Timbervale

[thundercrack83]

Timbervale, eh? Looks fantastic, Jacob!

I'll be looking forward to seeing where you're headed with it!

Good luck!

Dustin

[porter66083]

Since I've been very terrible at keeping you all in the dark, I figured I'd post some more stuff and move things around.

As many of you can see, I've changed the title of the MD/CJ to Timbervale. (Hopefully no need for explanation anymore?) Also, I'm beginning to add a new table of contents on page one, along with my rants and personal rules. (Found here)

Look forward to having Chapter One soon... who knows, maybe it will even be ready after my vacation next week??

Jacob

Oh..... and I might as well throw some eye candy in here...

[Simpson]

This picture is superb and so réalistic 

[bat]

That picture shows a really wonderful part of your nice city there!
Great work on it...

Looking forward to chapter one of Timbervale...

[Pat]

Jacob you are soo mean lol but hey keep it up!!!! I love the teasers from my favorite MD author.....

[threestooges]

You always have great urban pics. Good selection and good layout. I'm looking forward to the first chapter (whenever it's ready) and I'm waiting to see what form the new story will take. Out of curiousity, what is the building on the right side of the pond?

[XoX]

Very nice picture!

[porter66083]

OK.... Done writing chapter 1 (coming in at a whopping 12 pages)

But, why post it right away?

Instead, here's a nice trailer to keep everyone occupied!

http://www.youtube.com/v/Cj4sGogqW1s

Just a side note: Volume of song went all screwy on crossing over to flash on Youtube so turn up your volume

[Simpson]

Very nice vidéo 

[threestooges]

All I can say is... wow. It's an interesting premise you have set up here, and the trailer was fantastic. I'm also impressed to hear you have 12 pages finished already. On that end, I also have a question, when you say we'll decide, will you be writing the story based on our comments and, if so, do you have a pre-planned story arc that will incorporate changes as the plot slowly works toward the end or do even you not know the end yet? Certainly looking forward to the story and your exceptional pics as well. Until then, take it easy.
-Matt

[porter66083]

Wow. Where to begin with your comment Matt (you crammed a lot into three lines  )...

First of all, yes, I'm going to be starting out with a pre-written plot. I haven't fully decided on how many characters total there is going to be, and if there is too close of a vote (yes, people's votes will help decide how the plot continues) maybe more than one person will die.

Honestly, I have no idea how the arc is going to end. Only thing I know is that someone will, in fact, die. No idea yet. Honest. Keep in mind though, each chapter is going to have a live vs die for one particular character. So........


Chapter 1: Kill or keep character #1?
Chapter 2: Kill or keep character #2?
-and so on-

However has the highest kill number (or highest ratio if voting levels are low) will die. Ties will in fact count as both people dying, maybe....

Only thing I have planned out is how the person will die if they get the choice of death. But, you have to wait until I open voting before you choose, or else everything is going to get extremely confusing.

Hope that helped clear up some stuff!

Jacob

[porter66083]

Well, um....

I was kinda hoping for more comments from that update.

I'll post the next update this week.... and its going to actually be part of chapter 1.

Comments are still welcome on the video...

[threestooges]

I'm sorry I didn't post on that last little bit, I thought that was merely an explanation of the upcoming story, and I was waiting for it all to get started (which it seems it will shortly... good stuff). However, I like the interactive aspect of it, though it is very interesting what is being decided... I suspect however, that it will certainly draw some attention as it progresses. Looking forward to the start of things. Until then, take it easy.
-Matt

[bat]

That's a very nice video there! Looking forward to the story...
(Great work there on that trailer!!!)

[porter66083]

OK.... I really am trying to get this chapter posted asap.....

So, to show you guys why its taking so long.... here's a sneak peek.



Sorry, but if I showed you more, it would ruin the surprise..... but guesses are welcome....

Jacob

[Shadow Assassin]

Very nice pic, Jacob!

I'm looking forward to seeing the pictures for Chapter 1 (well, I've seen that picture in its entirety, and proof-read chapter 1...)...

[art128]

nice picture 

[porter66083]

OK.... I'm FINALLY done with the pictures..... (and my computer is now ready to start crying when I load photoshop...) So, here's the first 4 pages of Timbervale!



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Looking out the large window next to bed, Lukas looked out the window at the grey ominous sky as he pulled the navy blue t-shirt over his head; he once again felt the pain in his stomach, not only from not eating for almost 2 days, but also of worry.

"I don't think I like you drinking or hung over," he said aloud to the taller man standing across the bedroom from him.

"I don't see what your problem is..." the man continued, still glaring at Lukas as he continued toward the door and out into the hall, "You got what you wanted, didn't you?"

Lukas stared at him in utter confusion, trying to find out what exactly Brian had meant by his question.

"Come down when you're ready."

