She followed him.
She followed him through the dark.
She followed him through the fog.
She followed him through the fire.
The fire raged. The fire screamed.
The fire burned.
She did not feel it. She did not feel anything.
For she was stronger than the pain.
She followed him.
He wasn’t there.
She was alone in the dark.
She was alone in the fog.
She was alone in the fire.
She followed him.
She followed him through the fog.
She followed him through the…
fire.
The darkness turned in on itself and became light.
In the Valley of the Sun 
I love the shots of her following with the different effects at the start.
The ending. What does the ending mean? You’re going to leave us waiting for the answer to that? Noooo!
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I was so kicking myself for not writing down the steps for those. But oh well. Who needs consistency, right? 🙂
As for the ending…;) There’s only maybe two real updates left and then the epilogue.
Yay thanks!
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Your writing is like poetry, and how it correlates with the pictures is absolutely beautiful. 🙂 I love reading your chapters. 😀
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Thank you! 🙂 Yeah, my general style with Valley does seem to be trying to fit the most meaning into the smallest amount of words.
You are awesome and cool and rock a lot!
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This piece makes me feel like the light is going on inside of Lilith. Especially those last two lines. It was like a hesitation, like something dawned on her, like she regained control or is starting to regain control. Wonderful job!
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Yep, you got it. 🙂
Thank you and I love you lots!
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I love the sequence of images and their effects; from the dark to the muted, dreamy quality, to the vividness of the red and then finally, to reality. Shows a nice progression of Lilith’s mind – like she’s coming out of a dream and seeing her surroundings clearly for the first time after being emeshed in Seth’s reality.
Good Stuff.
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Thank you! 🙂 Yay I’m all happy and glad that you noticed the progression and liked it and stuff.
And yes, that fireplace is awfully clear and bright.
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Aurgh! A cliffhanger. God, I love Seth – how can this turn out in two updates?
Work work work!
Beautiful effects and beautiful poetic text. 🙂
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Well, it could extend itself. Valley does that. We’ll see.
Thank you so much! 🙂 The images have been really important in these last two updates. I think in the next ones there will be more words because there has to be to explain the ending.
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Hmm…this chapter leaves more questions than answers for me….in previous chapters, I felt like I was able to fit one more piece into the puzzle, but not this time. Still very intriguing, and I hope the next chapter comes soon!
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This one is pretty abstract, yeah. It’s basically Dark from Lilith’s POV – Lilith and Seth are sort of two sides of the same coin, after all. And there aren’t really any puzzle pieces here except for the last two pics.
Thank you! As for the next chapter – have family Christmas stuff this week. And of course it may be the next to last update and so I really want to take my time on it and get it right. Still though, shouldn’t take too terribly long.
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Ssseeeettth…noo…I don’t trust yoooou…..
Hey..All of a sudden I like Jason again. He waaas there but he diiiiied for yoooooou Lillittth….
…Doesn’t Lilith mean something evil or something?
bah. I want to see the little girl again :D. She creeped me out, but in a sort of endearing way.
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Oh, you can trust Seth. He’s honest. He’s a psychotic killer but he’s honest.
And yeah, I’ve found myself missing Jason a bit lately too. 🙂
The mythological figure of Lilith is pretty “evil”, yes. And Seth is an Egyptian god. 🙂
Emma will be showing up again before the end. I haven’t forgotten about her.
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DON’T FOLLOW HIM!! X( lol, but oh well, maybe following him gives her the answer to… all the mystery behind Seth’s making?
I thought the hand picture was really creepy, like it was from a murder scene. XD
And my favourite line has to be this: For she was stronger than the pain.
Great sequence! I like how the pictures match the words, and like what others said, it does feel like I was reading poetry! 🙂
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Thank you! 🙂 Yay hugs!
We shall see what following him leads her to. 🙂
The hand picture was originally used in Death. I generally like to use objects in the abstract pics – like the dead tree is fog because of the bits about the tree and the fog while she was listening to Bella’s story. And I went with Seth’s house for dark because I do think that represents dark for Lilith – for Seth dark was the Death statue. And fire – well, I thought about it but I decided to go with that picture because well – okay, so it’s not an object but I think it goes with fire and Lilith quite well.
