As its popularity increased the decision was made to move to a fixed domain, with the WordPress blogging platform at its core.

Version 1.0

The transition was handled solely by Fallen Angel Designs, and involved re-branding and redesigning the site.

Requirements for the project were simple, Old School Gamer had to be easy to navigate and maintain. With these goals in mind, the redesign scrapped the existing look and feel of Old School Gamer, improving it to make it look much more professional. We were also able to simplify the navigation process for both the end user and site admin.

Version 2.0

The redesign also allowed for the integration of AdSense, a contextual advertising solution to help recover server costs. Other technologies incorporated into OSG’s new design include FeedBurner (for RSS feeds, and email updates), as well as Google Analytics.

With literally hundreds of pages of existing content to manually transfer, and even more to design, this project took less than 2 weeks to complete.

The FED homepage

Working closely with Handshake Productions, Fallen Angel Designs helped design a functional website that met each criteria given by The Yorkshire and Humberside Federation of Museums and Galleries.

The FED About Page

These requirements included a method for the site to be constantly updated without the need for a contracted web development team. The site also needed to incorporate a way for The FED’s members to join the site, and view member-only content.

With these goals in mind we were able to incorporate technologues such as PHP, MySQL, and the open source content management system Joomla, into the 2 month project.

EDGE Amphibians

Working closely with The Zoological Society of London, and Handshake Productions, Fallen Angel Designs helped redesign ZSL’s EDGE of Existence website.

EDGE Donations

This redesign built on the existing look and feel of EDGE, while expanding it to include new sections such as EDGE Amphibians, e-cards, and a new streamlined donations system.

With literally hundreds of pages to convert, and even more to design, this project took 4 months to complete; incorporating technologies such as PHP, MySQL, and the blogging system WordPress.

This ensures that should you require photographs for your website, Fallen Angel Designs will be able to fulfill your requirements.

A selection of prints can be purchased from the DevaintART store.

David writes and maintains Old School Gamer under a pseudonym, sharing his thoughts and opinions on popular games.

The following review was published on the 25th February 2009.

Review – Prince of Persia

“The wind is free, but the sand goes where it is blown. Unaware of the world around it, whirling on the breath of the Gods, at the mercy of the storm that engulfs it. What is one grain of sand in the desert? One grain amongst the storm?”

The Prince

With its opening narrative, Prince of Persia can’t fail to draw you in. A reboot in the popular Prince of Persia franchise that started back in the 80s, the latest Prince of Persia is fully 3D experience with its own unique art style that sets it apart from previous titles.

The game starts with our hero lost in a sandstorm, a stumble and a tumble later and two worlds literally collide as the “Prince” meets Elika. Complete polar opposites, the Prince comes to Elika’s aid, and eventually decides to join her on her quest to push back the darkness that is sweeping across her kingdom.

Wall running

During the course of Prince of Persia we discover that Ahriman, thought to have been sealed away forever, is forcing his influence across the land and corrupting it. Elika’s once beautiful kingdom is split into four regions, each of which is controlled by one of Ahriman’s generals.

Each domain is visually unique, offering different challenges to face as the Prince and Elika attempt to cleanse the land, and restore the kingdom to its former glory.

Before cleansing each section, our inseparable duo must face off against the region’s general. The unfortunate result of this is that you must face the same boss over and over; while this may sound repetitive, with each new encounter the general becomes much tougher, usually bringing an improved array of moves to the fight.

After cleansing each of the four primary sections of a region, a final area is unlocked which leads to the fifth and final battle with that region’s boss, bringing you one step closer to imprisoning Ahriman once and for all.

The Prince meets The Hunter

Cleansing each region also releases light seeds, which the Prince and Elika must collect in order to unlock new abilities. As each of the four unique abilities are unlocked, corresponding plates are activated throughout the four regions, and by using these plates the Prince and Elika can gain access to previously unreachable areas.

Gameplay sees platforming similar to that of the previous Prince of Persia trilogy. Wall running, acrobatic manoeuvres, and clever hack and slash combat all make an appearance, along with a few added moves (a double jump, and a handy compass light trail) that Elika brings into play. Movements are fluid and graceful, and after a few minutes of play, you’ll find yourself performing a string of complex moves as naturally as breathing.

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However there’s something missing. Stunning visuals? Nope, they’re there. A subtle music score you’ll find yourself humming along to? Nope, it’s there too. Quick time events? Nope, they’re there… in spades. It took me a while to figure out what exactly it was, and to nail it on the head.

Prince of Persia lacks consequence.

Combat

Constantly falling to your death? Not a problem, Elika will magically save you! Rubbish at combat? Don’t worry, Elika will stop you from dying!

With a distinct lack of death to your character, the game fails to punish you for your mistakes. While this may be seen as a good thing for some, it makes Prince of Persia just a little too easy.

Combat again is something that is far too easy. While there is an enormous list of combos to perform, the player can easily get through the entire game performing the exact same combo over and over. Also with the exception of the main boss fights, there is very little combat in Prince of Persia. Perhaps this is a throw back to the original title’s style of play, but without the pressure of a time limit, the rare enemy occurrences just feel thrown in to break up the constant running from point to point.

