[Darkness]

"This is my world. The following is a link to my other section in another forum. I hope you enjoy it, as well."


http://www.landawe.i...forum/index.php


"I do a variety of Poems, Short Stories and Random Strangeness. If the first one doesn't seem your thing, read on. Both my subject matter and style tend to change with my moods. I hope you enjoy your stroll through my realm of insanity, as much as I enjoyed creating it."

This post has been edited by Darkness: 23 August 2010 - 08:45 PM

[Darkness]

"I thought you might like a sample of something I've done, so here is a short story I wrote a long time ago. I hope you like it."

"The Knock"
'By Darkness'

The lightening crackled on the horizon, casting an eerie glow through the windows of the library in which he sits. There, by the candle’s light and the fire’s blaze he reads, book after book, of the haunting folklore which envelops this wooded valley. Hounds, hell-spawned and blood thirsty, so black the cloak of night renders them invisible. Even under the full moon they are only shadows. Their eyes shine, like red hot coals, stabbing the darkness. Their insatiable appetite for terror knows no master, save the Devil himself. No one is safe in the forest at night, and few are safe in the daylight.

Suddenly, rising from somewhere deep in the storm, a piercing howl invades his ears. Hushed, like a memory from a forgotten dream. Shaking it off, he returns to his research. After turning a few pages, there on the next one, is the only known sketch of the beasts. Drawn by the dying hand of the longest surviving victim. The sun had shown bright that day, the detail is perfect. He lifts the book, to carry it to the fireplace, for a better look. From between the last few pages a piece of parchment falls to the floor. Without missing a step, he picks it up and continues to a chair by the hearth. Once seated, he turns his attention to the writing on the parchment, instead of the book. The note is in a sanscrit unfamiliar to him, but some of the words have been translated already. Among the sentences in English, two partial ones catch his eye, ‘….the hounds that haunt…..’ and ‘…Only one path to their destruction.’ Placing the book and parchment on the stones of the hearth, he gets up and crosses the room, to one of the many bookshelves that line the walls.

As he stands there, scanning over the titles for one on sanscrits, a baleful howl fractures the stillness. So like the first, yet louder and much closer. This is trailed by a wail that shivers the soul. That of a mortal, who has just seen the approaching face of death. He trembles for the nearness of it all, wondering whether he should have built a great wall around his Keep, as the villagers had warned him to do.

Another howl comes. This one vibrates off the outer stone walls, lingering for awhile within. Before the echoes can die, three booming knocks ring out, from the huge oak door on the far side of the castle. At first he is unable to move, his feet frozen to the ground by a shock-wave of reality. This doesn’t last, and soon he is running down halls, past rooms, seeking the shortest route through this massive home. Mid-stride he stops cold, for the howls have returned, followed almost immediately, by three desperate, heavy, knocks, falling faster than the first. Split-seconds pass, and then he hears a wail that rattles the metal and shakes the crystal. The knocks, howls and screams become so simultaneous that they begin to fuse into one terrifying sound. Fighting the urge to turn tail, he commences running, only a slight more hesitant. When he enters the main hall, that ends in the door which is his goal, the clamor is at such a volume he has to cover his ears, or scream in pain himself.

The seconds it takes him, to complete the distance, could well have been an hour, he would have not have known the difference. He moves a trembling hand towards the latch as three knocks explode throughout the castle, reluctantly paused, each having the time to echo. Then comes a silence tainted with an air of death. The only sound to follow is that of the claws and pads of the hounds, brushing the porch stones as they leave. A grandfather clock ticks the moments away as he tarries there, frozen like a statue, his hand still raised half-way between his side and the door. His hand completes the journey so slowly that he is hardly aware of it. The cold solidity of the brass handle is enough to stir his senses out of the fog of fear. Momentarily numb, he opens the door. Midnight looms beyond it. As if compelled, haltingly, he looks down. A mute scream sticks in his throat like a bad piece of gristle. For there at his feet lays a hideous puddle of blood and bones that only moments before was a man.

