Thursday 16 December 2010

Webs of Passion

She caught me in her web.

I'm not entirely certain how it happened, but that little spider caught the big bad dragon and bit him, gently. Her sweet venom spread through my veins and limbs, causing me to succumb to her mystic spell -- and love it.

She is a fiery thing, my beautiful bird of the sun. Her desire, once kindled, burns wildly and demands to be fueled. I am but a servant to her fire, which sets me ablaze in turn. I live for our combined fire.

She spins soft webs around us while we make sweet love. No matter how alluring her hoarse whispers in my ear, she herself is much more lovely by far. Her softness, eagerness and sexiness know no bounds, and I crave to hear her moans and whimpers of pleasure as I stroke her and kiss her and enter her.

Never before has this little lizard experienced such a wonderful woman before, who challenges, seduces and stimulates him.

I love you, webspinner girl.



Tuesday 30 November 2010

Big news!

The Dragon is blah.

Very blah.

Completely, irrevocably blah.

So.

Blah is the word.

Big blah.

Wednesday 17 November 2010

Silent shadow

Two red eyes glowing in the dark night. Not a sound as the secretive stalker closes in on her target.

Quiet even for a drow, she moves gracefully behind the man's back, her poisoned dagger no longer conceiled.

One stab, and another. She whispers in his ear; "you shouldn't have left me, my love."

He gasps, grabs his torso but the blood does not stop flowing. His life, his essence, fleeing from his body.

The assassin leaves silently, letting the man die alone.

The man moans in agony, then smiles. The previously registered antidote kicks in.

So predictable. She will not bother him for a while.

It does hurt like hell, though.

Monday 15 November 2010

Dragon inside

A new room, a new experience.

I feel like an explorer of sorts, a wandering spirit discovering untamed lands and encountering new challenges with every passing moment.

This place is alive, and although some have gone before, it seems as if none but me have been willing to discover everything. Unseen eyes are watching my every movement and sudden moves send shivers down a spine I do not see, yet sense nearby.

I have found pieces of the heart of this place before, and now I have found another. A large and brilliant red gem, it beckons me and whispers to my mind and body. Only a few parts seem to have been exposed recently, and I wipe away the dust on some others.

The hungry ruby grows as a tiny part of me is consumed, feeding the life of the warm stone and adding more and joyful colours to this place. I gain energy by its beauty, and pass it back to that welcoming aspect of desire in a marvelous cycle of joy.

The gem grows larger and demanding, and I am willing to provide.

I embrace it, placing it against my chest. I have just touched a few of the surfaces, and I am curious what those others will do.

My explorations continue, and I purr at the very thought.

I love this place.

Monday 1 November 2010

Secret room

I opened the door and she let me in. It was new and exciting, and at the same time it felt like I belonged there.

She had given me the key, and it took me time and courage to use it. Claiming that I was content to stay outside and only later realizing it was not her I was fooling, but myself. I wanted to go inside, to share that room with her.

And now I have. Will everything change now? I cannot honestly say. Some things will change, others will not; which things fall in what category, I do not yet know. The future is moving and changing as we talk and act.

I do not make promises about "forever" because I am not forever or unchanging. And I don't make promises if I do not know if I can keep them.

What I can promise is that I will try my hardest to be the best person to share that room with. That I will want to make you happy -- or happier than you were before. That I will protect you when you want me to, and to let you be when you so request. That I will open up to you and be vulnerable at times, and be your playmate at other times.

Because I want to know you, all of you, and love each and every part of you. In our own secret room.

Friday 22 October 2010

Goth is overrated

There's a blackness in my soul,
A stormcloud brewing inside,
And I am loath to live with joy
Ever since my goldfish died.

Now I've only wished to die,
And my heart has turned a charcoal-black
E'er since the pop machine stole my quarter;
Woe! That coin I'll not get back.

I nicked myself shaving just last week,
And as I observed the trickling blood,
I could feel my black and wretched soul
Ebbing with the crimson flood.

And now death can't come quickly enough,
To carry me away from the rain,
Because we're out of Rocky Road,
And my poor soul can't deal with the pain.


Goth Is Overrated
by ~DreamerOfShadows

Thursday 21 October 2010

Lost in a moment

A moment in time, frozen and recorded in both our memories.

