Hyperion Episode 8 – In the Moonlight

On December 4, 2015January 30, 2016 By Ana C. BlacklaceIn Fiction Entertainment, Free Reads13 Comments

BLURB:

Hyperion is on a mission to slay the Swine, a powerful Night Wraith. Yet in the last episode he found himself compelled to save his target’s wife, Ligia, from rape by one of her husband’s men. Hyperion killed the attacker, and now he has to dispose of the body, which he takes deep in the woods. Yet in the moonlight there’s more than Hyperion’s wraith that comes to life. Enjoy the story as secrets even Hyperion doesn’t expect reveal themselves “In the Moonlight.”

***

The Weasel’s body now lifeless at my feet, I hide my face deeper under the hood. This is the part where I become a real monster, and I don’t want Ligia seeing it in my eyes. I don’t want her to know I’m no better than her husband.

Without a glance at her or the widow, I grab the Weasel by his ankles and drag him over the sill. The adrenaline is still alive in my blood, and I must take advantage of it while it lasts. I jump over and sling the body over my shoulder, but as I advance into the darkness my feet begin to sink in the thick snow, the cold and the strain catching up with me. It’s been a draining night.

By the time I reach the heart of the woods I can’t feel my toes or my fingers. My lips are split and start to hurt. The ground is too frozen and too hard to dig anything resembling a tomb, so I give in to my other monster impulses. I take the Weasel’s knife – dented and blunt – and start around his face, applying more strength than I would with a good blade, and more skill.

He’s already rigid and barely bleeds as I cut around his forehead and cheeks, making sure he’s unrecognizable. I rip his shirt open with the same bad temper he ripped Ligia’s, shred his pants and underwear, and I chop him open. The cold neutralized his smell, but the warm insides of his body are an odor bomb.

I wait for a while in the frosty shrubbery to see if wild animals take a chance on him. They don’t – they prefer their prey wounded but fresh. They will devour him eventually nevertheless. Food in the winter woods is scarce. Still, if he doesn’t fall prey to fangs, by the time anyone finds him he’ll be long forgotten anyway.

The break helps refill my tanks just enough to start back towards the old widow’s house. I remember the story about the orphans in the widow’s barn, and I decide to seek shelter there. For that, I have to take a path through the village to cross to the other side of the woods, and so I have to pass by the well. When I do, my heart leaps in a way no wraith could ever cause it to.

Ligia stands in the moonlight with her back at me, her blond locks falling free down to her waist. I approach, the snow crunching under my feet. Apart from the sound of it there’s an unfamiliar pounding in my ears. Maybe I’m worried about the consequences of her leaving her house. What I know for a fact is that I can’t believe she honors the midnight meeting she suggested even under the circumstances.

“What if your husband returns and doesn’t find you?” I admonish when I’m close enough. Not too close, I don’t want her feeling the stench of death on me.

Her frame straightens and stiffens at the sound of my voice. She spins round, and her bright blue eyes meet mine, the blush in her cheeks like roses on porcelain. The sight stirs me, and I feel the urge to shield against it. I square my shoulders, putting on a forbidding face.

“He’s –,” she babbles a bit and gathers the afghan around her like a shy child. “He’s not coming back until morning. It’s not the first time he goes out like this.”

I give a stiff nod.

“I mean he’s at –”

“No need for explanations,” I interrupt, doing my best to sound unfriendly. It makes her feel embarrassed, and my stomach clenches. Not what I aimed for. “He’s seeing other women, I understand. You don’t have to give me the details if they hurt you,” I add a little softer. This encourages her.

“Hurt me? No, they don’t hurt me. I’m happy to have him away.”

She walks closer and looks me right in the face. I take a step back and she stops.

“I’m sorry about the first night at the citadel,” she says. “I didn’t realize you were . . . You’re not going to tell him, are you?”

“I just killed a man in his house, right before your eyes. Do you think I’m in any position to expose you?”

Her eyes wander all over my face, greedy and relentless, and I realize my hood is off. I want to pull it back on, but it seems awkward and pointless. It’s too late.

“Then we keep each other’s secret.”

I don’t reply, and keep my gaze fixed between her eyes. It helps me look distant, but something very strange happens inside of me.

“The widow’s lips are sealed as well,” she whispers. “She said she prepared the old Father’s chamber at church for you, it’s warm and cozy now, and she will be attending to you. I will as well, if you wish.” Her cheeks go even redder and hotter despite her breath turning to steam in the cold. I’d like to breathe in that steam.

“No. It would cause trouble for the both of us.”

Now she feels embarrassed again. She sinks her head.

“No it is, then. But if I may ask – why did you do it? Why did you save me?”

“Just an impulse. I came to see your husband, and –”

“You came to kill him,” she cuts off. It doesn’t really surprise me, the widow must’ve told her. I decide to restrict the answer though.

“It’s not that simple.”

“I understand. No need for explanation on my side either. Just know that whoever seeks to free this place of the Swine – freeing me of him in stride – has my complete and purest loyalty.”

She walks by me and stops by my side. She’s too close.

“Father Jacob. Is that your real name?”

“It’s the name they gave me in the monastery.”

“But not the name your mother gave you?”

The words make my jaw lock, but Ligia is patient. She doesn’t move until I speak again. “My mother was young. She had big dreams and daring ideas. She picked a more pretentious name.”

“Tell me. Even if it’s the last word you ever address me,” she pleads, her voice sweet and broken. It blows my shield into pieces.

“Hyperion,” I hear myself before I think it.

“Hyperion,” she repeats. There’s a kind of reverence in her voice. She seems to take my name with her as she departs, while I remain motionless by the well under the moonlight, my heart pounding, my face burning. The adrenaline races through me, but this time it isn’t anger or bloodlust. It’s something different. Something new to me. And strangely pleasant.

To be continued.

***

Liked this? Share your thoughts and feelings in a comment. Hyperion’s whole story will be published in a Christmas Story Book for Adults, so stay tuned for Gift Promotions and other goodies. This Story Book for Adults will also be quite fit for a Christmas present – stay tuned for the reveal of the cover versions next week, and you’ll see how come.

Enjoy Hyperion’s former episodes on this site 1, and my muse for Hyperion’s fabulous works here.

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Buy Hyperion’s whole story here.

Personality Test – What do your Heroes say about you?

On December 3, 2015June 3, 2016 By Ana C. BlacklaceIn Personality tests, Psychology, Quizzes9 Comments

Welcome to the Thursday Personality Test – What do your Heroes say about you?

Which of the following characters do you feel more akin with? As always, please make your decision within the first 5 seconds after you understood what each choice means, all with the greatest sincerity. Please keep in mind that this Heroes quiz is one of a series of Heroes and Villains that will follow in different contexts during the following weeks, along with more theme personality tests. Today’s choices are:

a) The Archangel Gabriel; b) The Hooded Vigilante; c) The Wise Wizard; d) The Mighty Leader; e) The Strong Genius.

