text:
Prologue and first chapter

(A4 pdf)

Courtesy of Maxime who translated the French version

Some say that the first sentence of each story is its gateway towards another world. Fairy tales, however, use the same time-worn words as passage. Hence…

Once upon a time, there was the land of Avotour, where life shone with joy. Rimmed by mountains in the west and fringed by the sea in the east, this blessed realm reflected a just balance in all things: warmth and cold; plains and vales; fields and forests. Legends recounted that fairies had lived in harmony with mankind for centuries, an accord which could have lasted an eternity so long as it was enforced by one, single rule: love between a fairy and a man could not be. Sadly, what was forbidden befell: a sole gaze sufficed for two mislead souls to wander astray and disobey the most absolute command. Passion blossomed. Fairies, families and friends sought to have them part ways, but to no avail. The lovers did know of the horrendous fate that awaited them, as their very bodies distilled venom to one another, yet they elected it over an existence of separation. Isolated and disowned, they eventually fled from their country toward a distant and secluded place where their illicit love gave birth to twins. Their condemnation was then a certainty: the malice that devoured them from the inside was worsening with every day that passed. So they kissed their offspring one last time while they still could, entrusted them to Earth, and, hand in hand, immersed themselves in the water of a black lake. It was there that they bonded forever in death.
Thus ended this impious love. As to whether the two lovers had fathomed that they had just irreversibly bent the course of fate, none could tell.

The fairies and men of Avotour who had been scouring the land for them since their escape found their lifeless corpses beneath the waves. The trespassers were resting at the bottom of the lake, their arms and legs locked in an everlasting embrace. With but a thought, the fairies turned the lovers’ flesh into crystal in a homage to their flame, despite the insanity that had fueled its light. Their inert silhouettes would thereupon be an eternal admonition for all to behold, so that such woes would never blight the realm again.
Of the babies, no one found the faintest track; it was as if they had never been born. Perhaps they had ultimately perished to the same bane that had claimed their parents?

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It was fabled that men and fairies in Avotour took a grave decision in the wake of this tragic event: the winged folk would remain by the humans’ side as faithful guardians, yet become invisible to their eyes lest temptation arise once more. It was also said that, one day, the fairies would return amongst mankind in hours of peril. Upon imparting their powers to a human being as a reminiscence of their ancient alliances, the winged folk would preserve the world from destruction.
And then life began to flow anew, unmoved by this dolorous rift… In Avotour, the fairies had disappeared for too long a time, and all the good its inhabitants owed to their unseen protectors faded out from collective memory. Their trace still lingered in boundless tales, akin to the ones troubadours chronicled before the reverential silence of the crowd gathered in public squares and inns. Thus, all remembrance of the winged folk dwindled as time went by, living in the distant echo of a handful exalted minds alone. As if the symbol of an era bygone, their presence was solely to be found in the realm’s motto: “The land of fairies Avotour was, is and will be”, and in a few popular sayings.

It is while a terrible danger was casting its shadow on Earth, under the guise of a thousand tentacles as dark as a moonless night, that our story began: a tale of a young girl like many others. Or so it seemed, for someone, somewhere, had retained her for an exceptional destiny. The day was drawing to a close as Aila sat on a rock. She stood fairly tall for her age and her black, braided hair fell on her back. Today, tears were dawning in her onyx-tinted eye. The burden she was carrying felt far too heavy for a girl who had not known more than sixteen winters. How had she managed the feat of losing everything on birth? And how could she mend all the wrong she had suffered? She was daughter to one of the most valorous fighters in the realm of Avotour. And yet this tangible fact proved not enough for her to be worthy of his attention. Such was her grim reality. Her father, Barou Grand, was a giant of a man with a fiery beard and an azure gaze; a being of force as tall as he was wide, enlivened by the might of a leviathan. Twenty years prior, a small contingent of Hagan barbarians had made an incursion in Avotour. These bloodthirsty pillagers from beyond the western fringes had long been yearning for the taste of conquest, and on this day their sight was set on the county of Antan. They ambushed the manorial coach whereas it was carrying Lady Mélinda and her closest follower, Efée. The whims of chance decided that Barou, who was happening by amongst a nine man strong fellowship, heeded the call and rushed to the rescue. Although outnumbered by the twenty foes he and his companions were facing, Barou single handedly slew ten Hagans. The noble women gaped with both bewilderment and awe as he hacked down the barbarians left and right, but the colossus as for him saw nothing save for the sparkling jetstones of a young, dark-haired maiden with an enchanting smile. Once the equipage returned to the safety of the castle walls, Barou sallied forth and vanquished the enemy during the last major battles which restored Avotour’s peace. His courage and gallantry rose in fame to become the most beautiful symbols of the country, to such an extent that the men who were warring beside him could have attended him to the very jaws of death with eyes closed and tranquil spirits. History wrote down that love brought Barou, the future great hero, to rout the Hagans, who would thence cower in the shade of their bitter defeat, never to march against Avotour again. All that remained for Barou was to win over the dark-eyed damsel’s heart.

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The county of Antan
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Revered for his deeds by the king and the realm, Barou was rewarded with a title and a manor, the land of which he rented to tenant farmers in the place of hiring serfs of his own. Freed from his lordly obligations, he left for Antan to beseech Efée’s favors. The latter fleetly succumbed with grace to this discrete yet endearing court, and espoused him six months later under the blessing of Count Elieu and Countess Mélinda. Husband and wife stayed at the castle, where Barou was elevated to the station of fencing master, to the great pride of its denizens. His renown beckoned young men of high birth craving for recognition, which led him to found a college destined to hone their skills. Little by little, a gigantic training field was leveled in Antan, soon to be enhanced with a riding hall, then a racecourse, so that every need could be fulfilled. Proof that not much was needed for happiness to become a reality… What kind of daughter would not be honored to have a father the likes of hers?

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Today, Aila’s life looked bleak to her. Everything could have become so wonderful nonetheless: she was a desired child. Well, at least in appearance. She had an adorable and devoted mother, a father impatient to cherish his heir… Until he discovered that Aila was nothing more than a girl. From this decisive instant onward, Barou’s daughter vanished from his existence as if she had never been conceived. Efée, exhausted from the delivery, had not understood how irreversible the fracture that had been carved in this moment was. She had done her best to nurture her infant with love thereafter, in an effort to compensate for her husband’s unsettling demeanor. To shield Aila, whom her father had repudiated, she had solicited everyone she valued around her. Mélinda, the chatelaine of Antan, regularly fostered Aila with her children as if one of her own. Hamelin, Antan’s mage, took upon himself to be her preceptor. His interest in books, albeit second to none, had been challenged with the arrival of the baby. The man of magic had been seduced, or is “taken aback” the right manner to phrase it? Fascinated? At any rate, this probably had been the one and only time when Hamelin came to pat a newborn’s head with tenderness, his eyes filled with sudden gravity. And above all, there had been Bonneau, her uncle and brother to Barou. Day after day, he had sheltered his young niece an inch further inside the haven of his wing.

Efée, torn between her two loves, was not able to comprehend how Barou could behave as an impassioned, gentle and thoughtful husband, whereas he simultaneously portrayed unbearable indifference whenever his daughter was discussed. Even as she was painfully recovering from Aila’s birth, she could perceive the harrowing scar that the lack of a male descendant represented for Barou. Loumie, Antan’s soul awakener, had advised her against another pregnancy resorting to the firmest tone. But Efée had been giving it much thought ever since. She wished to redeem the balance that had disappeared from her life. She wanted a family; a genuine one, with a father caring for his children. What oddness could have taken hold of an honest and benevolent man’s mind so that he would come to reject his unique daughter so? During her last endeavor to discover the motives behind Barou’s disinterest, she had pushed the conversation far enough for him to stall any attempt to talk about it further. She had never seen him in such a state of mind, inflamed by a serrated and icy fit of wrath. He had been so insurmountable, so inexorable! Thus, a full year following Aila’s birth, and despite Barou’s reluctance and Loumie’s stern opposition, she became pregnant once more. The hope of rejuvenating the ties of her kin trembled deep down in her heart.

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Efée’s daily life had been naturally split in two. When dusk came, she would commend Aila to her uncle, whereas she would tend to her every need during sunlight while Barou dedicated himself to his duties as a fencing master. Barou was her champion, and excelled in all sorts of combat. In addition to being a fist fighter without equal, it was a well-established fact that no bladed weapon could hide its secrets from him. Venerated by his students, respected by his peers, Barou was only waiting for a son to walk in his footsteps. Efée knew it; she would give him the boy he had been longing for! Everything would improve afterwards. As her pregnancy progressed, she was growing ever more drained and Loumie, out of worry, frequently visited her to assess her condition. When the future mother could not stand anymore, Mélinda ask after her each day, bringing back Aila among her children upon departing. Bonneau, who had been very present as well, strove to relieve Efée: he took his little niece to groom the castle horses on his back using a leather strap that he knotted around his chest. This unusual means of transportation did paint a smile on the face of anyone who came across, yet nobody dared mock it. The uncle, who cared more for his niece than her father did, owned the deference of all.

Bonneau, brother to Barou, looked nothing like him. He was indeed tall, but shared no other characteristics with the praised colossus. He had inherited from a darker shade of hair than his brother had, and from a thinner frame that nevertheless allowed him to rival Barou in strength. Just like him, Bonneau had developed extraordinary agility, paired with an impressive sense of balance. In his company, one of Aila’s earliest falls ended in a magnificent, fresh pile of humus, to the vivid disappointment of her uncle, who however managed to scrub her clean on his own and return Aila to her mother neat as a newly minted coin. When the tale, which had traveled from mouth to ear all around the castle, made its way back to Efée’s, her grin erupted into a frank, warm laugh. She intimately felt the conviction that her makeshift plan had been a wise one and that Bonneau would emerge as the right man to handle this situation. Another layer of flawless steel had just been added upon Efée’s resolve to protect Aila.

