NightDay - Story Concept

NightDay
Story Concept

 

There’s always been stories of Light vs. Dark (good & evil, basically). But nowadays it’s hard to come up with a concept that isn’t that stereotypical, “Hey, the dark ones are the bad guys!”

Because I hate that…. So how about this:

The land is literally divided between day and night, where the moon and sun shine 24/7. I like things that have to do with Balance. Now let’s just say that before Day and Night were balanced, they were fighting for control. And the only way to keep control was to offer the gift of either Day or Night to a chosen to extend those abilities over the land.

Okay, that’s not bad. Now about some characters?

Let’s say that two brothers are born on the side of Day. But when one of the elders prophesizes Night’s shadowy reign, the brothers are separated to test their loyalty. Lucas, or Lu, is eventually chosen to lead Day’s people. But his brother Luciens is cast into Night, for they believe this will satisfy the balance between the two realms. Na, why doesn’t Day break it’s promise? Why does darkness always have to be so bad? Let’s say an elder does prophesize a drop in balance, but they can’t tell which one strikes first? Let’s say the typical reasoning is to think Night would be the one or that one of the brothers would tip the balance by going over to Night. So they decide to offer one of the brothers to Night to help keep balance. Maybe Night doesn’t have a chosen, or hasn’t needed one. And Luciens gets picked. Yes, let’s send the baby brother over to the dark side!

Do what now? I think that would totally peeve off someone if they got kicked out of their homeland. So that would be one reason why Luciens goes crazy. The other reason is maybe his brother Lucas got raised a little too far on the pedestal by his parents or clan leaders. He’s first-born. Typical jealously thinking here. The younger brother gets ignored and does some things maybe to get attention, even though his brother tries to bring him up to his level. Yeah, that might work. But who’s really at fault? Luciens, the elders, the offer of Night to gain power over those who mistreated him? Who knows? There’s a lot at stake here, it seems.

Now leader of Day, Lu (Lucas) is forced to work against the brother he’s come to love, and will stop at nothing to bring him back to a world of light. Yet that love is quickly betrayed when Luciens is taken up as heir to Night.

With a lust for power that darkness brings him, Luciens wants to break the balance and expand Night over the entire land in order to take revenge on those who cast him away. He believes his brother is the cause of his banishment. Lucas was always the popular one and held more privileges as first-born. His plan is to strip everything away from his brother like it was done to him.

Fighting against his Luciens is not easy, as Lu realizes his love for his younger sibling is just as crippling as the blow he’s received that gives him a constant limp. Why Luciens? Instead, Lu tries to change the laws that cast unwanted children to the other side.

Perhaps then Luciens will see that he’s not against him after all…

Tuesday Teaser

A little teaser for book three current chapter in "Healer"


It was hard to avoid Valor's penetrating stare while dancing. Glory kept her head slightly turned, letting her attention span to the other dancers on the floor, though every now and then her eyes flicked back to his face. Has he even blinked? she wondered. The music was beginning to pick up, but her feet felt sluggish. Her mood was not helping. Neither was Valor's presence.

"You know it's impolite to stare," she said coldly.

A thin smile. "Hard to resist with you." He led her in a spin, then pulled her close. "Can I at least glimpse that delightful smile of yours?"

Glory just rolled her eyes and threw him a narrowed look. "Fancy you've been plotting all types of ways to win me back." The tempo was slowling again, much to her relief, and they drifted between others in an aimless circle. It was between two couples that she thought she saw Shafari still watching. She sighed. "How's my father?"

"Oh, he's enjoying the extra bedroom space," came a sarcastic reply, his pleasant expression turning serious. "What a thing to ask! How do you think he is? He's been besides himself with worry and wants you home."

"You're just saying that," Glory huffed. "We've been sending him letters, unless you've detained them...again!"

