Guarded
by D.K. Anderson
"You are not welcome here."
Tesra had spoken the words before she had intended to do so. There was now no use in attempting to take them back. They hung in the air between the two women like an unpleasant odor.
"I did not make the journey across the Outlands in order to see you. I seek Raven."
Tesra's dark green eyes narrowed over their immediate flash of anger. She had no intention of allowing this impertinent child an audience with anyone. She had no intention of allowing the girl any further than this barren outcrop of rock.
"I care not why you have come," Tesra informed the young woman. Her left hand hovered over the blade strapped to her thigh. "Go back to the settlements where you belong. Raven will not see you."
The girl drew up to her full height, her own eyes flashing now with defiance as she glared at the armed woman barring her way. "And who are you to prevent me from passing?"
The word "you" was spoken with disdain. Tesra's keen senses had not missed it. She smiled wryly. She had been a woman of the sword long enough that she had heard that particular tone of derision many times before. It had long ago ceased to offend her.
"I am someone with whom you do not wish to contend, little one," Tesra sneered as she intentionally altered her stance so that her heavy sword would rattle against the chain mail of her overskirt.
There was a subtle shift in the light, and Tesra cast a quick glance over her shoulder and then returned her gaze to the young woman who was stubbornly refusing to give up any ground. Dusk approached. Darkness would soon envelope the Fire Cliffs, and Tesra's presence would be required. She had wasted enough time here with this child and had grown weary of their game. Swiftly, she drew the slender blade from it's sheath. Before the girl could react, the deadly tip of the dagger had pricked her cheek and sent a stray lock of honey colored hair drifting to the sands at her feet. The young woman gasped and recoiled. Tesra laughed harshly.
"As I said...go back to the settlements. You are not welcome here."
With a cry of dismay, the girl turned on her heel and ran. Tesra watched the retreating figure with satisfaction until she could no longer discern it. The light was fading fast, and her absence from the fires would not go unnoticed.
To be continued...
The Doll
A One Of A Kind Creation
by
D. K. Anderson
"Guarded" was completed in March of 2006. She was the second character of The EverRealm to be created in 1/6 scale. As with most of my OOAK (one of a kind) doll designs, this doll took on a life of her own as I worked. When I begin, I usually have an idea and many notes and sketches. I usually take a trip to the fabric store to look at fabrics, trims and anything else that might catch my eye. The finished doll doesn't usually vary too drastically from my original concept. I knew that Tesra would have thigh high, black boots and chain mail, and so she evolved from the feet up. The wooden base was completed early. I like to utilize bases accented with polymer clay sculpture. I don't like typical doll stands, so I am constantly trying to find other ways to display my doll designs.
Tesra is a strong character, a woman who has lived by the sword since she was very young. As her blue and red familial braids signify, she bears Hunter blood and that of the people of the rivers and lakes. The black braid signifies her alliance with Raven's Wing. She is unbonded and independent. These traits make her strong. They also make her vulnerable. This enigma breathed life into the creation...made her more than a doll. Look into the dark green depths of Tesra's eyes and just try to ignore the pain simmering beneath the cool exterior.
Details:
Formerly a Princess of Portugal doll, Tesra had her original face paint removed. Her open mouth was filled to give her fuller lips and a closed, sensuous smile. New facial features were carefully created and sealed with quality paints and varnishes. Her hair was washed, relaxed slightly, and braided loosely. Her clothing was created with both hand and machine stitching. Patterns were created by the artist. Tesra's top was hand embroidered along the curved collar and waistband. Her chain mail overskirt was painstakingly assembled by hand, link by link with hundreds of individual jumprings! Black vinyl and jumprings were used in the creation of her gauntlets while a delicate and sheer, black tulle netting was used for her sleeved shrug. All this combines to showcase Tesra's dueling strength and vulnerability. Customized fishnet stockings and those marvelous boots complete the costume. The boots were created by attaching new vinyl uppers to an existing pair of shoes. Tesra's sword was given a matching scabbard that can be removed from her costume. Her buckler shield was formed from polymer clay. A tiny dagger rests upon Tesra's left thigh. This fabulous OOAK doll design can be posed in a seated position on the base's rocks or she can stand with the aid of the wire stand.
SOLD
Thank you.
Thank you.~ Tesra ~
A Lady of Raven's Wing
There are always two sides to every story...
The EverRealm
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None of it may be copied, reproduced, or used anywhere without the expressed written consent of D.K. Anderson. Thank you. Inquiries can be emailed to TERinfo@theeverrealm.com.