When the time of delivery arrived, Aila was only halfway to her third birthday. As a forthcoming father deserving of this name, Barou hurried to his wife’s bedside and refused to forsake it, in spite of Loumie’s constant upbraiding. By the fairies, a man had nothing to do there! But whether she accepted his presence or not, Loumie forced herself to tolerate this intrusion, for Barou’s will to stay was not one to be broken. Belatedly so, the fiercely hoped-for son breathed in his first gust of air and the couple savored unforgettable delight. Barou was so radiant with glee that Efée sensed faith spark anew inside her with the coming of this little boy. Loumie, as for her, appeared more taciturn than she had ever done. Due to their profound glee however, neither of the new parents paid her marked sullenness any attention.

Efée’s illusions shattered in but a night; the birth of Aubin had not changed Barou’s disdainful attitude towards his daughter in the slightest. Aila signified no more to her father today than she did the day before, and Efée’s emotions plummeted into grief. She held her husband dear, yet his reaction was slicing an insufferable wound in her existence; a wound he seemed to neither hear, nor understand. She felt so frail that she settled to act for Aila’s good forthwith. In spite of her weakness, Efée wrote several letters, her children by her side, in order to relish the moments spent united while she still could. Absorbed by her design, she received Mélinda, Bonneau, and, lastly, Hamelin. The decline of her strength did not impede her from consuming many an hour convincing and planning. Her elocution had grown arduous, her breathing convulsive, but completing this project was of imperious necessity: her daughter’s fate depended on it. As he helplessly witnessed his beloved wife’s condition worsen with each sunset, Barou deserted the training fields in favor of her sickbed. None would have thought of addressing him the most trifling reproach, for the love they shared had been exemplified across the lands of Avotour. Aspiring to allay the sensibilities of all, Efée had tasked Loumie with the palming of Aila whenever her father was to enter the room. An apparent peace had thus been preserved within the household…

Efée had foreseen that death would soon come to scythe her down; it was only a matter of hours. She had accomplished everything she could for Aila, but her heart did not beat any less heavily however. She was about to abandon her husband, her children, amongst which her daughter who needed so much of her tenderness. How could Aila, whom she treasured so, manage to advance in strength and confidence despite Barou’s shadow? When life had been silenced to a soft murmur in her chest, Efée glanced one final time at the man she had loved more than she loved herself, her hand atop his, smiled to Aubin whom Barou was holding in his arms, and snuggled a rag doll fondly, hidden beneath the blankets. A symbol of the love she had always experienced for her daughter. Her inner light died out asudden. Stygian darkness engulfed the hearts of all who had once esteemed Efée.

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The castle was mourning her departure as suffering mercilessly smote Barou, this giant of a man. In the memory of his wonderful spouse, he nevertheless weathered the storm and carried on, his son held close and friends kept near.

Definitely ousted from her homestead, Aila sought refuge at Bonneau’s house, which adjoined the stables. She was trying to understand, with the heart of a nearly three-year-old girl, where her mommy had gone, why she had a brother with whom she lived not and a father who never looked at her. However hard she thought, no answer was to be found. Aila closed herself from the world outside and ceased to speak as a result. Yet, her uncle did commit himself to his niece, making every effort to have his home become Aila’s. Although his dwelling constituted in but a sole room, Bonneau created a private space by means of a windbreak he had received from Mélinda. As furniture, he gave her his wardrobe and bed. Once this done, Aila’s uncle drilled a hole in the ceiling and installed a ladder to access a minuscule sleeping area he lodged in the attic. Each day, he cared after her as if his own daughter; fed her; dressed her; took her out. She accompanied him whenever he tended the horses or trained with his kenda, a combat staff seldom seen in the realm of Avotour. These sessions stretched late in the evening, with Bonneau tirelessly repeating the figures he traced even as he sat in the saddle and Aila keeping assiduous watch. She never complained. In truth, there was not a single move to escape her vigil so long as exertion did not strike her down flat on the ground. Bonneau taught her to ride a steed, to tame and heal them. He educated her in the ways of herbs, decoctions, and massages. She retained and repeated without a word.

Hamelin, the mage, encountered more difficulty to lecture a child who stood silent during her apprenticeship of reading. And still each time she raised her innocent eyes, legacy of Efée’s black, where an immense gleam of insight blazed, he knew muteness was no obstacle for her learning. So he went on with his lessons as we would have with any other pupil. From time to time, Hamelin probed Aila’s gaze for its meaning before moving on or starting over. Both writing and calculus, she acquired very fast. The mage gave her books to read in a week; she brought them back on the morrow or the day after. While he was more than startled by her alacrity in deciphering and assimilating any concept that she was presented with, Hamelin came to accept this notion and offered her his guidance with enthusiasm. The mage had little patience for the other children’s incessant babbling and their pronounced ability to turn their mouths into windmills, hence his relief to school one who hushed for once… He pledged to bestow the entirety of his knowledge upon her and hustled to tutor Aila in the fields of plants, anatomy, languages of the countries sitting beyond Avotour’s borders, history, sciences, law and so many more domains for which he had a passion. Oblivious before Hamelin’s compulsion to leap from pillar to post whenever a topic had caught too much of his attention, Aila followed the mage in the daedal maze of his erudition.

Despite her quietness, Aila was accepted by all and appreciated as well; she was growing up, obliging and agreeable, even though rare were the moments when her face exhibited a smile… All the while regretting the fact, everyone had explained her muteness by invoking all the hardships she had endured. The only ones who rejected her without any second thought were her father’s students. They had chosen a side. Barou’s side. The reason beneath their master’s disregard had to emanate from her worthlessness! Aila needed to remain leagues from the training field, for there she was greeted with contempt and scorn she could not respond to. But she could not help it. She wanted to have a glimpse at her progenitor, the hero, and to observe Aubin mature within Barou’s fatherly enclosure. Aubin behaved as a genuine, if smaller shadow... Although her brother strove to mimic Barou in all things, Aila, just by looking at him, felt assured that he would never reveal himself nearly as adroit. Where did this certitude come from? She did not know. Yet she was convinced that Aubin did not display the radiant energy that imprinted the soul of the great…

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Aila’s genealogy
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Chapter 1

Aila’s life changed dramatically when she was twelve. Foremost, on account of Barou’s most conceited and uptight womanizer of an apprentice, who went by the name of Dudau and had seen about fifty winters pass. As he came across Aila in an isolated location of the castle, the idea of having his way with her sprang into his mind. A most entertaining idea, it seemed to him. Aila never quite learned what the boy was trying to perpetrate with the young girl that she was at that time, but her ignorance did not deter Dudau one bit. He was closing in on her, a contemptuous and swaggering sneer on his features, when he heard the voice of a child erupt from behind. The voice shouted with steadfast assurance:
- Do not touch her!
Dudau turned around to meet Aubin, who was no older than ten back then. He was assuming a fighting stance! Bursting with laughter, Dudau forgot for a split-second that the little boy was Barou’s son and walked toward him. Such was one of this vain being’s many flaws: thinking had never been what he did best. Aila’s brother hurled himself forward like a cannonball and found himself lying on his back a moment after. The impeccable hook of his opponent had lifted Aubin off the ground before sending him back to it with brutal force. These were life’s harsh teaching methods: although Dudau stood out as an inept and arrogant boy, his huge frame had given him a certain form of crude efficiency. Everything could have ended on this, but the great clumsy oaf, as a way to collect some old debts from Aubin, started to give him the foot whereas he rolled in the dirt. Once again, Dudau heard a voice behind him. This time, it was hoarse and thick:
- You stop right there!
Dudau turned around and saw Aila darting in his direction, her skirt hitched up. A concupiscent snarl appeared on his face before twisting into a grimace. With a well-aimed kick in the groin, Aila bended the boy in two. Then, as she raised her two joined hands using all her strength, Aila smashed Dudau’s chin with a fit of vigor that she had not anticipated. In all likelihood, Dudau had not either. He collapsed to his knees. She hit the staggered apprentice on the neck and finished her attack with a kick right in the head before he could even touch the ground. Aila remained motionless for a moment as she sought to regain control over her pounding heart and the usage of her legs, which, all of a sudden, were giving out under her weight. She came to Aubin with trembling steps. He could not move, but he had watched the whole scene and was still conscious. Aila knelt beside him. First, using her hands, she felt her brother’s spinal column as she softly moved upwards to his nape, in order to detect any hematoma or displacement that could have occurred during the fight. She had proceeded like this so many times before with horses that the gesture proved effortless. Then, she scanned each of her defender’s limbs to make sure he did not have any broken bone. Aubin observed her every move. Aila finally held up his face with both hands to inspect his jaw and cranium.
- Will you stand if I help you? She asked, her voice shaky.
He nodded, unable to talk still. It was the wrong move to do, as an acute needle of pain pierced through his skull and made him nauseous. It had been necessary to wait for the hammering inside Aubin’s head to calm down before he could stand with Aila’s support. He did not go far, though. The dozen meters they covered proved enough trial for his stomach to tense up and Aubin emptied its contents on the ground, hanging onto Aila’s arm. In spite of his state, Aubin reflected that getting acquainted with his sister by being pummeled to oblivion, and vomiting afterwards, was far from what he could have dreamed of.
- You’ve been brave. Thank you, Aubin, she told him.
Aila’s voice seemed like a murmur after all these years of silence. A couple of tears began to flow down her eyes. She was but a twelve-year-old girl, after all… Ever incapable of stammering a word, Aubin settled to hold her hand gently. He was happy to witness the humble beginnings of a smile on his sister’s lips; a smile that he unfortunately could not give back.

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The walk back to the stables appeared very long to them as they leaned on each other, yet they fortunately did not come across anyone.