WHAT YOUR CHOICE SAYS ABOUT YOU:

a) The Archangel Gabriel – you believe in justice; you can be fierce and sometimes ruthless on those you believe evil; you have high standards and strong morals – a strong value system that you stay true to; you’re reliable and trustworthy, strong and protective.

b) The Hooded Vigilante – you have trust issues, especially with today’s society; you take everything with a grain of salt, and you resent political correctness; even so, you’re not the most direct of people, you’re actually a bit obscure with your true intentions; you’re a good improviser and often devious.

c) The Wise Wizard – you’re a scholar; you first observe, then you act; your power lies in information and education, and you can influence people because you’re entrancing and often enticing; you have a strong sense of responsibility and a deep kind of power.

d) The Mighty Leader – you secretly believe you do things better than others; you crave power and work on getting it; you may have a good charisma and social persona, and you might be interested in methods of manipulation; your dreams are great, and your plans structured and systematic.

e) The Strong Genius – your IQ is your greatest pride; your intelligence is your strength; you believe in the supremacy of the mind, and don’t miss a chance to train it; you’re bright and scientifically inclined, meticulous and maybe a bit eccentric.

Enjoyed this personality test? Plenty more where it came from. Check out the other quizzes on this site, and tell us your feelings in a comment.

And there’s more goodies waiting for you on this site. Enjoy the Stories for Coffee Breaks, available in episodes on the site, and which will come out in whole in a Christmas Story Book for Adults. If you know someone who enjoys a good fairy tale for adults, take advantage of the Gift Promotion coming up next week and make it a present for them.

To get a taste of it, stay tuned for Episode 8 of Hyperion, coming up tomorrow, with a dark and thrilling moment.

Pic source.

Saphira Episode 4 – Bewitched

On December 2, 2015May 20, 2016 By Ana C. BlacklaceIn Fiction Entertainment, Free Reads16 Comments

BLURB:

At the Marquis’ ball Saphira has learned that, apart from being a murderer, the young man is slowly taking control over the entire region. Soon there will be no place for her to hide. She attempted to leave the ball when her way was blocked by one of her overly insisting admirers. Then something that happened behind the man drew her alarm, and now she finds herself in a very perilous situation.

***

The young Marquis walks close behind the piranha Vladimir Pukov and stops him with a hand on the piranha’s shoulder. Something flashes in his other hand –metal. I only see it for a second or two, but it’s enough to make things clear – he can kill the piranha in cold blood, same as he did the man at the Royale.

“I have to step in,” he says. “You’re heading too confidently towards my date.”

At that word both the piranha and I look puzzled from one to the other, then to the Marquis.

“My apologies,” the piranha says, his shoulders slumping, his baldhead glistening with sweat under the chandelier. He has no idea that he’s facing a murderer, but he’s intimidated nonetheless. It’s the first time I see the bastard humbled, and it feels good. “I didn’t realize you and Miss Lothar –”

“Apologies accepted,” the Marquis replies before the piranha finishes, then offers me his arm. I’m afraid of the consequences of a refusal to take it, so I do without a thought.

He sweeps me with elegance away from the staring piranha. Surprised faces and Venetian masks draw from our path as we glide among them, and I become ashamed of my appearance. Most women look glittery and flamboyant but decent, their dresses long, so I feel more like an escort than a lady in my short golden cocktail dress, my hair unrestrained down my back. It’s too much, maybe even ostentatious. Inside I’m shooting reproof at my mom, who I now notice on the side, a happy smile on her face. Dad must be ecstatic at the sight of the Marquis and me together too.

In order to sheathe our heading for the exit, the Marquis stops here and there and introduces me to people I know already. They’ve been spending their holidays in this town for years, but one fact is indeed new and shocking to them as it is to me – I’m the Marquis’ girlfriend. Some of them would’ve considered their own daughters, sisters or themselves a far better pick, especially since they’re leading rich sharks in London and Paris. They have some difficulty swallowing the info that a bankrupt artist from the province has won the freaking lottery with the Marquis’ interest.

I have even more difficulty. I stare up at the Marquis’ face as he speaks, and find myself compelled by those dark, murky eyes. The way his hair frames his head, rich and glossy, it enhances the youthfulness of his features and the menacing feel of his gaze. I’m all too aware that he was ready to kill a man just minutes before. The scene of him removing his gloves after taking that man’s life at the Royale comes back like a stinging warning, and fear makes my muscles clench.

It’s baffling how he manages to lead the way amidst the crowd and then out of the banquet hall without anybody noticing. A line of people who look like guests but must actually be the Marquis’ staff close behind us like a human wall as we leave through a narrow – and secret – exit. My heart pounds in my throat as he takes me up dark stairs to the tower, an architectural ghost.

“Why are we going there?” I manage, breathless with anxiety.

“Don’t be afraid,” his voice resounds close. It makes me feel drunk, and I know he’s got a grip on my senses again. The fear subsides, and my hand relaxes as he takes it in his. The touch of his skin electrifies me.

I’m little more than a zombie with a crush by the time we reach the room at the top, the door creaking open like an old cell grate. The place looks a dungeon, the walls black and foreboding. The Marquis leads me slowly to a niche to the side, lights a candle, and holds it up to illuminate what I expect to be a wall. But when the painting I made of him reveals itself in the candlelight my senses shudder out of the trance, and I reawaken to reality.

I’m standing in the manor’s oldest tower with a murderer, looking at my best-kept secret. The Marquis seems to read my mind.

“You took mine, I took yours.”

“How did you even know about it?” I whisper, trying to hide my fear. I’ve painted it in repeated fits of nightly obsessions after the day he visited at my parents’ house, he shouldn’t even know of its existence.

“Your father. I suppose he wanted to make it clear to me that the chances stood high for the two of us.”

I’m embarrassed and enraged. “He had no right.”

“He had a reason.”

“He just wants to see me married to someone wealthy,” I spit. “I understand you’re as filthy rich as they come, so he’s doing his best to bring us together. That’s as noble as his reasons get.”

I can feel the warmth of him close behind me, and my knees threaten to melt. I struggle to keep control. My jaw tightens as my thoughts run in errant circles. The Marquis bends his head so that his lips touch my ear, sending a thrill all through my skin.

“You think it’s a good idea to put your father in that light? I understand tonight you learned what I do with greedy bastards.”

My head snaps to the side, and I stare at him baffled. A smile draws his young lips, and I feel an urge to kiss him. I bite the inside of my cheek until I taste blood.

“Yes,” he says, “I know what was discussed at your table.”

“How?”

“In my business I have to keep spies everywhere.”

“You mentioned your business before. What is it exactly?”

“Direct again.” He looks up at the painting and raises the candle. “Let’s talk some art first.”

I decide on direct once more. “You want to know why I painted you?”

“Oh, I know why you painted me. It’s how you did that I find intriguing.”

I look up at the portrait too. It shows him in his full beauty. I’ve been waking up at night with the urge of plunging into the oily colors, forgetting the brush and working on it with my fingers, wishing to feel him, to become one with him so I can understand him. I felt possessed, pushed into it by some evil force, moving like a nut case until I fell exhausted and smeared with pasty color all over, my eyes puffy and heavy.

“How did it get here?” I whisper.

“Your father helped. After you left for the banquet tonight, your maid opened the door to my people, who packed it and brought it here.”

“They were fast.”

“They always are.”

“What’s your name, Marquis?”

That smile again. “I can’t tell you that.”

“Why not?”

He looks me in the face, and I’m lost in the depths of his eyes, glittering dangerous in the candlelight. “Because it would give you power over me.”

“Are you a demon, then?”

“Yes.”

“You’re mocking.”

“You’re shaking.”

I haven’t realized that he walked to me while I retreated, and now I bump into the wall opposite from his portrait. I’m hot and start sweating, yet I can’t control my shivering.

“Why do you do this?” I whisper. “Why do you tell people I’m your girlfriend?”

“I’m making this serious. Otherwise you’d think I’m playing with you.”

