Howdy!

Well, I haven't posted in what feels like forever. And this isn't going to be much of a post either. I just wanted to inform everyone of Joneus' new blog. It's to continue the story he started on his old blog, which stopped working for some reason. Anyway I posted a link to the new blog to replace the link to the old one.

Marr Vell

When feelings get in the way.

There had been rumors since they first made it big. Simply because they were opposite genders everyone assumed that the rock duo were "into each other".

This of course wasn't true, and they denied it up and down, not that anyone would believe them. The rumors persisted.

Every performance they made, they could see it in the eyes of the fans. They heard the questions over and over about when they'd "come clean". They hated every minute of it, but for the sake of their careers and their friendship they continued their tours together. They saw their music as something that trancended emotion.

It got so bad at times that they even began second guessing themselves, thinking that maybe there was something there. Though those moments were few, far between and passed quickly, they still happened and they both remembered.

Tonight was one such moment. Or so they thought, they both prepared to go on stage. they happened to glance into each others eyes and saw something new, that they hadn't seen before. Once again all the hype and drama in the media came flooding back. They thought at first they would just let it pass as always. But this time it was different.

And for the first time the duo kissed.

They were late to start the show. Another first. They never liked to lie to their fans. But to keep appearances they made up a story as to why they were late. They performed, that's what they came to do. But something was different, they could tell. So could the fans.

They were booed off the stage.

Both their relationship and their careers crumbled soon afterward.

This is what happens when feelings get in the way.

Playing Catch-up

Once again I have proven that the murder of one person (See previous post: Success!) has benefitted us all on a whole. I have decided that it was about time that I finally catch up to Joneus and hopefully I won't fall behind again.

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As we re-entred the inn I began contemplating just what those men wanted with Kalinka. It likely had something to do with her power over nature, but how could they have known about her? Rather than worry the others, I decided to keep that information to myself.

I glanced over to Llyd, he was introducing himself to Jesse. Smart, I thought, get on her good side while you can. I silently chuckled to myself at that thought.

Just then Kalinka jumped up and yelled. "Hey! What's that over there?!" While pointing towards the floor across the room. Her, Jesse and I all went over to check it out, while Llyd stayed behind rubbing his ears, the latest victim of Kalinka's boundless energy and sponteneity. But he too, eventually followed us over.

Kalinka picked up a piece of metal off the floor, I was unmistakably the symbol of the White Helms of Mangard, a red eagle. Had one of those men dropped it? I didn't have time to ask the question of the others. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a small blaze making it's way to the barrels of alcohol.

"We have to leave," I said, "Now!"

I pulled the three of them out of the inn as quickly as I could. Almost emmidiately after we left the building the barrels caught fire, and it wasn't long before the whole building was ablaze.

Jesse looked very upset over the fire, mostly fearful that she had lost her father. Llyd did his best to comfort her. Just then a figure leapt out the window of the inn. It was definately Jesse's father, and I saw her face lighten a little at the sight of him walking down the road.

"Okay," I said, "mount up, Kalinka. I've got some questions, and we're going to Gilden to get some answers."

And so we rode off to Gilden. Llyd and Jesse decided to come with us, and I welcomed their company. To save time, I chose to take the Dark Mountain path, not my favourite of places and for good reason.

"Steel yourselves," I warned the others, "The shadows here are very dangerous."

Not one minute after I had spoke those words there cmae a cry for help in the distance. Llyd seemed almost inticed to go to the aid of whoever called. "Llyd!" I called to him, "the mountain makes you hear things that aren't there, don't worry about it." But he still looked as though he would run off and try to be a hero.

"What if there really is someone in danger?" He asked, confirming my presumptions. I knew how he felt. I had riden through this path before, and every time I heard the same voice calling for help. Were there actually someone in that kind of danger here he or she would be long dead by now. It cut to my very soul to ignore it, but my heart knew full well that my logic was sound.

