#objects challenge

Baby Grimes’ tiny little eyes had watched him, unfocused but content.  Trusting him.  Her complete vulnerability humbled him and he fell instantly and hopelessly in love.  The brief mention of Sophia and Carol as potential names had made his head swim, but then he refocused on the topic to clear his head of the grief for a few more moments.  What kind of name would she need for this world?  The pain still lingered but the child’s face briefly dulled it to a roar.  Eventually he’d handed her off to her proud big brother and headed up to the second floor of the cell block out of habit.

After standing on the perch for moments too long to count, he’d given in to the pull of Carol’s cell.  Now he found himself sitting on the floor, his back to the bunk, staring at the wall.  Not even 24 hours ago she’d been in here sleeping.  Her scent still lingered and he felt the foreign desire to bury his head in her pillow.  But he couldn’t move. 

When he finally turned his head to take in the rest of the cell he noticed a black hardcover book on the floor, peeking out from underneath the the bed.  He knew it was a sketchbook, he’d seen Carol carrying it around for months.  She found it in a car, along with some pencils, pens and erasers not long after they fled the Greene farm.  Only taking it out when she could sit in relative privacy as they moved around over the winter.  He’d never seen what was inside, as Carol would always close it up whenever anyone came near. And he never asked.  Didn’t want to pry.

But now? Could he open it?  He hated to invade her privacy, but Carol was gone now and it was the last time he would be able to see inside her head.  He needed to have just a little bit more of her.  So after what seemed like an eternity he reached out and picked it up.  A rubber band held it closed and a pencil had been tucked into it.  He carefully set the pencil on the bed.  It had spent so many hours cradled in her palm and the connection was still too real.  Removing the rubber band he opened the book.  And drew in a sharp breath.

Lori’s face stared back at him.  It was a beautiful portrait, now haunting after the day’s events.  Daryl couldn’t believe what he was looking at, he had no idea Carol had been this talented.  He stared at it for several minutes, admiring the detail and the accuracy before flipping to the next page.  More Lori, Carl, T, Glenn- all of her recent friends and family- along with dozens upon dozens of smaller sketches.  Studies she would use to create the final artwork.  He wondered why she didn’t share these before deciding it didn’t matter anymore.  It was a private ode to her family and she’d wanted to keep them close to her in some way.  And now she’d never get to do another.  He wondered if she had tried a self-portrait and continued flipping the pages but found none.

It was then that Daryl realized that there were no sketches of him either.  Or Sophia.  He left a stab of disappointment.  He could kind of understand why it would be hard for Carol to draw her daughter, especially with the loss so fresh and given the last state she was seen in, but why not him? He knew she cared about him- she wore her heart on her sleeve.  He’d always thought it was more, but now he didn’t know. He felt his eyes burn and quickly closed the book before a tear slipped out and ruined her artwork.  Setting the book on the bed, he turned back to the wall, letting the tears fall silently- waiting for the night to continue, for time to help fade the stabbing in his gut.

Finally, when Daryl felt like he had regained a grip on his emotions he decided it was time to move.  He needed to get out of this cell, out of the prison.  Especially before the others started to stir and could witness his pain.  He stiffly climbed up from his seated position.  Knees creaking and legs numb from sitting, he kneeled next to the bed so that he could re-secure the book and the pencil.  Unable to resist one more peek at her gift, he opened the book again.

But it had been turned upside down and Daryl now found himself looking at the back side of the last page of the book.  It was him.  She had drawn him.  He flipped the page.  Sophia.  This side was only him and Sophia.  Why Carol had flipped the book for them and no one else, he didn’t know.  It was almost like a separate book within the book.  There were lots of little sketches and more detailed portraits.  Some were just of their faces, some of their entire bodies, one of him in action holding his bow.  A couple sketches were of the three of them- she’d included herself, but only as a faceless figure.  Which saddened him and he hoped it was a less a reflection of the way her saw herself and more because she didn’t have a mirror.

