Particular Poochi

"Oh, for pixie sake!" exclaims Ertrude as she watches the girls devise a plan to get down to the library. "Sir Wall has given you hint after hint. Give the password and make a leap of faith!"

And with that she runs to the opening, yells "Swap Ships!" and leaps over the edge into the mouth of the tunnel.

"Mom!" Larianne screams and dashes to the opening, only to hear from below. "I'm fine, dear. It works. I guess I'll just tag along.'

"Tell Morrow she went with us, would you dear Wall?" asks Larianne then runs to join her mother.

"Well," observes Izzy as she lands softly, completing the party, "that was easier than I thought. Even Clytie didn't need her wings."

"It's all about puzzles and passwords in literary hunts," remarks a strange voice. "Been a long time since I've seen anyone come this way though."

The party turns to see a figure emerging from the book stacks rolling a library cart. She parks the trolley near a large stack of unfiled books and walks to the main checkout desk where she chimes a desk bell three times. Instantly, several puppies dressed in library assistant uniforms come running over and start sorting the books for reshelving. The sign on the main desk reads: Eternal Elusive Atheneum: Yippina Poochi, Head Librarian.

Private Outfit

TwoFer, who has been assigned to guard Nancy, hisses, but Lappy seems pleased and excited. "You're a dog!" he exclaims.

"Of a sort," the librarian barks back. "We're you expecting a cat? They're not the only inspirational literary animals, you know. They just get more hype this day and age. Of course, they competed for this position, but one of them got miffed at no cream for the interview and took out her revenge by urinating on a hand-bound copy of The Divine Comedy. No one laughed."

"You're very pretty for a librarian," adds Pugsy, "and I love your style."

Yippina thrusts her tongue out at the compliments. "How can I help you?" she yips pleasantly.

Chiasa pulls out the scroll with the star diagram and explains what they know so far and the mission.

Yippina nods. "Then you're the ones we've been hoping would come. That book will be extremely difficult to find, and it must never, never fall into the wrong hands. It might be better if it never existed, and if I, of all people, say that about a book, you see how desperately serious it all is."

She studies each and every one of you carefully, and beckons for eight of the puppies by the stacks to sniff you all out. At the end, they all slap paws in agreement. "Very well," says Yippina, "I shall trust you. Follow me."

She leads you through a maze of book lined corridors until you come to a bolted door with a large metal plate in the center. Yippina jumps up and strikes the higher part of the plates with her paws, and a ball rolls out from a hidden opening. She then presses her nose against the bottom part of the plate. The bolt slides back to reveal a lock. Finally, she picks up the ball and, while holding it in her mouth, yelps "Play with meeee!" into the lock.

As the lock opens with a click, Yippina drops the ball and pops a breath mint into her mouth. "I MUST wash that. The dust of centuries tastes just awful!"

She swings the door wide, and you see a beautiful room with a door opening to an unknown vista. "Books open doors to all worlds," she says as you all stare in delight and wonder.

(View image for larger view)

"Before you enter the portal, though, you must dress as a favorite character from a novel. The portal simply will not let you pass unless you say who you are cosplaying and why you chose and love that character. I'll send some refreshments round and give you time to get ready."

(OOC: This is an HA contest. Each team must submit at least two entries--since our smallest team has two members--but you may submit more. However, only two from each team will be scored and complete for the "Lucky 13" bonus for best costumes." Entries are due on Monday, August 13, at 11:59 pm Subeta time.)

Dace looked at the others. "Finally, something simple. I like playing dress up." She looked down at Achia the Cat and muttered to Teislyn under her breath, "Who is that going to dress up as, "Puss in Boots or Garfield?" she snorted and nudged Teislyn again, "She's like what you get by crossing Morris with Grumpy Cat."

Organized Chaos Will Play along...just be-COS...

(....yeah...sorry about that...it's just a working title....)

Frieda snickered at Dace and Teislyn, but Weldon only shook his head as he smiled, "Aren't you tempting the zot a little bit Cousin Dace?"

