Submitter: Santiago
Description: I return :D To begin with, I've prepared some more pencil sketches of my vast set of interesting characters for your viewing pleasure. Here goes... Creeping through the shadowed growth of the forest, a being of chaos dwells, a creature whose sole purpose in life is to observe the hapless, to learn their habits, and to confound them...with random sillyness! This, indeed, is Sirana Karsak, a hyperactive feral rat with a penchant for mischief and troublemaking. Lurking within the confines of the valley, she sees herself as a daughter of Nature, an orderless element of the wild with no purpose other than that given by immediate impulse. As such, she can be a real pain in the neck, an irksome, yet charming prankster whose antics cause the colonist much anxiety (and itchyness and swelling, but let's not go there). Her creative prowess in the field of wild (so to speak) revelry and amusement is extraordinary, as is her stubborn endurance of even the most humourless beast. What's more, she's apparently rather skilled in hand-to-hand combat, which makes an encounter with her all the more 'interesting', especially for her vic- I mean, her acquaintances ;) What of the sour and the doleful, those miserable fellows with narry a moment for 'wholesome' humour? It's all the more funny games to be played and all the more enjoyment to be had...at least, by her :3 Artist's notes: Heheh...I had a lot of fun drawing this picture, as Sirana is one of the most intriguing characters I've created in recent memory. Not to mention that she's got a lot of spunk, even more than Clare! If I could somehow redo her arms and hand-paws without ruining the rest of the picture (and perhaps rethinking her glove design), then this picture would be perfect--those limbs are a bit too thin and wiry for my taste. Plus, I really need to learn how to do cloth right, if only for the bandanna :3
Submitter: Santiago
Description: In complete contrast to the chaotic Sirana is this rat, one Lt. Santiago de Leon, an exemplary model of law and order if there ever was one. Many years ago, he was an able and honourable guardsrat, a true warrior whose passion for justice was only outshone by his love of living. He had been the youngest rat to ever achieve the coveted rank of Lieutenant, even justifying the creation of a new office: Marshal and Provost. As Marshal, his duty was to maintain internal order within the colony and to safeguard Council meetings, much as a human sheriff's department would do (In contrast, the remainder of the Guard was concerned primarily with external security). His post as Provost gave him special disciplinary control over the Guard, analagous to military police. He was also in charge of conducting investigations that pertained to his sphere of influence, performing inquests into possible infractions by colony members of their laws. Santiago disappeared some time before the movie began while conducting an important investigation. He has managed to find a way back to the Valley and is returning home...but he has changed. Once, he was staunchly idealistic, a rat who truly believed in the cause of justice and order, but his experiences in the outer world have affected him, challenging his outlook, his attitude, even his most deeply held beliefs. Order and light were desirable, yes, but what of those who knew of neither? What of those to whom the concept of a defined moral order was an alien concept? Lt. De Leon is not just a foil for Sirana, as might be suggested. It seems that the two rats have a rather unique connection, though the nature of this is, at the moment, unknown... ...Unless you were on the MUCK when I said it, but there you go :D Artist's notes: I'm not really as satisfied with this picture as I am of the one of Sirana; he doesn't seem quite as expressive as I wanted him to be. Still, I must've spent most of my energy on his design alone, as well as finally drawing feet that actually look like they're facing forward n.n Maybe the hot Mexican climate had something to do with it, too ;)
Submitter: Santiago
Description: The shadow of the forest hides many mysteries, but the most dangerous secrets are often found in those to whom one is closest... Some of you already know about this aspect of my characters, but for those who don't, or who need clarification, listen to this dark tale...It seems that NIMH's experiments extended far beyond increasing mental capacity; some of them wanted to see if one could use genetics to unleash one's 'inner animal'. They succeeded beyond their wildest dreams... Now, in the present day, Matthias and his siblings (and their mtoher, from whom they inherited their...condition) must live with a terrible secret. Should they be sufficiently provoked, injured, threatened, or subject to any other form of extreme stress, their bodies would react accordingly, and they would transform into ferecious, ravenous beasts!! They take a special medicine at regular intervals to reduce any chances of this phenomenon occurring, but sometimes they wonder if that will be enough... Often we are faced with enemies that assail us from without, but what if the enemy is unseen? What if the enemy...is ourselves? RARR!! >:3 Artist's notes: This is my first fully inked, coloured, and shaded pic on this gallery (you could call it an artistic hat trick :3 ). Shading was done using double multiplication of the base colours, but since that method took me about five hours (!), I'll probably just multiply gray instead :P
Submitter: Santiago
Description: This is a couple of days late...but nevertheless too important for me to pass up. As to whom this is addressed, I'd rather not say for personal reasons. They know who they are, though... I'll speak no more of this. The picture speaks for itself.