"Again? You don't seem to get it," Valor said sternly. His grip tightened and he jerked her in a dip. Her gasp of surprise spurred the next statement of, "How would you feel if someone you cared about just disappeared without any indication as to why?" He let her up, seeing how her expression contorted in discomfort. "Glory, I'm not making this up to satify my feelings for you. Your father hasn't been the same since. Does that mean nothing to you?"

Rise of the Guardians

Decided to try out this movie tonight. "Rise of the Guardians" focuses on Jack Frost (loved the albino look ;p) who doesn't recall any of his past memories after waking up to a cold and wintry world. I enjoyed the different styles of the characters, guardians including our favorite holiday figures: Santa, Easter Bunny, Tooth Fairy and Sand Man. 

Each of the characters held a special role in balancing out the world where children who believed in them kept them going. Now, I had wondered about this because most movies who include Jack Frost can't see him. I was correct. When Jack first comes about, he's mostly ignored. But, as you can imagine, when someone believed, then he could be seen. 

The downfall was a character called Pitch Black who understood what it was to not be seen and played on Jack's fears to keep him from helping the guardians as he installed fear in the children to keep them from believing.

The animation was from Dreamworks, and we all know Dreamworks rarely produces poor quality. I loved the flow of action. I've gotten used to predicting who takes a fall. But hey, it's a kid's movie! No one really dies in a kid's movie. Although, I have to admit, it's not really for little kids because of all the fighting. What movie nowadays doesn't have fighting in it? Have you noticed that in today's movies?

Santa had some kickbutt tattoos on his arms. On one arm it clearly said "naughty" and on the other said "nice." His character gave off a sort of Russian feel (or lack of the correct nationality). Now while most of our Santa's prefer white fur, this one had black (feathers?) trimmed around the shoulders and arm cuffs. 

Easter Bunny did remind me of a kangeroo due to the Australian accent and boomerangs. Jack Frost himself even pointed that one out as he poked fun at his lanky figure. 

Tooth Fairy was different. Her appearance resembled a large hummingbird, complete with little helpers with hummingbird beaks and squeaks.

Sand Man, or Sandy, as they called him, only ever spoke in symbols. He kicked butt when he wanted, especially when Pitch tries to take him down.

Jack is a fun-loving guy who enjoys games and causing mischief. When he realizes Pitch holds the key to his past, he's determined to help the guardians undo Pitch's scheme. It sort of reminds me of a plot in Terry Pratchet's movie "Hogfather" where in order to take control of children's memories and make them forget, the villain steals teeth from the tooth fairy. Same basic plot. Must work every time then, lol. Apparently, teeth or other personal items always hold memories. Controlling those memories is just another way to control what people believe in. 

So, okay, I guess the story concept isn't a new one. I do wish they had given Pitch a better name. Pitch just doesn't sound very scary. They could have called him Black instead. Shade would have worked too. Even his very make up wasn't all that convincing. While the other characters seemed more engaging to do battle with each other, all Pitch could do was manipulate Sandy's sand dreams and turn them into Nightmares. Yes, I'm talking black sand-blown horses galloping through the skies. A lot of things can fly in this movie. 

Overlook that little fact, and the movie is pretty good. I actually wouldn't mind seeing it again myself. I don't feel too old for this. 

Not a bit...

Tuesday Teaser

This is teaser from the latest chapter in Book Three "Healers".



"A mirror?" He raised a pallad eyebrow in question. When he did not receive an immediate response, he stepped closer to inspect it. The fine craftsmanship of the wood intrigued his interest to who might have carved it until his gaze flicked to his own appearance staring back at him. "And I suppose you have something to do with this," he spoke softly.


A wink, and the prince inclined his head to what his inner unicorn might reveal. To his surprise, the mirror's structure began to waver. Like a veil being lifted, a single wave of energy pulsed over its form before vanishing. No longer did the mirror's form remain, but a wavering oval surface that hovered slightly above ground.

"What in No'va...?" he heard Shy utter behind him before turning to Lord Gracie.