Aila saw her brother in the backroom and returned with an ointment that she spread with lightness everywhere his face tinted itself with shades of violet.
- I’m leaving you the pot. For the time being, apply the cream three times a day, she specified. Once the hematoma becomes less sensitive, you’ll have to deep massage it and then your skin will quickly turn back to its former color. You may also use the cream on your other contusions.
She smiled at him again. Aubin was laboriously articulating his thanks when his eyes, discerning a shape behind Aila, widened. His sister noticed his expression and, without even turning around, whispered:
- Good day, Bonneau. Could you tell me where Maël’s liquor is stashed?
- Up there, on the house shelf.
- I’ll go get it, she explained before vanishing from the room, leaving Bonneau with Aubin.
- What happened to you, my boy? The children’s uncle inquired as he knelt near him.
His nephew swallowed his saliva. Bonneau was feeling every last square inch of his body, and his gestures were identical to Aila’s mere moments before.
- Dudau! He was about to assault my sister.
- And you beat him?
Aubin noted Bonneau’s appreciative gaze whereas, behind him, he was simultaneously meeting Aila’s panicked look. She had just come back and it seemed like she was begging Aubin not to mention her.
- No, it wasn’t me, he let out, lowering his eyes.
- I’m the one who knocked him down, Aila confessed.
Her uncle, speechless, turned around and scrutinized her with a frown.
- Ah! He only said.
Addressing his nephew, he then added:
- We’re going to have to find a prettily packaged story if we are to avoid any trouble with Barou… Dudau was thrashing you and I intervened to stop to fight. We won’t go any further, it’s of no use to extend the lie beyond that. I believe Dudau will prefer this version to the one where he was beaten by a girl who’s three years younger than he is. Barou is not going to like this anecdote anyway and the boy won’t be staying for much longer here…
- There, Aubin. It’s a pain-relieving liquor, she described as she moved closer. You don’t need much. Hardly more than a little spoonful, four times a day. Don’t drink it unless you’re in great pain, because it will make you feel sleepy.
- Come, my boy, Bonneau said while getting up. I’m taking you back to Barou. You’ll guide me to Dudau on the way and I’ll pick him up as well.
Aubin, this time helped by his uncle, straightened and gave a regretful glance to his sister.
- Farewell, Aubin. I will never forget what you did for me.
- No. It’s not farewell, Aila. From this day on, I’m coming back to see you. I promise.
And so the boy left, staggering across her modest home with Bonneau’s support.
Everyone, Barou included, fell for the made-up story. Dudau was expelled forthwith, before he could even admit that his attempt at assaulting Aila had resulted in a shameful defeat.

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Life continued as usual, but Aila began to feel her uncle’s gaze regularly linger on her in an odd manner. Bonneau had not asked any question following the brawl, yet she knew full well that he had been wondering about it ever since. She was on the brink of talking the whole incident over with him. However, silence appeared a more comfortable solution, and she reverted to muteness. Therefore, nobody learned that she had talked again, except for Bonneau and Aubin.

◎ ◎ ◎

A few months later, under the first sunrays of a glorious morning, Aila heard a noise coming from behind while she was out for a stroll before returning to the castle. Upon turning around, she discovered that it was Aubin ambling toward her.
- Hello, Aila! I thought I’d be visiting you sooner than this!
- Aubin? What are you doing here?
- The training sessions have been postponed; they won’t be starting before half an hour… I had some time ahead of me, so, when I saw you leave a bit earlier I felt like I had to jump on the occasion to discuss with you. I hadn’t been able to since… Well, since Dudau. Father has been constantly on my back. I remember the days when I wouldn’t lift my nose from his tracks akin to a hound on its trail, like I was afraid to lose him. Now it’s the other way around even as I am craving for a breath of fresh air…
- You do express yourself much more than the first time we met!
- I sure do, now that my jaw functions again! As for you, it looks like you haven’t informed anyone that you had renounced silence…
Moderately on the defensive since Aubin’s arrival, Aila relaxed:
- Indeed I haven’t. It is easier to hush…
- … Than it is to express your emotions? I know…

They were both feeling awkward, detailing each other as if it was the first time they met. Which was almost the case. Both were discovering their sibling without daring to come any closer.
- Why would you want to get to know me? Aila inquired. I’d wager I do not fall into your father’s favorite topics of discussion…
- And you’d be right to, there’s no need to even mention the issue. Be that as it may, you’re still my sister… And my classmates just won’t stop chattering about you! Curiosity got the better of me; I couldn’t help but want to know who you were and why you weren’t a part of my life.
- I’m not the one who’s going to shed any light on this; I am clueless myself… I believe he became the man he is the day I was born. Nobody knows why, or has seen fit to tell me about it.
- That’s rubbish! Father would have had a much better fighter to succeed him than he does with me: you’re one bloody good scrapper!
He let out a deep, weary sigh and shrugged out of sourness.
- Oh! You’re not quite as bad as you make it sound, but it won’t work out if you’re afraid to wound your opponent, Aila explained with a soft voice.
- And how could you know I am afraid? He promptly replied.
There was a dash of aggressiveness in his tone.
- I know it because you’ve piqued my curiosity as well. I wanted to see you. You’re swift and efficient... You could acquire the strength you lack through training, but fighting isn’t really your thing and it shows…
- And then there’s you. You look itching to smash people’s faces in! Aubin answered, teasing.
- I am. I’ve built up enough hatred for that!
Aila clenched her teeth.
- Oh…! I understand, I’m sorry. I have to go now, but we’ll be seeing each other again as soon as I can, Aubin added.
- I trust your word on this and… I would be glad if we could.
They exchanged a smile upon parting. It was on this day that she settled to let others hear her voice again.

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Avotour’s map
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The second major event happened two years later. Bonneau was tasked with the delivery of an important message as well as returning with the answer quickly thereafter. Once again, the realm had been thrown into a state of turmoil, but this time the feuds originated from within. The letter contained a non-aggression and mutual-protection pact between Antan and the bordering county of Melbour, along with their pledge of allegiance to Avotour’s king Sérain. It was the first, essential step for the country to oppose other fiefs that stood on the brink of rebellion against the crown. Bonneau had taken his young niece, now a seasoned equestrian, on this mission. Their visit of the capital, which bore the same name as the county of Melbour, had constituted the perfect occasion for Bonneau to pick up a new kenda at a specialist shop. He knew the importance of the missive, but had not envisioned –and none at Antan had either– the amount of ruckus this lowly alliance would cause. On their way back, as they were one day away from Antan, Aila and Bonneau found themselves surrounded by seven mercenaries. The smirks on their faces proved that they were overconfident in their ability to crush the couriers. Since Aila was carrying the message destined for Elieu, Bonneau offered her to escape while he would be holding off the mercenaries.
“No!” had been her sole answer, after which she vigorously added:
- Pass me the new kenda. I might just find some uses for it.
Bonneau pulled the kenda from a satchel and heaved it to Aila. He then brandished his own. The leader of their opponents snickered.
- What do you think you’re doing with that little stick of yours?
- Shall we go, Bonneau?
Aila’s uncle almost asked her whether she was sure about this, but he chose to abstain, deliberately opting for brashness.
- That we shall, Aila.
Both spurred their horses and charged the mercenaries barring their way with a savage battle cry. The element of surprise worked in their favor. Their opponents remained flatfooted as they beheld an old oaf and a little girl gallop at full speed toward them, weapons drawn. The realization of this mistake came swiftly, albeit a bit late, as some were unhorsed by a forceful blow and trampled by the nervous mounts. During the first passage, Bonneau struck down two. Aila, one. The circle shattered, uncle and niece scampered off without a look back. The mercenaries’ leader, assuredly the smartest of the lot, had led his steed away from the fight. He rapidly rallied the three men he had left and engaged the pursuit. Aware of their only relative head start, the fugitives forced their mounts forward. The tired horses would not be able to keep up with this hellish pace for long however, and the mercenaries would eventually catch up on them. They had to find another solution…
- Bonneau, over here! Aila shouted out, pointing at a cluster of trees on their right flank.
They concealed their steeds behind a thicket. Aila then brought out a bow that she assembled with haste, proof of a lasting experience. She positioned herself in a good spot to fire at their enemies under her uncle’s stupefied gaze.
- Can you give me the arrows, I’ve no time to install my quiver, she asked, designating the six that stuck out of her backpack.
Bonneau acquiesced. Focused, she shot once, nocked the arrow that her uncle was handing in the blink of the eye and shot again. Two of the mercenaries fell to the ground. The ones still standing hurriedly escaped in the undergrowth, far from their sight.
- Damnit! I haven’t killed the leader! He’s the most cunning of them all: he’s exchanged his hat with another! What do we do now? They have bows too; they’re not going to let themselves be taken by surprise again…
Bonneau was staring at her blankly; he was visibly hesitating between exploding and sighing. Preferring the second option, he sighed, then mumbled:
- I do agree the moment isn’t exactly ideal, but since when do you know how to wield this weapon? Since when do you own a folding bow –a most rare piece of gear, it seems to me? Since when do you know how to fight with a kenda?
- Bonneau, I understand that you might be upset, but please… I’ll explain everything later, I promise, she pleaded.
He filled his lungs with a deep breath.
- Let’s leave the horses here. I hope you’ll manage to move stealthily as well, and that you’ll stand ready to kill again…
Aila blushed without a word, and then she nodded. They walked away for a short distance before ducking behind the cover of a small cluster of trees, their senses sharpened. Aila’s uncle whispered:
- Since we’re not coming to them, they’re bound to attempt an approach. Draw your bow and await my signal. You leave the leader to me, understood?
He punctuated his sentence with a stern look. Aila gave him another nod.
Time went by. They remained there, motionless and silent, as Aila’s limbs were growing numb. Dusk was nigh when a faint noise came to their ears from the right. Neither of them budged. For a handful long minutes nothing occurred, save for the wait and the ever-taller shadows that twilight was weaving amid the forest. - We could put their horses down for a start, the murmur of a voice suggested.
The sparkle of an arrow tip appeared in the light of the setting sun. Bonneau’s fingers brushed Aila. She shot where she had estimated that the archer was. A muffled shout echoed in the air and and Aila saw her arrow plummet to the ground. It was attached to a human body. A loud thud followed when the two landed.
She realized that her uncle had disappeared. However, the leader of the mercenaries was now standing before Aila, his sword aimed at her. More exactly, aimed at her throat. She was trapped…
- It’s over, pretty thing, the man told her, sniggering.
Out of desperation, Aila dove to the right. She felt the sword point scrape her skin, and then her warm blood flowing from the wound. - Come out, Aila. We may be on our way again, Bonneau’s voice assured.
She emerged from the grove and glanced at her uncle, who was pulling his knife out of the heart of the last mercenary.
- And that too, can you do it? Throwing a dagger?
She shook her head.
- Well, I’ll teach you then. For the time being though, I’m going to patch you up so that this mean-looking gash I see on your neck doesn’t become a hideous scar.

