The Rope Trick fanfic #3 {The Kite}

The Rope Trick fanfic #3
{The Kite}

by Nina D

 How Daniella first discovered the idea of a kite was anyone's guess. She stuck to the idea very firmly, however. At last, Julian agreed to help her, and Lidi was regaled to help find the necessary materials. Paper was supplied from some old playbills of Pompodoro's. A frame was built from some straight sticks(Jericho's contribution) and some paste was concocted from flour, water, and-well, Lidi wasn't sure what else.The paste was also a contribution of Jericho's. After 2 failed attempts (which didn't faze Daniella at all, and which annoyed Julian greatly), they finally had a nearly complete kite. "Now we need a tail" Daniella said. "I know," Julian said. "For that, we need string-and some ribbon would be nice." He added, grinning hopefully at Lidi. Lidi rolled her eyes, but headed to her ribbon box nonetheless. When she returned, Julian and Daniella had attached a ball of twine, and were holding a smaller piece expectantly. "Here you go," Lidi said, handing the ribbon to Daniella. They tied the ribbon to the twine, and attached the whole thing to the frame. "Lets go fly it!!!" Daniella cheered. Julian smiled and was about to agree, when his face fell, as he realized- "It's not- windy." Daniella looked at him in dismay. "You can't fly a kite without wind." He apologized. "I'm sorry, you two." Lidi said "I'm sure we'll have a windy day soon." Sadly, Daniella and Julian gathered up the kite and went to store it in the tent wagon. "Make sure no one steals it while you and Jericho are asleep!" Lidi heard Daniella order as they walked away.
***
They waited and waited, but no wind came. The weather was beautiful, sunny and crisp, but no wind. Then one morning, Lidi was awakened by a little person bouncing violently into the pit of her stomach. "Lidi, wake up, it's here!!" "Oww....get off!" Lidi sat up, dumping Daniella to the floor. She bounced up. "The wind, the WIND!!" "Ohhh..." Lidi remembered now. "I'll get dressed and-" "Meet us in the big field!" Daniella was off. Lidi dressed quickly, ran a comb through and then loosely braided her copper curls, and headed outside, blinking a little as the morning sun hit her still sleepy eyes. Julian and Daniella were both wide awake and ready to go. Jericho was sitting by the tent wagon, pretending to cook breakfast, but really just as interested in the proceedings as Daniella herself. "All right," Julian said, handing Daniella the kite. "Now you run that way, as fast as you can, hold up the kite and when I tell you, let go." Daniella nodded and took off. "Now!" Julian shouted, and up went the kite! Daniella danced and squealed with delight. Julian laughed, his face as alight with wonder as a boys. Lidi watched the kite as it dipped and soared. "My ribbons look quite nice." She smiled, "It's a beautiful kite!" Julian smiled proudly. Daniella whirled up to them. "May I fly it?" Julian grinned and handed her the spool. "But don't let it fly you away!" He warned half seriously. "I want to fly away!" Daniella laughed delightedly at that idea. Lidi and Julian stood side by side and watched the bright colors against the clear blue sky. Jericho walked up next to them and stood silently for a moment. He cleared his throat. "Ah- could I take a try?" he asked. Daniella passed him the twine. Lidi laughed, as Jericho expertly made the kite dance and twirl. Julian watched, critically at first, but at last even he had to be impressed. "We should add this to the act, Jericho!" Lidi teased. "The great Jericho's Captivating Kites..." "Very funny" Jericho smiled in spite of himself. The morning passed quickly, but finally the wind began to die down. Julian brought the kite back in. Daniella touched it gently. "Good flying, kite." She whispered happily.
The End