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Aicha the Cat stood up on all four paws and arched her back with a hiss. Her tail bristled, the fur on her back stood up and her tail flicked back and forth. She bared her fangs, howled and vanished. In the cat's place appeared the beautiful mage again, dressed in a costume that was out of character for her. "I'm representing Queen Levana from the Lunar Chronicles." she spat.

"There’s a quote from CJ Roberts that goes, 'monsters aren’t born, they’re made' and this cannot be closer to the truth than with Levana. She's the villain of the series but she wasn't born the natural villain. She turned villainous due to her awful childhood, her spoiled older sister who tormented her endlessly and her non-caring and absent family.

So, she's ruthless, cruel, uncaring, manipulating, deadly, and beautiful - an amazing villain. You're constantly wondering why she behaves so and asking yourself why she thinks it's OK, or you ponder if she has any sense of guilt over her actions.

Well, how in the world is she supposed to learn what’s right and what’s wrong when the person who does wrong gets away with it again and again, when parents and nannies turn a blind eye to it, when no one cares, comforts, or loves her? She likely has no concept of what 'right' and 'wrong' are, only that certain actions beget results that suit her needs.

It doesn’t excuse the things she did or the people whose lives she ruined but she didn’t start out a monster. She was a little girl who got ignored by everyone and was disfigured by her sister. She was a child who didn’t know love. She was alone, forgotten, and ugly. And everything she did over the course of the books was her way of trying to not be those things.

I can understand this character very well - I can feel for her.

So, yeah, maybe a little long winded but hey, it's her. That's why I chose her to Cosplay." Aicha was suddenly silent and turned from the rest of the team and Frieda could not sense any emotion emanating from her at all, as if there had suddenly been built an invisible lead wall surrounding the mage.

The rest of the Organized Chaos stood dumbly and blinked. Some looked to the right, some looked to the left and some just shrugged. Dace was the first to speak, "So, obvious question, where are the changing rooms and where are the trunks and racks of costumes that we can chose cosplay outfits from? 'Cause, from everything I know about this group, aside from a few low level spells that some of us know, Aicha is the only one who has the power to pull off that kind of stunt." She gestured toward Aicha's costume.

Teislyn and Jianni nodded in unison, they had gained some skills over the year, but nothing like the mage. "It seems to be a hopeless situation. Calling objects into existence is a much higher level then what we are capable of as a ranger and a bard."

Weldon turned to whisper something in his mate's ear and then pointed at her chest. Frieda shook her head no and whispered back, "No, we are in another dimension, it probably wouldn't work. Let's use what you found." Frieda brightened and patted Weldon's cheek and spoke to the group. "Weldon seems to have found an archive in the back rooms of this place where they store period clothing. I'm sure we can rustle something up there."

She turned to Aicha, "We shall return in a while, you stay right here and..." she didn't really feel comfortable telling Aicha what to do, so she fudged something. "try to get that smudge off the hem of your costume." She gathered the rest of the Chaos followed Weldon to the wardrobe warehouse.

In only a few moments, the Organized Chaos found themselves surrounded by racks of costume materials. "We should try to get back within 30 minutes if we want to be back at the library before Aicha gets angry and does something, you know, Aicha-like."

When everybody was costumed, they gathered back at the library. Aicha looked up from examining the hem of her costume and scowled at Frieda. "What the hell are you talking about, what smudge, rat-girl?"

That the rest of the team was attired in costume didn't even phase the mage, she just stood there, examined her immaculately manicured nails and harrumphed. "Gawd your attempts at humor are pathetic."

Frieda nudged Weldon in the ribs. "Good thinking my dear."

Frieda felt self-conscious at the sudden silence in her team and felt it was her cue to break the ice. She padded up to the portal, painted on a cheery face and showed off her stuff in an uncharacteristically tentative manner.

Private Outfit

"I chose Luna Lovegood from Harry Potter because Luna is a lot like me. Her friends and those around her think she is a bit odd, she doesn't quite fit the mold. They just don't know quite what she is supposed to be. She seems to be off in another world or easily distracted, almost as if she is in a dreamy state. Yet, she is artistic, friendly, often brutally forthright, but very loyal to her friends and to the cause."

