lady-croi-tine-dubh

    I'm getting so tired of folks griping about those who supposedly copy, trace, etc.. other folks' work. I just want to say do you want some cheese with that whine? This whole thing struck me this morning when I was on Pinterest. Looking at one of my boards I realized just how many pictures or renders look exactly alike or similar. I think I counted a minimum of 15 right off the bat. Now I know these folks weren't intentionally doing it, but still they did. I don't understand folks getting all bent out of shape over this. I do understand if someone has stolen someone's art work and saying it's their own is so wrong. That is not what I'm talking about.  I'm talking about the artists like me who get a thought in their mind and put it into a drawing. You can't help how a drawing or render will turn out till it's done.
    Like a lot of my DA friends my characters are real to me. They have their own voice when it comes to what I do. They can get down right rowdy at times when they want something. Sometimes they bug me so bad I wake in the middle of the night to get it done to shut them up. Take my newest render, "You Will Be Mine," for example. I know there are probably several different variations of it floating around the art world. I thought about it and this is what I came up with thanks to Guns N Roses' song title, "You Could Be Mine," not the actual words to the song. That darn song got stuck in my head till I got the render done. LOL. It suited my two main characters, Shaun Tremaine and Donna Malone. Those two have a history like you wouldn't believe. I wasn't trying to copy, etc., anyone else's work. This is what I envisioned Shaun would have done to confront Donna. As I told another DA if you look at some of my renders you may recognize famous faces of some guys I let inspire me. Like Batista, Jay Navarre, Kellen Jamison aka Angel Macho, Jason Momoa, Josh Holloway, Billy Wirth to name a few. Even though I envisioned them as my characters I hope I did justice to them. 
    To that concerned DA I'm not gonna name names. But I want others to know what I was told. Very rudely I was told  to quit tracing other folks' work. Hate to tell ya as bad as my eye sight is getting there is no way I can trace anything. That's why some of the guys have a bit of a funny look to their features. Plus my fingers cramp up to where I have to draw open handed at times. Besides my sketch pad paper is so thick you can't trace anything through it anyway. LOL. Have you ever tried to hold a sketch pad up to trace something off a screen and trace too? Not happening. So before you open your mouth about someone's drawing or render think about it. As my Granny used to say, "Put your brain in gear before putting your mouth in motion." Unless asked to or it's fan art I don't think anyone intentionally makes their art work look like another's. I know I don't. It happens. After what I've seen this morning I have a feeling there isn't a piece of art work or writing out there that someone else down the line somewhere hasn't thought up and done. Quit complaining and thank GOD HE gave you the talent to draw or write. 
    Bottom line is we are supposed to help each other out as well as be supportive. Let's be kind to each other cause there could be a day coming when you might not be able to draw at all. GOD forbid that should have to anyone. Stay blessed My Friends.

