Title: Dark Tales of Randamor the Recluse - Book I: The Invisible Chains
Format: Novel - Original characters
Length: Chapter: 9 296 words - Total: 356 285 words (June 23th, 2010)
Status: WIP
Rating: NC-17 - M - M/M Slash
Warnings: Violence, incest, rape, non-con, domination may all occur in varying degrees
Chapter 44: Unforgivable
Guess who (there's more than one) got captured?
Murno Tollbir meets Lorcko at the beach and has a conversation with Anaxantis. Rahendo and Obyann receive letters and packages. Lee-Lack Scarminckle has made a prisoner, but an encounter with the Mukthar prince Shigurtish leaves the robber chief worried about the future. Pages and Mukthars have a drink in The Cranky Goat and little Shermy steps on some toes. Storm over Lorseth means Obyann has to lock the door of his room. Another prisoner. This one is interrogated by Anaxantis. Later the dungeon master tells him the story of prince Pie, his distant predecessor as Lord Governor of the Northern Marches. The story is rather unsettling and plants a bitter seed.
Link: Ximerion
2010-06-24
Dark Tales ★ Book I: The Invisible Chains ★ Review
First of all, I'm enchanted with the level of detail that went into this story. I'm one of those compulsive readers whose mind cannot stop pointing out plot holes and logic trappings while reading any story, to the point that I get fed up and give up on more than my fair share of books. Your story however was deliciously complete and well-written, to the point that I simply curled my toes at a good deal of the intrigue and attention to details that went into it.
That said, I will admit that, like many others, after a certain point I had trouble following every single character, so I chose a few as my favorites and thoroughly enjoyed following their progression. Obyann (wow, that name never fails to give me a Star Wars flashback smilies/tongue.gif) and his barrack mates rank on the top right now, hehe. I love Obyann's character, his simple kind heart and brusque-gentle way of dealing with things. He's pragmatic and down to earth and a really nice person when it all comes down to it, so naturally I adore him to bits. Plus the clotheless kids he's stranded with never fail to crack me up, hehe.
Lorcko has also become a fairly interesting character lately. I will admit I had very little interest for him at first. I generally despise characters that like to depend on their good looks etc, but he's shown he has character and back bone beyond his appearance (it usually takes a very strong personality core to overcome an ugly experience and social exile all at once), so his story pulled me right in. It seems like he might be going back to a bit of his old games though, what with adapting the Mukthar mannerisms and appearance. But I suppose that is what makes him Lorcko. I guess that attention to appearances and being in the center of attention seems to be ingrained into his way of thinking, so naturally the first thing he'd do when integrated into a new social group is to 'look' as good by their standards as possible. (so my little inner logic monster is very satisfied with how this is progressing)
Timishi, him, well I guess you could say court is still in session regarding that little enigma. I keep getting the feeling there's still a lot we don't know about him that will play an important role later on. He seems like an honorable man, well, always tied in with his Mukthar background, but I keep getting the feeling we're still waiting for the other shoe to drop. Anaxantis may also have guessed something similar, because I find strange the number of liberties he's granting the Mukthars in his camp. Strategically speaking, he's certainly volunteering more information than he's getting back (they're probable aware of his entire army's composition and maneuverability by now). Although I will grant that he got valuable information back in the beginning. Still, having Timishi and the other Mukthars know so much about his plans does pose a certain risk. So I'm still waiting to see what more you're planning to spring up on us on that front. XD
Hemarchidas, I have grown to despise a bit. He's still in character (that never changes for anyone in your story), it's just that as the story progresses his character is revealed as one with little to no moral inhibitions when it comes to the people he considers his friends. He doesn't sweat a bit at murdering a defenseless man, so long as that may save Anaxantis a difficult decision, even if Anaxantis himself is responsible for that decision. It's the same reason why I never really liked Anaxantis' mother either, I suppose, even if she's a very fine example of a capable and dynamic female character, which I usually adore in stories like this. No regrets, no hesitation, merely deciding "who's on their side and who's not", and let the blood of innocents flow for those poor folks who didn't get the lucky draw.
Which brings me to the root of this story, Anaxantis and Ehandar. These two were the reason I began reading and even remotely became interested in the rest of the characters. Now, I will admit that I was an absolutely devoted fan of Anaxantis at first. He was the outsider, the runt that managed to grab his rightful position through cunning and will and sheer single-mindedness alone. The fact that his mettle is better than your average person shows through everything he does.
However (and yes, you can hear a very big "but" in here), he has unfortunately lost my initial adoration and his value in my eyes. Let me see if I can explain this right.
Ehandar, as it was apparent from the beginning, is obviously the weaker of the two. He doesn't have the astute mind for strategy that Anaxantis does, nor his ability to plan ahead and, more especially, the iron will that would grant him the ability to withstand difficult situations. However, unlikely as it seems, it has been proven that he has the bigger heart. And how ironic is that? Yes, he began by committing an atrocious deed against his brother. But that happened when he was drunk, at a particularly low point in his life and he regretted it the very next morning. That was in fact the turning point in their relationship. Anaxantis' situation and position improved not by something that Anaxantis himself did, but because Ehandar regretted his actions and began to treat him better, not to mention fall in love with him. It's important to keep that in mind.
Anaxantis on the other hand, despite proclaiming that he was in love with Ehandar from the very beginning, unfortunately never stopped planning Ehandar's demise. I will admit I was severely disappointed when I first discovered what Anaxantis had planned for Ehandar. I had honestly hoped he would have forgiven him after Ehandar's profound change of heart. And while up to a certain point, I could somewhat excuse it on the grounds of the severity of Ehandar's initial actions, Anaxantis has now gone way, waaaaaay beyond anything Ehandar might have done. Which means that he has unfortunately dropped below even Ehandar's initial low standing in my eyes by now. Ehandar treated him badly at first, but at least even he had allowed him a small measure of self and self-esteem. Anaxantis has ripped everything away from poor Ehandar, he's gone way farther from Ehandar ever did, and what's more, he did it while wielding the cruelest possible weapon, Ehandar's own love. What's worse? Ehandar gave it up willingly because he loves Anaxantis, while Anaxantis, who's also supposed to be in love with Ehandar, can't stop himself from taking more and more. How am I supposed to sympathize with Anaxantis then, when all I see is Ehandar sacrificing bits of himself on the temple of his love for Anaxantis, and Anaxantis ungratefully stepping all over those little sacrifices and asking for more?
On the matter of Ehandar's test, unlike others I got the impression that Anaxantis is in fact looking for the emergence of the 'beast' in Ehandar. But if that is the case, then how come Ehandar failed? I will admit I was a little confused there, or probably missed something. Or maybe Anaxantis is waiting for Ehandar to prove to him that he's 'worthy' of bringing back together, by behaving as Anaxantis would have in his case. However, they are different people, and I would be even more disappointed of that was the excuse Anaxantis is using right now.
All in all, I would have to say that I would be more upset is something bad happened to Ehandar/Tarno than to Anaxantis right now, hehe. Still, I somehow feel that simply separating those two would leave too many gaps still empty and I would certainly feel unfulfilled. So I'm waiting with bated breath and I fairly cheer whenever I discover a passage about those two. I would like to see their relationship straightened out and fixed and both of them stepping on more even ground. Perhaps if Ehandar got away but still returned to help Anaxantis, only this time standing on his own two feet? But that would still leave Anaxantis as the lesser man in my eyes. I don't know, and that's the single best part of this story that keeps me hooked and coming back for more.
Hestia
You can find it here: Ximerion
That said, I will admit that, like many others, after a certain point I had trouble following every single character, so I chose a few as my favorites and thoroughly enjoyed following their progression. Obyann (wow, that name never fails to give me a Star Wars flashback smilies/tongue.gif) and his barrack mates rank on the top right now, hehe. I love Obyann's character, his simple kind heart and brusque-gentle way of dealing with things. He's pragmatic and down to earth and a really nice person when it all comes down to it, so naturally I adore him to bits. Plus the clotheless kids he's stranded with never fail to crack me up, hehe.
