Posts
The Painting
>> 9/6/08
Remember English is not my first language, so if you see any grammar, spelling or typos, let me know!
Once again she found herself in a place she didn’t recognize, and yet it seemed so familiar.
She wondered who would meet her this time. Would it be one of the vampires, Gabe, the music man or the couple from last time… maybe the woman she met at the beach house…
She looked around at her surroundings, it looked like a gallery, an art gallery. A celebration or presentation of some sort was taking place.
It was an important event, everybody was dressed for the occasion and Corinne was not the exception.
She wore a beautiful white gown which hugged every curve of her body, a single jewel, a magnificent diamond necklace hung around her neck resting between her breasts.
Her makeup was darker than usually, eyeliner around her eyes and her eyelashes thick with mascara. Her lips had a glossy shade of pale pink which complimented the warm color of her cheeks.
Her skin barely tanned was the perfect contrast for her crystalline blue eyes.
Her hair looked shorter and she wore it in fancy curls which framed her face as they rested in her shoulders. A beautiful porcelain doll.
She walked around hoping to find an acquaintance. The date and time seemed her own, 2008 and judging by the climate, she could have sworn it was early summer.
After roaming around for what seemed an eternity she found herself mesmerized by a painting. Corinne couldn’t take her eyes from it, she stared at that painting for a long time.
It was like the ocean was calling her name, she knew that place, she knew that woman, she couldn’t see her face, but there was a sense of recognition!
When, where, how, who? She didn’t know, but she had been there, and that woman… she…the same dress, could it be?
“Corinne, you made it!” a voice called from behind breaking the enchantment of the painting…
She turned around and found a woman. A woman Corinne had never seen before. “Hi”, was all Corinne managed to say.
The woman placed her arms on her hips and stood besides Corinne admiring the painting. “It turned out better than expected, don’t you think so?”
Corinne assumed the woman was the artist, and in a hurry she searched for a signature, a name, anything, a hint to tell her who the woman was.
*‘Waiting’ by Eddie Ragin*
“It is a beautiful painting; you have done a marvelous job capturing the essence of every element involved.” Corinne said, “Congratulations, Eddie!” she added with a little hesitation in her voice.
“I couldn’t have done it without you, you are wonderful model! Come with me; let me introduce you to my husband!” Eddie said but Corinne didn’t move instead she turned around to face the painting again.
“About the painting,” she questioned, “the background, where is that place? It looks familiar!”
It began again, the headache, the lights going thin, the room spinning, the painting, and the ocean calling her name!
“Are you Ok Corinne?” Eddie asked, “Did you sleep well?” Corinne could hear the concern on Eddie’s voice but everything else was a blur.
Sleeping? What was that? Corinne couldn’t remember the last time she had actually slept in her own bed. She slept in her dreams, but did that count as sleeping?
Maybe she was sleeping right now, she missed her bed, her job, her house, she missed the old Corinne, did she still have a job? A house to go to when all of this was over….
“I’m fine!” Corinne finally answered, her face had gone white, and she was shaking, sweating cold. "This is just another dream!" Corinne told herself.
Everything went back to normal; Corinne’s eyes adjusted to the lights as Eddie took her to a sit and told her to stay there. She would go get her a drink. “I’ll be right back!” Eddie said as she walked away.
Corinne didn’t understand what was going on. She sat down, trembling, it was so cold. In front of her the painting, her anxiety increased, she felt numb, she felt lost.
It was like the painting was sucking her air, sucking her life away. She couldn’t take her gaze off it, she felt weak, sick, nauseous…
Her body grew weak, and then... darkness. The voices disappear, the music was gone and the air had changed, it was thick and dense… it was hard to breath!
The soft sound of violin music broke the silence, she opened her eyes and there she was in that place, inside that painting! Was she dreaming?
This thing, these dreams of her were getting worst, odd, scary! Yes she had enjoyed every single adventure, specially the one in the alley. But...
A dense fog filled the place as her worries continue to grow. What if she never went back to reality, what if she had to spend the rest of her life like this… floating from dream to dream!
What would happen to her when she finds the key, the box and that stupid letter? So many persons, characters, so many questions and nobody gave her answers. Were they real? Or was she insane?
Just as it came the fog was gone. The music became louder, it was melodic, enchanting, like nothing Corinne had heard before. She walked to find the source of it and the full moon accompanied her in her new journey.
“I’ve been waiting for you my dear Corinne!” The violinist said her voice rich and dark.
Corinne hoped she would find Morpheus. But it wasn’t him, the violinist, she was… it couldn’t be!
