The talent of Jaki (eBay screen name: j74seven (click this link to view her work).
Jaki seems to come to life as she talks about, and shares, her talent with the world. I could truly feel the love and dedication she has for art, especially in the thank you letter she sent with the pieces I received. As I read her letter, the mental image of her smiling brightly came to me. I feel not only lucky, but honored that such a purist's talent adorns my simple site. Thank you.
Autumn Walk, By j74seven
Medium: Acrylic
Type: ACEO (Art cards, editions and originals)
I took a simple walk. And in the process of merely strolling through these beautiful woods, wouldn't you know it, I got caught up in a most splendid adventure!
In the end, after returning to the safety of my home, I sat within the comfort of my favorite chair, warmed by the merrily dancing flames within the hearth.
You never know what lies at the end of a simple stroll, or what adventures your feet might take you into!
Sunset Painting #1, By j74seven
Medium: Acrylic
Type: ACEO (Art cards, editions and originals)
We pushed our steeds hard to make it to Flame Keep in time to board this ghastly ship, manned by the living dead! This is not a pleasant journey; my men and I are stilled to silence as this ship sails northward. The very presence of the dead makes it difficult to keep this journal.
Though there be no wind to fill them, the black sails of this ship are filled with an unfelt current, driving us upon these still waters.
North we sail, carried toward South`Rend, the ancient destination of Carthian Spinesetter, a great king of ancient Dragonspine Citadel.
Following this long since cold trail is only possible due to a journal we found within the Volcanic Wilderlands, deep within the Tomb of Unrest -- a place I will never willingly enter into again. I will not go into the detailed events of our journey, and escape, from that dreadful place.
South`Rend is a mystery. Anciently, a nation thrived upon those shores. No trading vessels have visited any port on the continent of Jarshen for many centuries. I am fearful of what we will discover on the forgotten shores of South`Rend. There is only one ship that will take us there, and we are its only living passengers.
For ninety days, this vessel has born us upon this nightmarish ocean. There is no life out here on these waters, which I have named Death's Highway. But now, after what has seemed an eternity to me, we have arrived.
In silence the living dead set anchor not far from shore. What now?
We were taken ashore by four of our macabre hosts. They have left us on a rotted dock of thick wood, leading into what once must have been a civilization of some magnificence. In its day, this long since deserted city must have been as splendorous as Flame Keep, back on Jarshen.
Now? It is totally without inhabitants. I've not seen so much as one fly in this ghost-like city, which disturbs me greatly.
We will continue searching.
We have decided to explore . . . follow the clues left within the pages of Carthian Spinesetter's journal. My men are brave, and we hope for the best.
We mentally prepared for this journey many moons ago, and are ready to explore South`Rend for answers . . . .answers to take back to our king. Our moral is sure, our hope is high.
Author's Notes:
I am in the process of building the continent of South`Rend. Those of you who play Evolution, who have found Carthian Spinesetter's Journal, will be familiar, in part, by the excerpts of the journal above, even though it is not actually in the game. There is no release date for the advanced version of Evolution at this time. Just know, I am working on it.
Sunset Painting #1, By j74seven
Medium: Acrylic
Type: ACEO (Art cards, editions and originals)
The old man set his mug of ale down gently, not wanting to spill a drop. I guess he liked his ale. Wiping his mouth, he looked up at me and licked his lips.
"If you travel up into the Hoarfrost Mountains, you will find a long since abandoned barn. Why anyone would build up in that deathly-cold area is beyond me." The old man shivered, as if suddenly freezing, then continued.
"Three days in, you can find it. Go inside and look around. You will be surprised to discover a secret passage at the back of the barn. A near-blind man can't miss it. I don't want to talk about what's down in those passages. Please, don't bother me any more about it. I've told you too much already." With trembling hands, the old man picked up his mug of ale and began drinking again.