"This is not like the others I've seen here."

"What is it?" Shy stepped beside his brother.

"A portal," was the reply. "But why here? Why keep it secret?"

"It's been dormant for years." Lord Gracie joined the two brothers. "When I first came to this land, it was this particular portal that gave us access. After that, it just shut down."

"You were trapped here?" Wisdom asked, but Lord Gracie only chuckled.

"Compared to what we had before, this was a blessing! But those who did not follow... never could, as we could not open it back up." A sigh. "Nevertheless, the Foreseers predicted its next use during something called a... Purification?" At this, he glanced to Wisdom.

A nod. "Purifications are supposed to come once a millineum, but because of Jenario, the balance calls for it to happen well before that time." He stepped away from the portal, and as he did the illusion returned in the guise of a mirror. "Did your Foreseers show anything else?"

"The message was quite clear about a unicorn needing it for a particular location. Perhaps the one you carry IS that unicorn. The mirror did, after all, react to your presence."

Wisdom looked down at his wrist, kept covered by a thin cloth that matched whatever outfit he wore. Slowly, he unwove it to check the scar. Its circular form had already begun to fill in to a half crescent, reflecting the phases of the moon.

"If that's so, she'll be needing it soon...."

Revamped Art

A revamped version of my Water Healer. Added texture to the skin tones, beefed up his chest (more sexy looking) and his lower arm muscles. The only thing left to change is the foreground water so it's not so blurry. The background can stay the same. Other than that, I think this is pretty darn good to submit to the "Spectrum 20" contest for 2013!

I've tried before to enter, but never got in. For those that win, their pieces are published in a very NICE looking art book. The only thing I haven't liked about it is how dark it's become. Lots of folks value dark fantasy or sci-fi over the lighter and more colorful versions. But... that's their preference. Let's see how it fairs this time.

Video Blog: Art Book

Getting to the Good Stuff!

HEALERBook Three of Blue Moon Rising Trilogy
© 2012 Bonnie Watson


(work in progress) 


Chapter 7      

 
“I’m pleased you decided to join us this evening, Master Lorcán.” (check this name – Prince)

The use of his father’s name struck a discomforting pause before Shy answered the Grand Master’s pleasant welcome.

“I appreciate the sediment, but SHY will do,” he returned with strained enthusiasm.

Wisdom eyed his brother a moment before turning his attention back to Lord Gracie, who led the two from the event down a back corridor. The warm glow of light flowing between walls yielded to several hanging tapestries. The colorful fabrics adorned the plain surfaces every few feet, and kept the brightness to a bearable minimum.

“As you wish,” Lord Gracie’s smile never dimmed. “It was one of your own that helped make this place possible.”

Wisdom caught that glance of uncertainly from his brother, whose thoughts remained closed when nothing stood out from sight-reading.

"Did Chronicles ever mention anything to you or others about HIS father?” he asked.

“Providence?” Shy guessed. “We all presumed he had passed.”

“Huh.” The prince chortled. “He’s here.”

“Wha-” Shy’s hushed response held back a throaty growl. When he spoke next, his tone reflected a slight gurgle of annoyance. “Pah! He’s been telling everyone that for years! Such ignorance! Too preoccupied to even bother…” He met his brother’s gaze. “Well, you know how he is.”

Wisdom nodded. “I know. Everything gets blamed on…” Here, he caught himself to check Lord Gracie’s reaction.

“On humans?” was the reply with a chuckle. “I don’t doubt it after what your family’s been through.”

“And I suppose your history is just as clean?” Shy’s tensed look relaxed, and even offered a crooked smile. “My brother informed me you were one of the first humans in No’va.”

Lord Gracie held a door open for them to enter at the end of the corridor. “I was, along with our current problem MAGE,” he added with a hint of sarcasm. After letting the brothers go first, he followed behind and shut the door.