“What took you so long” the woman questioned as she abruptly stopped the music, that last note was out of tune, terrible out of tune, scary out of tune! Corinne knew it meant to be that way, the woman was trying to intimidate her and she was doing it…
Corinne closed her eyes and felt the woman getting closer. “It’s a beautiful night, don’t you think Corinne?” The woman questioned, Corinne turned around her eyes still close but she could see it was indeed a beautiful night.
A big wave crushed against the shore producing a horrible thunder-like sound. Corinne prayed for everything to be over soon, she didn’t like the woman, she hated the place. No matter how beautiful and peaceful the ocean was, Corinne knew... not everything is as it seems. She was scared and unable to speak a single word.
Suddenly the scent of the ocean was gone and the salty warm breeze seemed to also fade away.
She opened her eyes and found herself in a room, the walls were black, the furniture in golden tones and some pink/violet flowers adorned the coffee table. A piano, a bar and a painting of...
Herself Corinne Blake? No it wasn't Corinne, it was the woman, the resemblance was remarkable, the only different her voice and hair.
“Sit down Corinne!” The woman pointed to the sit next to hers. “Don’t worry, I won’t harm you! I couldn’t do such a thing! Unlike you, I do remember who you are, what we are.”
Now, what was that supposed to mean?
“I assume you have not found the box or the key!” The woman stated as she made her way to the piano. “Well Morpheus is sure getting slow, isn't he?”
“You know Morpheus?” Corinne asked, it was the first time she had spoke since she arrived to that place. Her voice sounded like that of a scared child, her confidence was completely gone.
“You have no idea of who you are my dear, do you?” The woman asked, a smiled creased her lips sending chills around Corinne’s spine.
“What do you mean? I am Corinne Blake!”
The woman didn’t answer…she continued her way to the piano.
“Corinne Blake! That’s what they call you now… But don’t you remember when it all started?”
“The Delirium” Corinne whispered.
The woman laughed an empty hollow laugh that echoed along the room.
“So, you do not remember yet!" There was a long silence before the woman continued "Corinne, the delirium, that drink was the first step for your awakening!”
The music stopped and the woman called for Morpheus!
It was strange, like if she was calling for a pet instead of a person!
A meow later…
“This, my sweet Corinne, is my Morpheus! Unlike yours, my Morpheus is loyal!
Why do you do as they say Corinne?"
Do you know what will happen when you find the key and the box? They will use it for their own purpose. They will leave you behind like they did before, like they always do! They have used you, like they always do!"
"They do not care for you Corinne, none of them care! I do.
Remember Corinne! The music, the cellar, the blood, Morpheus, the old man, the fire… Remember Corinne!!!
Remember me Corinne! That is the Key… Remember me and you will know who you are!”
The sickening feeling came back to her. Her eyes locked on the woman’s.
“Cora, you can call me Cora!” The woman said before everything went black again.
“So long Corinne!”
“Corinne, I’m glad you made it!” Eddie greeted her once again. “Come with me I want you to meet my husband!”
Once again she found herself in a place she didn’t recognize, and yet it seemed so familiar.
She wondered who would meet her this time. Would it be one of the vampires, Gabe, the music man or the couple from last time… maybe the woman she met at the beach house…
She looked around at her surroundings, it looked like a gallery, an art gallery. A celebration or presentation of some sort was taking place.
It was an important event, everybody was dressed for the occasion and Corinne was not the exception.
She wore a beautiful white gown which hugged every curve of her body, a single jewel, a magnificent diamond necklace hung around her neck resting between her breasts.
Her makeup was darker than usually, eyeliner around her eyes and her eyelashes thick with mascara. Her lips had a glossy shade of pale pink which complimented the warm color of her cheeks.Her skin barely tanned was the perfect contrast for her crystalline blue eyes.
Her hair looked shorter and she wore it in fancy curls which framed her face as they rested in her shoulders. A beautiful porcelain doll.
She walked around hoping to find an acquaintance. The date and time seemed her own, 2008 and judging by the climate, she could have sworn it was early summer.
After roaming around for what seemed an eternity she found herself mesmerized by a painting. Corinne couldn’t take her eyes from it, she stared at that painting for a long time.
It was like the ocean was calling her name, she knew that place, she knew that woman, she couldn’t see her face, but there was a sense of recognition!When, where, how, who? She didn’t know, but she had been there, and that woman… she…the same dress, could it be?
“Corinne, you made it!” a voice called from behind breaking the enchantment of the painting…
She turned around and found a woman. A woman Corinne had never seen before. “Hi”, was all Corinne managed to say.
The woman placed her arms on her hips and stood besides Corinne admiring the painting. “It turned out better than expected, don’t you think so?”
Corinne assumed the woman was the artist, and in a hurry she searched for a signature, a name, anything, a hint to tell her who the woman was.*‘Waiting’ by Eddie Ragin*
“It is a beautiful painting; you have done a marvelous job capturing the essence of every element involved.” Corinne said, “Congratulations, Eddie!” she added with a little hesitation in her voice.
