"Criticism Wanted"

This is a piece I wrote back in 2006 and posted into my LiveJournal. I was skimming the old 'Journal recently and came across it. I never named it and the title of the entry was simply "Criticism Wanted", but the truth is: I don't think I've written anything that tops this yet. (Which is sad when you think about it. I'm supposed to get better with time)

I thought I'd repost it here since even I think it's awesome. Might skim old entries of my Xanga to find stories there and do the same. 

Enjoy.

= = = = = = 

I kept my eyes open for her. The hall was flooded with people but I knew she was here somewhere.
There. She was sitting at the table alone, everyone else must've gone to dance.
I headed for her, but someone else stood in my way. It was the brunette from my sixth period.
"C'mon let's dance! I love this song!"
"Actually I was--" but I was already being dragged to the dance floor. The song was fast enough so I decided to humor her.
Wasn't long until I regretted it.
She was dancing way too close and 'wild' for my taste. It seemed pretty clear she wanted all my attention on her. 
The song ended and I gratefully left the dance floor while she was placing in a request.
She was still sitting there. Her fork idly playing with the napkin. She looked up at me as I sat beside her. She quickly directed her gaze back at her fork. "Hey."
"Hey.." I had never seen her in a dress before. The black gown wrapped around her perfectly, her hair down well past her shoulders. She never wore any make-up, which I had always loved since it left her face unmasked, allowing her natural beauty to shine through. Her skin was smooth and clear, and her full lips were a little rosy, she must've been bitting them recently. I could see the flames from the center-piece candles reflected in her dark eyes. "You look beautiful."
She rolled her eyes, her grip on her fork tightening.
"You do."
Her eyes narrowed at me. "Stop it."
I sighed. She never believed any compliment I gave her. She had started playing with her fork again. "We need to talk--"
"Here comes your little friend."
I turn my head to see the brunette heading towards me. She latched onto my arm. "C'mon they're playing my favorite next!" 
"Have fun." She dropped her fork and stood, quickly making her way outside to the balcony.
"Wait!" I shake the brunette off my arm, then rush after her.
She was leaning against the railing, her back turned to me. I stopped a few feet behind her.
"It's not what you think. She just asked me to dance, I'm not--"
"Oh I'm sure that's all it was."
"That is all it was! I got away as fast as I could."
"Oh, I'm sure you did. It's not like you ever had trouble turning away from attractive girls."
My shoulders fell with the weight of her words. I had to swallow hard before I could speak again. "I know I screwed up...but I promise I won't ever make that mistake again...."
She turned with a fierce look in her eyes."You promised never to make it in the first place! How can you be so sure you wouldn't make it again?"
"Do you really think I'd do that again after knowing how much it hurt to lose you?!"
"Oh, I'm sure it hurt alot, what with your ability to endure pain. If you dislocated a shoulder you'd just pop it back in without a single wince!"
"It's not the same thing and you know it!"
"Just do me a favor and spare me the stories." She walked passed me but I grabbed her wrist before she could get away. 
"Would you just listen to me, I--" I must've pulled harder than I thought because she was suddenly against my chest and my arms were around her. She had stiffened, but didn't move. I could smell her shampoo in her hair, and I found myself pulling her closer. She was warm despite the slight chill outside. I hadn't held her in so long... Her soft voice broke through my thoughts.
"You..what?"
I realized I had forgotten what I was going to say. I tried to remember, but I couldn't concentrate on anything but the feeling of her body against mine, the feeling of my arms around her waist. "I don't remember..."
"Oh..." She was slowly relaxing, and soon I felt her arms wrap around me tightly. I felt relief flood my senses as I tightened my hold on her. God how I've missed her touch...
"I love you..." I hugged her as tight as I could. "I love you so much.." I felt my shirt grow wet and I reluctantly pulled back a little. I placed a hand under her chin and gently lifted her face. Her cheeks and nose were pink, and wet from her tears. I wiped her eyes with my thumb as she bit her lip, most likely to fight back more tears.
"I love you too..." Her voice was so quiet I almost didn't hear it. Before I could stop myself I lowered my head and kissed her. It was quick, but it was enough to send my mind spiraling through every moment I had with her... Everything I had lost.
I felt her pull me close and I kissed her again, and this time she responded.
God I had forgotten how soft her lips were. 
She held me tight as we stood there, our lips meeting again and again. I couldn't believe this was happening. That she was here with me after so long.
We pulled away, and I was drawn to those dark eyes I had always lost myself in. She seemed to be as lost in the past as I was.
Suddenly, something sparked in those dark pupils, and she stiffened.
No...No not now.. Please don't remember...
She pulled away, her gaze turned away from mine. Please, no..
"I have to go."
"Wait-" I reached for her hand but missed, and she rushed back through the doors. I went after her, but the doors had closed, blocking my view of her. I threw them open, the noise of thundering music and laughter ripped through the once quiet balcony. No one has had their fill of the night and the hall was filled with hundreds of bodies.
I looked around frantically trying to catch a glipse of her among the masses. I hadn't seen which direction she had gone and felt a sense of panic. I had to find her before--
There! She was closing in on the exit doors at the far end of the hall. I called out to her but my voice was drawn out by the music. My blood ran cold as she opened the doors and ran out. 
I pushed and shoved my way through the crowd, trying to get to her as fast as I could. Then finally I bolted through the doors, my eyes frantically searching the parking lot for her car. She had to have reached it by now.
I kept calling for her, hoping, praying that she'd wait.
To my far right I heard a car roar to life. I ran towards the row of cars where the sound originated, I could see her blue Toyota pulling out of a spot. "Stop!!"
She was accelerating, I called out her name again but she was soon out of my reach. I stood there, breathing hard, as she drove out of the lot.
My chest clenched. I let out a yell and punched the trunk of the nearest car. The car alarm went off, its loud whines ringing through the air, making my heart pound against my ribs. I ran both my hands over my face. 
I lost her... I lost her all over again...

