Cringe 1.2 : Overcoming Idiocy

{Last Cringe Post} {First Cringe Post}

{Theme Song: Hey Little World, Hives}

Current Time

Location: Muchovan Camp, Effenta

“Cringe, sir, we have another Effentan wishing to trade information.”  He barely even glanced at the underling.  This made the third turncoat today – his reputation won him battles, but that hardly meant each weasel deserved his personal attention.

“A woman this time, and she’ll only talk to you.”  It was the snigger that caught his attention and finally brought his gaze to rest on the self-important little man.

Okay, so in reality he wasn’t little – he was a towering, hulking mass, but that frankly just added to his insignificance in Cringe’s eyes.  He already had plenty battering rams.  The man, Cringe couldn’t currently remember his name, reinforced this opinion by attempting intelligent speech.

 “Perhaps she has access to their laundry and can add some itching powder to the soap,” the underling commented in a loud stage whisper, snorting at his own “wit”.

“Well done,” Blustering Bigot.  Cringe covered his disdaining sneer with a predatory grin, staring the other man down until the amusement left his face and he started to twitch nervously.  Then he stared some more until finally the idiot took the hint, muttered something, saluted and scurried away like the rat he was.  “Imbecile.”

Leaving aside the fact that Effentan women were commonly in command, the moron didn’t seem to realize his joke had strategic merit – uncomfortable soldiers would be tired, distracted and more easily defeated.  It was always a better plan to attack defenseless supplies rather than well-armed warriors, but of course that wasn’t the Muchovan way.

“Was that really necessary?” asked Osprey, his second in command.

“Yes,” Cringe retorted shortly.  Osprey was the golden boy.  He was honest, respectful and made Mucho women swoon.  He could smooth all the feathers Cringe went out of his way to ruffle.  Cringe  really wished he wouldn’t.

“This is the first woman turncoat.  Most are smart enough to realize they don’t want to be Mucho.  Sure does limit the dating pool,” Cringe remarked with an exaggerated sigh.  Osprey simply raised a brow, used to his commander’s odd sense of humor.  “Bet this one’s a looker.”  His tone suggested anything but.  Cringe motioned invitingly for Osprey to question this one.

“I’m not you.”  Osprey clearly felt this shouldn’t need stating.

“Fine.  Duty calls.”  Cringe lifted his chin briefly in what passed as his friendly goodbye.

Except this one wasn’t a dog at all.  Effentans were a stunning race:  tall, dark and graceful.  This one also had hair the color of rubies.  While acknowledging none of that mattered, Cringe still appreciated a work of art…even if he had to take it apart.

“Welcome.  Enjoying your stay?” he greeted cheerily, causing the woman to jerk when he entered the tent.

“You’re the Commander?  As I told the last lackey, I’ll only speak to Cringe, not housekeeping,” the prisoner remarked, disdain positively dripping from her tongue.  She’d recovered quickly.  Oh, he liked this one – too bad she was a back-stabbing opportunist.

“I’m as close as you’ll get,” he replied flippantly.  “So, how do you plan on helping me today?”  This elicited a flare of her nostrils, irritation, but she didn’t dismiss him.  Instead she carefully considered, assessing him for a long minute with wide, unblinking emerald eyes.

“I don’t trust Muchovans.  You want to bargain, it’s just you and me,” she stated, directing a sneer at the other guards.  This made Cringe smile.

“Oh, Muchovans should never be trusted.”  The others left at the dismissive thrust of his chin – his not friendly goodbye.  They were alone now.

“Neither should Effentans.”  And her ropes fell to the floor…

Old to New 16: Camillia, Knight - err- Damsel in Shining Armor

{Theme Song 1: Monday Morning, Death Cab for Cutie}

Location: D-City, Paonia

Her Story

Camillia is a complete unknown to the people of D-City.  An orphan of mysterious origins, she first gained public attention on the day of Muchovan's siege.  Appearing suddenly, with seemingly perfect timing, Camillia rescued Domerson Cadron, son of Paonia's Boofon Ruler.

She became his heroic Cinderella when she disappeared without a word immediately thereafter.  However, he never forgot her, and, just as in the fairy tale, he searched for her.

It would seem Camillia was fated to be the Domerson's guardian angel when nearly a year later their paths crossed again.  He'd been riding his usual mount outside the city limits, but had lost control.  Camillia, just leaving D-City herself, managed to catch and calm the horse, but lost her sanguine disposition when she recognized the rider.

This time the Domerson had been injured, dislocating his shoulder in the effort to remain on the beast.  When Camillia showed intentions of disappearing again, he shamelessly played up this injury - he wouldn't let his rescuer escape again.  Instead, Cadron insisted that he couldn't make it back to the palace without her help, wobbled dangerously, clutching his shoulder most pitifully.

