Stormy Skies

China had called Pleasant. There was an 

issues that needed to be addressed. "You called me, Grand Mage Sorrows."

"One of the prisoners has been unaccounted for since the incident in the boiler room a few days ago."
"That should be no problem."
"Erskine Ravel."
"What?! How is that possible?"
"3 weeks ago, Grand Mage Kerias and another woman were caught down by his cell. They had a small scuffle with Vex and they escaped."
"So you think they are involved?"
"I know they are." China assured him. "And I need you to go collect him." 
Pleasant nodded and left.
********************************
Zafira had finally had a moments rest. She was home. She was in her bed and on the verge of sleep. From 3 weeks of restless nights stalking the sanctuary, the injuries from the rescue mission, and 3 nights at sea, she was exhausted. She yawned. It was a relief that she could. Sleep.
She awoke to birds chirping and a beautiful sun shining. It WAS going to be a good day. She went to the court and got the papers. Today was going to be her wedding day. She sat up and stretched herself out. A simple white summer dress. It may have been a touch too cold for it but it had to play the role of wedding dress and ...
She got into her dress and threw her robes over it. She grabbed the papers and a single white rose. Since her house was across the road from the sanctuary, she shadow walked. She smiled and waved to the administrator. She went the the world contact room and Marissa Spiritheart was in view. The look on her face screamed 'problem'. "Elder Spiritheart." Zafira started. "What is the trouble?"
"Grand Mage Sorrows spoke to me last night. She believes you and Detective Riddle were involved in an incident a few days ago."
"Why would she say such a thing?"
"She says that you are a supporter of Erskine Ravel, who was found missing."
"I assure you, Elder Spiritheart, there is nothing to be afraid of." 
Zafira quickly ended the call. She left the room. It was upsetting. Marissa had been a good friend but this issue had been very sensitive. She went to her office. The time went by slowly but it did pass. It was time. She threw off her robes and went into the bathroom. She added a touch of make-up and prettied up her hair. She grabbed the papers and rose and went down to Ravel. He sat up and looked at her. "What's the occasion?"
Zafira smiled. "Our wedding."
She walked over to him. He was laughing lightly. "I feel underdressed."
She sat beside him. He smiled. "Give me that pen, Zaf."
Zafira gave him the pen. He signed his name with a great flourish of the pen. She took the pen again and signed her name. "You may now kiss the bride."
And then the two were together. A full bodied passion that could never die or be separated. Together, for all time.
*********************************************
Vinette was looking for the Grand Mage. She found out the the one truly dead man was on his way. She entered the sanctuary and saw the administrator on the ground, unconscious. He was here. She ran toward the medical bay and saw him. She grabbed his arm and twisted it. She was in shock when it came off. He turned around and spoke "Hello. You seem to have my arm. May I have it back?"
"Why? So you can hurt decent people?"
"I'm just collecting a fugitive. I haven't hurt anyone."
"So you didn't 'hurt' the administrator?"
"They don't have a knife in their leg, now do they?"
Vinette glared at him. Pleasant lunged forward, reaching for his arm. She stepped back and moved the arm further out of his reach. He pulled out his gun and fire it into her side. She slid down onto the floor and tried to make the bleeding stop. He picked up his arm and began to walk off. Vinette kick out his legs, but, he used the air so his landing was graceful. She began to black out but before she did, she screamed out, hoping Zafira and Ravel would hear her.
*********************************
A scream. Zafira looked at Ravel. "That was Detective Riddle."
"That's not good. Go. I won't go anywhere." He said, smiling.
Zafira got up and got dressed. She was ready to attack at any moment. A well-dressed skeleton stepped through. He had an odd look on his face."What are you wearing?"
"Never you mind!" Zafira hissed. "What are YOU doing here?"
"Collecting a fugitive."
"I won't let you take him."
"Why? He's a criminal. A murderer!"
"No."
Pleasant clicked his fingers and threw a fireball but the shadow consumed them. She lashed the shadows at him but he dodged them. Pleasant ducked underneath Zafira and punched her in the jaw. She stumbled back and gathered more shadows. She slapped with shadows and he flew across the room. He stood up and adjusted his tie. She braced herself as he summoned flames. His fist- now bathed in flames- made contacted with her stomach. As she doubled over, he punched her in the jaw again. The flames were eating away at her face. She used the shadows to douse the fire and then used it to pull pleasant apart. She let herself breath for a moment. She glanced around. She saw a box of medicine. Large enough for a dismembered skeleton. She quickly emptied the box and shoved Pleasant inside. She looked around for something to keep it shut. She luckily found a staple gun. Zafira took the staple gun and stapled it shut. 2 cleavers came down. She looked over. "Take this over to the mailing department. Tell them to send it to the irish sanctuary."
They nodded and took it away. She went over to Ravel. "We don't have a lot of time, Zaf."
"I know." She said just before she kissed him.
They stayed together until time was up, and even after that. They had found their happily ever after.
In each other.