The Currents

I have been doing a pretty bad job of keeping up with this place, I know. So here's a few News Reels to clarify:

1. School is crazy. It's been hard keeping up with life, school work, the BlogSpot, and my reading.

2. Yes, I am still reading This is All, but the before-mentioned reasons keep me from reading at my normal, quick pace. 
3. Yes, I still watch movies and I have seen a few recently. I'm sorry I haven't reviewed any in a long while. The realization that the only 2-3 people that read this I know in real life has given me the "Well they can just ASK me if I liked it" attitude. I plan to resume reviews again, but time is always being crunched these days. Stay tuned.

4. I will continue to write Quest Logs for Faellynn and I will continue to write story excerpts of my characters. It's just a matter of time, inspiration, and literary mechanics.

For those who read this, Thank You for doing so. I only wish more would do the same.

Faellynn's Quest Log 46.3

Faellynn's Profile

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

QUEST LOG 46.3

Stranglethorn Vale is such a beautiful place! It looks as if I've stepped onto a forgotten island. Mayne loves the area, but when we arrived she was clearly in need of rest. After accompanying me on quest after quest with barely any rest, then to take a zeppelin such a long way down to Stranglethorn, she was exhausted. The ride itself was peaceful enough for me, but Mayne is very anxious of heights. It's strange that a misbat of all creatures would be afraid, but she has never been more than a few feet off the ground so the altitude frightens her a bit.

          So I spoke with the local Stable Master and fortunately he had enough room for her and little Noah, an orphan blizzard bear cub I found in Undercity. I decided to take him with me, as he didn't seem to enjoy the company of the Undead. I decided to keep him stabled with Mayne, as he is still much too young to accompany me on quests. In a stable he will at least stay safe from any harm, and every moment I can I shall take him out to exercise.
          Mayne was grateful for a rest, and she seemed amused by the small cub's antics. They've grown quite fond of each other through these past few weeks. Meanwhile, I took Algar with me on my adventures in order to train and hone his skills further.
          The trolls here had asked for my assistance against certain groups of their kin that have sided with the Alliance (a fact that they, understandably, seemed very upset to share). The battles have proven to be most profitable for Algar and I. He's grown in strength, not as fast as Mayne, but at his own pace. However, he still has much to learn before he can handle the opponents Mayne can. 

---Faellynn

Faellynn's Quest Log 43.2

Faellynn's Profile

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

QUEST LOG 43.2

Today was a fine day. Mayne and I have grown stronger over the past few nights, and so I led us into Stromgarde to find Prince Galen Trollbane and retrieve the last Sigil we needed. The prince was well protected as I imagined, but they could no longer intimidate us. I sent Mayne after the soldiers and syndicates while I took on Galen. It wasn't long at all before they fell before us, and the Sigil was ours. 

          We returned to Hammerfall and delivered our prize to Zengu, who then fused all four sigils into one. He told us we were now ready to open the tomb. Mayne and I hurried back to where the Prince once stood, and followed the path to the tomb. More soldiers stood guard, but they were weaker than the Prince and so our battles did not last long.

          I am happy to report that Mayne and I did indeed enter the tomb, and we retrieved the sword Trol'Kalar successfully. Zengu was overjoyed that the weapon that once slew so many of his kin, would know be the means to avenge them. I was honored that Mayne and I were of aid. 

          I'm also pleased to announce that I have finally heard back from Holku. He has decided to come and stay here at Hammerfall and do what he can to help the trolls as well. Once he arrived I took him about the Highlands so that he may be more familiarized with Arathi. His pet, Doomsday, has grown much stronger since the last time I'd seen him and I believe he will be a fine companion to Holku as Mayne is to me.