As he turns slowly back into his castle, and closes the door behind him, he knows that tomorrow he will start making the plans for a great wall.

~Finis~

[Darkness]

:roll: "By the way, you guys are welcome to post comments, you know." ;-)

[Darkness]

"Why did I post this here for all to see? I'm looking for a local production company to put me to work. I make costumes, masks, props, backdrops, write stories, some script work. I have done some bit acting stuff, but mostly I want to create the illusion, not star in it. So go ahead, take a look at the examples of stuff I've made and written. If you know anyone who might be interested in putting my craft skills to work please let me know."

[Darkness]

:) "Here's that link I promised to re-post here, along with a few others. The first one is for Custom Signitures, like the flaming one at the bottom of my posts. The other three are just random avatars, gifs, and other strange stuff you can have fun with. Enjoy." :)

http://flamingtext.com/start.html#

http://www.wtv-zone....ider/index.html
http://www.uselessgraphics.com/
http://www.melodief..../animations.htm

[Darkness]

:roll: *Darkness sits on her throne in the corner and waits for comments.* :roll:

[Pain]

The Knock was an enjoyable read:)

[Darkness]

:) "Thank you, Pain. I'm glad you enjoyed it. I originally intended it for the Alfred Hitchcock Magazine, but I think they stopped publishing."

"I have a few more. Do you think it would be alright to post them here as well?" :)

[Pain]

I'm sure there are othe magazines out there you could send stuff to?

[Darkness]

:) "Well, if you hear of any let me know. In the mean time I'll go dig up some more stories. I do poetry as well." :)

[Pain]

Bring it on:)

Maybe you'll find something on this thread that will help

http://www.allthings...read.php?t=8328

[Darkness]

"Here's an example of my poetry. Tell me what you think."

"The Haunted Realm"
'By Darkness'

"Come sit close, my tender child,
And heed the tale I tell.
About a dark, forbidden, realm
Where 'Terror's' visions dwell.

Beware, youngling, of the mist that weeps,
And the earth that sighs in pain.
Shun the path where the 'Banshee' walks,
And 'Nightshade' blooms with the 'Bane'.

Walk not among the twisted trees,
Where the 'Robins' dare not sing.
Where only the chill of 'Winter' is felt,
And never the warmth of 'Spring'.

For that is where the 'Siren's Song'
Calls to the lost and alone.
Where the 'Dark Fays' dance in the shadows,
To the music's hypnotic tone.
Where the 'Spirits of the Ancients'
Wander through your mind,
Freeing all of the nightmares,
That they chance to find.

Abandoned gravestones, cracked and worn,
Half hidden by the haze,
Stand as the only markers, on
The pathways, through this maze.
The travelers who dare to sleep,
Within forbidden glades,
Will never waken, to the dawn,
For now they walk as 'Shades'.

So heed these words, my little one,
And things will be alright.
Do not tarry on the road
Past the fading light.

Remember, never quench your thirst
With water from it's streams.
For your will be forever cursed,
With deeply haunted dreams.

And do not feed upon the fruit,
That grows from withered tree.
It's juices cause deep madness,
From which your never free.
Do not rest upon it's grass,
For many ghostly hands
Will reach out, from it's buried roots,
And steal you to their lands.

Come right home, before sunset,
And always say a prayer.
Lest some 'Shadow' follows you,
To snatch you, unaware."

[Pain]

Hey, that was pretty good, I mean I'm no authority on poetry but I know what i don't like and what i do, and that was good

[Nemesis]

Damn, thats some real shit!

[Darkness]

:hug: "Wow! Thanks, guys!! I'm glad you like it."

"And welcome to my little world of strangeness, Nemesis! Glad to have you here." :)

[Darkness]

"Here's one I wrote for some friends in another forum. It's not quite as dark, but I hope you like it anyway."

"The Lost"
'By Darkness'

"Deep in the woods lived a young elf. Her home was a large maple, on the edge of a pond.

Every dawn she would walk to the shore of the pond, and kneel down in the grass that grew along the edge. There she would pray to the water elves to show her a vision of where she belonged. Every morning her answer was the same. Her own reflection in the still waters.

