Snowbound Trill

"Walk Safely In the Light"
 

Trill will take the wisdom of a Turaga into literal heart at times. On a journey through the snow, she finds ways of walking in the sunbeams surround by shadows.
 

I took multiple pictures of Trill in the snow today, each one sort of telling a small story. Snow days always give me an opportunity to take pictures of figurines doing stuff in the land of white.

The collection I've shown in this post is of every picture kept basic with some adjustments in levels, and additional eye glow to bring out that robot look. 

I went through many stages in editing, even blurred some of the backgrounds for the scenes, but decided the blurred look wasn't quite what I wanted. Therefore I've stuck to showing each picture as is with the smaller touches of light.
 

Also, I experimented and got a little fancy with some of my favorite pictures in the collection. I considered editing all the images onto new backgrounds, but find I currently lack the motivation to go that far. I'm keeping the idea in mind for a later time when I may make a small comic out of the slightly random sequence of imagery. It's always an interesting challenge to make a story out of something that seems random, but can somehow pull together and become silly.

I already have a few ideas in mind for what story the pictures can tell. Trillahru has had her days of traveling the Mata Nui island for measurement and map creating of the land. At some point she was bound to travel across the frigid slopes of Ko Wahi.  

"Following My Shadow"

Sometimes Trill likes to converse with her shadow, and pretend someone is leading the way. She's probably also wondering what the odd circular indents in the snow are. I have a hunch some Ko Matoran had placed a portable telescope or ice launcher there.

 "Greetings From Afar" (right).

Trill sometimes uses her staff to greet others off in the distance, usually because she can't see who's waving at her, and tries to shield her eyes from the sun with the end of the stick.

 

The close up (left) of Trill following her shadow may be a scrapbook keeper. It seems cute in some way. She's probably asking herself, "Am I lost?"

"That's a big boot"

Sometimes there are mysteries that can't be explained. Trill can only wonder if a Toa saw what made such an impression.

"I can see the jungle from here"

Trill likes a good hike now and then, as long as it means staying on solid ground.

Most the pictures of Trill and her journey take place in one spot, these scenes being the beginning of that. Since my boots aren't waterproof, I couldn't journey further out into the snow, and sought ways of taking pictures from the icy porch instead. The best spot was on top of the snowed over recycling can.

I played with the fancy background concept for this one. Since the title implies she can see a great distance from where she stands, I figure she's on a very high cliff in the mountains, able to see the jungle of Mata Nui from there.

"Snow Relaxing"

 

Ones legs do get tired after walking far and climbing a large hill. Granted, sitting in the snow for too long can be just as agitating.  

"Snow Meditating"

 

Trill tries a balancing act, holding two handfuls of ice as she splays her arms out. "Toa Gali mediates, why can't I?"

"If I were an ice Toa, these snow clumps would come from my hand."
During this playful fun, she froze in surprise when she heard a low voice behind her.

"Admiration"

 

Yes, where there is snow, there is Kopaka, and Trill got to meet him.

Took her a moment to break from a captivated stare.

I loved this scene specifically, and went fancy on all three. I find it really brings you into the story of Trill's travels and her training of becoming a chronicler alongside her map making job.

"Onward"
 

So happens Kopaka is looking for something, and Trill is willing to lead the way. This is another scene I really liked, so I placed it onto a new background as part of telling a possible story (right).

"Wait"

Kopaka takes a moment to listen for any anomalies in the area.

Plus the sun was making it hard for him to see, but he wasn't about to admit that. Oh Kopaka...why do you have to go and freak out Trill like that.

These could one day be made into actual illustrations as I did with the Admiration ones.

"Firelight"

 

Evening comes and Kopaka joins Trill to warm his hands in courtesy. I wonder what stories Kopaka would tell if one could get on his good side.

As he lounges, he tells Trill he's looking for his other shoulder pad.

"Is this yours?"

 

So happens Trill found that during her journey, and she offers it to Kopaka after pulling it from her bag.

"Thank you."

 

It's an honor to help a Toa, and I think Trill hit a soft spot in Kopaka's cold heart. They shook hands.