Once his good arm was looped around her shoulders, it became clear he wouldn't be letting go of the lovely Camillia until he was good and ready.

{Theme Song 2: In The End, Snow Patrol}

Camillia tried not to be charmed, but it was a losing battle.

First Domerson Cadron, then his father and little brother wouldn't hear of her leaving, not after she'd saved Cadron's life twice.  Thus Camillia was thrust into the limelight and D-City Court Life.  And it didn't seem escape was likely.

She was a conundrum to the Domerson.  Few people not born to it handled Court Life well, yet most desired to join the noble Glassern of Paonia above all else.

Camillia, on the other hand, had an easy, natural way with people, handling all the attention and politics of the nobility with grace and charm, but seemed to want none of it.  She spoke constantly of hern need to leave, and the Domerson had to become ever more inventive in order to keep her around - not that he thought the quick witted beauty was fooled for an instant.

Eventually Camillia was won over, her protests becoming fewer and fewer.  When General Diamond was receiving his promotion, Kamino planning her return to D-City, and Cringe terrorizing the surrounding areas, Camillia was planning her wedding - or more accurately, having her wedding planned.

The Art

Camillia, another long standing character, has now been through three transformations (four including the pastel portrait), though her look is consistent.

In updating her the first time I chose to give her a little more color to wear, feeling I'd taken the desert gold and white idea a bit far in the original drawing.  Otherwise, aside from the snakeskin boots and skill upgrade the idea remained pretty much the same.

Just off the presses, in her newest incarnation I chose to keep her snakeskin boots, though it's (hopefully) communicated a bit better.  Having just arriving in D-City, I felt Camillia's dress would naturally speak more to her Desert background rather than the style of the Capital.  Moving forward with this, though still steering clear of the colors found in the original concept, her dress draws inspiration from a flower cactus and I tried to imbue it with the light, airy feel one would desire in a hot climate.

That it also has something of the feel of a Fairy Tale Princess is a nice Bonus.  Additionally, following the lead of the pastel portrait, I translated her "golden skin" description literally.  Perhaps it's simply parental pride, but I think it gives her a glow.

Old to New 15: Mahsheean Mystery

{Theme Song: Unsingable Name, Mike Doughty} 

So, anyone that's done character design/art knows that pretty much the First Commandment is:

     Thou shalt known thy Character.

The principle behind this is that otherwise the character lacks personality and zest - i.e. a lackluster picture.  For example of this see left and right.  They're not necessarily bad per se, but they lack the depth that is achieved through back story (here I'm speaking generally, specifically referenced pics are Horrible on multiple levels, even if we ignore the jelly stain).

If you doubt this is necessary, watch Face Off sometime.  (Even if you don't doubt, watch it anyway, the show ROCKS!)  Special effects makeup artists have about 3 days to create an original character for each challenge (alien circus, human-bird hybrid, dark elf to name a few).  They have a ridiculously short amount of time and Heaps of work, yet the great makeups have enough back story to fill a novel!

I understand this.  I agree with this.  Yet I still break this rule.  Countries and peoples are individual and important characters in their own right.  A main character's scene has "extras" in the background.  I just feel like drawing pretty clothes in the style of a certain world.  The reasons/justifications are endless.

There is usually still some type of knowledge of this person - they're happy or sad, they're on their way to work, stressed out.  Something is known, even if this person and I haven't officially "met".  Sometimes this turns out characters such as above.  These I only knew as servants in Mist, Mahsheean, Kamino's residence.

Yet sometimes the rework is beautiful nonetheless.

(Almost unrecognizable as the same people, I know, but there are hints.)

Like regularly seeing an intriguing person from a distance; some day I will go introduce myself, exchange names, learn their history.  At that time I may polish the character up a bit, add some meaningful personal details, but until then, it's lovely background to gaze upon yes?

Old to New 14: Decrestore Kaleya, Most Powerful Chikil in Paonia - but we just call her Mom

 Location:  D-City, Paonia

Although there is no guaranteed successorship in Paonia, Kaleya was from the royal Chikil line, and groomed from childhood to be a leader.  Instinctively good at reading people and situations, and having a persuasive way with words, Kaleya was an obvious choice, but several other relatives could make similar claims - and had more life experience when it came time to appoint a new Decrestore.

Kaleya's sincere love for all the people of Paonia and driving ambition to better their lives won her the vote of Boofon provinces.  Normally this would make the logical Chikil wary, but the manner in which Kaleya pursued her final goal - through in-depth study and logical, fully considered plans - persuaded her own people to stand behind her as well.

No one was ever disappointed in that decision.

Kaleya acted as Decrestore for over 50 years and her humility, approachability, and the personal interest in each and every individual she encountered won the hearts of all.  It was said she knew every person in D-City by name - and a good many outside - so it wasn't surprising that after a time those in the capital began referring to her affectionately as "Mother".

