Nathan

[FONT="Arial"]I know people like that. Most are fine, some are, as the article points out, so uptight that you wonder when they are going to snap. In my opinion, so long as the meaning is clear and it's not a homework assignment or something like a sign that helps you get around... I don't really give a damn. [/FONT]

[FONT="Arial"]I don't recognize the show that is based on, but the design is pretty hilarious looking. =P [/FONT]

[FONT="Arial"][quote name='Shy][size=1']The Anovan crew (Frederic, Belmonda, Natalia) have one more addition to the crew as well. I don't know if Malkav is handling that in his post or Nathan though. Then they will head to Vosper, however both the Czenovian and Anovan expeditions have no idea what exactly they are looking for.[/size][/quote]I know that Malkav is going to at least get it started. And depending on where he leaves off, I'll just go from there. So as soon as that's up, I'll post as well. Though at this rate, since they know more, the Church is going to get there first. =P Also, I suspect that Fonty's headache will increase exponentially upon realizing that either Victoria or Liana must have the compass. [/FONT]

[FONT="Arial"]It's nothing new really, they're just having a field day with this in the media because the apparent father looks so young. I've read a few articles on this though and from the kids responses, it's quite clear they're ready for absoutely nothing. [/FONT]

[FONT="Arial"]All I have under my bed is the carpet, dust and random socks or shoes that manage to get lost under there some how. In general, I don't store anything under my bed. I'm sure that will change soon enough though. [/FONT]

[FONT="Arial"][quote name='chibi-master']This thread was inspired by Vicky's post in The Valentine's Thread! Okay, I've got no experience in this because I'm underaged (though I don't ever plan on drinking), but what are some or all of weirdest things you've done drunk? How much have you had to drink in one sitting? What are your favorite drinks? Least favorite? Anything to do with alcohol, put it here![/quote]I'm not much of a drinker so I've never been drunk enough to do really bizarre stuff. I couldn't even tell you what drinks I like since other than to have wine once in a blue moon, I don't drink anymore. Though if you want weirdest stories... I kind of got turned off of after I started training to be a paramedic. It was dealing with accidents that were caused by drunks that kind of killed any desire I had to get tipsy. I know that plenty of people are responsible, but I can't help but remember some of the crashes along with the mangled and dead bodies whenever I think about drinking. And since I know I'll deal with even more so long as I work in this field.... I'll just stay sober.[/FONT]

[FONT="Arial"]I have one and I rarely use it. I can never think of anything I really want to say. It is interesting to see what other members have come up with. There's one by a member called TimeChaser that seems to be a hub for informal announcements and just silly fun stuff. The WaterCooler I think. So though I personally don't use them all that much it seems like a pretty decent blogging system. [B]Edit:[/B] And I just noticed that TimeChaser posted. lol[/FONT]

[FONT="Arial"][quote name='Ace][FONT="Comic Sans MS"']Doesn't make me any less cautious, though. Especially when driving. Psychological mindsets can cause people to be really stupid.[/FONT][/quote]That's the only thing I worry about as far as the day goes. People being really stupid. Beyond that it's just another day and like always, absoutely nothing happened. [/FONT]

[FONT="Arial"][quote name='James][font=franklin gothic medium']I mean, a ship is literally hijacked in what is essentially an act of war. The Alaina is sailing in Anovan territory - if a ship were to hijack it from within the country, that would be a criminal act. But certainly if it were to be hijacked by a foreign vessel, that could spark a war. [/font][/quote]You took the words right out of my mouth. My first thought, upon reading that, was there was [I]no way in hell[/I] that my character, a 1st lieutenant in the Anovan military, would stand by and do nothing over a hijacking. o_O He would, by law, be [I]required[/I] to respond to such an obvious act of aggression. The fact that Dawlish is an Almagest would be irrelevant. I'm pretty sure he just broke quite a few laws by pulling that stunt. I can't imagine the two countries don't have some form of agreement in regards to airspace. I'm sure you put a lot of work in that post Gavin, but I honestly have to say it just doesn't fit.[quote name='James][font=franklin gothic medium']What I mean is... does anyone think that the wedding party would willingly move into Dawlish's vessel after being forcibly hijacked without warning? Hell no.[/font][/quote]My character is more likely to take the presumptuous Dawlish and toss him over the edge without a parachute. I can't see the others just calmly accepting it either. >_> [/FONT]