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I don’t know if I’m seeing something that isn’t really there or what, but the part with Jason-I could almost feel her having the same feelings for him at that moment that Seth had for Sara when he thought she wasn’t there for him. I can definitely see some parallels between Seth and Lillith now. At the end where it seems like she’s coming out of her “trance,” I’m wondering if she’ll change her mind about Seth, will she still want to follow him, will she have a choice now? Fantastic update, as always.
P.S.
Loved the birthday gift you gave yourself on your LJ(I especially loved the third pic, he is quite adorable), Happy Belated Birthday btw.
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Oh, it’s there. You got it, yay! 🙂 They do have a lot in common – did you notice the parallels between Alone and Interlude? They were both approached while reading and Hamlet was referenced in both conversations. 🙂 Lilith and Jason referenced Ophelia and Seth’s quotes were all Hamlet ones and I think that’s fitting.
Yay thank you! I don’t remember making Seth at all so I don’t take credit for how adorable he is. I’d almost think he was sentient and made himself except he does bear some resemblance to my husband, lol.
And I had a great birthday. 🙂 Thanks.
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You’re going to leave us hanging right until the very end, I presume. Love the shots!
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Thank you!
And yeah, cliffhangers to the end! 🙂
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HOW DID I MISS THIS? I, like, stalk you on LJ. HOW?
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I have posted like twice since posting this update there, lol. I have a lot to talk about and share at the moment. 🙂
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I love the repitition from the previous entries! Very poetic.
Although, I don’t think she is as strong as she thinks. If she was strong she would have braced herself and told herself that she was strong enough to turn around and face the hardships of her life, knowing she was innocent. But here, she thinks she is strong, because she doesn’t feel anything. Because Seth is messing with her mind.
I think that Lilith thinks that Jason betrayed her by dying. Because right now, she is in need, but he ‘selfishly’ died at the time when she needed him and loved him. And I think Seth knows this, since he hasn’t been looking back. He knows she is following her.
I wonder what Seth will do now that he finally has the prize…
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Heh. 🙂 I do think the next update will be a bit of a surprise. 🙂
But yeah, Seth is indeed totally confident. LOLOLOLOL. Oh man, I can’t wait to write the end.
Thank you so much, as always. 🙂
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This makes no sense to me… but I love the pictures and the repeat of those words… That’s because I’m only small… and don’t understand. So many chapters into this story… why would I get lost now? I hope you bring me down the path again once they have reached their dstination. 🙂
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This is basically Dark from Lilith’s POV – it’s showing how she is like the other side of Seth and sort of feels the way that he feels but she’s coming at it from a different place. Up until the end, when she notices the fireplace.
Don’t worry, the next update will definitely need more text than the previous two and will be a lot less abstract and less based in conceptual imagery. We are back in reality now.
Thank you! 🙂
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Thank you, Misty! 🙂
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The 2nd picture is my favorite! 😀 They’re so pretty! I hope something bad doesn’t happen, he must be trying to trick her into something, maybe what he did to his wife and Emma? Good post! 😀
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Thank you!
Seth isn’t trying to trick Lilith into anything – she knows what she’s doing and what he’s planning. Seth may be a psychotic killer, but he’s honest. And Emma – last time we saw her she was alive. 🙂
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😀 A few posts ago, I asked if Emma could probably still be alive somewhere. But then I was confused because Lillith saw her as a ghost unless wait, I think that was her dream…
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Yep, that was her dream. 🙂
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Although it was perfect, though-provoking, and dramatic, it brought me to tears to think that this may just be one of your last posts.
Like you, I like to see Seth’s more human and compassionate side, although I don’t get to see it as well as you do. Personally, he is my favorite character, just because I’m always naturally attracted to the crazy serial killer… 😉
Anyways, the photos were absoloutely perfect- don’t you love the skies in The Sims 3? They are too gorgeous, don’t you think? Repition always makes for a better story, I believe. Your themes- fire, burning, death… they are morbid in anyone else’s eyes, but in mine they are beautiful and romantic, yet dark and mysterious, the way you portray them in your writing.