I first tried to bluff him, "Go off if you wish," I said, "I won't be there to save you if your soul is devoured by the spirits of the damned." He stopped for a bit, as though withdrawn into his own thoughts. For almost a second I foolishly thought that I had swayed him.

Then He yelled to his horse an rode headlong toward the source of the cry for help.

"What do you think you're doing?!?" Yelled Kalinka. "You be killed! Get back here this instant!" Llyd just seemed to shrug her warning off. In seconds he was too far away to be seen.

"Should've known better," I said quietly, "it didn't stop me from running off the first time I was here. Why would it work on him?" I looked over to kalinka and Jesse. "C'mon, we're following him."

We rode as fast as we could, only to find a small avalanche had blocked our path. "This was definately the work of the spirits here," said Jesse, "you two go ahead, I'll watch the horses and try to clear the road."

Thanking Jesse for her help, Kalinka and I climbed over the rocks as quickly as we could. After clearing the landslide Kalinka heard Llyd's battle cries dead ahead. So we ran in that direction, praying that we were not too late.

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I hope you enjoy this and that it's not too long.

Marr Vell

P.S. Oh! And Kalinka, if you read this, I posted a thank you comment for your "Cheer up Marr" commets from before. Just incase you haven't seen it yet.

Fight Scenes Are Boring

Told you my writer's block problem was fixed. Anyway, here is the next chapter to my side of the story, I hope you like it.

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After explaining his view of the events leading up to the brawl, the warrior seemed to back down for Jesse's gaze. Partially out of fear of her retribution, but I could see a distinct sense of awe in his eyes. I chuckled to myself a bit as Jesse told him not to take the blame for the actions of the drunkards in the bar.

Jesse then called to her father to help clear out the instigators of the brawl. I offered my assistance as well. Most of the people bolted out the door, intimidated at the appearance of Jesse, her father and I, the rest flew out the door, after being thrown by one of us. I returned to Kalinka's side to gather my things just to catch the warrior in the middle of a song. I decided to not stick around too long, so I motioned to Kalinka to pack up.

"Aw. I wanted to hear the rest of the song." She complained.

Once again, I found myself unable to deny her whims. So I agreed to stay for the song. But just as I finished my promise the warrior cut his song short. It seemed as though something had interrupted him. I looked to the entrance and noticed five new patrons entre the bar. The five of them were definately soldiers, but from an army that I did not recognize, and the man in front was definately the leader. He had a similar air about him as Jesse, only filled with malice and hatred. He had some demon in him, that was easy enough to tell.

I elected to leave before things turned ugly. I turned to Kalinka, she was looking a little fearful of the leader. She told me, "We should leave now, I don't like the look of these men." I agreed and we began to make our way to the door, instead of participate in an unnecessary battle.

Unfortunately this fight was not so easily avoided. As we reached the door the five men blocked our path. "Excuse me," I asked, "may we please pass through? We wish to leave for the night."

Their leader stepped foward and said, "We have no interest in you, Dragoon, but that girl you travel with is of great importance to us. You may leave, but she stays."

"As if you'd expect a dragoon to back down so easily." I said as I took a defensive stance, and removed the leather wrapping from my sword. "If you want her, you have to go through me first."

The soldiers drew their weapons and prepared for battle. I gauged from their stances that they were well trained, their leader spoke up again, "What I expected was that you would make the smart choice and stand down against such odds, hero."

"Then you've never faced a dragoon before." I retorted. I could take the soldiers easily enough, it was their leader that worried me. I knew enough about the demonic to never underestimate them. But I didn't have time to study his strength. His underlings attacked me without a second thought.

Just as I was about to counter attack, the warrior appeared beside me, sword in hand. "Back away, don't get involved." I told him. I was not used to relying on anyones strength save my own, and I was unsure of the warrior's abilities. Just as the words left my mouth, the leader shot a ball of lightning at the chest of the warrior, causing him to crash into a far table. "You'll regret doing that, demon." I threatened as I charged at the soldiers.