On your bed we lie, that comfy bed, side by side and curled up together. Both half naked and merely enjoying each other's company, and lingering touch. The world outside does not cross our minds.

Strange how such a moment is almost devoid of sexuality. It is the pleasant presence, not the simple carnal instincts, that make this moment so worthwhile; a feeling of peace, relaxation, freedom. No fear.

To be who we are, with no one to judge. Just you and me, vulnerable but strong, completely contented.

Your hand gently strokes my back, as mine caresses yours. Lost in a moment.

A true friendship.

Thursday 14 October 2010

The Sad Tale of Nathan Nightwalker

Standing in the dark and quiet room, Nathan Nightwalker regained his breath. Centering himself in the Force, he searched his feelings.

Expecting joy or perhaps anger, Nathan was surprised to sense a morsel of regret, of sorrow even.

What did he expect? Obviously the challenge placed before him had been difficult, and overcoming it would take all of his capabilities and beyond, but the prize had seemed worth it.

The prize was a teacher, from whom Nathan could learn more about the Force. The subtle and the mighty machinations of the Force, his to use and control. To expand his knowledge, his skills, his power in the mysterious energy of the galaxy.

To become a true apprentice to the Dark Lord.

Perhaps he had not been ready for it. Perhaps Nathan had simply expected too much of it. After all, nobody can or will describe how it feels to pass the first test of a true Sith, so predictions seemed pointless. Nevertheless, Nathan felt strangely empty inside.

Peace is a lie, there is only passion, he reminded himself.

It wasn't passion, but it wasn't peace, either. Instead, a guilt formed inside his head, a knot in his stomach, that he had never before experienced.

Could he have been wrong in choosing this path?

For years, Nathan had been convinced that although the Jedi might have been wise and powerful, they were still ignorant of the true strength of the Force. Sitting in their temple growing lazy and arrogant, they did not seem to be the masters of focus. Not like the Sith of legend, who constantly challenged themselves, increasing their skills, practising their concentration, growing more dangerous with each victory -- and each defeat.

Nathan had never craved for victory or power. He had merely longed for the fulfillment of his talents, to not be held back by ancient rules and out-of-touch theorists, to feel the wind through his hair, the sun in his eyes, the sweat on his back while he perfected his body, mind and control over the Force. To be who he truly was.

Now, here he was. Switching on his lightsaber, Nathan looked around and in the dim blue light of his blade saw the ancient glyphs and imagery on the walls, depicting ferocious beasts towering over their many fallen foes, stealthy assassins stealing the life of their victims, and fires burning away Jedi temples.

This ancient burial temple seemed a fine example of Sith filosophy, and Nathan felt out of place for the first time.

Stepping over the remains of the two Jedi sent after him, he brought his face and his blade close to the image of the burning temples. Tiny twodimensional faces screamed in eternal silence as the hungry flames consumed both stone and flesh, leaving nothing but charred remnants and ashes. Sith warriors cheered around the scene, relishing in the terror and deaths, absorbing the darker essences of the Force to increase their power and in turn, increase the havoc they wreaked.

Taking his eyes away from the gruesome scene, Nathan surveyed the room. It was an antechamber for the large ceremonial hall and it had probably been dark as well in the days the temple was still in use with the ancient Sith, serving as a portal to the inner sanctum and reminding acolytes and apprentices of the power and the horror of the dark side.

The two dead Jedi lay somewhat in the middle of the room, their brown cloaks covering their faces. One still clutched his saber as if in defense, the other Jedi's lightsaber had been cut in half by Nathan's parry and both parts were near the wall.

He had known both Jedi, of course. One was his former master at the Jedi temple on Coruscant, the other a padawan apparently desperately wanting to prove himself by "redeeming" the runaway Nightwalker. It had been a long and tough fight, both mentally and physically, but in the end they could not match the power of the dark side that flowed through Nathan.

His Sith master would be proud. Nathan would be reborn as a Sith, and would be granted a new name, a new persona that would represent his metamorphosis from Jedi to Sith.

He recoiled at the thought.

Turning off his lightsaber, Nathan welcomed the darkness. It did not erase the image of the two lifeless forms on the floor, though. Personal growth through the death of another. Two souls who would never reach their perfection, cut down before blossoming. Two people not unlike Nathan, killed by one whose own progress was deemed more important than theirs.