“I don’t want us to be serious.” The words hurt as they leave my mouth, because in truth I desperately want him to kiss me.

“What do you want?”

“I want you to leave here and never come back,” I lie blatantly.

“I can’t do that, Saphira. Not after everything you saw.”

“I saw the end of a murder, yes. But not exactly what happened. I’ll keep my mouth shut, I assure you.”

“It’s not only what you saw at the Royale.” He’s now too close, and I feel high again. “It’s what you see in me. What you put in that portrait. And what you might reveal in other works too.”

“That is the portrait of a young man, nothing more.”

“That portrait is a confession. You don’t realize this, but it talks too much. You won’t be able to hold back, you’ll reveal more in time.”

I want to keep the line of replies open, but the Marquis’ next move stuns me. His arm winds around me and presses me to him, his other hand stroking its way up the halter under my dress. My heart jumps and my breath catches as his lips, warm and soft, take over mine. My head spins, and I can’t help touching him, letting my hands knot in his hair. He retreats before my passion breaks out of control, a satisfied smile on his face. I know immediately that he’s aware of his power over me, that he’s aware I’d go all the way.

“Not yet, Saphira. Not yet.”

He withdraws in the dark, leaving me shaking with desire. I’m under his spell, and I barely realize where I am until the door creaks sharply, bursting open. My head turns in its direction, and I see the last person I expect to see.

To be continued.

***

Next episode.

Previous Episode.

Liked this? Please share your thoughts and feelings in a comment. Saphira’s whole story will be published in a Christmas Story Book for Adults between the 15th and 18th of December. The book might just make the best present idea for some of your friends. Know someone who loves fairy-tales even in ripe years? Then take advantage of this opportunity, and stay tuned for Gift Promotions and other goodies.

UPDATE: Saphira’s whole story has been released in the Christmas Story Book for Adults.

Stay tuned for the Wednesday Quiz – One question. One choice. What does it say about you? tomorrow, and a new episode of the suspense story Hyperion on Friday. Enjoy!

Personality Test – What do your Villains say about you?

On December 1, 2015June 3, 2016 By Ana C. BlacklaceIn Personality tests, Psychology, Quizzes9 Comments

Welcome to the Daily Personality Test, the entertainment project on Top Topiks. Thought I’d start with a quick update as to the schedule for this week, which includes the following:

We have the Tuesday Personality Test and the Thursday Personality Test, while on Wednesday Saphira will discover the real danger the mysterious murderer known as The Marquis poses in a new episode. Hyperion will dive into the darkest moment of his story on Friday, so stay tuned for suspense and worthwhile mysteries. Saturday will bring another personality test, and on Sunday I will be announcing the goodies for next week. Should you have specific wishes, expectations or suggestions, please feel free to express them in a comment.

That being said, here we go with the Tuesday Personality Test.

TUESDAY’S QUESTION:

Which of the following villains makes you angry more? As always, I must ask you to make your decision within the first 5 seconds since the moment you understand the meaning of each choice. Complete honesty is a necessity, as well as NOT reading the interpretations until you’ve made your choice. The choices are:

a) The Demon; b) The Serial Killer; c) The Dangerous Whore; d) The Mafia Boss; e) The Devious Traitor.

WHAT YOUR CHOICE SAYS ABOUT YOU:

a) The Demon – you’re by nature a loving person, nice despite what you might believe of yourself – which is usually the worst; you don’t hate people, just the purely evil in them; you might not always play fair with your rivals though, but it takes a lot to make you go against the rules of fair play; you might have an occult side, and entertain some belief in the supernatural.

b) The Serial Killer – you’re strongly empathic; you’re a trustworthy friend, reliable and strong, no matter the mistakes you might have made in your life – they only helped to shape you; you value life and feel protective of the innocent; you’re dangerous when necessary, and would go to any lengths for a cause you believe just; you have a strong sense of justice.

c) The Dangerous Whore – you’re most sensitive to unfair advantage; most of all, you resent individuals who make a bad name for a whole group; you’re stern and intransigent, and might have a strong moral side; you have a code of conduct, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you don’t have understanding for perversion or darkness; you do, it’s the abuse of them for manipulative purposes that rubs you the wrong way.

d) The Mafia Boss – you have a sensitive spot for abuse of power and disregard of the individual; the geo-political-economical layer might be of particular interest to you; you don’t hate the rich, you hate the privileged; you resent the hijackers of the modern world, the ones that take control of resources through corruption and nepotism; despite all this you believe in civilization, which is the very source of your fury; you might be an idealist.

e) The Devious Traitor – you value trust above all else; other feelings considered important by the world at large such as love and respect may hold a high place, but trust is at the very top of your value system; you’re fiercely loyal yourself – even though few people may enjoy this privilege in a lifetime; you mostly keep it to your closest circle; you’re a private person and don’t open up easily – at least not truly; even if you put on display a gregarious, sociable persona, your core is very hard to reach.

Liked this? Please share your feelings in a comment, and enjoy more personality tests here. Stay tuned for another day of the Daily Personality Test project tomorrow, and for many more goodies to come.

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Hyperion Episode 7 – Bloodlust

On November 30, 2015January 30, 2016 By Ana C. BlacklaceIn Fiction Entertainment, Free Reads17 Comments

BLURB:

Hyperion has been feared in battle. The creature he turns into in his fights is fierce, draining, and impossible to tame when provoked. In this scene Hyperion returns to his target’s house to save the man’s young wife, Ligia, whom he might’ve put in danger. The situation he encounters surpasses his expectations and he is no longer capable or willing to control the wraith inside.

***

The Weasel has Ligia pinned against the wall, one hand ripping her shirt open and grabbing her breast. I can see it all through the window – it’s the only one lit. My senses spike free, my hearing now sharp enough to pick up every sound in and around the house – only some old furniture creaking in the main room, and two guards outside the front door. Not wraiths. The Swine took the heavy weight with him when he left. The Weasel must’ve stayed behind as indoor guard, and does the hell of a job attacking the boss’ wife. Ligia struggles and screams, her blond ringlets whipping the air around her.

“You’re doing this, you little bitch,” the guy spittles through his rodent front teeth, “unless you want your husband to hear more of you and your lover-boy the priest.”

“Nothing happened with the priest.” The despair in Ligia’s voice makes my blood surge. But it doesn’t seem to touch the Weasel at all. On the contrary, it makes him want more. He looks her in the face and grins.

“And who’s the Swine going to believe? He’s sort of lost interest in you anyway, he’s at the brothel as we speak.”

Ligia scratches him with a cry, and he slaps her hard in return. She covers her cheek with her palm, and I zoom in on her teary eyes in an impulse.

“I’ll fight all the way,” she tries to defend herself. “How will you explain the bruises to your boss?”

“I doubt he’ll tell the difference between mine and his own.”

That second I spring forward from the shrubbery toward the window, but a new element stops me in my tracks. I see the old widow launch into the room and push the Weasel with all her strength. He’s short, skinny and a bit hunch-backed, but the women are still no match for him. He sweeps the widow with one arm, sending her sprawled on the floor, and returns his attention to Ligia.

I can’t take any more of this. All pain and discomfort from the last hour is forgotten, my blood now hot with adrenaline. All I need is minimal input from my wraith to unhinge the window frame soundlessly and slither inside without the Weasel noticing. The moment he faces me I’m already close enough to squeeze his balls, the other hand covering his mouth and pushing him against the wall.