White Dove Fly

Again, slight LSODM spoiler, written by Vinette Riddle

Zafira and Vinette sat in the roof top. It had been 3 weeks since they 1st visited Ravel. They were watching the sanctuary for the thirty-seventh time. She knew because Vinette had been counting. They wanted to see where the cleavers were not and when it would be the best time to go. Zafira was determined to save Ravel from the Irish sanctuary. The cleavers still circled the sanctuary, but more arrive when it came closer to Ravel's hour without pain. Vinette type some more things on her laptop. She was taking notes for when they execute the plan.  "What do we have so far?" Zafira asked.
"Night time is tighter as well as the time around Ravel's pain-free hour. Its mostly cleavers but as soon as his hour start they put some sorcerers. Uh .... Lets see .... We already have a plan to use a bundle of explosives as a diversion then we sneak in and grab him."
Zafira sighed. Not much to go on but its still useful. Explosives. Zafira was partial to explosives. "When should we go?"
"Tomorrow at noon." 
"Isn't that risky?"
Vinette smiled. "That's why it perfect. Most people don't try theft in broad daylight."
"You do have a point."
"That's why you hired me, G.M. Kerias."
"Don't get too cocky. We still need you to get him out."
It went quite. Two sorcerers. Vex and Saracen Rue. Two dead men, guarding another. Zafira felt a hand on her back, pulling her down. Vinette looked at her. "Saracen." She whispered.
And when Zafira peaked, Saracen was pointing at them. She felt her heart sank. They were going to be caught. After a few moments, they were continuing there circle around the sanctuary. The two looked at each other. "We need to move. It isn't safe for us up here."
"Agreed."
The roof was vacated. It was the roof of the hotel so all they did was go into the hotel and go into their room. Vinette jumped onto her bed and fell asleep instantly. Zafira went into the bathroom and changed into her night clothes. A pair of sweat pants and an oversized t-shirt. She sank into her bed and flicked through the television channels. It was quiet expect the voices nearby- recorded and not- and Vinette's light snoring. Zafira swore Vinette was NOT human. She barely ate and her sleep patterns were animal-like. There was a knock on the door. Zafira got up and answered. It looked like a business man but Zafira knew better. "Hello Grand Mage Kerias."
"Who are you?"
"I'm Staven Weeper. May I step in? I would like to talk with you."
Zafira hesitate but let him in. He sat at the chair at the desk, near Vinette. Zafira sat on the edge of her own bed." Grand Mage, we know you are making plans to relieve Ravel of our sanctuary. Please do not make matters on yourself. Turn yourself in."
Zafira was angry but when she spoke, her voice did not show it. "Turn myself in? For what? I have committed no crime."
"You have broken into the sanctuary, assaulted one of our operatives and  conspired against the Irish sanctuary."
Zafira went quite. At about the same, Vinette stopped snoring. She was waking up. This would be good for Zafira but bad for Weeper. "Grand Mage, we can make this easy or hard depend on how you treat the situation. I would turn myself in if I were in your position."
Suddenly, Weeper was on the ground, unconscious. Vinette smirked. "God, I thought he was going to put me back to sleep."
Zafira rolled her eyes then she went into the bathroom to change back into her regular clothes. When she came out, Weeper was tied down to the bed. "We better get going. Its not safe here anymore."
The two left Weeper in the bedroom. The got onto Vinette's motorcycle and drove to a 24 hour diner. It was still close to the sanctuary but a little farther than the hotel was. It was 3 in the morning. Zafira was exhausted. She wanted to sleep but she knew sleep wouldn't come to her tonight. Today. Whatever it was. Vinette order some coffee for the two of them. Zafira added a dash of milk and 2 spoonfuls of sugar into her coffee. It tasted perfect. "Ok, now we have coffee. What do we do now?"
"I have a suggestion, Grand Mage."
"Very well, let me hear it."
"We go ahead with our plan."
"Maybe we should move our time forward." Zafira suggested.
"To when? I know your concern to move him but there is no better time to follow through."
Zafira sighed. Vinette opened up her laptop and scanned through the notes. "The only other time that could come even remotely close to noon is 6 am. When most operatives are switching."
"Then we should go ahead with it."
Vinette shook her head. "Are you disobeying orders?!" Zafira demanded.
"What? No. I'm telling you the facts. It won't be as affective as we originally planned."
Zafira glared at Vinette. Vinette sank lower into her chair. "I guess we could do it at 6."
"How much longer?" Zafira asked.
"Soon. I have everything we need."
"Alright."
Zafira finished her coffee and they stepped out. Vinette brought her bag out and opened it. Inside there was a large white ball with a blue thread. C4. Zafira smiled. "If we set it off in the boiler room" Vinette explained "it'll draw a lot of attention."
Zafira nodded as Vinette closed the bag and got on the bike. Zafira held on as they spend through traffic. They stopped nearby."I want to clear something up."
"Ok. Go."
"I have permission to do what is necessary. Right?"
"Yes."
"Even kill?"
Zafira nodded. Vinette went in the opposite direction. Zafira knew she would get the job done. She followed the map down to Ravel. He was quiet but she could tell he was having difficulties. He knew what the plan was and was trying to help her. She went over and silently picked the lock with the shadows. Ravel's face twisted into something that didn't look right. In her heart, she could tell he was trying to smile but was keeping quiet. She went over and kissed his forehead. She sat in the cell until...
BOOM!
There was smoke everywhere, it was hard to see. The floors were soaked with scorching hot water. Zafira felt her legs and feet were on fire. It was times like this she wished she was an elemental. She trudged on in the darkness of the smoke, ignoring her own pain. She had Ravel on her back and as long as he was there, she could continue on. The only-
The world tumbled and shook as she fell down the stairs. Ravel was awkwardly positioned and he pinned her down in the scalding water. Zafira was quietly cursing in spanish. She wiggled her way out from under Erskine and quickly picked him up again. She kept moving forward and finally found her self outside. It was very chilly compared to inside. Again, another time she wished she was an elemental. She laid Ravel down in the dead grass. She sat beside him. Luckily, they were out of sight. She brushed the hair out of his face. He almost looked peacefully asleep had his body not been shaking. The only man she ever loved. Erskine Ravel. A horn. A car horn. Vinette was driving. She looked like a mutant. She was probably badly scalded. Zafira grabbed Ravel and placed him in the rear. Sitting next to him, they went out. "Where to now?" Zafira asked.
"A familiar place for you, Javert." She said jokingly.
Zafira frowned. "Do you mean the docks?"
"The shipping docks. We'll sneak on and we'll be in America in no time."
"You hear that Ravel? We'll be free soon." She said tenderly.
Ravel's eye glistened with hope. He knew he would be with her all the time now. He used all his energy to grab her hand. She smiled and all was good. 
***************************************
It was time. His hour was here. He was on the ship. Zafira was beside him. She saw him and was lit up with happiness. He smiled. "Zafira. You look so beautiful."
She hugged him tightly. "Ravel! You're ok."
He hugged her back. "I'm always ok when your around."
The other woman came over. She had a lunchbox. "I thought you could use some food. Its not much but its better than starving."
Ravel took it. "Thank you."
"No problem." She said and she left. 
Ravel opened the box and began to eat. Zafira watched him. "Erskine, we are going to find some way to cure you."
"Zafira, there IS no cure."
She put a finger in front of his lips. "Hush, there is always a way."
Ravel swallowed his food and leaned in closer to her. In that single kiss, he knew that everything would be alright.