His mind realized the finality of his act, and this time there was emotion. Guilt, shame, regret, sorrow; a dawning understanding that he could never go back to being that Jedi he had once been, so full of ambition, anger and joy, without forever regretting that in order to advance himself, so many others would suffer for it. The wound torn in his soul would deepen and fester, until either it would impede his progress or make him vulnerable to new generations.

In the Sith organisation, being vulnerable meant being dead.

Neither could he return to the Jedi temple, Nathan knew. Of course the Jedi taught forgiveness, but even if they would do so, and even if the looks of Jedi both old and young would not follow and haunt him, and even if he somehow found the courage to follow the rules he had found so restrictive before, he doubted he could still live with the guilt in his heart of willingly killing two Jedi.

Through the Force, my chains are broken.

There was nothing now for Nathan except the Force. The Dark Lord waiting outside the ancient structure was surely too powerful for him to combat, and what would be the point of trying? No, he realized, there was nothing for him now. No Sith, no Jedi, and no escape.

A tear found its way across his cheek, and Nathan savored the emotion that guided it. At least he was still human. Enough to know that he had come to a fork in the road, and he could choose neither path.

Only one option seemed open to him, and he sighed. Sitting himself down on the floor, Nathan Nightwalker wiped the tear from his face and turned the hilt of his lightsaber so that the blade would point towards him. Placing it against his chest, he calmed himself.

He whispered, "the Force will set me free."

A heartbeat later, he ignited his blade and fell lifeless to the floor.

Wednesday 13 October 2010

Monday 27 September 2010

Friendship

It's a word I use often, "friend". I consider quite a few people to be worthy enough of such a title and hope that they return that honor.

Funny thing, that stuff called friendship. Because what makes a friend a friend?

Certainly it is not merely helping you out if you're in trouble (parents often do the same) or sharing a laugh with (random strangers will suffice). And I hope friends are not the only people you grant favors to without expecting something in return within a short period of time.

So what is the substance that creates friendship? Certainly, it is a connection, a kinship, beyond any other. There is a genuine joy to see the other person happy, without envy or jealousy. It is delighting in seeing a friend grow, mentally, to blossom into the person they should or want to be. To fulfill their dreams is a like looking into a fractured mirror, and seeing a part of you being grateful. It is to live more than just your own life, but to live and enjoy through the eyes of friends and substantially increase the joy for everyone.

And of course, it is being there for someone when asked, and particularly when not asked. To be a friend, is to know when to lend a hand or a shoulder to cry on. To pick them up gently, and whispering encouragement in their eyes when the road of life seems too rough. To give a friend the strength of mind, the self assurance, to walk on. Over the mountains, if need be.

A friend is a guide through life, who does not know the way any more than you do, but will help you go on anyway.

Spirit in you

Under your skin there's something beckoning
There's something that makes me believe in you
Behind your eyes, that where the sacred lies
You know I need to get through

Oh here I go again
Through the undergrowth again
Feel the earth move, the planets spin
But I can't get through

It's the spirit in you
It's the spirit in you
It's the spirit in you
That I want to find

I've seen your face, the one your mother made
Now let me see what makes your really move
I know you're scared, I know it's tender there
Just let me closer, let me get through

Oh here I go again
Through the undergrowth again
Feel the earth move, the planets spin
But I can't get through

It's the spirit in you
It's the spirit in you
It's the spirit in you
That I want to find

And when you make me feel
When you make me bleed
My lucky stars fall down on me
You know I need to know you
I need to see
I need to take a hold of what's underneath
So close your eyes, unlock your mind
Throw off the fear, and let us fly

Oh here I go again
Through the undergrowth again
Feel the earth move, the planets spin
But I can't get through

It's the spirit in you
It's the spirit in you
It's the spirit in you
That I want to find

~ Spirit in you, by Heather Nova
from the album "Glowstars"

Monday 6 September 2010

Monday 2 August 2010

Moment of fear

Today I had a rare moment of fear. Pure, instinctual fear.

Near the Dragon's lair, there is an open plain with beautiful flowers and wild birds and other animals. Including untamed horses.

Making my way around the path through the large plain where the nearly two dozen horses peacefully grazed, I gently made most of them slowly turn away from me. They are not fearful of me, but with the ponies they flanked, caution was their game.