“Hello there,” I hiss, relishing the wide fear in his eyes. He stinks badly of alcohol and excrement, and his clothes are dirty. My nose creases as I look him up and down. “You and water are mortal enemies or what?”

He mumbles something behind my fingers, and I can’t resist the temptation to hear his fear too. I want to take it in through all my senses before I kill him, letting it recharge me.

“If you scream I’ll kill you slowly and painfully,” I say as I free his mouth. He’s surprised at the sudden freedom and stares dumbly at me before he gathers himself.

“What are you doing here? How come –,” his voice cracks. He clears his throat and tries again. “What are you doing here?”

“You presumed to know already.” I give him my evil grin. “I’m lover-boy.”

The Weasel’s jaw drops. “But you’re a priest. You said Catholic priests –”

“What does it matter what I said? You accused this woman of having an affair with me. So why are you surprised to see me here on a night her husband is away?”

“I –”

I don’t give him a chance to find his words, and punch him hard in the face. I hear his jaw split, so I grab his nape and press my hand on his mouth again before he can howl. The pain and inability to let it out makes powerless dread expand his pupils like a drug addict’s. Now I have a grip on the back of his head and the front of it, as well as on his full attention. I bring my face real close to his, so that he can get a good look at the creature under the priestly hood.

“This is what this woman felt as you prepared to rape her.” I give him a few seconds to feel it. Then I pull the arm behind his neck to the right, and the one on his mouth to the left. His head fires to the side, his spinal cord snaps, and he falls dead on the floor.

To be continued.

***

The picture featured in this article is considered for the cover, so let us know your thoughts about it.

Enjoy Hyperion’s former episodes on this site 1, and my muse for Hyperion’s fabulous works here.

Buy Hyperion’s whole story here.

SATURDAY Personality Test – One question. One choice. What does it say about you?

On November 28, 2015June 3, 2016 By Ana C. BlacklaceIn Personality tests, Psychology, Quizzes14 Comments

Welcome to the weekend personality test. Today we’re looking at fears. Please remember to stay honest to the core, and keep in mind that no one has to know your choice. It’s for you and you alone, so there’s no reason to feel protective of this sensitive part of yourself. In future personality tests we will explore this part more. Also, remember to make your decision within the first 5 seconds since the moment you understand the meaning of each choice. Please do not look at the interpretations before you’ve made your choice.

SATURDAY’S QUESTION:

Which of these are you more afraid of?

a) Rottweilers; b) Snakes; c) Rats; d) Killers; e) Knives.

WHAT YOUR CHOICE SAYS ABOUT YOU:

a) Rottweilers – you’re hard-working and determined; you kind of like routine; you’re comfortable with a pattern; you prefer being extraordinary at one or a few things than mediocre at many; you are trustworthy, and you can become downright violent when protecting those you love; you usually fight fair, but you may be unpredictable.

b) Snakes – you have a devious mind; you’re intelligent and cunning, cautious by nature, always expecting the worst; you can think of really scary scenarios, and are afraid of them in return; you don’t normally react on impulse; you plan ahead and pay attention to detail, but your attacks can be swift and deadly.

c) Rats – you’re wiser than you may think, and when faced with a fight-or-flight situation, you know what to choose; you can rely on your mind; you don’t normally fight losing battles or militate for lost causes; you see the value of time, and make the best use of it; you have a talent at spotting falsity.

d) Killers – one of your strengths is your fantasy; you have rich imagination, and you know how to make use of it in daily life; you may be a good artist, or a creative business person; you’re good at improvisation, which often makes you a situation-saver; people turn to you for solutions and ideas; you often anticipate your rivals’ scenarios.

e) Knives – you’re powerful and speak your mind; you go straight to the point and resent roundabouts; you’re an action person, and you’re quick to take it; you may be physically strong and particularly resilient; you’re often cold and calculated, and you have enough self esteem to fear your own kind.

Enjoyed this personality tests? Plenty more where it came from. Check out the other quizzes on this site, and tell us your feelings in a comment.

And there’s more goodies waiting for you on this site. Enjoy the Stories for Coffee Breaks, available in episodes on the site, and which will come out in whole in a Christmas Story Book for Adults. If you know someone who enjoys a good fairy tale for adults, take advantage of the Gift Promotion coming up next week and make it a present for them.

To get a taste of it, stay tuned for Episode 7 of Hyperion, coming up on Monday, and enjoy the first story climax.

Pic source.

THURSDAY QUIZ – One question. One choice. What does it say about you?

On November 26, 2015June 3, 2016 By Ana C. BlacklaceIn Personality tests, Psychology, Quizzes19 Comments

Welcome to the Daily Personality Test, the entertainment project on Top Topiks. One question. One choice. What does it say about you?

THURSDAY’S QUESTION:

Which of the following words would you prefer for your free time if you were to make your decision on first sight? As usual, it’s necessary that you make your decision within the first 5 seconds since the moment you understand the meaning of each choice, and do so with complete honesty. Please do not read the interpretations before you’ve made your choice.

a) Friends; b) Sports; c) Books; d) Music; e) Secrets.

WHAT YOUR CHOICE SAYS ABOUT YOU:

a) Friends – your social persona is strongest; you do well in groups, you’re well-liked, and group activities recharge you; you may be a bit of an energetic vampire; you make an impression and leave a mark; you’re comfortable in your skin, or at least in the persona you present to your group; you may do well in a job that requires working with the public; you’re most probably attractive, but may find it difficult with crushes, it seems when you like someone it’s unrequited; you have a strong personality, which is what may scare away the partners you go for.

b) Sports – you have high levels of energy; you use movement to unwind as well as mentally recharge; your mental vitality depends on the state of your body; contrary to what people may believe of you, you’re less focused on sex than most – probably because you can easily get it; you prefer putting that energy in something you consider more constructive; physical activity may be your me-time; you may be the type that causes those teen-kind of crushes.

c) Books – your mind is your world, which is rich and rewarding; you have a vast and colorful personality; you’re the entrancing type of person; you may often open your mouth to speak, but change your mind and close it again, because you think it’s more worth it to accumulate than to talk; your mind is like a bottomless sack, you can never get enough knowledge; you have a high ability to put yourself in other people’s skin; you’re interesting and multi-faceted, and people are drawn to you as they sense that.

d) Music – you’re very emotional; you’re all about the soul and the universe, depth and fantasy; you have the heart of an artist, even if you’re a business person; emotion and beauty help you unwind and transpose you in the world you want to be in; you use music as a channel, but the place it puts you in is within yourself; music brings you to that part of yourself that you like best, to your core; you may or may not know it, but the way you move and the look in your eyes – probably when you’re unaware you’re being watched – are very attractive.

e) Secrets – you’re sensual and a bit dark; you’re not afraid of the most shocking parts of life and heart, you may even enjoy dealing with them; you’d probably make a good therapist, especially because there’s little that scares you off, if anything; you may get angry at criminals of pleasure, but that may be pretty much your only hard limit; you will put in the necessary hard work to get at the bottom of things if you are motivated; a powerful and fascinating presence, you may be a bit eccentric.

Enjoyed this personality test? Plenty more where it came from. Check out the other quizzes on this site, and tell us your feelings in a comment.

To get a taste of it, stay tuned for Episode 6 of Hyperion, coming up on Saturday, and enjoy the action and the tension as they build up. Enjoy!

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TUESDAY Personality Test – One question. One choice. What does it say about you?

On November 24, 2015June 3, 2016 By Ana C. BlacklaceIn Personality tests, Psychology, Quizzes12 Comments

Welcome to the Daily Personality Test, the entertainment project on Top Topiks. One question. One choice. What does it say about you?