based on The Rope Trick by Lloyd Alexander

art found @ The Graphics Fairy

The Rope Trick fanfic #2 The Necklace

The Rope Trick fanfic

#2 The Necklace

{by Nina D.}

Daniella, among other unusual gifts, possesed an uncanny knack for finding singular items. Everything- from birds nests and bits of eggshells, to old coins, and one day a little fish hardened in rock. One day, as they were traveling towards the coast, Julian was driving the property wagon, and Lidi was sitting quietly beside him. Daniella came running up beside the wagon. "Look at what I found!!" She panted. Julian slowed the wagon to a brief halt, and Daniella scrambled up between them. "Show us!" Lidi said as they started off again. Daniella displayed a beautiful green stone, just the color of her eyes. Polished smooth by the gravel of the road, the stone shone brightly in the sun. "It's beautiful." Lidi praised, to Daniellas immense gratification. "It'd look good as a necklace." Julian commented, glancing at her find. Daniella's eyes lit up."Could you make it into one?!" Since Julians suscess with the guitar, Daniella had developed an opinion of his creative ability, that was rather unmerited on his part. He took the stone and looked closely at it. "Hmm... I just may." He said thoughtfuly, as he handed it back to her. "Keep it safe and I'll take a better look at it when we stop." He said. Daniella tightened her grip on the stone and nodded solemnly. Julian grinned at Lidi over Daniellas head. Lidi shook her head, but smiled back.

* * *

When the troupe reached a village, they stopped at the nearest field and began to set up. Julian, Lidi and Jericho set up Lidi's effects and helped the other performers as well. When everything was done, Julian began to rummage in the tent wagon. He came out with some wire and a few tools. He motioned Daniella over. She handed him the stone and watched intently. Lidi watched them fondly from a little ways off. At times like this, the defiant, haunted, painful side of Julian's character disappeared, leaving only a kind and confidant young man. More and more often, Lidi noticed this change, untill sometimes she even wondered if he'd forgotten his fight with the Baboon and his myrmidons. But she knew he couldn't ever forget, not completely. *His wounds might heal, but the scars would never vanish.* She watched as he wrapped the wire securely around the stone, firmly so it wouldn't get lost, but not enough to conceal its green color and polished shape. He finished it with a little loop for a chain to go through. "Have we got a chain or ribbon to put it on?" He glanced up at Lidi. "I'll look." She went into the tent wagon and looked around. Her eyes flew to her fathers old watch- ornate, silver, and very very old. He had been so proud of it, he had never even considered selling it. Lidi didn't quite know how to wind it, and it had run down long ago. It dangled from the ceiling, hanging on a fine silver chain. Lidi hesitated for a moment, then took the watch and gently slipped it from the chain. She wrapped the watch in a handkerchief and carefully tucked it into a drawer. She brought the chain out to Julian. He looked at it with surprise and admiration, then looked at Lidi questioningly. She nodded. Julian slipped the stone pendant on. Daniella gasped in delight. Julian fastened it around her neck. "A fitting adornment for an added attraction." He said gravely. Daniella's eyes shone with gratitude. Julian smiled at her. "Thank you!" she managed excitedly, then ran off to show Jericho- or anyone else who would look. Lidi walked over next to Julian as they watched her go. "That means more to her than you know." She said softly. Julian looked down at her. "It means a lot to me, to be able to do it for her." He said thoughtfully, his hazel eyes meeting hers. "Besides, an added attraction and a divine one at that really ought to be properly bejewled." He teased. Lidi laughed, then grew serious. "Thank you." Julian smiled and nodded his understanding. Lidi took a few backwards steps, then turned and headed back towards her wagon to lay out her costumes for the night.

The end.

 

based on The Rope Trick by Lloyd Alexander

photo is NOT mine, I found it via Google.

