Prologue 02
June 20th, 2006
Warning: This chapter is rated "T" (for Teen) as it contains some (tasteful…or is it tasty) bare ass and infrequent strong language. So, if you are in anyway offended by that (or might get in trouble with your parents), then move along…there's nothing to see here.
[Background Music: "Away from the Sun" by 3 Doors Down]
Plunging his hand into the freshly turned earth, he briefly considered digging a hole and covering himself in the damp soil. The sweet, peaty scent of the dirt rose around him and seemed to invite him to do just that. To be in the comforting embrace of mother earth and never have a care again…
But instead he picked up handful of the cool soil and let it trickle slowly between his fingers to rejoin the mound that now covered his wife like a heavy shroud.
"Damn it, Sam. I miss you, baby." he whispered, marveling that any sound made it past his raw throat. A painful ache stabbed through his chest and he drew a shuddering breath.
His mother had warned him against marrying a mortal—her lifespan would only be a blink of an eye compared to what his could be. He would have been forced to face her death someday. But not so soon…not so soon. If he had been standing over the grave of a woman with whom he had shared a full life, instead of merely two years, he wondered if he would have felt as cheated…as alone. Or would it have been worse?
Behind him, his ears picked up a light footfall in the late summer grass. Closing his burning eyes tightly, he wished the world away.
Softly, as if reluctant to disturb him, the voice of his brother asked, "Tahlvin?"
He kept his eyes closed for a moment longer and willed himself to take a few deep breaths before rising to his feet on jellied legs.
"Hale," he said, and was pleased that his voice sounded normal.
Hale cleared his throat. "Are you ready?"
"If I have to go through any more of these mortal ceremonies I think I'll slit my throat."
"I take it that's a 'no.'"
Tahlvin turned around to face his brother. "Pretty much."
His mouth opened to say something else, but then he closed it again afraid to hear Hale's response.
61 Responses to “Prologue 02”
June 20th, 2006 at 1:26 pm
I love your stories they are so great! You've got some great talent. I have a question for you though…about all the beautiful picture props that were in the house…how did you get them? Anyway can't wait to see the next part.
June 20th, 2006 at 1:27 pm
Sorry for double posting….but I was also wondering about where you got that car lol.
June 20th, 2006 at 2:16 pm
Oooh! Fabulous work, as usual!
That poor woman – was she pregnant? The photo shows her rubbing a bulging tum so I thought maybe.
June 21st, 2006 at 5:46 am
OMG, wow. Just…wow. This is my first time reading your blog and I am totally blown away with what you've created using the sims! Hehehe, I absolutely loved it and will definitely be back to read more!
June 21st, 2006 at 7:46 am
Bre: First of all, thank you! As to how I got the pictures in game: I use SimPE to import the pictures into the game. Here are a couple of helpful tutorials if you are of a mind to try the same thing (1, 2).
And you're in luck! I actually remembered where I got the car.
Amalinaball: Good eye! Yeah, she was pregnant.
Tahlvin and Sam were so excited about having a baby.
Paige: Aw! Thank you! I'm having a blast telling a story with my Sims. It's so much fun to see it come "alive" in pictures.
June 21st, 2006 at 9:09 am
Oh WOW! You make your environments soooo inviting, if I was any more sucked into the story there would be a screenshot of me in there.
And I totally know about the shower scene. I took about 25+ pictures of my girl waking up in the morning. She just looked so gorgeous!
June 21st, 2006 at 12:59 pm
As I got to the end of the story I started shouting "NO! No! Keep going!" LOL. Great second chapter, I'm anxious to see it all piece together.
Your picture taking abilities far exceed any that I've seen for this game. You easily set a very high standard in storytelling.
-Do you have a banner? I would like to link to you on my site.
June 21st, 2006 at 1:13 pm
This is my first time to readthis blog as well and you are an EXCELLENT writer. Your stories are brilliant and so realistic.
June 22nd, 2006 at 7:40 am
Anissa: "…[I]f I was any more sucked into the story there would be a screenshot of me in there." ROFLMAO
Yeah, as I said in my author's note, I've decided to just call all the shower shots "fan service" then I don't have to feel guilty about it anymore. After all, I'm just doing it for the fans of the story (I'm so selfless
).
