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Chapter 04: Turning Corners

October 31st, 2007

After getting home from his swing shift, he fell exhausted into bed only to find himself struggling awake from a panicked dream—his sheets drenched in sweat and clinging to his clammy skin, his chest heaving and his jaw aching in pain.

Each night he would sit there, his fingers twisted in his damp hair as if he could sift the last vestiges of the dream from his mind before it once again sunk back into his subconscious leaving behind only vague impressions of blood and shadowed faces.

As his breathing calmed and his sweat evaporated, he would lay down and try to fall back asleep. But he would soon be tossing and turning as his stomach churned with sour anxiety as if it remembered more of his dream than did his mind.

The dream worried Tahlvin. Even though he couldn't recall anything of import from it, he was certain it meant something. Why else would it repeat itself night after night? He was curious about the dream and what it was trying to tell him, but that in itself wasn't enough to worry him. What truly troubled him was his fear of losing his edge. Five successive nights of interrupted and sporadic sleep were already making it difficult to drag himself out of bed everday. What if the lack of sleep started affecting his work? What if he lost focus during a mission and made a mistake?

He made a face as he realized he should have made an appointment with the company's shrink already. She was paid to deal with this type of situation and it was irresponsible of him not to have talked to her yet. But, gods! He hated going to the shrink. It was like he was admitting he couldn't handle the situation. But there were other people, his associates and friends, who stood to lose or be lost if he failed in his job simply because he neglected to talk to the shrink about his stupid dream. He sighed and promised himself he'd leave a message on her machine to schedule an appointment after he finished exercising.

His ears twitched as the gym door swung open behind him, and he glanced over his shoulder to see an unfamiliar human male enter the room. The human's green eyes flicked over the gym's occupants, dismissing each in turn and then sharpened as they came to rest on him. The man took a step closer. "You're Tahl—"

"Hey, Ramsey. Finally finished, huh?" interrupted Hale. The man turned his attention toward the elf and a smile broke out on his face.

"Hey, man! Yeah, if I ever have to see another orientation vid it'll be too soon."

Tahlvin switched off the treadmill and stepped off the machine. In the mirror, he noticed the human female pause in her exercises as her eyes raked the man's body. A tiny, secret smile curved her lips as she continued her exertions.

Wiping his forearm across his forehead—having once again forgotten to bring a towel to mop up his sweat—he watched as Hale nodded at the human in commiseration.

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26 Responses to “Chapter 04: Turning Corners”

  1. Eva says:

    OMG! I can't believe you updated. I think that I need to read it again to fully understand it and to connect some things, so if I comment again, that's why. Tahlvin knows that he met Brandee before..when she was a child, duh! Maybe it was around the same time when his body rejected those technological do-dads.

    Kara said: Well, Tahlvin first met Brandee about 23 years ago. That's a long time. I know I'd forget what someone looked like. Especially if that someone was a child at the time.

  2. Tanya says:

    I'll have to re-read this chapter as well, but it's interesting that Jason and Tahlvin seem to have taken an instant dislike to each other …. I'm guessing that the nightmare is related to Sam's death (unless Tahlvin and Sam aren't married at this point in the story – I didn't see his wedding ring)? Perhaps that's when the 'bots were rejected? Plenty to think about until the next chapter!

    Of course I couldn't comment without mentioning how good the guys are looking ๐Ÿ˜‰ The long hair suits Hale, and I love the new tattoos! I really should have another go at adding tattoos, as my first attempt a few months ago didn't turn out too bad (made a sim of John Rzeznik from the Goo Goo Dolls).

    Kara said: Sam died twenty three years ago, so Tahlvin has moved on and taken off his wedding ring. As for why he's having the dream, well, I can't tell you that yet! heehee And, yeah, I love the tattoos too! I had to force myself not to go overboard with them. They are too much fun to add.

  3. Alimah Kali says:

    Man… Not only do I leave here and have an awesome Halloween, but I come back to a morsel consisting of a long-haired Hale with a back tattoo that screams "Hug me from behind and don't let go. You know you wanna… ;)". Well, at least that's what I tell myself. I'm sure if that happened, I'd be arrested or tossed away like a ragdoll. lol. Will you be doing any more character shoots like "Boys of Summer" again? My severe lack of Hale is reaching life threatening levels. *evil laugh*

    I also will be re-reading this chapter for better absorption. I have to agree with Tanya about how interesting the tension is between Tahlvin and Jason. Makes me wonder if that rookie's gonna be put in his place or be a very big help… or both. Also, I'm very curious just what this nightmare is that Tahlvin keeps having… Hmmmm, so many questions. Most interesting… *strokes invisible beard*

    Kara said: I'm glad you enjoyed Hale! I'm not planning any character shoots at the moment (I have to get inspired for one of those to happen), but at least he'll be in the next chapter. And I have some fun/interesting things planned for him down the road.