As I battled with the demon's forces the warrior stood up and stood beside me again. I warned him again not to get involved. "I will not, this battle will be even." He responded. "Even if I have to do it myself."

I must say I was impressed, I begrudgingly accepted his aid. We fought side by side, my first experience in fighting along side another since my days of training with my master. In the end the soldiers retreated.

Making sure that the soldiers left, without turning I told the warrior, "My name is Marr Vell, and this is my companion, Kalinka Blue." motioning to Kalinka who waved to the warrior.

"My name," the warrior hesitated for a second, "is Llyd del Caech."

We all decided to re-entre the bar to get better acquainted. All the while I clutched my sword's hilt, it hadn't resonated that badly since the day I met Kalinka.

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On a side note, thanks to Kalinka's most recent story, I may be back-tracking a little to our meeting, I haven't decided yet. Thanks alot. :}P

Marr Vell

P.S. I'm not very good at writing battle scenes, so expect all of mine to be "we fought those guys" or something along those lines. The details aren't all that important anyway.

Success!

Well, I've tracked down and "dealt with" the source of my writer's block. So rest assured, though I hate playing catch-up, I will be writing more often and I wll hopefully never fall behind again.

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As the strange warrior made his way towards us, I began to reach for my sword, Schickalflügel, named so because of the decorative wing-like hilt, which resonated in the presence of some who would make a drastic change in the chosen path of the wielder. And it was shaking like mad in my hand. I considered ordering another stout to help me swallow the events that would likely follow.

Suddenly, the man seemed to snap out of his trance and began to try to cover up that he was walking in our direction. He redirected himself towards a table in the corner and sat down. I breathed a sigh of relief and continued to gather my things to leave, the whole time keeping an eye on the mysterious warrior. Then Kalinka noticed me glancing at the warrior and spoke up.

"Hey look," she said, "He's carrying a flute. I hope he plays us something."

With that the whole bar was in a bit of an uproar. They almost demanded that the warrior played them a song. After some coaxing, the warrior got up and sat at the bar, he then pulled out his flute and began playing.

After his performance the crowd began to cheer. I had to admit he was very good, and I responded with a few claps of my own. The cheering contiued until one man decided to heckle the warrior's musical talent, causing the crowd to break out into a brawl.

Rather than get pulled into the fight, Kalinka and I elected to leave the bar peacefully. But on our way to the exit, the upstairs door burst open and out stormed a beautiful young red-head named Jessica Darlington. I've rested for the night at this inn before, so we've met. She had some demon in her, that much I knew, but mostly she was all show, if you're lucky.

"Okay," she whispered, then I braced for what I knew was coming. "WHO ON EARTH STARTED THIS!?" The inn shook a little when she spoke like that, always had.

The warrior had a bit of a fearful look on his face as she strode into the room. He looked around to see if anyone would answer her, and when no one did, he rose his hand and spoke up to take the blame.

I turned to Kalinka and said, "Lets not leave just yet," as a smirk crept onto my face, "this is just about to get interesting."

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In case you're wondering, it was one of my co-workers that caused the writer's block. His name was Josh. *Evil laughter*

*Ahem* In closing, don't get in the way of my writing. There are consequences...Dire consequences. *More Evil laughter*

*Ahem yet again*

Marr Vell

Lookit!

Check it out, I set up links to everyone else's blogs on mine. Now you can get to everyone's blog from mine!

Marr Vell

Lightning Blog-Post

"You wanted to see me?" Said Iris as she stepped outside.

Ombre looked back from watching the sunset. "Yeah, I guess," he said, "I don't really know, I don't understand what been happening between us."

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The two had been very close since the...incident. Ombre saved the lives of Iris and all her friends selflessly. But then, for reasons still kept even from Iris, Ombre hunted down and tried to kill the mad-man that imperiled Iris and her friends in the first place.