The White Dove

 

Spoiler alert: READ LSODM BEFORE THIS

Written by Vinette Riddle

Grand Mage Zafira Kerias had not gotten a lot of information on what happened in Roarhaven. She only just got reconnected with her lead spy and detective, Vinette Riddle. But by then, she decided to go over herself. She already was on an airline since most of the teleporters were unable to assist her. Vinette had sent her an address after she told her the plan. She kept the real reason behind her visit; Erskine Ravel. She had always believed that the two of them had a secret and unspoken love. He had always been a tiny bit nicer to her than any other of his supporters. She wanted to believe that he loved her, she knew she loved him however. Zafira was already on her way to the rental cars. They seem backwards to the cars in America. That's how weird Ireland was. Zafira paid for her car and punched in the address, a café in Dublin. Zafira followed the automated voice to the little café and immediately saw the detective outside. She was sipping tea and checking her e-mail. Zafira circled at least 20 times around the block to find a parking spot. She walked up and sat beside the detective. "You know" Vinette began "If you don't tell someone all the details but they want you're help, you look very suspicious."
"Detective, I do need you're help. But this is a sensitive matter."
"I'm assuming you want me to properly fill you in."
Zafira nodded.
"In short, Darqusse came out and ended the battle. She didn't kill anyone truly important but ... Erskine."
"What happened to him?!" Zafira demanded
"Darqusse did something to him. He feels 23 hours of pain. He has 1 hour to do whatever but it starts up again."
"Can't they use painkillers?"
Vinette shook her head. "No. Nothing will help."
Zafira looked down at the ground. She felt warm tears roll down her cheeks. "I heard" she began "that he was dead. I wish it was that over ... This."
"I'm sorry Zaf. Must be hard."
Vinette offered Zafira some napkins. Zafira took them and wiped her face clear. She looked at Vinette. "I can take you to him. His pain-free hour is in about 22 minutes."
"Where is he?"
"Well, he's in the sanctuary's medical bay."
Zafira frowned. He was in the jaws of the enemy. To go would practically BEG to be arrested. But Erskine Ravel ... Every moment wasted is a moment she could be with him.
"Take me to him. Now."
Vinette smiled. "I knew you'd take the risk. Stay put." 
She ran off around the back. Zafira decided to look at her laptop. Most of them were e-mail's tapped. Ravel to Ghastly. Pleasant to Cain. Countless tapped e-mail conversations. That's why she was sent over here. She was the best. Vinette came back riding a motorcycle. Zafira hesitantly got on. Vinette started and she was not even remotely slow. Maybe triple but definitely double the speed limit. In a matter of minutes they arrived at the sanctuary. Vinette opened a secret passage. The two Americans walked down the corridor. After some time, they arrived. Nye was right there. Vinette pulled out a rather large wad of cash. "Tell no one Nye."
It didn't object. It walked over and began counting the money. Zafira didn't need Nye to find Ravel. He was still screaming in pain. She followed the screams into the holding cells. There he was. Laying on a prison bed, in pain. A few moments, he was still. She smiled. "Erskine."
He smiled and looked at her. "My favorite American. Hello Grand Mage Kerias."
"I had to come to see you! I didn't know how you were!"
"Grand Mage, it is good to see you. You took a great risk by coming here. If you were caught ..."
"It would be worth it. To see you again."
He sat up and went closer to Zafira. She put a hand through the bars. His hand was as cold as ice but she didn't mind. "I wanted- no, needed- to see you."
"I feel the same way." He whispered.
A moment passed and she could see every detail on his face. The faint lines on his face from all the pain and stress. The shimmering traces of tears in his eyes. An explosion. She felt an explosion in her whole body. Not of pain, but of passion. They were as close as two people could be. Another moment and they were separated again. "Zafira. We should be this close. All the time."
Zafira smiled again. She felt she couldn't stop smiling. "I agree." She paused. "Is this ... A proposal?"
He smirked. "I guess it is."
They kissed again. And again. And again. They were entwined in each other.
"I'll get you out of here. Some how, you'll be with me. In America."
"How?"
Vinette coughed. "Sorry to break the honeymoon plans but someone's coming."
Vinette drew her scythe. Zafira stood next to her, dagger in hand. Footsteps neared. Zafira knew who was going to come around without any hints. Karma was going to show its ugly face. Vex walked around the corner. "Grand Mage Kerias. And friend."
"We aren't here to fight, Vex." 
"Too late now." Vinette muttered.
Vex moved first and threw energy at Zafira. She dodged the beam but only just. She took some shadows and whipped them at Vex. Vex was hit and stumbled backwards into Vinette. Vinette used the staff part of the scythe and jammed it into the back of his neck. Vex, on the ground, rolled over a threw energy at Vinette. Vinette's shoulders were bleeded and a chunk and been blasted off. She backed away into the wall near Zafira. Vex stood up, only to be knocked over by a blue haired girl with a tray of food. "Oh, i'm sorry Vex. My mistake." The blue haired girl said as she was getting up. 
Vex was already on his feet. Zafira threw her knife and grabbed Vinette. She shadow-walked away.
Vex walked away but with a knife engraved into his leg. He went to find China. China looked upset. "Vex, what happened."
"Grand Mage Kerias and another woman broke in."
"What were they doing here?"
"Making plans with Ravel."
"Well then, we need to tighten security. Also, get some people to search the country. They may still be around."
*************************************
"They're going to come after us. Are we still going to go ahead?" Vinette asked.
"I'm not leaving him here." Zafira replied
"Operation ..." Vinette began, trying to give it a title.
"Operation White Dove. Yes."