So, even though I am completely off the point, the message I am trying to convey is that when you stop, there will actually be tears coming out of my eyes. I commend you on the excellent work you have done, and the amazing-ness (that just wrecked the whole “educated” thing I had going here…) of your updates. For you The Sims doesn’t seem to be a game. It’s a blank canvas, and you are painting your pictures with it.
Thank you so much. For everything.
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((((hugs)))))
You are awesome and I love you.
What is it about fictional crazy serial killers anyway? 😉 (italicized for secrets stalkers – poor dears, they can’t tell reality from fantasy very well)
And yes, I do love the skies. The stars in these pics made me very happy. 🙂
If it helps, I’m currently thinking about doing another story with the Valley characters after this one finishes. Here’s some concept art for it – well, for the characters.
http://medleymisty.livejournal.com/33439.html
Have just put them in the game and will take some actual concept art pics later to see how viable it would be with the resources currently available. There’s not a whole lot of CC or posing hacks for Sims 3 but I thrive on challenges like that and using what the game gives me to portray my ideas. I’d love to have bloody torn clothing and to be able to make Sunset Valley look like a war zone and have some badass SUVs and stuff, but oh well – just have to be creative with what I do have.
I love your phrasing about the game being a canvas and painting pictures. 🙂 You’re a wonderful writer yourself.
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I’m not quite sure I understand this post, mainly the ending. I don’t understand what it means or… any of it. I still liked the feel of it, and I’m probably not understanding it because at this point I am naive and super sick with strep throat and a fever. But loved the pictures and can’t wait to see how you end it.
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Nevermind my confusion, I just read your reply to moondaisy101’s question and re-read the post and it’s clearer! =]
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Awww, I hope you feel better.
The ending will be very much explained in the next update I think. 🙂 Which probably won’t be up for a while ’cause of Christmas family stuff. That and it’s super important and quite possibly the second to last update before the epilogue and so it has to be absolutely freaking perfect.
Thank you! 🙂
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Very rhythmic and deep!
The picture that accompanies “She was alone in the dark” is wonderful and rich. Is that one new? I think I’ve seen a similar one in a previous post, but not quite the same?
After the last two frames, I’m pondering what made the darkness turn in on itself? Was it like turning on a light switch? Was it like Lilith poking ashes of a dying fire? Did she suddenly remember that ooo, this guy I’ve been hypnotizedly following has a perturbing tendency to set fires and oh look here’s a fireplace uhoh? Was it a self-preservation spark? Or a Jason memory spark? Or a revelation as the puzzle pieces fall into place? Or did she see or hear something – or someone! – that is out of frame? Much to ponder, thank you!
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The dark pic is new, yes. There have been pics of the house before, but generally from further out – like the pic of it in Daydream with the giant Seth face superimposed above it.
If the ending is a surprise to you, I will feel quite special and accomplished. 🙂 Not going to say anything more spoilery than that.
Thank you so much and you totally rock.
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Noooooooooo! Lilith, don’t follow him! Jason loved you more! Please, please, please tell me that she doesn’t end up falling in love with that psychopath! Why, why, why?!? Good story, by the way! 😀
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She’s not falling in love with him. She may feel somewhat drawn to him in an unhealthy Stockholm syndrome way, but it’s nothing at all like romantic love. So don’t worry about that. 🙂
Thank you! 🙂
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Love it, especially the screenshots! And the ending was great (though I hope it’s not the end of the actual story yet). There could be a bit more writing, but the pics tell the story very well and they’re well edited:)
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Oh no, there’s at least two updates left of the story before the epilogue.
It is a bit shorter than Dark, yes. But well – I wanted to echo Dark but Seth and Lilith aren’t exactly the same and just copying Dark in its entirety didn’t quite feel right for Lilith.
Thank you!