Except for a particularly large stallion.

Now, in spite of what you may believe, the Dragon is not such a big creature. I stand just above the height of the average man. And I have no idea how this horse would react to me coming closer.

In fact, it didn't react. It just kept on grazing, right on the path I was trying to follow. It stubbornly turned its back on me, telling me it was in charge, and it did not fear me one bit.

When approaching slowly didn't work, I decided to go around it. It was only a few meters through the tall grass, after all.

This caught the large horse's attention. While completely in the tall grass, realizing all too well that it would be pretty much impossible to run away in this mess, the stallion decided to approach me instead.

I was scared. My heart beat loudly as I moved quicker, while still trying to appear calm.

Five meters away it was... four... three... was it two meters, those last moments? I honestly can't tell.

At last, I reached the path again, and the stallion ceased its approach. I was relieved, but didn't wait to walk the rest of the way home.

In hindsight, I suspect that the horse was just being curious and would not have come that close before being scared away. But with a large group of animals behind it (that's a lot of horsepower), I didn't want to scare it away, lest the whole herd would run this way and that -- that would have been much more dangerous indeed.

It was a moment in which my respect for nature grew. There was honest fear, but it was not a choking terror. It was an honest fear of a creature far larger and stronger than myself. In nature, that often is all the benefit you need -- and being alone, I did not have much of a benefit.

It was a rush, and I can't wait to go back tomorrow.

Monday 19 July 2010

Trailers

Do watch the movie "Unthinkable" (trailer below). It's great.


Oh, and those next ones I really want to see...






Tuesday 13 July 2010

Chained

Recently, I have had a conversation in which the topic of bondage came up.

Yes, I know. The Dragon has far more interesting conversations than you do. You need to get out more and meet people. People that want to talk about bondage with you. And perhaps even show you what it's all about.

I am not certain how I feel about bondage. Sure, like most people I have tried it somewhat, but only halfheartedly during puberty. What boy did not tie up his childhood sweetheart to the posts of his bed, with the sole intention of exploring her naked body without her hands keeping him away? Ah, to be young and not so innocent...

No, I do not mean that softcore bondage thing. I mean the real deal, getting chained to a tree on a deserted cemetary in the middle of a dark night, with only the sounds of crickets chirping, the clinking of the chains, and the breathing of you and your partner, to feel her hands on your naked stomach and her lips around your.. finger. That feeling of being helpless and putting your trust in that mysterious woman before you and her word that her dad the policeman won't be back in an hour.

I can imagine it, sure, but I cannot claim to have experienced it. And in all honesty, I'm not entirely sure if I would want to. Not without a girl I could and would trust completely, at least.

But then again, by imagining it, do I not experience it? I can even make it better or more exciting in my head. I can imagine the whole world watching as I am bound and naked while three girls (one blonde, one brunette and one redhead) kiss all my body parts and tickle my feet while shouting "spank us, master Dragon!" Yeah... in my head it would be so much better.

Interested? Send your nudie pictures to dragonwantsyou@yahoo.com and you might be allowed to do a private performance in my mind!

Friday 9 July 2010

Dragon Soul Shared

Every now and again, visitors make their way here. Some wanted, some unwanted, most uninvited. Some stay for a while or even make a return visit, while others shrug and leave, never to visit again.

So be it.

This time I have invited someone. A girl. As you read this, she is probably going through the whole blog, visiting every place of my lair, discovering all the hidden chambers, peeking into the Dragon's very soul.
Of course she is not the first girl to visit the realm of the Dragon, and hopefully she will not be the last. But I am surprised to find that I enjoy the idea of her discovering things about me that virtually nobody knows.

That is not to say that this blog has all my 'secrets' revealed and exposed. But in a roundabout sort of way, a lot of it is.

Why, I wonder, does it feel so good to share one's all with another person? Is it a feeling of loneliness, or insecurity, or recognition? A little bit of those, I imagine, but there seems to be something else, something more, something deeper.

Couples are sometimes refered to as being 'one', and partners are called one's 'other half'. Perhaps it is a feeling of being incomplete without sharing everything with someone else? I don't know.

It doesn't feel like I am incomplete at the moment. And on a rational level it doesn't make any sense to share everything with another person (not to mention rather boring, eventually), but my emotions seem not so clear.