The Plan: Memories Memories and Memories

Again stop reading if you haven't read LSODM

Zafira watched closely as the doctors worked on her. She had been in a bloody fight and was recovering. After a few minutes she was cleared and went to her office. The events of Ravel's plan had been tragic for her. She held her tongue though, she was found out and many people wanted her head. She had no resigned from her position yet because she did not want to. The Grand Mage went into her chambers and put her robes on. She had a meeting with China and Kribu. 

The three Elders stood in the room seeing one another. Zafira kept her gaze even not showing anger. Yet. China spoke,

"You know why I wanted you here, Zafira. You worked with Ravel on his plan. You knew it and yet did not report him or anything, why?" Zafira didn't speak for a minute. "Well. Simple: he charmed me. I didn't know why to not follow him. So I followed. And you know I was married thirty years to him. I trusted Erskine with my life. I didn't think it'd end so badly." The two looked at her. Finally China spoke,

"Zafira you realize if the international community seems it fit you can be tried and sentenced for helping him? I know you think you're safe." Kribu spoke looking at Zafira

"Grand Mage Kerias, you best not mention this to anyone." Zafira nodded and the meeting ended. Her heart heavy, Zafira went to bed. 

The dream. Right? It's a dream it can't hurt. Wrong. Always wrong Zafira was. The things that could happen. The memories. 

Ireland, first Mevolent war

Zafira stood with Bisahalani and his group. Zafira felt the cold wind on her face. Bisahalani had led the Americans in battle but now they were in a barn with the Dead Men outnumbered. Mevolent's forces would surely come get them. Suddenly Bisahalani went for the door.

"Renato you can't you're a fool they'll kill you." Zafira said. She felt Ravel put his hand on her shoulder. They watched as Renato went and scared the men by telling them to go. They survived. 

Zafira woke with a jolt. The dream scared her. She had thought of the choices she made. She thought of how to stop this madness. She remembered her comversation with Dexter Vex, the fact he blamed her for the war. What had she done? She hadn't wanted to kill Sult. Now here she was thinking the spider creeps killed him on the Global Link and now because Ravel was caught she'll be in trouble next. 

The day passed and silence. No calls. She felt her heart break. Alexis came and saw her but Alexis had other things to do. Finally Zafira heard the voice.

Let me out! I want control you never give me cotrol!!!!!! 

Justaria was arguing. Zafira grit her teeth. Stupid damn true name. She didn't shut up. Ever. Zafira contined papers. What now? 

The Plan

Again I strongly encourage you to not read this post if you have not read Last Stand of Dead Men

The American Sanctuary was in total chaos. Zafira was in the main one just getting out of the meeting with Grand Mage Strom. He would be in Ireland along with Sult. Zafira's phone vibrated and she looked at the text. Irish number. 