It speaks eloquently to Kaleya's character that she never balked at the use of this appellation, even by those older than her.

Sadly, the Mother Decrestore, along with the High Warress, died when Caliphus the Jaguar and his Muchovan army stormed D-City.  Muchovan was ultimately repelled, and the Jaguar fell to the hands of a young Pao soldier, but Paonia is still reeling two years later.

Definitely at the anger stage of the grieving process, Paos seek vengeance on the traitor that gave the Muchovans entrance...

Here is another straight forward update - though it's about due again.  Crayola colored pencils were used on all pics, except below, which is pastel.  In the top left corner you see part of the D-City Royal Emblem (the only part done in Prismacolor colored pencils), as befits one of Kaleya's status.

Old to New 8: Cringe, Post-Modern Major General

{Theme Music: Breaking the Habit, Linkin Park}

After posting Kamino's Origins yesterday, it seemed only fair that I now post her Muchovan nemesis Cringe.  Our first full look at the villain of the piece.

Haling from a place unknown to the common Muchovan people, Cringe has some Egyptian influence to his look - perhaps most apparent in his updated make up - as well as some Asian and military touches.  (I don't like limiting my inspiration to only one source as I feel this gives the people less range in appearance.)

My first go was, again, a bit dull and expected, so for his update Cringe got quite the makeover.  He's still recognizable, I believe, but I've added in a bit more style and color - and a whole lot of attitude.

Cringe is a sardonic, offensive punk and this needs to be apparent from the first glance.  I try to convey this using his makeup, hair and facial expressions.  Yeah, he's standing at attention like a "proper" military commander, but just barely and his chest piece seems to be the jerk's only nod to his position.  He's certainly not wearing his ceremonial epaulets as most others would.

I chose to eliminate most of the black from the original picture because I feel the villain wearing black is just a bit cliche.  Of course, anymore the hero wears black also because he needs to be "cool" and with the villain wearing black to denote his villainous heart where exactly does color come into the picture?  The damsel in distress?  (And *ugh* talk about another cliche I could do without!)

I unabashedly love color and feel it's more expressive than black (which, in fact, is Not a color, but by definition is the Absence of color).  Hence, you will find that most of my pictures are quite colorful.  Just in case you were wondering why :)

Old to New 7: Kamino

Having seen the most recent "Hero Shot" when she was Character of the Week, here are Kamino's humble origins:

As a main character that goes back over decade, through Kamino we see Paonia in it's infancy.  Frankly, aside from her skin and hair color she was about as boring as oatmeal.  Hence her "update" is quite a change.

Done in Crayola colored pencils, before I'd yet given into that ever present Prismacolor temptation, I was quite please with how her redo turned out - especially the number of fabric textures I was able to convey.  Her hair also looks far less skunk like.

Contrasting natural highlights that reveal the age of the character, was an early concept for Paonia, and sounded great to my younger self.  Making those look good later on...not so easy, but I choose to stand behind that earlier aesthetic decision, and the slight punk artist feel it gives to both Kamino and her mother, I must admit I love.  Perhaps that's a bit telling where I'm concerned...

Again the second picture of Kamino is quite a departure from the original.  In this instance, though, the clothing maintains much of the original feel, while I chose to go with another hue entirely for her skin.

The story - as alluded to in How to Start Over Using Only Bugs and Berries, is that Kamino changes her skin tone to be less conspicuous while traveling through Paonia.  (Oceanians are isolationists by nature, so rarely intermarry with Paonians from other provinces, making Kamino unique in this regard.)

Originally I gave her the skin tone of the Southern Plains, but this really wasn't logical since her father is from the Northern Plains and she has his hair.  Additionally (though I've never tried it) I should think it'd be easier to make blue skin purple using some red bugs and flowers than it would to turn blue to white - at least without bleach!

Besides, I just like the colorful skin tones :)  Why write fantasy with ordinary looking people right???

And finally, Kamino's pastel portrait.  I was on a pastel kick for a while (clearly) so much of Kamino's family are privileged to have portraits.  Just don't expect too many more after this as I don't currently have my pastels with me *sigh*

Old to New 6: Zaddin, Ambassador, Provincial Ruler and Grandpa

{Theme Music: Last Night as I Lay Dreaming, The Prodigals}


Today is another look at Kamino's family.

Zaddin is Kamino's maternal Grandfather, born of the Oceanian royal line he's held the highest title of Governorino most of his life.  Before that he'd served as Oceania's representative in Paonia's capital city, affectionately referred to as D-City; the official home of the Decrestore, Domerse and Dameer, the most important personages of Paonia.

As Oceanian ambassador Zaddin had been working hard to restoring friendly terms

between his home province and the capital.  Relations had been strained for some time due to D-City feeling Oceania was too independent while Oceania felt D-City was too intrusive.  The resolution received a severe blow when an extreme Oceanian group made a violent demonstration in the capital - and fell apart entirely after Zaddin was called home to his father's deathbed.