The most complete picture was of him smiling.  It was obvious she spent a lot of time on this one.  And the look in his eyes was one he barely recognized.  He looked kind, tender.  Loving.  Did he really show it?  He tried to hide it but it was obvious Carol had picked up on the things he felt but couldn’t express. She’d seen it.  She’d seen him. 

Daryl quickly closed the book again before the tears flowed once more.  Laying his face in the blanket covering the mattress he was at once both regretful at the words unsaid and relieved that she’d seen his love.  Eventually he replaced the band and stood.

This challenge is based around the idea of ‘objects’ - they could be Caryl related objects or general objects seen often in the group - (ie: the orange backpack or Hershel’s watch.) Or they might be something unrelated, a favorite past object, you get the picture.

Possible ways to approach this challenge: (you are not limited to these, anything relating to the idea of ‘objects’ will be accepted, this is just for guiding purposes)

- It can be told in the point of view of the object.

- The object could be a central plot point.

- The object could simply be mentioned or featured somehow in the text or submission.

For those struggling, here is a list of Caryl related objects: http://uss-caryl.tumblr.com/post/93175828747/in-the-spirit-of-the-fanfiction-fanart-challenge-i-am

As always, rules and regulations are under the cut, and if you have any issues-

- first mate thereadersmuse

Rules and Regulations

All entry’s:

1. 100 word minimum - no max. (If you are doing fanart, naturally this doesn’t have to apply to you.)

* Fanfiction: Anything and everything will be accepted in consideration to fanfiction. Stories, story boards, song fic, drabbles, poetry, prose, multiple chaptered fic, etc. - Question? send first mate thereadersmuse an ask.

* Fanart: Any form of art will be accepted. Hand drawn, design art, music videos, text videos, gif sets, song mixes, manips, wall paper, icons, posters, gifs, story boards, etc. Everything and anything will be welcome! - Question? send first mate thereadersmuse an ask.

2. It can be set in any time frame of the show before/during/after hiatus, any season - even AU in terms of the story-line if you want to take it in a different direction.

3. How you incorporate the concept of the object/s you choose is up to you.

*It can be used as inspiration, be a title, description, or used somewhere as an actual word of text. How you incorporate it is up to you.

4. DEADLINE IS FRIDAY, Aug 15TH 11PM, PST. (Or if you follow my usual unofficial guidelines for late entries, Saturday, 16th @ noon)

You have (a bit more than) 2 weeks to work on submissions and entries for this particular challenge, so be sure to use it!

- The extended deadline is perfect for people wanting to submit multiple entries and for people that work a bit slower on their art and writings. It is also the perfect time to try something new! Been thinking about trying your skills on some gif making? Fanart? You have more than enough time to do test yourself!

___________________________________________________

Posting Rules

1. The best way to submit your entry is to post it directly to the caryl tag. We will only be allowing people to submit their entries to us (by using the submit feature) if they wish to remain anon or are having technical issues.

2. Please use the following tags (in addition to the usual): USS Caryl’s ‘Objects’ Fanfiction/Fanart Challenge, objects challenge, fanfiction/fanart challenge, uss caryl.

3. ONCE YOU HAVE SUBMITTED YOUR FILL/ENTRY IN THE TAG, DROP US AN ASK TELLING US YOU HAVE POSTED YOUR FILL/ENTRY SO I CAN ADD YOU TO THE MASTER LIST. (This ensures no one gets forgotten.)

This challenge is based around the idea of ‘objects’ - they could be Caryl related objects or general objects seen often in the group - (ie: the orange backpack or Hershel’s watch.) Or they might be something unrelated, a favorite past object, you get the picture.

Possible ways to approach this challenge: (you are not limited to these, anything relating to the idea of ‘objects’ will be accepted, this is just for guiding purposes)

- It can be told in the point of view of the object.

- The object could be a central plot point.

- The object could simply be mentioned or featured somehow in the text or submission.