Grip-falling

The end result? No challenge, no consequence, and no nail biting moments. You’re pushed back from the edge of your seat, and are left to slump back and relax. It’s a shame really, as there is so much to love about Prince of Persia that most people would fail to see due to glaring inadequacies in its substance.

While the gameplay and combat may sound dull and repetitive, it rarely feels that way. The story is the primary focus in this game, well written and delivered at a constant pace it makes you care about the characters, as you hunger to find out everything that you can. So much so, that by the end of the game (with its shockingly sudden ending), you’ll be crying out for more (and luckily, there is some DLC planned for this title).

Elika

With its watercolour-esque visuals and cleverly laid out story, Prince of Persia is a title I would recommend to anyone who didn’t find Assassin’s Creed a repetitive bore. It touches on genius with its “wtf?” ending, and the flaws that I did find can always be addressed for the inevitable sequel or DLC pack. If you haven’t played it yet, my advice would be to track it down, slap some cash on the counter and find out if you have what it takes to be one grain against the storm.

8.5/10

Confessions of an Old School Gamer

In January 2009, David added a new section to the blog, reviewing the games in his collection. The first review, published on the 17th January 2009, was for Gears of War 2; sequel to one of the most popular Xbox 360 games, and developed by Epic Games.

Review – Gears of War 2

Locust Mauler

I hated Gears of War. While not exactly the best way to open any review, it does put into perspective how good the sequel would have to be to impress me. If you’re still stuck on that opening line, I’ll give you a few moments to find your inner calm, while I go and do the typical British thing, and make a cup of tea.

Right, shall we begin?

There are a number of reasons why I disliked the original Gears of War. While it may have been one of the most popular Xbox 360 games upon it’s release, it did very little to drag me into the game and make me want to keep playing. Sure, it was a graphical masterpiece, but take away the shiny Unreal 3 engine, and the game becomes nothing more than running from one piece of cover to the next. Welcome to Dullsville, people. Population, me.

With all that in mind, I’m sure you’re wondering why on earth I would buy a sequel to a game that I clearly didn’t enjoy.

After numerous rave reviews (some from friends who, like me, disliked GoW 1), I decided that the Gears of War franchise deserved a second chance; and do you know what? I’m glad I did.

Locust Cyclops Drone

Gears of War 2 picks up a few months after the events of the first instalment. The war between the Humans and the Locust is still raging on, and it’s becoming a much more desperate fight. Once again it’s up to you to take on the role of Marcus Fenix, and lead the fight.

Having played the first Gears of War, it’s hard for me not to compare the two. Gone are the stale environments, and gameplay that felt slotted together by a four year old with a game development kit made of Lego. Instead Epic have truly turned Gears development on its head, and provided a game that is fun and engaging from the moment you first boot it up.

The first GoW provided a very lonely experience. Rather than feeling like part of Sera’s last hope, you and your team felt more like a rag tag group of men who just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. While that may have worked for John McClane, it didn’t work for Marcus Fenix.

Things this time round are much more different, and you really do feel like a cog in a much greater machine. Skirmishes are often interrupted by, or focused around, your faceless comrades. While this sounds like a lot of babysitting, it’s actually integral in making you feel part of the action.

Marcus with a shield

I once read an interview with the developers of Gears of War 2, who said that while developing the sequel they were trying to make it “bigger, better, and more badass.” It’s a goal that was achieved, however, Gears of War 2 is a game that is not without its flaws.

I felt that the campaign was a lot easier than that of the first instalment In some ways that makes the game much more accessible than the first, but at the same time makes it far too easy for fans of the first game. While the normal response to this problem would be to crank up the difficulty, this is where the flaws become apparent.

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Chainsaws in action

Shifting the game difficulty into a higher gear usually results in the IQ of your AI team mates taking a nose dive. On easier levels your squad is so competent that the feel real, running to save you when you’re downed by enemy fire, working with you, and watching your back. This becomes a different story on “Insane” difficulty. One mission has you clearing rooftop mortars to protect one of the vehicles that you are travelling on. While playing through this section, there were a number of times where my AI counterpart completely ignored half a dozen enemies, instead running past them to go stand at the far end of the roof. While standing still, my AI team mate was also oblivious to the hail of gunfire thudding into his body. Obviously this resulted in his death… a lot.

I’m used to failing the objectives of games on their highest difficulty, it’s part of the challenge. However, failing for something that you have absolutely no control over simply isn’t acceptable. Not only is it infuriating, it kills any fun, and any sense of immersion. Way to shoot yourself in the foot, Epic.

Marcus VS Tickers

Fans of the first instalment will be pleased to know that a lot of the same multiplayer modes have returned for the sequel, there’s even a few additions that add variety to the competitive, yet buggy, deathmatch-esque modes. However, the greatest addition to multiplayer, is the new co-op mode called Horde. Horde mode pits you against wave after wave of increasingly tougher AI opponents. The only way to survive this mode is by working together and holding your ground, rather than running off on your own to chase glory.

Epic’s original goal of “bigger, better, and more badass” has easily been met for Gears of War 2. With amazing and varied vistas, it pulls you in by your ear, thrusts a Lancer into your hands, and drags you along for the ride.

