the world in the most painful ways I can imagine.


Me: What do you think about your parents?
Rowan: I love them.
Soryn: I never met my mom, and my dad was a good man... I think. He died when I was eight.
Flint: They were the best of parents.
Falcon: *Scowls at me* My mom was a good, gentle, fragile woman. I loved her. My father was a Dwarven brute and beat both of us all the time, until he finally beat my mother to death. I hated him.


Me: Any siblings?
Rowan: I have a sister, Gwen
Soryn: *shudders* I have a half brother.
Flint: I had four; three brothers and a sister.
Falcon: Yes, and I enjoyed killing every one of them. I have no siblings.


Me: Do you have any weaknesses?
Rowan: I have a temper problem
Soryn: Of course not!
Flint: I'd rather not say with Falcon present.
Falcon: Why, are you afraid of me? Wouldn't that be a weakness?

Me: What  is your favorite element?
Rowan: Steel
Soryn: Water
Flint: Light
Falcon: Blood, fire and gold


Me: Do you care what people think of you?
Rowan: Kind of, I suppose.
Soryn: No
Flint: I am not afraid to stand up for what is right, even if it makes others think ill of you.
Falcon: Even when it means betraying your friend.
Flint: Falcon, I had to tell them, I told---
Falcon: I only care what people think of me if it gets me my way.


Me: Okay, okay, last one. What race are you?
Rowan: Human
Soryn: Human
Flint: Elvin
Falcon: Elvin and Dwarven


Okay every one, sorry to keep you all up so late, you may go now! Good night my loves!


I guess I should bid you good night as well.
Fare thee well. 
Arries

Introducing........ Rrrrowannn Ooooakly!

So, I told you that my main character, "Evelyn" had been doing a lot of changing and had even changed her name. So, now that things have settled down a bit I would like everyone to meet Rowan Oakley, my new and improved  main character!

(Not my image)

Rowan Oakley

     Name Meaning: Rowan (one who is fair and slender) Oakley (from the field of oak trees)

     Occupation: Training with Sir James, studies

     Places of Work: Old castle ruins, the forest, her father’s study, the barn

     Home: She lives in her father’s manor in the coastal town of Radcliff, in the land of Azeroth

     Age: 17

    Physical Appearance

     Head Shape: Slightly narrow

     Hair (color, texture, style): Her hair is a deep molten copper; wavy and long. She often wears it down loose or pulled back on top with a leather thong. During practice she wears it pulled back into a ponytail.

     Eyes (color, shape, eyebrows): Moss green eyes flecked with gold, kind of almond shaped. Slightly arched eyebrows

     Mouth (size, shape, color, teeth): Normal sized lips. There is often a hint of a smile in one corner of her mouth. Good strait teeth.

     Skin (color, texture): Would be pale, but she spends too much time out in the sun

     Physical build: She’s slender and tall (5’7).

    

     Posture: Straight, strong, alert, confident. Moves with graceful ease and light footedness.

     While Sitting: Often can be found sitting up in the lower branches of trees. Around the campfire she sits cross-legged

     While Standing: Stands tall and straight; head cocked slightly

     While walking: Sure footed. She walks very soft and lightly, and can run through the forest with almost no sound.

     What you notice first: Her deep copper hair and intelligent eyes.

    Background

     Place of birth: Radcliff

     Places Lived: She has lived in Radcliff most of her life, but she did travel with Gwen to Brockhoist, the capital city for two months

     Parents: Aswyn, ***************(sorry, classified info) and Brogan, ************************ He is now a merchant after **************

     Siblings: One sister, Gwen, who is 20 years old.

     Childhood Experiences: Running through the woods with her best friend Arries, exploring castle ruins and pretending to defend them with Arries and Atokad (Arries’s brother), archery contests, shooting squirrels out of trees with slingshots, and duels with sticks.

     Education: She has been well educated by her father, but was always more interested in the outdoors than her studies.

     Special training: She is currently being trained in the arts of swordsmanship by an old knight named Sir James. She is a dead shot with a sling shot, and Galien, is trying desperately to get her to be able to hit a target with a bow.

   

     Travel: When she was 16 she got to go on one of her father’s merchant trips on his ship, later she traveled with Gwen to the capital for a month or two.

     Friends: Arries is her best friend, and then Arries’s brother Atokad.

     Greatest Success: When she finally has her father back safely at home and the kingdom has been restored to peace.

     Characteristics: She is strong willed, level headed, and very stubborn. In a crisis she is the first to gather her wits and charge into the fray. She is a fighter through and through.

     Markings (scars, etc) physical or mental: None

     Special Skills or knowledge: She can run through the forest almost without sound, is a dead shot with a slingshot, and has amazing skill with the sword.

     Collections and talents: Very talented with the sword, and uses a sword given to her by Sir James that once belonged to the young prince *******. She playes a reed flute of elvish design.

     What people like about him or her: People like her strength, and determination and loyalty. She never gives up, even when it looks hopeless.

     Interests and favorites: She loves the outdoors, Her favorite color is green’s brown’s and black

     Favorite Food: The food from the local tavern of Radcliff.

     Favorite drink: Fresh brewed apple cider

     Favorite music: The music she on her flute, gwen on the harp and Arries on the guitar make whenever they get together. And elvish music

     Favorite books: One could no more choose a favorite star in the heavens!

     Favorite Sport: Sword fighting

     Favorite recreation: Sitting in a tree reading a book, riding her black mare through the forest, slipping silently through the forest in pursuit of game

     Dislikes: Sewing, staying inside, being ignored, and being thought of as weak because she is a girl.

(Not my image)

Well, there is Rowan Oakley. To tell you a secret, I didn't really like my main character up until about two weeks ago when she underwent some drastic changes, and became what you just saw tonight. I love her now and can't wait to get to know her better. 

Arries

P.S. The moral of the story is; that change is okay sometimes. It might be just what you need to boot you out of a really bad case of writer's block, like it did me. I mean REALLY bad writers block.