VJ: Thank you for the compliment!
I don't have a banner as of yet. But I'll see what I can do to remedy that. What size are you looking for? 88×31?
Ruth: Thank you so much! I've been having fun with my characters. There's still a lot more story to go. I hope you're in for a long haul.
June 22nd, 2006 at 11:06 pm
Kara,
I am so glad to see you back. You are a better writer than most novelists. I have been pimping your site all over the place.
You will definitely be on my linky page.
*wave*
Jade
June 23rd, 2006 at 7:55 am
Jade: Hi! *waves excitedly* Oh, I’m so glad you’re back as well! I missed Arenia, Simland. And I’m going to start reading The Isle of Thyme this morning while I have breakfast. I can’t wait! I love your stories.
Now that I’ve got all my fangirl-ish ravings out of my system… (Well, not really, but it could get rather embarrassing so I'll rein myself in.) I’m really glad you’re enjoying my story so far. And thank you so much for pimping my site.
(I really need a “blushing” emote… 
)
June 23rd, 2006 at 10:52 am
Kara, I think great minds think alike! Because I had been thinking of putting up a site again for several months, but I did not want the site to become a chore, you know how that is…and several people asked me to, especially when I created the Isle of Thyme and the economic system, they wanted to know how it was done, etc, etc.
So I broke down and slapped one up and THEN I found out you had one up too!
Great minds, girl…So glad to see the creme of the crop back.
(Alright, enough fangirling, too!)
June 24th, 2006 at 7:40 am
Oh, Kara, this is amazing! I'm so hooked! I love the contrasting environments between the two chapters, too, you're really setting the tone for the transition into another world. And your sets and sims are so gorgeous.
Thanks so much for sharing!
June 24th, 2006 at 9:11 am
Jade: Great minds indeed! haha I don’t think I can say this enough: I’m so glad you’re back!
I know exactly what you mean about not wanting your site to become a chore. It’s the main reason why this time around I have not imposed any deadlines on myself. My chapters will be posted when they are done…whenever that may be. So far, it’s made working on the story and site very fun and a lot less stressful.
Like this week, I took a break from simming and the story. Now I’m really looking forward to starting work on it again on Monday.
Christin: Thank you so much! I too like how the chapters differ in tone and setting. It made it a lot of fun to do each one.
I can’t take all the credit for my sets. While I did set-dress them, I downloaded the sets (lots) from MTS2 and TSR. Tahlvin’s house was made by MissyZ. When I first saw that house I knew I had to use it somewhere in my story. The cemetery is from MTS2…at least I was almost postive it was, but now I can’t find it there (or at TSR).
June 24th, 2006 at 2:23 pm
88×31 is good. Looking foward to your next chapter.
June 25th, 2006 at 12:10 pm
Kara, omgoodness, I can't believe I didn't recognize Missy's Darby lot! Eek! I've even downloaded it myself, lol! I was just so entranced by your story, and the way you decorated it, it didn't register as Missy's anymore, lol.
You did such a beautiful job with the set-dressing, and the story. I love it! 
June 25th, 2006 at 10:32 pm
Amazing, but I've come to expect that from this site. What I love is that you have not only the talent for making the Sims far more than it is, but also for creating an original story. Uh, hello? Technomages with nanobots in their bodies? Glorious.
June 26th, 2006 at 12:28 pm
Christin: *blushes* When I first saw the bathroom in that house—with the prison bar doors—I fell in love with it. It was something I would never have imagined myself. Thank goodness for the talented creators out there!
Lizzie: hehe Thank you! As I said on the About page, this story is influenced by so many genres. I've had a lot of fun mixing science fiction and fantasy conventions into one big melting pot. Yummy!
June 26th, 2006 at 4:15 pm
Haha the bathroom scenes were ok. I didnt mind at all, as a matter of fact, i liked them. I guess i'm a perv too because i actually enjoyed those pictures..can you blame me? Tahlvin is a cutie. And his brother Hale, whoa. Haha I'm late in reading this because i waited to be at my sister's house to read it because she has DSL or something and her computer is sooo fast and i had to see all of the pictures. I'm happy that i got to. I love the pictures of Sam and Tahlvin. And what's that i saw about her being pregnant? Where is her baby? Too much questions right? Sorry, i just love this story. I can't wait to learn about Brandee in this.