The Guitar~ {rope trick fanfic/short story #1}

~The Rope Trick fanfic~

#1- The Guitar

{by Nina D.}

The moment Lidi saw the silly, boyish grin on Julian's face, she knew something was up. When he proudly showed her the "almost new" guitar he had found, she mentally groaned. "Can you- play it?" She asked tentatively. "Of course!" He replied indignantly. "Everyone plays it where I'm from." "I'm really not overly interested in THEM- I asked can YOU play it? Have you ever played before?" "Nooo… but I'll learn. Just a matter of-" "Principle?" Lidi interrupted dryly. "No, time, actually. Can't be that hard…" Julian looked confidant, but Lidi had her doubts. She inspected the instrument more closely. "It's missing a string!" She exclaimed. "I'll fix it." Julian assured her. "With what?" "I don't know yet. Wire, I guess." He added as an afterthought. Lidi shook her head. Yet, despite her misgivings about the guitar, it was nice to see that silly smile on his face…She sighed. "Well- have fun" She meant it. His grin widened, and he disappeared behind the property wagon, where they kept odds and ends. "Where is he off to?" Jericho walked up. "A project" Lidi said nonchalantly. "Is it going to keep him from his work?" Jericho asked suspiciously. Lidi bit her lip. "It… may." "Humph." Jericho shook his bandana-wrapped head and grumbled away. Lidi half shrugged and headed towards her tent wagon. She had a feeling she might end up with some extra work, and it was just as well to get started now.

* * *

Jericho was right, as usual. Julian spent most of his time tinkering away at his guitar. After attaching a makeshift "string" he spent hours plucking and plinking away, trying to work out tunes. Lidi wondered briefly if he was even musical enough to figure some out. He had never shown or mentioned any interest in music; but these Campanian peasants all seemed to be musical in one way or another, and Julian himself had a sort of musical air. Lidi didn't know, but she had grown used to expecting- well, anything. Daniella, when not watching the horses or piggies, or pestering Pompadoro's human performers, could often be found 'helping' Julian. While Lidi did their work, she would often catch sight of them, bent over the beat-up instrument, and as the days went by, she began to catch snatches of tunes. Though the extra work was a bit taxing, it was worth it to see the sparkle growing in Julian's eyes, and the excitement of a shared secret in Daniella's. One clear night, as Lidi's little quartet of a troupe gathered around a fire, Julian cleared his throat. Lidi glanced up. Daniella looked about ready to explode. "Would anyone care for some music?" he asked, with repressed excitement showing in every carefully careless word. Lidi smiled at him, and raised her eyebrows expectantly. "Do you happen to know of anyone with some to offer?" She asked. Julian grinned. "Miss Added Attraction, would you be so kind as to fetch-" Daniella was already back with the guitar, before he could even finish. He grinned his thanks and tousled her hair affectionately. Her face was alight with immense self-importance as she settled back into her spot, her sea green eyes expectant. Julian looked around, with a brief moment of self-conscious hesitation. Lidi smiled encouragingly. His eyes met hers for a moment. Then, with a deep breath and an introductory chord, he began to sing. Lidi caught her breath and stared at him in wonder. He was already lost in the song, his wonderful, beautiful voice- soothing and yet sorrowful, happy yet heartbreaking, passionate yet peaceful, filling the night air. Lidi could have listened forever. As he finished, his eyes met hers again. They were filled with some concern. "Did you-like it?" He asked. "That was…" Lidi searched for words. His face grew tense as he waited. "That was absolutely the most beautiful thing I have ever heard." His face lit up. "Really?" "Really. It was worth all the extra work-" He looked down sheepishly. "And it would have been worth twice as much work, to hear that." She finished honestly. He looked back up, his hazel eyes warm and grateful and happy. Lidi smiled. "Could you sing something else?"