TUESDAY’S QUESTION:

Which of the following places would be the perfect haven for you? Please make your decision within the first 5 seconds since the moment you understand the meaning of each choice, and keep in mind that complete honesty is an absolute must for a correct assessment.

a) a beach house on an exotic island; b) a cottage in the mountains; c) a penthouse with view to the city skyline; d) a Gothic castle on a cliff; e) your parental home.

WHAT YOUR CHOICE SAYS ABOUT YOU:

a) a beach house on an exotic island – you’re the free spirit; you thrive on oceanic feeling and infinity; you like experimenting new sensations and emotions; you like them strong and electrifying; you’re forever young at heart, and your fantasy knows no boundaries; you don’t let everyday life constrain you more than you must; you’ll always strive to surpasses your limits.

b) a cottage in the mountains – you’re the intellectual, the wise man and sometimes the witch; you value solitude and nature, the hidden that you can explore; your sharpest weapon is your mind, although you might not lack physical agility and strength, since the mountains aren’t everyone’s terrain; at mind you’re a shape-shifter, and you value you connection to nature; often highly intelligent.

c) a penthouse with view to the city skyline – you aim for success; most people are afraid of heights and therefore afraid of making it big – not you though; you’re confident you have what it takes, and sometimes your ends will justify the means; your mind is sharp and direct, you don’t take roundabouts if you don’t have to; you make good connections to people and you may have a talent to motivate and lead; you don’t waste time.

d) a Gothic castle on a cliff – you’re the artist and the genius; you may have a talent for the occult and love the night; you have a keen sixth sense and an inclination for psychology; you’re not afraid of the murkiest basements of the mind, yours or others’; you rarely judge and you’re hard to surprise; you can go to depths and open doors to places others fear to tread.

e) your parental home – you respect tradition – though you may not live by it – and you have high morals; you’re honest and kind-hearted; you have high expectations from yourself and significant others; you may have gotten hurt often in life due to your trusting nature; you may have transformed because of these experiences.

If you enjoyed this personality test, plenty more it came from. Check out the other personality tests here, and let us know your feelings in a comment.

There’s more goodies on this site. Enjoy the Stories for Coffee Breaks, now available in episodes on this site, and which will be published in whole in a Christmas Story Book for Adults between the 15^th and 18^th of December. If you know someone who enjoys a good fairy tale for adults, take advantage of the Gift Promotion and make it a present for them. To get a taste of it, check out the stories here, or stay tuned for episode 4 of Lila, coming up tomorrow. This is an episode with a completely unexpected twist, which will throw Lila on a path she would never have dreamt of, and which will reveal Andrey Jones’ most dangerous side. Enjoy!

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MONDAY Personality Test – One question. One choice. What does it say about you?

On November 23, 2015June 3, 2016 By Ana C. BlacklaceIn Personality tests, Psychology, Quizzes15 Comments

Welcome to the Daily Personality Test, the new entertainment project on Top Topiks. One question. One choice. What does it say about you? These personality tests make daily posts, with the exception of Sundays, days on which Stories for Coffee Breaks are published and, of course, special editions with surprises and goodies for you to enjoy. So here we go with

MONDAY’S QUESTION:

Which of these clothing/fashion items (for yourself) draws your attention most? It’s highly important that you make your decision within the first five seconds after you understand the meaning of each choice. Complete honesty is of utmost importance for a correct assessment. Please don’t look at the interpretations before you’ve decided on your answer.

Choices for gentlemen:

a) Hat; b) Tie; c) Leather; d) Cloak; e) Shoes.

Choices for ladies:

a) Scarf; b) Necklace; c) Corset; d) Hood; e) Jimmy Choo.

WHAT YOUR CHOICE SAYS ABOUT YOU:

a) Hat/Scarf – you have an elegant style; you like making a neat impression, but you’re not overly concerned with your appearance; you’re expressive and impressive through personality rather than looks, or that’s what you play on; you might be witty or particularly entertaining, which attracts people to you.

b) Tie/Necklace – you have a particular interest in style; you’re attractive, and you aim at turning heads; you may be the flirty type, but you know when to draw the line; you may have a strong career, and you dress up accordingly; you have a sense for fashion, and you may sometimes play on seduction to attain your goals.

c) Leather/Corset – you’re the strong and sexy type; you’re the epitome of Mars and Venus on steroids; you’re sensual and seductive, you place value on physical strength and basic instincts; you’re magnetic and hypnotic, and often compellingly attractive.

d) Cloak/Hood – you’re the serious and mysterious type; profound and often cultivated; you rarely judge a book by its cover; you strongly believe what you see is never what is seems; you’re private and complex, often intransigent and might toss political correctness in the trash bin; you have few but good friends; you might have a special liking for history.

e) Shoes/Jimmy Choo – you’re all about style and image; you’re label-aware; you like civilization, gatherings and don’t fear competition; you’re confident and very good at what you do; you’re daring and might like a good challenge; but here’s the most interesting thing about you: you place great value on your own image, but you don’t always judge others by theirs; it may be that, with you, opposites attract.

Liked this? Check out the other personality tests here, and let us know your feelings in a comment.

And there’s yet more goodies on this site. Enjoy the Stories for the Coffee Breaks and stay tuned for Episode 4 of Lila coming up on Wednesday, when Andrey Jones reveals his most dangerous side. If you’re in for a fast-paced suspense novel check out The Executioner, out there for your entertainment. Enjoy!

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FRIDAY QUIZ – One question. One choice. What does it say about you?

On November 20, 2015November 20, 2015 By Ana C. BlacklaceIn Psychology, Quizzes14 Comments

Welcome to Daily Quiz, the new entertainment project in Top Topiks. One question. One choice. What does it say about you? These quizzes make daily posts, with the exception of Sundays, days on which Stories for Coffee Breaks are published and, of course, special editions with surprises and goodies for you to enjoy. So here we go with

FRIDAY’S QUESTION:

Suppose a little child you know sobs on a bench, covering their face with their palms. What is your first reaction? Remember it’s vital that you make your decision within the first five seconds after you understood the meaning of each choice. Complete honesty is highly important as well to enable a correct assessment. Please don’t look at the interpretations before you’ve decided on your answer.

a) I wrap my arms around them; b) I caress their back or their hair, c) I find words of comfort; d) I fidget a bit feeling awkward, thinking of what to say; e) I freeze.

WHAT YOUR CHOICE SAYS ABOUT YOU:

a) I wrap my arms around them – you express your affection through touch; you are highly empathic, and wish you could take the burden off beloved and innocent souls, and transfer it to yourself; you are an affectionate, warm and soothing presence, but you might be too much for some people; your soul vibrates with others; you believe in we, and are less concerned with I than most people.

b) I caress their back or their hair – you approach people with care, exploring the ground first; your senses are heightened, and you need to absorb before you exude; you are empathic, but you seek to understand before you act or react; the feeling is born in your heart, but you might like to transfer it to the head; it’s your way of making sure you won’t do something wrong; you tread carefully.

c) I find words of comfort – you’re verbal, but not necessarily verbose; you work well with words, and you seem to have a talent at finding the right ones; you’re a solution seeker, a problem solver at the very least in theory; you’re convinced every situation can have a positive outcome, and you’ll seek it relentlessly; you’re versatile and confident.

d) I fidget a bit feeling awkward, thinking of what to say – you’re the serious type, whether this is apparent or not; you give great importance to feelings and don’t share them easily; you’re not particularly keen on communication because you think most of it is superfluous; you value depth of feeling, and may be bitter at a phony world.

e) I freeze – you’re a cautious person; you like to weigh every scenario in your mind, but in emotional moments the head needs time to clear, so you may experience a moment of stun; you rely almost completely on the power of your mind; you’re as emotional as they come, but you don’t believe in the rule of emotion; emotion is chaotic; you feel safer in the realm of reason.