Kopaka actually looks kind of spooky in firelight. Trill doesn't seem to mind though...or maybe she's just not saying anything. I actually had forgotten to add glow to his right lens for all the pictures save the last one (left). I'll just say the scope was closed half the time.

There's a bit of fact behind this story. Kopaka actually was missing his shoulder pad, and I didn't realize it till after I took pictures before evening. When evening came and I wanted a firelight scene, I took the chance to make sense of why Kopaka only had one shoulder pad in the other pictures.

This added a twist to the photos, and gave me a reason to get more silly pictures of Trill.

Trillahru and the Rope Machine

 

(Jan. 4, 2017)
 

Here's Trillahru using the newly invented rope machine. Rope is a great thing for sailing, but also for other things like book binding, garland making, multi colored embroidery, all that good stuff.

In the rope hut they have a hook or clamp hanging from the ceiling by another tightly pulled rope attached to a crank. One end of the rope is attached to that, then the other strands hook to the machine, and like any rope maker, you crank the handle and make rope.
 

Okay, seriously, what this is is a miniature rope maker created from 2001 Bionicle parts, mostly from creatures like the Rahkshi and Bohrok, but also a rahi and Toa set. 

It really works, and is friendly for both play and actual use. I spent about half an hour or so engineering it, most of that time spent looking for the right parts to make it work.
 

This idea came to mind while I sat at the craft desk feeling tired as I twisted a few strands of gold and white thread together for a book. This task done by hand seems to take forever, and gets terribly boring after awhile. This is when I asked myself if there was a way to make a hand crank device which could speed up the process of making variegated cording like bakers twine. After a moment, the idea sank in, and I knew just what I could use to put this idea to the test. This is when I went to my Bionicle parts and got to work.

First try, and I discovered it worked wonderfully. I learned a few things along the way too.

In order to get the perfect rope I have to remember that first I need to twist all my strands counter clockwise, pull them taught and attach them one at a time to the device, then crank the machine clockwise to get rope that doesn't unravel.
 

First test was done with black and purple cording, which Trill so happily displays above.

I think I can use the machine to twist the thread counter clockwise too, just have to attach each thread as I go.

Here's a basic view of the machine. I wish I could make a second component that spins the thread counterclockwise while the one end is spinning clockwise.

I knot the one end of the threads, and attach it to a magnifying clamp clip to keep tension. The end of the thread could be tied or hooked to anything, but I find the clamp easiest to use. after that I just have to attach the other threads to the loops or hook of the device, and crank the little handle. I'm in love with this thing.

The basic pictures of Trill cranking the machine and holding up the final product seemed decent enough as illustrations, but I added some eye glow to the scenes for extra interest.

The rope hut is located nearby to the thread maker of Ga Koro. It's a small hut with a bamboo mat floor and woven bamboo walls. The hut is, in a sense, portable, and it's roof is woven bamboo just as the walls, then covered in lily pad leaves for waterproofing.

Trill occasionally comes here to make herself rope for personal use, and at times for selling or exchange.

I did make versions of these images with green tinting to add that lily pad roof appeal, but decided I liked the warm light of the originals best.

The Matoran light the rope hut the same way they light their homes, using warm light stones or bioluminescent lamps.

Onah Icon by Oyee

A few days ago the artist known as Oyee, on Deviant Art,  asked if anyone had requests for a challenge she was doing, to create emoticons of different characters of any kind. It was my first opportunity to see what one of my character's heads would look like if drawn by someone else.
 

One of the faces in particular reminded me of Onah, so I decided to suggest it, but wasn't expecting Oyee to actually tackle it as part of her challenge. When I saw this today, I was amazed, and extremely warm inside. It's the first time ever that I've seen one of my characters drawn by someone else, and the way Oyee drew Onah here has inspired ideas on how to draw Onah in the future if I need her to have expression.

I enjoy the work of Oyee, having discovered her through Bionicle fan art, specifically when viewing her Bionicle fan comic, "Big Fish". Her style has a very interesting look in the sense of how she melds mechanical and organic aspects of Bionicle into one.
Onah seems like an even cuter character now that I've seen her in someone elses style.

I chose this specific expression for Onah because it's a face I'm very familiar with. I imagine she's making this face after commenting a witty, but not so brilliant remark in front of someone she admires.