Marcus in the sinkhole

Superior in almost every way to its predecessor, Gears of War 2 is everything that GoW 1 should have been. It is, however, let down by the dumbing down of AI team mates on higher difficulty settings, and the buggy competitive online modes that still have the same problems as the first instalment.

Overall it’s a solid game, and one I recommend to anyone with a thirst for blood.

7.5/10

Planet Command & Conquer

Writing under a pseudonym, David is responsible for updating the site with C&C related Xbox 360 news, as well as the weekly mailbag feature. The mailbag poses a new question each week, which readers answer with their views, and David shares his opinion at the end.

On the 25th October 2008, the mailbag question was: -

Has DRM put you off buying Red Alert 3, if so, why? Also, if you could change (not remove) the DRM in Red Alert 3, what would you do and why?

Planet C&C – Mailbag

My views on this DRM (digital rights management) debacle are all over the place at the moment.

I can totally understand what EA are trying to do, they’re protecting their product from piracy. Unfortunately, we’ve already seen this fail completely in regards to Spore. Pirate versions were available to download days before the product hit the shelves, stripped of the DRM that was supposed to protect it. I’m not sure what that means in terms of further support (patches, etc), but the game was there for anyone who wanted it. Before anyone reads into that incorrectly, I do not condone or support piracy in any form.

DRM is something a lot of consumers hate to have on their products, especially if it is restrictive to the point where the product will become useless at some point down the line. It doesn’t matter what number of installs you give, 5 or 100, someone will always reach that limit eventually.

The backlash for Spore was huge, and while EA are doing their best to address the DRM on that game as well as Red Alert 3 in the future they could have just looked at successful protection methods already “in the wild” and adapted them to suit their needs. It does little to soothe my rage when I read that the install limit problem will be addressed in the future, especially as it could have been addressed before the game went gold.

And to answer my own question, it hasn’t put me off buying the game. Like “Heron” I’m a complete nut for C&C games, and it’s one of the reasons I’m working for this site (alongside world domination, and the fan girls that constantly show up at my lair). I’m actually getting two copies (I actually have two copies of every C&C game), one for my newly upgraded PC, and one for my shiny Xbox 360. If I could change the DRM, I would keep online activation only when trying to play online. In a similar method to that of Company of Heroes, I’d allow the option of signing in online to allow the use of the game without the need for the CD/DVD.

During 2006 David was brought onto the Darker Projects team as a script writer. One of the various scripts he submitted was for their original project titled “Night Terrors”, which delivers various standalone audio pieces that deal with the things that go bump in the night.

Innocence Lost is a heavily modified version of David’s existing Innocence Lost introduction, Welcome to my world.

Night Terrors – Innocence Lost

CAST:

• Emily Ravenmoore/Raven Quelhaven – (Female) A bright eyed “innocent” 18 year old girl, whose life takes an unexpected turn for the worst/Narrator (colder, distant, wiser).
• Emily’s mother – (female) A caring mother, whose life is tragically cut short.
• Emily’s father – (Male) A caring father, struggling to take care of Emily since his wife’s death.
• The Stranger – (Male, British) A dark, mysterious, and shadowy figure who tries to save Emily.
• Winter Cranmere – (Male, Irish) A creep with a complete disregard for the “Masquerade Law.” The kind of person who makes your skin crawl, but who has an amazing amount of charm that seems to blind those around him.
• Bartender – Male.
• Bouncer – Male, deep and gruff voice.
• Patron – (Male) Drunken slime ball, tries to chat Emily up.
• Frank – (Male) A friend of Emily’s that she knows from club “Gothik.”
• Doctor – (Female) Delivers the news of Emily’s mother’s death to a grief stricken father, and infant (7 years old) Emily.
• Brad – (Male) Early teens, Emily’s first kiss.

Show Intro.

Scene 1: (Emily’s bedroom)

Raven: (Narrating) My life didn’t turn out as I expected. Indeed, nothing exciting happened for the first 18 years that I was on this planet. And then, one fateful evening everything changed; <pauses for a moment> I died. But forgive me for jumping ahead a little, I guess you could say it all started 20 years ago…

Ticking of a small wall mounted clock. Gentle knocking on the door.

Emily: Come in.

Door creeks open. The sound of the TV downstairs filters softly into the room.

Emily: Hey Dad.

Emily’s father: Hi honey, another quiet night?

Emily: <Laughs a little> Yes Dad, *another* quiet night in.

Emily’s father: You know, you are 18 years old. <pauses for a moment and continues jokingly> I’m pretty sure you are allowed out after dark.

Emily: I know Dad, I just prefer to stay in, besides early to bed early to rise, right?

Emily’s father: Well, yes, it’s just that… <sighs> It’s just that I wor…

Emily: <Cutting him off> I know you worry Dad, but you don’t have to. I have excellent grades at school, and that’s what’s important.

Emily’s father: <Sighs> Grades aren’t everything hun. You need to get out there, *live* a little. Have parties with friends, dates with your boyfriend…

Emily: <Embarrassed> Dad! <giggles> Let me worry about all that, OK?

Emily’s father: OK honey, I’ll see you in the morning.

Emily: Goodnight Daddy.

Emily’s father: Goodnight Emily.