◎ ◎ ◎

Bonneau was finishing dropping off branches into the fire. They had found a little cabin, lost in the midst of the forest. It was well hidden and sat a safe distance from the scene of the last fight. Bonneau and his niece shared some strips of dried meat, along with cheese and bread.
- You’ve learned the profound emotion that overwhelms your senses when the specter of your own death looms over you. It is a moment of unbelievable intensity in the life of any human being. Unforgettable, yes… Everyone chooses their path in its aftermath, depending on their experience. What were you thinking about back then?
- I was thinking about mom. I was wondering whether there would be at least one person to be proud of me…
- She would have been. Your mother was someone out of the ordinary. She would have admired her daughter as she blossomed into a woman just like her.
- But she didn’t act like an assassin! Aila replied with vivacity.
- She did once. When your father saved her, she killed a man who had eluded our vigilance and was threatening Mélinda. This remained our secret and none at the castle got wind of it.
- And you know it because you were there when it happened, am I right?
- You are.
- And so there had been two men to fall for the same woman?
Bonneau stared at his niece. He looked amazed by her perspicacity.
- Indeed. She saw him first. A thousand times I had fancied that, if she had lay her eyes on me first she would have succumbed to the man I was…
He sighed before continuing:
- … But this was only a dream. They were made for each other…
- And was this the reason why you never married? The reason why you took me in?
She raised her big, dark eyes toward him. They were burning with the desire to know.
- Yes… Well, yes and no. At first, I looked after you as a way to please her, but I soon stopped doing it for this one reason. That choice I shall never regret. You’re the child I will never have and her daughter as well, the not-so-little detail that makes a world of difference… And you are an extraordinary person on your own, Aila. So… Where did you learn to wield a bow?
- Aubin… Lady Mélinda and Aubin had bestowed this bow upon me for one of my birthdays. We kept this to ourselves…
- What about the kenda? I suppose that watching me exercise before repeating the moves behind my back sufficed.
- I’ve been observing you since I am a toddler. Imitating you seemed like child’s play to me in these conditions.
- And putting your life on the line? Where did you learn that?
- What do you want from me, uncle? She retorted with an acerbic voice. When you’re the daughter of a man who’s never acknowledged you, when too many people consider you’re nothing but rabble because the great hero surely has his own reasons for acting like that. When you’re certain you’re the fighter he’s been seeking, and that, despite this, he’ll never grant you even a brief look…
Her voice shattered. Tears began to flow along her cheeks. Bonneau got up in order to step aside and leave Aila to her sorrow, but he changed his mind at the last moment:
- You father is only a man. And then again, this man is only your father… Many people close to you have cherished, loved and gave very, very much to a daughter who wasn’t theirs. They do not deserve your disdain; they deserve your esteem. It is your duty to be worthy of their commitment!
Bonneau heard a faint sob. As he turned around, he added, before vanishing into the darkness:
- Killing a man for the first time is no easy thing. Think it through, and find the inner strength you need to stomach it. We’ll start your training upon coming back to Antan.
After they returned to the castle, Bonneau never spoke to her about what had happened ever again. He undertook to monitor her now-demanding training, correcting her flaws, perfecting her perception, her acuteness, her analytical skills. He completed Aila’s instruction by teaching her everything he could.

◎ ◎ ◎

From this day onward, the pace of Aila’s life went from a trot to a gallop. In accord with the sound of the bells that pealed every two hours, from six in the morning until ten in the evening, the young girl repeated the same activities, atop which Bonneau piled some more specific exercises each night. More and more often, Aila accompanied him on his missions. Sometimes, they encountered bandits or enemies. Killing them was not always necessary, yet whenever she had to, she cut them down without hesitation. She also spent time with Mélinda and her daughters as they traveled to the neighboring villages to offer bread and attentions. Although she did not understand why, Aila grudgingly consented to these journeys.
Aila had specialized in the arts of healing, thanks to her understanding of horses and plants. Her lessons with Hamelin continued as well, and she discovered new books filled with unusual stories. Especially the ones on fairies whom, to Aila’s great surprise, Hamelin seemed to venerate. Since she did read and count fluently, Aila had trouble seeing why Hamelin would insist so much that she crammed her head full with his whole library. Well, not exactly the whole library. There was this peculiar corner from which the mage never returned with any volume. Assuredly, these had to deal with fairy magic… Aila had always been an obedient girl: she was waiting for Hamelin to judge that the time was right for her to delve into these forbidden works. Nevertheless, fairies were no more to Aila than they were to everyone else in Avotour: myths. And so was their magic. Truth be told, Aila was not feeling as impatient to unravel these mysteries as Hamelin had been in his youth. She did not relish these peaceful moments any less however: it was a pleasure for her to broaden her knowledge of plants and explore the legends of foreign countries, in the comfortable solitude of her study hall. She would have never admitted it, but the story of the Black Prince and White Lady stirred her to great extent, as did the one of the lovers caged inside a crystal coffin, deep beneath the surface of a distant lake.
Until now, she had never dreamed of a knight to whom she could become a lady, but recently this fantasy had been swirling back and forth in her mind… Unfortunately, the only boys –her brother, and the castle servants– whom she interacted with were not ones to enliven her heartbeat overmuch. The others, as they were devoted to Barou body and soul, would not have even deigned to look at her. Ah! There had been one! The little kid whom she had been seeing for a year before he definitely disappeared from her life. Every time they ran into each other, the boy greeted her with a smile. In all obviousness, he was having fun at her expense, but she survived that as well. The same could not be said when it came to resisting Mélinda’s latest caprice: upon beholding the fine young damsel bloom beneath the fighter, Mélinda had decreed that her rather masculine-looking wardrobe was to be modified.
Antan’s lady presented Aila with skirts and corsages, and, for her fifteenth birthday, with a splendid robe akin to her daughters’. Of course, this new attire proved quite unsuitable for horse riding. So, in order not to hurt anyone, Aila settled to cut through the middle of her skirts, both front and back, after which she stitched them together by the center to form something resembling a large pair of trousers: skirt-like at rest and the advantages of trousers for everything else! When Mélinda uncovered the trick, Aila dreaded her reaction for an instant. Yet, true to her form, Mélinda gave Aila her ever filled with kindness and compassion look and impishly added:
- Did the ball gown that I offered you meet the same fate?
Aila blushed so intensely that even her ears reddened.
- Why no! I would never have dared, lady Mélinda…
- Tell me; is this outfit comfortable to wear?
- Oh yes it is! It’s very practical for horse riding.
- Well then, maybe I should try it!
Behind them, Amandine, Blandine and Estelle, the damsels here at Antan, were discreetly giggling all the while giving Aila conniving glances.
And so it was done. Mélinda and her daughters began using “Aila skirts” for all their outside activities. Their entourage grew fond of the novelty, and this frivolity spread like a blessing into the hearts of all, especially when this new trend propagated beyond Antan’s boundaries!

◎ ◎ ◎

The country was going from bad to worse. The frequency of quarreling between the counties had increased by significant and alarming proportions, as if each was just waiting for their neighbors to show their back before they could betray and stab them. Once again, the Hagans had been massing at the borders. They had perceived the fragility of the realm; they were preying on either the weakness of certain counties or the perversity of others. Akin to a malevolent shadow, insecurity had stretched its darkness everywhere while great woes that knew no cure were brewing. Elieu was often away in an attempt to save what could be saved, attended by reliable men, but people at the castle were worrying. And quite rightly so. One night, ill tidings threw everyone into grieving affliction. An assassin had wanted to murder liege lord Sérain of Avotour. Tragically, if the king survived, it were his wife and last born who died in his arms instead. One week of bereavement had been ordered in the county of Antan. Mélinda seemed to be even more affected than the others were, and her distressed expression had not escaped Aila. She took advantage of a moment of freedom from Bonneau’s obligations and came to knock at Mélinda’s door. One minute-long wait after, a voice invited her in. She timidly pushed the panel and witnessed the many efforts that Mélinda was displaying to offer her a serene composure.
- What do you desire, Aila?
The young girl felt very stupid. What mischievous fairy had brought her all the way here?
- I was asking myself whether there was anything I could help you with. You look so sad…
Mélinda’s face distorted all of a sudden and her eyes became watery. Tears freely flew along her cheeks thereupon. Aila came closer and, with a tender gesture, wrapped her arms around the chatelaine. She remained silent, as silent as she had been when she was but a little girl. Mélinda wept without a sound, and then she pulled herself together and clutched Aila tightly. Before long, Mélinda had straightened and was holding Aila’s hands.
- How I wish for Efée to be still among us, she sighed. I miss her so deeply… She had been my friend since childhood and we had shared so much. So, when you entered, for a fleeting instant I thought it was her. You are the portrait of your mother, Aila. A touch slenderer, perhaps. Your intonation, your black eyes and hair, this energetic, inimitable gait, the way you stare at people as if you saw right through them, as if you saw everything they cannot see on their own. There is so much of her within you… She was an exceptional woman. You couldn’t even suspect, and neither could Barou for that matter, to which extent she was. You are redoubtable, Aila, and she would be so proud of you.