Shortly after he became Governorino Zaddin came to have a daughter - it was a bit of a scandal since she just appeared one day and Zaddin has chosen to never reveal her mother's identity.  It just speaks to the respect and love the people had for their new Governorino that he weathered this scandal pretty much unscathed, and his daughter Kamira was just as widely adored as her father.

Perhaps an even greater feat of Zaddin's is that he also maintained a good personal relationship with D-City, and was privileged to receive both the Decrestore and High Warress (1st and 2nd most powerful Chikiles) as guests on multiple occasions, in addition to other nobles of note.  This is credited with the seemingly ideal compromise that was eventually reached between Oceania and D-City.  Zaddin's daughter, a royal Oceanian, would marry a D-City noble.  Hence D-City could say one of it's own governed Oceania, while Oceanians felt they still ruled themselves.

Ultimately this compromise did not work out, Kamira sadly died young, and the babe Kamino was left to her devastated Grandfather's care.  At that time he chose to take a back seat in ruling in order to focus on his only remaining family.  Still he's a beloved ruler and able to wield his share of power, having a lifetime of favors and friendships to call upon.

All character shots of Zaddin were done in Crayola colored pencil and were a straightforward update - pretty much no changes to speak of, though as an early update their clearly about due to be updated again.

I still rather like his youth shot, though, and perhaps that's why I chose to do his portrait based on this picture.  Again the portrait is done in pastels - deepest shadows had a watercolor pencil base (not the best choice for the thinness of pastel paper, I learned), topped primarily by Rembrandt pastels with touches of Sennelier.

Background setting is Oceania.  Inspiration for the under tiling of the overhang was the colorful interior of shells - I believe it's called nacre.  The shape of the pillars have a definite seashell feel to them.  These touches seemed fitting for an island that makes it living from the ocean.

Tomorrow I'll continue the Paonian theme with the woman herself - she's gone by many names in a relatively short life, but so far we know her best as Kamino.

Old to New 5: Kamira

And back home to Paonia :)

Sometimes updating a character means more than just one picture.  Kamira is the mother of my heroine Kamino, and as such her backstory and history play a large role in forming Kamino's character.  Hence I have her illustrated from girlhood, maybe four or five (above, in case you couldn't guess), to happy young adulthood (below left) and finally through to her marriage to a D-City nobleman (below right).

The concept stays almost exactly the same in the childhood and YA pics, just an improvement in technique and a few more details.  The third is the most changed, the pants and top having flipped colors and green was added in the corset and boots (from the moment I colored the boots blue in the first pic I regretted it - it can be so hard choosing colors, and sometimes you just make the wrong choice).  Still I think it also stays pretty true to the original.

Which brings me to another kind of "update".  This is when you represent the character in a whole other media and style.  It's not so much of a "redo" as a different presentation or perspective entirely.

Crayola colored pencils were used on all pictures above with touches of gel ink pen for the eyelashes (really makes them pop right?).  The style on these could be said to be influenced by manga or cartoons (i.e. simplified, not aiming for full realism).

For Kamira's portrait, however, I chose to use pastels and aimed for more of a photographic quality.

You may recognize the soulful gaze from my site header.  I've heard that if you have brown eyes that blue eyeliner will really make them stand out.  Seems to really hold true with blue skin too :)

Tune in tomorrow when Kamino's Grandpa gets the same treatment...

APA Kamino 1.4 : How to Start Over Using Only Bugs and Berries

{Last Kamino Post} {First Kamino Post} {Kamino Profile}

Location: The Valley, Old Chikil, Paonia

Kamino glared at the piece  of succulent fruit in her right hand and the nut in her left.  Who swam ridiculous lengths on health food?

                She’d made it about half-way to the nearest town before reality broke through her hunger haze: She was currently broke and unsightly.  She would have to fix both situations before she entered a town.  For the time being, she would have to scrounge for food – but she swore that would not last long.

                This wasn’t Kamino’s first hand of cards – she always stacked the deck in her favor.  She’d landed in The Valley, a territory of Paonia rarely entered by non-Vallians.  This made it unlikely the locals would recognize her, but they had a long-standing and friendly relationship with Oceania.  Using the small pack of goods carefully secured to the small of her back, she’d be able to pass as that occasional Oceanian Trader.

                She simply had to look the part.  Hunger dealt with, she surveyed the resource-rich forest surrounding her.  People avoided the Valley because travel was difficult and dangerous, forgetting the jungle had everything a clever girl needed to start over.  One simply had to know the local tricks.