    I guess you can think of Tahlvin and Jason as two alpha wolves thrown together. Which one will be leader of the pack? As for the nightmare…you'll see, you'll see… mwahahaha!

  4. Mao says:

    Okay, Arion in action looks 10x better than the little snippet we saw earlier. Jason, look out, 'cause you've got competition!

    Tahlvin's expression on page six, picture six is great and very fitting.

    I'll need to read this again when I'm not still under NaNo daze. I'm taking a break from writing and reading. Yay, my eyes love me. ๐Ÿ˜› But good stuff. I'm loving the personalized pictures!

    I'm going to be MIA from my PC, and since you're updating more now, I've just added you to my RSS feeds. ๐Ÿ˜€ Easier for me to keep up with AFK… I never check my email anymore, LOL!

    Hope you had an interesting/scary/whathaveyou Halloween. Back to NaNo I go!

    Kara said: haha! I know what you mean about RSS. I added you to mine months ago and finally got around to unsubscribing from your Feedblitz…I'm slow sometimes. Good luck with NaNo, too! I've always wanted to participate in that but know I'd never have the stamina for it.

  5. Dektora says:

    Is that a picture of Dom on the framed pics above Arion? I love how you pay attentions to details in your sets, to the point where my eyes wander around to get as much as I can lol
    Interesting to discover that Wraith Warriors is a "familly business". Tavia is very stylish by the way.
    As for the story, it's great to see where all your boys are standing. Lots of background infos here. Now I can't wait for some action, muahaha!
    Anyway, a chapter with that healthy dose of half naked/naked elves is always worth reading. Plus extra hotness kudos for Jason apearance.

    Kara said: That is indeed Dom in the pictures behind Arion. ๐Ÿ™‚ Ethyn is in them as well.

    I styled Tavia after 1930s/40s Hollywood starlets to give her a classy, timeless look. Even my husband liked how she turned out. He never says anything about my Sims but he commented on how pretty she was the first time he saw her in the game.

  6. amalinaball says:

    Gorgeous work – fabulous story and writing skills, and equally amazing pictures to go with it. Beautiful, and I truly mean that.
    I have to echo what has already been said many times before, but your attention to the slightest detail thoroughly amazes me – the picture of Dom, the triple-photo of Arion, Hale and Tahlvin, and all the other little things like the computer screen-saver, are things I would never ever think to add. ๐Ÿ˜€

    Tavia is very beautiful – elegant without being too showy. It's strange to think she's actually old enough to be mother to Hale and Tahlvin – though of course, you have stated before that elves age at a different rate to humans. ๐Ÿ˜‰

    If Arion is Hale's father, then I wonder who Tahlvin's father was? Hmm…

    Awesome work, Kara! I can't wait to see what happens now.

    Kara said: Aw, thank you, sweetie! ๐Ÿ™‚ I love adding little details. It's fun. The tri-pic of Arion, Hale and Tahlvin actually had two versionsรขโ‚ฌโ€one depicting Arion with long hair and the other with his current shorter styleรขโ‚ฌโ€as I was unsure at the time I made the picture which hairstyle I was going to pick.

    Tavia is actually several hundred years old (she won't tell her exact age…she is a lady after all). But, she ages well, doesn't she? Tahlvin, at around 100 years, is very young in comparison.

    And, who is Tahlvin's father indeed! heehee ๐Ÿ˜‰

  7. Lisa says:

    I agree with all the others. Your supreme attention to detail really makes your sets incredible.

    *needs a cold shower from all the hot sim males*

    Kara said: Thank you, Lisa!

  8. Decorgal says:

    Yay! Jason! He's just as I pictured he'd be- arrogant and a bit of a smartass; you did a good job making him look like his personality. So finally in this chapter I see the pieces falling into place and am beginning to see the connection between all the characters and their respective storylines. I hope this will become even more apparent in the next chapter and I've been scratching my head the past chapters trying to understand their connection to each other. I will be eagerly waiting for it. ๐Ÿ™‚

    Kara said: Little by little it should all fall into place. It's hard to know how much to reveal at a time and how much to hide. I don't want to beat my readers over the head with too much information and yet I'm afraid that I'm not giving enough. Argh! I'm sure you can relate.

  9. Julliet Bell says:

    Woo! Yay, beautiful chapter- although it's left me on edge and desperately wanting more. And that dream… oh that dream. It must be about me! YES! That's it, Tahlvin can't take me from his mind but he just doesn't know it yet. LOL. Whatever… I need to admit myself to a local asylum. Heck, we don't even HAVE a local asylum. ๐Ÿ˜€

    I am so pleased that I got to read another chapter. YAY! And I must say, Tahlvin and Hale's mother, WOW HOLY BAJEEZITS I WISH I LOOKED LIKE HER. She's absolutely gorgeous. Anywhoodles, off to shower. So I'll talk to you later.