[FONT="Arial"]I can't say that a game has ever made me cry. Some deaths are a bit more moving than others but that's about it. There are some things a guy will cry over (death in the family being one) but a video game? I don't see it happening anytime soon. I do agree with the sentiment that sometimes you do go... why did you kill him/her?[/FONT]

[FONT="Arial"]Just about all of the Zelda games after A Link to the Past. They just went kind of dumb on the difficulty if you ask me. Still fun, but still pretty easy to beat. I can also say the same for the Diablo II game since like Beth mentioned, once you've beaten it on Nightmare and played a bit on Hell. The default level is very easy. [/FONT]

[FONT="Arial"]I can kind of understand the sentiment behind it and yet at the same time:[quote name='Raiha][COLOR="DarkOrchid"][FONT="Times New Roman"]All Black History month accomplishes now is to make the more radical groups within the party sound like children jumping up and down trying to make it to the head of the class screaming: "NOTICE MEEEEE!"[/FONT'][/COLOR][/quote]That's what I see. Not that history isn't important, but it's time to get over the idea that we have to set aside a special time to remember certain parts of it. There are a lot of moments in history that could fall under this category and making it comprehensive in the fact that you do your best to cover [I]all[/I] of it in class, is really more appropriate in my opinion. [/FONT]

[FONT="Arial"]What I find amusing about the whole thing, is I already know I'll pay attention to the ads in favor of God about as much as I did the ones that go the other way. Which is to say, other than to perhaps laugh, not at all. In all honesty, we're so inundated by advertising of some kind, it's gotten to the point that I pretty much universally ignore all of it. Sometimes something will catch my eye enough for me to laugh at it, but that's about it. [/FONT]

[FONT="Arial"]I'm sorry to subject all of you to such a lengthy post. o_O I did not intend for it to be quite so long. I got working on it and by the time I was done, it had become what you see. I included quite a few characters and if I happened to played anyone incorrectly, just let me know and I'll edit accordingly. [/FONT]