                                                                                A LIFE TIME OF LOVE


   Here I sit staring out over my beloved swamp. I love the way mists are swirling through the trees. It is a peaceful scene that is helping me relax. At 95 I feel time and life heavy on my shoulders. Like Hugo did I could feel time is winding down for me. My life has been full of love and adventure that I never would have seen coming if I hadn’t made that faithful choice when I was 15. It was also filled with tragedy and unbelievable horror. There are things if I could go back I would have changed but for the most part it was a good life.
   Thinking back across the years I thought of the men I had loved through all them. So many who would have made good husbands if they’d been allowed to. But being a Princess, my life wasn’t my own even though I thought it was.  This thought brought back the sweet memory of my wild Viking, Mangor.  A giant of a man Mangor was so fearsome to everyone. But to this young Princess he was gentle. He was my first love and showed me everything a man could about being a proper lover. Whenever things went wrong in my life he was always there with tender kisses and love. I can still see his handsome face, beautiful smile and bright blue eyes. The way he would stand watching the slaves was imposing. Mangor had gorgeous blonde hair that was always in a thick braid down his back. Mangor was very clean about his person and his living quarters. That always amazed me with the kind of work he did for my Father, the King. Mangor was a man of honor and integrity. True to his self no matter what. Through all those years he was alive I was the love of his life even though I belong to others instead of him. It brought tears to my eyes to think after he made that vow to me he was faithful till the day his eyes closed in death.
    My thoughts moved on to Stepfon Arias. How I had thought he was my savior from Gaston Naculan. For a season, we had a good life together. We ruled the Outlands with grace and a firm hand. He gave me a beautiful daughter in Lea. For everything to be so perfect it was hard to believe the hell we descended into. The only thing I can say about him is he was one of the ones who taught me to be the Queen I became.
    Otto Gregerio drifted into my thoughts. Ah, my sweet Otto. What could a person say about that sweet soul who had loved me and my children with all his heart and soul. He had taught me to be a gracious Queen with an iron fist. He had given unselfishly of his self to make me happy. The love I had for him was more precious than gold.
    Logan stole into my mind like the pirate and raider he was. How could I ever forget the Lord of the Mountain Wraiths? Logan was as wild as his mountains and the sea. His dashing looks and devil may care attitude had me walking on the wild side with him. I am glad he never made me make a choice where he was concerned. I was always the Red Lady of the Mountains to him.
    Cayden Ahi was a nightmare that turned into a sweet dream for a brief period. How I had loved him until I found out about his betrayal. I never understood how a man could do what he did to me and say it was love. What has stood out most in my memory of him was my 3 stepsons; Uira, David and To’afa. Thinking of my stepsons Uira’s love spoke to me. Even though Uira had forced me to make love to him all those times I still loved him. I would always have a part of him in our beautiful daughter, Kura Lani.
     Other lovers I had slipped through my thoughts. Daron, my sweet cousin, with his gentleness toward a precocious teenager. Hugo and Baron, my right-hand men and warriors, were so strong and virile. They helped a young inexperienced Queen to become a fearsome Queen. Lord Bane, also known as Grayback, who showed a young Princess just how grown men really were. I am thankful he found his love in my daughter, Lea. Then there was Cole, Slay’s bastard half-brother. If it weren’t for Slay Cole would have been the love of my life. He honored me by being with me when I needed someone at my side the most.
      Lastly and foremost is the love of my life, Slade Naculan, known as Slay. He is larger than life in all he does and has accomplished in his life. At 107 Slay is still an imposing man. I should say Were. Make no mistake Slay is as fierce as he ever was when I had first met him when he was 27. God, it didn’t seem like 80 years ago. No one can challenge him if they want to live. He and I were mated long before I had met him. My beloved Swamp had made sure of that. It is hard to believe Slay and I have loved each other for 80 years. It is also hard to believe it was love at first sight. During those years we lived and loved hard. Although at times we were with others we never forgot our love for each other. That love brought forth 3 fine children, Wodon Thane, Tristan Cole and Aria Victoria. Slay’s love for me gave him claim to my other 2 children, Lea Elizabeth and Kura Lani, his Kk.  Not that he didn’t love all his children equally but Kk is and always will be his favorite. What else could I say about the fearsome Were Warrior Prince who has loved me all these years?
   With the hour growing late I knew I had to put away all these poignant memories. Hopefully I would see these loves of mine again when it is time for me to pass over. “Em, what is that I see on the Eastern Trail?” Clearing my thoughts, I sat forward. I still couldn’t tell what it is. I got up to walk to the edge of my balcony. Stepping out of the mist that is thick on the trail is Cole. I couldn’t believe my eyes. Cole is as handsome as ever. He stood there looking up toward me. To my astonishment he began to beckon me to come to him. Although I wanted to go to him I knew I couldn’t leave Slay without telling him. With a sad look on his face I watch as Cole walks back into the mist. Somehow, I know he’ll be back. His appearance is a signal that time has finally run out for me. How much more time I would have I didn’t know. I know I have to find Slay. I’m now headed to tell him. It is a bit unsettling to think about crossing to the other side but oh what a life I’ve had!