One fall morning, when she walked to the water's edge as usual, something was different. Half hidden, in some tall grass, was a small still form. Upon closer viewing, she found it to be a wounded snake. She could not stand to see any creature suffer, not even one such as this, so she gently picked it up and took it to her home in the tree. For the next week she did not walk to the lake in the morning. Instead she spent her waking hours tending to her patient.

The day came when the creature was well enough to be returned to the forest, but the young elf was reluctant to let it go. Finally she sighed and set it free. Time passed and Fall turned to Winter and then to Summer again.

One warm afternoon, she was out in the deeper half of the woods, collecting herbs for tea. Suddenly a huge bear rushed her from a hidden den. She tried to turn and run but was not quick enough. Just as the bear was about to bring down his big claws on the young elf's head it suddenly bellowed, in pain, and stumbled off. As the elf was getting to her feet, she noticed the same snake she helped that past fall. He was lying still as death, half in, half out of the footprint of the bear. The elf went and sat by the dying snake and began to cry.

"He saved my life. Now he lies near death and there is nothing I can do. I would trade him places if I could."

She sat and cried a bit more. Suddenly a gentle male voice whispered in her ear.

"Would you truly give your life for this lowly creature? You, who are of the fine bloodline of Fey? Why?"

"No creature is so lowly that they do not deserve compassion."

"If you truly feel this way, hold the creature to your breast and I will grant your wish."

Without hesitation, the elf picked up the snake and hugged it tightly to her chest and wept. A warm glow spread out from the body of the snake and became a bright light. The young elf braced herself for death, and then everything went black.

When she came to an elderly male elf was kneeling over her. She asked him what became of the snake. His reply came as a shock.

"I was the snake. I am Grugach, Lord of all Wood Elves, and I have finally found you, my daughter. You were lost in a storm as a mere child. Your mother believed you dead but I refused to give up."

"This cannot be. How are you so sure it is me you seek?"

"Only one of such royal blood would give their life for another, no matter how small. I have been testing young elves for many years. You are the first to pass."

She replies hesitantly,

"Father?"

"Yes my child?"

"Can we go home now?"

"Yes, my child."

[Darkness]

"Maybe that one wasn't quite your cup of tea. Here's another one you might like better."

"The Tree Of Souls"
'By Darkness'

"A lightening flash splits the sky, high-lighting a lone figure, standing on a tall crag. Her name is Black Rose, but the world of the Fey knows her as 'The Soul Stealer'. Her long raven hair dances on the wind, like a living black veil. Only the tops of her peaked, tapered, ears show above her dark hair. Like two small white horns. Her skin is ghostly white in contrast to the long, wispy, black dress that drapes her body. Lithe and tall, she stands there, like a statue. Her large elven eyes shine darkly, as she searches the valley below.

Beside her towers an old twisted, tree. It's branches barren. It's form twines toward the sky like a serpent. The grass that grows around it is gnarled and dry. Its bark is riddled with knots and burls, like a hundred trapped faces staring out. She reaches out to caress a large knot in the trunk of the tree. She picks up the blood red cloak, lying on the ground at her feet, and drapes it around her shoulders. Grinning evilly, she then turns and starts down the hill.

The clouds break, to show a full moon, as she enters the village below. It's a quiet night. The streets are bare of traffic. The Inns and Shops are locked and boarded for the night. Here and there a shuttered window shines, with candle light, around it's edges. She turns down a side street and follows it to the docks. As she approaches she can hear the sounds of people. She smiles. Here the streets are ill lit and twisted, as are most of those who live among them. She dons the hood of her cloak, pulling it forward, to hide her features and continues.

Down at the end of an alleyway she finds what she seeks. A small pub, barely lit with just a handful of drunks, half passed-out at their tables. She enters and strolls up to the bar. She places a single silver coin on the bartop.

"A pint of Ale."