Liked this? Check out other quizzes here, and let us know your feelings in a comment.

And the goodies on this site don’t end here. Enjoy the Short Stories for the Coffee Breaks and stay tuned for Episode 5 of Hyperion coming up tomorrow, the suspense peaking as the hero enters his target’s house disguised as a priest, and struggles with his feelings for the man’s young wife. If you’re in for a fast-paced suspense novel check out The Executioner, out there for your entertainment. Enjoy!

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WEDNESDAY Personality Test – One Question. One choice. What does it say about you?

On November 18, 2015June 3, 2016 By Ana C. BlacklaceIn Personality tests, Psychology, Quizzes12 Comments

Welcome to your Daily Personality Test, the new entertainment personality test project One question. One choice. What does it say about you? These personality tests make daily posts, with the exception of Sundays, days on which Stories for Coffee Breaks are published, and, of course, special editions with surprises and goodies for you to enjoy. So here we go with

WEDNESDAY’S QUESTION:

Which of these elements appeal to you most? As always, it is very important that you make your decision in the first five seconds after your mind has identified the meaning of each choice. And as always, full honesty is a must requirement for an accurate assessment. Please do not peek at the interpretations before you’ve decided on your choice.

a) Fire; b) Volcano; c) Wave; d) Wind; e) Storm.

WHAT YOUR CHOICE SAYS ABOUT YOU:

a) Fire – you have an intense temper, but you’re steadier and more controlled than most people. You burn consistently, you’re determined and action-oriented. You may get frustrated now and then, but you bring yourself over it. You’re reliable, earthy, fierce and possess great sexual stamina.

b) Volcano – you’re prone to outbursts of temper. You’re explosive in more ways than one, an impatient but highly desired type of lover. Not exactly a good strategist. Your fist may gain a will of its own before your brain takes over in case of conflict. You often act before you think. Easily flared, impulsive but feared.

c) Wave – you’re a subversive opponent. Under the surface you may boil, but you’ll always keep a poker face. A patient strategist and a wise leader, but you have trust issues. You may like books, peace and quiet. Deep, mysterious and probably dangerous.

d) Wind – you’re out there, facing challenges head-on. You’re a free spirit and a fighter for causes you consider bigger than yourself. Nonconformist, forever young at heart, open-minded, a go-getter. You enjoy polemic, but not really long night talks. You like adventure and at least a healthy dose of risk.

e) Storm – you not only like a challenge, you may be the cause of it. It’s not as much fight lust as it is that you strongly believe something is wrong. You’ll speak out against mainstream and propaganda if you see fit. You’ll challenge the status quo. You’ll initiate a revolt. You’ll push for change and transformation, for progress and higher peaks, no matter how painful the process.

Liked this? Please share your thoughts in a comment, and check out the previous personality tests here.

But there’s yet more goodies on this site. Enjoy Short Stories for the Coffee Breaks – next scheduled is episode 3 of Saphira, coming up tomorrow. In this episode the beautiful painter girl is drawn yet deeper in the mysteries of the Marquis. The first two episodes of Saphira are available for your entertainment here and here. Hyperion will heighten the suspense on Saturday, and Lila next Wednesday. If you’re in for a really fast-paced suspense novel check out The Executioner, out there for your entertainment. Enjoy!

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TUESDAY Personality Test – One Question. One choice. What does it say about you?

On November 17, 2015June 3, 2016 By Ana C. BlacklaceIn Personality tests, Psychology, Quizzes9 Comments

This is the day a new personality test project starts – every day I’ll post a personality test branded One Question. One choice. What does it say about you? Exception will make Sundays, the days on which episodes of the Stories for Coffee Breaks are published, and special editions with a lot of surprises and goodies for you to enjoy.

QUESTION:

Which of these characters do you admire most? It’s very important that you make your decision in the first 5 seconds after your mind identifies who the characters are. Your choice will not qualify you as good or evil. It goes without saying that full honesty is required for an accurate assessment. Please do not peek at the interpretations before you’ve made your choice.

a) Batman; b) The Joker; c) Hannibal Lecter; d) Margaret Thatcher; e) Angelina Jolie.

WHAT YOUR CHOICE SAYS ABOUT YOU:

a) Batman – you are a vigilante; you often feel a more radical approach to social matters would make things better; you take your own problems in your own hands and you face them head-on – at least eventually, if you happen to practice escapism now and then; you empathize with the weak and the innocent; you appreciate physical strength, which is the kind of strength you believe most important if it ever comes down to the basest levels.

b) The Joker – society makes you bitter; sometimes you’d like to see it turned upside down, but you normally get a grip; you don’t shy away from expressing your feelings, which doesn’t earn you many friends; beware, not all of your enemies are overt; sometimes you doubt your own sanity; you’re a very creative person, have a rich imagination, and may have a talent for entertainment as well; you have few but loyal friends.

c) Hannibal Lecter – you resent society oftentimes, but you’re not overt about it; you know how to go after your goals; you’re a keen observer, and borrow other people’s methods of attaining their goals if they prove successful; you appreciate the Arts, and you often need them in order to keep you above the murkiest levels of your mind; you probably are as intelligent as you are dangerous.

d) Margaret Thatcher – you appreciate a strong woman; if you’re a girl, you are one, and if you’re a man – wow, respect! It may even turn you on, and it normally means that you are so strong that you need a woman to match you; this choice stands for feminists and people who truly believe in the equality of gender; you see things differently, you always have; you’re original and avant-gardist.

e) Angelina Jolie – you’re most probably not a guy or, if you are, you’re either head over heals, or you have a developed feminine side; to you, beauty and sensuality are the traits you most desire to possess; you believe love is the most powerful force in the world; you might be a little flower power, into mysticism, and you may have a hightened sixth sense.

Liked this? Please share your thoughts in a comment, and check out the previous personality tests here. They will help reveal yet more about yourself, and some of it may surprise you.

But there’s yet more goodies on this site. Enjoy Short Stories for the Coffee Breaks, and stay tuned for a new episode of Saphira coming up on Thursday, when the beautiful painter girl is drawn yet deeper into the mysteries of the Marquis. Check out the first two episodes here and here. Hyperion will highten the suspense on Saturday, and Lila next Wednesday. If you’re in for a whole suspense novel, check out The Executioner here. Enjoy!

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Personality Test – Three Questions. Five Choices. Each answer reveals something about you.

On October 27, 2015June 3, 2016 By Ana C. BlacklaceIn Personality tests, Psychology, Quizzes14 Comments

Did you know the choices you go for in a multiple-choice personality test reveal some of your personality traits, talents or inclinations? The system is based on a derivation of the free association method. In this personality test we’re going to look at the answers you go for, and discover more of who you are based on them.

Read the questions below and write down the letter corresponding to your answer. You will find the interpretation in the lower part of this article, but it’s very important that you don’t peek during the test. Only scroll down when you’re done. It’s vital that you stay completely honest. Oh, and one more thing: don’t ponder more than ten seconds.

1. What would you do in a perfect hour?
a) Walk; b) Read; c) Watch a reality show; d) Watch Breaking News; e) Shopping.
2. What attracts you to a potential partner first?
a) Looks; b) Intellect; c) Kindness; d) Toughness; e) Sense and sensibility, long live Austen.
3. Who/What is the one person/thing you can say you hate/d?
a) A parent; b) A traitor friend/spouse; c) A rival; d) An ideology; e) Yourself.

Now to the moment of truth – free to down scrolling. What do your choices say about you?

1. a) Walk – if you love both your computer and your yard, and have been wondering whether you’re more of an outdoor or indoor person, whether you’re more physical or more mental, here is your answer – you’re more physical. You’re strong and vital, good-humored and permanently up to something. Exuberant and easy-going, confident and a bit dangerous.
b) Read – this is the opposite to the answer to choice a. You’re more mental than physical. Now here’s the part you may not like – when nothing else works and you lack energy, get physical. While the world of the mind is fascinating, this choice does hint at a little bit of introversion; introverts actually consume more energy than extroverts to process perceptions and impressions; get physical! It will strengthen your body and rest your mind; not to mention it’ll help you sleep. The more you seek physical performance, the more your depression will lessen, if you suspect yourself of having one.
c) Watch a reality show – gossip relaxes you; you’re not very concerned with yourself either because you’re at peace with yourself, or because there are grave things about your inner life that you don’t want to deal with. This last variant is the most likely. What this choice says about you is that you may have issues you’re reluctant or downright opposed to dealing with – to be clear, these issues are given importance by your own subconscious, not by other people! Note that this choice doesn’t say anything about how others perceive you.
d) Watch Breaking News – you’re well anchored in reality. You allow the outside world to define you to a certain point. You’re a fighter, even though you may not be aware of it. You may be competitive. You love to win. You’re cunning. You are mentally very active and want to be prepared for every possible scenario. You like achievement and want to make it IN the system rather than beat it.
e) Shopping – you are energized by the new; you define yourself by renewal and often by possession. You go with the flow and with the crowd. You like crowds and movement. You need electrifying sensations. You’re easily disappointed in both people and situations. You like making and receiving gifts, it’s a way of showing that you value someone, and being shown that you’re valued. You like going out on “dates.” The downside is, you may not be exactly the epitome of faithful.

2. a) Looks – you’re very true to yourself; should you ever lie to others or avoid the truth, you’re never about the bush with yourself; you may call a person giving a different answer to this question phony. At your core, you’re direct and blunt. Your motto might be as cliché as it is simple and true to life – “keep it real.”
b) Intellect – you’re not one to lose your head, and you might not believe in love at first sight. Communication and losing yourself in the mind of another is an aphrodisiac to you. You’re dependable and unlikely to cheat on your partner, mainly because there are no such things as “accidents” for you.
c) Kindness – you have some experience with being treated roughly, or perceiving things that way. You’re highly sensitive, fragile, and require people to be gentle in their approach to you. You’ll recoil from people who come across aggressive. You dislike jealous, obsessive and possessive types. You’re not one for a fiery love affair, but for doves and roses.
d) Toughness – you like your partner to be able to stand for themselves and for what they believe in; you like them raw, true to the most primitive characteristics of humanity; this may mean you like to feel protected as a woman, or backed-up as a man. As a woman you need a protector, as a man you need an equal.
e) Sense and sensibility, long live Austen – you’re a wise person; you put wisdom before all your choices, especially in matters of the heart; you’ll be drawn to someone grounded and versatile, to someone with depth of understanding, someone tolerant and patient – you might be eccentric, in need of understanding; you might be electric and unstable, hot and cold, so in need of tolerance; you might be a powerful personality with great need for self-expression, so you require a quiet partner who won’t reprimand.

3. a) A parent – this may have awoken the vigilante in you; you’ll stand up for the weak and abused; you’ll ruthlessly punish the power-abusers and big guys harming little guys; you are a person with principles, good or bad, and you stick to them; you can come across as scary – you’ve learnt from the best; you can be obstinate and inflexible; unforgiving and methodical; determined, feeding purpose from fury.
b) A traitor friend/spouse – some of your life experiences might have left you a bit paranoid, but, “Better paranoid than dead” – you may think. You have great difficulty trusting people. Everyone is a potential foe to you. You feel the need to be permanently cautious. Insecure and angry. Reclusive and sensitive. Delicate and a bit bitter. Grumpy and intriguing. Witty and bleakly humorous. Interesting to say the least. People might be drawn to you especially because you’re so hard to please. Your friendship is rare and fragile.
c) A rival – you are straightforward. No-nonsense, ambitious, hard-working, stubborn, tenacious, you have leadership skills. You have few friends, mostly you have “followers.” You’re competitive, even combative, you’ll do whatever it takes to win. You’re either a career-driven person, or you set yourself high standards in other fields of your life. You may compromise about the means, eventually, if the stake is high enough.
d) An ideology – you’re inventive and cultivated, and you can see through schemes. Hard to influence. You like people more than most – you even find it difficult to apply the word “hate” to an actual person. You project the more negative emotions onto things and ideas rather than on people. You’re hard on the matter, soft on the people. It’s your way of staying civil and civilized. You value humanity and the human, you take delight in the achievements of man. You like polemic and debate, and you may be prone to contradiction. You’ll express your opinion. Your words are your weapons. Your mind the honey that attracts the fly.
e) Yourself – this may come as a shock to you, but you’re overly altruistic. You internalize your hatred in order to keep it from hitting someone else. You believe yourself less worthy than others; you believe yourself weak. If this is your answer, a signal of alarm must be drawn – you may need support, maybe from a friend of your choice, or from a professional; nevertheless, if this is your choice of an answer, it says that your capacity for empathy and love is greater than humanly possible, so to say. You can put up with greater pain than the average mortal; under healthy conditions, with a regained self-esteem, you can be a militant force for the greater good of humanity, and your knowledge of the most sensitive and darkest drawers of the psyche can prove priceless gifts.

And plenty more where this came from, folks. If you’d like to know more about what a particular combination of answers says about you, feel free to leave them in a comment and I’ll gladly get back at you. If you’re private about your choices but would still like to know more, contact me at anaatcalin@gmail.com. Feel free to do so also if you’d like a fresh perspective on your personality, and ask me for a personal profile.

There’s more than personality tests to look forward to. Stay tuned for further episodes of Saphira and Hyperion, coming up on Sunday and Wednesday! The stories will come out in one piece between the 15th and 18th of December in a Story Book for Adults, so a Merry Christmas to be looking forward to for us grown-ups too. Ho, Ho, Ho! (No, I won’t be growing a beard or a stomach, but I’ll be heavy with goodies.) Speaking of goodies – feel free to roam this site for quizzes, novels, and suspense stories for the coffee breaks. Enjoy!

Personality Test – What Talents were you born with? Are you a born Artist, Craftsman, Scientist, Intellectual or Entrepreneur?

On October 15, 2015June 3, 2016 By Ana C. BlacklaceIn Personality tests, Psychology, Quizzes25 Comments

In a world fixed in economical patterns that won’t leave any room for individuality, discovering your calling may prove a real challenge. The matter was treated in a previous article, where we scratched the surface a bit.

This assessment is based on five main personality categories that I consider most relevant after long and meticulous research, each of them with their own talents and inclinations. Mind you that these categories are only the starting point. To understand yet more of what’s special about you, check out the first two Quizzes – Are you a Hero/ine or a Villain, and What Fantasy Character are You.