Lorcko has also become a fairly interesting character lately. I will admit I had very little interest for him at first. I generally despise characters that like to depend on their good looks etc, but he's shown he has character and back bone beyond his appearance (it usually takes a very strong personality core to overcome an ugly experience and social exile all at once), so his story pulled me right in. It seems like he might be going back to a bit of his old games though, what with adapting the Mukthar mannerisms and appearance. But I suppose that is what makes him Lorcko. I guess that attention to appearances and being in the center of attention seems to be ingrained into his way of thinking, so naturally the first thing he'd do when integrated into a new social group is to 'look' as good by their standards as possible. (so my little inner logic monster is very satisfied with how this is progressing)
Timishi, him, well I guess you could say court is still in session regarding that little enigma. I keep getting the feeling there's still a lot we don't know about him that will play an important role later on. He seems like an honorable man, well, always tied in with his Mukthar background, but I keep getting the feeling we're still waiting for the other shoe to drop. Anaxantis may also have guessed something similar, because I find strange the number of liberties he's granting the Mukthars in his camp. Strategically speaking, he's certainly volunteering more information than he's getting back (they're probable aware of his entire army's composition and maneuverability by now). Although I will grant that he got valuable information back in the beginning. Still, having Timishi and the other Mukthars know so much about his plans does pose a certain risk. So I'm still waiting to see what more you're planning to spring up on us on that front. XD
Hemarchidas, I have grown to despise a bit. He's still in character (that never changes for anyone in your story), it's just that as the story progresses his character is revealed as one with little to no moral inhibitions when it comes to the people he considers his friends. He doesn't sweat a bit at murdering a defenseless man, so long as that may save Anaxantis a difficult decision, even if Anaxantis himself is responsible for that decision. It's the same reason why I never really liked Anaxantis' mother either, I suppose, even if she's a very fine example of a capable and dynamic female character, which I usually adore in stories like this. No regrets, no hesitation, merely deciding "who's on their side and who's not", and let the blood of innocents flow for those poor folks who didn't get the lucky draw.
Which brings me to the root of this story, Anaxantis and Ehandar. These two were the reason I began reading and even remotely became interested in the rest of the characters. Now, I will admit that I was an absolutely devoted fan of Anaxantis at first. He was the outsider, the runt that managed to grab his rightful position through cunning and will and sheer single-mindedness alone. The fact that his mettle is better than your average person shows through everything he does.
However (and yes, you can hear a very big "but" in here), he has unfortunately lost my initial adoration and his value in my eyes. Let me see if I can explain this right.
Ehandar, as it was apparent from the beginning, is obviously the weaker of the two. He doesn't have the astute mind for strategy that Anaxantis does, nor his ability to plan ahead and, more especially, the iron will that would grant him the ability to withstand difficult situations. However, unlikely as it seems, it has been proven that he has the bigger heart. And how ironic is that? Yes, he began by committing an atrocious deed against his brother. But that happened when he was drunk, at a particularly low point in his life and he regretted it the very next morning. That was in fact the turning point in their relationship. Anaxantis' situation and position improved not by something that Anaxantis himself did, but because Ehandar regretted his actions and began to treat him better, not to mention fall in love with him. It's important to keep that in mind.
Anaxantis on the other hand, despite proclaiming that he was in love with Ehandar from the very beginning, unfortunately never stopped planning Ehandar's demise. I will admit I was severely disappointed when I first discovered what Anaxantis had planned for Ehandar. I had honestly hoped he would have forgiven him after Ehandar's profound change of heart. And while up to a certain point, I could somewhat excuse it on the grounds of the severity of Ehandar's initial actions, Anaxantis has now gone way, waaaaaay beyond anything Ehandar might have done. Which means that he has unfortunately dropped below even Ehandar's initial low standing in my eyes by now. Ehandar treated him badly at first, but at least even he had allowed him a small measure of self and self-esteem. Anaxantis has ripped everything away from poor Ehandar, he's gone way farther from Ehandar ever did, and what's more, he did it while wielding the cruelest possible weapon, Ehandar's own love. What's worse? Ehandar gave it up willingly because he loves Anaxantis, while Anaxantis, who's also supposed to be in love with Ehandar, can't stop himself from taking more and more. How am I supposed to sympathize with Anaxantis then, when all I see is Ehandar sacrificing bits of himself on the temple of his love for Anaxantis, and Anaxantis ungratefully stepping all over those little sacrifices and asking for more?
On the matter of Ehandar's test, unlike others I got the impression that Anaxantis is in fact looking for the emergence of the 'beast' in Ehandar. But if that is the case, then how come Ehandar failed? I will admit I was a little confused there, or probably missed something. Or maybe Anaxantis is waiting for Ehandar to prove to him that he's 'worthy' of bringing back together, by behaving as Anaxantis would have in his case. However, they are different people, and I would be even more disappointed of that was the excuse Anaxantis is using right now.
All in all, I would have to say that I would be more upset is something bad happened to Ehandar/Tarno than to Anaxantis right now, hehe. Still, I somehow feel that simply separating those two would leave too many gaps still empty and I would certainly feel unfulfilled. So I'm waiting with bated breath and I fairly cheer whenever I discover a passage about those two. I would like to see their relationship straightened out and fixed and both of them stepping on more even ground. Perhaps if Ehandar got away but still returned to help Anaxantis, only this time standing on his own two feet? But that would still leave Anaxantis as the lesser man in my eyes. I don't know, and that's the single best part of this story that keeps me hooked and coming back for more.
Hestia
You can find it here: Ximerion
2010-06-21
Dark Tales ★ Book I: The Invisible Chains ★ Chapter 43: Robbers and Rogues
Title: Dark Tales of Randamor the Recluse - Book I: The Invisible Chains
Format: Novel - Original characters
Length: Chapter: 10 004 words - Total: 346 989 words (June 15th, 2010)
Status: WIP
Rating: NC-17 - M - M/M Slash
Warnings: Violence, incest, rape, non-con, domination may all occur in varying degrees
Chapter 43: Robbers and Rogues
Guess who turns out to be the traitor?
Anaxantis gets news from his mother and Tomar solves Iftang's money problems in a very creative way, but with a result he didn't exactly expect. Lee-Lack Scarminckle, the leader of the Mirkadesh Plain Robbers is looking for Anaxantis's sentry posts. Tenaxos comes to a decision about the situation in the Northern Marches. Emelasuntha and Sobrathi finally learn who the traitor is. Rullio tries to investigate what happened to his friend and gets some good news. Anaxantis confronts the traitor. Later he explains to Hemarchidas his theory about Timishi's Mukthars...
Link: Ximerion
Format: Novel - Original characters
Length: Chapter: 10 004 words - Total: 346 989 words (June 15th, 2010)
Status: WIP
Rating: NC-17 - M - M/M Slash
Warnings: Violence, incest, rape, non-con, domination may all occur in varying degrees
Chapter 43: Robbers and Rogues
Guess who turns out to be the traitor?
Anaxantis gets news from his mother and Tomar solves Iftang's money problems in a very creative way, but with a result he didn't exactly expect. Lee-Lack Scarminckle, the leader of the Mirkadesh Plain Robbers is looking for Anaxantis's sentry posts. Tenaxos comes to a decision about the situation in the Northern Marches. Emelasuntha and Sobrathi finally learn who the traitor is. Rullio tries to investigate what happened to his friend and gets some good news. Anaxantis confronts the traitor. Later he explains to Hemarchidas his theory about Timishi's Mukthars...
Link: Ximerion
2010-06-18
Dark Tales ★ Book I: The Invisible Chains ★ Chapter 42: The Ninth Mukthar
Title: Dark Tales of Randamor the Recluse - Book I: The Invisible Chains
Format: Novel - Original characters
Length: Chapter: 9 833 words - Total: 336 985 words (June 6th, 2010)
Status: WIP
Rating: NC-17 - M - M/M Slash
Warnings: Violence, incest, rape, non-con, domination may all occur in varying degrees
Chapter 42: The Ninth Mukthar
Guess who was the main cause for Mukthar dress coming into fashion? Emelasuntha and Sobrathi dig deeper into Anaxantis's inner circle from their hide out at Sermyn's farm. Dtain and his men settle in at their chosen look-out post from where they keep an eye on the Queneq Pass. Anaxantis watches maneuvers of part of his army and prepares for war on a more personal level. His private life keeps disrupting his responsibilities, but Hemarchidas has his back. Emelasuntha and Sobrathi reminisce but are interrupted and forced to flee before the Black Shields. Lorcko settles in with the Mukthars but is still shunned by his peers...
Link: Ximerion
Format: Novel - Original characters
Length: Chapter: 9 833 words - Total: 336 985 words (June 6th, 2010)
Status: WIP
Rating: NC-17 - M - M/M Slash
Warnings: Violence, incest, rape, non-con, domination may all occur in varying degrees
Chapter 42: The Ninth Mukthar
Guess who was the main cause for Mukthar dress coming into fashion? Emelasuntha and Sobrathi dig deeper into Anaxantis's inner circle from their hide out at Sermyn's farm. Dtain and his men settle in at their chosen look-out post from where they keep an eye on the Queneq Pass. Anaxantis watches maneuvers of part of his army and prepares for war on a more personal level. His private life keeps disrupting his responsibilities, but Hemarchidas has his back. Emelasuntha and Sobrathi reminisce but are interrupted and forced to flee before the Black Shields. Lorcko settles in with the Mukthars but is still shunned by his peers...