          It feels strange to leave, but I said my goodbyes to all of the trolls here. Tonight Mayne and I will travel back to Undercity, and tomorrow we shall board the zeppelin and travel to a new land called Stranglethorn Vale. I have been told I would find Ogres, Trolls, and other Blood Elves there that could use my assistance, and now that Holku can aid those in Hammerfall, I must continue my journey to help all that I can against the Alliance.

---Faellynn

Faellynn, level 43 Blood Elf Hunter

Faellynn has reached level 43 :) And she's kick-butt awesome. She can now wear "Mail" armor, which means instead of having a chest plate of "54 Armor" she now has one that is "213 Armor" :) Hellz yea! I mean, yea, she looks weird since she's now multi-colored or mostly red but WHO CARES?! No one can touch her now :) So go ahead, I dare you to cross blades with her!! :D

Faellynn's Quest Log 38.1

* * * For each Quest Log I will post this link to Faellynn's background so that in the off-chance of a new reader, or if you habitual readers forget, it's there for a guide in case of any questions or confusion.

Faellynn's Profile

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

QUEST LOG 38.1

Goodness. I haven't had the time to record any events since I've arrived here at Hammerfall. I have been doing all I can to help the Trolls and Orcs here; They have been under attack by the Syndicate for quite some time. At first all I could do was slay nearby creatures to prove the strength Mayne and I possess. Once the Trolls believed we could be of use, I was given one quest after another with barely any rest. In fact, this is the first time in several days that Mayne and I have had enough time to rest and regain our energy like this. I haven't heard from Holku for weeks, but I trust he's doing well in Undercity.
          So much has happened during my short stay here at Hammerfall, but I suppose the only quests worth mentioning are the ones I've done most recently. A troll by the name of Zengu told me of an old adversary of his race, a Thoras Trollbane. Thoras is dead now, but when alive he wielded a sword which he named Trol'Kalar. I don't quite remember, but I believe Zengu said the name meant something along the lines of 'Troll Killer' or something like that. Anyway, the sword is kept with Thoras in his tomb, but Zengu would rather have the weapon so it may be used in the Troll's favor, rather than against them. What he needs me to do is gather up the four Sigils that are required to open the tomb. The Sigil of Stromgarde, the Sigil of Thoradin, the Sigil of Arathor, and the last: the Sigil of Trollbane.

          Mayne and I have managed to get the first three sigils from Stromgarde Syndicate and Ogres alike, but I fear we are not yet strong enough to aquire the fourth on our own. Prince Galen Trollbane, the son of Thoras, is the bearer of the last sigil and I hear his strength is formitable. He would be a difficult advisary even before his men were made aware of the missing Sigils they no longer carry; and I won't risk Mayne's life unless I am sure we could handle it. 

          Mayne has really grown in strength. She is truly a worthy companion. While acquiring the Sigil of Arathor from Lieutenant Valorcall, who leads the Syndicate Cavalry, we were outnumbered. After fighting off a few men I was out of mana, and with three men still standing, including Valorcall, I was beginning to worry. Mayne then distracted all three men with an ear-piercing screech, taking all the focus off of me and giving me time to drink a small potion to restore my mana.  Soon as I was able, I pulled two of the men off of her with my arrows. While I fought them, Mayne kept attacking Valorcall on her own. I tried to slay the men as fast as I could; I knew that as strong as Mayne was, Valorcall was much stronger.

          But she held her own. By the time my opponents were slain, so was Valorcall. I quickly looted the Sigil from him, a shining pink stone, then led Mayne to a safe area where she could rest. She was wounded, but not nearly as much as I worried she would be. I healed her wounds and fed her some moss, her favorite. It was not the first time Mayne has saved me, I am truly grateful to her. Her skills in combat continue to impress me.

--Faellynn

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

* * * Please Comment

Introducing... FAELLYNN !!!

Game: World of Warcraft

Realm: Bonechewer
Loyalty: Horde

Name: Faellynn

Race: Blood Elf

Sex: Female
Class: Hunter
Profession(s): Enchanting, Skinning

Pet(s): Misbat named Mayne ; Sharpjaw named Algar; Bangalash tiger named Rana

Companion(s): Baby Blizzard Bear named Noah

Mount(s): Red Hawkstrider named Ita

Guild: The OTHERS

Family: Brother: Holku ; Cousin: Gellandria
Extra(s): Romantic Interest: Whitekong

So this is my WoW world. ^_^ Isn't it great? Mayne is a kickass fighter, Algar is pretty good at defence but still needs to level up his fighting skills. And Ita? She gets me from A to B with style! ;D 

Faellynn will be sharing her adventures in her Quest Log SOON!! :) I hope to get it out sometime this weekend but I've got two huge finals this coming week so if it's not up this weekend, it'll definitely be up Friday the 12th! :) So stay tuned!!