Submitter: Santiago
Description: This is an old portrait of Anita that I sketched spontaneously on the back of a school circular :3 Along with setting some basics of her design, this pic also highlights a theme that I'll be using quite often in my art: dualism and contrast. Anita may be sugary and cheerful on the outside, but inside her heart is pained by the tragedies of the past and the troubles of the present. She perceives such sorrow and loss around her, that at times she feels like weeping in anguish. She has the heart of a mother, so tender, compassionate, and noble. Yet, she is also gifted with a peculiar talent in fighting and combat. Taking to heart the old adage to use one's talents wisely, Anita sets out to dispel the darkness around her and fight for a better future. Though she weeps, she also struggles. Mother's heart...warrior's soul. I've modified her story considerably since I drew this, but the basic theme of struggle amidst great emotion is still very relevant in her development today.
Submitter: Santiago
Description: Even older than the previous work, this is the very first NIMH-related art that I ever drew, freshly recovered, inked, and scanned. Having luckily stumbled upon NIMHMuck and viewed some of the art, I had felt myselg being greatly inspired to do my own works. However, I had no experience with drawing NIMH-style rodents, so I thought I ought to start with Mrs. Brisby. If I could draw her, I figured, then I would have a good start for my NIMH art. After some frustrating initial attempts, this came out. I noticed that she seemed somewhat annoyed, somewhat miffed, hence the title. I also thought, with what was she annoyed? Maybe Martin was up to something mischievous ;) I settled for dietary enforcement, as the dim pencilling below it shows. Of courses, it's kinda a moot point when you consider that all they eat is plant matter, anyway :D
Submitter: Santiago
Description: My good friend, Simon, suggested that, if I wanted to attract viewers to my gallery, then I should start drawing other people's characters. Felicitously, this idea was near the top of my list. Here, we have Timothy and Cynthia, looking all happy and stuff :3 They also seem to be sitting on a slanted...log...thing :D Speaking of sitting, do you know how hard it is to draw rodents sitting, especially with the style I've chosen? Yeah :P Gah...there are a number of things that are just wrong in this pic. Like, Tim's left foot and Cynthia's right are off, I've no idea how to draw a skirt on a sitting character, and what the heck is Tim's right paw doing? c.c It was a lot worst that this, though; Tim's eyes were sagging in the original, and I'd forgotten to give them tails! o_o On a positive note, I do like the alternate costumes I gave these two. Hopefully, their players will enjoy this depiction, despite the mistakes ;) As for the filename...I figured that any NIMH adventure worth its salt would feature these two in prominent roles. It's destiny, you see ;)
Submitter: Santiago
Description: DB has been going through some rough times lately, his recent departure from the MUCK a sure sign as any. I don't know what could have caused him such distress, or what ultimately prompted him to leave, but whatever the case, I'm here for him. Daniel, I know that things have been hard lately, but don't give up! As I've said before on your pic, the tough times are worth dealing with for the sake of that parcel of pleasure that are the fruits of a life well lived, and I don't doubt that you've given much to this community in terms of talent, imagination, and companionship. I'm a rather stubborn fellow, so I don't really take this as a final farewell on your part. It's never 'goodbye', because people's decisions, people's attitudes, and people's outlook don't stay the same. But friendship, affection, love...these alway last, because (if you'll forgive the spirituality) they are, most blessingly, qualities that transcend our mere humanity, virtues that thrive independent of any earthly experience. It's just 'see you later', because once a conenction is formed between two friends, its never really broken. But enough of my idle chatter. It's time to just sit back and let this picture speak for itself. It's time to let He who knows the heart to do His work. In the meantime, I just want to be here for you. I just want to keep you company. Godspeed, Daniel Brown. I'll be waiting at the door for you, and so will everyone else. --Juan Tolentino
Submitter: Santiago
Description: Just something I whipped up for a friend n.n For those of you who don't know, Tzolkin and I are wizzes over at Dreamscape, a small MUCK with great potential for growth and development. Essentially, its a freeform world where one can create and play in a world of one's own design and vision, but these are ultimately connected to a central plotline. The two characters you see are our incarnations on there, a mousecat and a ferret. Now, I was very intrigued by Tzol's choice of species (squeeow!) and wanted to reflect his mixed heritage on his design, with the ears and the tail and such. I think it worked out well enough n.n I've had the idea of drawing Tzolkin in his main form (outside of NIMHMuck) as a token of friendship, but only now did I think of put my own character in there and making this a Dreamscape-themed pic. Regardless of the circumstances, and some minor mistakes, I'm quite happy with what I've produced :3 I hope you like this rendition, Tzolkin ;)