Link: Ximerion
2010-06-17
Dark Tales ★ Book I: The Invisible Chains ★ Chapter 41: Master
Title: Dark Tales of Randamor the Recluse - Book I: The Invisible Chains
Format: Novel - Original characters
Length: Chapter: 9 191 words - Total: 327 152 words (May 30th, 2010)
Status: WIP
Rating: NC-17 - M - M/M Slash
Warnings: Violence, incest, rape, non-con, domination may all occur in varying degrees
Chapter 41: Master
Lorcko of Iramid is in trouble, deep trouble. Could help come from one of the hidden observers? And what is he to do if he manages to escape? Obyann gives his expert opinion about something... he's not really an expert in. An old acquaintance turns up and gives Tarno some ideas. Anaxantis takes a decision which possibly could have very dangerous results for someone...
Link: Ximerion
Format: Novel - Original characters
Length: Chapter: 9 191 words - Total: 327 152 words (May 30th, 2010)
Status: WIP
Rating: NC-17 - M - M/M Slash
Warnings: Violence, incest, rape, non-con, domination may all occur in varying degrees
Chapter 41: Master
Lorcko of Iramid is in trouble, deep trouble. Could help come from one of the hidden observers? And what is he to do if he manages to escape? Obyann gives his expert opinion about something... he's not really an expert in. An old acquaintance turns up and gives Tarno some ideas. Anaxantis takes a decision which possibly could have very dangerous results for someone...
Link: Ximerion
2010-06-16
Dark Tales ★ Book I: The Invisible Chains ★ Chapter 40: Between Wolves and Vultures
Title: Dark Tales of Randamor the Recluse - Book I: The Invisible Chains
Format: Novel - Original characters
Length: Chapter: 6 718 words - Total: 317 961 words (May 21st, 2010)
Status: WIP
Rating: NC-17 - M - M/M Slash
Warnings: Violence, incest, rape, non-con, domination may all occur in varying degrees
Chapter 40: Between Wolves and Vultures
Lorcko's fate in the mravinshinohr is rather predictable. Timishi's reaction is maybe less so. A drunken Sobrathi relates her findings in her investigation into the Cheridonians, looking for the traitor in Anaxantis's inner circle. Ambrick can't get Lorcko out of his head and slowly a plan forms in his sick mind to rid himself of his obsession. He manages to convince his friends to take action ...
Link: Ximerion
Format: Novel - Original characters
Length: Chapter: 6 718 words - Total: 317 961 words (May 21st, 2010)
Status: WIP
Rating: NC-17 - M - M/M Slash
Warnings: Violence, incest, rape, non-con, domination may all occur in varying degrees
Chapter 40: Between Wolves and Vultures
Lorcko's fate in the mravinshinohr is rather predictable. Timishi's reaction is maybe less so. A drunken Sobrathi relates her findings in her investigation into the Cheridonians, looking for the traitor in Anaxantis's inner circle. Ambrick can't get Lorcko out of his head and slowly a plan forms in his sick mind to rid himself of his obsession. He manages to convince his friends to take action ...
Link: Ximerion
2010-06-15
Dark Tales ★ Book I: The Invisible Chains ★ Chapter 39: Half the Battle
Title: Dark Tales of Randamor the Recluse - Book I: The Invisible Chains
Format: Novel - Original characters
Length: Chapter: 8 899 words - Total: 311 243 words (May 14th, 2010)
Status: WIP
Rating: NC-17 - M - M/M Slash
Warnings: Violence, incest, rape, non-con, domination may all occur in varying degrees
Chapter 39: Half the Battle
Some, at first sight rather strange, preparations for the coming war are made. Rullio of Brenx has made a new conquest and roams Lorseth Market, looking for clues as to what happened to his friend. Anaxantis and friends look at the state of the army and one of them has an epiphany, which triggers other discoveries. Sentries are sent out into the Renuvian Plains. Lorcko of Iramid is suffering under the consequences of the cruel treatment he received at the hands of Ambrick. His father feels the brunt of his frustration. Timishi makes a move and so does Lorcko...
Link: Ximerion
Format: Novel - Original characters
Length: Chapter: 8 899 words - Total: 311 243 words (May 14th, 2010)
Status: WIP
Rating: NC-17 - M - M/M Slash
Warnings: Violence, incest, rape, non-con, domination may all occur in varying degrees
Chapter 39: Half the Battle
Some, at first sight rather strange, preparations for the coming war are made. Rullio of Brenx has made a new conquest and roams Lorseth Market, looking for clues as to what happened to his friend. Anaxantis and friends look at the state of the army and one of them has an epiphany, which triggers other discoveries. Sentries are sent out into the Renuvian Plains. Lorcko of Iramid is suffering under the consequences of the cruel treatment he received at the hands of Ambrick. His father feels the brunt of his frustration. Timishi makes a move and so does Lorcko...
Link: Ximerion
2010-06-14
Title: Dark Tales of Randamor the Recluse - Book I: The Invisible Chains
Format: Novel - Original characters
Length: Chapter: 9 191 words - Total: 302 344 words (April 26th, 2010)
Status: WIP
Rating: NC-17 - M - M/M Slash
Warnings: Violence, incest, rape, non-con, domination may all occur in varying degrees
Chapter 38: The Price Of Regret
Anaxantis, Timishi, Rodomesh and a few others are trying to deal with the consequences of what happened the previous evening. The Mukthar prince is not pleased with his friend's behavior at the banquet and demands he makes amends. Anaxantis learns something new about the strange customs of the Mukthars. A random incident causes a breakdown. The relationship of Lorcko and Ambrick reaches an unexpected new stage...
Link: Ximerion
Format: Novel - Original characters
Length: Chapter: 9 191 words - Total: 302 344 words (April 26th, 2010)
Status: WIP
Rating: NC-17 - M - M/M Slash
Warnings: Violence, incest, rape, non-con, domination may all occur in varying degrees
Chapter 38: The Price Of Regret
Anaxantis, Timishi, Rodomesh and a few others are trying to deal with the consequences of what happened the previous evening. The Mukthar prince is not pleased with his friend's behavior at the banquet and demands he makes amends. Anaxantis learns something new about the strange customs of the Mukthars. A random incident causes a breakdown. The relationship of Lorcko and Ambrick reaches an unexpected new stage...
Link: Ximerion
2010-06-13
Title: Dark Tales of Randamor the Recluse - Book I: The Invisible Chains
Format: Novel - Original characters
Length: Chapter: 11 299 words - Total: 293 153 words (April 5th, 2010)
Status: WIP
Rating: NC-17 - M - M/M Slash
Warnings: Violence, incest, rape, non-con, domination may all occur in varying degrees
Chapter 37: The Love Fight
The Mukthars manage to blend in at their new residence, although not everyone seems to be happy with their presence. Anaxantis decides to give a banquet in honor of his guests. Obyann rewrites history and mends some pants. At the banquet general Iramid behaves not exactly in a diplomatic way, and Rodomesh makes liberal use of the wine. Not all for his own use though. Anaxantis gets challenged by Timishi to a Mukthar game, and feeling good and on top of the world, he accepts...
Link: Ximerion
Format: Novel - Original characters
Length: Chapter: 11 299 words - Total: 293 153 words (April 5th, 2010)
Status: WIP
Rating: NC-17 - M - M/M Slash
Warnings: Violence, incest, rape, non-con, domination may all occur in varying degrees
Chapter 37: The Love Fight
The Mukthars manage to blend in at their new residence, although not everyone seems to be happy with their presence. Anaxantis decides to give a banquet in honor of his guests. Obyann rewrites history and mends some pants. At the banquet general Iramid behaves not exactly in a diplomatic way, and Rodomesh makes liberal use of the wine. Not all for his own use though. Anaxantis gets challenged by Timishi to a Mukthar game, and feeling good and on top of the world, he accepts...
Link: Ximerion
2010-06-12
Dark Tales ★ Book I: The Invisible Chains ★ Chapter 36: Where The Heart Is
Title: Dark Tales of Randamor the Recluse - Book I: The Invisible Chains
Format: Novel - Original characters
Length: Chapter: 9 963 words - Total: 281 852 words (March 23rd, 2010)
Status: WIP
Rating: NC-17 - M - M/M Slash
Warnings: Violence, incest, rape, non-con, domination may all occur in varying degrees
Chapter 36: Where The Heart Is
Anaxantis decides the fate of baron Damydas. Lethoras has a gruesome job as a consequence of that decision. Timishi explains at length about the Oath of Sherashty. Emelasuntha has to clean up a few loose ends: Damydas's grandchildren. Anaxantis returns home to Lorseth to a warm welcome. He discusses his plans to keep the Mukthars at bay once and for all with Hemarchidas. He also takes a decision about his brother...