                Trick One: Never travel on the ground.  The brush on the floor is thick and thorny and its inhabitants poisonous.  Solution?  Climb a tree – they’re fairly close together, so if you have fair balance you can pretty much stroll from branch to branch.  Additionally, because all Valley towns are at least 20 feet from the ground that’s where all path markers can be found.  Which is how Kamino knew she was about 10 minutes from the Village of Vines.

                Trick Two: If it’s bright and pretty don’t touch it.  There are dangers higher up too, but most are well marked by glaring colors.  Even these have their uses, though.  For instance, while those glistening, plump blue striped fruits should never come near your mouth, if mashed together with some of those juicy rainbow beetles, they make a fantastic tinted hair gel (perfect for disguising the platinum hair of the Northern Plains).

Plus it gave her hair style extra hold and a nice shine.  However, this was only good for short term use as it washed right out with water.

For the long term disguises Kamino would need a skin tint – easily made using local flowers and the tiny little bugs that loved them. (And if you shudder at the idea of rubbing bugs into the skin, never research lipstick ingredients.)  She collected these wherever she saw them, keeping them in a hollowed out gourd, carried like a purse with a strap made of de-leafed braided vines.

After generously applying her blue bug-goop gel, adding a few more gourds to her load and rewrapping her clothing in the proper Oceanian style (no one would care the fabric itself wasn’t Oceanian in origin), less than 10 minutes later Kamino made a passable Trader.

She entered the Village of Vines to see the namesake vines forming walkways and ladders between square, skeletal tree houses.  The bright magenta hue of these vines was a surprise, but didn’t give Kamino a moment’s pause in her bee line for the local eatery.

APA Kamino 1.3: Where to Find Motivation When you Can't Feel Your Feet

{Last Kamino Post} {First Kamino Post} {Kamino Profile}

Location: Paonia Shore

It’s said that scent is the sense most closely tied to memory.  Perhaps that was why Kamino would have sworn she could smell her homeland even before the shore could be seen in the pitch black.  She’d never missed Paonia in the two years she’d been gone.  It had been time enough to establish a new life – several in fact.

The strong wave of nostalgia caught her completely off guard.

            Maybe Paonians had some kind of deep genetic attachment to the land and that was why it was both illegal and nearly impossible to leave the Kingdom in the first place.  At some point the powers that be had decided to spare their citizens the pain of homesickness.

            Of course that was nonsense born of giddy exhaustion, but it was a happier thought than offered by reality.  All the barriers that separated Paonia from the rest of the world: The Wall, the Towers, the Ports; this was how the Kingdom kept a tight hold on the land she had left.

At one time history said that all the known land was ruled by either the Chikil Republic or the Kingdom of Boofon.  Then the Titans clashed.  Generations spent warring became generations lost in a bitter stalemate.  Meanwhile outside forces nibbled away at the unprotected edges.

It was practicality that replaced the feud with a begrudging alliance, but the damage had been done.  Both sides had lost nearly half their territories, along with the conquering spirit that could have enabled them to reclaim it.  All the newly formed Kingdom of Paonia wanted was peace, so it blocked out the rest of the world.

Safely locked away, Paonia had attained mythical status outside the wall.  What deterred most had now become a challenge to some.  War had returned to Paonia after nearly a millennia of peace, and if the rumors were true, that same foe had them in their sights again.

And that was why Kamino was returning.  She had alliances to honor, debts to pay.  With that heavy thought she flopped onto the beach, her limbs feeling like jiggly jelly.

Mmmm…Jelly.  Oooh, a jelly, bacon sandwich.  She  was STARVING!  And now that she was back in Paonia…she could have a Brillglen.  A real, authentic Brillglen!  How long had it been since she’d had a Brillglen? –With pink crumble cheese made from Creo Goat milk oozing over lightly simmered and spiced Plain apple slices, surrounded by crispy, bubbling pork skin and red lettuce.  Kamino groaned aloud at the thought.

Perhaps it was good to be home.

{Next Kamino Post}

APA Kamino 1.2 : How to Take on a Ridiculously Improbable, but Stereotypically Heroic Task

{Last Kamino Post} {First Kamino Post} {Kamino Profile}

Three Weeks Later
Location: Madruga Shore

The barest wisp of a person stood vaguely silhouetted against the pre-dawn sky.  Most people would, to her aggravation and amusement, mistake her for a child upon first glance.  She hadn’t quite made it to 5’ and just about disappeared when she turned sideways.

            However, as she gazed steadily at the water of the Lamisti Gulf, her mouth set in a determined line, no one would mistake her face for that of a carefree child.  She reached her hands up to the sky, then to the right, left and down to her toes, focusing fully on the task at hand.  If she let her concentration slip –

            She ran to the nearby grass, falling to her hands and knees to heave up all that was left of the food she’d eaten the night before.  Kamino sighed, wiped the back of her hand over her mouth and returned to stretching, refocusing.