Submitter: Santiago
Description: A picture of Indriel that Louise requested some days ago. Sorry for taking so long, but I'm not exactly the fastest artist at the moment (plus, I tend to be very picky during the sketching and colour-picking phases) n.n By an odd conincidence, I managed to crank this out during a 'cheering up of tired artist' event that we have here every now and then :D Hope you like this picture, Lou, and that it helps you feel better ;) Artist's notes: As with the "Wizards of Dreamscape" pic, this one features a background composed of arranged geometric shapes. The colours were specifically chosen to compliment those of the character(s) (the shapes likewise spread out the composition for visual appeal). In this case, the blue-green and purple compliment Indriel's fur and jumpsuit. I also gave them half the value of her colours to make her stand out more.
Submitter: Santiago
Description: Enigma's visage Searching for the way of light In memory's shade Just a sketch I drew during a long bus trip. No, it's not a self-portrait (I wish :P). I know exactly who this is supposed to be, but I'd ruin the surprise behind a little project I'm planning if I told you right now ;) Suffice it to say that he represents a particular aspect of me that I display often...
Submitter: Santiago
Description: Some of you might think that being a doctor must be so fulfilling, so rewarding in being able to mend the problems of others and see to their needs, promoting their welfare and the welfare of society as a whole. Benjamin would tell you otherwise, for under constant pressure and strain he works like, well, an animal, trudging along from patient to thankless patient while he is berated by his boss and teased by his own charges (especially those horrid little children :P ). He is the prime example of the stressed professional, possessing great skill and ability but somehow always short of satisfaction and fulfillment. This has, of course, made him rather surly and excitable; most any form of acute stress causes him to mouth off an interesting string of vulgarity that would rival the wildest constructions of Shakespeare. This is rather unfortunate; he really does have an innate ability to heal and mend, but his lack of resolve have not only given him poor bedside manners but also leaves him vulnerable to disdain and contempt, whether from himself or his patients. A note on the design: While his clothing and posture are pretty standard, his hair/headfur has an interesting story behind it. Benjamin is actually the last of the Connors I designed, which left me some precedents from which to work. I knew that, in appearance, he was somewhere between his father and brother, so I took that into account when I finalized his hair. I took his fathers sweeping, sideways part and melded in his brothers prominent and wild bangs (Matthias hairstyle, by the way, is directly inherited from his mother). Interestingly enough, Benjamins final design seems to eerily resemble a rodent version of my RL self, which, I think, is a felicitous irony ;)
Submitter: Santiago
Description: Blazing Boyles, Rebecca is one obsessed rat! Obsessed? No, she would say, only intrigued and fascinated, awed by the wondrous structure and celestial order of the scientific world. Her own life has been dedicated to scientific pursuits, her habits tailored to meet her need for discovery and experiment. Day in and day out she works at her projects, whether in her makeshift laboratory in her room (some call it a lair) or in the infirmary or underground laboratory, which would have certainly languished unless Rebecca has constantly graced it with her presence every moment she could. Her appearance is likewise a mark of her "fascination"; her clothes are stained and wrinkled, her fur frazzled and unkempt. Hygiene and personal conduct is secondary to her ultimate goal to uncover the hidden truths of the world. Through her extensive knowledge in chemistry and experimental technique, Rebecca has vowed to answer all the lingering questions that even human scientists have had trouble with ("It's because their brains are too cluttered," she says). She has sacrificed much on her path to discovery; her leisure, her sleep, her immaculate features, even her social and psychological stability, as is evident from her self-reflexive attitude and her nervous, twitchy motions. Some people shrug and call it obsession, others look away and call it crazy. Rebecca calls it a day ^_^ Ah, yes, good old Rebecca, one of my favourite crazed scientific characters (well, my only crazed scientific character, really :P ) In many ways she represents my inner nerd, that inquisitive side of myself that just wants to know /why/, at any cost...;) Heh...I give myself a +3 for using a famous chemist's name in an interjection ^_^