LoL Chapter 15- First Forest Kiss

Chapter 15- First Forest Kiss

Much to Lewa's surprise and delight, he meets Venimbus for the weekend at their usual spot, Venimbus's tree house porch.

Lewa knocks, smiling and patting his bag which holds the gifts.

When Venimbus open her door, her smile isn't as big as it normally is, and Lewa realizes she still feels bad about their last encounter.

“Venimbus, I have great-good news....But I need to make sure it was a success.” Lewa starts.

Venimbus gets a puzzled look, “Make sure what was a success?”

“Well....I have an odd friend who has a gift in doing things that can't be explained.” He states in Junti.

Venimbus gapes, her eyes widening. “Lewa....when did you learn to-”

Lewa holds up a hand, “My friend helped me with understanding and speaking the basics of your language, but that's not all...I asked her to adjust my system and grant me the Junti enzyme so you don't have to worry. Don't ask me how, but she did what she could....I just need to find out if it was success. May I touch you, Venimbus?”

Venimbus gives him a disbelieving look, but in her own desperate hopes, she holds her arms up for a hug, knowing his touch will make her flustered, and knowing that's a risk he's willing to take.

Lewa reaches in cautiously and wraps his arms around her. When he leans in and places his head next to hers, his heart rate high, Venimbu's body reacts as last time, but Lewa doesn't feel a thing. Suddenly he flares his nostrils, “What is that strange-odd, sweet-tangy smell....?” he half questions.

Venimbus pauses, sniffing, her brows lifting, “I'm not making anything on the stove....That's the smell of....Junti defense toxin.” She looks at Lewa in utter shock, realizing he's not reacting to it. “By the great beings....you can't feel it.” she states in a surprised whisper, eyes filled with astonishment and joy.

Lewa grins, and Venimbus is so enthralled that she hugs him tight, laughing in wonder struck relief.

Lewa chuckles, returning affection and pulling away. “If I can speak-talk Junti, understand the basics, touch-hold without feeling the sting, then I should be able to nibble-eat your foods too.”

Venimbus beams and pulls him inside, the two facing this with a dream come true attitude.

Lewa sits down at Venimbus's table and reaches into his bag. “I brought you some things.” he smiles, setting the toxic fruit chocolates on the table, and the small box with the locket.

Venimbus sits, her excitement remaining and she gingerly opens the chocolate box. “Oooo, toxic fruit chocolates. I do like these, but...” she pauses and looks at him, holding up one, “It's time to see if you can like them too.”

Lewa looks at the chocolate Venimbus holds, knowing this is the first step to testing if his body is truly immune, and he takes it uneasily, nearing it to his mouth, Venimbus getting up and pulling out herbs and water in case he can't handle it. Lewa sinks his teeth into a very small amount of the chocolate, sounding off a shiver when the tang of the fruit hits the tip of his tongue, but after that he remains fine.

Venimbus sits back down, smiling as Lewa starts to smirk, “Hey....that's pretty good.” he chuckles. Venimbus pats his hand, nodding and brimming with delight as she grabs for the jewelry box.

When she opens it she holds the charm up to the light. “Oh, pretty....” she grins.

Lewa nods, “It's the symbol for air, my emblem. There's a picture inside.”

“Inside? Oh, it's a locket...” Venimbus smiles, charmed by what she sees, and when she clicks it open she chuckles and holds it to her heart. “A picture of you, how sweet.”

Lewa grins and sits back in his chair. “Thought you might like something for memory-thought.”

Venimbus gets up and puts the charm on, popping a chocolate in her mouth. “Lets go for a vine swing.”

Lewa sits back up, nodding. “Sure-fine...” he states in a bit of surprise as Venimbus already heads for the door, he himself following her quickly.

Venimbus climbs through the trees, Lewa following above her as Venimbus grabs onto a vine. “Hey wind spirit, can't get me.” she grins, winking and swinging off.

Lewa chuckles and sees she wants to play tag, feeling a sudden enchantment by the way she looked at him and he swings down by a vine, following after her. “Oh yeah, I bet I can.”
 