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This is by far the best sim blog I’ve ever read! I wish mine were as good as this! You’re incredibly talented and I can’t wait to read your upcoming posts. ❤
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Thank you!!! 🙂 I am all blushy and happy now. 🙂
I am working on the next update, but I’m taking my time with it. It’s quite possibly the second to last update before the epilogue and so it has to be freaking perfect. It’s coming along – working on the text first and I’m at 200+ words. I am currently stuck on a certain sound – I want a word that describes both it and death and fire and just general Seth-ness at the same time and I haven’t found the right word yet.
Anyway – I am off to check out your stuff and I’m sure that it rocks. 🙂
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Ooh, that sounds like a toughie there. Using phonetic symbols might help you with finding a word that describes a certain sound if you’re looking to create a new word. Good luck with that!
Haha, my stuff isn’t all that good. I started it while I was still at school so it’s a bit shabby. And mine doesn’t have such a compelling storyline as yours. I’ll have to work at making my writing a bit more interesting. =)
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Wow, that’s a wonderful suggestion!
I got past it by writing a lot more, lol. But now I’m stuck on another bit. But that’s how it goes when I only get a few hours to work on it every day. Very much looking forward to the three day weekend and plenty of uninterrupted Valley time.
And your stuff is great! 🙂 Added you to my blogroll.
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This is beautiful, i mean really beautiful. It’s like a new, special form of poetry!
I’ll admit i keep forgetting to read this but i just got up to date on all the chapters i’d missed and i am in total awe. I bow to your greatness!
PLEASE keep writing – you’re extremely talented and i love this story. I feel like i’m connected to Lilith in some strange way lol
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It’s cool – we all get busy and caught up in our own stories. You’re doing quite well on yours, by the way. 🙂
Thank you! 🙂 And yes, I do think of it as a form of poetry.
I do plan to keep writing – already thinking about a new project featuring the four main Valley characters after this one is done.
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Wow. Like that mysterious “Anonymous” said, your writing is like poetry. You writing is very good, and I love this chapter. It’s so intense, and I’ll just cry once the titles says,”end”. This is a great story, and you’re a wonderful writer. Can’t wait for the next chapter. 🙂
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Thank you! 🙂
The next chapter is coming along. I’m at about 300 words now and I’m seeing a structure and themes emerge. Hopefully it’ll be done by Sunday night, but I’m taking my time and letting it come. I think it’ll be worth it. 🙂
I’ve had to go and roleplay as Seth moving stuff around in the kitchen and spent a lot of time making notes on the resulting sounds. My current AIM away status may or may not be “off to shoot a man in Reno just to hear him die”. 😉
I do think the epilogue will be titled End to fit with the prologue, yes. And then I think I’ll do a general notes/summing up post and then – still trying to decide if I’ll use this same blog for the new project or not. It is going to be using the Valley characters, so I just may.
Yay thank you and you rock!
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I’m scared for Lilith, I hope Seth doesn’t try to kill her 😦
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Man I can tell this must have been REALLY out order xD
But I like it, it’s really interesting.
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Out of order? How?
Thank you! Glad it’s interesting. 🙂 Should finish up the next update at some point today.
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No, I mean in the order in which the pictures were taken xD
And your welcome, I’m looking forward to the update
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I hope Lilith is just playing along with his game. Oh boy, do I hope. Otherwise, I can’t believe her will would melt so quickly! Where’s our big tough girl?
I hope it’s not ending soon. I hope. I hope!
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This is getting seriously repetitive. Is anything going to happen?
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Light is Dark from Lilith’s POV. So yes, it is repetitive but it’s on purpose – hopefully showing how Lilith and Seth are two sides of the same coin. The end of this one is a turning point for Lilith’s psychological arc.
The story isn’t driven by external actions so much but is instead an internal psychological drama. And hey, those aren’t for everyone.
Also, I pay more attention to criticism that has a name attached.
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Snap out of it Lilith! She’s losing time…
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Please Lilith don’t follow him. It makes for a great story, but you’re in trouble, girl. Get out of there. Seth gets creepier by the minute.
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*Eww, Seth sure is acting creepy!” 😉
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:p
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