Door creeks closed, silencing the sound of the TV. Soft footsteps on the stairs as Emily’s father makes his way downstairs, until all we are left with is the sound of the small wall mounted clock, ticking away.

Emily: <Sighs, continues softly> If you only knew…

Sounds of Emily getting out of bed, (springs and wood creaking). Soft footsteps, and gentle creaking of floorboards as Emily moves around her room.

Emily: <A hint of sadness> I’m not an innocent little girl any more.

Emily pulls open the window, sounds of wood scraping against wood as the window is lifted. The sound of rain hitting the ground outside can be heard, along with a distant rumble of thunder. Sounds of traffic on the streets can be heard in the distance.

Raven: (Narrating) I should have stayed at home, should have gone to sleep like I had been pretending for months after my eighteenth birthday. Things would have turned out so different… <pauses for a moment, and says with a smile> though maybe not quite as much fun.

Scene 2: (On the streets)

Raven: (Narrating) The streets of the city were cold and wet that evening, storms had always held my interest, and tonight’s was no exception. I looked up into the sky with big wide eyes, watching the storm pass overhead, as I made my way to club Gothik.

Sounds of heavy rainfall, and footsteps on the rain soaked pavement as thunder rumbles overhead. Traffic passing by, with wheels splashing in the rain filled potholes. Typical goth music (mid eighties) can be heard in the distance, growing louder, muffled by the walls of the building it’s coming from.

Frank: <Calling out, some way down the street> Hey Em, didn’t expect to see you tonight. See you inside, OK?

Emily: <Shouts back> Sure thing Frank. Save me a space by the bar.

Footsteps become quicker as Emily jogs the final few yards to the entrance of the club. The music blaring out as the doors open and close.

Bouncer: Sorry miss, I’ve gotta pat you down for weapons. We’ve had some trouble in the past few nights, and management ain’t taking no chances.

Emily: <A little out of breath> Ummm, go for it.

Sounds of someone being frisked.

Bouncer: OK, you can go on through.

Emily: <A little embarrassed> Thanks.

The door opens and the music blares out once more as Emily steps through. (You may wish to lower this volume for the interior scenes)

Scene 3: (Inside “Gothik”)

Raven: (Narrating) Picture if you will, your typical goth night club. You know what I mean, right? Packed to the brim with people dressed in leather, dark eye make-up and even darker lipstick, with skin that looks like it hasn’t seen sun in years. Whips and chains wouldn’t have looked out of place here, and no one would have batted an eye if I’d walked in with some; though my outfit did seem to grab attention the moment I walked through the door. I was dressed just the same as the rest of the women here, and I quite liked it. I had to fight my way to the bar, and when I got there, Frank was nowhere to be seen.

Sounds of many people talking, conversations blurring into each other as music plays in the background.

Bartender: What can I get you gorgeous?

Emily: Vodka.

Bartender: On the rocks?

Emily: Straight up, with a twist.

Bartender: You got it.

Sounds of a glass clattering down on the wooden bar, liquid being poured into it.

Bartender: That’ll be (insert price).

Sounds of Emily pulling change from her purse, and handing it to the bartender.

Emily: There you go. Cheers.

Patron: <A little drunk> Hey beautiful, where have you been all <slurs a little> my life?

Emily: Ugh, <disgusted> running away from people like you.

Patron: <Lecherous> Come here and give me a kiss.

Emily: Hmmmph. I don’t think my *boyfriend* would like that.

Patron: Boy <slurs his speech> friend?

Emily: Yeah, he’s that guy over <hesitates, looking round, and continues, obviously lying> *there*, and I really should get over there, before he gets worried.

Emily gulps her shot of vodka, slams the glass back down on the bar and then pushes her way through the crowd of people, we hear random bits of conversation as Emily excuses herself.

Patron: <Calling after her> Hey, come back here!

Emily: <Muttering to herself, then sighs> Later slime ball.

Emily continues to move through the crowd, we hear her collide with someone followed by the sound of a glass bottle breaking.

Frank: God dammit!

Emily: <Quickly, apologetic> Oh my god, I’m *so* sorry.

Frank: <Realising it’s Emily> Emily? Oh, don’t worry about it, it was nearly empty anyway.

Emily: <Apologetic> I’m really sorry Frank, you know me, I’ve got two left feet, even when I’m not dancing. <Laughs nervously>

Frank: <Laughs a little> Like I said, don’t worry about it. How about we get another one from the bar?

Emily: <Hesitant> The bar?

Frank: Yeah, you know <pauses a little, continues sarcastically> the place you just came from? Don’t tell me you need a map, Em. <Laughs>

Emily: Funny, Frank. I think I’ll give the bar a miss, but if you’re buying one for me, I’ll be just over there, OK?

Frank: <Laughs> Over near that guy? Suit yourself, I’ll be over shortly. Vodka, right?

Emily: <Laughing> Right on both counts, Vodka, straight up with a twist. I’ll see you soon. Don’t get lost now, *you* have my map.

We hear Frank laughing as he walks through the crowd.

Frank: <Calling back over the din of people, still laughing> *Very* funny!

Sounds of the crowd, and club, fade out.

Raven: (Narrating) <solemn> I never did see Frank again. People say he left with a girl, the bouncer said she was the most beautiful thing he’d ever seen; way above Frank’s station. His body was found a few days later. <bitter> God bless his soul.