As he listened to the footsteps going down the stairs, Lukas felt completely dumbfounded. Something was very wrong, but he just couldn't put his finger on it. Picking up his remaining clothes scattered across the large bedroom, he took a quick look around the room. He never stayed longer than a night, and had always promptly returned to the small apartment he shared with his younger brother. He'd never been told he couldn't stay longer, and it wasn't as if his brother couldn't fend for himself. It had just always felt as if it was expected of him to go home the next morning.

Looking over at the closet in search of his socks, he noticed Brian's coat bunched up near the opening. Lazy as usual, he thought to himself as he donned his own pats, quickly put them on, and zipped them up. Walking over to the discarded coat, he promptly began to hang it in the closest on an available hanger. Placing it on the bar, he noticed Brian's favorite business suit, and in an act of slight indulgence, grabbed it and brought it to his nose, greedily taking in the scent.

He loved it, when coming home on the mornings after that he could smell him on his clothes, skin, and hair. He'd even at times not wash his clothes, wanting to keep the scent there for as long as possible. He knew it was stupid, but he simply couldn't help himself. When had he become such a sucker? His brother Sebastian would never let him live it down if he saw him like this.

Feeling as though he had loafed around enough, he put the suit back and walked over to the mirror to try and straighten his bed-tussled hair as much as he could. Giving up, he looked around for his watch before deciding that he could live without it until he came back again, and slid his socks on before walking down the stairs.

Walking down the stairs and into the living room, he walked around the corner in his socked feet looking to see what Brian was up to. Making his way to the kitchen, he watched as Brian fixed a cup of coffee, lifting his head slightly as Lukas' padded feet thumped on the wood floor.  Without turning to look at him, he pointed to the counter.

"Drink it," Brian said coldly, as he pointed to the glass of milk sitting by itself on the counter.

Looking at the glass of milk, Lukas got a very disgusted look on his face and shuddered. Did he really expect him to drink that? It's disgusting and he had refused to drink the stuff ever since he was a kid, unless it was mixed in small amounts with other stuff. Surely, he thought to himself, Brian didn't honestly think he would drink it.

"Um... I don't do milk, remember?" he said looking at Brian.

"I did you, so drink the damn milk."

"You should already know even that won't get me to drink it," he cracked, trying to lighten the grim mood that had come with how Brian was talking to him with. The tone in his voice was extremely cold, and was really starting to irritate him.

"Fine. Don't drink it. I'm not your mother," Brian replied, grabbing his coffee and a muffin and walked into the living room.

Normally, he would have started screaming at him at the point, but trying to keep the peace, he followed Brian into the living room and started walking to the front door.

"Look, I don't know what your problem is, but you seem to be getting over your hangover just fine, so I'm going to leave," he sighed, reaching down to grab his shoes, "Send me a text if you need anything."

"It's rather telling, isn't it Luke?" came the cold, calm reply.

Turning around and glaring at the man sitting on the couch, it took everything he could not to start screaming at him. How could anyone not react to a statement like that? he thought to himself as he took a deep breath.

"I give you what you want, and you get angry at me for asking you to do something as simple as drink a glass of milk...for your own health. Your selfishness never ceases to amaze me..." said Brian, as he locked his eyes on Lukas while he sipped from his mug.

He felt instant anger. His face burned with it, and he breathed hard as if he'd been running. Turning around to face Brian, Lukas fought with himself for some measure of control. "I..." I will not be dragged into a fight, he thought. But, oh did he ever want to. Clenching his jaw over the rant that really wanted to run free, Lukas thought it would be best if he got out of here quickly before he said something he'd regret.

"I better go," he said stiffly. "Before I do something I'll regret later." Why was Brian provoking him like this? It was almost like he wanted to start a fight with him. He seemed to be pushing all his buttons, and he knew, that Brian knew, that he was quick to anger...so why? It didn't make sense and it only fueled his desire to get out of here before his mouth had a chance to run away from him.

Brian watched him through half-lidded eyes. "You do that, Lukas. You leave. I understand that you don't have full control over yourself," said Brian.

Lukas gasped as if the wind had been knocked out of him and took an involuntary step back. Lukas let out a shaky breath as his tenuous control over his temper started to slip. Both of Lukas' hands fisted at his side. Well yeah... he thought. So why was Brian doing this?

After a pause Brian continued. "It must be hard on you, knowing that you're not really an adult yet." Brian took a leisurely sip of coffee. "If you were, you'd have more control over your actions and you wouldn't have thrown a fit when I asked you to do something that would help you."

Grimacing at Brian's insults, he pulled his lips back in a silent snarl. He might not legally be an adult, but he'd done and seen more than most adults three times his age. That qualified for something. "I thought you said you liked my energy. Isn't that what you said? And I do have control, or else I'd be over there right now punching your face in!" He clamped his mouth shut. He was NOT going to have this fight!

"You have such violent tendencies, Lukas. I can only imagine this is partially why your brother stays away from you."

Lukas gasped as if the wind had been knocked out of him and took an involuntary step back. It was true that his brother seemed to be enjoying his time alone, but it wasn't due to the fact that he was scared of him. It wasn't like that.