[FONT="Arial"][CENTER][IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest%202/Frederic_Achard.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest%202/Victoria_Ann.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest%202/Liana_Prideux.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] The evening was going far smoother than Frederic had expected. Either people were outright avoiding one another or they were just being civil for a change. He hadn?t seen Bella or Felix in a while but he knew Felix would step in if anything started to get out of hand. Frederic smiled a little to himself as he returned from taking a look around the [I]Alaina[/I]. He stepped to the side to make way for the two girls coming down the hallway but instead of passing him, they came to a stop and the one with dark hair looked up at him questioningly. ?[B]You?re with Bella and Felix right?[/B]? She leaned forward just a touch while the other girl held back a tiny bit. There was something familiar about the other one though he couldn?t seem to place it. ?[B]I am.[/B]? ?[B]Oh good.[/B]? She smiled at him. ?[B]I was looking for you earlier you know.[/B]? ?[B]Oh? Why for?[/B]? ?[B]Because I figured you were siblings since you look so much alike.[/B]? Frederic laughed a bit at her astuteness. ?[B]You?re quite correct. My name is Frederic Achard.[/B]? ?[B]I thought so.[/B]? She sounded quite satisfied with herself. ?[B]You look an awful lot like Bella.[/B]? ?[B]That?s because she?s my twin sister.[/B]? ?[B]Ohhhhh. No wonder![/B]? She curtsied slightly and grinned. ?[B]I?m Victoria Ann Almagest; my mother is the one who got married.[/B]? She continued before he could congratulate her. ?[B]This is my new friend Liana Priduex.[/B]? [I]Ahhh, no wonder she looks familiar.[/I] He didn?t really know her all that well but he had seen her before and knew what she did. He addressed her directly. ?[B]You work for Cobalt Silverworks correct?[/B]? ?[B]Yes.[/B]? She stammered in surprise. ?[B]I thought so. I?m pretty sure you?ve helped me pick out a locket for a birthday present before.[/B]? Frederic chatted with the girls for a couple of minutes before Victoria politely ended the conversation. The pair continued to wherever it was they had been headed before running into him. He watched them go and then just chuckled a bit before returning to the main reception room. [CENTER][IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest%202/Frederic_Achard.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest%202/gustave_achard-1.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest%202/Natalia_Lockmere.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] ?[B]I see that Victoria Ann finally managed to catch up with you Fredric.[/B]? A familiar voice over to the left commented. He turned and then smiled upon seeing that it was Gustave. ?[B]That she did, she?s just as you described her, bright and inquisitive. She certainly seems like a nice enough kid.[/B]? Gustave nodded. ?[B]So how have you been? You like being back in Le Monde? Though I?m sure you could do without the meddlesome attempts at matchmaking.[/B]? ?[B]Don?t I know it.[/B]? Frederic agreed. ?[B]At least here, everyone is either married, the wrong age or completely unappealing.[/B]? The two of them laughed. Frederic watched the guests as they danced and mingled. He could see the Almagest twins across the room and he was careful to look away before either one of them caught his gaze. ?[B]That?s the best kind of wedding to attend.[/B]? Gustave observed. ?[B]One where you can actually enjoy yourself without needing to dodge unwanted attention.[/B]? A voice from behind cut in. ?[B]If only I could be so lucky,[/B]? They turned to see who it was. It was Natalia. ?[B]How have you been Natalia?[/B]? Frederic asked her. It had been a while since he had seen her. ?[B]I take it you?re still working with Chimaeras?[/B]? She smiled wanly. ?[B]I?m doing alright, and yes I?m still working with Chimaeras.[/B]? ?[B]Glad to hear it. I also hear that your mother is bound and determined to find you a suitable husband.[/B]? Natalia rolled her eyes and then grimaced slightly at the sound of her mother?s voice as she came to find her. ?[B]I hate to be rude,[/B]? She said urgently, ?[B]But I?m going to hurry off before she gets over here.[/B]? ?[B]Not at all.[/B]? Gustave looked over her shoulder, he gave her a sympathetic look, ?[B]A breath of fresh air is just what you need and I will tell your mother so.[/B]? "[B]Thank you.[/B]" She smiled gratefully to both of them before taking off, quickly making it to the closest exit to the reception area. ?[B]You might want to do the same.[/B]? Gustave advised, once Natalia was gone. ?[B]Oh? Why is that?[/B]? ?[B]Don?t look now, but the Almagests are wandering in this direction and though I know Macey will be perfectly civil, you wouldn?t want Bella to feel like she had to rescue you from her clutches.[/B]? ?[B]You?re right,[/B]? Frederic agreed. ?[B]I think I?ll just head on over and explore the sections of the ship I haven?t seen yet.[/B]? [CENTER][IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest%202/Frederic_Achard.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest%202/cole_dreadnaught.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] Frederic couldn?t help but grin to himself as he made for the door leading to the other side of the airship. It was rather amusing to be dodging some of the guests. He may not have liked Macey, but it wouldn?t have bothered him if he had actually talked to her. Gustave was right though, if Bella saw them talking, she?d feel compelled to do something and the two of them talking, would be a disaster. He was through the door and halfway down the corridor when he was joined by Cole Dreadnaught who was also going in the same direction. Frederic paused to offer him congratulations on the wedding but Cole spoke first. ?[B]Ah Frederic, I?d like to speak with you for a moment if you don?t mind.[/B]? ?[B]Uh, sure.[/B]? He answered. He motioned with his head, ?[B]follow me please.[/B]? His brow furrowed slightly as he followed Cole through several passage ways until he let both of them into a private room and shut the door. He gave Frederic a searching gaze before he finally begun. ?[B]I apologize for taking you away from the festivities.[/B]? He paused for a moment, his eyes narrowing slightly before he continued. ?[B]I?d like to ask you to do something for me but before I do that, I must ask you to swear that you will not tell anyone about what I?m about to tell you should you choose to decline.[/B]? [I]What??[/I] Fredric just stared at him for a moment, wondering what in the world he could possibly be talking about that would warrant such secrecy. Cole waited patiently for him to answer and finally agree that he would tell no one what he heard. ?[B]Right,[/B]? Cole walked away a few steps and then turned back, standing almost at attention. ?[B]What I?m about to tell you is top secret and as agreed, you must not tell anyone about it.[/B]? ?[B]Recently we?ve gained information about the existence of Xear artifacts,[/B]? He took in Frederic?s look of surprise at the statement. ?[B]I'd like to ask you to lead the search for these artifacts. I?m sure I don?t have to tell you the magnitude of such a discovery.[/B]? Frederic shook his head. Cole certainly didn?t need to tell him just how important such a find would be. Artifacts from the Xear culture would be beyond price and something that, depending on what it was, shouldn?t be allowed to fall into Czenovian hands. ?[B]I see,[/B]? Frederic finally said once Cole was done explaining. ?[B]If I agree to lead the search, you?ll be providing whatever supplies or services are needed, correct?[/B]? ?[B]Yes.[/B]? Cole answered. ?[B]You don?t have to answer right now, but I will need to know by morning what your decision is.[/B]? ?[B]Understood. I?d like to think about it.[/B]? Frederic replied. ?[B]I?ll give you my decision first thing tomorrow.[/B]? ?[B]Fair enough.[/B]? Cole replied. ?[B]In the meantime, let?s head back before my wife realizes that I?ve wandered off.[/B]? He opened the door and lead the way back to where the reception was being held. He was talking about various things going on, idle discussion really, but Frederic?s mind was already spinning with what he had told him. He wasn?t sure about the specifics of getting time off and heading out, but he knew, even before they got back to the reception area, that he would accept the offer. [/FONT]