The Barkeep pours her a stein and picks up the coin. She takes the drink and crosses to a table, in a shadowed corner. She sits with her back to the wall, studying the faces around her. One sits alone. This catches her attention. As time wears on, one by one, the patrons leave, till only the one lone drinker remains. Soon he leaves as well and she follows him out into the night.

Outside the Pub she follows him down the street. His staggering walk reflects the level of his intoxication. A few blocks later he turns down a side alley. She silently keeps pace with him. He stumbles around the clutter, in the path, left by the days crowds. Near the end he turns into a dark foyer and starts digging for his key.

She approaches him without a sound. Just as he is about to slide his key into the lock, she steps into the foyer. She blocks what little is left of light. He turns suddenly, dropping his key into the darkness at their feet. She grins at the look of fear on his face. She gestures for him to continue inside. As if tranced, he leans down to pick up his keys and continues unlocking his door. She follows him into the blackness of the room inside.

She bids him light the lamp. He blindly obeys. He looks up to find her standing a shadows width away from him. Her dark eyes lock with his. He cannot turn away from her gaze. He stutters a question at her.

"W-w-who are you?"

"Does it matter?"

"Why are you here?"

She does not answer. She, instead, leans in and kisses him. That is the last thing he remembers. He trails her out the door, void of all self-will. She leads him along the outskirts of town, towards her home by the twisted tree.

As they reach the grassy trail, that leads towards the crag, the storm clouds start to build. He feels no cold, as the chilled winds blow around his form. He does not blink when a bright flash of lightening blazes across the sky. He is unaware of the wet grass soaking his leather boots. He walks, one foot in front of the other, his only conscience thought is of her. As they approach the crag, she leads him to a cave entrance at its base. The narrow tunnel inside is dark and twisted. She navigates it with ease, for this is her home."

[Darkness]

"She turns down a smaller tunnel that soon ends in a stone door. She whispers a word under her breath and it opens. As they walk into the huge cavern within, torches spring to life. The ceiling is laced with the root tips of the huge tree above. Creatures stir in the shadowed nooks all along the rocky walls. Scattered, here and there, are huge webs, homes of the guardians of the cave. In the center is a tall dais, draped with black satin and covered with strange symbols.

She saunders towards this and he follows her, as he has done since that first kiss. She steps up onto the dais and beckons for him to join her. He does as asked, like a stringless puppet obeying an invisible master. In the center of the platform lays a large black pillow, void of markings, and nothing else. She bids him lay down. As he does, four knarled roots climb up the sides of the dais to bind his wrists and ankles.

She stands at his feet and drops her cloak to the ground. As she raises her hands high over her head thunder roars outside the cavern walls. She begins the chant and all the torches go out, except the four around the base of the dais. Still chanting, she circles to his side and kneels. She places one hand over his heart and the other on his temple. As his mind clears he becomes aware of his surroundings. The next thing he sees is her smile and the two sharp fangs that glisten within it. This is the moment she needs, that instant of pure fear. She leans in and sinks her fangs into his warm neck before he can react farther. The shadowed shape of a monstrous spider grows on the far wall.

High above his writhing body, the twisted tree howls. The vibration is felt down the roots and all through the cavern. As his body slumps into death the very rocks moan. She leans back and licks a single drop of blood from the corner of her mouth, grinning in evil ecstasy. His fear was indeed delicious. What is left of him slowly falls to dust as a tremor shakes the tree above.

She leaves the dais and cavern and follows a dark tunnel that winds ever upward. The other end opens under a large root at the base of the tree. The storm rages as she walks to the front of the tree. There she reaches out and caresses a new large knot, right next to the other.

"See, sweet sister, I do keep my promises. I said I'd keep you both safe, together, forever, and here you are."

Her evil laugh shakes the heavens, as she swirls around and heads back into her dark cavern home."
~Finis~

[Pain]

Good stuff Darkness:clap: :)

[Darkness]

:hug: "Thank you, Pain. I know you wouldn't say it if you didn't mean it. I'm trying to find a few others I have buried around here somewhere. I tend to lose track of stuff in all the piles of paper." :lol: