I've posted a few of my works (builds and some of my game's happening) on these forums but I've always wondered how my life would've been if I didn't take that architecture degree and just went with my other true love: writing. You see, in my life I've come up with a few "short story" ideas: five specifically. These ideas never got past the drawing board (aka my mind) and/or past a few IRL friends. They are in the early stages of development and always stay that way due to lack of time and will to take them further. To compensate, I usually play them out in The Sims.
Today I bite the bullet to find out if anyone would actually pick up my work. Here are some of my stories: complete with Sims illumination! I guess you can call this a storytelling showcase of my game(s). If you do read them, please offer some constructive criticism since I would really like to get better.
Thanks in advance! :)
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Unloved
Synopsis: Inspired by 乙女ゲーム (otome games) or Japanese dating simulators, Unloved follows teenage orphan Elia who was adopted into the former Royal Family. Far from her unloved years in the orphanage, she finds herself in a grand chateau in a sleepy town where she realizes everyone now seems to love her?!? Or do they love her newfound status and money? https://i.imgur.com/9rFk7Xt.png Genre: Slice-of-life, Coming-of-age, Romantic comedy, Reverse harem Status: ACTIVE Last Updated: November 12, 2022 Index:
https://i.imgur.com/FxqMXz6.gif The faint rattling and ringing of Robert's smartphone broke the silence in the attic. Usually, he woke a few minutes before the alarm went off but today it beat him. He felt an unfamiliar laziness stirring within. He almost did not want to get up. But he had a lot of chores to do. He was the Royal Family butler after all. And he already knew what he had to do.
https://i.imgur.com/YOLKHja.png https://i.imgur.com/O0EL3HJ.png Every day, Robert spends a good 17 minutes getting prepared. He climbs down the chateau’s wooden service staircases in three. Takes five to boil the water. And another 10 to steep the tea. It leaves him with 25 minutes, plenty of time, to fix up a light breakfast, before the chatelaine, Mistress Adelaida Thebe, goes to breakfast at 6 o’clock in the morning,
https://i.imgur.com/TOqedWZ.png
To his surprise, however, she was already at the tea salon. https://i.imgur.com/a3rtVqk.png “Dear Robert,” she said. “Would you care to join me? There is something I want to discuss with you.”
The Dubois family had always been by the Royal Thebes’ side from time immemorial. They were stewards, noblemen that managed for and cooperatively ruled with their royal counterparts. They were more like advisors and less than servants. So a Thebe consulting a Dubois as equals would not have been uncommon, instead it was expected.
Or at least that was how it was in the mistress’s head. The truth, however, is that the Thebes (along with the Dubois) have been reduced to “old money” families after the Great Sloth Invasion when the monarchy was abolished. Robert knows well that his Dubois social status has zero bearing in “real” life. But still he continued working for the Thebes despite what his family had to say about “modern slavery”. The pay was good, the tasks were doable, and it keeps a roof over his head. The mistress was kind and motherly too. On top of those, she taught him art, culture, history, and etiquette—all those rich people classes he could never otherwise afford. Where else would he find such an opportunity in this sleepy town?
https://i.imgur.com/rOOjTdd.png Mistress Thebe’s purple eyes were puffy. Either she had been crying or she barely had enough sleep or maybe both. Across her, Robert saw several boxes full of documents, records, and letters; placed on the chairs, and tucked under the table out of immediate sight. She sighed, ignoring the tea he set out in front of her.
“I don’t know what to do anymore, Robert. All these information about Antoine. They are important leads, but they have been...leading us nowhere. Perhaps it’s futile to search for those that don’t want to be found. but—”
“Mistress, if I may, these investigators are nincompoops, why I would—”
“But,” she continued, effectively silencing Robert’s “what ails me would be the Whittaker kid.”
“What has he done now?” Robert asked as he toughened up.
“He’s scheduled an ocular with the National Historic Commission on the fortnight...”
“But we’ve made sure to go above and beyond every preservation rule!”
“And social services...” she snickered “He says that an ‘old fart’ like me is unfit—quite literally—for the role of chatelaine. And he is right, this dated architecture is unfriendly for the elderly and disabled. His goal is to have me removed from Capeside and into some home for the aged, I assume. He’s also legally entitled to the property too. With him being the first son of the branch family. Who knows what vested interest he has for the place? But rumor has it he wants to hand it to the government—make a museum—like they did with the Von Haunts.”
“But if we find Antoine?”