[FONT="Arial"][quote name='Lunox][font=trebuchet ms'] I didn't even know I was in this. I have no recollection of this whatsoever. Proof that my brain is slowly getting stupider.[/font][/quote]So this is what I have to look forward to if I stick around for a while? Looking back at old threads and going... I posted in [I]that?[/I] =P That was certainly an interesting thread, both of them in fact. Overall this is a nifty idea, but if I needed help to remember threads from only a few months ago, that would be pretty sad.[/FONT]

[FONT="Arial"]If I have the time to disappear for a few hours, I'll take off on a drive. Running up one of the canyons or even just around town tends to get my mind thinking again. If I don't have time, then I end up tapping on things. Like tapping your fingers on a desk top or doing the same with a pencil. [/FONT]

[FONT="Arial"][QUOTE=Vicky][size=1] I don't have a lot of money but I was wondering what I should get someone for V Day? =(. I'm not really sure any of that lovey-dovey crap which actually work, so conventational gifts wouldn't be good. My only idea so far is a zippo lighter because she's constantly complaining the lighters don't work and bitchin' because she has to buy new ones. Otherwise I'm completely banging my head off a desk about this. The sly idiot already got me roses and I ain't given her anything >_

[FONT="Arial"][CENTER][IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest%202/Frederic_Achard.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest%202/Belmonda_Achard.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest%202/Felix_Achard.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] [I]So far so good. Everything is going smoothly and no one has started any fights? yet.[/I] Frederic thought as he took another sip of champagne. It was of course excellent, it was a pity there wasn?t much in the way of real food to go with it. Weddings were always the same when it came to food. He?d have to get something to eat later. In the meantime he couldn?t help but notice that Bella?s gaze was wandering in Macey?s direction all too often. Her brow would furrow each time she caught sight of her. [I]I suppose so long as the two stay apart it?s not a problem. [/I]He didn?t really like her, but he had no urge to pick a fight either. Fredric glanced about again and then choked on his champagne when Bella elbowed him in the side, catching him off guard. The glass slipped from his fingers and he scrambled to catch it with his other hand. He managed to do so but the liquid splashed over the sides a bit to land on his hands and the floor. ?[B]Bella![/B]? He exclaimed, turning to stare at her in surprise. ?[B]Stop watching the guests as if you?re expecting to break up a fight.[/B]? She admonished him. She glared at him, frowning slightly as if daring him to say otherwise. He opened his mouth to object and then closed it. She was right of course; he [I]had[/I] been doing just that. A soft chuckle caught his attention and Fredric scowled at Felix?s look of amusement. ?[B]Don?t think I haven?t noticed you doing the same Felix,[/B]? Bella gave him the same look she had just given Fredric. Felix smiled charmingly, ?[B]Of course sister, it[I] is [/I]my job to...[/B]? ?[B]To protect members of the Church of the Phoenix,[/B]? She interrupted, ?[B]Not babysit the other guests.[/B]? She glared at him a bit more and then sighed. ?[B]I wish this was over already.[/B]? ?[B]Why don?t you two go and get some fresh air?[/B]? Fredric suggested. Bella looked over to Felix who nodded and then back, ?[B]Shouldn?t you come with us?[/B]? ?[B]I?m going to go wash this champagne off of my hands.[/B]? He held up his hands after setting the crystal flute on the nearest table. ?[B]I?ll come and find you when I?m done.[/B]? Bella grimaced slightly, ?[B]Sorry about that.[/B]? ?[B]Don?t be. You?re right; I should be seeing how everyone is doing instead of hanging back and looking for trouble.[/B]? He made shooing motions. ?[B]Go on.[/B]? He waited for the pair to start working their way through the guests before turning to find one of the staff and ask where the nearest wash room was. [/FONT]