Links: Ximerion
Format: Novel - Original characters
Length: Chapter: 9 963 words - Total: 281 852 words (March 23rd, 2010)
Status: WIP
Rating: NC-17 - M - M/M Slash
Warnings: Violence, incest, rape, non-con, domination may all occur in varying degrees
Chapter 36: Where The Heart Is
Anaxantis decides the fate of baron Damydas. Lethoras has a gruesome job as a consequence of that decision. Timishi explains at length about the Oath of Sherashty. Emelasuntha has to clean up a few loose ends: Damydas's grandchildren. Anaxantis returns home to Lorseth to a warm welcome. He discusses his plans to keep the Mukthars at bay once and for all with Hemarchidas. He also takes a decision about his brother...
Links: Ximerion
2010-06-11
Dark Tales ★ Book I: The Invisible Chains ★ Chapter 35: What Makes a Prince
Title: Dark Tales of Randamor the Recluse - Book I: The Invisible Chains
Format: Novel - Original characters
Length: Chapter: 11 110 words - Total: 272 159 words (March 10th, 2010)
Status: WIP
Rating: NC-17 - M - M/M Slash
Warnings: Violence, incest, rape, non-con, domination may all occur in varying degrees
Chapter 35: What Makes A Prince
Baron Damydas captures Jerruth, still convinced he is Anaxantis. Meanwhile Emelasuntha and Sobrathi manage to break through the Black Shields that are blocking the Highway. Anaxantis crosses the border of the province of Amiratha. Who will reach Elmshill first and will they be in time to save Jerruth? Also in this chapter: the Mukthars reveal themselves, not unexpectedly, to be fierce warriors. Timishi surprises everybody with a strange statement...
Links: Ximerion
Format: Novel - Original characters
Length: Chapter: 11 110 words - Total: 272 159 words (March 10th, 2010)
Status: WIP
Rating: NC-17 - M - M/M Slash
Warnings: Violence, incest, rape, non-con, domination may all occur in varying degrees
Chapter 35: What Makes A Prince
Baron Damydas captures Jerruth, still convinced he is Anaxantis. Meanwhile Emelasuntha and Sobrathi manage to break through the Black Shields that are blocking the Highway. Anaxantis crosses the border of the province of Amiratha. Who will reach Elmshill first and will they be in time to save Jerruth? Also in this chapter: the Mukthars reveal themselves, not unexpectedly, to be fierce warriors. Timishi surprises everybody with a strange statement...
Links: Ximerion
2010-06-10
Dark Tales ★ Book I: The Invisible Chains ★ Chapter 34: Collision Course
Title: Dark Tales of Randamor the Recluse - Book I: The Invisible Chains
Format: Novel - Original characters
Length in words: Chapter: 8 872 - Total: 261 070 (February 27th, 2010)
Status: WIP
Rating: NC-17 - M - M/M Slash
Warnings: Violence, incest, rape, non-con, domination may all occur in varying degrees
Chapter 34: Collision Course
The pages discover something rather embarrassing about Obyann. Anaxantis has a long talk with Timishi. The reactions of the Mukthar prince are surprising, to say the least, and we learn something more about Mukthar society. Also, it becomes clear Timishi has a hidden agenda. Emelasuntha and Sobrathi manage to catch up with baron Damydas and his Black Shields. A confrontation ensues, but Damydas leaves the scene for Elmshill. Grunwell organizes the defense of Elmshill and Eymar makes an interesting discovery. Damydas and a small group of Black Shields reach Elmshill...
Link: Ximerion
Format: Novel - Original characters
Length in words: Chapter: 8 872 - Total: 261 070 (February 27th, 2010)
Status: WIP
Rating: NC-17 - M - M/M Slash
Warnings: Violence, incest, rape, non-con, domination may all occur in varying degrees
Chapter 34: Collision Course
The pages discover something rather embarrassing about Obyann. Anaxantis has a long talk with Timishi. The reactions of the Mukthar prince are surprising, to say the least, and we learn something more about Mukthar society. Also, it becomes clear Timishi has a hidden agenda. Emelasuntha and Sobrathi manage to catch up with baron Damydas and his Black Shields. A confrontation ensues, but Damydas leaves the scene for Elmshill. Grunwell organizes the defense of Elmshill and Eymar makes an interesting discovery. Damydas and a small group of Black Shields reach Elmshill...
Link: Ximerion
2010-06-09
Dark Tales ★ Book I: The Invisible Chains ★ Chapter 33: Race to Elmshill
Title: Dark Tales of Randamor the Recluse - Book I: The Invisible Chains
Format: Novel
Length: Chapter: 9 949 - Total: 252 198 (February 17th, 2010)
Status: WIP
Rating: NC-17 - M - M/M Slash
Warnings: Violence, incest, rape, non-con, domination may all occur in varying degrees
Chapter 33: Race To Elmshill
Anaxantis manages to crawl out of his depression. Damydas escapes and before the game has even started the Tribe has lost two of its members. Emelasuntha gets good news and bad news. Together with Sobrathi and the rest of the Tribe they pursue Damydas who has a head start of several hours on them. Anaxantis and company arrive in Mirkadesh after riding the whole night through. The table manners of the Mukthars turn out to be somewhat unexpected. Jerruth and his group arrive in Elmshill. Through no fault of his own he makes an enemy and disappoints a lover...
Link: Ximerion
Format: Novel
Length: Chapter: 9 949 - Total: 252 198 (February 17th, 2010)
Status: WIP
Rating: NC-17 - M - M/M Slash
Warnings: Violence, incest, rape, non-con, domination may all occur in varying degrees
Chapter 33: Race To Elmshill
Anaxantis manages to crawl out of his depression. Damydas escapes and before the game has even started the Tribe has lost two of its members. Emelasuntha gets good news and bad news. Together with Sobrathi and the rest of the Tribe they pursue Damydas who has a head start of several hours on them. Anaxantis and company arrive in Mirkadesh after riding the whole night through. The table manners of the Mukthars turn out to be somewhat unexpected. Jerruth and his group arrive in Elmshill. Through no fault of his own he makes an enemy and disappoints a lover...
Link: Ximerion
2010-06-08
Dark Tales ★ Book I: The Invisible Chains ★ Chapter 32: Edge of Despair
Title: Dark Tales of Randamor the Recluse - Book I: The Invisible Chains
Author:
Format: Novel
Length: Chapter: 9 563 - Total: 242 249 (February 6th, 2010)
Status: WIP
Rating: NC-17 - M - M/M Slash
Warnings: Violence, incest, rape, non-con, domination may all occur in varying degrees
Chapter 32: Edge Of Despair
Ondrov is interrogated by the Black Shields in a rather brutal way. (torture-alert) Rullio gets news of Anaxantis's return of the Renuvian Plains and regretfully has to take his leave of Lambert. Ryhunzo is discovered by Obyann, who is not amused. Rullio overtakes Anaxantis on his way to Lorseth Castle and tells him about the Oath of Sherashty and baron Damydas. Meanwhile the latter is informed about Ondrov's confessions and he has a decision to make. Anaxantis mulls over what Rullio told him. The cards seem stacked against him...
Links: Ximerion
Author:
Format: Novel
Length: Chapter: 9 563 - Total: 242 249 (February 6th, 2010)
Status: WIP
Rating: NC-17 - M - M/M Slash
Warnings: Violence, incest, rape, non-con, domination may all occur in varying degrees
Chapter 32: Edge Of Despair
Ondrov is interrogated by the Black Shields in a rather brutal way. (torture-alert) Rullio gets news of Anaxantis's return of the Renuvian Plains and regretfully has to take his leave of Lambert. Ryhunzo is discovered by Obyann, who is not amused. Rullio overtakes Anaxantis on his way to Lorseth Castle and tells him about the Oath of Sherashty and baron Damydas. Meanwhile the latter is informed about Ondrov's confessions and he has a decision to make. Anaxantis mulls over what Rullio told him. The cards seem stacked against him...
Links: Ximerion
2010-06-06
Dark Tales of Randamor the Recluse ★ Bk I: The Invisible Chains ★ Review
I got a rather extensive review of Dark Tales today (on my site)
First of all, I'm enchanted with the level of detail that went into this story. I'm one of those compulsive readers whose mind cannot stop pointing out plot holes and logic trappings while reading any story, to the point that I get fed up and give up on more than my fair share of books. Your story however was deliciously complete and well-written, to the point that I simply curled my toes at a good deal of the intrigue and attention to details that went into it.