Submitter: Santiago
Description: Behold Clare Connor, Matthias younger sister and closest sibling. In many ways she is indeed a model child, polite, respectful, and full of tact. Always she greets others with an air of friendliness, exuding rays of friendship that melt away all doubts as to her innocent motives. She is well loved by many of her peers, and her talents are many and varied. Indeed, she seems to have inherited many of those traits that had made her mother so beloved in her youth but is that all there is? On the outside, Clare might seem to be very sweet, but she can also be quite spunky, even spicy. She is, you see, most temperamental and somewhat moody, too. Crossing her the wrong way would immediately earn you a fistful of feminine rage, something which a few unlucky fellows have been unfortunate enough to experience *winks at Racso :D* Clare is also what one would call a master of the social game, if not /the/ master. You see, through her deft handling of social interaction and her knowledge of human behaviour, she has been able to construct a dominant sphere of influence within the adolescent social hierarchy of the Colony. Though she has many true friends, she does keep tabs on the rest of the other folk, sparking and curbing controversy as she sees fit. Her power within the schoolyard is enormous; at a whim she can stamp out a rumour or spread it. So, if you do happen to meet Clare, dont worry. Smile, joke, offer a paw in friendship and cordiality. Just dont ever get on the wrong side of her, or you will live to regret it ;)
Submitter: Santiago
Description: My second commission was for one Acting Sub-Lieutenant Jeri MacGillivary, also a Divisional Officer. She was a very interesting person to work with, and my only regret is that I wasnt able to see her reaction to my picture (I gave it through another officer). Taking into account her methods of leadership, I thought shed make a good supervisor or instructor of some kind. I didnt know in which department shed work, but I figured that, with her assertiveness, she would fit anywhere, be it the Guard or the school. One scene that always comes to mind whenever I remember her is her Sensible Living period, wherein she espoused good hygiene and barrack habits to her division. You must always make bubbles everyday, she said, referring to the fact that many, many cadets like to go without showers for days on end c.c You also might have noticed the different fonts Ive used in titling my pictures. Ive decided to use this as a way of expressing the characters personality, bringing out their particular quirks through a secondary visual medium. For the commissions, I decided to emulate the actual handwriting of the depicted personas (or is that fursonas? ;) Anyways, I hope you like this pic, Maam ^_^
Submitter: Santiago
Description: Here it is folks, my first ever commission! This one is for a Naval Cadet Nicole Conrad, a Divisional Officer in HMCS Quadra Summer 2005 (thats Sea Cadet camp for you). I had expressed my interest in drawing her as a NIMH rat, and, having seen some of my other work, she gladly agreed. Apparently, she very much liked the results ;) Here, I took into account her RL personality and thought that she would make a good engineer or worker of some sort. I was also inspired by the attire she wore during our staff dinner. Now, this picture, Joseph, and Jeri are from quite a while ago (note the dates), before I changed my style. I look at them now and find myself thoroughly disgusted at how bad they seem compared to what I can do now, and that was only six months ago :P Anyways, if youre reading this, NCdt Conrad (or whatever rank you are now), then please enjoy this little tribute ^_^
Submitter: Santiago
Description: Duty, honour, sacrifice...This is the creed of Joseph Connor, Head of the colony's Supply/Logistics Department. From his underground office he oversees all transfer, storage, distribution, and maintenance of the community's vast stores, equipment, and provisions. Thanklessly he works behind the scenes to ensure that all runs smoothly, sacrificing both time and energy to fulfill, nay, exceed his obligations to provide for not only his family but also the community at large. He is, indeed, the perfect civil servant, having great skill where he lacks in strength. That is only the surface of his character, though, for as a first-generation rat and a prominent figure in the community he holds a seat in the Council, proposing, debating, and upholding all manners of legislation and policy. He is, in fact, the de facto notary-at-large, managing all of the legal and personal documents that pertain to the whole Colony. Through subtle, crafty means he influences the affairs of the government, working to strengthen his position while surreptitiously undermining his opponent's. His profile is very low, but that is his greatest strength, for it is through this low visibility that he is able to conceal the dark secrets that haunt the past, both his own and that of the Colony as a whole...