Iris and her friends could not allow harm to come to anyone, not even this mad-man, so they fought against Ombre. His skills were impressive, to say the least, and coupled with his unique "abilities" he was a very formidable opponent for all of them.

Only Iris seemed to have come up with and effective stratagy to fight him, by imprisonning him with magic she seemed to prevent him from using his powers, and held him captive. For about 20 seconds.

The magical backlash of Ombre breaking free was enough to knock all of Iris' friends unconscious. And Ombre, enraged that his target escaped, mindlessly took out his aggression on Iris, claiming that they knew nothing about what they allowed to escape. But Iris fought back.

The resulting clash of magical energies changed something fundimentally between the two. Both of their souls were fused together. A piece of Ombre's soul connected with Iris', and a piece of Iris' with Ombre's.

Since that night they were inseparable, although it was not there choice. Their new and mysterious connection forced them to stay together. Ombre was accepted among Iris' friends, albeit slowly. And he has proven himself as a valuable ally. And though both Ombre and Iris felt more than the connection of their souls at times, neither would act on their feelings, for fear of the consequences of unleashing their powers like without emotional restraint.

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"Well, if you've got nothing to say, I guess I'll head back in." Said Iris. "I know you rarely sleep, but you should come inside too."

As Iris turn towards the door, Ombre reached his arm toward her. "Until the end of time I..." He said.

Iris turned, "Did you say something?"

"No, nothing." said Ombre.

And with that Iris returned inside, and Ombre continued staring at the sunset. All the while with a look of disappointment written all over each others faces.

So Tired

Sorry for the lack of a post yet again. I'm just far too tired to write anything worthwhile. And the sheer boredom of working here on a Sunday isn't helping. Going over 24 hours without sleep will do that do you.

Oh well, I'll sleep when I'm dead. Or later tonight, whichever comes first. Hopefully tonight.

-_-
Sleepy Marr Vell

Pulling Out My Own Hair

Wow it's quiet here at work right now. Now would be a perfect time to write a continuation to my side of the story. Which is exactly what I want to do. Unfortunately someone (probably one of my co-workers) has incased my head in a ten-ton mass of writer's block. So I can't write a story right now, maybe later. No promises.

Marr Vell

Edit: Grar! I wish I had access to a scanner here! You see, in a fit of writer's block induced boredom I decided to draw up a concept of my giant sword. It took an hour to get the blade right. I wish that I could show it to all of you. Describing it doesn't do it justice. But I will tell you it's name: "Schicksalflügel." (German for "Destiny Wing.") It's sooooooooooooo cool, I wish you guys could see it.

Night at the Bar

Okay, the inspiration bug has finally bitten good ol' Marr Vell. It's about time, I needed to write something or my head would've exploded. Thank God I walk to work, on my own, for an hour, with nothing but my thoughts to entertain me. Anyway, I'd like to thank the lot of you for inspiring me to write something. So here it is:

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"C'mon Marr! Hurry up!" Kalinka called from a ways ahead of me. Her boundless energy always kept her in the lead. "I know you can move faster than that, even despite your sword and armour!" Awhile back I had rescued her from a pack of goblins, she has been following me around ever since. I've given up trying to ditch her. "C'mon I'm curious, I want to try it for myself!"

"There's no need to rush, Kalinka, the inn will still be there if we take our time." I tell her, "I still don't know why you want to try ale for yourself, I told you all there is about it, and it's not a pleasant beverage."

"I know, I know, but still I want to experience everything this world has to offer, good and bad, and I want to form my own opinions." In the short time I've known her, I've quickly learned that I can't argue with her.

"Very well, but I'm only paying for one." I said as we entred the inn. "After that, if you still want more, you'll have buy your own." We walk up to the bar, I order an ale for her and a stout for myself. I lean my sword against the bar, and begin staring at my drink.

Ten minutes later I was still staring at the same full mug of stout. Why did I even order this? I thought. Did I just order it to keep Kalinka company, of sorts. Why would I do that? I hate this stuff. Oh well, I paid for it, bottoms up. I pulled down my scarf and then drank down the bitter-tasting sludge and silently vow to never drink another stout for as long as I live. Then I look over to Kalinka to see how she likes her ale.