Alright, enough sharing of mine. Tell me about you and your secrets. Yes, especially those bedroom secrets...

Wednesday 7 July 2010

Monday 5 July 2010

There be rules

Welcome back to the Dragon's lair. A treasure trove of twisted world views and dirty thoughts.

Beware the Dragon, who guards the ladies with tooth and claw from any knights in shiny armor. You can take the remaining pieces of those knights, though. If you can carry them.

The harem rooms are forbidden. Except if you're a delicious female wearing little more than pieces of string, obviously. Do bring your girlfriends.

Drinks can be found in the basement. Serve yourselves. Boys, you should try the green bottle with the big skull on the side. Girls, you should try the red bottle with lots of alcohol en sweetness. Kids, you should be home in bed.

The wardrobe is just down the hall. Again, this part is forbidden for male visitors. Any male visitor that accidently stumbles into rooms he's not supposed to go, will be punched, burned, fined, and thrown out -- not necessarily in that order.

Forbidden for cameras. Except for the ones owned by the Dragon, of course.

If -- when -- you hear screams, either screams of agony or screams of passion, you should:
- run back to the Dragon's bed if you're a woman;
- run away if you're not a woman;
- run into a wall if you're stupid;
- back away from the Dragon's bed if you're a guy.

These are the rules of the Dragon's lair. If you do not follow these rules, your continuing sanity and the non-burning of your eyes cannot be garanteed. And the women will smack you on the head.

So, do come in and have a drink.

Tuesday 15 June 2010

Roleplaying

Yes, roleplaying.

Not the one with sex (although I'm pretty sure the limits are somewhat unclear, probably deliberately so). The one with actually playing the role of an otherwise nonexistant person.

What about this roleplaying, dear Dragon?

Well, it's fun. You should try it.

How, then, can you try this roleplaying business?

If you are a guy, find other guys that will probably like this. If you are an attractive girl, contact the Dragon for some fun.

In the latter case, fondness of dragons and an open mind are required. Clothing is optional.

Sunday 13 June 2010

Classics





Saturday 12 June 2010

Age is more than a number, apparently

Ah well. At least we've had fun on our date, yesterday.

What happened, you ask? I took her out to dinner and had a few drinks afterwards. I was thinking about going to the cinema, but it turned out she doesn't like movies much.

It was a pleasant evening. We had fun and we had somewhat serious conversation. But I just couldn't figure out what she was thinking; she was giving such ambivalent and unclear signs. Eventually I found out she "doesn't know" how she felt -- not the "I say I don't know but I really mean no" thing, but actually not knowing.

I do like her (and she knows). But the age thing is a bigger obstacle than I first imagined.

She's 18. I'm 27.

Now, I believe that this doesn't have to be a problem. But in this case, I think it is. Don't think me rude if I say this, but I feel she's still halfway into puberty. Which is fine (puberty is where most people find their identity) but doesn't exactly make for a stable relationship with a guy who's (for the most part) out of puberty for nearly a decade.

I think I'm going to go for friendship on this one. She's a nice girl and our conversation went so much smoother without the pressure.

Darn, I'll just have to keep looking for another cute girl. I hope The Powers That Be read this blog still.

Thursday 10 June 2010

A strange concept


My fellow blogger Chelsea raised the old "who am I" question on her blog (link).

It is a strange thing to ponder, this concept of 'me'. How does one define it? What makes one person different from another?

There is a part in a child's development where it learns that there is a difference between it and other people. It's fairly easy (and safe) to test with toddlers: Hide some object, let someone leave the room, hide the object somewhere else, let the person return, and ask where the person will start looking for the object. If the toddler points to the new hiding place, it has not grasped the concept of 'me versus you' (and therefore having a different knowledge of where to look for said object) yet. Most animals never get past this stage, although more do than you might think.

'Me' must be different from other people and from the world. Wherein lies that difference? What makes me 'me'?

Curiously, a person's character is not as consistent as is often thought. How one behaves or reacts changes, and it changes a lot. In fact, instead of thinking of ourselves as, for example, "being someone who enjoys cooking" does not make us cook more often, but rather it is the other way around. If someone cooks often, the mind makes up this idea that, apparently, they "are someone who enjoys cooking" (otherwise, why would they keep doing that?).