Never had Mélinda talked about her mother with so much passion. Aila was aware of their friendship, but she could sense something else; something that Barou did not know as well… The chatelaine went on with her story:
- You are wondering about the cause of my mourning. The queen who died was my sister, and the young girl my niece.
Aila’s eyes widened. She almost could not refrain the heartfelt appeal that rose from inside. Mélinda continued:
- Apart from sir Elieu, my blood ties with the royal family are and must remain a secret. I left the court of Avotour a long time ago, and in no instance shall I set foot there ever again! My home is here, in Antan…
Mélinda was not looking at Aila anymore; she sounded like she was talking to herself, fixing her gaze at something across the window.
- Efée was my bodyguard, and she fought like a wildcat, with both grace and vigor…
Mélinda turned toward Aila, awaiting a reaction from the young girl. Aila felt her heart sore: her mother had been a fighter! The ground crumbled beneath her feet.
- Do sit, Aila.
The chatelaine pointed at an armchair close to hers. The young girl let her body fall in it more than she actually sat on it, took her head in her hands and strived to get a grip on herself. She was overcome with emotion. Her mother, whom she had always pictured as a sweet and feminine woman, frail and fragile, the exact opposite of her, had actually been a warrior! But why didn’t anyone tell her before? And she resembled her mother! This discovery had wreaked havoc within her inner self… Aila, the girl who had been rejected by her father, who had been desperately seeking something that she could claim as a family heirloom. Then suddenly, in the most unexpected fashion that could be, it was there. Aila was hesitating between incredulity and the urge to jump right into the ceiling! She looked like her mother! She was her worthy daughter! At long last she discerned, for the first time of her life, the feeling of truly existing, of becoming a unique person, of identifying herself with someone, of sharing a bond with a family… She had never experienced this so acutely. Raising her head toward Mélinda, she stammered:
- Why today?
Mélinda stared at her with solemnity.
- Because our world is growing more brittle as years pass, and that we will soon have to count on women like you. Because I intend to stand by my word and honor the promises that I have made to your mother, no matter the cost, and because telling you the very truth was among these promises. It is only the first step along the journey, however…
- How is it that he doesn’t know? Aila inquired, thinking about Barou.
- On account of an infinite love… Your mother would never have taken the risk of hurting her husband, whom she profoundly loved, by showing herself as a near equal. He was her hero, and she became the hero’s wife out of love. This had been her choice, but I expressed my disagreement with her; upon several occasions, we had argued over this subject. I was having difficulty accepting that she would remain shrouded by the shadow of a man, even if this man were Barou. Then I eventually respected her decision. She wanted to live a spouse’s life; she wanted to be a mother and never think again about those fights that she couldn’t bear anymore…
- Just like Bonneau… Aila mumbled to herself.
Mélinda heard it:
- I had always wondered whether Efée would have fallen in love with Bonneau if he had been the one to appear first before her eyes, in lieu of Barou… In the end, I believe she wouldn’t have. It had been Barou because it had to be Barou…
The beginning of a smile stretched Aila’s lips as she listened to Mélinda. Bonneau had asked himself the same question, and he had ended up giving the same answer. She cleared her throat:
- Lady Mélinda, why did she accept that fact that Barou ignored me? Did she love me less than she loved Barou?
The tears that she had managed to retain until now were burning her eyes. Mélinda sighed. Once again, she set her gaze on the window, as if the sight of the sky attracted her more than everything else in this world, before turning back to Aila.
- I had often asked myself this question until she gave me the answer… Our friendship wasn’t devoid of discord, and we had happened to oppose one another on issues such as this one. She remained inflexible whenever she took a decision… I can only share this with you, even though you cannot fully understand it today: a time will come when her love for you surpasses the one she felt for her hero, and on this day it will be Barou’s world that totters, not yours anymore…
Silence settled in the room. Aila busied herself with detailing them, but Mélinda’s quartiers were so bare that the task proved arduous. At the center sat a bed, a very simple one, adorned with a thick, color-faded feathered blanket that looked just warm. The canopy had disappeared, but she did remember that there had been one in the past though. Likewise, she noticed that several elements of decoration had gone missing, including the magnificent marquetry kitchen trolley that she had admired so many times before, when she was little… She opened her mouth to question Mélinda about this, but meeting her gaze made her change her mind. She decided to take her leave and greeted the chatelaine goodbye.
- Aila! One last word…
She turned around and waited. Mélinda resumed:
- Barou is a man to whom I vow the utmost esteem. He has never suspected what your mother had imposed on herself, and I wanted you to be aware of this fact. His behavior may elude your comprehension, but he is nonetheless someone dear to my heart. If I ever have to wound him, then I will do so for the sole sake of duty, not hatred… You may now return to your occupations.
For a heartbeat, Aila scrutinized the chatelaine’s eyes with care. She exited the room thereafter, closing the door on these cryptic words…

◎ ◎ ◎
The royal family
❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈
Note: neither the next chapters nor the next volumes have been translated yet. If a publishing house is interested, please contact UPblisher.
Improve your French with the prologue…  Le début de l'histoire, pour aller plus vite… A former translation of Aila and the Magic of the Fairies


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AIL Consultant Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make money?

There are two ways you, as an AIL Consultant, can make money.

  1. You earn $250 when your referral submits their first business with AIL. If your referral submits their business BEFORE Tuesday at 3pm PST, you will get paid that Friday. If your referral submits AFTER Tuesday at 3pm PST, then expect your payment on Friday of the next week.
  2. Then you’ll earn $100 for each $2,000 of business your referral sells for the next 6 months. Expect these payments on or about the 15th of each month for your referral’s previous month of business.

For Example:
Your referral sells $10,000 in net business in their first 6 months, you earn $750 total, $500 plus the initial $250.

Here is the breakdown:

And remember, there is no limit on the number of people you can refer! You earn on each referral that submits business. Within 30 days of signing up, one of first Consultants has already made over $1,200! What are you waiting for? Start making referrals now

So who should you refer?

Do you know people who…

  • Take ownership and initiative
  • Enjoy figuring things out
  • Feel good when helping people
  • Like to talk with people and establish rapport easily
  • Have common sense
  • Have some computer skills
  • Like working hard and getting results

The people you know with one, three, or all of these qualities are the ones you want to refer. People from all walks of life with these qualities do well at AIL.

Why us?

We try our best to live by the Platinum Rule, where you do more for others than you would have them do for you. At a time when talking with a “real person” at a company seems impossible, our associates still go to clients’ homes to meet with them in person. American Income has served families with this personal touch for over 60 years. This is how we do business and it works – we’re growing faster than ever before and the best is yet to come.

On top of that. . .

We promote from within – Seriously. All our managers and even executives started in entry-level jobs across the company. We encourage career development and don’t hold people back. Our practice of cross-training supports lateral and vertical career moves.

We are Fun – We take our work seriously, but never ourselves. We have a casual work environment.

We are growing – We have tripled in the last decade and just grew 35% in 2014. As we grow, the more opportunities open up for our team.

We work as a team. Our work environment is open and collaborative. Everyone is empowered to “own” their job and we don’t micro-manage. Initiative is encouraged and rewarded so you can run with your ideas.

We have a good culture. We care about each other and encourage each other. We also have fun on a regular basis. Seasonal parties, pizza lunches and associates awards are part of our rhythm.

We help our people grow. Personal growth and professional development is more than a mantra. We give our team members new opportunities to learn at each step. We also let people focus on what they are good at.

We pay well. In 2014 our top 10% of earners averaged $160,330 and our top 5% earned $221,503.

Once you refer someone, here is what to expect:

We have a five step interview process to make sure each new associate decision is right for us and, of course, your referral. We go over all aspects of the company, including history, career paths, marketing, products, compensation, benefits, standards, and expectations.

Each candidate selected to join our team needs to obtain their state or province insurance license. This process usually takes 3 weeks in the United States, and 6 weeks in Canada. At this point, the associate can begin submitting business – you earn $250 when your referral submits their first piece of business. Then, during your referrals’ first 6 months, you earn $100 for every $2,000 your referral submits.

How do I receive my referral cash?

Your Consultant earnings will be directly deposited into the banking account, that you provided on the online ACH banking form.

If you haven’t completed your tax and ACH banking form, use the link below:

Click here for US

Click here for CAN

How many referrals can I submit?

As many as you want! The sky is the limit.

Does my referral candidate have to live in the state/province as me?

No, your candidates can come from any state or province. To see all of AIL’s office locations, click here

The fine print

Recruits are candidates recruited primarily thru personal relationships or happenstance introduction for which the existing agent identified the candidate as viable for our business.

Recruits that DO Count: Personal acquaintances, friends, family, neighbors, colleagues, restaurant servers, mall or retail workers, the person behind you at the convenience store, unique or special recruiting efforts.

Recruits that DO NOT Count: Standard professional recruiting methods, online job boards, newspaper postings and career fairs.

  • Everyone is eligible to participate, except current AIL Associates
  • Consultants must have their Consultant ID to make a referral, so sign up now!
  • Referrals must be submitted using the “Make a Referral Form.”
  • To earn a referral bonus, the candidate must become appointed through American Income Life.
  • Referral candidates with a criminal history may be prohibited.
  • A state or province insurance license must be obtained prior to appointment – this can take at least 2 weeks in the United States and a month in Canada

For any other questions you may have, please contact us and Consultant Support will respond as soon as possible.