“I couldn’t have done it without you, you are wonderful model! Come with me; let me introduce you to my husband!” Eddie said but Corinne didn’t move instead she turned around to face the painting again.
“About the painting,” she questioned, “the background, where is that place? It looks familiar!”
It began again, the headache, the lights going thin, the room spinning, the painting, and the ocean calling her name!
“Are you Ok Corinne?” Eddie asked, “Did you sleep well?” Corinne could hear the concern on Eddie’s voice but everything else was a blur.Sleeping? What was that? Corinne couldn’t remember the last time she had actually slept in her own bed. She slept in her dreams, but did that count as sleeping?
Maybe she was sleeping right now, she missed her bed, her job, her house, she missed the old Corinne, did she still have a job? A house to go to when all of this was over….
“I’m fine!” Corinne finally answered, her face had gone white, and she was shaking, sweating cold. "This is just another dream!" Corinne told herself.*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Everything went back to normal; Corinne’s eyes adjusted to the lights as Eddie took her to a sit and told her to stay there. She would go get her a drink. “I’ll be right back!” Eddie said as she walked away.
Corinne didn’t understand what was going on. She sat down, trembling, it was so cold. In front of her the painting, her anxiety increased, she felt numb, she felt lost.
It was like the painting was sucking her air, sucking her life away. She couldn’t take her gaze off it, she felt weak, sick, nauseous…
Her body grew weak, and then... darkness. The voices disappear, the music was gone and the air had changed, it was thick and dense… it was hard to breath!*-*-*-*-*-*-*
The soft sound of violin music broke the silence, she opened her eyes and there she was in that place, inside that painting! Was she dreaming?This thing, these dreams of her were getting worst, odd, scary! Yes she had enjoyed every single adventure, specially the one in the alley. But...
A dense fog filled the place as her worries continue to grow. What if she never went back to reality, what if she had to spend the rest of her life like this… floating from dream to dream!
What would happen to her when she finds the key, the box and that stupid letter? So many persons, characters, so many questions and nobody gave her answers. Were they real? Or was she insane?
Just as it came the fog was gone. The music became louder, it was melodic, enchanting, like nothing Corinne had heard before. She walked to find the source of it and the full moon accompanied her in her new journey.
“I’ve been waiting for you my dear Corinne!” The violinist said her voice rich and dark.
Corinne hoped she would find Morpheus. But it wasn’t him, the violinist, she was… it couldn’t be!
“What took you so long” the woman questioned as she abruptly stopped the music, that last note was out of tune, terrible out of tune, scary out of tune! Corinne knew it meant to be that way, the woman was trying to intimidate her and she was doing it…
Corinne closed her eyes and felt the woman getting closer. “It’s a beautiful night, don’t you think Corinne?” The woman questioned, Corinne turned around her eyes still close but she could see it was indeed a beautiful night.
A big wave crushed against the shore producing a horrible thunder-like sound. Corinne prayed for everything to be over soon, she didn’t like the woman, she hated the place. No matter how beautiful and peaceful the ocean was, Corinne knew... not everything is as it seems. She was scared and unable to speak a single word.*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Suddenly the scent of the ocean was gone and the salty warm breeze seemed to also fade away.She opened her eyes and found herself in a room, the walls were black, the furniture in golden tones and some pink/violet flowers adorned the coffee table. A piano, a bar and a painting of...
Herself Corinne Blake? No it wasn't Corinne, it was the woman, the resemblance was remarkable, the only different her voice and hair.
“Sit down Corinne!” The woman pointed to the sit next to hers. “Don’t worry, I won’t harm you! I couldn’t do such a thing! Unlike you, I do remember who you are, what we are.”
Now, what was that supposed to mean?“I assume you have not found the box or the key!” The woman stated as she made her way to the piano. “Well Morpheus is sure getting slow, isn't he?”
“You know Morpheus?” Corinne asked, it was the first time she had spoke since she arrived to that place. Her voice sounded like that of a scared child, her confidence was completely gone.
“You have no idea of who you are my dear, do you?” The woman asked, a smiled creased her lips sending chills around Corinne’s spine.
“What do you mean? I am Corinne Blake!”The woman didn’t answer…she continued her way to the piano.
“Corinne Blake! That’s what they call you now… But don’t you remember when it all started?”“The Delirium” Corinne whispered.
The woman laughed an empty hollow laugh that echoed along the room.
“So, you do not remember yet!" There was a long silence before the woman continued "Corinne, the delirium, that drink was the first step for your awakening!”
The music stopped and the woman called for Morpheus!It was strange, like if she was calling for a pet instead of a person!
A meow later…“This, my sweet Corinne, is my Morpheus! Unlike yours, my Morpheus is loyal!