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Kat followed Frieda to the portal and spoke, "Kat chose the Katniss Everdeen from the Hunger Games because Katniss is a warrior similar to herself, who defends the people she cares about above all else even if it means risking her life."

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Teislyn appeared before the portal, "I chose Alice from Alice In Wonderland because it's a weird story, but in the end imagination is wonderful and no one should be in a hurry to grow up. Enjoy being at the age you are."

Private Outfit

Webby was next and appeared dressed in a mermaid outfit. She gave Jianni a funny look when he made a comment about fish being his favorite food. "I am submitting my cosplay choice as Ariel from The Little Mermaid by Hans Christian Anderson because I love the water and would be found in it all day if could be. I just adore the mysteriousness of the water and exploring the variety of live that it holds.

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Dace found herself compelled to stand before the portal, "I am Cosplaying Meg from A Wrinkle In Time because I read the book recently and Meg is smart, just like me. She's a little klutzy at first. She loves her brother and she wants to rescue her father."

Jianni was eager to stand in front of the portal and show of his cosplay outfit, "Is Puss, from Puss In Boots, no? One of favorite books when I was kit, but 2011 movie with Antonio Banderas add whole new dimension, making it genuine vignette. So instead of bored cat looking for adventure, hero is orphan who grew up on streets. As plot and Puss' character develop, becomes tale ('tail'..see is funny) about redemption, being mentor and friend."

Teislyn covered her mouth while she attempted to contain the laughter, but it came out as snort instead. "Dace, that has to be the funniest thing I've heard in awhile. I'd so love to see Aicha in either boots or in a big orange cat costume. "

have decided to submit four entries. I don't know if we have to pick which ones are judged or if y'all do that, so we're just leaving it up to you unless you come back and say otherwise. :)

Jean as Danica Maris, AKA Star Power!

cover image

click to expand

As Jean approaches the portal dressed in an outfit of various whites, complete with wig and costume contacts, she explains her love for the astronomer-turned-superhero and her various adventures. The land beyond the portal is strange, but for a moment she thinks it changes to echo the world of her chosen favorite -- a spacescape full of countless stars.

Reference

Sorn doesn't know books in English and doesn't really enjoy reading.
But that's okay, since Garrin came to him with a meeting. And has since been attempting to teach him how to read human, you see. His attempts have met with violent results, between you and me, Garrin plucks a book out of his satchel out right now And decides on Sorn's favourite character, oh wow. "You'll dress as the Cat in the Hat you see, It'll be quiet clever and funny. He puts whiskers on the grumpy Sorn. "Aww there, there my friend don't be forlorn, Come stand in front of this wardrobe that's a wreck, In the book the Cat makes the house quite bleck, Aww, you look so cute with the top hat and tail, Well that's all for now, excuse me before, in pain, I wail."

Sorn grumpily stayed as the Cat in the Hat, The Cat caused chaos and Sorn was quite into that.

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Magic has always intrigued Venom, although he has little desire to study it. One of his favorite fiction novels involves persons able to tap into a strong web of magic in order to maintain balance to the world of the living. Armed with family heirlooms and knowledge of the dead, the protagonist Sabriel stands up against nightmares in order to protect the lands and people she values. Ven can relate, although where Sabriel relies on her magical prowess, Ven relies more heavily on his own inherited weapon and physical abilities.

Putting together an outfit as specific as the Abhorsen’s was not easy, but making due with what was available, we're pretty proud of it. Long chain-mail top covered by a blue tunic. Involving silver keys, a bandolier, a sword, and a glowing magical symbol on the forehead. Not exactly a charter mark, but a decent placeholder none-the-less. A Graveyard seemed an appropriate backdrop. Sending dead things back the way they came, and making sure they stay there is a full time job. Besides, gruesome and spooky things are less bothersome than stuffy formal events any day.