[FONT="Arial"]I live in Salt Lake City, Utah. What we are best known for is being the location for the headquarters of the LDS Church, or as they are more commonly known, the Mormons. I find this rather amusing since I am not a member of this religion but yet I still get asked if I am and people usually outright assume it. Other than that we have good ski resorts and five national parks if you're the outdoorsy type. Though other than to ski occasionally, I've yet to take advantage of what's available here. I only moved here six years ago so I haven't gotten around to visiting all the parks yet.[/FONT]

[FONT="Arial"][quote name='chibi-master']Excuse me, but it seems that you've misunderstood. My reply was implying that Tallgeese- was hypocritical for saying that relationships were just a waste of money and dumb, yet he had 3 girlfriends in '08. He sad it was sad. I said it was hypocritical. I'm sorry if my post was misleading or confusing in any way.[/quote]So I did, no need to apologize over it though. I'm the one who got it wrong. I do agree with your verdict on the post. =P But then I'm biased, I'm engaged to be married and I simply do not see relationships as a waste. I wouldn't have it any other way. [/FONT]

[FONT="Arial"][QUOTE=Dagger]I just think that a lot of the objections here show either a basic misunderstanding of how rep actually functions in a decent community, or else are coming from a "We're better than that" angle, which is kind of irritating. ~Dagger~[/QUOTE]Try misunderstanding. I don't visit a lot of forums so I don't really understand how it works. On the surface, it looks like a popularity contest, just saying. [/FONT]

[FONT="Arial"][QUOTE=Tallgeese-]Valentine's day? pffffffffff......as if having a girlfriend isn't enough of a waste of time and money. Valentine's day is a marketing scam, there are people who literary go out for like 2 days during that period. In my opinion relationships are dumb, waste of time and money unless you're getting action, then you can't complain. I say this and yet, I've had 3 girlfriends just in 08. Sad.[/QUOTE]Good thing for you that your parents did not think the same as you when it comes to relationships. As for Valentines day, if you care for someone, holiday or not you'd want to do something nice for them. Focusing on the commercial aspect ignores the more important one of whether or not you care for someone. Vicky already covered the other points I might have made so I'll not bother to repeat it. And chibi-master, do you really think your parents were hypocritical for caring enough about one another to eventually get married and have you? =P[/FONT]

[FONT="Arial"][QUOTE=Raiha][COLOR="DarkOrchid"][FONT="Times New Roman"]Well, as far as everyone on the Archard side of the family universally hating Macey Ellen, I can safely say that everyone's loathing for her is a bit annoying considering that if it were their sister's wedding, they'd want everything to be perfect. But I'm sure it's just me.[/FONT][/COLOR][/QUOTE]Since I get the feeling this post is directed at me... It is just you, I'm only speaking for my own character and the notes in the sign up for Frederic's sister on how she was critical of the Almagest's. Plus, I never said he disliked [I]all[/I] of them. =P [quote name='Raiha][COLOR="DarkOrchid"][FONT="Times New Roman"]Oh yes, and to Nathan: Vincent and Macey's marriage wasn't originally because they loved each other but to forge a business merger/political alliance between the two families. So in essence, neither had very much choice in the matter.[/FONT'][/COLOR][/quote]Well there are two problems with that. One, my understanding was that I didn't need to be intimately acquainted with the first rp and two, I did actually read the first couple of pages and saw for myself that business arrangement or not, the two did have feelings for one another. And three, he is entitled to think she's too forward and critical of things that don't really matter. He doesn't hate her, he just doesn't like her. I do find it ironic that Macey's sister was equally critical of Vincent in the first one after the divorce. [/FONT]

[FONT="Arial"]Well I got my first one up. Since I am new at this, let me know if anything was a bit off. I tried to play Bella based on the sign up, so hopefully I got that right. Anyway, so far it looks like it's going to be fun. [/FONT]