     March is always a bad month to travel especially in these mountains.  Either you hit high winds or fog.  This time it is fog.  The fog has gotten worse by the time we leave the mall for home.  I didn’t like traveling when the weather is like this.  Turning to my Mom, “I wish we’d left earlier.  Can’t we turn around and go the other way?”  
    “I know, Donna.  I didn’t think it’d get this bad or we wouldn’t have come this way.  It’ll take too long to go the other way,” Mom looks concerned with the fog getting thicker as we head out Highway 14.  Highway 14 to Henderson is treacherous enough in the day time.  At dusk and foggy it is downright dangerous.  “As long as I take it slow we should be alright.  The worst part will be when we top the mountain and go into those curves.  Hopefully we won’t meet anyone on that side.”  
     “I don’t think going slow is gonna matter if we meet anyone.  You know how some of these folks drive around here,” I nervously watch for oncoming traffic.  Mom only smiles as she eases down the road.  She turns the radio on hoping it’ll take our minds off the foggy road.  
     We’d made it over the top of the mountain and through the first set of curves with no problems.  The fog has even started to lift when we go into the second set of curves half way down the mountain. Out of nowhere headlights appear on our side of the road.  Mom tries to swerve out of the way, but it didn’t work.  Mom’s scream and the squall of tires fill the air as she tries to stop.  When the brakes lock we skid sideways.  The speeding truck hit us broadside on the driver’s side.   Our Jeep careens across the road into the embankment.  The impact threw us back across the road into the ravine.  
     The next thing I know I’m going into surgery at the hospital.  My Dad is trying to tell me he loves me.  I hear Doc Frank telling him, “Mr. Malone, we have to take her now if we’re going to save her life. When she comes out of surgery she’ll probably be in a coma.  But don’t worry we have to do it to help her heal.”  The last thing I see is Dad leaning down to kiss my forehead.

I am doing this at the request of jeh-jeh rocket. I hope all who read it enjoy it. Please a comment if you like. Thanks.