reference

While Garrin didn't really fancy the idea of messing up his hair he knew that in order to pull off looking like his favorite comic book super hero he'd have to use an extremely strong hair gel -- or perhaps get Coda to help conjure up something. After a few quick changes to his outfit he looked in the mirror at his rather scrawny arms and pulled his lips to the side as he mentally disapproved his physique. 'Coda,' he mind-called to his Silvox companion, 'will you give me some help over here?' He looked around for her and saw her watching Sorn dress up as a cat, she was totally enthralled in her observation of the Drow. Coda waved him off with a flick of her tail and continued to silently judge Sorn's rather feline appearance. "Alright then," Garrin muttered softly to himself as he turned back towards the mirror he'd found near an overfull book shelf. At his feet were several different boxes full of costume pieces and makeup items. He found one that was near his skin tone but a tad darker and smeared it on his body along the contours of his muscles knowing this effect would make them appear a bit more pronounced. After several minutes of applying the dark skin toned makeup he looked back into the mirror at his reflection and smiled. "There now I am the best Wolverine ever!" Garrin smiled proudly at his fake claws that he'd managed to scrap together and began pacing around the room as if he were invincible. He rather enjoyed the feeling of power that he felt when dressing up as Wolverine, the mutant from the Marvel Universe. Wolverine was everything Garrin was not (most particularly his strength and combat skills) which is why he'd always looked up to him as a role model of sorts.

These are some of the favorite characters :

Outfit Not Found Wonder Women because she is a leader, an icon for girls and women, she stays true to her morals and fights for what she believes. She is a wonderful inspiration and role model.

SPOILER (click to toggle)

Outfit Not Found Katniss Everdeen from the Hunger Games has so many wonderful characteristics. She is independent yet fiercely loyal, she is a leader with compassion, her emotional and physical strength are a testament to girls everywhere that they can do anything they set their minds to.

SPOILER (click to toggle)

Outfit Not Found Karigan G'ladheon from the Green Rider series by Kristin Britain. I choose Karigan because of her loyalty and desire to discover the truth. The book series she is from is intriguing, full of mystery and danger.

SPOILER (click to toggle)

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This is my favorite Disney character because I love the beach and the ocean. If I could have another life, it would be as a mermaid, under the sea!! Little Mermaid by Hans Christian Anderson. She is in a cove and the fish and bird are her friends from the movie.

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I also have Phedre no Delaunay from the Kushiel series by Jacqueline Carey. I choose Phedre because she is a heroine unlike any I have ever encountered. She is tough, yet gentle; very smart; keeps her friends and enemies close. She is a spy, anguisette, and masochist. She's just such an interesting character... You really must read the series to get the full gist of her!

Though I have chosen to make her look different than the cover of the first book, the HA I have created is the version that is the most cosplayed at conventions and photo shoots.

SPOILER (click to toggle)

Scarecrow, from The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum Elethia tells why Scarecrow is her favorite (roleplay excerpt, see full roleplay below): I loved reading The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. The characters were vibrant and funny, while also depicting moral issues and fighting off evil. My favorite character was the scarecrow. He was the one who needed a brain. I wanted to be smarter too ... so I felt that I related to the scarecrow. In the end though I realized that I at least have explored the world, had a ton of new experiences, met great people, and have helped those that I could. I think that the scarecrow realized in the end too that he could only do what he could do."

Ilisidi, from the Foreigner Universe series by C. J. Cherryh Dhara (Valiska) tells why Ilisidi is her favorite (roleplay excerpt, see full roleplay below): The reason I liked Ilisidi is that she was someone who managed to rise to political power by doing the right things in the right ways. She had a lot of personal honour and integrity, and she really cared that things were done right, yet she could also make deals without losing that sense of rightness, when she needed to. And she helped make peace with another species who had legitimate grievances, and played a major role in getting rid of a lot of corrupt people who were trying to take power for themselves without thought of what was right or wrong. Even as a very elderly lady, she was always formidable. In that way she reminds me of my mother.