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Friday, December 21, 2012

SVG Cuts 12 Days ~ Day 9

Well I just got a Cameo and tried the Print and Cut feature today. I have to say it is great! I have tried it and had success with the eclips but seems like the Cameo has a slight advantage.

Here are my Print and Cut Tags:

For the first two I used Echo Park’s Happy Holidays Digi Kit.
I even did the print and cut on the tags.
Finished the first one off with some Trendy Twine.

For my 3rd Print and Cut Tag I used the freebie owl from SVG Cuts - dated 2/4/12
I added some Trendy Twine.
I attached him to the SVG Cuts Pillow Box from Christmas Gift Bags and Boxes SVG Kit.

On the ninth day of Christmas, SVG Cuts is giving away four copies of Silhouette Studio Designer Edition! Head on over and enter.

Thursday, December 20, 2012

SVG Cuts 12 Days ~ Day 8

I just love both the SVG Cuts  O Holy Night SVG Kit along with the O Holy Night Stamp Set from Punkin’ Patch Stamps. I made this cute tag/card for Day 8. It opens up like a card.

The tag base and scallop shape are from SVG Cuts Attic Treasures SVG Kit.

I recently coordinated cards for my church and these stamps were perfect.
We created 60 cards for soldiers overseas and sent them the cards with lots of goodies packed into a box.

SVG Cuts is having a Jinger Adams Giveaway today. Her products look wonderful.

Have a great day! It is my last day in the office ~ looking forward to my loooooong Christmas break.

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

SVG Cuts 12 Days ~ Day 7

Hey there - I am giving out alot of gift cards this year so thought I would make some cute holders for them. We are on day 7 of the SVG Cuts 12 Days of Christmas. Today my project features both the Punkin’ Patch Stamps and Flair from Paper Play Studios.

These are Gift Card Holder/Ornaments from SVG Cuts - Give a Gift Card SVG Kit.

On the top one I used flair from Paper Play Studios and on the bottom one I used a stamp from Punkin’ Patch Stamps (sister site to SVG Cuts). I accented the cuts with my white gel pen.

See you tomorrow!

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

SVG Cuts 12 Days ~ Day 6

Opps! I knew I was going to miss a day. I am working this week and trying to wrap everything for my long Christmas break (we are shut down week of Christmas) so spare time is a little scarce.

We are on to Day 6 and Unity Stamps is the sponsor. I do not have any Unity Stamps so thought I would share some of my favorite projects from my fellow SVG Cuts DT Members.

First off is Brigit's little mitten project. She stamped the canvas and created this cute bag. See all the details here.

Also love this little Santa Sleigh from Thienly. It's from last year and I may have to make one these for Christmas! See the details here.

Now you see the amazing projects with Unity -

Have a great day!

Sunday, December 16, 2012

SVG Cuts 12 Days ~ Day 4

Phew! I am not used to posting everyday - I am more of a once a week blogger - but this is fun and it is keeping me away from the tv. I just can't watch it - it brings me so down.

Ok back to craftiness...I was recently looking for a quick and cool Engagement gift and did a search on Pinterest. These really cool eye chart graphics came up and I thought that will be perfect. It was an hour before I had to leave for the party so I did a goggle search and found a site that makes the eye charts - Check it out here!

You just type in the copy and it creates it. You then have to save to your desktop and print. Here is my Day 4 project - I made a tag. You can totally change up the wording and make it customized for the recipient. I also cut the holly freebie from SVG Cuts - dated 11/14/11.

I used the Echo Park digi kit - This & That Christmas.

The Day 4 Giveaway over on SVG Cuts site is a great one! $100 Gift Certificate for Paper Issues. Some of my fellow design team members are also on their design team. Go check out their store (they have the This & That Paper)!

Here is my engaged frame - done in 30 minutes flat! The bride-to-be loved it.

See you again!

Saturday, December 15, 2012

SVG Cuts ~ Day 3

Hey there - Hope the start of your weekend is going great. I hit the craft room early today and made some gift card holders for my 12 Days of Christmas project. I used the Epiphany Shape Tools today and that's what SVG Cuts is giving away on Day 3 of their 12 Days Of Christmas.

I used the latest Kit from SVG Cuts ~ Everyday Winter Card SVG Kit. SVG Cuts kits are so versatile - just by switching up the papers and embellishments these cards can be used for all seasons. This one would even work for a Birthday.
I used the Epiphany Round 25 Toll for the "O" in "FOR". Papers are from My Minds Eye - 12 Days of Christmas Collection. I cut the little logo off the bottom of the paper and added to the cards.

This one uses the freebie bow from SVG Cuts - it is from 2/25/12. Go grab it if you don't already have it.
I used the Epiphany Crafts Square 25 tool to accent the middle of the bow.

On this one I added some Trendy Twine to accent.

The gift card fits quite nicely in the card.

Stop on over at the SVG Cuts Site and enter to win this Epiphany Crafts Bundle - that's a whole lot of goodies there!

While you are over there pick up the latest kit ~ Everyday Winter Cards SVG Kit.

Enjoy your weekend and thanks so much for stopping by.
I am off to do some Princess Face Painting at my great nieces 3rd Birthday!

Friday, December 14, 2012

SVG Cuts 12 Days ~ Day 2

TGIF! I am playing along with SVG Cuts 12 Days of Christmas and making a tag every day. Today we are talking Trendy Twine. I recently purchased their Starter Pack and just love the baker’s twine. They have challenges over on their blog and I have been playing along. Lesley is so nice and her design team rocks!

Create a Christmas tag.
Recipe:  snowman, glitter, and Trendy Twine.
(Must include all three)

I started by cutting the Doiley from SVG Cuts Doilies SVG Collection. I used a holographic cardstock paper and threaded the Trendy Twine true the holes.

Next I cut and assembled the snowman from Snowmen Village SVG Kit. I added some gemstones and Trendy Twine to accent.

Lastly I cut the SNOW shape from Winter Bliss SVG Collection. I used the Double-Sided Adhesive & Glitter I received with my Cameo. I am not usually a glitter gal but this was fun! I used a soft brush to remove the excess glitter from my piece.

Look at what you get!

See you tomorrow!

Thursday, December 13, 2012

SVG Cuts 12 Days ~ Day 1

SVG Cuts is hosting an amazing 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway. The very talented Brigit from the DT had a great idea and we are going to try and do a tag for each of the 12 days. So today is the 1st day!

  • Silhouette CAMEO® (MSRP: $299.99)
  • Silhouette Studio Designer Edition (MSRP: $50.00)
  • $25 Gift Card
I just recently ordered a Cameo to have as a backup cutter and I am going to take it to crops. My eclips is still my go-to cutter but will take the quieter Cameo so I do not disturb my fellow crafters. I cut my Jingle Java Tag/Giftcard Holder on the Cameo.

The elements are from the SVG Cuts Christmas Cheer SVG Kit . I slipped my Starbucks card right under the holder sleeve thingy. Can you tell I don't drink coffee? Don't know what those are called.

So hopefully I can keep up with Brigit and keep making the tags. See you tomorrow!

Friday, December 7, 2012

Sweet Treats

Yum! While I was off for Thanksgiving I created some sweet treats to give away for the holidays. I can always remember my Mom making chocolates so I decided to give it a try. It is really quite easy:

Hit the Store:
• Buy the chocolate in bulk (I made a 5lb bag) • Buy some candy papers • Buy the goodies to mix in

Start Making it:
• Melt the chocolate in bowl (I did for 1 min in the microwave) • Stir it, add goodies and fill the paper cups • I placed the paper cups in a mini muffin pan • Refrigerate for a bit and pack them up

Here is what I mixed in: • Rice Krispies • Mini Pretzels with Sprinkles • Peanuts • Coconut • Mixed Nuts
I also had some molds with an H on them - I put two in a paper for “Happy Holidays”

Don’t you hate when you bite into a chocolate and it is a mystery?
I do! I made a little key and made up cute names for my chocolates.
Here is a look at the art I printed out on my printer.

Here is a look at my completed boxes. I used the boxes from SVG Cuts Christmas Open House SVG Kit.
I added some other elements and cut Stampables from Punkin Patch Stamps and stamped the sentiments.

Papers are from Basic Grey - Aspen Frost. Love this line!

These were so fun to make - hope you give a try!

Have you seen my latest SVG Cuts Design Team Project? If not go check it out.
My boys are loving the elf on the shelf. The elf returns back to her home every morning.

Don't forget to mark your calendars...SVG Cuts 12 Days of Christmas starts December 13th.
Join the other 17,000 cool crafters over on their FB Page.

Have a great weekend!

Saturday, November 24, 2012

Thanksgiving Layout

Hope you had a great Thanksgiving!
You may be asking your self - wow is Amy all caught up with scrapping? My answer to that is no - I'm exactly 1 year behind. Not too bad considering others are about 10 years behind (hope that's not you!)

I used some pretty DCWV papers for this layout - they are from the Autumn Melody stack which I have used alot this fall.
I am going to enter this layout in their stackaholic challenge.

Here’s a look at the sketch.

For the banner I used the Thanksgiving Dinner SVG Kit and the cute cuts are from Thankful Cuties SVG Collection.

I like how the stack had built in journal tags - just trimmed it out and journaled away.
My new favorite embellishment are the flair from Paper Play Studio.
It just adds a perfect touch to the layout.

 So if you are one of those scrapping Turkey day tens years ago or this year hope I inspired you a bit with this layout.
Happy Scrappin!

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Gathering Memories

Hopefully you will have many Happy Gathering Memories this Thanksgiving!
Here is a look at the Fall ATC I created for the latest swap over in the SVG Cuts Forum.

It was super fun to make. The little owl is from SVG Cuts Acorn Autumn SVG Kit.
I cut the Stampable on my Sizzix Eclips and stamp from Punkin’ Patch Stamps - Heirloom Traditions.