 Vine Dancing

Venimbus giggles and maneuvers through the trees with a speed and ease Lewa has never seen before, and gets determined, taking in a breath and speeding up, trying to catch her. He nears her just barely, and puts his hand out to tickle her foot, but misses by two feet. “Bah!” he puffs, smirking at her mischievous laugh and continuing his pursuit, always several feet behind, and just when he thinks he's on her trail, she swings out of sight.

Lewa pauses in a bit of confusion, not able to see her and glancing around in every direction. “Venimbus?.....” He peeks around a tree, “Venimbus?”

Suddenly Venimbus chuckles and swings past, Lewa flinching and half grinning, “Oh...you sneaky little turd.” he laughs, swinging after her, and as he gets near, Venimbus grabs his hand and changes momentum into that of a vine dance, Lewa knowing what to do and joining in with a grin.

When they let go and land on separate trees, they look at each other for a long moment, warmth in their chests, and a sense of passion evident.

They both grab a vine again, swinging down from the trees and as they sway past each other they make eye contact, waiting for momentum to bring them closer to each other, the vines starting to sway lazily and Lewa looks at Venimbus who softly smiles, her eyes taunting and captivating.

Suddenly when they're close enough, Lewa wraps his arm around her and lands on a tree branch, his eyes glancing at her lips and he gives her a cautious kiss, brief but meaningful.

First Forest Kiss

Down below, not to Lewa's knowledge, a lone Le Matoran had been watching from undercover in the bushes, his eyes wide and his smile broad. Little did Lewa realize how close they had come to his village, and his secret was not to be for much longer.

Lewa lets go of Venimbus and the two smile at each other, their eyes holding deep question, as though they were seeing their futures before it even began, Venimbus blushing and Lewa fidgeting, feeling stunned and enchanted by what just happened, going to apologize before Venimbus puts a finger to his lips. “Don't feel sorry, wind spirit, I hold the same feelings.” Venimbus states in a hushed breath.

Lewa smiles, letting out a breath. “Let's head back to your tree home. It's getting past-late and I know you need to be in your homeland before it's dark.”

Venmbus nods, swinging off the branch, Lewa following close behind.

When the two are out of view, the Le Matoran bites his lip, unable to hold in titters, and he runs back to Le Koro with the news of what he just saw.

By the time Lewa gets back to Le Koro, it's nearing late evening, around 7, and he lands on the main platform of town.

Matoran who pass him snicker and snort, waving hello and grinning like they know a joke he doesn't, causing Lewa to lift a brow, and as he walks he notices everyone awake seems to be looking at him and snickering.

Lewa’s brow lifts more and he folds his arms, “All right, what's so joke-funny?” he squints, “Aren't you going to let your Toa-hero in on the fun?” he smirks.

The Matoran who had seen him earlier laughs from the trees above, “Quick-ask Turaga Matau, he wants to congratulate you.”

“Congratulate me for what?” Lewa stammers, getting a sinking feeling in his chest, his eye twitching and his heart thudding, “Oh....monkey turds” he grumbles, wanting to find out what rumor is going around, knowing Matau will be the biggest laugher of all if the rumor has spread across town.

He speeds across the platform and flies off for Matau's hut, landing outside his door and knocking. “Matau, it's Lewa, I need to speak-talk with you.”

Matau scuffs to the door a bit tiredly, but his face bears a smile as he opens the door and looks at Lewa. “Come in Toa...” he beckons, scuffing to the side so Lewa can come in.

Lewa sighs and ducks through the door, sitting down on the floor and puffing through his nose. “Word is a joke-rumor is going around, one of the Matoran spill-tells that you supposedly want to congratulate me. What for?” he says with distrust.

Matau sits down slowly and pours some green tea for himself. “Oh....hehehe, we want to congratulate you on your snag-find of a maiden fair. Word is you smooch-kissed this...uh, Venimbus?”

Lewa groans and holds his head, “Mata Nui....someone saw. Listen Matau, it's true, I'm in love, and no amount of tease-taunting is going to shake me from my heart-felt experiences, but please don't go spread-telling this news beyond Le Koro, and don't spout-speak her name. She's a Junti, her kind still have a bit of prejudice towards the air people, but despite that she loves me anyway. All the cultural things I've shared here I've learned from her. If any of her people find out, we’ll both be in for trouble.”