Ranger Sergeant Kartr, from Star Rangers (originally The Last Planet) by Andre Norton Galaxia tells why Kartr is her favorite (roleplay excerpt, see full roleplay below): His name is Ranger Sergeant Kartr. ... Despite the fact that the Patrol is stretched thin, and the ship has to fight against so many foes while having no home port or help, he perseveres up until the ship crashes and it is clear that it will not fly again. Then, even when many others from the ship are crippled by insecurity and clinging to the past, Kartr is willing to explore the planet they land on. That bravery I can respect. He is also friend and brother to the clearly less humanish members of the Patrol, even as bigotry and prejudice have hardened the hearts and minds of others in the service. However, he never uses his psionic abilities cruelly or excessively, even against those who hate him out of xenophobia or fear at his associations. That wisdom is what I aspire to... Andre Norton's words, story, characters and themes are an inspiration, written with imagination and tolerance... Anyway, Kartr is my favorite example from her books.

Galactic Thylacines dress up and tell each other about their favorite books and characters (open for covers/links)

Click each book/series for a link to the Wikipedia article about it:

Nicsy rummaged through her mind and dove into her shoulder-bag. There really wasn't much in there to make a costume out of... maybe she would have to try to shapeshift into the character, once she thought of which one to portray? But no, perhaps the librarian planned to supply them with a costume closet of some kind? She flew in circles overhead, seeing if she could spot something of the sort.

Elethia struggles to contain her excitement at the prospect of dressing up as one of her favorite characters. She has the perfect one in mind, just who she felt that she related to. Looking down at Mr Scoots thoughtfully -- he growls back at her in warning. He knows what story she is talking about, and he is not dressing up as a nasty dog or a monkey! Amused she begins to look around, hoping that the appropriate clothes are available. She knows better than to try to dress up Mr Scoots, but the very idea is hilarious.

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Elethia locates various ropes and items that she needs, while grumbling under her breath about the lack of straw. Confused, her teammates look at her as she embarrassingly giggles, then races off to the back to get changed. In the changing area she ties her hair back, dons her clothes, and looks at herself. Well I wanted the outfit to be more complete than this, but it can't be helped. Who would, after all, want to dress up as a scarecrow? she muses. Putting on a brave face and venturing back out, she notices Mr Scoots covering his mouth with his paws. Probably trying to contain his laughter, no doubt. Growling at him, she says "I saw a cute pair of black wings. You would still make a handsome flying monkey." Mr Scoots grumbles and then quickly heads to one of the nearby bookshelves to, no doubt, hide behind one of them.

Her teammates look at her outfit curiously, and she knows some explaining is in order. "Well, as a child I loved reading The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. The characters were vibrant and funny while also depicting moral issues and fighting off evil. My favorite character was the scarecrow. He was the one who needed a brain. I use to muse, how could he need a brain if he could think already? Maybe just to make himself smarter? I wanted to be smarter too. My younger sister always excelled in spells and had knowledge of many things. I wanted to be more like her, and so I felt that I related to the scarecrow. In the end, though, I realized that we're different people, and while she would always be book smart, I at least have explored the world, had a ton of new experiences, met great people, and have helped those that I could. These experiences I would never have had just locking myself up in a library and studying all the time. I think that the scarecrow realized in the end too that he could only do what he could do."

"I don't read a lot of fiction, except when I read to my kits," Dhara began, "but there's a woman on our block in Pennarion who was reading a true story to her son and his friend in the park. It was about a historical figure from her world that I absolutely loved after my kits dragged me over to listen to it too. I would've borrowed her book if I could read Ragi myself. Do you any of you think that would be acceptable?"

Ilisidi 180806by Valiska

She skritched Kaz's ears again, looking through the costume pieces on offer. It was miraculous, actually, the way that items people were thinking about just seemed to appear. "I hope the wig doesn't smoosh my ears too much."

Galaxia blinks. "Books?" She says aloud. "That's not something I'm used to. Didn't have much time or security to read, growing up, and didn't make time for it afterwards. But there was one Sailor Mercury told me about, and gave me a copy of, and her echo sometimes asks me to read it to her."

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She rummages through the clothing on hand as well, making a noise of satisfaction as she starts pulling out jumpsuits and medals. "I'm not sure what vlis hide is exactly, but these scale boots might work." Next comes a tangle of straps, a harness of some sort. Galaxia also pulls out several toy guns, futuristic pieces; she turns over some shiny and sleek items, but ultimately settles for a worn and refurbished-looking weapon.