What I find is Kalinka retreating towards me on her stool, with a drunken man leaning in towards her spouting come-ons and slurs best not repeated.

I get from my stool to confront the man, "I suggest that you leave my companion alone. Now."

The drunkard drew his sword clumsy and sputtered, "Wutchar you gonna do 'boutit?" And attempted to look menacing.

I took hold of my sword and began pulling the straps off it's leather wrapping, but then hesitated. I noted how sloppy his fighting stance was, even for a drunk.

The man made a wide over-head slash at me. I caught his arm easily with one hand. "I don't give out a second warning, leave now."

In response the man spat at me. Some people say that you can't blame a drunkard for his or her actions. I break his arm in three places. I've never subscribed to that way of thinking. I tip the barkeep handsomely on the condition that he never serve that man again.

I start redoing the leather straps and I ask Kalinka, "What did you think of your ale?" Partially out of genuine curiousity, but mostly to break the mood.

It worked, it brought her out of her state of shock. "Oh, it was bitter and unpleasant, just like you said. And clearly drinking too much makes one an uncouth beast. I don't think I'll be drinking anymore for a long time." With that she started to get ready to leave.

Just then a new patron entred the inn. He had the air of a warrior about him, strong and proud. And the sword he held with him was very well made and likely enchanted. He scanned the room a few times before resting his gaze upon us. I knew not at the time what it was that he wanted but i felt no hostility from him. After a few seconds of staring towards us, the warrior began, though a little like he was being guided, to make his way in our direction.

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There you have it. Kalinka, I hope you don't mind how I invisioned you in this story. And Joneus, I hope you don't mind my story intersecting with yours.

Anyway, until I write again. See you around.

Marr Vell

More of the Same

The Heavens know no bounds. We've all heard that phrase at one point or another. It's meant to display the endless power of heaven or God.

I think about this phrase alot. It is the single most important phase to me when I try to understand religions and the people who follow them. The idea that something as limitless as God can be understood seems so foreign to me. The Lord works in mysterious ways, true. But to believe that we as a species can ever hope to understand God in any way is pure arrogance.

For example, it is said that God created the world in seven days. But in all honesty, wouldn't you agree that an omnipotent, omniscient, omniprensent ultra-super being might have a slightly different concept of time than our little finite people.

For me, God is Existance and I can never hope to comprehend him. So why, I ask, does everyone else seem to believe that they can? You are insulting the very idea of an almighty God when you try to examine him, so the idea is best left untouched.

Improv Blog-Post Afterschool Special!

How The Snow Falls Without Wind

a haiku by Marr Vell

In the silent air

Of winter's chill nighttime dark

Snow falls in my hands.

The Heroic Archetypes

Howdy y'all!

I know that it's been a while since I last posted. But who really cares? I don't, do you? Didn't think so. But I digress.

I've noticed that everyone has been writing stories based on their characters. I think I'll try my hand at that in a while, just as soon as I get some inspiration. But for now I think that I'll give everyone a hand in writing character traits.

This was actually introduced to me about a year ago by a friend of mine. (Her name is Kalinka, perhaps you've heard of her.) Anyway, this is a list of the twelve archetypes of the hero. Every hero ever conceived falls under one of these archetypes in some way. So anyway, here they are:

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Innocent
Quest: To remain in safety.
Fear: Being abandoned.
Dragon: Will deny it or seek outside rescue from it.
Task: To gain fidelity and discernment.
Virtue: Trust and optimism.

Orphan
Quest: To regain safety.
Fear: Being exploited.
Dragon: Will be victimized by it.
Task: To process and feel pain fully.
Virtue: Interdependence and realism.

Warrior
Quest: To win.
Fear: Weakness.
Dragon: Will slay or confront it.
Task: To fight only for what really matters.
Virtue: Courage and discipline.