Submitter: Santiago
Description: Patrick, I feel so sorry that I haven't been able to do much to help you in this dark time. I can see so plainly your anguish and misery, yet I am powerless to drive it back. I haven't been there to comfort you, to hold you and love you as my close and dearest friend, for indeed that is what you are to me. So, I've chosen to devise this picture to express my deepest sympathies. I know that it isn't much, but this is the best way that I know to show you my friendship and concern. Please, believe me when I say that I truly care for you, that I wish only the best for you as I do for all of my friends. Do not let despair nor despondency grow in your heart and troubled your soul. Rather, have faith in the future and know that you are never alone, that they will always be someone out there to care for you, to feel for you, to love you... May the Lord shower you with His blessings, Patrick.
Submitter: admin
Description: Here she is, the matron of the family, Anita Franchesca Connor [née de Leon] (boy, that's a mouthful :P). One's first impression is that all which is sweet and sugary in the world has been condensed into rodent form; her cheerful, saccharine personality radiates waves of goodness that numb the senses (Bring out the toothpaste; it's cavity time! :D). However, this is only one aspect of her complex personality...
Submitter: admin
Description: Finally, after some protestation, I now have a few pictures up for all of you eager lovers of NIMH art :) Here, you see Matthias Alexander Connor, the colony spacecase ^__^ He doesn't seem to be a particularly unusual fellow...In fact, he looks pretty normal to you, doesn't he? Well...appearances can be deceiving >:D Next up: The hand that rocked the cradle (meaning his mother :P)
Submitter: Santiago
Description: A pic I've been meaning to draw that I suddenly felt like doing today. This is a depiction of Matthias as a rookie guardsrat, the first in a series. I would have added shading and highlights, but I spent most of the day on this pic and I'm not really up for continued work n.n Kinda dreading the rest of the series, as the design is supposed to increase in complexity as Matt advances in rank :P The sword on the left is Matt's main weapon, the Iron Reaver, which is an heirloom (though from whom, I shall reveal later); the dagger is a secondary weapon that acts as a backup. The feet (which took me months to get right) are modeled off of real rats' feet. The tail is likewise illustrative of my freaky obsession with 'realism' :D ...Except for the fact that it's a bit too thin, but...whatever >P
Submitter: Santiago
Description: RIP Juanito C. Herreria, 1932-2006 Some of you are already aware aware of what this is about, but for those who don't I will explain. About a month ago, I was saddened to learn that my maternal grandfather had died of a heart attack. We flew over to where he was staying in San Francisco to pay our last respects, and it was during that time that I was able to reflect upon what he was like and the role he played in my life. My grandfather was known to be a quiet, contemplative personality, never speaking more than he needed to, but always cordial and gentle when he did. At the times when he was feeling best, he would be a bundle of laughs, always smiling and always encouraging those around him to do their best, to loosen up, to share in his happiness. He never said so in such direct terms, but I'd always felt that, somehow, he was trying to tell us something just by being the way he was. What a man he was, indeed. Never have I heard of him uttering a complaint, or asserting himself when he is wronged. He was the sort of man who would always stand still and listen whenever someone had a difference with him. He didn't shout back or retaliated, he just stood there and took it. In a way, his silence was of greater audacity than any of the loudest protestations against him. I learned more about him through his immediate family, most especially my mother, and realized just how woefully little I knew about him. He was so much more than a man of silent strength. He was a man of great spiritual and moral resolve. His deep and profound religious belief formed the foundation of his life, and was his primary means of sustenance. Never did he compromise his most cherished principles; never did he stoop to accept injustice in his life. Being a high-ranking employee at the Philippine tax bureau, he was often subject to many temptations; bribes by dubious companies, favours by politicians, or by his own employees. He never accepted them. My mom asked him one day why he was being paid less than his workers, why he was their superior, yet did not possess the same