            Some 30 miles of turbulent open waters separated the Madruga states from Paonia.  This was at the narrowest point of the Gulf – slightest error of navigation to either the north or south…well, you didn’t make it, suffice it to say.

Paonia wasn’t known to other nations as the Walled Kingdom for nothing.  With the Wall to the North, the Towers to the East and the Ports to the South, all entrances were carefully blocked off.  The only reason the West was left open was that the Lamisti Gulf was believed to be un-sailable due to its temperamental weather and rocky shorelines.

However, Kamino was not just Paonian, but, as her azure skin declared, Oceanian.  Oceanians learned to swim before they could walk, and spent more of their life in the water than out.  Other Paonians (most of whom couldn’t swim a stroke) called them squids, not entirely kindly.  They felt their love of the Ocean was unnatural.  Which was probably why it never occurred to anyone that someone could swim the Gulf.

That and the fact that few maps existed with both Paonian and Madrugan shores outlined, showing this small chink in their armor.  Kamino had as a child seen one such map, carefully worked out as a delicately tiled mosaic.  The artwork in the room had been done eons ago when Madruga had still been part of the Chikil empire.  As a child, she’d wondered if the map was fact or myth.

Two years ago she’d been desperate enough to find out.  And here she was again.

Kamino pulled on the glass goggles she’d discovered near Beedar Lake – an area known for its divers.  No true Oceanian would ever wear goggles – but she was only part Oceanian, the ocean irritated her eyes and she’d given up the impossible task of trying to belong on the small, xenophobic island nearly a decade ago.  She’d had to adopt practicality over pride and tradition.

            Kamino raked her hands somewhat viciously through her amethyst streaked white hair – her father’s hair – pulling it tightly back.  No, she’d never be mistaken for a pure Oceanian – or pure anything for that matter – but now she’d made herself more than any one people.

First by studying under the High Warress she’d acquired the knowledge of Paonia – both Boofon and Chikil, a feat in itself. Then she’d done what few Paonians ever had done – she’d left.  This gave her the chance to live in Madruga and Mahsheean, learning their ways, adding their skillsets to her own.  She’d even studied for a time with an Arlainian instructor and been trained by a Vylnese guard.  She could do this.

            At fifteen she’d been strong enough, smart enough to escape Paonia.  Two years wiser now, she’d spent every moment improving, honing.  She’d hoped never to need that skill and knowledge.  Her stomach trembled.  Muchovan wouldn’t allow her any peace.

            Again Kamino fought back panic.  She could do this.  Yes, last time she had failed, but she wouldn’t do so again.

Couldn’t do so again.

Okay that wasn’t helping.  She couldn’t seem to find the steady, calm, peaceful frame of mind that Chikils strove for, so she decided she’d settle for anger, righteous indignation and pride – a trick she’d learned from the Boofon.  She found she liked the irony of it – it seemed appropriate.

            Kamino poked at all the old wounds she could think of, working herself into a fine fit, then puffing herself up by thinking of all the things she’d accomplished on her own,

She gracefully dived into the cold water.

She knew the anger wouldn’t last, but once it wore off she’d have the swim to capture her whole attention, and eventually she’d be too tired and numb to think of anything beyond her next stroke.  Honestly, she was looking forward to the swim.  It would grant her a peace she’d not known in the three weeks since she’d left Mahsheean.  The journey would be physically taxing, but didn’t worry her.

It was the idea of returning home that terrified her.

{Next Kamino Post}

APA Cringe 1.1 : Name Calling and Paper Cuts - A Practical Guide to Rubbing Salt in Wounds

{Last Cringe Post} {First Cringe Post}

{Theme Song: Repetition, TV on the Radio}

Current Time
Location: Muchovan Camp, Effenta

Cringe.

That’s what people did when he spoke to them, walked by, made eye contact…sometimes at the mere mention of his name.  He’d seen it as if his name were a command.

Muchovans didn’t use birth names – your name should say something about you before you say a word – so said the tradition.  So while a baby is given a legal name, your so-called “paper name”, it’s the name earned through action that matters.  Unfortunately, more thought went into Muchovan name theory than the clichéd, obvious names given.  Well, in most instances.

Cringe was actually quite good.  It was both accurate and descriptive and, the best part, intended as an insult.

Muchovan men sought to be named after fierce animals, but some were named for plants and even a few after inanimate objects – there was a fellow called Woodblock in camp; as you might guess, he was practical, but an idiot.  None were named after a reaction.  This was a statement – he was not one of them.

What was intended as an insult, the man in question took as highest praise.  He had no desire to be Muchovan.  Even in his personal thoughts he spat the word with distaste.