“We are well aware of BOTH,” Wisdom corrected. “Jenario should have never touched a unicorn! That in itself has caused so much destruction. First for Nature, then for us.” He looked around the small room they had entered. Most of the furniture had been covered with white sheets, possibly extras pulled from the main ballroom. Having lived at the castle before, he was fairly certain the room contained a passage to a private location, for there were no other entrances besides the one they just used.

“Definitely us,” Shy muttered, and Wisdom knew what he meant. The encounter with the Dark Unicorn had temporarily removed itself from his memory, leaving Shy at the mercy of a father believing his son was incompetent.

While Lord Gracie checked a key ring at his belt, Shy let his attention span around the room, then back to the door.

“I hope this isn’t your office, or did we take a wrong turn?” he asked.

“This?” Lord Gracie’s key clinked against the doorlock before turning once. “Just a little shortcut, is all.” He started to pull the door open.

“But we just came from–” Shy stopped when a different view opened before them.

Lord Gracie’s smile widened at his expression. “After you.”

Wisdom immediately recognized the Grand Master’s chamber. Shelves filled with books lined the room. Seated windows overlooked a courtyard below, illuminated by outside torchlight as dusk settled. In the center of the room sat a crescent-shaped desk, its polished Redwood surface neatly arranged with several stacked papers, quills and ink bottle ready for its master.

“I remember getting lost in this place,” Wisdom said. “I ended up here after finding one of your portals.” He ran a hand over the high-backed chair sitting behind the desk. “I sat here wondering what to do next until Nicolas could find me.”

“I arranged most of the portals to bring CONFUSED guests here.” Lord Gracie replied with a wink. “Makes it easier to find them.”

“YOU arranged the portals?” Shy asked. “Yet you have no magic.”

“Well, Nicolas is a magic-user,” his brother said. “At least partially. He may not be the strongest, but it might be enough for some of the place’s needs.”

A nod from the Grand Master, who made way for a winged feline that hopped up on the desk. Its tuxedo coloration reflected over the desk’s smooth surface, though it was the multicolored wings that fascinated the brothers as they partially opened to steady itself. On its hind legs it reared to stretch a forearm out for Lord Gracie’s hand, and was obliged with a head-rub.

“What in No’va…?” Shy stared at the cat, which eventually settled on the desk with tail wrapped around the feet.

“A Foreseer,” Lord Gracie said. There was pride in his voice, like a father showing off an accomplished child. “With the ability to predict past, present and future events, I see all with this place and NEVER have to leave or rely on any other’s source of information.”

“But I’ve never–” Shy commenced.

“Your family wouldn’t know of these,” Lord Gracie interrupted in a stern tone. “They’re only found here, kept safe from the use of those who’d misuse them.” He paused to watch the cat hunker down in a lazy ball of fluff, its feet tucked underneath. Yellow eyes gazed up at the three men, slowly closing as its purring became more obvious.

Chapter 7 Updates

Finally getting to the good part. Sometimes I have to wonder whether pacing is too slow in the beginning to reach this far in a novel. But then again, I have to realize there are multiple character situations that add tension to the current plot. As for the main plot, it's about to get juicy.

I just reached a section where Lord Gracie is introducing the two albino brothers to a portal in the guise of a mirror (and perhaps hints that this was how humas were able to enter their present world). The idea is that Lord Gracie wants Wisdom (main character) to take the mirror back to the Eastern Clan where he feels it'll be better protected. Since Wisdom has the pure unicorn protecting him, it could might be more useful there than staying at Luxor.

At the same time, Glory has just encountered her former fiance. Tension mounts as he insists she's making a mistake staying with Wisdom. Now, Glory is famous for throwing complete hissy fits. So picture this: a ballroom full of well-dressed men and women, classy music playing, and a red-faced young woman about to explode in the midst of it all!

Let's get this party started!!

Fall Music

“So We Fall” created in Garage Band using piano and strings. Original creation that goes well with the elemental themes in the Wisdom Novels series.