~The end~

inspired by/based on The Rope Trick, by Lloyd Alexander

artwork is clip-art from Microsoft office

a short story by Hannah D. AKA the Damsel

She looked into his eyes, shock spreading across her face. "What?!" "I'm going back." Liza's mind felt as though it had a block placed suddenly and forcefully into it, effectively stopping any constructive thinking. She stared at him still, feeling stupid. "Going back-" She repeated it, trying to let the words sink into her mind. "Going back..." My village needs my help." Jonas said gently. "I have to go" A wave of understanding hit her, and with it the flood of pain."Yes... you have to... go." Her words dropped to almost a whisper. Going back... "I don't want to leave you." He said, subtle strength infusing his voice. "Then why are you?" She knew why, and she didn't really mean to even ask. The words just tumbled out, as though washed on the back-flow of a tidal wave. Surprise showed in his eyes- the color of a stormy sky, dark, mysterious, yet Liza knew. Always right behind them was the promise of blinding sunshine. She lived for that light. "Never mind- I didn't mean that, I know why you have to go. I wouldn't have you not go. But..." She hesitated. "Yes?" Jonas' face showed every word she said to him now would carry twice normal weight. For a moment, the tantalizing though of begging him to say dangled in her mind, brushing across her very finger tips. If she asked him... but would he stay? Would she want him too, knowing the devastation he longed to help put right? She pushed her own  desire aside, and smiled. "I'm glad you are a man who will go back- to that. To help. I'm proud." His face lit up with-something. She couldn't describe his look. But she knew that what she had said was worth more to him than anything else she could have given. "But... " she repeated. "When... do you think..." "I'll be back? I don't know, Liza. I'm sorry, there is so much to do... I don't know how long it may take." Her heart sank, but then, as if a hand had caught hers, pulling her from the depths- "I could come with you." The words came as naturally as a breath of air. "I could help." Jonas' eyes told her how much he longed for the same thing. "No, you can't! The wedding- " "As if I care about that wedding! I would far rather go to the church this minute and marry you so I can come with you and help you, than wait who knows how long for a fancy wedding!" Her words tumbled out. He was perplexed. "But - I thought you loved the idea of a big wedding?" "Wellll... I do. But I love you far more." She looked up at him. He put out one strong hand and gently stroked a stray curl of honey brown back into its place. He said nothing. He didn't need to. His smile- his eyes- said more than a lifetime of words. She slid her hand into his, and they walked back towards the house. "I'll talk to your parents." He broke the silence. "Yes." He looked down at her. "I love you." She smiled up at him. "I'm so- so thankful," His words were fervent, and not, perhaps, entirely to her. His eyes seemed to see beyond her face. "That you understand- I must go back to the sea. It isn't only the hurricane, or my family, it's- a part of me. You will love it too." "I already do. I've seen the sea, in your eyes, your smile. Heard it in your voice. Felt it in the quiet strength of your hands clasping mine. And I love it too." They paused on the doorstep. He raised her hand reverently to his lips. "I must go back to the sea..." "And there is no place I'd rather be than with you." And they went together through the door.
The end


I don't write very often, and I hope I don't regret putting this up. It was kind of a random thing... Anyhow, here it is. I hope you like it.

Sunshine award!

 

Well, hello! I would firstly like to most humbly apologize for my negligence in posting. Sorry!

And now to buisness! To my surprise and honor, I've been nominated for a Sunshine Award!

Thank you so much to Momo Q., artist extraordinaire:)

I haven't had a chance to fully explore her blog, but I'm looking forwards to it:) You should too;)

Here are the rules for Sunshine Award:

1. Thank the blogger who nominated you and post a link to their blog
2. Answer the list of questions
3. Nominate other bloggers and inform them of their nomination
4. Create questions for your nominees

*And you must use the Sunshine Award picture (above) on your blog

 

 My nominees-

Johanna @

http://thedoodlinggirl.blogspot.com/

 

Kelsey Hamersley @

 http://kelseypaigeart.tumblr.com/

 

 

1. Did you ever get an idea for your story from the most unexpected place/thing? If so, where/what was it?

Hmmmm... I'm not sure I have, at least not within memory, but that does NOT mean I haven't! I did have an idea for a dystopian, futuristic type novel recently, which is random because I have never actually read that genre! Not for any real reason, I just haven't gotten that far! Anyways, I was just lying in bed, imagining a scene, and it took root! I haven't started it, but I really want to!

2. Which do you write better with, computer or paper?

Ummm... well, I prefer paper because of the convenience, but the computer for organization! So i don't really prefer either, I guess!

3. It was a fun and easy question: when you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Well, I went through several stages, but artist, horsewoman, pianist and actress are the ones I remember most! Actress and artist are still on the list now, at 16, actually:) 

4. If you had something that you really liked, but was almost/completely ruined by water, what was it?

I don't think that has ever happened to anything of mine, except s few books, but once I was borrowing a book and it somehow got wet(still not sure how). I was SO HORRIFIED, but the owner was very gracious,and thankfully the most damage was the watermarked cover:) I felt so bad though!