Caregiver
Quest: To help others.
Fear: Selfishness.
Dragon: Will take care of it and those it harms.
Task: To give without maiming self or others.
Virtue: Compassion and generosity.

Seeker
Quest: To search for a better life.
Fear: Conformity.
Dragon: Will flee from it.
Task: To be true to the deeper self.
Virtue: Autonomy and ambition.

Lover
Quest: To gain bliss.
Fear: Loss of love.
Dragon: Will love it.
Task: To follow bliss.
Virtue: Passion and commitment.

Destroyer
Quest: To metamorphosis.
Fear: Annihilation.
Dragon: Will allow dragon to destroy oneself.
Task: To let go.
Virtue: Humility.

Creator
Quest: To gain identity.
Fear: Of being illusionary.
Dragon: will claim it as part of oneself.
Task: To self-create and self-accept.
Virtue: Individuality and vocation.

Ruler
Quest: To create order.
Fear: Of creating chaos.
Dragon: Will find constructive uses for it.
Task: To take full responsibility.
Virtue: Responsibility and control.

Magician
Quest: To transform.
Fear: Of assuming evil sorcery.
Dragon: Will transform it.
Task: To align self with the cosmos.
Virtue: Personal power.

Sage
Quest: To find truth.
Fear: Deception.
Dragon: To transcend it.
Task: To attain enlightenment.
Virtue: Wisdom and non-attachment.

Fool (The name is a bit misleading, I prefer "Trickster.")
Quest: To enjoy life for its own sake.
Fear: Of being not-alive.
Dragon: Will play tricks on it.
Task: To trust in the process of becoming.
Virtue: Joy and freedom

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Confused? Well I can't really blame you. But that's what I'm here for.

First of all lets get the terms down:

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Quest: A little obvious. This is what the hero set's out to accomplish, when this is completed the story ends. Pretty simple.

Fear: Obvious again. This is what the hero fears, it is the reason that he/she took up the quest.

Dragon: Now it's getting complicated. First of all, the Dragon doesn't have to be a giant, fire-breathing, winged lizard, it is actually the greatest challenge the hero has to face. It can exist physically, or just be some aspect of the hero his/herself that has to be overcome. Additionally, the description isn't of the Dragon itself, but rather the way the hero must challenge the Dragon.

Task: This is the climax of the quest, and is usually sufficient to overcome the Dragon. Succeeding brings the end of the quest, failure can destroy the hero, or turn the hero from his original archetype to its shadow archetype. (More on that later.)

Virtue: These are the rewards of self that the hero gains upon completion of the quest. As well as the physical rewards. (Gold, castle, etc.)

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Now for the fun part: What if the hero fails?

Like I mentioned previously, if the hero fails to complete his/her task he/she can be killed, no surprises there. But additionally, he/she can become his/her greatest fear, his/her shadow archetype.

This doesn't mean that there are twelve villain archetypes, or that a failed hero that doesn't die automatically becomes evil, just that his/her ideals become "inverted" for lack of a better word.

In fact the twelve archetypes can be shortened into six groups of two. Each group being made up of each others shadow archetype. Here is a list of the shadow groups:

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Innocent <-> Orphan
Warrior <-> Caregiver
Seeker <-> Lover
Destroyer <-> Creator
Ruler <-> Magician
Sage <-> Fool

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Now, this doesn't mean that any of the archetypes are evil, it just means that within the groups both archetypes are opposites, in a way.

The transition from one archetype to another happens when the hero fails the quest, either by being defeated by the dragon or failing the final task. At which point the hero will take on the traits of its shadow archetype. (For example: When the Seeker confronts his/her Dragon he/she must try to escape it. If escape proves impossible, he/she will become a Lover and learn to love his/her Dragon.)

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And that's pretty much it. I hope I've helped in some way. But if any of this still confuses you, you are welcome to post a question in the comments section and I'll try to answer as best I can.

Marr Vell