That said, I will admit that, like many others, after a certain point I had trouble following every single character, so I chose a few as my favorites and thoroughly enjoyed following their progression. Obyann (wow, that name never fails to give me a Star Wars flashback) and his barrack mates rank on the top right now, hehe. I love Obyann's character, his simple kind heart and brusque-gentle way of dealing with things. He's pragmatic and down to earth and a really nice person when it all comes down to it, so naturally I adore him to bits. Plus the clotheless kids he's stranded with never fail to crack me up, hehe.
Lorcko has also become a fairly interesting character lately. I will admit I had very little interest for him at first. I generally despise characters that like to depend on their good looks etc, but he's shown he has character and back bone beyond his appearance (it usually takes a very strong personality core to overcome an ugly experience and social exile all at once), so his story pulled me right in. It seems like he might be going back to a bit of his old games though, what with adapting the Mukthar mannerisms and appearance. But I suppose that is what makes him Lorcko. I guess that attention to appearances and being in the center of attention seems to be ingrained into his way of thinking, so naturally the first thing he'd do when integrated into a new social group is to 'look' as good by their standards as possible. (so my little inner logic monster is very satisfied with how this is progressing)
Timishi, him, well I guess you could say court is still in session regarding that little enigma. I keep getting the feeling there's still a lot we don't know about him that will play an important role later on. He seems like an honorable man, well, always tied in with his Mukthar background, but I keep getting the feeling we're still waiting for the other shoe to drop. Anaxantis may also have guessed something similar, because I find strange the number of liberties he's granting the Mukthars in his camp. Strategically speaking, he's certainly volunteering more information than he's getting back (they're probable aware of his entire army's composition and maneuverability by now). Although I will grant that he got valuable information back in the beginning. Still, having Timishi and the other Mukthars know so much about his plans does pose a certain risk. So I'm still waiting to see what more you're planning to spring up on us on that front. XD
Hemarchidas, I have grown to despise a bit. He's still in character (that never changes for anyone in your story), it's just that as the story progresses his character is revealed as one with little to no moral inhibitions when it comes to the people he considers his friends. He doesn't sweat a bit at murdering a defenseless man, so long as that may save Anaxantis a difficult decision, even if Anaxantis himself is responsible for that decision. It's the same reason why I never really liked Anaxantis' mother either, I suppose, even if she's a very fine example of a capable and dynamic female character, which I usually adore in stories like this. No regrets, no hesitation, merely deciding "who's on their side and who's not", and let the blood of innocents flow for those poor folks who didn't get the lucky draw.
Which brings me to the root of this story, Anaxantis and Ehandar. These two were the reason I began reading and even remotely became interested in the rest of the characters. Now, I will admit that I was an absolutely devoted fan of Anaxantis at first. He was the outsider, the runt that managed to grab his rightful position through cunning and will and sheer single-mindedness alone. The fact that his mettle is better than your average person shows through everything he does.
However (and yes, you can hear a very big "but" in here), he has unfortunately lost my initial adoration and his value in my eyes. Let me see if I can explain this right.
Ehandar, as it was apparent from the beginning, is obviously the weaker of the two. He doesn't have the astute mind for strategy that Anaxantis does, nor his ability to plan ahead and, more especially, the iron will that would grant him the ability to withstand difficult situations. However, unlikely as it seems, it has been proven that he has the bigger heart. And how ironic is that? Yes, he began by committing an atrocious deed against his brother. But that happened when he was drunk, at a particularly low point in his life and he regretted it the very next morning. That was in fact the turning point in their relationship. Anaxantis' situation and position improved not by something that Anaxantis himself did, but because Ehandar regretted his actions and began to treat him better, not to mention fall in love with him. It's important to keep that in mind.
Anaxantis on the other hand, despite proclaiming that he was in love with Ehandar from the very beginning, unfortunately never stopped planning Ehandar's demise. I will admit I was severely disappointed when I first discovered what Anaxantis had planned for Ehandar. I had honestly hoped he would have forgiven him after Ehandar's profound change of heart. And while up to a certain point, I could somewhat excuse it on the grounds of the severity of Ehandar's initial actions, Anaxantis has now gone way, waaaaaay beyond anything Ehandar might have done. Which means that he has unfortunately dropped below even Ehandar's initial low standing in my eyes by now. Ehandar treated him badly at first, but at least even he had allowed him a small measure of self and self-esteem. Anaxantis has ripped everything away from poor Ehandar, he's gone way farther from Ehandar ever did, and what's more, he did it while wielding the cruelest possible weapon, Ehandar's own love. What's worse? Ehandar gave it up willingly because he loves Anaxantis, while Anaxantis, who's also supposed to be in love with Ehandar, can't stop himself from taking more and more. How am I supposed to sympathize with Anaxantis then, when all I see is Ehandar sacrificing bits of himself on the temple of his love for Anaxantis, and Anaxantis ungratefully stepping all over those little sacrifices and asking for more?
On the matter of Ehandar's test, unlike others I got the impression that Anaxantis is in fact looking for the emergence of the 'beast' in Ehandar. But if that is the case, then how come Ehandar failed? I will admit I was a little confused there, or probably missed something. Or maybe Anaxantis is waiting for Ehandar to prove to him that he's 'worthy' of bringing back together, by behaving as Anaxantis would have in his case. However, they are different people, and I would be even more disappointed of that was the excuse Anaxantis is using right now.
All in all, I would have to say that I would be more upset is something bad happened to Ehandar/Tarno than to Anaxantis right now, hehe. Still, I somehow feel that simply separating those two would leave too many gaps still empty and I would certainly feel unfulfilled. So I'm waiting with bated breath and I fairly cheer whenever I discover a passage about those two. I would like to see their relationship straightened out and fixed and both of them stepping on more even ground. Perhaps if Ehandar got away but still returned to help Anaxantis, only this time standing on his own two feet? But that would still leave Anaxantis as the lesser man in my eyes. I don't know, and that's the single best part of this story that keeps me hooked and coming back for more.
All in all, excellent job and congratulation for such wonderful work. I'll certainly be around. ^_^
First of all, I'm enchanted with the level of detail that went into this story. I'm one of those compulsive readers whose mind cannot stop pointing out plot holes and logic trappings while reading any story, to the point that I get fed up and give up on more than my fair share of books. Your story however was deliciously complete and well-written, to the point that I simply curled my toes at a good deal of the intrigue and attention to details that went into it.
That said, I will admit that, like many others, after a certain point I had trouble following every single character, so I chose a few as my favorites and thoroughly enjoyed following their progression. Obyann (wow, that name never fails to give me a Star Wars flashback) and his barrack mates rank on the top right now, hehe. I love Obyann's character, his simple kind heart and brusque-gentle way of dealing with things. He's pragmatic and down to earth and a really nice person when it all comes down to it, so naturally I adore him to bits. Plus the clotheless kids he's stranded with never fail to crack me up, hehe.
Lorcko has also become a fairly interesting character lately. I will admit I had very little interest for him at first. I generally despise characters that like to depend on their good looks etc, but he's shown he has character and back bone beyond his appearance (it usually takes a very strong personality core to overcome an ugly experience and social exile all at once), so his story pulled me right in. It seems like he might be going back to a bit of his old games though, what with adapting the Mukthar mannerisms and appearance. But I suppose that is what makes him Lorcko. I guess that attention to appearances and being in the center of attention seems to be ingrained into his way of thinking, so naturally the first thing he'd do when integrated into a new social group is to 'look' as good by their standards as possible. (so my little inner logic monster is very satisfied with how this is progressing)
Timishi, him, well I guess you could say court is still in session regarding that little enigma. I keep getting the feeling there's still a lot we don't know about him that will play an important role later on. He seems like an honorable man, well, always tied in with his Mukthar background, but I keep getting the feeling we're still waiting for the other shoe to drop. Anaxantis may also have guessed something similar, because I find strange the number of liberties he's granting the Mukthars in his camp. Strategically speaking, he's certainly volunteering more information than he's getting back (they're probable aware of his entire army's composition and maneuverability by now). Although I will grant that he got valuable information back in the beginning. Still, having Timishi and the other Mukthars know so much about his plans does pose a certain risk. So I'm still waiting to see what more you're planning to spring up on us on that front. XD
Hemarchidas, I have grown to despise a bit. He's still in character (that never changes for anyone in your story), it's just that as the story progresses his character is revealed as one with little to no moral inhibitions when it comes to the people he considers his friends. He doesn't sweat a bit at murdering a defenseless man, so long as that may save Anaxantis a difficult decision, even if Anaxantis himself is responsible for that decision. It's the same reason why I never really liked Anaxantis' mother either, I suppose, even if she's a very fine example of a capable and dynamic female character, which I usually adore in stories like this. No regrets, no hesitation, merely deciding "who's on their side and who's not", and let the blood of innocents flow for those poor folks who didn't get the lucky draw.