For those struggling, here is a list of Caryl related objects: http://uss-caryl.tumblr.com/post/93175828747/in-the-spirit-of-the-fanfiction-fanart-challenge-i-am

As always, rules and regulations are under the cut, and if you have any issues-

- first mate thereadersmuse

Rules and Regulations

All entry’s:

1. 100 word minimum - no max. (If you are doing fanart, naturally this doesn’t have to apply to you.)

* Fanfiction: Anything and everything will be accepted in consideration to fanfiction. Stories, story boards, song fic, drabbles, poetry, prose, multiple chaptered fic, etc. - Question? send first mate thereadersmuse an ask.

* Fanart: Any form of art will be accepted. Hand drawn, design art, music videos, text videos, gif sets, song mixes, manips, wall paper, icons, posters, gifs, story boards, etc. Everything and anything will be welcome! - Question? send first mate thereadersmuse an ask.

2. It can be set in any time frame of the show before/during/after hiatus, any season - even AU in terms of the story-line if you want to take it in a different direction.

3. How you incorporate the concept of the object/s you choose is up to you.

*It can be used as inspiration, be a title, description, or used somewhere as an actual word of text. How you incorporate it is up to you.

4. DEADLINE IS FRIDAY, Aug 15TH 11PM, PST. (Or if you follow my usual unofficial guidelines for late entries, Saturday, 16th @ noon)

You have (a bit more than) 2 weeks to work on submissions and entries for this particular challenge, so be sure to use it!

- The extended deadline is perfect for people wanting to submit multiple entries and for people that work a bit slower on their art and writings. It is also the perfect time to try something new! Been thinking about trying your skills on some gif making? Fanart? You have more than enough time to do test yourself!

___________________________________________________

Posting Rules

1. The best way to submit your entry is to post it directly to the caryl tag. We will only be allowing people to submit their entries to us (by using the submit feature) if they wish to remain anon or are having technical issues.

2. Please use the following tags (in addition to the usual): USS Caryl’s ‘Objects’ Fanfiction/Fanart Challenge, objects challenge, fanfiction/fanart challenge, uss caryl.

3. ONCE YOU HAVE SUBMITTED YOUR FILL/ENTRY IN THE TAG, DROP US AN ASK TELLING US YOU HAVE POSTED YOUR FILL/ENTRY SO I CAN ADD YOU TO THE MASTER LIST. (This ensures no one gets forgotten.)

Lets face it, it’s been a pretty crazy week in the tag. And after a hearty round of ‘gimme-gimme’ I decided to post this Friday’s fanfiction/fanart challenge early.

This challenge is based around the idea of ‘objects’ - they could be Caryl related objects or general objects seen often in the group - (ie: the orange backpack or Hershel’s watch.) Or they might be something unrelated, a favorite past object, you get the picture.

Possible ways to approach this challenge: (you are not limited to these, anything relating to the idea of ‘objects’ will be accepted, this is just for guiding purposes)

- It can be told in the point of view of the object.

- The object could be a central plot point.

- The object could simply be mentioned or featured somehow in the text or submission.

For those struggling, here is a list of Caryl related objects: http://uss-caryl.tumblr.com/post/93175828747/in-the-spirit-of-the-fanfiction-fanart-challenge-i-am

As always, rules and regulations are under the cut, and if you have any issues-

- first mate thereadersmuse

Rules and Regulations

All entry’s:

1. 100 word minimum - no max. (If you are doing fanart, naturally this doesn’t have to apply to you.)

* Fanfiction: Anything and everything will be accepted in consideration to fanfiction. Stories, story boards, song fic, drabbles, poetry, prose, multiple chaptered fic, etc. - Question? send first mate thereadersmuse an ask.

* Fanart: Any form of art will be accepted. Hand drawn, design art, music videos, text videos, gif sets, song mixes, manips, wall paper, icons, posters, gifs, story boards, etc. Everything and anything will be welcome! - Question? send first mate thereadersmuse an ask.

2. It can be set in any time frame of the show before/during/after hiatus, any season - even AU in terms of the story-line if you want to take it in a different direction.