 Twine is from Trendy Twine and they are having a Many Thanks Challenge
I used a thin line of Tombow Mono Aqua Liquid Glue on the back of the card and added the twine.
When that was dry I turned the card over and did the same on the front. Worked perfect!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Many thanks for stopping by my blog!!


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Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Soetoro is an illegal alien...until he proves otherwise

I will continue to blog-against Barry Soetoro, the illegal alien who is squatting in the White House. Until he produces a legal Birth Certificate and proves that both his parents were citizens of the United States (which he can't since his father was a Kenyan citizen) I will NEVER call Soetoro President.

I hereby swear out a Citizen's Arrest warrant out against him for failing to properly apply for citizenship in the United States. He is non-compliance of immigration laws and he is violating the provisions which require him to have a green-card to be employed in the U.S. He is guilty of a felony.

Therefore, under the penal code of California, be it known that Barry Soetoro aka Barack Obama is under arrest. He has failed to prove that he is a citizen of the United States and he is here illegally until he does.

LeDaro said...

This moronic. Get help.

LeDaro said...

This is moronic. Get help.

Son3 said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Son3 said...

LeDaro, since when is it moronic to question one's eligibility to be President, especially when it's a Constitutionally mandated requirement?

If you want to talk about something being "moronic", explain to me why it is that I'm not allowed to drive a car unless I submit my original (not a copy), long-form Birth Certificate to the DMV, yet one can be President without even submitting a copy.

Do you see something "moronic" in that?

LeDaro said...

You sound like a reasonable person. You're wasting your time on a non-issue when you can devote your energies to do good for the society including supporting healthcare reform. I believe Obama administration is quite sincere in that effort.

Son3 said...

Well, I was kind of asking for you to defend your statement that this is "moronic"; I believe Obama is very sincere in his efforts as well, but the question is whether he is a natural-born citizen or not.

To what evidence can you point to support your stance that he is a natural-born citizen, LeDaro?

LeDaro said...

Son3, I am saying that you’re wasting your time on a non-issue. It is obvious that issue is the colour of Obama and not birthplace as it bothers some folks that a black man is in the Whitehouse and they are desperate to come up with something.
Obama has birth certificate which Chris Mathew of Hardball, MSNBC, has shown time and again on his show. Then there was item in the newspaper in Hawii paper announcing the birth of Obama. Rest is just desperation on the part of those who are bitter over Obama’s victory. 80 million people who voted for him cannot be wrong. Then House of Representatives passed a unanimous resolution that Obama is a natural born US citizen to put to rest any question. Not a single congressman voted against the resolution. Which shows that it is just a negative campaign ploy against Obama. Those who are doing it are considered fringe, a loony and hence moronic.

Son3 said...

I'm not white, so I don't know how you can say I'm concerned about his skin tone, not to mention the many "black" men that believe the same as I.

Chris Matthews has shown a "certification of live birth", which was released over the internet by Obama's staffers; can I get my driver's license by showing the DMV a printout of my birth certificate from my blog?

Of course not, no one would accept that as evidence at all.

The document they provided lists his father's race as "African", even though the official term used at that time was "Negro". Also, birth certificates issued in Hawaii in that same year have been uncovered, and are shown to look nothing like the document they provided.

The newspaper that printed his birth announcement received its information from the government's filing of his "certificate
of live birth" that could be attained from the state for anyone, even for a non-resident.

"80 million people who voted for him cannot be wrong."

How many people voted for Hitler, saw invading Martians during the "War of the Worlds" broadcast, or think aliens are visiting Earth?

"Then House of Representatives passed a unanimous resolution that Obama is a natural born US citizen to put to rest any question."

The PATRIOT Act passed the Senate with only one (1) vote against, does this make it a just law? Might never makes right.

I am open to the possibility that Obama was born in Hawaii, but what about his childhood home in Indonesia, where he is on record as being a citizen? Or his mother possibly not being in the U.S. for the qualified amount of time necessary to bestow citizenship on her child?

All these question would disappear if he would only keep his promise to allow for more transparency and allow his birth certificate to be unsealed.

Why doesn't he just do that?

These are legitimate questions, LeDaro, and you would do well to demand they be answered, if for no other reason than to get it out of the way.

LeDaro said...

"How many people voted for Hitler" You are comparing Obama with Hitler and American voters with Nazis. That speaks volumes about you. I rest my case.

Son3 said...

You rest what case?

I don't believe you've made a legible case yet.

Of course I wasn't comparing American voters with Nazis, or Obama to Hitler, and you know how silly that is to assume I did; I also used the analogy of UFO believers, do you think I believe Obama is a space alien?

I was using that as an example of how might never makes right. You were saying a majority is never wrong.

Why can't you simply make a civil argument, LeDaro?

By, "I rest my case," are you saying, "I don't like how this conversation is going, I'm leaving..."?

Don't pout, just bring some facts to the table that we can discuss like adults, okay?

Son3 said...

I almost forgot to tell you, Mr. Noonan, this is a good post!

Regardless of the hit and run comments from our friend to the North, I believe we are finally getting the public to wake up to this issue.

Independent Constitutionalist said...

May 24, 2011...Jerome Corsi's new book SHOW US THE BIRTH CERTIFICATE reports that the Soetoro administration will be charged with Fraud and felony records tampering. Soetoro is GOING DOWN!


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Air • Sun Screen and Awning, Inc.
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Thursday, March 12, 2009

my nails "autmn princess"

did it myself. apply any light colour as base. wait till nail colour dry and put the sticker anyway of your choice. apply shimmer colour and top coat after all.

nail colour:
Elianto nail care27 mink brown
Elianto nail

nail art:
3D nail seal

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Thursday, May 27, 2010

nail art- "funcky pinky"

Did it myself :
  1. apply base colour,choose a dark and matte colour for better result
  2. using the tip of nail brush, do the dots to create flowers
  3. use different colours for petals and centre
  4. using glittering nail colour, draw some lines around the flowers.(lines can be curvy/straight/dotted...)
  5. apply top coat

Nail colour:
  1. Foxey nail polish BUB
  2. Etude House
  3. Etude House
  4. Etude House

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Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Great Weekend & A Missed Run

I sometimes wish that I lived in the lower 48.  Sometimes I feel very isolated in AK, like I'm missing out on some great things: farmers markets that stretch on for blocks, FOUR seasons that have distinct beginnings and ends, walking well anywhere- hard to do when everything is so spread out.  But this time of year always makes me happy.  The sun is bright and stays up longer and longer each day.  Its still crisp out but you can feel that its getting warmer- the snow starting to melt (even if it freezes back up at night).  It really is a great feeling knowing that Spring is almost here and, with that, summer is right around the corner.  It's a great feeling :).

We went to our cabin this weekend (it's about 2 hours outside of Anchorage).  It was a beautiful weekend and we were able to do some mini hiking on both Saturday and Sunday.  Coop (our dog) absolutely loves it out there- he gets to play outside, non-stop, for two full days and nothing makes him happier.  It's always hard to leave (I really wish I had taken some pics- I need to get better about that :)).

I missed my scheduled run on Monday.  I have been feeling something (?) in my chest and was worried that I might be coming down with something.  I took it easy Monday and Tuesday and am actually feeling pretty good today.  I will need to make up my run on Thursday which gives me four straight days of running.  This makes me a little nervous since I am still in the building up phase and I worry that four consecutive days might too much?  Well, we'll see- if by Friday I feel exhausted or shin splints or anything else I might lay off and just miss a day.

Happy Hump Day Everyone :)!

funderson said...

Yeah..don't you wish the snow could just vaporize and we could get on with a "real" spring?

Ly* said...

Nice blog! :)
I used to love the feeling of spring when I was living in the US... my fav season ever! Now I moved to Buenos Aires... and while there's still 4 seasons here, there ain't no snow on winter, so I kinda miss that too... ): I hate winter, but since it's gonna get cold anyway, so it's better with snow! heh

Elena (Running in Heels After Child) said...

It is my first time reading your blog.

It sounds like a beautiful time of year to be in Alaska.

About missing your run, it is fine to skip a run. If you feel good then go ahead and do the four runs in a row but if you don't feel up to it just skip it- you will be fine. Just my two cents for what its worth.

Happy Running,

Kerrie T. said...

It's OK to miss a run or two! I'd avoid four days consecutively if you are not used to it...coming from a paranoid person who gave herself a shin fracture last year. LOL.

Happy to find your blog. Thanks for the follow at MvM.

PS: My husband is from Anchorage (Eagle River). MY FIL still lives up there. It's beautiful, but I can understand your feelings about living up there. :/

Jess @ Blonde Ponytail said...

Thanks for visiting my blog! I used to advise distance students in Ak and don't how you do the sunless winters!

Are you running Seattle RnR? I may be running in place of someone using her bib. maybe I will see you?!

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Thursday, April 10, 2008

Moths Ate My Doctor Who Scarf hits London West End ... starts at a decent time too

Toby Hadoke - Moths Ate My Doctor Who Scarf at Belfast's Black Box in January 2008

Never mind Russell T Davies’ (largely unfounded) worries about the early start time of the new Doctor Who series on BBC One, Toby Hadoke’s one man show Moths Ate My Doctor Who Scarf is playing in London’s West End at the moment, starting at 7.30pm every night in the Arts Theatre!

Not quite every night. It’s playing Wednesday to Friday at 7.30pm, as well as a Saturday Matinee at 3.30pm. This week and next. Tickets cost £15.

Regular readers will remember that I enjoyed Hadoke’s comedy show when he played in Belfast’s Black Box as part of the Out To Lunch festival in January.

For sixty minutes, Toby relived his life, growing up as a fan of Doctor Who. The ease with which he was ridiculed at school(s), the trouble attracting a girlfriend.

And more importantly, emphasising the real world value that an unhealthy interest in Doctor Who can have - enriching minds though development of an interest in ecology, other cultures, travel, a sense of humour and a bit of science.