Confused yet?

Many scholars are now of the opinion that there is not, in fact, such a thing as 'free will'. What we perceive to be our own free will is, supposedly, merely a collection of genetics and experience that makes us act in one way or another.

If such a thing is true, can there truly be such a thing as 'me'?

I don't know; I don't have any answers. I just like the questions. (Or rather, I ask the questions a lot and therefore I think I like them.)

Perhaps there is no answer to this question. And perhaps there is no 'you' to ask it. But that makes this strange place called life an even more complicated, magical and wonderful thing.

Wednesday 9 June 2010

Monday 7 June 2010

A Dragon Tamed?

Alright, it appears The Powers That Be have heard or read my rant, earlier this week. The one about not having a girl I like fall in love with me.

It appears fate has send a very cute girl my way. And, miracles do happen, it seems she's into me, too. I haven't been this happy in years. I hardly remembered the feeling of butterflies, but I certainly remember now.

Alright, I might be getting ahead of myself. I've only met her once. And neither she or I have expressed our interest verbally, but some things are wordless.

Which brings me to my favorite part so far... We've got a date.

Yes, a date; that very American concept. I want to get to know her better; hell, I want to know everything about her! This dragon's maiden; this eagle girl. Cute and sweet and smart.

I know, I know. I could go on forever, but I'm sure it wouldn't be very interesting to you, dear reader. So let me just say... upsydaisy.

Why did I say that? I don't know. Don't blame me; I'm in love. :)

Saturday 5 June 2010

Nocturnal disturbances

Darkness falls across the land. The midnight hour is close at hand...

Alright, perhaps I've heard Thriller too many times, or read too many vampire novels. But I truly enjoy the night time. The quiet streets, the darkness draped like velvet across the landscape, the full moon a single watchful eye, the hushed movements of nocturnal animals... Night is a magical place.

It is therefore sad to notice that in a lot of places, this magical scene is disturbed. Bright artificial lights, noisy cars and loud music crash through the fragile darkness. Soon 'night' will be, for many people, just another time of day; no different from it's suntouched counterpart.

Will this be a bad thing, you ask? I believe it will, yes.

Even besides the fact that many animals that live at night will flee or die, and that people need some time and place to rest, the thing I consider to be worst, is the loss of magic, of mystery.

There is not enough magic in the world as it is.

Night is the most magical moment of any day. The expressions "things that go bump in the night" and "witching hour" are testimony that many mystique creatures awake and events happen between dusk and dawn. Full moon attracts werewolves, while vampires generally only come out when the sun can't find them. The darkness is equated with secrecy and danger.

Even if the danger are only creations of the mind, there is magic in the time of night. Reason, blessed though it is, rids the world of too many miracles already.

Let this dark mystery survive the age of reason and light.

Before time, before the light, there was darkness... and thus will it end.

Thursday 3 June 2010

Oops I did it again

Crap. I think I made this girl fall in love with me.

Don't get me wrong; I am pleased to know that I am, apparently, attractive in some way to a person of the opposite sex and of about the same age. That I am not cursed to stay alone for the rest of my lonely life, or something melodramatic like that.

No, I am not displeased to know that a girl has a crush on me. What I am displeased about, is that it is her. Not any of the ones I have some sort of interest in.

Some advice here, some good conversation, some innocent digital flirting (well, I thought it was innocent) and there she goes, head over heels. Declaring her love to some faunt she hardly knows.

Not that she is unkind or unpretty or even unfriendly. I like having her as a friend. But there is just none of the sweet fluffy love stuff, on my side of the story. Her jigsaw piece doesn't fit mine that way.

And no, I'm not a onenight guy. Yes, you were going to ask.

Friday 21 May 2010

Drama queens









Monday 19 April 2010

Na'vi sex?

Thursday 15 April 2010

Tuesday 6 April 2010

Tuesday 30 March 2010

Number two

Tuesday 23 March 2010

Friday 19 March 2010

Book review: Dynasty of Evil

For a while, this book has been catching my eye and my interest while lying there on the shelf of the local bookstore. Almost as if calling out to me, whispering "buy me, read me, want me". Perhaps it was the Force.

Yes, I read the new Darth Bane book -- last part of the trilogy, if the author is to be believed. It's called Dynasty of Evil, and that is indeed what the story is about.