Which brings me to the root of this story, Anaxantis and Ehandar. These two were the reason I began reading and even remotely became interested in the rest of the characters. Now, I will admit that I was an absolutely devoted fan of Anaxantis at first. He was the outsider, the runt that managed to grab his rightful position through cunning and will and sheer single-mindedness alone. The fact that his mettle is better than your average person shows through everything he does.
However (and yes, you can hear a very big "but" in here), he has unfortunately lost my initial adoration and his value in my eyes. Let me see if I can explain this right.
Ehandar, as it was apparent from the beginning, is obviously the weaker of the two. He doesn't have the astute mind for strategy that Anaxantis does, nor his ability to plan ahead and, more especially, the iron will that would grant him the ability to withstand difficult situations. However, unlikely as it seems, it has been proven that he has the bigger heart. And how ironic is that? Yes, he began by committing an atrocious deed against his brother. But that happened when he was drunk, at a particularly low point in his life and he regretted it the very next morning. That was in fact the turning point in their relationship. Anaxantis' situation and position improved not by something that Anaxantis himself did, but because Ehandar regretted his actions and began to treat him better, not to mention fall in love with him. It's important to keep that in mind.
Anaxantis on the other hand, despite proclaiming that he was in love with Ehandar from the very beginning, unfortunately never stopped planning Ehandar's demise. I will admit I was severely disappointed when I first discovered what Anaxantis had planned for Ehandar. I had honestly hoped he would have forgiven him after Ehandar's profound change of heart. And while up to a certain point, I could somewhat excuse it on the grounds of the severity of Ehandar's initial actions, Anaxantis has now gone way, waaaaaay beyond anything Ehandar might have done. Which means that he has unfortunately dropped below even Ehandar's initial low standing in my eyes by now. Ehandar treated him badly at first, but at least even he had allowed him a small measure of self and self-esteem. Anaxantis has ripped everything away from poor Ehandar, he's gone way farther from Ehandar ever did, and what's more, he did it while wielding the cruelest possible weapon, Ehandar's own love. What's worse? Ehandar gave it up willingly because he loves Anaxantis, while Anaxantis, who's also supposed to be in love with Ehandar, can't stop himself from taking more and more. How am I supposed to sympathize with Anaxantis then, when all I see is Ehandar sacrificing bits of himself on the temple of his love for Anaxantis, and Anaxantis ungratefully stepping all over those little sacrifices and asking for more?
On the matter of Ehandar's test, unlike others I got the impression that Anaxantis is in fact looking for the emergence of the 'beast' in Ehandar. But if that is the case, then how come Ehandar failed? I will admit I was a little confused there, or probably missed something. Or maybe Anaxantis is waiting for Ehandar to prove to him that he's 'worthy' of bringing back together, by behaving as Anaxantis would have in his case. However, they are different people, and I would be even more disappointed of that was the excuse Anaxantis is using right now.
All in all, I would have to say that I would be more upset is something bad happened to Ehandar/Tarno than to Anaxantis right now, hehe. Still, I somehow feel that simply separating those two would leave too many gaps still empty and I would certainly feel unfulfilled. So I'm waiting with bated breath and I fairly cheer whenever I discover a passage about those two. I would like to see their relationship straightened out and fixed and both of them stepping on more even ground. Perhaps if Ehandar got away but still returned to help Anaxantis, only this time standing on his own two feet? But that would still leave Anaxantis as the lesser man in my eyes. I don't know, and that's the single best part of this story that keeps me hooked and coming back for more.
All in all, excellent job and congratulation for such wonderful work. I'll certainly be around. ^_^
Dark Tales ★ Book I: The Invisible Chains ★ Chapter 31: Gathering Clouds
Title: Dark Tales of Randamor the Recluse - Book I: The Invisible Chains
Format: Novel
Length: Chapter: 9 978 - Total: 232 686 (January 25, 2010)
Status: WIP
Rating: NC-17 - M - M/M Slash
Warnings: Violence, incest, rape, non-con, domination may all occur in varying degrees
Chapter 31: Gathering Clouds
Ondrov begins his mission, not knowing how dangerous it is. The grandsons of Damydas go on a fishing trip. Rullio of Brenx arrives in Dermolhea and finds some hot hospitality. Obyann gets news that the Merlinger Meadows Dispute between Landemere and Ramaldah has come to an end and that everybody seems to think it is thanks to him. Demrac writes to Tenaxos. Ehandar is lonely and slowly losing his mind. Anaxantis and Timishi cross the border back into Amiratha. Jerruth sets out for Elmshill, as unknowing as Ondrov, that he is only a pawn in Emelasuntha's plan to smoke Damydas out...
Link: Ximerion
Format: Novel
Length: Chapter: 9 978 - Total: 232 686 (January 25, 2010)
Status: WIP
Rating: NC-17 - M - M/M Slash
Warnings: Violence, incest, rape, non-con, domination may all occur in varying degrees
Chapter 31: Gathering Clouds
Ondrov begins his mission, not knowing how dangerous it is. The grandsons of Damydas go on a fishing trip. Rullio of Brenx arrives in Dermolhea and finds some hot hospitality. Obyann gets news that the Merlinger Meadows Dispute between Landemere and Ramaldah has come to an end and that everybody seems to think it is thanks to him. Demrac writes to Tenaxos. Ehandar is lonely and slowly losing his mind. Anaxantis and Timishi cross the border back into Amiratha. Jerruth sets out for Elmshill, as unknowing as Ondrov, that he is only a pawn in Emelasuntha's plan to smoke Damydas out...
Link: Ximerion
2010-06-05
Dark Tales ★ Book I: The Invisible Chains ★ Chapter 30: Treason, Bloody Treason
Title: Dark Tales of Randamor the Recluse - Book I: The Invisible Chains
Format: Novel
Length: Chapter: 9 334 - Total: 222 707 (January 1, 2010)
Status: WIP
Rating: NC-17 - M - M/M Slash
Warnings: Violence, incest, rape, non-con, domination may all occur in varying degrees
Chapter 30: Treason, Bloody Treason
Baron Gerrubald of Damydas has a revealing conversation in which it becomes clear why he wants to kill Anaxantis. Jerruth gets a visit from three tribesmen. Queen Emelasuntha needs his help, it seems. Obyann thinks he has seen a ghost. Arranulf on the other hand thinks he's just afraid of squirrels. Rahendo's five sisters pay him a visit, which proves to be very disturbing for one Chrom, captain at Lorseth Castle and very painful for Obyann. Although another result may be that he meets the love of his life. Queen Emelasuntha comes up with a plan to smoke Damydas out. However, this plan requires certain sacrifices...
Link: Ximerion
Format: Novel
Length: Chapter: 9 334 - Total: 222 707 (January 1, 2010)
Status: WIP
Rating: NC-17 - M - M/M Slash
Warnings: Violence, incest, rape, non-con, domination may all occur in varying degrees
Chapter 30: Treason, Bloody Treason
Baron Gerrubald of Damydas has a revealing conversation in which it becomes clear why he wants to kill Anaxantis. Jerruth gets a visit from three tribesmen. Queen Emelasuntha needs his help, it seems. Obyann thinks he has seen a ghost. Arranulf on the other hand thinks he's just afraid of squirrels. Rahendo's five sisters pay him a visit, which proves to be very disturbing for one Chrom, captain at Lorseth Castle and very painful for Obyann. Although another result may be that he meets the love of his life. Queen Emelasuntha comes up with a plan to smoke Damydas out. However, this plan requires certain sacrifices...
Link: Ximerion
2010-06-04
Dark Tales ★ Book I: The Invisible Chains ★ Chapter 29: Prince of the Mukthars
Title: Dark Tales of Randamor the Recluse - Book I: The Invisible Chains
Format: Novel
Length: Chapter: 10 774 - Total 213 371 (December 16, 2009)
Status: WIP
Rating: NC-17 - M - M/M Slash
Warnings: Violence, incest, rape, non-con, domination may all occur in varying degrees
Chapter 29: Prince Of The Mukthars
Queen Emelasuntha gets a visit form a young man with fascinating information. Rullio of Brenx reaches the capital... but rides around it. Emelasuntha and Sobrathi, together with the men of the Tribe of Mekthona, stake out the royal castle. Baron Damydas leaves for the Northern Marches but manages to loose himself in the crowd. Rullio has another hot encounter. At Lorseth Castle a new page is welcomed by Rahendo. Ffindall Dram receives a useful report. Anaxantis and his group are exploring the Renuvian Plains and finally they set eyes on the enemy. An all too near encounter with a deadly arrow makes Anaxantis think about what would happen in the event of his death. Again Rullio's charms lead to the unavoidable. The plot thickens while two unlikely men meet each other.