Sounds of the crowd, and club, fade in.

Emily: <talking to herself> Now, where did that cute guy go? <sees him> Ahh, there he is.

Pause for a few moments, we hear Emily moving through the crowd. We pick up on random bits of conversation.

Emily: Hey there tall, dark, and brooding. Can I get you a drink?

The Stranger: <Friendly> Thanks for the offer little one, however I’ll have to decline. <pauses for a moment, and continues distracted and a little tense as he looks into the crowd> If you have somewhere else to be tonight kiddo, I’d suggest you go.

Emily: Why? Hey wait! <sighs> Way to go Emily, always scaring off the cute ones…

Winter: Don’t worry about him, darlin’. Old tight pants there, doesn’t know a cute little morsel when he sees one.

Emily: <shy, blushing> Oh… thanks.

Winter: Here. (Slight pause as Winter hands Emily another glass) Drink up, sweetness. I feel we’ve got a long night ahead of us.

Scene 4: (Outside)

Raven: I’d only had two drinks, and already the world was spinning around me. I couldn’t even remember his name as he led me outside. <sighs, continues regretfully> How I wish I’d stayed at home.

Sounds of traffic in the distance (these sounds will be constant during this outside scene), two sets of footsteps echoing on the concrete pavement as Winter leads Emily to a nearby alleyway.

Emily: <struggling for words, obviously drugged> Wh.. where are we going?

Sounds of a metal dustbin lid hitting the ground a few streets away, a startled cat screaming in fear.

Winter: <sarcastic> We’re going to wonderland, kid. <laughs a little to himself> You’ll *love* it, I promise.

Emily: <Sleepily> You’re hurting my wrist.

Winter: Hmmmph. <angrily> Come on!

Emily trips as Winter pulls her along, her feet scuffling along the wet floor. Winter slams Emily up against the wall.

Emily: Hey, take it easy!

Winter: <almost bored, but confident> Shut up.

Sounds of Winter hungrily kissing Emily’s neck.

Emily: <dreamily> Mmmmmm, that tickles. <Gasps>

Winter starts to get a little heavier, sounds of fabric tearing.

Emily: <startled> Stop. <trying to push Winter away> I said stop!

Muffled scream from Emily as Winter bites down on her neck. Sounds of struggling, Winter growling.

Winter: You know you want it, you little tease.

Sounds of struggling continue as Emily tries in vain to fight off Winter, who seems to feed off Emily’s fear, and laughs evilly. Emily screaming into Winter’s hand which is still covering her mouth, Winter almost laughing as he bites down on her neck once more. Two cats call out to each other, low strangled meows, before fading out. Emily whimpers.

The Stranger: <echoey, distant, yet low> Little young for you, isn’t she Winter?

Sounds of Emily sliding down the wall. Emily moans a little.

Emily: <sleepily, barely aware, almost whispering> I’m bleeding.

Winter: <Shouting, looking around for the source of the voice> Wait your turn, man! There’s plenty to go around.

The Stranger: <Nonchalant> (Echo) You know, there are *rules* to the way we feed.

Winter: <Angry> Don’t give me that <sarcastically> *Masquerade* crap. <laughs, and continues with confidence> Ha, the council doesn’t know what it’s talking about.

Sounds of a gun being loaded, everything clicking into place.

The Stranger: <Low> (no echo) That won’t work.

Winter: Fuck you man! Fuck this *follow the rules* bullshit.

Three gunshots ring out in the alleyway, the bullets ricocheting off three different walls.

The Stranger: <Official, superior, booming> (Coming from all directions) Winter Cranmere, (more gunshots ring out, until the clip is empty) you have been found guilty of breaking the Masquerade law on a number of separate occasions. (slight pause as a police siren filters through the sounds of the night) *I* have been sent to bring you to justice.

The sound of a sudden quick movement. The gun clatters noisily against the concrete floor, coming to rest in a puddle. The sound of two people struggling, scuffling feet on the concrete floor. The two begin to fight (punches, kicks, noises from the pair), which ultimately ends as Winter loses the fight. The sound of something sharp breaking the skin with a dull thump. Winter cries out with a mixture of pain and disbelief. “Poofing” sound as Winter’s body turns to dust.

Emily: <Weakly, disbelief> What the hell?

The Stranger: <Worried> Can you hear me, kiddo?

Emily: <Weakly> Yes <pause for a moment> W.. what’s happening to me?

The Stranger: <Regretful> You’re dying. <sighs> He took too much from you.

Emily: Too much?

The Stranger: <Solemn> Save your strength, little one.

Emily moans as she passes out, slumping to the floor completely. Sounds of the stranger lifting her up.

Scene 5: (Flashbacks)

Raven: (Narrating) I drifted in and out of conciousness, my whole life flashing before my eyes.

Fade in with a baby crying, Emily’s mother hushing and soothing the baby until it’s quiet.

Emily’s mother: <Exhausted, proud> Look at her, our beautiful baby girl.

Emily’s father: <Happy, proud> Our little Emily.

Baby gurgles contently, Emily’s mother and father cooing over her. Fades out.

Sounds of a playground fade in, recess.