First off, allow me to state that I like the cover art way better than the computer-generated cover from the last book. Someone has been paying attention, in the right kind of way.

Probably all who read this book, have read the other two. It is not absolutely necessary, but it makes more sense that way. A lot of (sub)plots originated in the first book and I must say, I am impressed with the way the story is both complicated and logical after the events that happened before. Without telling too much, the healer Caleb from the first two books had a daughter, and once she discovers Bane to still be alive, she wants revenge for her father's death.

Fortunately, Karpyshyn knows better than to introduce far too many characters, only to keep them alive because he can't bear to see them go. People die in this book, and quite a lot of them. It's a book about the Sith, after all, and not only do they not care for other people's lives, they're also trying to kill each other.

Basically, Bane thinks his apprentice Zannah isn't suitable to be his successor and seeks to find a way to replace her. Zannah on the other hand, is about to stake her claim and challenge her master. This simple concept becomes much more when others try to take advantage of the situation -- among them, Caleb's daughter.

I'm impressed by the way Karpyshyn has grown as a writer. His stories have been pretty good throughout, but he really outdid himself on this one. The only downside is that he doesn't seem to have the same flair with words and languages that other writers possess. This makes for an exciting read, but not enough so to re-read it countless times.

All things consider, I definitely recommend reading this book -- once. See if your local library has a copy.

Monday 15 March 2010

Yo mamma

Wednesday 10 March 2010

Warning!

This is not another drill.

These are the droids you're looking for.

Imperial
stormtroopers are not that precise.

You do want to sell me deathsticks.

That's not a moon.

She would not do her duty. (She would do you.)

Do not touch the glowy part.

It is a trap.

She's your sister.

You want to go home
and rethink your life. (Turn to the dark side, dude.)

Sunday 28 February 2010

Pictures

From playing around with my aforementioned new camera.




Tuesday 9 February 2010

New camera, I have

So beware my picture blogs in the near future. Once I figure out how the darn thing works.
And yes, it's green. Blends in with the surroundings, I say. :)

Tuesday 2 February 2010

Voice over

It is well-known that we tend to take many things for granted. Love, friendship, health, shelter, food; the list can go on forever.

These last days, I discovered another one. My voice.

For several days I have been ill (a common cold) that had the odd side-effect of rendering my voice nearly useless. The best thing that got out of my mouth was a whisper or a squeak. No, it wasn't pretty.

I found I relied heavily on communication devices that don't require my voice to tell people of my condition -- text messaging, e-mail. I can't tell you how many times I thought, "hey, I wanna call [insert random name here]", only to realize that I couldn't.

Frustrating? Sometimes. But it did make me realize how big a role one's voice plays in most social interaction (and work-related communication, too). Something I have never before been so aware of.

Weird how such a small thing, like being ill, can turn your world upside-down for a while and make you appreciate what you have. I truly am grateful to have my voice back. Even if I am not always content with its tone or timbre, at least I have a voice. Some people don't.

In celebration of having a voice, make yours heard. Scream with me! On the count of three: one... two... three... scream!

...

You didn't scream, did you?

What you're feeling now is a self-consciousness about your voice similar to the one I experienced.

Learn from it.

Why? Because I say so, dammit.

Saturday 30 January 2010

Cup full of cuteness

What is it about young furry animals that makes us go "oooh, that's so sweet"?

I mean, sure there is scientific research that explains why small creatures with big eyes draw out our protective side since it triggers our parental feelings, but why the hell does that go across-species?

Granted, I am a big sucker for young cats, but at the same time I wonder why. They do not fit into the human need to control them like dogs do ("sit", "down" and such things don't work on cats). Like someone once said, you don't train cats, cats train you.

Nevertheless, I found this remarkable picture of two cats in mugs. It raises interesting questions. If cats don't do as you say, does that mean the cats climbed into the mugs themselves? Did the photographer find them there in the morning when preparing for breakfast, and after laughing his butt off, ran to fetch his camera to capture this unique moment?

Or did he just think it would be cute to put two kittens in animal-themed cups? Somehow I expect the latter. Which contradicts the whole "you can't tell cats what to do" thing.

But then again, the kittens are obviously young. Perhaps they have not grown into their devious and dominating nature yet. Just wait until they're older, chap. They'll make you pay by "suggesting" you sit in a cup.