Link: Ximerion
Format: Novel
Length: Chapter: 10 774 - Total 213 371 (December 16, 2009)
Status: WIP
Rating: NC-17 - M - M/M Slash
Warnings: Violence, incest, rape, non-con, domination may all occur in varying degrees
Chapter 29: Prince Of The Mukthars
Queen Emelasuntha gets a visit form a young man with fascinating information. Rullio of Brenx reaches the capital... but rides around it. Emelasuntha and Sobrathi, together with the men of the Tribe of Mekthona, stake out the royal castle. Baron Damydas leaves for the Northern Marches but manages to loose himself in the crowd. Rullio has another hot encounter. At Lorseth Castle a new page is welcomed by Rahendo. Ffindall Dram receives a useful report. Anaxantis and his group are exploring the Renuvian Plains and finally they set eyes on the enemy. An all too near encounter with a deadly arrow makes Anaxantis think about what would happen in the event of his death. Again Rullio's charms lead to the unavoidable. The plot thickens while two unlikely men meet each other.
Link: Ximerion
2010-06-03
Dark Tales ★ Book I: The Invisible Chains ★ Chapter 28: In Love and War
Title: Dark Tales of Randamor the Recluse - Book I: The Invisible Chains
Format: Novel
Status: WIP
Rating: NC-17 - M - M/M Slash
Warnings: Violence, incest, rape, non-con, domination may all occur in varying degrees
Chapter 28: In Love And War
Before venturing into the Renuvian Plains, Anaxantis and his group investigate some mysteries in the county of Mirkadesh. Meanwhile Obyann interrogates Arranulf about his date with Hemarchidas. Lorcko of Iramid has an interesting conversation with his father. While Emelasuntha and Sobrathi are watching the royal castle, Gerrubal of Damydas manages to sneak in. Rullio of Brenx has a hot encounter with a stable boy. Finally, Anaxantis and his group cross the border into the Renuvian Plains...
Links: Ximerion
Format: Novel
Status: WIP
Rating: NC-17 - M - M/M Slash
Warnings: Violence, incest, rape, non-con, domination may all occur in varying degrees
Chapter 28: In Love And War
Before venturing into the Renuvian Plains, Anaxantis and his group investigate some mysteries in the county of Mirkadesh. Meanwhile Obyann interrogates Arranulf about his date with Hemarchidas. Lorcko of Iramid has an interesting conversation with his father. While Emelasuntha and Sobrathi are watching the royal castle, Gerrubal of Damydas manages to sneak in. Rullio of Brenx has a hot encounter with a stable boy. Finally, Anaxantis and his group cross the border into the Renuvian Plains...
Links: Ximerion
A Dish Served Cold (review)
"I devoured your story whole as if I were a dark scary monster and this tale was an itty bitty mouse.
OH, MAN, WAS IT TASTY!
I read a review somewhere on this story where someone said the characters weren't anything special and they didn't like that, but in all honesty, I always feel like that is when the stories feel real.
I also know that making your characters seem like ordinary people is hard to do and I applaud you for that! Andrew's character development is rather subtle, but imperative to the story and the emotions he feels are real. He describes his own shortcomings and insecurities flawlessly and in a very natural way. I especially appreciated the fact that his lament over his mother's death was not that of a devastated two year-old crying over spilled milk. Not many people realize that someone mourns over another's death when they knew it was coming a lot differently than if that person, say, committed suicide. I read too many stories with similar themes to this one where the characters seem to be in constant moodswings and I felt disoriented. To sum it up, please keep doing what you're doing character-wise!
As for the dialogue, I do have to admit I felt some of it did feel pretty "fake?" especially when somebody had a rather long-winded response. Maybe I didn't feel like it was fake, so much... Maybe after a while I felt like I was being reminded that I was reading a story and I'd have to re-read the paragraph because I lost attention. Perhaps break some of the longer dialogue up with something to add to the story every now and then? Please keep in mind that this is me just being nit-picky and trying to search for SOMETHING to be constructive about in this review. It was totally something very minor.
You describe enough to paint a picture, but not so much as to bore me with description. Sometimes, the grammar and spelling wasn't perfect, but you said this was your first story and that you were Van Helsing-ing it up on that front so I'm quite sure that's not a big deal anymore.
Conclusion:
Loved it. Great story. I laughed. I cried. You had me holding my breath and praying for the main character. There was a point where I yelled "Just freaking say I love you already!" at the computer screen. My boyfriend looked at me from across the room and shook his head. I look forward to more of your works."
I can't tell you how happy I was with your review. Mind you, I take my coffee black and I'll take my adulation undiluted every day of the week as well. But your critique was spot on and that makes that I tend to take the praise seriously too.
So, thank you.
Of course I went to look at your profile on FP, so I know you're a self declared grammar Nazi, a card carrying member of the Spelling SS, a captain of the Punctuation Police and probably a Commander in the Order of the Oxford Comma. *shudders* You must have had a field day. :)
I said in the introduction that I knew the story has problems and you put your finger on one of the most serious flaws. Indeed, a lot of the dialogue, especially Geoffrey explaining things, is contrived (to say the least). Also, I never was happy with the 'history lesson' in one of the earlier chapters.
Not to mention that at a given point I had painted myself into a corner and had to use a few inelegant tricks to write myself out of it. I guess I just hoped I could bamboozle the reader and blind him with fireworks so he would look over the glaring gaps. I think I know how to solve these problems. Instead of letting tell Geoffrey so much, I could show all the intricacies of 'the system'. That would require an additional four or five chapters. No biggie, since I told only about sixty percent of what I know of this world and the characters anyway. Well, no biggie... actually it would mean a major rewrite and would bring the whole thing to novel length or thereabouts. Maybe someday... For the moment I must attend to the many troubles of the kingdom of Ximerion. Meanwhile I have limited myself to some quick an dirty editing, shifting a few paragraphs around to bring them more or less in chronological sequence and that's about it.
I did my best to eradicate as many typos as I could find, though I doubt I got them all. They're wily critters, evil and devious.
Although I liked everything about your review, including the criticism, I was most happy with the yelling at the screen. That was exactly what I was going for.
So, thank you. You made my day.
OH, MAN, WAS IT TASTY!
I read a review somewhere on this story where someone said the characters weren't anything special and they didn't like that, but in all honesty, I always feel like that is when the stories feel real.
I also know that making your characters seem like ordinary people is hard to do and I applaud you for that! Andrew's character development is rather subtle, but imperative to the story and the emotions he feels are real. He describes his own shortcomings and insecurities flawlessly and in a very natural way. I especially appreciated the fact that his lament over his mother's death was not that of a devastated two year-old crying over spilled milk. Not many people realize that someone mourns over another's death when they knew it was coming a lot differently than if that person, say, committed suicide. I read too many stories with similar themes to this one where the characters seem to be in constant moodswings and I felt disoriented. To sum it up, please keep doing what you're doing character-wise!
As for the dialogue, I do have to admit I felt some of it did feel pretty "fake?" especially when somebody had a rather long-winded response. Maybe I didn't feel like it was fake, so much... Maybe after a while I felt like I was being reminded that I was reading a story and I'd have to re-read the paragraph because I lost attention. Perhaps break some of the longer dialogue up with something to add to the story every now and then? Please keep in mind that this is me just being nit-picky and trying to search for SOMETHING to be constructive about in this review. It was totally something very minor.
You describe enough to paint a picture, but not so much as to bore me with description. Sometimes, the grammar and spelling wasn't perfect, but you said this was your first story and that you were Van Helsing-ing it up on that front so I'm quite sure that's not a big deal anymore.
Conclusion:
Loved it. Great story. I laughed. I cried. You had me holding my breath and praying for the main character. There was a point where I yelled "Just freaking say I love you already!" at the computer screen. My boyfriend looked at me from across the room and shook his head. I look forward to more of your works."
I can't tell you how happy I was with your review. Mind you, I take my coffee black and I'll take my adulation undiluted every day of the week as well. But your critique was spot on and that makes that I tend to take the praise seriously too.
So, thank you.
Of course I went to look at your profile on FP, so I know you're a self declared grammar Nazi, a card carrying member of the Spelling SS, a captain of the Punctuation Police and probably a Commander in the Order of the Oxford Comma. *shudders* You must have had a field day. :)
I said in the introduction that I knew the story has problems and you put your finger on one of the most serious flaws. Indeed, a lot of the dialogue, especially Geoffrey explaining things, is contrived (to say the least). Also, I never was happy with the 'history lesson' in one of the earlier chapters.