“Antoine can do whatever he wants with it. He’s not that different from the Whittakers, honestly. They prefer to move forward. Throwing their fates at the uncertain when they could’ve already settle here. Princess Cordelia Thebe built this as her summer home. It’s their last stronghold before the Great Sloth Invasion. But much more than some heritage site, this was my home, and my father’s and his father’s father’s. I’d hate to lose it to some Hogan’s Deep Fried Diner. But if someone should benefit from the place, I’d rather much my own than them.”
“I won’t let Whittaker! I’ll find Antoine! I’ll make him change his mind! I have my own investigators! Much better than these riffraff! I’ll find him for sure!”
https://i.imgur.com/TKEwC6d.png Mistress Thebe was impressed by Robert’s enthusiasm. But those are grand promises and she knew better than to hold on to some slim hope.
https://i.imgur.com/nhmF3px.png Instead she revised her will. The entire estate will go to Antoine’s child, should he have one; else, it goes to charity with Robert managing as chatelain.
https://i.imgur.com/9O0c0wr.png Robert wondered if he’s doing the right thing. He thought the mistress had some very personal matters. Should he be really getting involved with their family affairs? They were Thebes after all and he was a Dubois. Right. A Dubois, a successor of the great steward family, he justified in his mind. He knew what to do and called his investigators.
“Hello?”
* * *
Late in the afternoon, Robert had some good news for his mistress. Coupling the leads from his and her investigators, he had found out Antoine’s whereabouts. Unfortunately, Antoine turned out to be worse than he imagined. Having apparently amassed a huge debt from a failed business, he sold his then-infant daughter to some child trafficking syndicate under the guise of an orphanage in the San Myshuno Spice District. Despicable! Fortunately, there are only 23 Children’s Homes in that area. He can arrange for an adoption for his mistress, and if he ever runs into the syndicates, he has prepared § 1 million’s-worth of mark money to pin them.
He knocked on the door of the study and told her what he knew. https://i.imgur.com/ot6Gycc.png
https://i.imgur.com/AR90Kco.png Back at the chateau, Robert hurriedly dumped some of his mistress' clothes on the bed. He chose several clothes based on their fabric quality and wearability and packed them all into a suitcase. She was likely cold in that hospital gown and she’d ask for warmer clothes. And she might be thirsty too. He made his mind to pick some fruit juice on the way back to the hospital. He wanted to be there when she wakes up. He wanted to apologize for what happened.
https://i.imgur.com/6og9fD4.png On his way back to the car, Robert felt his phone vibrate. It was an unlisted number. His heart skipped a beat. He picked up the phone.
The nurse on the other end apologized and gave the details of his mistress' passing. There had been a complication on her surgery; an infection. They had done everything to save her, but her fragile health gave out. The time of death is 3:42 AM. He dropped the line before she finished talking and exhaled. He had been holding his breath the entire time.
https://i.imgur.com/Z2mtRZU.png Slowly and silently, Robert walked back inside the chateau. He found himself at the tea salon. He looked around aimlessly. He felt like his head was floating several feet off his shoulder. Then something caught his eye. On the table they were talking at earlier this morning, her undrunk tea was still sitting. The plain white mug was glinting in the flickering candlelight its liquid content dark and unreflecting. He held it on both his hands. It had gone cold from being left in the open air. The mistress prefers to drink her tea at a certain temperature. 173 degrees Fahrenheit. She said the flavors were extracted most at that heat and it was when it tasted best. He thought it to be nonsense and preferred his drinks piping hot. He didn't even like tea.
Robert let out an anguished scream. He stood up and threw the mug by the fireplace where it smashed into a thousand pieces. Tea spilled everywhere filling the salon with a sweet jasmine scent. He grabbed the nearest chair and flung it across the room. Why did he have to tell her? Why did he even think it was a good idea? If he had just minded his own business. If he had just washed that darn mug. If he hadn't been foolish enough to believe it might make her happy. Then she would still be here. She would give him an earful about the wasted tea being left to cool. He wouldn't be vandalizing 18th century porcelain. Or worrying about the tea staining the wood parquet. He would be apologizing by offering her a fresh mug of tea. He would serve it with scones and orange marmalade. She would forgive him and they would be drinking it in that same salon talking and laughing about something stupid like tea temperatures. But instead, he was the only stupid one: screaming and sobbing, curled up on the floor. There is no forgiveness. She was gone. https://i.imgur.com/HrJFOGV.png
Robert lost track of how long he was crying in the tea salon. It must've been quite some time as most of the candles have burned out. He stood up gingerly as he felt pins and needles on his sleeping leg. He knew what he had to do; he was the Royal Family butler after all. He would be going into the pantry for vinegar to treat the wood stains. He hoped there weren't any dings on that chair he threw but he would get some walnuts to fix any scratches too. Then he noticed the box of files and clues for Antoine that his mistress left behind. Indeed, he knew what he had to do.
https://i.imgur.com/yuAll6N.gif Robert rang the chauffeur.