Zaf I know you and I have gone our separate ways but I have come to ask if you could speak to me? I know you are busy and can get in a lot of trouble with Bisahalani but I must ask of you. 

Ravel.

Zafira put her phone down. Finally she decided to just reply with a yes. He gave her instructions to a cafe in New York how he'd gotten away with the Argeddion thing was beyond her knowledge. She put her robes down and pulled on her usual jeans and black shirt. She hadn't left the Sanctuary since the Argeddion thing. She walked into New York City blinking back the bright light. Finally she took the subway and entered the cafe. There he stood looking at her. Thirty years together and he still made her nervous. Ravel managed that with her. He nodded to her and they left to go to her apartment. Once there Zafira turned

"Look what do you want? I shouldn't even have contact with you, you're Irish I'm American!" Ravel smirked,

"You forget you're from Ireland, Elder Kerias. I do believe you are safe to speak to me." 

"Look Erskine I don't have time. Get on with it." 

He shook his head, "You used to be more fun. Anyway, I know you agreed with me that mortals should know about magic yes? Well listen closely...."

Sometime during LSODM

The room was dark. Zafira felt her hand shake as she waited for the assassin. She did not know what to do. But Ravel had been so convincing those golden eyes of his seduced her and here she was paying someone to murder Bisahalani. She had hoped Vex would have worked with her but with the murder of Sult this whole thing was going exactly how he wanted. The assassin came to her,

"Payment, Kerias." He said as she slid the envolope to him,

"You killed him?"

"Yes. Dead. Go." Zafira left and as soon as she came back the Global Link was on as the offfcials where Bisahalani was in charge of told of his death. The Elders gathered together with the higher ups. Shakily Zafira spoke,

"I would like to step up to be Grand Mage if nobody disagrees?" No objection came. "Very well then we can elect an Elder later. Now we have to worry about Ravel's sadistic plans." They all knew now what Roarhaven had become. They all knew Darquesse was out. 

The memory hit Zafira like a bat. Ravel with her a few months ago. 

"Zaf you promised to help you know I need the American support. You're aSupreme  Council member." He hugged her. After their divorce Ravel had never spoken to her until he became Grand Mage and he began to get her help. Now she felt her heart beating fast. How she had missed him. 

"Alight." She said. "I'll do this for you." Ravel smiled again and they walked to Zafira's living room. Maybe they'd be together after this all happened. 

That memory had been good. They spent that night like they used to. Now here he was doing this....someone interupted her thoughts,

"Grand Mage." She looked. "Ravel is no longer Irish Grand Mage." Zafira went to the meeting room and waited until the figure of China Sorrows was facing her. Zafira's eyes were cold,

"Sorrows you have no authority what did you do to Ravel?" She asked. Sorrows smiled. "Grand Mage but I can let that slip. Ravel has been punished he is in Ireland. Don't think me a fool I know why you care. It's so...sweet." China smiled that smile that made Zafira's insides burn with hatred, "Who made you the Irish leader?" China was laughing,

"Mutual agreement. Would you rather Skulduggery?" 

"Yes. I would. Now answer: what did you do to Ravel?!"

"Not me. Ravel is cursed with twenty three hours of pain one to eat or whatever. You want to see him? I can allow that. Though I am not stopping my mages from attacking you." China vanished. Zafira decided China was the witch.

In Ireland Zafira waited while the Cleavers took her to Ravel's cell. The warden explained they had no way to lessen the pain he writhed and screamed for twenty three hours and then he stopped for one. His screams were like daggers. Finally it stopped. The Cleavers took him to where prisoners were allowed some visitation. Zafira looked at him those golden eyes always so charming,

"Ravel....you..." Zafira was at a loss.

"Was stupid? Maybe. I did what I thought was right and look where I am. Zaf if you can help me, you know your true name!"

Zafira took one of his hands,

"I can try. I can't do much yet I'm bound legally here China is Grand Mage she has authority if I can come into the country. But I'll try. I never will give up." The Cleavers allowed her to stay with him until the hour was nearly up and he was escorted to his cell. Zafira left and once in her hotel she realized she may be dead if the people knew her part in the plan. 

The Story: What I Plan to Write

IF YOU HAVE NOT READ LAST STAND OF DEAD MEN YOU ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO STOP READING. I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE IF YOU HAVE ANYTHING SPOILED AS THIS CONTAINS A BIG ONE.

Okay the basic synapsis is this: Basically I got the idea from Derek on Friday telling me ZafTC and Ravel's backstory. The setting is when Zaf is told of the plan Ravel has to make mortals know of magic and all. Now as you know she agrees but what you don't know is their entire history together and all and why she would even think of going with him on his plan. So here it wil be posted when I finish. It'll also take place in my view of many LSODM events as an Elder in America

Documenting The Storm

I decided to document the days of Hurricane Sandy. Let me explain I live inland pretty far, I would not have been on the coast and yet this is what I experienced. This was powerful it hit where hurricanes don't hit. 

Friday: I went to school like I usually do. My teachers were off though, yeah we all knew this storm was coming and we'd had Irene the year before. So they were just off. We didn't do anything new but we knew it was eerie. Everyone knew it was odd. No homework in math was rare no tests or quizzes it wasn't right. In science we discussed what hurricanes do, and well what to do. It was weird but hey, we'd survive. 