Matau nods. “No worries Lewa, we'll keep your relationship with this sparkle-beauty of a Junti among ourselves, and pray-hope to the great spirit your connection stays stable-strong. Besides, the Ju-Le war happened a long time ago, most the Junti have opened their borders to outsiders, including their windy neighbors.”

Lewa shakes his head, “Doesn't matter, the camp she comes from kicked me out after humiliating me. I'm not getting into details, but I've been secretly friend-dating her for awhile now.”

Matau chuckles, “Soon you'll be bringing out the rings, eh?” he winks with a grin.

Lewa blushes and clears his throat, embarrassed, yet his eyes show he's thinking on that idea, Matau only laughing more, knowing all too well what he's thinking.

“Best of luck to you Lewa, you've done better than I ever could....Nokama was never interested.” he shrugs.

Lewa lifts a brow, “You...joy-liked Nokama?”

Matau pauses, shrugging, “Yeah, once upon a time.”

Lewa gets a puzzled, surprise look. “Didn't see that coming....”

Matau chuckles again. “Well, now we both know something about each other. A few embarrassing secrets shared and kept between us. We know the risks in dating a Junti, especially a beauty like yours, but I'll make sure the truth stays in Le Koro.”

Lewa nods, sighing. “Thanks Matau, things have only just gotten serious, so I need this to be hush-quiet.”

Matau nods and steps back as Lewa stands again. “I best get home, we all need rest-sleep.” Lewa states tiredly as he heads for the door.

“Maybe sometime you can share-tell how you're doing, if you bump into hard-trouble.” Matau smirks, following him to the door as Lewa steps out.

“Yeah....maybe sometime I'll spread-share more of what I've learned, but for now I want this to be hush-quiet. Good night, Matau.” Lewa nods, his eyes more serious than usual, implying he's not joking about wanting his privacy.

Matau nods, “Good night Toa, sleep-snooze and dream well.” he smiles, closing his door, his snickers muffling from within the hut, Lewa shaking his head and flying off for home with a half grumble and smirk.

During the night, Orpheus had come to the low lands of Nu Le Koro in search of a few special plants that grew the best in that region, and he knew the people of Le wouldn’t mind a Junti medic staying around on one of the lower platforms for rest till morning. As he leans up against a tree and sets his head against his medical bag, he notices faint chatter and giggles overhead and his eyebrow twitches.

At first he brushes it off as nothing, just Le Matoran being themselves, closing his eyes for some sleep, till he chances to hear what they’re saying as they move closer through the trees overhead, one chattering to the other about Lewa sharing a kiss with some woman named Venimbus. Orpheus’s eyes shoot open and he sits up in a panic, scrambling closer to the sound of the conversation and squinting as he listens, getting the details that Lewa and Venimbus have been dating, only making his chest throb more as he holds his head and groans. “That idiot…..” he grumbles under his breath, puffing a not so happy breath through his nostrils. “Yep...I knew it...I knew he would do something stupid.” He pauses to think, knowing Lewa lives in the area, and set on the idea of confronting him on a matter that could be more serious than Lewa suspects or even knows.

He settles down again, now unhappy he’ll lose sleep to the thoughts in his head, and grouchily shuts his eyes till morning.

When early morning sunbeams shine down on the platforms, Orpheus twitches awake, snorting tiredly as he sits up and rubs his face. He glances around and reaches into his bag for his old watch, checking the hour and knowing he should get moving while he can.

After shoving his watch back in his medic bag, he stands and climbs the ladder to the higher platforms above, picking a fruit from one of the trees and snacking on it as he walks through the village and looks for someone who can point him in the direction of Lewa’s home.

A half awake Matoran swings by and Orpheus flinches, “Hey….wait.”

The Matoran pauses and hangs upside down from his legs off a tree branch, “Morning, need some aid-help?”

Orpheus nods, “Yes, as a matter of fact, I was wondering if you could point me in the direction of Lewa’s home or the general area he stays in.”

The Matoran smiles and sits back up. “Our Toa-hero lives on the other side of town, just follow the old bridge-paths till you see the symbol of air on a post-poll.”