"Will? Pack three days' worth of clothes. Bring the limo. We're going to San Myshuno."
Oof ? Adelaida's heart problems gave out at an unfortunate time. Robert shouldn't beat himself up like that but too often the bereaved will feel guilty during the loss of a loved one. I know I have. He's buried it now, but I hope he can move on and forgive himself. He's a good soul.
Im glad Robert's PIs are more competent than those initial investigators. Can't help thinking those guys must've got bribed. ? She's right there!
Thanks for reacting to Episode 3 @Shaymantha and @mercuryfoam! With storytelling like this, my biggest fear is always not having to get my character's emotions across to the reader with my amateur writing. lol
Don't worry about Robert. He's a strong-willed soul. He's the Royal Butler. He already knows what he has to do. :blush:
I don't wanna spoil too much, mercuryfoam, but you're absolutely right!
@orenjiAi I don't know about amateur. :o Stories need not be professionally written to be enjoyable for me. There's a lot more that's conveyed through writing, including how much the writer loves their work and that's the beauty of yours. And I didn't think your writing is amateur in any way either, mind you. I'm thoroughly enjoying your storytelling and you conveyed Robert deeply. Even if you think you didn't, you're only going to get better from here. So don't worry about skill when you're honing it anyway. ?
"mercuryfoam;c-17680352" wrote: @orenjiAi I don't know about amateur. :o Stories need not be professionally written to be enjoyable for me. There's a lot more that's conveyed through writing, including how much the writer loves their work and that's the beauty of yours. And I didn't think your writing is amateur in any way either, mind you. I'm thoroughly enjoying your storytelling and you conveyed Robert deeply. Even if you think you didn't, you're only going to get better from here. So don't worry about skill when you're honing it anyway. ?
Couldn't have said it better myself @mercuryfoam :smiley: Though i am terrible at writing reviews I do admit :joy:
“You should’ve just waited for me at the chateau, my lady.” Robert reprimanded Elia. It was cool and foggy and the sun had not completely risen yet. He believed that Elia should be in bed but she snuck out to go after him on his early morning grocery run. He immediately caught her though as he turned to lock the gates. Against better judgment, he let her tag along. https://i.imgur.com/YkLdkyO.png “No way are you leaving me to stay alone in that place! Not after you showed me Lady Adelaida’s tomb!” she protested. “It’s a good five-minute walk away from the house! In the woods!” “That house is haunted I tell you! Besides, I don’t have anything else to do there. The rooms are locked, the TV reception’s bad, and I’m still figuring out how to use this thing you gave me.” she said as she brandished her phone.
Elia tried to keep up with Robert’s pace. He wasn’t walking very fast but he, unlike her, didn’t want to waste time looking around. Instead, he walked to the community garden, then straight to the spice shop, to the butcher next, and then the fish vendor last. She also noticed that he spoke very differently to the villagers than when he was talking to her. He sounded curt, less friendly, and he used a deeper voice. She assumed he must be speaking a different Simlish dialect too. She wondered how many sides there were to Robert she had yet to meet. https://i.imgur.com/f9OSI3o.png
Elia had never visited the town before as her first few days had been drenched in rain. But today had been a good day. And as the sun rose, she found the quaint village, with its roofs and treetops painted golden by the light, breathtaking. https://i.imgur.com/iJs0Zqw.png
“Now that shopping’s done, what would my lady say to a village tour by yours truly?” Robert asked with a wink about an hour later.
Robert asked a help take his groceries directly to the chateau. Meanwhile, he and Elia walked the cobblestone streets of Capeside for a second time. Unlike the first, however, he was pacing his footsteps with Elia's. He was actually showing off the town to her; stopping by to explain landmarks and taking the picturesque route instead of the shortcuts they walked in earlier. Elia learned much about Capeside during their stroll. She found out it was an authentic medieval settlement built about a quarter of a mile away from the chateau. It’s proximity to the Princess’ summer home, along with its well preserved structures, earned itself a Heritage Site status (and funding) from the National Historic Commission. It has two village squares, Upper and Lower Capeside and it had been the old town center before it relocated to Sable Square in Brindleton Bay.