Brad: <Hesitant, struggling for words> Emily… I…

Emily: (Early teens) <Laughs a little> What is it Brad?

Brad: <Flustered> I… I… errrr, <blurts out> I love you.

Emily: (Early teens) <Happy> Hmmmm, <softly, shy> I love you too Brad.

We hear the two kiss, briefly. The sounds of recess and the playground fades out.

Raven: (Narrating) I wish I could say it was filled with happy memories, but it wasn’t.

Emily’s mother: Emily, honey, I’ll be back soon, OK?

Emily: (7 years old) OK mommy.

Raven: (Narrating) <Sad> It’s amazing how much you can miss someone you barely remember.

Fade in with hospital sounds, paging for doctors, etc. People walking by, their heels clicking and clomping on the tile like floor.

Doctor: <Sympathetic, however almost robotic> I’m sorry Mr Ravenmoore, your wife was pronounced dead at the scene, her body burnt beyond recognition. We had to identify her by dental records alone. There was nothing we could do.

Emily’s father: <Devastated> No… God no. This has to be some kind of mistake, it can’t be her… <begging and pleading> please… no… please.

Emily: (7 years old) <questioning> Daddy? <sad, worried> Where’s Mommy?

We fade out as we hear Emily’s father begin to respond, and we hear Emily beginning to sob.

Raven: (Narrating) When I awoke, it was a couple of days later and I was in his bed. He told me that he could save me, but the choice had to be mine. I was 18, I didn’t want to die. He tasted me, just like Winter had, though I don’t know if it was because I was close to death, or if it was just him. But when he bit me, it didn’t hurt. I remember tasting his blood too, shortly before the world turned to black around me.

Scene 6: (Inside the stranger’s home, “The Manor”)

Emily: <wakes up with a start> Where am I?

Sounds of a large grandfather clock ticking solidly and steadily in the background begin to slowly fade in. (Continues during the scene).

The Stranger: <deep and thoughtful> You’re in my home, I call it “The Manor.”

Emily: <pauses> I feel different <slight pause, scared, almost agitated> What did you do to me?

The Stranger: <low> I saved you…

Emily: <questioning> Saved?

The Stranger: <sighs> I did the only thing I could… <regretfully> I turned you.

Emily: Turned? Like that man, <pause for a moment> Winter? <horrified> No!

The Stranger: <regretful, low> I’m sorry.

Raven: (Narrating) He explained that I couldn’t go back to the world I had left, something I really only learnt when I went back to my father.

Emily’s father: <loathing> You’re not my daughter! Get out of here, leave… <screams> NOW!

The sounds of objects bring thrown against the wall, breaking glass, fading out.

Raven: (Narrating) Their world rarely accepts our kind, and our world is constantly at war with each other. The stranger became my master, and for the next ten years, I trained heavily with him.

Fade in with sounds of swords clanging together.

The Stranger: <impressed> Good, but stop forcing it, just let it flow naturally, as if the sword was a part of you…

Emily cuts him off, roaring in frustration, again we hear the sounds of swords clashing together (faster, louder). The sounds moves constantly, as the two struggle and duel. The noise continues as the stranger speaks.

The Stranger: <impressed> Good, however you need to be constantly aware of your opponent as well as your surroundings. *Never* let your focus slide. Don’t be afraid to use the surroundings to your advantage, and always be ready to move in case your opponent gets too close. They may think they have you, but *you* can quickly change that.

We hear a sword slice through empty space, as a person rolls across a solid wooden floor and rises to their feet. Movement stops, and the room is silent with the exception of Emily’s panting.

The Stranger: <satisfied> That’s better.

Emily’s panting continues, and fades out.

Raven: (Narrating) I picked a new name for my new life, and accompanied him on many of his missions. I too became a vampire assassin, working for the council, and doing their dirty work. I quickly became something that even the darkness feared. <Long pause> My name is Raven Quelhaven, welcome to my world.

Show outro.

Emma’s Tales sprang to life in 2006, as a way for David to further develop his creative writing skills. The project proved popular, eventually spawning its own community where David (writing under a pseudonym) was able to post his original work, as well as further encounters.

The following, a sample taken from Emma’s Dance, was originally published on the 6th June 2006.

Emma’s Dance

The function hall was filled with people, their busy chatter filling the air along with the sounds of the orchestra playing some soft and lilting music. These places were all the same, the same big headed hotshots with their airhead wives… or escorts, the same conversations, the same false smiles and the overly friendly touching. The only think Emma had really come here for was the dancing, and even then it was a dying art form that only the elderly seemed to enjoy.

That and the fact that all the “men” in the room seemed to have two left feet and the confidence of a sheep. A disappointment, as always.

Emma stood on the edge of the dance floor; her long straight black hair ran down past her shoulders to the middle of her back. The long black dress she wore, hugged her slender figure. Emma knew it was grabbing the attention of the men in the room, though it didn’t seem to be doing anything for her evening, perhaps it was also scaring them off?

The orchestra slowed their music down, the couples on the dance floor moved closer together, and matched their pace with the tempo. That was when she became aware of him. Emma wasn’t sure how long he’d been there, but she’d been sure he hadn’t been stood beside her moments ago.