Orpheus nods, smiling kindly. “Thank you.”

The Matoran waves goodbye to Orpheus as he heads off in search of Lewa’s home, stopping short when he finds the sign, but doesn’t see a way up to the tree house high above, and he grumbles, glancing around for something to climb.

While Orpheus tries to find a way up, muttering about air types not making their homes friendly for land visitors, Lewa opens his door, a smile on his face, not knowing he had company as he stretches and yawns, still waking up and getting ready for the day.

Orpheus glances at the porch and spots him, folding his arms. “Lewa…..Come down here. We need to talk.”

Lewa looks down at him. “Orpheus…? You’re a bit of a surprise-shock…” He says as he lazily flies down. “What do you bad-need enough to see me?”

Orpheus gives him a blank, tired look, sighing. “Lewa...Is it true you’ve been dating Venimbus?”

“Even if I was-perhaps, what great-business is it of yours?” Lewa questions, more confused than anything by his query.

Orpheus shakes his head. “I heard your people talking about something….something about a kiss. I’m not here to chew you out royally, but if what I heard is true, I believe you have a right to know a few things about our culture that may not be the same here in Le Koro. Did you kiss her?”

“Yeeeeeees……. what big-difference does that make?” Lewa flies down and offers a hand to Orpheus so they could speak in privacy.

Orpheus looks at him a bit puzzled when Lewa puts out a hand. “You want to talk about this in private?”

“Matoran are nice-friendly, but love a good gossip-gab.” Lewa helps Orpheus up onto his porch, and waits for Orpheus to speak as he leads him to his living room to sit down.

Orpheus remains well mannered and sits on the floor, a Junti custom being to lower yourself before the owner of a home or land. Lewa is a bit puzzled by this, but doesn’t question Orpheus’s ways.

“You’ve always been in for trouble, it’s not my business to be in yours, but both me and Kakadeus warned you about dating Venimbus. It’s shocking enough that she actually loves you from the sounds of it, but Lewa….In Junti culture, depending on the tribe, a kiss on the lips can mean a lot more than what it may mean in this part of the jungle. In our culture, that sort of affection is practically a wedding ring before you have the band, and usually for the very traditional Junti, we avoid such affection till after we engage and marry.”

Lewa is  gobsmacked, He knew it meant a great deal, but he hadn't realized just how much Venimbus loved him, and was grateful to know that she cared for him as he did for her. “Truly?” He says, his eyes wide in loving wonder.

Orpheus holds his nerves, “Yeah…..Might want to read up on our culture before you take a nosedive into something you can’t handle. I’ve known Venimbus to be on the rebellious side at times when it comes to customs, but for her to let you touch her like that in broad daylight is a sign you may be in for more than you can chew.”

“What makes you think-ponder that I can’t handle myself? Do I look-seem like a child? Or an adolescent? I am well aware of what commitment-ties are…..” Lewa states defensively.

“I don’t think you want me to answer those first two questions, Lewa. I simply am warning you, as a possible friend with the gut feeling that if you don’t watch your step, you’ll be on my medical table with a mouthful of I told you so, and I really don’t want to have to see you beat up, battered, or in serious trouble. You’re a nice guy….”

“I value-appreciate your thought-concern, but while I may have some read-studying to do, I am not so lost-clueless as you may think.” He says, still miffed that Orpheus doubted him.  

Orpheus blinks and gets up. “If you love her then I won’t stand in your way, I simply came to make sure you know what you’re getting into. Whatever your plans are...well, I can’t say much.” he shrugs.

“Thanks Orpheus, I much-appreciate the warnings, and the concern. But you don't need to worry-puzzle over me.” Lewa gives him a friendly smile to assure him.

Orpheus slings his medical bag over his shoulder, shaking his head. “Have a nice day, Toa…” he states tiredly, helping himself to the door and finding a ladder on Lewa’s porch, smirking and rolling it down, waving goodbye as he climbs off the porch and starts walking back to the village, headed for home.

Lewa pauses in thought from what has just been said, his mind already cranking on what’s to be done.

LoL Chapter 14- Confronting Toxins<<previous chapter/next chapter>>