"His name is Ranger Sergeant Kartr." Galaxia pins back her hair, utilizing some strange costume magic to somehow tuck her entire knee-length mass of hair under a short dark reddish-brown wig. She pulls out a blonde fringe as well for bangs, fixing in place a distinctly two-tone look. "He's from a book called originally The Last Planet by Andre Norton, although it has been rereleased under other names such as Star Rangers and in combination as Star Soldiers. The book itself draws upon themes of the cycle of history, the ruin of empires and the rebuilding. I was told that her Central Command body of authority, and its failure as explored space grew bigger and people warred against each other and grabbed for territory, is based off of something called the Roman Empire. But in her story, even the name of Earth and the original birthplace of humanity has been lost. People have developed in different ways, with different abilities and appearances." She taps her head. "Such as people on Kartr's planet having two-tone hair, though the book never specifies his colors. It does note his eyes, though, and the Patrol's uniform and harness as well as their medals for different divisions and services. He said at one point he would have taken his medals back to his home planet, except that it had been destroyed in sector warfare and was now just a lifeless cinder." She shudders.

"But despite the fact that the Patrol is stretched thin, and the ship has to fight against so many foes while having no home port or help, he perseveres up until the ship crashes and it is clear that it will not fly again. Then, even when many others from the ship are crippled by insecurity and clinging to the past, Kartr is willing to explore the planet they land on. That bravery I can respect. He is also friend and brother to the clearly less humanish members of the Patrol, even as bigotry and prejudice have hardened the hearts and minds of others in the service. However, he never uses his psionic abilities cruelly or excessively, even against those who hate him out of xenophobia or fear at his associations. That wisdom is what I aspire to." Galaxia pins up a painted backdrop of a jungle with a ship, carefully holding a fiery ring to indicate a damaged look to the vessel without harming their host's materials as she gestures to the tableau.

"Ultimately the galaxy falls to ruin, the last space stations of Central Command destroyed in war and strife. The remnants of good and kind people fleeing from the carnage end up on this same planet Kartr and his people landed on, though, and it is implied that there will be an age of exploration and hope again. And this time it will come from many species and peoples calling themselves kin. Civilizations rise and civilizations fall, but Ranger Sergeant Kartr has faith in himself and others that they will rebuild better and wiser every time. He is only one example of how Andre Norton's words, story, characters and themes are an inspiration, written with imagination and tolerance in a time when other humans were still trying to get their heads around those ideas; she even had to write under a male pen name to get her earlier books published because no one was willing to believe in a woman's writing ability at the time. Anyway," Galaxia finishes, "Kartr is my favorite example from her books. So that's who I'll be." She tugs at the blue and gold jumpsuit with self-consciousness at the long speech.

Dhara's eyes widened, and her ears drooped slightly. "You have really put a lot of thought into this!"

She pondered for a moment. "I think the reason I liked Ilisidi, is that she was someone who managed to rise to political power by doing the right things in the right ways. Her species isn't like mine--there were a lot of male rulers, for one thing--but she had a lot of personal honour and integrity and she really cared that things were done right, yet she could also make deals without losing that sense of rightness, when she needed to. Her son became the planetary ruler, but she was on his side when she thought it was right to be. And she and her grandson helped their ambassador, who was a human translator, make peace with another species who had legitimate grievances, and they also played a major role in getting rid of a lot of corrupt people who were trying to take power for themselves without thought of what was right or wrong. Even as a very elderly lady, she was always formidable. In that way she reminds me of my mother, who fought in Pennarion's revolution when I was a kit."

Nicsy admired the costume work of her various teammates, and ended up shape-shifting into a parrot form as her costume, remembering a parrot who had been the companion of a pirate in a book she'd read part of aboard the Gigantic cruise ship a little while ago. She thought she remembered he had an eye patch, so she put one of those on and preened.

Everyone is looking good! Enjoying reading all the character details.

Private Outfit

Karen's take on one of the Chosen from the JR Ward Black Dagger Brotherhood series. "This is one of my most favorite series. the Chosen have a specific job, they have the purest of blood, and are there to feed the Brotherhood and those of the Glymera(rich and pure vampires). I was always drawn to them when they were first introduced in the series in the very first book".