3. How you incorporate the concept of the object/s you choose is up to you.

*It can be used as inspiration, be a title, description, or used somewhere as an actual word of text. How you incorporate it is up to you.

4. DEADLINE IS FRIDAY, Aug 15TH 11PM, PST. (Or if you follow my usual unofficial guidelines for late entries, Saturday, 16th @ noon)

You have (a bit more than) 2 weeks to work on submissions and entries for this particular challenge, so be sure to use it!

- The extended deadline is perfect for people wanting to submit multiple entries and for people that work a bit slower on their art and writings. It is also the perfect time to try something new! Been thinking about trying your skills on some gif making? Fanart? You have more than enough time to do test yourself!

___________________________________________________

Posting Rules

1. The best way to submit your entry is to post it directly to the caryl tag. We will only be allowing people to submit their entries to us (by using the submit feature) if they wish to remain anon or are having technical issues.

2. Please use the following tags (in addition to the usual): USS Caryl’s ‘Objects’ Fanfiction/Fanart Challenge, objects challenge, fanfiction/fanart challenge, uss caryl.

3. ONCE YOU HAVE SUBMITTED YOUR FILL/ENTRY IN THE TAG, DROP US AN ASK TELLING US YOU HAVE POSTED YOUR FILL/ENTRY SO I CAN ADD YOU TO THE MASTER LIST. (This ensures no one gets forgotten.)

The old man’s eyes filled with tears as Carol threw her arms around him, and his chin quivered beneath a sheepish grin. His small way of contributing to the community, he’d called it, when he invited them all out into the yard to see. “One solid push and it’ll go for a good ten-fifteen minutes before it runs down,” he said, blushing with pride.

“Oh, Lou, it’s gorgeous. I’m speechless.” Carol reached out to set one of the arms rocking and clapped like a delighted child as it creaked into slow, steady motion.

From the tower above, Daryl leaned against the railing and half-smiled down at the scene. Between the planning and the doing and no time for much else, it had been too long since he’d seen her get this excited about anything.  

All it had taken was one offhand comment from Carol about wishing for a sort of reverse scarecrow, something to divert the walkers’ attention from activities that needed to go on outside the protection of the fences, and Lou’s creative gears had gone into overdrive. Days later the result was a piece of pure inspired engineering, as far as Daryl could see - a system of rollers and counterweights that harnessed its own momentum to keep a series of pole-mounted bike wheels swinging from the central pivot of a free-standing frame, criss-crossing each other’s path in a wave and providing a squeaky, rhythmic siren song for their ugly neighbors. It was lightweight and compact enough that it could be moved and set up a distance away from any project that was likely to attract unwanted notice.

It seemed to him the racket the thing made would be just as likely to draw more walkers from the woods as it was to sidetrack the ones they already had, but if this kind of crazy shit put that smile on her face - he was willing to give it a chance and see what happened.

Finster, that was the old man’s name. Lou Finster. Said he’d been a copier salesman back in the world, but his real pride and joy was the shop in his garage where he’d tinker with his gadgets in his spare time. Kept the grandkids entertained, he said, and Daryl suspected that would continue, the way the young ones were jumping around his contraption. Man with skills like that would be invaluable as they kept growing their little piece of Eden.

“Look,” Carol was saying, “I’ve got a whole boatload of ideas about ways to make us safer, or make life easier, but none of us has ever had the practical know-how to work them out, at least not without a lot of wasted effort and materials. Can I buy you a cup of coffee and pick your brain?” She claimed the arm of their dazzled man-of-the-hour and hustled him off, and Daryl made a mental note to add the salvage yard outside Senoia onto the regular rotation for runs.

The kids were still poking at Lou’s squeaker so they could dance to its tune, and Daryl hissed at them and drew his finger across his throat in mock threat. “Knock it off, you monkeys,” he growled.

“Chirpy-chirp, chirpy-chirp,” Molly sang, spinning around in a wobbly circle. “It sounds like my grandma’s finches.”  She fell over in a breathless heap, giggling at the sight of Daryl’s face hanging upside down above her.