Why do you do as they say Corinne?"
Do you know what will happen when you find the key and the box? They will use it for their own purpose. They will leave you behind like they did before, like they always do! They have used you, like they always do!""They do not care for you Corinne, none of them care! I do.
Remember Corinne! The music, the cellar, the blood, Morpheus, the old man, the fire… Remember Corinne!!!Remember me Corinne! That is the Key… Remember me and you will know who you are!”
The sickening feeling came back to her. Her eyes locked on the woman’s.“Cora, you can call me Cora!” The woman said before everything went black again.
“So long Corinne!”
*-*-*-*-*-*
“Corinne, I’m glad you made it!” Eddie greeted her once again. “Come with me I want you to meet my husband!”*-*-*-*-*
18 comments:
Sandy I am absolutely stunned! Incredible chapter, beautiful, haunting, full of more mystery and confusion!
Every single image was meticulous. No way was it overdone. It was breathtaking!
The story itself was a work of art, a true painting with words. I loved seeing your characters at the gallery! And that painting!!! All of them, stunningly gorgeous and Corinne shines!
And the twist at the end...going back to the middle, was ingenious. So many choices for Corinne, who to trust, who to fear...
Wonderful, wonderful piece!!!
Bravo!!!
Thank you Gayl!! I'm so glad you liked it!!!
I was afraid I had gone too far... creating a second Corinne!!
She is the same character, just different hair and make up!
I loved her with red hair, she looked stunning, very mysterious and those blue eyes were always glowing... lol that's why I kept showing them, I loved her eyes... very expressive!!!
I'm really glad you enjoyed it!working with such amazing writers, I was hoping to be able to keep up with all the fantastic job you all have done!
Beautiful work on your screens, I am completely awestruck! I love the mystery the confusion. Everything is perfect, and I have to agree with Gayl, going back to the middle at the end, incredible!!!
oh wow....I am blown away! Absolutely gorgeous, eerie, unsettlingly bizarre and mysterious!
The setting in the ballroom with all your characters is wonderful! Love the reflective floors! The colors of the gowns and the lighting is just beautiful!
And the concept, having her meet "herself", or some aspect of herself -- inspired!
And your shots are out of this world! *gasp*
Bravo!!!!
Sandy this was a beautiful first go! Not that I expected less, and the photoshop really added to the sense that it was a dream not, overdone at all!
And the plot thickens, just when you thought it couldn't anymore! The mysterious woman and the paintings, so good! Really wonderful job, well done!
Thank you Cherie!! I'm glad you enjoyed it...
LOL Poor Corinne now she is more confused than ever!!! :D lol
Thank you Beth, I'm glad you enjoyed it...
I have been looking for the "Reflective floors" for a long long time... I couldn't find them.... I photoshopped them and I'm not really happy with the way they look... but oh well.. I will keep on searching for the reflective floors! If anybody knows where to find them, please let me know!!! :D
I'm glad you liked the concept, I was scared I had gone too far! :D lol
Thanks again for you nice comments!
Thank you Emily!!! I'm glad you enjoyed it, I had so much fun with it!!!
Thank you so much Emily!!! :D
Reflective floors can be found on Reflexsims site, although it's not easy to search.
Also Murano has them on TSR.
http://www.thesimsresource.com/artists/Murano/downloads/sims2/sets/546583/
That was an incredible journey! I am stunned into silence by these incredible shots!
I did not think Corinne could be more confused! What a journey she is on!!
Great work Sandy, so glad you are with us mate!!
Sandy, I have been trying to figure out how to get glossy or reflective effects in Photoshop...how did you do it?
Thank you Beth, I got the files, I'm about to try them!! :D thanks a lot for all your help!! It is always appreciated!!!
Hi Karen Mate!! I'm glad you liked it!! I had so much fun with Corinne she was an incredible actor, I had no trouble at all getting the pictures!!
Thanks for the invitation1!! :D I'm glad to be here!!
Gayl I just sent you an email with pics to show the steps, it is really easy once you get the hang of it! :D have fun!!!
Is this story over???
No Robin it isn't over. I am working on the next installment and it will be published as soon as I can publish it.
I want to add that we really appreciate your interest, Robin. Than you for asking about it.
However, this is a side probject. It's updated when someone feels like working on it and has the time. Plus, several of us have experienced severe hardware, software and RL problems recently. It may be some time before another update is posted.
My, I just keep stumbling upon amazing stories this week, don't I?
I can't wait until the next chapter. It really is an amazing story, and all those gorgous guys too! You all are wonderful writers.
I loved the use of Eddie in there, Sandy ( I totally spotted Lisa too) You really nailed the erie creepy dream feeling too! Esspecially with the repeat! It sent shivers down my spine!
Post a Comment