Local Whovians (and anyone who wants to hear some good comedy) can trip over Toby’s scarf in Coleraine’s Riverside Theatre for £10 on Thursday 15 May at 8pm.

The BBC7 radio version of the show (which guest starred a few famous Doctor Who names) appeared this morning as a nomination in the Drama category of the 2008 Sony Radio Academy awards. (Thanks to Outpost Gallifrey for the tip.)

And until Saturday morning, you'll catch Toby on Listen Again talking about the show on Radio 4's Loose Ends with Clive Anderson.

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Monday, March 31, 2008

The Rutherford Fam

These are the various members of the Rutherford family at Vivian Park just past Bridal Veil Falls in Provo Canyon.

i had seen some cool pictures of a train car on another photographer's site (Kate Benson) and inquired where they were taken and Kate, the photographer, was nice enough to tell me. Granted, i think she may be tired of my questions now. But i think a lot of being a "good" photographer is knowing where those good spots are.

I have known Kari for quite some time - since i was a junior and maybe even part of my sophomore year in high school in Irvine, Ca. So that must have been the 1993-1995 time frame or something. That may not seem like a long time to know someone for most people, but for us army brats that's a long time to stay in touch with someone. Now that i think of it, she's probably my second longest friend. (That sounds like something one torturer would say to another during the height of the Inquisition). Sure there are lots of people i've known for longer, but none really other than one that i still keep in regular touch with. So thanks for being such a good and long-lasting friend Kari!

So those of you who know Kari very well (which would probably be no one who is reading my blog) might be wondering how i met Kari in Irvine, CA if she was living in Orem. Well, i'll tell you, even though you probably already know - but hey, wouldn't it be boring to just have all these pictures and no text? No? Oh, well - too bad.

Sometime during my Sophomore year i think i met and started dating Jenna Olson from Valencia, CA. I met her at a Church dance somewhere - they were a big deal back then, i think my friends and i went to a church dance every week, and they were HUGE! i was about to give you the whole story, but then i realized i could be held liable for the drool-damage to your keyboard. Suffice it to say that Kari is Jenna's cousin. When i moved to Utah from California, Kari was kind enough to let me road trip with her back to see Jenna. I still remember that road trip, it was pretty fun - and i think it may have been one of my first road trips with a friend vs. family.

Anyway, fun road trip and all that it was, i believe in some way it may have been the beginning of the end of my relationship with Jenna. i'm still not 100% sure how or why, but i'm pretty sure that any girl that reads this will shake their head at me for how obvious it must have been. I'm sure it was my fault and i still kick myself to this day - no wait, that's Jen kicking me. Ow, stop it.

We took these pics the day before Easter, and i had hoped it would be a nice warm day, but of course it wasn't. It was plenty sunny - really too sunny for the pictures i wanted to take, but it was really cold. It was kind of tough to take family pictures because the kids didn't want to take off their coats, which was quite understandable, there was no way i was taking mine off. And even with coats on, some of them just weren't too excited to be there. (That's why there are no solo pictures of the front of Elijah).

Although Elijah wasn't too enthusiastic about pictures in the cold, as you can see, Ally was a trooper! She even took her coat off for a few pics! Even with little smudges on her cheeks from keeping herself amused she was super cute and photogenic.

If you would like to see more of the pictures from this shoot please visit my website here. Oh, and i'd be remiss if i didn't mention my wonderful assistant for that day: my wonderful wife. She volunteered to accompany and assist me for the afternoon and was invaluable. She had lots of picture ideas and was a great reflector holder.

princess jen said...

Honey! You never cease to amaze me with your talent and ability. I would love to have pictures like this of our family. Hence, Kate will be doing family portraits of us in 2 years(!) I bet Kari will be thrilled as well.

love you lots and lots and I'm glad that we're a team!

PS You were supposed to credit me for being such a wonderful assistant and giving you great shot ideas!

Alan J said...

Uh, duh - i did... Well before that comment of course.

Kari said...

Wow Alan, I am amazed. I have such a tough time getting good pictures of Ally and you took several!!! I think you are going to have to take her pictures from now on. Thank you!!! This is better than I imagined!

Super Daysh said...

Alan!!! Those look SO awesome! All of them! You are seriously getting SO DANG GOOD!! I want to have mine and Joe's family pictures taken there (yes are pathetic little family that consists of two people....oh well). Those looks so good! I love the ones with the train tracks at eye level -such a creative shot! Way to go!!!

Mythreesons said...

Having seen your proofs, these turned out much better than I had anticipated. Some of these looked great and Alli really was very photogenic. I especially liked the one of kari and her husband(?) that's on the angle...that's a great angle.

Jenna said...

You really do take great pictures! I'm impressed... Oh, and it was our Junior year... (: I'm glad you found Jen, though...(great name by the way!)...she really is fantastic from what I can see. You should be proud of yourself for turning out so good (Jen...I'm sure you get a lot of credit for that!). (: Take care!


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AlChestBreach Wiki

New Vegas Bounties II

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New Vegas Bounties II is a mod that is a sequel to New Vegas Bounties I, and was reviewed by AlChestBreach.

New Vegas Bounties II is the sequel the popular New Vegas Bounties I, and picks up immediately after the uncertain ending of the first episode. Without a firm to provide sponsorship, you must strike out as a solo contractor for the NCR. As such, you are no longer obligated to follow a linear questline, but may pursue dozens of bounties in any order.

Your targets will include terrorists, duelists, fiends, traitors, rapists, and more! As in episode I, most of the named adversaries are boss-caliber, and make use of perks, powerful weapons, and countless cronies to thwart your efforts.

Like its predecessor, NVB II contains a healthy dose of profanity and violence. Nonetheless, it includes substantially more dialogue options, as well as choices that should accommodate players at both ends of the karma spectrum.

NVB II includes 1000+ lines of fully-voiced, painstakingly lip-synced dialogue. It includes voice talent from across the world, all volunteered to enhance this project. The full credits are included in the readme (to avoid spoilers), so be sure to thank these talented individuals should you interact with them in the forums.

Al's Opinion of the ModEdit

This poster initializes the main quest for NVBII

Al enjoyed the mod even more than the first, due to it having a better story, better voice acting, and more missions.

  • It was in the third part of the series of videos in which Rex died (for the first time).
  • Al did not finish the whole mod, only killing a couple side bounties and the bounties in the main quest.
  • Al returns to it, and finishes it, in his Fallout New Vegas Modded series.
  • Al revisited NVBII when he reviewed the new quests introduced in version 1.3.

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Friday, 29 July 2011

Illustration Friday: Perennial

click to enlarge.

Perennial - enduring, persistent, everlasting...

Thursday, 28 July 2011

A Quiet Moment...

click to enlarge

I'm back from a week in the sun, splashing about in the sea and messing about on boats!
(Pictures from my holiday sketchbook  to follow soon!)
I don't know whether it's because I've come back from roasting hot weather, but I can't help but thinking that England is chillier than usual. Almost autumnal... So here is an autumnal picture for you all. I'm thinking about getting some little prints done of this. Would anyone be interested??

Thursday, 14 July 2011

click to enlarge

A few weeks ago I was thinking about fairytales and drew some character designs and scenes from Little Red Riding Hood. To continue this mini occasional series, I was thinking about the Little Mermaid yesterday and painted this.
I have to say I do much prefer the Disney version to the original. Probably because when I was a child I had a copy of the original text and it was utterly terrifying. The illustrations were horrible ( and scary!) and the text included a bit about how when the newly human mermaid started to walk it felt like knives stabbing her feet...

<< Shudder>>>

Needless to say, the all singing, all dancing, comedy crab including Disney version was altogether more cheerful!

Tuesday, 12 July 2011

Contents of my head...

Wowee I am busy at the moment!
 I've just finished my first completely painted-and-not-gone-near-a-computer book ( a board book for a lovely Swiss publisher) and am now in the process of doing the final art work ( a mixture of digital and traditional) for one publisher and thinking about the story for my next picture book with another. The contents of my head at the moment is a bit random to say the least.
On the one hand I have a sly little fox, a cross-dressing alligator and some very jazzy, feathery ballroom dancers and on the other I have this little madam - more about all of this soon I hope!

Tuesday, 5 July 2011

Day in the Life of a Toddler (Parts 1 -3)

click to enlarge

I've posted the first two of these onto my Flickr page, but here's the whole set. This started off as a small doodle in my sketchbook of the little girl getting dressed and I just kept on drawing!


text:
Ongoing projects

The aim of this Project is to repair the environmental damage caused on the Fountain of the Lions.

Other projects

Restoration of the Fountain of the Lions

The Fountain of the Lions consists of a central basin supported by 12 white marble lions whose mouths are the water jets of the fountain. A poem by Ibn Zamrak eulogising Muhammad V, the Sultan who commanded the construction of the palace, is engraved on the fountain rim.

The damage to the lions and the fountain basin is due to various causes: extreme weather conditions, poor water quality, human activity, and chemical reactions on the surface of the stone. The combination of these factors has dramatically affected the formal and aesthetic aspects of this exceptional work of art and has required the implementation of restoration action activities by the Council of the Alhambra.

After having carried out scientific analysis and received approval of the restoration procedure techniques to be performed on one of the lions (currently exhibited in the Museum), the fountain was restored in situ while the court was closed to visitors. The marble lions were restored on the premises of the Department of Conservation of the Council of the Alhambra.

Technical Committee:

  • The Council of the Alhambra and the Generalife (Patronato de la Alhambra y Generalife)
  • Spanish Institute of Historical Heritage (Instituto de Patrimonio Histórico Español) ( Ministry of Culture) (Ministerio de Cultura)
  • Andalusian Institute of Historical Heritage (Instituto Andaluz del Patrimonio Histórico) (Department of Culture) (Consejería de Cultura)