June 27th, 2006 at 8:47 am
Eva: Well, I'm glad you enjoyed the shower scenes as much as I did.
And I'm glad you got to see all the pictures the first time through. Yay!
Yep, Sam and Tahlvin were expecting a little one. Unfortunately, Sam was still pregnant when she died in the car accident.
Actually, even though I'm the author and knew everthing that would happen in this chapter, it was still a hard one to write for me.
You'll find out what happens to Brandee in the next chapter.
June 29th, 2006 at 8:49 pm
WOW!!! I just found this and I am hooked, you are an amazing storyteller and your pictures are perfect, clear, detailed…wow..and Tahlvin is hot! Is his skintone by Enayla?..I also love how you put pictures of them up all over the house, so realistic. How do you take your pics, they are perfect:D
June 30th, 2006 at 9:01 am
Jenny: Thank you very much!
Tahlvin's skintone is a custom mix of Enayla and SimCribbling skins.
Maybe this will answer the question as to how I take my pictures. If not, feel free to ask me to clarify anything.
June 30th, 2006 at 9:54 am
Thanks so much!..Look forward to updates:D
June 30th, 2006 at 9:51 pm
I noticed in the last few pics it looks like a storm is coming in, did you do that in photoshop? Your story is very inspiring:)
June 30th, 2006 at 10:20 pm
Jenny: Yep, I added the storm clouds with Photoshop. I just cut out the game sky and then added a picture of storm clouds as the bottom layer.
July 2nd, 2006 at 8:35 am
I found your site via Jade's Isle of Thyme site. I was intrigued by a comment she made – so I tracked you down!
That's one amazing start – and boy! do you have a gift for storytelling!
Kiri
P.S. I for one revel in my perviness – feel free to stick up as many showering pics as you like
July 3rd, 2006 at 8:40 am
Kiri: Thank you, Kiri! I'm so glad you tracked me down. I really appreciate it.
And it's great to know that I'm not alone in my "perviness." There will be many shower scenes to come. I can't wait to show you the outtakes for this chapter.
July 4th, 2006 at 10:18 pm
Hi Kara! Wow, it's really amazing what you do with the Sims. Your pictures are just gorgeous. Looking forward to MORE!
(And I'm so glad you're back!)
July 5th, 2006 at 4:34 pm
I'm slathering to see the outtakes!
And looking forward to the rest of the story too of course…
I agree with Jen's post – the more I look at your pics, the more I wonder at how you did them. They're so natural but perfect as reflections of the story.
Kiri
July 6th, 2006 at 9:56 am
Jen: Hi there! It's so good to see you (and I'm looking forward to the new challenge you're working on). And thank you so much! It takes me awhile to set up the shots, but I have fun seeing what I can get my characters to do. Of course, I take liberal use of cheats and mods, which is helpful.
Kiri: hehe I was looking through the outtake pictures just the other day (yes…okay…I was just looking through the shower pics). I'm just too damn obsessed with Tahlvin.
As I told Jen, I liberally use cheats and mods to get my characters posed as they are. If you're curious, I've written up a little explanation of what I use.
July 9th, 2006 at 5:57 am
Wow, I almost miss this update! Can't believe myself *shakes head*
Jade is right – you write better than some novelists out there. Your English is excellent.
Just curious: do you mind letting us know how much time you spend preparing/writing/taking photos for each update?
And finally, I can't wait to know more about Brandee. From the last picture in Chapter 01, I think she met Tahlvin?
regards
e2b
http://earl2blue.livejournal.com/
July 9th, 2006 at 9:01 am
e2b: *blushes* Thank you! I work very hard on editing (with the help of my editors…thanks Kim and John), although I'm sure some grammatical and punctuation errors still slip through (if they do…it's completely my fault. And if anyone sees some blatant mistake, please tell me so I can fix it).
To answer your question about how much time it takes me to prepare for each update: in short, a lot of time.
More specifically, it depends on a few factors. Firstly, do I have to make any custom creations for the chapter (i.e. pictures, clothes, skins, etc.)? Secondly, do I need to make or decorate a particular set? Those two factors can add about a week to my schedule.