Robert stopped by an old well at the edge of Upper Capeside. "This is the Whispering Wishing Well," he started to explain. https://i.imgur.com/8F2RalS.png
Elia squealed at how romantic it was. She got excited at the concept of a wish getting granted over some petty change. She turned to Robert and asked him to spare a coin to drop into the well. At first, he scared her with Capeside folklore of people being cursed and getting exactly the opposite of what they wanted. He made it very clear to her later that he was pinching pennies and that he found it to be a waste of money. Eventually, he gave in and gave her a single Simoleon coin. She threw it high in the air, glinting in the daylight before it fell down into the waters below with a funny bloop. https://i.imgur.com/pATAnCo.png
Elia half expected some reaction from the well. But nothing happened. So she quietly wished for sunnier days ahead. She knew from Robert earlier that it almost always rains in Capeside. She didn't hate the rain but she definitely preferred when it was sunny as it had been today. She liked how different a little precipitation changed the scenery. Without it, Capeside was livelier, happier, almost like a fairy tale. But most of all, she could walk in town with Robert and she would love to go again next time.
On their way back to the chateau, Robert insisted they take a different route. He wanted to show her the cove, which he knew was impossible to be seen from her room. They walked along the creek and headed downstream on creaky wooden walk-ups. The sound of clear cascading waters grew fainter as Elia heard the growing sound of the ocean waves crashing on the shore. Soon enough they were stepping on sand and Elia was greeted by a large fine beach with picnic tables, grills, and benches. In the far left, she can see a pier at the foot of a steep hill. On her right, Robert pointed their chateau to her atop a jagged rock cliff. She could barely make out its white stone face hidden behind a grove. https://i.imgur.com/dNw1He0.png
After some time playing in the water, Robert led the way home. They were having a playful conversation. Robert was bragging about the Thebe's private beach being better and how they should have a picnic on it when the weather was good as it had been today. Suddenly, he became silent and stopped in his tracks.
Robert was glaring. But he was so excited a while ago. How can anybody switch their moods so fast? Elia was confused. She looked in his eyes' direction and saw a small shack. It was, there was no other word for it, ordinary. A tiny, normal, weathered rest home for some fisherman. Several lobster traps were neatly stacked out front. A TV satellite dish nestled on its roof shingles. And fishing equipment were hung to dry on its walls. There wasn't anything special about it. Yet it drove Robert to unrest. https://i.imgur.com/SN0VNtU.png
"Just what do they think they're doing!?" Robert said irritably. He stomped towards the front door, fists clenched. https://i.imgur.com/FGAok09.png
Elia suddenly realized what was so wrong about the house. Compared to everywhere she's been the past few days, it looked the most normal. And it looked that way to her because it was the most modern. It didn't have the grandiose of the Chateau de Thebe. Or the medieval quaintness of Capeside. It was just so unremarkable it stood out in Robert's perfectly preserved slice of history. And he was offended by it. For some unknown reason to her, he assertively maintained the Historic Commission's rules. He had never seen him so mad and discomposed. He looked like he was about to punch someone.
Elia threw herself in front of his path. She sloppily tried to reason with him. Said she was tired from all their walking. And that she wanted to go home. Now. https://i.imgur.com/Ijn6d1I.png
"You just rest out here, my lady. I'm just going to take a look." Robert said through a forced smile. To Elia's disappointment, he banged on the door so hard it swung open, slamming loudly against the wall. He stepped inside and took a quick look. There was nobody. https://i.imgur.com/QxTyT60.png
Robert stormed out of the shack leaving Elia on the porch. He was still visibly upset but she was only relieved it had been empty. She can only imagine what confrontation would have happened if he had found somebody inside. She turned to follow him, unaware that the front door opened again. https://i.imgur.com/pDmLm2a.png
It all happened in a flash. All Elia remembers is hearing somebody scream. But Robert managed to quickly pull her out of the porch and out of the attacker's reach. She could only watch as both men threw and avoided each other's punches. https://i.imgur.com/Dj3jqxq.png
Robert emerged from the fight victorious. He landed a square punch on the assailant's jaw, knocking him dizzy. He groaned and fell near Elia's feet. Before he lost consciousness, he lied on his back and had his face up towards the sky. Elia looked down and instantly recognized him. https://i.imgur.com/ELrkjNr.png
Thanks for your kind words @mercuryfoam and @DeafSimmer. :) It made me really happy and encouraged me to keep on writing. And @Shaymantha, my friend, you tried lol
I pushed out Episode 4 early, just in time before the game updates and becomes unplayable tomorrow. :sweat_smile:
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