    ~Ju รขโ„ขยฅ

    Kara said: I'm so happy with how Tavia turned out. She looked okay in Body Shop, but really seemed to bloom once I got her in game. I love when that happens. Jason is the same actuallyรขโ‚ฌโ€looks better in game then in Body Shop.

  10. lilleza87 says:

    Hi! just wanted to say how much i love and admire this story. You're such a talented writer and I'm looking forward for more! Hopefully there will be a lot more shirtless tahlvin to come in other chapters as well…

    Kara said: Thank you so much! I just wish I could produce the chapters faster! haha

  11. SIM_FI says:

    I wanted to drop you a line and say that I am really enjoying your stories! You are an amazing writer and I can't wait to see the next chapter.

    Kara said: Thank you! I really hope you continue to enjoy them.

  12. Trina says:

    I just wanted to say how much I've enjoyed what you've written so far. Your story was engaging from the very beginning and your pics are stunning! Not to mention how gorgeous all of your characters are! I know how much works goes into this but I can't wait for the next chapter….

    ***sits around twiddling thumbs***

    Kara said: Thank you, Trina! And you're not kidding about the work…at least for me, but then again I'm the world's slowest writer and picture taker. haha!

  13. Jenny says:

    awesome!!!!!!!
    Question: where are the tats from?

    Kara said: Some of Tahlvin's tattoos are the ones from University. I got them from BeOSBoxBoy at InSIM. Other tats are from various dingbat fonts. As for the big tat on Hale's back…I can't remember.

  14. Pandora Moon says:

    Hi. I'm glad to have come here and seen you've done another chapter. I've never had recurring nightmares, at least not for nights in a row, but it is annoying when you have such a creepy dream that it's takes a while to shake it off!.

    Of course Tahivin looks good as usual I definitly would've been cheecking him out at the gym. lol!

    Keep Simming!.

    See ya.

  15. Jacqueline says:

    wow,
    I like how's it's working about thus far.
    Nice chapter. Good Job.
    Wonder if they"ll find them soon.

  16. jessica says:

    Read it from start to current update and I'm thoroughly hooked and eagerly anticipating the commencement Tahlvin's mission.

  17. Leah says:

    Such a wonderful story!
    I come checking in here from time to time, and am always pleased when I find a new chapter added.
    I hope you're going to update again soon.

  18. Kara says:

    Thank you! I have updated recently…although with a new story and not with the main storyline of Worlds Apart. I hope you like that one as well. ๐Ÿ™‚

  19. Anghard says:

    *Comes up for air*

    This story has sucked me in from the first line. I am stunned, both by the incredible story and the way you've weaved urban and fantasy and these screenshots are amazing. They really showcase the environment giving the feel of the world here and how very different but similar it is to our own.

    I have to admit that Tahlvin is one of my favourite characters. He looks positively gorgeous and manly. I always sit up straighter when he comes front and center ๐Ÿ™‚ Call it a crush.

    Very well written story. This has me gasping in awe, well and truly.

  20. Kara says:

    Anghard: Thank you so much! Tahlvin is one of my favorite characters I've every written. I definitely don't feel like I created him, and I guess I really didn't. He came from my husband's imagination and then I just kind of took him and ran. And I admit to having a bit of a crush on him as well.

    This story has taken a bit of a back seat while I've been working on "The Monster and the Maiden" but I haven't given up on it. It's a lot bigger than Monster though and feels a bit overwhelming at times, like I'm not sure I have to ability (i.e talent) to finish it. It's a bit scary. ๐Ÿ™‚

  21. Gayl says:

    I am absolutely breathless! Your screenshots are absolutely beautiful and capture the feel of the story so well. I am so intrigued by the characters' abilities and how they fit into this world they live in.

    Every little detail enhances the story. Wonderful! Definitely on my list of favorites.

  22. Beth says:

    Tahlvin could not possibly be hotter!

    I love the exchange between him and his mother, and Jason, who is a bit of a wild card at this point.

    Incredible sets and shots. Absolutely unbelievable incredible.

  23. Kara says:

    Thank you so much, Beth! I can't wait to visit these characters again. I'm missing them. ๐Ÿ™‚

  24. Cadie says:

    Oh my goodness I didn't realise how much I missed this story until I re-read it today. I hope you find it in you again to continue it…though Monster and The Maiden is absolutely great, it almost rivals Worlds Apart ๐Ÿ˜€

  25. xtinabobina says:

    hey there! im still left pondering what will happen next. i want tahlvin to remember his connection with Brandee Taylor.

    your shots are amazing, as it has been consistently through your chapters. i really love the detail you put into your screens, from holding a 'business card' to having pictures of your characters in game–such as the ones sitting on tahlvin's mother's desk. fantastic!!!

  26. Kara says:

    I have a lot of fun adding little details. They help flesh out my characters a bit more for me even if no one else notices. And, I'm glad you enjoyed it. I really hope to be able to continue it someday. Too many hobbies! haha

 

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