The writing of the script can take anywhere from a few days to a week (depending on if I'm feeling inspired or not). During the writing of the script, I also block out what pictures I will be taking so that when I go in game I know exactly what pictures I'll need.
The picture taking itself can also take anywhere from a few days up to a week. Even though I know what photos I need before hand, I end up taking a lot of shots until I find the "right one."
Next—my favorite part—is the editing of the photos where I clean them up (i.e. brighten, clarify, etc.) and add special effects if needed. Again, this can take a few days to a week to get done. For example, with this chapter, the editing of the pictures went very smoothly and I was able to finish them in three days.
So, it can take up to a month to prepare an update. But, it could also take less time. *shrug* That's why I don't have a specified release schedule.
Oh…and my lips are sealed about Brandee. You'll find out in Chapter 3.
July 14th, 2006 at 8:00 am
mmm i love your story…your sets are fantastic!!! The ruined building is beautiful and reminds me of something out of WoW or Guild Wars.
Your story kinda reminds me of a fairytale…maybe because of the way you use language and how you phrase things…but I love it.
I also really like how you use the pictures to tell the story in a lot of scenes instead of filling in filler text. This works especially nice in your format, because you get the continous flow of imagery versus the breakage at the sims exchange. I love the image of her climbing around the building hanging onto the rail…soo cute. Also, the dramatic angles of your images are really nice…her running out the door, entering the woods, etc.
she reminded me of a lara croft hehe.
Oh, and the image of Tahlvin on page 3, looking to the left…mmm…yummmmyyyy…but creeply looking very much like a photoshop painting…like on video game box covers…his skin, and other features are amazing…
those two twin characters are very neat…i love the first pic of them hehe…
oh and necklaces on men are hotttt
July 15th, 2006 at 8:03 am
Lyoki: Wow! Thank you so much, Lyoki! What a terrific way to start my day! I really appreciate your comments.
It's funny that you say the ruins remind you of WoW. The characters of Brandee and Tahlvin had their start in WoW. Of course, their story has changed quite a bit since then, but their basic personalities remain the same.
A funny thing about that picture of Tahlvin (on page 3): it took a lot of work to get it to look like that. Not that I manipulated it much, but the lighting in that picture was so horribly dark that I almost didn't include it. It took a lot of fiddling until I got it light enough without washing it out. I'm still not entirely please with it. But then, I'm my own worst critic. haha
July 23rd, 2006 at 11:34 am
I like this story so far, great shower pics!! And the Washington state license plate is a very nice detail.
July 24th, 2006 at 8:00 am
Yetyak:Thank you! It sounds like you enjoyed the shower pics as much as I!
And I'm glad you noticed the WA license plate. I'm such a geek that I actually made sure it was a plate that would have been available back in 1987. 
August 3rd, 2006 at 8:15 am
I just love this story so far and the screenshots are fantastic, they must take forever to get right!
I wonder where you got the white towel Tahlvin is wearing after his shower (hot scene..)
BTW Tahlvin is a hottie!
August 5th, 2006 at 7:15 am
Emm: Thanks, Emm! And, yes, the stories do take me forever partly because I'm slow, partly because I'm a perfectionist and partly because I get easily distracted(!).
I made the towel for Tahlvin. Unfortunately, I can't offer it for download because I used someone else's textures for the towel. I used this mesh by Tiggeryplum and alpha-edited it to make it "sit" lower on his hips.
If you don't want to be bothered with making your own, there are also some new towels at MTS2 by Flyingpigeon (they also use the above mesh) that you might interest you.
August 23rd, 2006 at 10:56 am
Hey, I googled my name and found this! Thanks for the advertisement and good story.
September 5th, 2006 at 12:09 pm
I found this through Eph's blog and this is amazing!
September 5th, 2006 at 2:52 pm
E. Black: Welcome to the site! And thank you so much! I hope you continue to enjoy the story.
October 23rd, 2006 at 9:48 am
It is a really cool game thats all folks.