5. What is the hardest thing that you have to confront with in writing? (Editing does not count. ;D)

Well, probably actually doing it! I have so many ideas, but I often have trouble actually buckling down and actually writing them! It's mostly laziness on my part:/ sometimes I have trouble with dialogue too.

 

ok, here are my questions-

 

1- who/what is your personal artistic inspiration?

 

2-which is more fun, and are you better at- drawing or painting? 

 

3-What aspect do you struggle/stress over with most in art?

 

4-what do you love, other than making lovely art?:)

 

5- If you could have a chance to illustrate any book ever, what book would it be?

 

There you have it! I think this was a lot of fun, and I think a good nudge for me to get back at my blog! So hopefully I'll be seeing you soon:) 

Have a lovely day!!

 -Nina

 

My Anna costume

Hello everyone!! Today I am sharing a simple costume I wore to a Frozen themed birthday party last night! (It was super fun by the way!) It is a very simple one, and not based on one particular outfit she wears, but I am extremely happy with it! In fact I may wear it somewhere else just for fun! My mom again did the sewing... I am not very good sewist:( Yet:) Anyways, here is a sketch I did of the whole thing.

This shows how we put the ribbon on. It would be east to customize the shape and location of the ribbon if you were making one! Or even to tack on some "rosmaling"- applique:)

And here is a picture of the costume. (Sorry about the face, but for the present, I prefer privacy in that area! Thanks for understanding!) And if you notice the white streak... I bobby pinned some yarn up near my scalp and hid it under my hair and then just braided it in! I thought it a nice little touch:)

And one last picture! I hope you enjoy, and maybe this will be helpful if you decide to make your own! I hope to someday make more involved versions of costumes fr/Frozen. In the near future I hope to make over a old prom dress from the thrift store into Elsa's Let it Go gown. If I do, I shall share it on here!!

And while we are on the Frozen theme, check out this blog by a artist who contributed immensely to that film: Brittany Lee. As always, I don't take responsibility for all content, only the frozen related pages. But I enjoyed her post on the costuming very very much! Concept/Character design is a feild I am interested in, and Brittany Lee's art is a huge inspiration!
Here is the link!
http://britsketch.blogspot.com/2014/02/frozen-costume-design.html

Have a great day/week/month/however long before I post again:) I'm horrible I know:)
The Damsel

Purse Pattern

Well, everyone, I am sorry I haven't posted in so long:( Here is an original crochet pattern for you all to make up for it! It is a little purse for kids:) Fun fun fun! My little sister had me make hers brown like Flynn Rider:P


Little purse pattern
I used:
Red Heart Super Saver(on both)

Sportweight sparkly yarn of unknown origin:) On the first
and what I believe was Red Heart Soft(not sure on that either:) on the second one(pictured)
size M hook
large needle(not a yarn needle, as it needs to be sharp enough to sew fabric)
Fabric(at least the same size as your crocheted piece)
gauge-rows 1 through 5 should measure app. 6 in by 2 in
Hold 2 strands together, and work fairly loosely
Chain 25
Row 1--Sc in 2nd chain fr. hook, sc in every other chain across(12 sc)
Row 2--ch. 1, sc in next sc fr. hook,sc in each sc across(12 sc)
rows 3-30 repeat row 2. Fasten off. It should be app. 6 in by 11 in.
Cut a peice of fabric the same size as your crochet rectangle.
Put them right sides together and sew together, leaving one end or both ends open for turning.
Fold up edges with outsides together, and whipstich the edges(only the crochet, NOT the fabric. Turn so the fabric is on the inside, and stitch the last edge closed.
Add a button and way of closing(I used a hair tie), and a strap(I used a long crochet chain and stiched it to the sides, underneath the flap) and you are done! Mine both took about an hour or so(with interuptions). Hope you like it!