He was stood beside her, and like her he too was looking out onto the dance floor, a small smile playing across his lips. He was tall, and despite the fact that Emma knew he wasn’t that old, his black hair was speckled with grey. Dressed in the standard tuxedo that these events required, he looked quite handsome.

Looking at her briefly, the stranger reached out his hand. Emma reached out hers slowly, and before she knew it she was being led out onto the dance floor. The stranger had found a clear area in moments, and pulled Emma close.

“Don’t be afraid,” he said with a smile. “I won’t bite.”

He slipped his arms around her, as they began to move slowly in time to the music, and Emma rested her head on his chest. She could feel his heartbeat, it was slow and steady, the complete opposite of her own which was racing. She held him tightly as they moved, closing her eyes as she tried to savor the moment.

“Don’t fall asleep on me.” He said softly, the back of his hand brushing against her cheek.

Emma wanted the moment to last forever, the slow music, the slow dance, she felt safe. The way he held her, the way her touched her, she wanted him to keep touching her. Emma blushed bright red, almost stepping on the stranger’s feet, as she realized he was having more of an effect on her than she’d been aware of. Her panties getting wet and getting wetter by the moment, Emma was beginning to realize she wanted more than a slow dance with the stranger.

***

The cold night air bit into her freshly exposed skin, as the bottom of Emma’s dress was pulled up. The stranger slammed her against the wall, kissing her deeply his tongue forcing its way into her mouth. Moments later she felt her panties being forcefully moved to the side, and hands lifting her up and pinning her to the wall.

Emma wrapped her legs around him, as he placed little kisses along her neck. Emma moaned softly, feeling the top half of her dress slipping down as the stranger tugged and pulled it down past her shoulders.

One hand pulling one of her small breasts out of her bra, the other moving up her body. She could feel his hard cock pushing against her; she hadn’t even heard him unzip his pants. The stranger slammed into her hard, it seemed to be in time with the rise in volume of the orchestra inside the building, the sudden surge of noise covering the sound of her sharp scream before the stranger covered her mouth with one of his big hands; he wasn’t going to take the chance that someone would hear them on the balcony and come to investigate.

His hand firmly covering her mouth, he pulled out slowly and slammed in again just as hard. Emma screamed loud, though the sound that came out was muffled. Tears formed in her eyes, as the stranger continued to slam into her. His thrusts long and deep, they moved her body against the wall, its rough texture scraping at her exposed skin. His eyes were fixed on hers, filled with intensity as a wicked smile played across his face. The stranger’s rhythm began to increase, and as it did the force he was using to slam into her also increased, Emma’s muffled screams barely audible above the sound of the orchestra indoors.

Emma could feel herself being torn open, but she didn’t care. Perhaps it was the fact that she liked it rough, or maybe that they could get caught at any moment, but she didn’t want him to stop. She needed this as much as she had needed the dance earlier, and he knew it, but that didn’t stop her from screaming for more against his hand.

The stranger was panting softly, trying hard not to make too much noise as his cock throbbed hard with each thrust into her. Fighting back the urge to moan, as his free hand cupped Emma’s breast.

Emma was breathing hard through her nose, her pussy burning from the force of his thrusts; it was getting harder and harder to focus on things. She knew what was going to happen, she could feel it welling up inside as she tightened the grip on his cock with her pussy.

He kept slamming her harder and harder, his speed building, the wall feeling like it was tearing into her skin until she couldn’t take any more. Emma screamed hard against the stranger’s hand, her little pussy going into spasms as she came hard on his cock. Tears running down her cheeks, as he continued the slam her, it wasn’t long before it happened again. This time however, the stranger let out a low growl, as he came hard, sending wave after wave of cum deep inside Emma, as her pussy spasmed for the second time that evening.

And just like that, it was over.

His thrusts slowed down, until he pulled himself slowly out of Emma, lowered her to the floor. Holding her as she could barely stand, the stranger adjusted her dress, so that everything looked normal. Emma reached under her dress, slipping her panties back into place. They were still wet.

Emma’s heart pounding in her chest, legs weak, she clung onto the stranger, who in turn placed a soft kiss on her lips, as his hands ran slowly up and down her body.

Emma felt herself stirring again, she wanted more.

—-To Be Continued—-

The following introduction to Innocence Lost, Welcome to my world, was originally published on the 4th September 2005.

Welcome to my world

My life didn’t turn out as I expected. Indeed, it never really went anywhere before I died. That was when everything changed, my new life as an immortal assassin… forgive me for jumping ahead a little, I guess you could say it all started 20 years ago…

***

Rain poured down on the city of London, as Emily made her way down the poorly illuminated streets to club “Gothik.” It was sad little cliché club, with terrible music that sounded like someone smashing a guitar rather than playing it, yet Emily couldn’t get enough of it.

Emily was dressed for the occasion, black leather mini skirt, a black low cut top, and a long black leather overcoat, which she pulled round herself to protect her from the rain. Her long back hair, plastered against her face, make up running down her cheeks. It was how they all seemed to dress in club “Gothik,” and you just didn’t fit in if you wore anything else.

Arriving at the steps of the club, Emily stopped as the security guard checked her for weapons. In a strong cockney accent he told her she could go through. Passing through the main doors, it took a few moments for Emily to adjust to the noise, and the low lighting, before making her way through the crowd to the busy bar.