Private Outfit

Rox's take on Kahlan Amnell/ Mother Confessor from the Sword of Truth Series by Terry Goodkind. "This has been one of my favorite series that has been written. Her character grows so much througout the entire series and even though she has to overcome so many she just keeps on going to help her loved ones and to perform her duty".

Posted the HA's for this chapter

Fallen Angels Know How to Read!

Outfit Not Found Elizabeth (Bennet) Darcy from Jane Austen's Pride And Prejudice. She is one of my favorite book characters because she doesn't let anyone put her down. She is also strong enough to admit when she's wrong. The reason I labeled her with her married name is because all young ladies, before they were married, that went to a ball had to wear white.

Private Outfit Hermione Granger. Harry Potter Series.
I really like this character because she can always keep up with the boys. She's clever and can use her magic at just the right times. I loved watching her evolve through the novels.

Private Outfit Eowyn, Lady of Rohan, Lady of Emyn Arnen, Lady of Ithilien, Shieldmaiden of Rohan From Lord of the Rings, Return of the King I love this character because she's not afraid to go to battle for her people. Not only is she a kind soul, she is strong and fierce. She single-handedly defeats the Nazgul that kills her father.

Outfit Not Found Alex Cross From the Alex Cross Series, by James Patterson I love all of his stories and I love murder mysteries His stories seem to draw you in and capture you in the story. Alex Cross has suffered so much loss in his life and I can relate to that. It makes his character much more human.

Outfit Not Found Mad Hatter from Alice in Wonderland and Alice Through The Looking Glass.
He's my favorite because he is the most colorful character in the books and he's more than a little bit insane which would make him fit into my real life family very nicely!

Outfit Not Found Jeice's eyes widened at the idea of cosplay, and with a grin she set down her pack and tore through it, digging out a large, heavy hard cover...graphic novel? Who knew the ranger loved comics?! "Say, Jilly, could I ask for a little help?" With a smirk, the ranger opened the large volume, then blushed and snatched something that fell out from between the pages.

"What's this?" Salem put a paw on the page to keep it from sliding away.

"Nothing!" Jeice grabbed at it but Jilly chuckled and with a wave of her hand the paper zipped away from Jeice to within easy reach of the mage. It was a glossy page that looked like it came from a magazine, a pinup of another version of Loki, this one definitely not animation style, instead portrayed by a rather handsome actor. "Hm, I see why you'd hang onto this..." She teased while the ranger's blush darkened.

"Yes well, nevermind that." Jeice tried in vain to grab it back, then sighed as it was pulled out of her reach. She opened the book again and showed a few pictures of a golden city, with an odd rainbow bridge. "Can you help me look like this character?"

The mage and her apprentice studied the pages, and the pinup for a few minutes had a quick whispered conversation, then nodded and turned back to the ranger. With a few spoken words, they cast a glamour over the ranger, even for a moment giving a shimmery vision of the city from the book.

"I've chosen to cosplay as Loki, of Asgard. While most definitely see him purely as a villain, I find him to be a bit more complex than that. There's a duality to his nature that I find intriguing. He loves making mischief, that much is certain, and there are times he definitely sets out to lay waste to everything. But he can and does occasionally manage to fix things and along the way to serving his own ends, can even do a little good once in a while. He's cunning, wildly unpredictable, and his machinations and grand schemes make for some fascinating reading."

Atrueheart gave Jeice a sidelong glance. "I know about this character, he seems pretty evil to me!"

Jeice chuckled and shook her head. "Read the story of his origins, when you see what his relationship was with his family, and how he was treated in the mythos, you'll understand why he turned out the way he did."

Atrueheart just rolled her eyes and laughed. "Uh huh, every woman loves the bad boy!"

Private Outfit Drizzt Do'Urden and his companion Guenhwyvar The Dark Elf Trilogy by R.A. Salvatore I love this character because he's a drow elf who was born into the evil underground spider city of Menzoberranzan. As he grows up. he discovers that he is repulsed by the drow and their wicked ways. He leaves his homeland and finds the good in the world and embarks on many adventures with his black panther by his side.

....sigh....