Sunday: I had gone to church that morning like I always do. Mass let out and my Dad and I went into Dunkin Dounuts for my mom and I. It was really windy and we could see dark clouds coming almost like an army marching. We live on a mountain so we drove home and it was less windy and it was sunny but eerie. No crows no animals nothing stirred like they knew to get away. We all knew it was a superstorm but really how bad could it be? I was excited. My mom cooked meals to easily heat on the grill and store. We got clothes out for school because we swore we'd go in on Monday half day. I even slept my usual time on a school night. 

Monday: Phone rang. No school. I went to bed and by evening it hit. The wind picked up and I was afraid. A tree outside swayed and it frightened us it would hit us. I lay in the downstairs room listening too afraid to watch. I could hear wind whistling. My school called that night and said no school Tuesday. I managed sleep fearfully.

Tuesday; My brother lost power. He sent his step daughter over for safety the creek may flood by him. We waited and they got to our house and we waited. Windy as hell and it was terrified me. After dinner I lay waiting in the bedroom. No school Wednesday again. That very night the wind picked up it got bad. The tree fell missing us by luck. We had power flicker and we lost it at 3am. By 8 we had it again. 

Wednesday: I woke to a calmer sky it was eerie but less windy but cold oh so cold! We ate Chef Boyadee's for lunch and stayed warm I knew people lost power. Maybe we'd have school. We had no rain well not a lot it was wind. We knew it was bad in Jersey we saw devastation...the school called no school until the next week. The school was a warming station.

Thursday: Well no school so I was having fun blogging ect. It was freezing but we had power but now we saw how bad it was in the coastal areas. Hell we had down trees off the mountain and Halloween was Saturday but the township made it the next week. 

Friday: Mt step niece was going to her dad's so my brother picked it up to go and he talked with us, it was bad away from us flooding ect. Real bad. We lucked out most of our county was powerless few actually had power. They left and my grandma called from Jersey and said she needed to come she had no power she spent days in the cold. So she came up Friday as we played with a record player. My grandma had a treehit the house and thankfully just kill the back deck. 

Saturday: We watched Saturday Night Live to calm. It was nice having her with us we talked and she found tree service to cut her tree. Her town was hit bad she had pics and it was scary. It was awful. Jersey was rationing gas. Even odd days. It was chaos. So she had food and warmth. She stayed.

Sunday: church was unusually empty so many hadn't come. It opened to be a shelter and we sung in choir though we were tiny in number. What can we do? We came home and school called: We're open. 

The following week was weird. Drama practice 4 days a week we lost an entire week of practice with 4 weeks to go. The middle school had one to go. We worked so hard yet kids were gone all week some had no power or couldn't get out. It was excused to be absent. Grandma was safely home by Thursday and had power. It was scary though you never could forget that fateful week. Hiw many lives were effected I saw Seaside and cried, memories gone. I didn't know what to do. I have so many pictures of devastation I can't even...I leave with a picture from down the shore one of devastation one I took recently in Seaside on my favorite ride, this summer. 

What I Have Done So Far This Summer

So I did so much! I actually did. Lets see I started in June I did not go to my last day of school which was June 14th so I stayed home while Mom had to go. So lets start with June.

June.

The end of June I had Drama Camp for four days and it was pretty hilarious. And freaky. So Wednesday we walked in to be seeing bomb squad. We got locked into the room all day because police training so the training happened and we could hear blanks being fired. So we fid out the last graphic death scene was in the sound room with expensive equipment. The following week I went down to Seaside Heights and well it's hard. The time I went there was one beach open at Island State Park and that was it. 

July

So July was slow in the beginning. I did the Blogland Roleplay and fell in love with Niccolo. But the biggy was when I went to South Carolina. I got a Henna Tattoo and sunburnt and I went to Medieval Times. I'll have another post dedicated to pics. Then I got home from South Carolina to drive back down south to Florida. So I had a lovely time and it was awesome! Beach....aah. I went to Margarita Vile. Very cool and they do a cool dance thingy with ladies on stilts. I got back and we went back to Seaside Heights and this time both beaches wrre open and well RIDES were open on Casino Pier where many of you may have scene the roller coaster and Prince Harry saw it. So yes. Goodness. This picture is at Seaside on the boardwalk you can see Casino Pier lit up a bit.

Zafira's Thoughts On A Hell Lot

(Before I even begin let me explain that this post is not on the Nameless Attempt because I have no idea because I just decided it didn't fit. So I basically explain through Zafira's view why she likes Niccolò) 

Zafira stood quietly in the treehouse. A lot was going on in Blogland but she didn't join in. She needed time to grieve over Javier alone without Niccolo or anyone around her. Why do I like Niccllo? She thought to herself and looked across the lake. So much had happened in time. She had even kissed the poor guy. But something about him attracted her. His manner for a start. The polite way he is just how polite. And how at least he had a semi remorse for what he did, killing Javier. Suddenly Alexis came up beside her.

"Momma! What's up?" She asked. She nestled her head in Zafira's lap. 

"Nothing I'm just thinking little one."

"About Niccolo?" Alexis asked. Zafira nodded slightly

"Well do you really like him?" 