He’d received the name after winning the trials – he wasn’t sure his paper name had even been requested – not that he’d have given it.  He’d been a despised outsider from the beginning, but after a chaotic year of deliberation, the Prime Counselor had finally endorsed a candidate to succeed the Great Jaguar – him.  And you did not ignore Asp.  Just like his name suggested, he was a venomous, mean, treacherous old viper.  Cringe personally detested the man, but at that moment the Muchovan people had probably hated Asp even more.

Cringe was neither what they’d expected nor wanted.  They were a straight forward people:  they respected strength and fearlessness – even when it was stupid and shortsighted.  Cringe had his own view on things.

While no one would dare say he lacked these sought after attributes, he had won their competition through cleverness rather than brute force – and to a man every single defeated opponent had cried foul at his method.  By the end upcoming opponents had cringed when they heard they’d have to face him.  The battle had been his before it’d even begun.

But of course the losers didn’t want this knee-jerk reaction to be attributed to fearing him.  That’d mark them as cowards and that wouldn’t do at all.  No, they cringed at his rudeness, his lack of respect for their customs and traditions, his outrageous dress and manners, his sarcasm and secretiveness, etc., etc., ad naseum… Yes, to sum up, everything about him was an affront to good and decent Muchovan people.

Yet he’d won it all and now they were irrevocably bound by their own short-sighted tradition.  By law, with no option of appeal, he commanded their army, and they hated him for it.

Then he’d continued to win the real battles and suddenly being named for a fierce attribute was a compliment.

{Next Cringe Post}

APA Cringe 1.0 : Muchovan Trials and Mortification; Punking an Entire Nation

{Theme Song: Don't Sit Down 'cause I've Moved Your Chair, Arctic Monkeys}

One Year Ago
Location: Muchovan

Stunned silence reigned over the crowded field.  The people’s hero, their final hope, son of Jaguar the Great, lay on the ground defeated.  Unconscious it was easier to look past his height, muscles and fierce energy to see him for the 16 year old boy he really was.  What a sad hope.

                The loser was lifted gently, reverently, and moved to lay on the bench of shame where the many who had previously been defeated already sat, clutching their injuries, faces full of murderous intent and barely restrained rage as their hateful eyes glared at their victor.  He was of unimpressive size and build, had the looks of unknown heritage and the styling of a punk.  He gave an exaggerated bow to his opponents, making a farce of the Muchovan tradition.  One man needed restrained by his more level-headed, bleeding companion.

                A tall thin man in fine clothes strode out to stand beside the conqueror. The appropriately called Asp, Prime Counselor of Muchovan, was now the second most hated man in the country.  He’d sponsored the detested winner.  No one knew why.  Even now as he approached his champion faint, aristocratic distaste painted his narrow, severe face.

                Asp did what was expected, though, bowing to the winner, placing the heavy, symbolic epaulets on his shoulders, then presenting him to the crowds.  The silence broke, erupting with boos and hisses and cursing, covering Asp’s privately spoken words.

                “You should have killed him.  He’ll hate you for winning and won’t stop until you’re brought down.”  The victor gave the counselor an ironic look.

                “As opposed to my adoring public?”  The distaste in Asp’s eyes grew to full-fledged disgust, his lip involuntarily curling.  The throng’s volume rose and threatened to mob the winner’s circle, gaining the counselor’s attention.   “Aww, are you worried about me?” His victor taunted,  “That’s sweet.”  Rather than responding, Asp turned sharply from him, fully facing the sea of unhappy faces.

                “Muchos, one and all!  Hear me!”  The shouting fell to murmurs.  One didn’t dare ignore someone with a reputation like Asp’s.  He was Prime Counselor for a reason.  “I present to you the new leader of all Muchovan armies.  For his victory and actions here today he will henceforth be known as General,” Asp paused to look back at him, a superior gleam in his all-seeing beady eyes, “Cringe.”

                This name stopped the murmurs for a split instant, only to be replaced by a glee filled laughter.  No Muchovan had ever received such an appellation, but how appropriate for such an unworthy outsider.

                The newly dubbed Cringe, gave a half laugh, his lips twisting into a smirking smile at the Counselor.  He liked this name; how appropriate indeed.  He stepped forward, chin raised defiantly, the smirk changing into the toothy smile of a tiger.  The laughter started dying in the people’s throats.

                With Cringe in power, they were just now realizing, they may have a tiger by the tail.

 {Next Cringe Post}

APA Kamino 1.1 : Moonlight and Mushiness...Maybe

{Last Kamino Post} {First Kamino Post} {Kamino Profile}

Location: Mist, Mahsheean

Mishee shook his head at Kamino’s introverted ways.  His straight white hair caught the soft light from the brazier as he leaned forward, glowing like the moon against the midnight blue sky of his skin as his wide, indigo lips curved into a rueful smile.  His black almond eyes were just a touch troubled.