material luxuries. "Because," he said, "I cannot live knowing that the food on our table is coming from somebody else's pocket." Towards the end of his life, this aspect of him, this sublime spirituality, was made all too plain before my unseeing eyes. I remember our last trip together about two years ago, in Hawaii. I saw him just staring out at the beach...and somehow that spoke so much of what he was really like on the inside. He was looking out, but what was he seeing? What was it that caused his heart to move, to tear himself away from the mundane things of the world? He was never one to be rooted to the ground, nor was he ever bound by the present situation. He was always looking forward. Hope...that was his greatest virtue. Hope for a better world. Hope for a brighter future. Hope that, somehow, in some way, everything in his life, and the lives of others around him, would fall into place. He was a man of extraordinary trust. He trusted in the goodness in the hearts of others. He trusted in the closeness of his family. He trusted, most importantly, in God, for he knew in his heart that His love would always prevail above all human failings. Above all, I've never known him to have any fears, worries, or doubts. He was not one to display anxiety or trepidation about the immediate future. He never could. It was both his greatest flaw...and his greatest strength. He was never bound by fear or regret, yet he always worked through his trials with circumspect. He was never imprisoned by despair or gloom, yet when the hardest of tests came upon him, he would always feel the full brunt of sadness. Yet, no one knew of it unless they asked, or looked closer. He wept in silence. In so many ways, he was not bound to this world, yet he lived in it. He loved his family greatly enough to see to their every need, yet he would always spend time just thinking...thinking about life, about love, about being...and hoping. There's a story my great uncle, his brother, told me, about how he was in the weeks before he died. He had a dream about meeting his dead son, his mother and father, and all those who'd gone before him. "Cesar," he said, "maybe I'm going to die soon." He said this not with worry or horror. He said this with calm acceptance. He said this in confidence, that even death should not sever him from the love he shared with those around him. He had already prepared for it, been preparing since he was young. He had but a simple approach to this. He always looked up. Now that he is gone, I feel that I have sorely missed out of really knowing him and loving him. Sometimes, I even regret not taking the chance to talk to him more, to see things from his point of view, and to share in the profound visions that filled his lofty soul. Yet, when I think about it, I realize that he left me with more than I'd figured at first. Much of his contemplative nature, his calm demeanour, and especially his spirituality has passed on to me, and I can only hope that I can fulfill his vision, his dreams, just by living a good life. My grandfather did so much already by living his. His spirit will live on in more ways than one, and in one very peculiar method in particular. My character, Joseph, Matt's father, is in many ways based on my grandfather, and as such he embodies the ideals and visions of the man. His staunch, principled living, his steady resolve in the face of trial, his silent coping of error and trial; all of these were based upon how I saw my grandfather. So, whenever I roleplay with that character, I will always remember who inspired him, what he aspired to, and how that, it turn, affects my own aspirations. Lolo, you gave me so much in life, taught me so many important things, yet I never really listened as well as I should have, and much of what you showed me has been forgotten. Still...it is not so much that I remember what you said, but what you were, and that is something that will always stay with me. Thank you for being there for us. Thank you for being who you are. Thank you...for everything. [i]"I have said this to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."[/i] -- John 16:33
Submitter: Santiago