"Of course, I can imagine that just seeing you brings many bad memories that he'd like to avoid," said Brian, drinking from the mug again.

How could Brian say that to him! His brother would never... Lukas took an unsteady breath. "You...you...take that back..." he commanded in a near whisper. The shock in his voice was painful sounding even to him. Anxiety pooled in his stomach, making it twist horribly. Sebastian didn't react to him like that, ever!

"Sure. I can take it back. But it doesn't change the reality of it." Brian placed his mug down carefully in front of him and locked his gaze onto Lukas.

Lukas swallowed reflexively. He couldn't tear his eyes away from Brian's calm and steady gaze. His words didn't match his body language at all. He was just sitting there, lording over him from the couch.

"When was the last time you saw Sebastian?" asked Brian, then paused. "You ruined his life."

That's not true, he thought. Seb had never said... Why was he saying these things? His chest heaved. Sure he hadn't seen him at home, but he'd been busy with work and his brother had school. Well...it was true that they didn't talk as much as they should, but when they did, his brother had never seemed upset. He hadn't detected any resentment. If he was afraid of him, why was he still talking to him? Brian was wrong...he had to be!

"He knows you can't control yourself, just as much as I know you can't. I'm sure he doesn't want to chance having you do something even worse to him."

Slowly, Lukas brought his left hand up to grip at the cloth covering his stomach. Does Brian know something he didn't? Did Sebi talk to him about their childhood? He was the one his brother should go to, not Brian. "No...that's not..." he mumbled. What hurt more? His stomach or the cruel way Brian was treating him. "That's not it!" he yelled. "He's not scared of me! He's NOT!" he shouted. Fear gripped him... what if it was true and Sebastian was afraid of him. He was all alone if he abandoned him. He didn't have any other family but him! He felt queasy, like he might be sick, as his stomach rolled. He swallowed and let out a shaky breath.

Brian shrugged his shoulder, seemingly unaffected by Lukas' emotional anguish. "I'm sure you don't threaten to hit him as often as you threaten to hit me, but you're really just an accident waiting to happen. You've really hurt everyone with your careless attitude," said Brian. He regarded him with a frown for a moment before his features smoothed once more into a calm face.

Why? Why was he saying these things to him? He took a step back towards the door. He hadn't done anything! He couldn't seem to tear his eyes away from Brian's cold face. He took another step back, his hand clutching and un-clutching over his abs. Had he ever known this kind of heart breaking, gut twisting pain? Maybe... when he lost his mother. Was he going to lose Brian too? That made his stomach drop alarmingly. He didn't want that!

Brian threaded his finger through the handle of his mug and brought the cup up to his lips and took a sip. "I'm sorry, I've kept you. You said you were leaving," said Brian, as if he had inconvenienced Lukas in some way before taking another sip.

"Go on. Run away from the truth. Go home and tell yourself that everything I've said is a lie. Continue to believe that your brother is only staying because he wants to."

Lukas felt burning in the back of his throat. Brian was trying to get rid of him. He felt all the various harsh words that Brian had said to him flash across his memory, as if it was burned there now. It was all too much. How could it hurt this much?

"Go. I'm tired of trying to do things for you, only to get pushed away or have my words twisted into something else. I'm sick of your selfish attitude."

Lukas shook his head in denial, and his vision started to get blurry. No, he didn't want to leave. He...he...lo— He couldn't even say it in his head, but that didn't mean it wasn't true...

"All you think about is yourself, and you don't even stop to consider what someone else might be thinking or feeling. I don't know why I thought this could ever work... You're obviously not interested in having a mature relationship," Brian spat, glaring at him. "Get out."

Finally the tears that had been welling up within his eyes spilled over, and fell down his cheeks. All he wanted to do was to flee from the apartment all the way back to his apartment, so that he wouldn't have to have Brian see him crying. He was not a kid. But he couldn't stop the tears now that they'd started, and no amount of screaming at his legs to move registered with his body and he remained rooted to the spot. "Brian..." he whispered, his face crumbled as the tears came hard. He whimpered as he drew a ragged breath.
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South Riverside at Morning:


4th St Bridge:


Central Plaza:

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Replies:
Thanks to EVERYONE thats commented.... with a special thanks going to Ian (zelgadis) and Dan (shadow_assassin)... and now to the individual comments....

art128: Thanks!
SA: LOL..... thanks again for all your help
bat: Thanks!
Threestooges: No worries! I wasn't directing it to you...
Simpson: Thanks!
XoX: Thanks!
Pat: Thanks!
thundercrack83: Thanks!

[ejc]

most beautiful and dedicated photoshopping that I have ever seen in a Simcity 4 screenshot 

keep it coming, it's looking marvelous

E

[rooker1]

Very interesting story and very artistic pictures.  Not sure what it is exactly, but I like them.  South River side looks great.

Robin