Finally getting a drink, she made her way to one of the darkened areas, far away from the dance floor, and sat watching the crowd as she fixed her make up. It was then she noticed the gentleman in the corner, hidden almost completely in the shadows, looking out onto the dance floor, almost as if he was looking for something.

Emily had seen him before, on numerous occasions. Usually he was in the private section, a different woman at his side each and every time. Tonight however, something was different and she couldn’t quite place her finger on what it was.

“Hey, tall dark and brooding…” Emily called to him. “Can I get you a drink?”

The man came over, took a seat next to her and smiled softly, his brown green eyes twinkling.

“Thank you for the offer, little one, however I’ll have to decline.” His eyes scanned the crowd again, and then fixed on something. He grew visibly tense. “If you have somewhere else to be tonight, kiddo, I’d suggest you go.” His voice was dark, and gravely, he was still looking at the crowd as he got up to leave. And just like that he was gone, melting into the crowd on the dance floor.

“Don’t worry about him, darlin’. Old tight pants there doesn’t know a cute little morsel when he sees one.” came a voice to Emily’s right.

Looking up she saw a man, dressed in a similar attire to her own, with black leather pants, instead of a skirt and dark brown eyes that Emily instantly got lost in.

“Drink up sweetness” he placed a glass on the table in front of her “I feel we’ve got a long night ahead of us,” he said with a wink.

***

It felt like hours had passed, and although Emily could have sworn that she’d only had two drinks this evening, the world was shaking from side to side. She couldn’t even remember the name of the man she was with, which definitely wasn’t like her at all.

He’d led her outside, the cool night air failing to snap her senses back into place, as he led her round the back of the club. The music still so loud that the dull thumping of the beat was making the walls vibrate.

“Where are we going?” Emily said, in a sleepy tone.
“We’re going to wonderland kid, you’ll love it, I promise,” he almost seemed to be laughing, as he tightened his grip on her wrist.

Moments later, Emily was slammed back against the wall. His lips against hers, she could feel one of his hands pulling her skirt up, and the other lifting her hands above her head, holding both of her wrists in place. She knew that it was wrong, and she knew that she didn’t want to do it, but Emily felt powerless to stop him, the world still spinning and flipping.

He was paying close attention to her neck, little kisses, and twirls of his tongue. It tickled and tingled, and Emily wanted more. As his teeth sank into the tight flesh of Emily’s neck, she gave out a weak scream, barely audible even in the alley way, it took all her strength to make that much noise, and she could feel herself getting weaker, slumping back against the wall.

“Little young for you, isn’t she Winter?” a low voice called out.

He let go of Emily, who slid down the wall to the floor, barely able to keep herself upright.

“Wait your turn man, there’s plenty to go around.” Winter called back, looking around to find the source of the voice.
“You know, there are rules to the way we feed,” the voice called out again, it rang off the walls of the alleyway.
“Don’t give me that ‘masquerade’ crap; the council don’t know what they’re talking about.” Winter was getting nervous, and pulled out a gun from his back pocket. Security it seems, had somehow managed to miss it.
“That won’t work…” The voice trailed off, as Winter aimed the gun down the alleyway, to the apparent source of the voice.
“Fuck you man, fuck this follow the rules bullshit.” Winter let off a few rounds, the sound of them ricocheting, echoed off the walls.
“Winter Cranmere, you have been found guilty of breaking the masquerade law on a number of separate occasions. I have been sent to bring you to justice.” The voice was persistent even as Winter fired off the rest of the guns clip, hitting nothing but the walls of the alleyway.

Moments later, Winter shrieked with pain, as a sharp wooden stake was driven through his back until it came out through his chest. A stunned expression on Winter’s face, as he looked down at the stake, moments before dissolving into dust.

Emily couldn’t believe her eyes as Winter turned from flesh and blood, into nothing more than dust that carried on the breeze. The world was fading around her, was it real?

The source of the voice, the man she had met earlier that night, crouched down beside her. Placing two fingers on her neck, he checked her pulse.

“Can you hear me kiddo?”, he said, opening her eyes to look at her pupils.
“Yes…” Emily’s voice was weak. “What’s happening to me…?”
“You’re dying; he took too much from you”
“Too much?”
“Save your strength, little one.”

***

He told me that he could save me, but the choice had to be mine. I was 18, I didn’t want to die. He tasted me, just like Winter had, though I don’t know if it was because I was dying, or if it was just him. But when he bit me, it didn’t hurt. I remember tasting his blood too, shortly before the world turned to black around me.

When I woke up, I was in his home. He’d turned me, the only way he could save me. He explained that I couldn’t go back to the world I had left, something I really only learnt when I went back to my father. Their world rarely accepts our kind, and our world is constantly at war with each other.

For the next ten years, I trained heavily with him. I picked a new name for my new life, and accompanied him on many of his missions. I too became a vampire assassin, working for the council, and doing their dirty work.

Although it’s been ten years since I set foot back into his home, I have been summoned by him for reasons unknown to me. I guess I will find out what it is that Angelo wants, when I get there.

My name is Raven Quelhaven, welcome to my world.