October 23rd, 2006 at 6:08 pm
My emotions totally see-sawed with this chapter. I went from:
"Oh my… Poor, dear Tahlvin… My heart aches for you…"
then on to *think "Gir" when you read this next one folks*:
"Whoa baby! Hottie in the shower! HOTTIE IN THE SHOWER!!!!! Look at 'im! He's all HOT AND NEKKID!! XD"
and finally to:
"Damn… If I'd been confronted with all those pictures on my bedroom wall, I'd go screaming and flailing madly out of the house too! What agony that must've been for him…"
So, yeah… That was an amazing experience. You're painfully talented. Painful because sometimes I tend to claw at the screen like a confused kitten, hoping that what's on it will pop out at me and I can play with it. LOL.
… Hopefully that will consist of Hale in a towel just coming out of the bath/shower. >;P
October 24th, 2006 at 7:07 am
Alimah: haha! Now I have an image of you clawing madly at your monitor. Hmm…you may be onto something. Tell me if if ever works for you. I may have to try it as well.
Anyway, I'm so glad you enjoyed the story and that you experienced all the emotions that I hoped you would. 
November 20th, 2006 at 12:04 pm
Hi again. I guess I forgot to comment on this before when I first read it! First I want to say I love this story, it has a great beginning. I have reread it about 5 times now. I am really interested in their mysterious organization. And your photo skills are the best! The shower scene was great! I think we all agree that we want more of those. We don't mind many, many photos.
Secondly, where did you get those frosted glass cube windows? (on page 5 in what looks like Tahlvin's closet) They are really pretty.
January 9th, 2007 at 12:34 pm
OMG! I am enjoying this story, keep them coming!
February 9th, 2007 at 1:22 pm
I just recently discovered your story. I had the link in an email for a while and decided to check it out today and I'm so glad that I did! It's absolutely amazing! Can't wait to see more.
March 21st, 2007 at 12:47 pm
Wow, you're an amazing writer. I've just started reading your blog. I love the detailed pictures and the variety of props you used. Keep up the fantastic work!
I've even started my own blog a few months ago, give me some feedback sometime
April 8th, 2007 at 10:34 am
Hi, I just recently started reading your blog, you linked it through MTS2 and I'm just WOW-ed by the pictures and your story. You're a fantastic writer. I'd like to read more of your stories in the future.
January 1st, 2008 at 5:08 pm
Hey Kara GREAT JOB! This story is so rad! I love the graphics and all the effort you've put into putting up family pictures and so forth. The first part was so gripping I hope that little girl is ok, I'll have to keep reading to find out. And as for the second part that poor guy! His wife was pretty far along in her pregnancy when she died? That sucks
I hope he isn't going to do something stupid. How did you get blood on his hand? That was awesome. Well I'm going to keep reading now, keep up the good work!
January 1st, 2008 at 5:15 pm
February 6th, 2008 at 12:00 am
Fan service or not, that shower scene was fantastic. I enjoyed it a lot.
There is such anguish and loss here, such emotion that is tangible and evident. I find myself being constant drawn into the character's minds, their stories and their experiences. Heartbreaking and superbly written.
February 17th, 2008 at 12:15 am
Awesome how those guys wear wigs.
March 22nd, 2008 at 12:02 pm
Stunning…heartbreaking. The photo on the bedside table which shows her pregnant is so sad.
I love the shots. Elegant, sensual, astonishing angles and clarity, and particularly adore the city shots. Fantastic!
March 26th, 2008 at 8:47 am
That was so saddening :'( I can't believe Sam was pregnant … That's just damned unfair. Gaah!!
July 20th, 2008 at 9:38 am
Emotional breakdown….poor guy.
Yea, I love taking pictures of my hot male sims….so I know where youre coming from.
Fantastic pictures and lighting.
April 11th, 2009 at 10:55 pm
Personally, I don't think you had enough shower scenes.
April 12th, 2009 at 7:16 am
September 15th, 2009 at 7:44 pm
well, i'm one for the shower shots haha. i'm really loving Tahlvin and Hale are such unique creatures, wherever did you come up with such a great idea for characters? Btw, I love how you added sky/cloud details to almost every outdoor screen, it adds a lot of realism to your screens. great work.
September 16th, 2009 at 7:41 am
September 17th, 2009 at 9:38 am
sweet, thanks. ill check it out asap before moving on to the next chapter! cant wait!