Not to mention that at a given point I had painted myself into a corner and had to use a few inelegant tricks to write myself out of it. I guess I just hoped I could bamboozle the reader and blind him with fireworks so he would look over the glaring gaps. I think I know how to solve these problems. Instead of letting tell Geoffrey so much, I could show all the intricacies of 'the system'. That would require an additional four or five chapters. No biggie, since I told only about sixty percent of what I know of this world and the characters anyway. Well, no biggie... actually it would mean a major rewrite and would bring the whole thing to novel length or thereabouts. Maybe someday... For the moment I must attend to the many troubles of the kingdom of Ximerion. Meanwhile I have limited myself to some quick an dirty editing, shifting a few paragraphs around to bring them more or less in chronological sequence and that's about it.
I did my best to eradicate as many typos as I could find, though I doubt I got them all. They're wily critters, evil and devious.
Although I liked everything about your review, including the criticism, I was most happy with the yelling at the screen. That was exactly what I was going for.
So, thank you. You made my day.
2010-06-02
A Dish Served Cold
The first Yaoi - Slash - M/M - Gay story I wrote.
I started posting it on 2009-01-22. It has problems, some of which I will try to correct. Not all are easily correctable, I'm afraid.
So what's it about?
Andrew Ashton grows up in a world very similar to ours, but where slavery has been reintroduced. While trying to deal with growing up gay and looking for romance, the institution of slavery begins to intrude uncomfortably in his life.
Andrew is a spoiled, little rich kid. So are his friends. He's not a bad person. He's just a bit conceited. He knows he will one day inherit the family fortune, so who cares about grades, work or whatever. He discovers that people seem to find him reasonably attractive, which only goes to confirm him in his complacency.
Little rich kids have their troubles too. He realizes he's gay and that he has a major crush on his best friend Sean Denham, the youngest scion of a political dynasty. In his society slavery is an accepted institution. More, it is regarded as a vital component to keep the economy running smoothly. It is the least of Andrew's concerns, wrapped up as he is in his own romantic troubles.
That is, until the institution of slavery becomes more and more a real, even menacing factor.
At the time I wrote in the Warning:
This story is definitely 18+. There will be smut, though not as much as you might expect. There will be non-con, rape, physical and mental torture, extreme humiliation, domination and slavery. But there also will be romance, true love, loyalty and sincere friendship. There will be fiendish plots, betrayals and cruel destinies. But there also will be sweet revenge and healing redemption. And lots and lots of angst.
I will try to take you on a roller coaster from the smutty to the mushy. I will try to rip your guts out, but also your heart. I definitely want to make you cry, but I also hope to make you laugh once in a while. Sometimes I will paint you scenes of a very graphical nature but there will be occasions that I will bring you to the very edge and leave it to your imagination to finish what, anyway, couldn't be stopped anymore. I want to touch your most sexual organ: your brain. What you do with your other sexual organs is of course your own affair.
I am a kind person, so I will not brutally rape your mind from the very beginning. The first four, five chapters are relatively mild. Gradually however, the mood will darken and at a certain point events will take a sharp, nasty turn. You will need a strong stomach.
If you should decide to give it a try, please leave a comment (here, or preferably a review on my own site). I'd love to hear from you
Link: Ximerion
A Dish Served Cold
I started posting it on 2009-01-22. It has problems, some of which I will try to correct. Not all are easily correctable, I'm afraid.
So what's it about?
Andrew Ashton grows up in a world very similar to ours, but where slavery has been reintroduced. While trying to deal with growing up gay and looking for romance, the institution of slavery begins to intrude uncomfortably in his life.
Andrew is a spoiled, little rich kid. So are his friends. He's not a bad person. He's just a bit conceited. He knows he will one day inherit the family fortune, so who cares about grades, work or whatever. He discovers that people seem to find him reasonably attractive, which only goes to confirm him in his complacency.
Little rich kids have their troubles too. He realizes he's gay and that he has a major crush on his best friend Sean Denham, the youngest scion of a political dynasty. In his society slavery is an accepted institution. More, it is regarded as a vital component to keep the economy running smoothly. It is the least of Andrew's concerns, wrapped up as he is in his own romantic troubles.
That is, until the institution of slavery becomes more and more a real, even menacing factor.
At the time I wrote in the Warning:
This story is definitely 18+. There will be smut, though not as much as you might expect. There will be non-con, rape, physical and mental torture, extreme humiliation, domination and slavery. But there also will be romance, true love, loyalty and sincere friendship. There will be fiendish plots, betrayals and cruel destinies. But there also will be sweet revenge and healing redemption. And lots and lots of angst.
I will try to take you on a roller coaster from the smutty to the mushy. I will try to rip your guts out, but also your heart. I definitely want to make you cry, but I also hope to make you laugh once in a while. Sometimes I will paint you scenes of a very graphical nature but there will be occasions that I will bring you to the very edge and leave it to your imagination to finish what, anyway, couldn't be stopped anymore. I want to touch your most sexual organ: your brain. What you do with your other sexual organs is of course your own affair.
I am a kind person, so I will not brutally rape your mind from the very beginning. The first four, five chapters are relatively mild. Gradually however, the mood will darken and at a certain point events will take a sharp, nasty turn. You will need a strong stomach.
If you should decide to give it a try, please leave a comment (here, or preferably a review on my own site). I'd love to hear from you
Link: Ximerion
2010-06-01
Dark Tales of Randamor the Recluse - Book I: The Invisible Chains
Title: Dark Tales of Randamor the Recluse - Book I: The Invisible Chains
Format: Original - Novel
Length: 300 000+ words (May, 2010)
Status: WIP
Rating: M - NC-17
Warnings: Violence, incest, rape, non-con, domination may all occur in varying degrees
Link: Ximerion
Summary: A long and brooding chronicle with bitterness, savage tribes, bloody battles and crowns lost and gained. About friendship in arms, love in bonds, devotion against all odds and undeserved tenderness. M/M Slash
The story is set in a kind of Middle Ages. Although very recognizable, there are some differences with our actual Middle Ages. Some regions in this world have more a feel of ancient Greece.
The kingdom of Ximerion is under threat of an attack on both its southern and northern border. The danger coming from the north is far less serious and the high king sends his youngest sons to the Northern Marches, under the guidance of an old and trusted friend, both to handle the situation and to safeguard them from the far more serious situation in the south.
Almost immediately strife breaks out between the half brothers, Anaxantis and Ehandar although they also feel attracted to each other... though this attraction takes some strange forms.
It requires some investment of the reader, especially in the beginning. Those who get past the first three or four chapters are well rewarded however.
Out of the Introduction-Warning:
This will be a long and brooding chronicle with bitterness and savage tribes and bloody battles and crowns lost and gained. It will tell about foul betrayal and fighting in desperate situations. About friendship in arms and love in bonds. About devotion against all odds and undeserved tenderness. About reversal of fortunes and growth in adversity.
Be warned: there will be scenes of domination and rape, but never random or unexplained. Of course there will be smut. There will also be incest. The graphic description of armed conflict and the sacking of villages and cities may not be to everybody's taste. Characters you might have grown to love will die and their death will not always be an easy one.
It is doubtful that at the end of the story there will be anybody left who is totally innocent.
Format: Original - Novel
Length: 300 000+ words (May, 2010)
Status: WIP
Rating: M - NC-17
Warnings: Violence, incest, rape, non-con, domination may all occur in varying degrees
Link: Ximerion
Summary: A long and brooding chronicle with bitterness, savage tribes, bloody battles and crowns lost and gained. About friendship in arms, love in bonds, devotion against all odds and undeserved tenderness. M/M Slash
The story is set in a kind of Middle Ages. Although very recognizable, there are some differences with our actual Middle Ages. Some regions in this world have more a feel of ancient Greece.
The kingdom of Ximerion is under threat of an attack on both its southern and northern border. The danger coming from the north is far less serious and the high king sends his youngest sons to the Northern Marches, under the guidance of an old and trusted friend, both to handle the situation and to safeguard them from the far more serious situation in the south.
Almost immediately strife breaks out between the half brothers, Anaxantis and Ehandar although they also feel attracted to each other... though this attraction takes some strange forms.
It requires some investment of the reader, especially in the beginning. Those who get past the first three or four chapters are well rewarded however.
Out of the Introduction-Warning:
This will be a long and brooding chronicle with bitterness and savage tribes and bloody battles and crowns lost and gained. It will tell about foul betrayal and fighting in desperate situations. About friendship in arms and love in bonds. About devotion against all odds and undeserved tenderness. About reversal of fortunes and growth in adversity.
Be warned: there will be scenes of domination and rape, but never random or unexplained. Of course there will be smut. There will also be incest. The graphic description of armed conflict and the sacking of villages and cities may not be to everybody's taste. Characters you might have grown to love will die and their death will not always be an easy one.
It is doubtful that at the end of the story there will be anybody left who is totally innocent.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