Description: Richard sighed as he paced down the forest path, his meagre belongings slung over his shoulder. Two years, that's how long he had. Two years to wander the land before he could return. Sure, it was not so great an interval; what was two years compared to a whole lifetime? Yet...it was still two years too long. A hurried pitter-patter could be heard some ways away. Richard paused, his whiskers twitching...who could that be? Turning around, he saw Matthias scampering towards him anxiously. "Wait, Rick!" he called out, raising a paw in a gesture to emphasize his request. "Please, wait!" He skid to a halt, panting a little, but soon composed himself. Standing up straight, he looked at Rick with his gentle eyes and smiled. "I heard about you having to go away...so I brought you this." Matthias reached into his jacket pocket and produced a shiny round object with a strap for the neck, holding it out to Rick. Richard gaped at the strange device, peering at it. "What's that?" "It's a medal of St. Christopher, patron saint of travelers. He was so tall that he used to ferry river across a river by walking across it with his passenger on his shoulders. Maybe...maybe he'll carry you, too, while you travel." Richard blinked and rubbed his chin, a little discomfited. "Thanks, but...I don't really believe in any of that stuff." Matthias remained smiling. "That's okay, you don't have to...just consider this a token of friendship, and a symbol of my best wishes." He knelt down, preparing to adorn the medal around Rick's neck. "You don't have to take it if you don't want to, but...I think it'll be good if you did :)" Richard gazed at the object again, his paw reaching up to touch in unconsciously. It was a simple design, yet so intricate and complex. There was a certain quality to it that seemed beyond what the physical senses could detect, and it perplexed him, and filled him with wonder. "...Okay, Matt, I guess I'll take it." Matthias was subtly ecstatic. "Really? Thank you...I put so much work into this just for you." He gently brings the strap around Rick's neck, patting down the medal on the mouse's vest. "I know that you have to be gone for a long while, and I'm really gonna miss you...but I know that, just because we can't see each other, doesn't mean we're not there for each other. Even when we're far away, the bonds of friendship remain strong." He placed his paws on Rick's shoulders. "You're my friend, Richard, and I know that, as long as we always think about each other, we'll never be apart." He stood up, that common tranquility still bright in his heart. "Goodbye, Rick, and blessings to you. I hope my parting gift keeps you in high spirits." Smiling he turn around and, giving a final wave to his friend, vanished into the woods. Richard stood still for several moments, dazed, yet full of wonder. This little gift he had been given, so full of meaning...it was heavy, yet somehow, it lifted him up. He handled the medal in one paw, shifting it between his fingers, struck by the warmth he felt when he looked at it. Gazing up at the forest path from whence he came, he knew, right there, that he had been given a great gift for the journey. [i]Dedicated to Patrick Stannard, whose inspiring presence and creative prowess will always be a blessing, no matter where he is.[/i]
Submitter: Santiago
Description: It's been a while since I lasted posted anything on here. I won't be really active for a while due to finals and a summer employment commitment, but I'll try to trickle in something nonetheless. Anyway, this is a portrait I did of my main avatar/fursona/character, Migo Sonora, a cheery nautical ferret from Ebriya (yes, I know that I changed the name of his country several times now :P ). I messed around with the colour scheme for a while to get the distinct pattern that he has. Hope you guys like it n.n Catch Migo and the rest of us at Dreamscape, will ya ;) *Done with the GIMP, Ink and Paths, and layering.
Submitter: Santiago
Summary: Dangerous
Description: I missed Liz's birthday last year, and I'm really sorry about that, but I thought I'd make up for it by making this pic (and others: stay tuned!). It took me quite a while, and even then I'm still not satisfied with it, given all the mistakes (like the weird perspective on the right arm and the fact that I forgot to put the bracelet there) and the crappy shading. But I hope you enjoy this nonetheless, Liz :) Anyway, this is based on Darla's redesign from a year and a half ago (http://www.thornvalley.com/gallery/fan/v/Darla/TheNewstuff/NIMH/Darla-Redesign.jpg.html), and as you can see I started it before she rolled out her new Darla pic. Hopefully that doesn't mean I've suddenly become dated (oh noes!). So, to cut to the chase, here's Darla looking both dangerous and alluring like she usually does ;)
Submitter: Santiago
Description: So, I screwed up and missed Elizabeth's birthday ( XP ), but since it happens before Thanksgiving I thought that I'd make it up that way. Happy Thankirthday/Birthsgiving Liz! XD Yet, I am truly thankful for having the privilege of knowing you, Elizabeth. Now that you have reached the age of majority, may your life's burdens be eased and the path ahead be full of blessing and happiness. I wouldn't wish you any less :)