"Yes I do." Zafira answered. She didnt know where Alexis was going, "What does it matter?"

"Then you need to just be yourself. Gradual." Alexis smirked. She feel asleep. Zafira nodded and smiled. She could do this, Niccolo was just beautiful and yet quiet. She loved him and she would do anything to be with him. 

Daytona 500

So I had an early start. I had to get up at 6:45am to serve at 8am mass and I then didn't get to go home until after 10:30am mass. Last night I played on Wizard101 getting angered. Yeah I hate the level 60 rule. Then after church I got home and then Twitter showed I missed Derek online but he did tell me he thought Celine was dangerous. So true. Then the Daytona 500! I was totally rooting for Jimmie Johnson the entire race. There was an 8 car pile up then a 9 car pile up. Couple engine failures and then someone smacked into the wall. After the freak accident yesterday injuring 28 fans I was surprised the race was on. Danica Patrick is the first female to have pole and the best finish at Daytona oh and she managed to be the first female to lead a green flag lap at Daytona. Overall she did well. Of ourse the final lap came a crash and I was glued to the screen. Johnson was in first. Then Nascar kept the flag green and Johnson won. I immediatly screamed celebrating. Danica came it n 8th place. Not bad. Overall lazy day but hey NASCAR tis all I can say

Saturday Of Laziness

Saturdays usually are my lazy day where I do crap. So be it I did crap. Mom went to Weight Watchers around 9:10am so I was woken up to set the alarm then I went back to sleep. Then I woke up again and ate breakfast and checked Twitter. I made popcorn too! I did book reviews on the whole Skulduggery Pleasant series and then I laid on the couch listening to my iPod until Dad came home. He basically annoyed me and all. Then Mom cane back with Dunkin Donuts and we sat on the couch listening to the stereo. After that I worked on my chapter for Mevokent Collaboration. It's going well I use Zafira my OC in it. I actually can't wait to see how Derek portrays her in Book 8 which should be cool.

The afternoon went by slowly. I was hoping to talk to Derek as I still want to know if Book 8 is revenge for him. Eh. Then I saw he retweeted something which was a shock as it is. Basically after he didn't go on Twitter again I went downstairs and played on Wizard101. Last night I got Leviathan the level 58 Storm spell. Kimberly and I still are working on leveling to go to Zafaria. And so today we managed to finish one quest. The next one was a pain. And I still haven't finished it! The quest wants me to fight Ice things and collect weapons. Easy enough? Wrong. Over three hours later I manage to collect 2/3 whereas Kimberly collects 3/3!!! I still don't have the items. Trust me very agrivating. Then I went to eat dinner and well Derek posts AFTER I checked the Blog before dinner. And then I started meowing at him on Twitter. Overall boring day still.

Friday Finally

So I actually lied to myself to write everyday but I shall try again!!

Today I had school unlike those on half term so I unfortunately was awake by 6am


Honors English: We reviewed the final part of Joyluck Club. It's a book about a bunch of Chinese women who tell stories in the American version of their Joyluck Club overall to me very messed up and confusing. We get an essay test on it next Friday. Then after ages on the book we went back to Romeo and Juliet. We're on Act 3 and our teacher is so cool we act out the majority of scenes. My teacher lets us dress up in nonsense costumes. Yesterday we had a sword fight where Mercutio and Tybalt died. In this act I play Juliet. I might go for Benvolio next act if I manage to not get killed during sign ups


History: Well honestly we went over Ironclads and a few ships in the American Civil War. Our teacher is out and we have a sub until March 4th. The truly sad thing is I know the curriculum due to my mom teaching me since a young age. I have a 100 in that class I barely need extra credit so I feel smart


Spanish: We went over a vocabulary words for chapter 10-2. We are learning more places to go in the community. I prefer the liberia or bibleoteca. They are bookshop and library. We also learned how to say streets and places of transportation. I find it weird bus is el autobus and wawa. Either one works. Though shampoo is a funny word chanpù and I got my test on 10-1 back and I got a 102 with two extra points out of three we had a bonus question which was how to say 2013 which is: dos mil y trece. I had one the 10-1 picture card came against my partner but I had messed up the conjugation of a verb in the preterite vosotros form which took off one point but I still got the 102

Lunch; We had pizza and soup and overall nothing to exciting happened. I annoyed my friend and we discussed going to Ireland which I wanna do then the period was over

Science: We had coverage from other teachers since our teacher had a trianing. So we watched a movie which I of course read KOTW through as we saw it already but hey. This whole training told the teachers in it they should sing and dan e with us as we transition activities. Yeah no. Little kids? Yes. Teens? Hell no.


Math: We went over our homework which took a while. We were gonna start lesson 6-5 but well our teacher squirted water at us all which was amusing as Matt got hit and I dislike Matt. It was hilarious and brightened my mood

Chorus: We were practicing a few songs and during Little Beggarman Nikki deciced to make Derek-kabobs because we hate the song and tis an Irish folk song so it made sense. Then we had to do a performace test on a song that is not friendly to sopranos. I am soprano and I hate it. Man notes aka low ones are not my cup of tea I assure you!