You're in for a world of trouble, mister photographer.

Monday 25 January 2010

Avatar is nothing like Pocahontas at all

-- !! Spoiler alert !! --
(click on it for a bigger picture)




...in spite of this, Avatar is a friggin' awesome movie. Go watch it -- in 3D. Seriously.

Monday 18 January 2010

Celebrations

Happy birthday ESB! from IG-88

"There will be a substantial reward for the one who finds the Millenium Falcon." Darth Vader's mechanically-enhanced voice went over the details of the bounty hunters' assignment again. The specifics had been handed to each bounty hunter earlier, in the form of an Empirial datapad.

"You are free to use any methods necessary, but I want them alive. No disintegrations." IG-88 knew that such a condition made the chances of successfully complying significantly smaller, but that is what the job required. And he was planning on seeing it through.

He studied his colleagues and employers. The bounty hunters he knew by name and reputation; some of them had worked together with IG-88 on previous jobs. The Empire had invited only the best. Still, he thought it was remarkable that only two droids were even remotely successful as a bounty hunter. For now, at least.

IG-88 knew of Lord Vader, of course. The black-clad enforcer was infamous throughout the galaxy as the one who brought the Emperor's enemies to justice -- which of course meant they were executed without a fair trial. The dark Jedi's efficient methods appealed to IG-88, but then Lord Vader was part machine. It was something of a connection.

The droid wondered if he could push some buttons on Darth Vader's suit, and what would happen. Even though he knew it could be done, IG-88 didn't want to risk the anger of the other bounty hunters. After all, it was his cover.

IG-88, or rather, IG-88B, acted as a bounty hunter -- a very good bounty hunter -- to provide his three counterparts the time and distraction to plan the Droid Revolution. That meant IG-88B had to keep his cover up for the time being, and contact IG-88A, IG-88C and IG-88D only when information had to be exchanged.

How things will change when the Revolution comes. They will dance to our music, he thought. IG-88 would do a sample of Evil Laughter if it had been in his programming.

A tumult occured on the bridge of the Cruiser. A small freighter, probably a smuggler, flew by the viewport so closely it made the crewmen jump. IG-88's acute hearing picked up his colleague's amused words, whispering so the Dark Lord wouldn't hear it. "There; I found the Millenium Falcon. Now where's my credits?"

Somehow IG-88 felt like he had been through this before. Organics would call the sensation "deja-vu", but to the droid it was something his sensors did not register and therefore it was considered untrue.

What did get his attention, though, was a picture on a viewscreen of one of the crew. It was shaped like a moon, but half of it was simply missing. IG-88 realized he was looking at the construction plans of a Death Star. A different one from the giant space station that was destroyed, a few standard months ago.

A new Death Star? That would provide IG-88A with the possibility of gaining control of such a destructive machine. It would be a great step forward in their plans for the Revolution.

IG-88 started doing his Happy Dance. This was something no organic had expected, and it created panic. His bounty hunter colleagues merely watched in fascination, while the crew assumed the droid to be preparing for mass murder -- at the very least -- and hurried away from him.

Seizing the opportunity, IG-88 sliced into the nearest computer terminal and uploaded one of his latest pieces of programming. He watched it spread to all the droids within the Star Destroyer, and within seconds, the protocol droid on the bridge starting singing.

"Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you..."

Soon, the computers chimed in with a wordless tune. The emergency intercom voice sang the same birthday song as the droid, and every crewmember fell silent.

Lord Vader laughed his butt off.

Quickly, IG-88 moved to his ship. Screw that mission, he thought. Today is time for a party.

"Happy birthday to me," he sang. "Happy birthday to ESB..."


***

This fanfic is brought to you in celebration of Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back. Click the link below for more celebrations with IG-88.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vE6l7WdBOs

Monday 11 January 2010

What I love about winter nights...


...is the silence.

Wonderful, blissful silence.

Hush now, and enjoy the moment. Watch the snow fall. Wind blowing gently. Branches sweeping. An occasional passer-by with a dog.

Winter as it's meant to be.

Saturday 2 January 2010

Happy new year, everybody


Let this one be the one that will live on in your memories for the rest of your life. Or just a fun one. Don't worry, be happy; that kind of thing. Anyhoo, enjoy 2010.