  Mishee’s mother ran the house and his father cared for the horses – the Mahsheean were known for their skilled horsemen.  Both families had served this house for generations.  However, despite the difference in station and common prejudice, they’d taken Kamino in like a little lost duckling.  This of course made Mishee completely off limits to her, but she did admire the graceful way his long, finely boned fingers held the book.

“This party is for you, lady.”

“This party was for your mother.”

“It’s expected to entertain your neighbors and others of your station.  Ma Ma wishes you to feel at home in Mahsheean.  Is that not best?” He gave her a surprisingly stern look.

Kamino in general received two types of reactions in Mahsheean.  The first type were intimidated by her reputation and a little wary of her foreign looks.  These typically stuck to polite greetings then gave her a wide berth thereafter.  The second group was fascinated by these same traits – particularly the fair aqua of her skin.  Men – after they realized she was not a child, despite her size – usually fell into the second group.

But not Mishee.  Instead he treated her much like she thought an older brother would.  She found it both charming and infuriating.

“I would rather feel at home in my home,” Kamino replied, meeting his stern look with raised brow.  He only shook his head again.

“Be that as it may, good has come of it.  I overheard news of your home, the Walled Kingdom.”  This brought Kamino to attention.  “The Muchovan army is again on the move, and heading that direction.”

“But they lost their leader.”

“It’s said they’ve found a new general, rumored to be more brilliant than Caliphus the Jaguar.”  He paused, considering Kamino.  She looked through him, frowning, lost in thought.  Lost in the past.

“You’ll go.”  That brought her focus back to him.  “Maybe after you deal with this, you’ll return, ready to truly settle here…and then, maybe, we could, you know, talk…”  Mishee handed the ancient text back to her, his hand grazing hers ever so lightly.

Kamino was caught entirely off guard and was momentarily frozen, eyes wide, mouth half open.  Mishee rose from where he sat on the divan, stepping towards the door, giving her a moment to regather her normal aplomb.

“But for now we should head back to the party.”  He turned to offer Kamino a hand up from where she sat on the floor.

Where she had sat.  “Lady?”

The breeze carried Mishee’s voice to Kamino as she slipped silently away.  Seemed now was the perfect time to head home – before Mishee smothered her to death.  Kamino couldn't handle clingy people.

{Next Kamino Post}

APA Kamino 1.0 : Devil's in the Details - and Cute Shoes

{Kamino Profile}

Location: Mist, Mahsheean

With one last nod and vague smile Kamino glided gracefully from a room filled with delicate music and polite laughter, heading in the opposite direction of her ultimate target.

                Once entirely out of sight she slipped off her elaborately carved, ridiculously high platform shoes.  Why other races were so obsessed with being taller Kamino would never know, but everyone Clomp, Clomped in platforms, it didn’t matter what your training was.  Fortunately the outfit had voluminous sleeves that fully enveloped the shoes, and enough length to hide her bare feet – if she encountered someone she’d be able to play it off.

                Kamino turned toward her true direction, pleased with her subterfuge –and tripped on the now too long skirt, falling flat on her face, each shoe landing with a hollow Thunk several feet away in opposite directions.  Kamino looked around to see if anyone had heard, but it seemed her ignominious face-plant had gone unattended.  Next she groaned, rubbing her forehead.  Some super-sneak she was.

                Pulling herself up, cautiously attentive to any noise of discovery, she retrieved her shoes with one hand while holding up the hem of her robe with the other.  “Idiot,” she muttered to herself.  It was always the smallest details that could bring down a perfect plan.

                Still, her good fortune held and no one came rushing in to investigate the noise.  She wouldn’t let this small favor go to waste – she started working her way through the maze-like labyrinth of the house toward her goal, carefully avoiding the wandering guests and ducking under a table when a servant passed.  The mouth-watering spicy-sweet aroma he left in his wake tempted Kamino to risk grabbing a morsel, but she bravely resisted the temptation.

                Finally, with no further incident, she reached the cavernous room lined with books and scrolls, entirely dark except for one small brazier in the corner.  There was no reason for the innumerable lanterns and candles to be lit – this room was off limits to party guests.

Kamino didn’t need any additional light, she knew just where the volume she wanted was.  An ancient text written in the old tongue, she’d discovered this little gem yesterday, but the party had kept her from it until now.  Setting her shoes on the floor in front of the brazier, concealed by the divan, she went to fetch the slim book, then returned to settle on the floor beside her platforms.  Pulling a notebook and pencil from her sleeves, she was ready to delve in and discover all the secrets the ancient volume held.

Only to have the book yanked from her hands.  Above her, as yet unnoticed, reclining on the divan was Mishee.  He shook his head at her.  She’d been so carefully listening for noises of someone entering the library, she’d failed to realize someone was already there.  The smallest details.

“Knew you’d turn up here eventually.  Lady, your guests are missing you, you can read this tomorrow after they leave.”

{Next Kamino Post}