                                                              ETERNITY
                                                             PROLOGUE



    In a frenzied rush horsemen thundered through the castle’s gates. They had no warning of the horrific scene that met their eyes. Many of the castle guard lay dead in the courtyard. The giant stallion came to a sliding stop and reared. Calling out the Warrior got no response. As his men spread out the Warrior scanned the courtyard.
    “My Lord,” one of his men pointed toward the stables. The Warrior rode to its entrance. There he found his wife’s stallion, Azir, speared to death.
    With fear racing through his heart the Warrior turns back to the castle doors.  Going up the steps the stallion reared again battering the doors open. Charging through them the stallion came across the Great Hall. At his Father’s throne, the giant horse rears as the Warrior jumps off.  With his cloidem-mor drawn he turns to the throne. Here he finds more dead or wounded. The Warrior goes to his Father, the King. A beaten King sits with his head in his hands. “What happened here, Father?” The Warrior stood in front of him.
    “Shaun, Son, they slaughtered everyone. They took her,” King Fergus grips the Warrior’s shoulders.
    “What?” Shaun growls in growing fear for his wife. “Where is Donnae?
    "We were attacked. Over run we couldn't stop them. They took her! They took Donnae!" King Fergus wails. I know not who they were." Letting go of Shaun the King sits back down. 
    Without waiting to hear any more Shaun heads for the stairs. Going up the staircase he finds Sharif, his Father’s advisor, barely alive on the stairs. Shaun knelt, “Sharif, where is she?”
    "My Lord, they took her," Sharif rasps out. "I know not who took her."
    "Bloody hell! When she stood on the battlement watching me ride away I knew something was not right! She kept telling me something was wrong. As usual I did not listen. I should have stayed here. Now I have stupidly lost her!” Shaun storms.
    "My Lady would have made you proud. She has a warrior's heart and soul. Truly your Queen, the Dragoness and your mate. She showed she is the Dragoness. My Lord, she is safe,: Sharif struggles to get the words out. He knew with Donnae missing hell would walk the land when Croí Tine Dubh awoke and found out.
    The mention of the Dragoness has a darker consciousness in Shaun awake. The Dragon Lord Croí Tine Dubh stirs. His stirring could be felt throughout the whole castle. “Where is my Mate?” Scenting the air for her the dragon growls to his human self. No answer came. Realizing she is gone his growl became a snarl. “Find her!” Pausing for a moment Shaun shook his head letting his inner thoughts settle in.
    "Sharif, hold on. Let me go see. Maybe they did not," standing up he heads up the stairs. In front of his chamber doors he finds Brian, his right hand man, almost dead.
    "My Lord, My Queen is gone. Those bloody bastards took her,” Brian rallies himself at Shaun’s touch. Shaun helps him sit up. “She fought them hard. She is a true Celt warrioress. I heard their leader tell his men to slaughter everyone. She begged him not to. Cruelly he demanded what he would get if he spared them. With tears in her eyes she said she would give him whatever he wanted. That did not stop her from fighting them. She kept right on hitting and kicking until that bastard hit her.” Brian leans back gasping for air.
    "Did the bastard hurt her. Do you know who these men were?" as he held Brian. The Dragon inside Shaun growls more. 
    "No, My Lord, but I was able to see a coat of arms on some of those men's shields . It is the coat of Feardorcha," Brian struggles to get it out. "I'm sorry, My Lord, I tried to save her. There were too many. We had no warning
  "Are you sure, Brian," Shaun growls. “Was Donnae hurt badly?”
  "I was struck down before they brought her out,” Brian began to cry. “When he carried her by me she was knocked out. I do not believe she was hurt. My Lord, I fear I am fading fast. Please save my Queen.” Gasping for air Brian began spitting up blood.
  "Don't worry, Brian. I will find her I swear all who had anything to do with this will pay,” Shaun reassures him. Suddenly Brian grasp Shaun’s arm. A death rattle came out of his chest then he passes away. Laying him back gently Shaun went on in his chambers to find Marissa, his wife’s servant, badly injured.
  "My Lord, they took My Lady. I could not stop them. She fought them like a warrior. That beast hit her,” Marissa cries  “He knocked her out. I have no idea if she is hurt or not. He carried her out. I was able to watch out the windows before I collapsed. Somehow, they went too near the stables. Azir saw they had My Lady. He broke out trying to save her. They speared him to death. Thank God, she did not see that. Get them, My Lord. I will show you which one did this.”
    "It is ok, Marissa. Rest here. I have to go get you some help and see about Sharif,” Shaun tries to comfort her. Nodding Marissa lays back to rest. Shaun went back to Sharif. “Sharif, are you still with me?” Shaun knelt beside him.
    "I could not keep her from being taken but I have made sure she is safe. Fear not she will be returned to you. My Lord, bhfuil sí sábháilte. Gheobhaidh tú uirthi arís,” Sharif held up his wife’s necklace. “Bhfuil sí sábháilte. Gheobhaidh tú uirthi arís. Shaun, I tricked your Father into giving you Donnae. I switched her with another daor. I knew Donnae was meant for you. I did not want that pig to get her. I did everything to ensure you had your true mate, the one who could calm the dragon inside you. With him stirring there will be hell to pay for everyone.” With these words, the old warrior collapsed and died. His words about the dragon left Shaun puzzled. He couldn’t think about that now.
    "I swear on your soul and this sword, Sharif, I will avenge you. I vow everyone involved in this will taste my blade,” Shaun swore.
  Taking the necklace, he hears Donnae’s words clearly, “When are you going to see if this doesn’t stop one day I might be gone then what will you do?” Her words hit him full force. He knew just how foolish he has been.
    “Why did I not listen?” Standing up his full rage resonated through Dragún Nead. A deafening roar split the air. “WHERE IS SHE!?! WHERE IS MY WIFE!?! DONNAE!!!”


The word 'daor' means slave in Gaelic.
The sentence, "bhfuil sí sábháilte. Gheobhaidh tú uirthi arís." means "She is safe. You will find her again." in Gaelic.