May 2nd Topic Toys

[Tehya]

Thought we could take this word and change it into many different definitions in TLI art form.
The word this week is Toys:

Found this in the dictionary and was amused at the definition...a thing or matter of little or no value or importance; a trifle.

An object, often a small representation of something familiar, as an animal or person, to play with; plaything.

Something that serves for or as if for diversion, rather than for serious practical use.

Something diminutive, especially in comparison with like objects.

Have fun defining it in your own artistic way!
Artwork, Stories, Poems, and Photography are welcome!
Tehya

[Stormbringer]

With very limited time available, I have to go for the obvious rather than the inventive

[Wadeywade]

this is a few of my favorite toys in one place. Enjoy.
^_^

(Edit: the picture in the center was only there because this is a sort of shinto shrine.. I didnt remove it for the sake of expediency.)

[Twerlinger]

A quick stab whilst on my laptop.. I'll try another when I get to my desktop and can see what it can do as well

[Eraelabryn]

[Ehlanna]

Looks like we've all had the same sort of idea ...

[Twerlinger]

Just another dabbling for the time being

[Tehya]

The responses this week have been great, as is the work. Seeing creative work from new posters is encouraging. Would love to see more, especially after Augustus helped me stir the creative juices in OOC this week.

I never thought to add photography to the list until Wade posted his, and will add that from now on in the future.


Thanks so much, let's see more!

[mozenwrathe]

*It's almost amusing how some people will interpret a singular word in so many ways. Take for example the word "pin." For some, it is an item that is used to stick a very small thing into place. For others, it is the act of pointing out a detail or an activity and stating that a person or thing does that often. A third definition is a heavy piece of wood or stone about the length of one's arm and smooth like a polished and sanded tree branch. And that is just one thing. No wonder why those learning a new language find the tongue of the common human towns so difficult to understand.*

Undoubtedly Has Been Provided By An
by Gennadiya - half-vulpine/half barbarian ranger, related to Aino Pohjola of Valencia

Ah.

And here I am alone in my chambers back in the garrison. I forgot whose lands these are that this is situated in, but are we of my militia thankful they abandoned this barn and built themselves a new one. Because of that, we were allowed to rebuild the place into one of both shelter and training. It is a good home for those of us who do not have one. Here, of course, is where I keep all of my favourite things. Until I have a place to truly call my own, this is the only safe spot for them.

Some people would call them toys. Others would insist they are tools, for each of them does something specific. I know a couple would dub them weaponry, for they can inflict damage upon a person. As for myself? I just like to call them "my own." After all, I paid for them all in one way or another, so I can do with them whatever I want. Anything that I have gotten my fingers on and put down mehrial for, I reserve the right to use however I see fit. Whether it be for breaking or building, pleasure or pain, if it is mine then I can and will use things to whatever extent I may fathom for them.

Probably the oldest thing in my collection is a set of sculpting tools for stone. I had once thought I would become an artist, but that hope faded away about a decade after I had started. Now, it is just something I do to amuse myself and keep my hands from being idle for too long. The the tools are well kept, as I old them and polish them at least thrice a month. The stone I normally carve is small, so the dust and pebble I create is nothing more insignificant than anything I could have trod in with on my heavy winter boots. Though have I pierced my foot once or twice by not taking a broom to my room afterwards. A nice reminder how am I not so invincible.

Of course, do I have the items I use almost exclusively for giving myself or those around excitement or exotic sensations. Most of them were carved out of wood and treated by master carpenters and druids. Though was my most treasured one carved out of stone and molded by an earth mage. These sexual shafts are about as long as any normal human or Tribesman. Enchanted are they, but not by much. Though I have to admit, their most triumphant use was when some dark elf had my shoulders pinned and tried to rape me, I slammed the granite one into his skull and knocked him out. After binding him with some abandoned rope in the alley he had dragged me into, I decided to use it on him until he screamed for mercy. Of all that dark elves I find, I get the one that screamed for more. In the end, I made him give me one hundred mehrial for the "services rendered" and bought myself a new pair of them.

Another "toy" I have is a pair of daggers I have made of brass. I do not believe I've ever used them for combat, but do I refuse to lose sight of them. Unlike my short sword, the pair were not made by my distant cousin in Valencia. Nor were they a gift from an overly generous landowner. No, those two were from a serial rapist who had been striking travelers for months. It was purely by chance he attacked me and my friend that late evening. Both of us almost lost our throats from his attacks, but in the end did we prevail through teamwork and muddy terrain. The daggers were nothing less than fully enchanted, and quite beautiful. I call them toys, though, for I train with them regularly to keep my wits and skills sharp. I find them fun to watch as they move with every breath I take.

Now then, there's a rather unique bullwhip I keep around for entertainment value. Not for inflicting suffering to others, but binding them. Her name is Ligacima, and she was crafted for my militia garrison's leader at least ten years before I arrived. The whip was made from leathers I know not of, but the weaving was done by someone who had naught but time. She was given to me upon my arrival to tend to, and then suddenly six months in was I told to keep her. I was never told the history behind the whip, or why I was suddenly her mistress. I suspect it had something to with a rogue gladiator slave that was never captured the month before, but have I too much fear and respect of my captain to ask. Ligacima have I used in combat more than once, wrapping her around the legs of those fleeing. And yet I call her a plaything because I've found her smoothness against the skin of would-be lovers most amusing and alluring indeed.

The best toy that I have here, though, is something a little different. Something - or if you wish, someone - I call Tnetnoc'erom. This slave, strangely enough, came to me through a trade. I had needed to get rid of a few dresses that no longer suited my needs. A member of the militia for the southern portion of Nanthalion had expressed interest in them the year before, so I let her know she could barter for them. Her offer was rather substantial, even if I was unburdening myself of seven dresses: a voucher for the Naked Bird worth around fifty mehrial, a full collection of plates and cups for eating here within the main garrison, and "a yar'mule." I accepted it based on the plates and cups, knowing nothing of what she meant by the "yar'mule." Two weeks later, I found a virtually naked tattooed human in front of the garrison, complete with slave papers and my things... and a yoke around his neck. Apparently, the slave was mute from birth and only good for carrying heavy loads.

Clothing for slaves. Who would have thought.

And yes, I did say that I was alone within the garrison, because Tnetnoc'erom is more of a thing than a person to me. He is an extra set of hands when I need them, a pet to watch over my belongings when I am away, and even a tester for recipes whenever Desitrevda chooses to '"try something new" with the food she hunts down. Has it never been castrated, so it still has... other uses whenever I wish to reward someone for their duties in going above and beyond the call of service in the militia. Male or female, it serves them both quite well. And have I had offers from many to buy it from me, but just like my sculpting tools, it is a toy I would rather not part with.

What can I say in my defense? I am rather possessive for someone who owns not all that much. Eventually some of my little trinkets and amusements will break or fray, shatter or rot. When they do, only then will I choose to replace them. Possibly because I do give my toys a little more value than most would consider their worth. Once something is mine, do I not wish to release it readily, even if the benefits are clearly there. I believe it is because when I was very young, was I never allowed to keep anything for myself. All the other children in the village could take what had been given to me, and was I to accept it. Now, now I no longer need to be so forgiving. Now if someone tries to take my toys, can I take their hand in its stead.