After school I went home on the bus with Ali and we had a blast. When I got home I got mint hot chocolate from Dunkin Dounuts when mom came home. Then I basically played on Twitter and such until I ate. Last night I had worked with my Storm wizard in Celestia on Wizard101 I had finally got OUT of Celestia fighting through Trial of Spheres the last dungeon of the world. It took over 2hrs even when my Ice friend helped. You fight three bosses with over 7000 health and they all cheat. The first one cheats where every three rounds his Life minions come back to life and he puts a 90% tower shield up. If you break the shield killing the minions then anther shield goes up to break before you can attack him. It took my Storm and my Life friend 45min to beat. Then we had to fight 4 battles of minions of Star and Moon school the Astral Schools of Celestia. After wr won we had a Moon boss to beat. This cheat was no traps what so ever. It was easy but I hated it. We got to the Sun of Celestia where tw final boss occurs. We cracked te code and got to the boss. The Sun school boss had a Star minion. This cheat was smoke screen on one person and then only when the words: The cards allign now is your chance!" When they appeared you could blade and trap then attack. It took a half hour of careful fighting and we beat the boss. When we went to Balestrom to our dismay Merele Ambrose doesnt give the quest to Zafaria until level 60. We're level 57 so we'll be side questing Celestia. Well off to get killed in Celestia

I Think We Lost Our Minds

So as the title says that's what i'm discussing. I never realized how insane Minions are until we wrote a second letter to Derek. Good God. We had a foam sword involved. Pork chops and hugging people and random Alex coming in. Overall it was hilarious. I was threatened by someone with a foam sword if I didn't give up the paper. Then one person asked for Irish pork chops I dunno the difference but hey.

And also Becky.....she wins for insane. She is Becky that is all I can say. But we all are insane, yes I have had people tell me they hope I die in Book 8 I dunno WHY i'm a nice person I only exploded Ireland 245 times

Freaked

So I finally got the idea sunk in my head. It took a while but I finally realized I am gonna have my OC in Book 8. For a while it felt unreal and I was dreaming but finally I feel I cannot WAIT until August 29th. Now yea I have TMS to look forward too which gives me a break before I get to read my violent death. I don't know if I'm scared to read what Derek plans to do or not but for some reason I don't doubt him actually killing me off violently and simply laughing when I comment saying I sobbed hysterically.


On another note I managed to explode something in school! My lap top for when we were in science hated me. Just would not load

Oh and there was an electrical pole fire by me

School

So I realized that the UK kids have a TOTALLY different way of school so here's how usual days go for me

6am: Alarm goes off and I go wt get dressed and ready in my school 'uniform' so to speak
6:50am: Mom and I leave she drops me off at the high school she goes to the middle school
7:25am the bell rings signalling homeroom begins homeroom is where we take attendance and any info is passed morning announcements go on

Honors English: we took a test today called GRADE its so easy! So our teacher read the teacher instructions and walked in a circle since it said walk around the room

History: we basically watched a movie on John Brown from the Ciivil War: guy is a nut

Spanish: Well we learned some new stuff with preterite tense and I managed to scare an 11th grader

Lunch: Vinette was her INSANE self and was crazy and i had quesadia pizza

Science: ANOTHER movie on fish! Yuup oh and we discussed Irish accents and how funny they are

Math: my math teacher went insane and some kid came up with "I'm stuck on Uranus

Chorus: well basically we sung Little Beggar-man which is so annoying! Its an Irish folk song and its hard so we werent happy at all but hey! Oh and i sung descant

Then i went home

Les Miserables

So what else can i possibly go on about? Well I got something. I saw the movie Les Miserables only knowing two things, one Helena Bonham Carter was in it and we are doing the medly for it in my chorus class. So I go in expecting some type of musical maybe tad twisted?

Hell was I off.

I watched the long movie SOBBING yes I, Zafira, sobbed.  The plot is basically a love story between Marius and Cossot and a few others during the French Revolution and well as you now  know the revolution lasted about two days. It was obvious they did not win but still the saddness from the deaths and oh my god. I started to listen to the songs and came up with a few songs i like and one line I adore

Stars- Javert
The Confrontation- Javert and Vajean (24601)
Javert's Suicide- Javert
One Day More- The Cast

Why I love these songs? I do. The line I love the best well okay two lines I like are as follows sung obviously

"One day more till revolution we will whip it in the butt we'll be ready for these schoolboys they will wet themselves with blood."-Javert

"You know nothing of Javert, I was born inside a jail I was born with scum like you I am from the gutter too!"-Javert, The Confrontation

And that is how I shall end this lovely post. I'm awfully tired and need to think straight...

"Do you hear the people sing singing the song of angry men"

Writing Writing and Writing

I finally decided to continue with the fanfiction The Breach. Now do not get all demanding I am busy I have drama at least twice a week so I can't always be writing but I got a fair amount of it done. Those of you who know me well enough I finally preordered The Malificent Seven. Took me ages but hey I will get it which is what matters. Now random things to leave with as I feel like passing out from tiredness. Now watch as this lovely video of myself singing Confrontation from Jekyll and Hyde casually moves on me. It will trust me.

New Years!

Well Happy New Years! I know this year has been good and bad, i hope 2013 is well for us all, just to show off here are pictures mostly of my sister niece and nephew and a screen shot that made my 2012 AWESOME