So, are you an Artist, a Craftsman, an Entrepreneur, an Intellectual or a Scientist?

While this may seem general, it is the starting point towards discovering what’s unique about yourself. Future personality tests and information will function as follow-ups to this one, and the answers combined will uncover more and more of your special traits. Please take into account that the answer choices aren’t obvious, there won’t be a choice such as “Hammer” for a “Craftsman”. So let instinct lead your choice, not your mind.

That being said, let us get started. Read the questions below and write your answers on a sheet of paper. Don’t look at the interpretations in the lower part of this article before you have them on paper. Try not think more than 5 – 10 seconds before you decide on each answer.

From a tray with the following objects, which one would you grab first: a) the Pen; b) the Handkerchief; c) the Old Pipe; d) the Rusted Ring; d) the Old Cell phone.
Which of these colors (hues) do you prefer? (It doesn’t have to be your favorite color, just decide in 3 seconds max): a) Blood-Red; b) Parchment-yellow; c) Mouse-Grey; d) Dove-White; e) Mud-Dark.
How do you imagine the perfect Christmas? (Be reminded, let instinct decide, forget what is expected of you): a) a family dinner, with all loved ones from gramps to kids’ kids; b) with a loved one at a romantic cottage in the mountains; c) with a book by a colorful tree, dog in lap, hoping to surprise Santa; d) somewhere warm, partying on a yacht; e) With like-minded people, a brandy and a cigar, main thing is engaging conversation.
What movies do you prefer?: a) Thriller; b) Documentary; c) Horror; d) Romance; e) Historical.
How do you let off steam after a hard day: a) Sleeping; b) Chatting; c) Drinking; d) Tinkering; e) Daydreaming.
Which sport do you prefer?: a) Swimming; b) Football; c) Golf; d) Chess; e) Tennis.
If you were to subscribe to an online magazine, which title would attract you?: a) Color Fairy; b) Lord of Domes; c) Spotlight; d) Roots and Wings; e) Faded Pages.

Now, remember you are NOT supposed to peek at the interpretations until you’re done writing down the answers. The explanations are in key-word style to speed-express the essential, so don’t take them literally. Here we go:

a) Entrepreneur – he chooses the Pen because he can delegate and coordinate; b) Artist – he chooses the handkerchief because it makes him think of tears, emotion and, therefore, art; c) Intellectual – he chooses the Old Pipe because of the feel, the atmosphere, plunging into the right state of mind; d) Scientist – he chooses the Rusted Ring because he’s interested in its composition; e) Craftsman – he chooses the Old Cell phone because he can tear it apart and then put it back together just for the fun of it.
a) Entrepreneur – he chooses Blood-Red because he is courageous and a bit megalomaniac; b) Intellectual – he chooses Parchment-Yellow because of the value of parchment and the knowledge it conveys; c) Craftsman – he chooses Mouse-Grey because it’s utilitarian, and there’s nothing he values more than utility; d) Scientist – he chooses Dove-White because he wishes to reach the purest essence of things; e) Artist – he chooses Mud-Dark because he feeds his art from the darkest corners of the soul.
a) Craftsman – he is of the family, his needs are simple and personal, and so is his happiness; b) Artist – romantic and needing absolute intimacy and dedication; c) Intellectual – because he’s solitary, often happy with himself in his own mind, and sometimes a bit wacked; d) Entrepreneur – because he is unconventional and adventurous; e) Scientist – because he needs to exchange ideas with similar minds, with whom he feels he forms a caste.
a) Craftsman – he goes for easy entertainment to put his mind to rest; b) Scientist – documentaries feed his mind; c) Entrepreneur – he is daring and needs strong stimulation; d) Artist – he never ceases to learn from romance; e) Intellectual – he knows the value of history to build a future.
a) Scientist – he sleeps to put his mind to rest, disconnect and recharge; b) Artist – he shares himself with others; c) Craftsman – to ease the exhaustion; d) Entrepreneur – uses his hands to get new ideas, when his hands move his mind does also; e) Intellectual – creating new ideas.
a) Artist – a personality of the water; b) Craftsman – competition and team spirit, the closest thing there is to war; c) Entrepreneur – where he meets new people, possible business partners; d) Intellectual – always training his mind; e) Scientist – the ball from one partner to another stimulates collaboration and exchange of ideas.
a) Artist – attracted to colors because of the artistic possibilities they represent; b) Entrepreneur – makes him feel like a Lord on top of the world; c) Craftsman – relaxing, not thinking, easy entertainment to ease the physical tiredness; d) Scientist – the idea of exploring roots of plants and wings of animals; e) Intellectual – relationship between history and books, the very definition of value.

In a following article I’ll sum up five main traits of each personality type, which will help you determine what your strengths are and what to focus on. If you want to go deeper with this, leave your answers to these questions in a comment below, and I’ll get back at you with a broader interpretation of your answers. If you want to go yet deeper, contact me for a personal profile – more info here.

Stay tuned for further personality tests that will help you discover what’s unique about yourself next week. In the meanwhile, help yourself to all the entertainment the site has to offer, from personality tests to short stories for the coffee breaks that will continue in episodes the following weeks and that will be released in a Story Book for Adults on the 18th of December, to a whole suspense novel, “The Executioner” Part I.

Looking forward to you!

QUIZ Interpretation – What Fantasy Character are You?

On October 2, 2015October 3, 2015 By Ana C. BlacklaceIn Psychology, Quizzes8 Comments

What does it mean that you’re a Warrior, King, Queen, Knight, Nymph, Elf, Magician, or Witch?

Have you taken the Quiz? If yes, here are the interpretations of every type. If not, take the Quiz now here and discover a bit more of who you are. Share your thoughts in a comment below, or leave your result (Warrior, King, Queen, etc.) and your life motto in a comment, and I’ll get back at you with 5 more traits that apply individually to you.

Some types are masculine and some feminine, but a male can be a Witch, and a female a Warrior, sex doesn’t play a part. (For example I suspect Oprah of the Magician-type).

The interpretations:

WARRIOR – The Warrior loves a challenge. As you know from the Quiz, from a golden plate with eight objects he would choose the Dagger, which he’d do because he’s a born/forged a fighter. He’d pick the Woods to live in, because he doesn’t shy away from a raw, hard life, the challenges of which stimulate him. The blood of Achilles the Invincible Soldier runs through his veins. He’ll fight for the causes he believes in, and he’ll achieve his purposes or die trying. The material that represents him is Iron, because it’s as fearsome and rugged as he is. He loves the smell of Burnt Wood because it reminds him that fending for himself, as well keeping his family warm and fed, lies within his power. Warrior-types make a good living, and don’t usually linger in financial holes. This is mainly due to the fact that Warrior-types are action and goal oriented people. They’ll go out in the morning and find something to do to earn their bread that day. Resilience to hardship is natural to them. 5 MAIN TRAITS: Instinctual. Incisive. Iron Fist. Strong. Sharp Intelligence. THE QUIZ identified you as a Warrior-type and you’d like to know more? Leave a comment with “Warrior” and your life motto, and I’ll get back at you with 5 more traits that apply individually to you.
KING – The King is a ruler, a decision-maker and a ground-breaker. Giving orders and steering people comes naturally to the King, and he can do so with kindness and fine understanding for the individual – people are bound to rise against tyrants sooner or later, which every natural King-type knows. He chooses the Scepter because he wants to lead. He’s inspired by Vast Plains because they feed his vision and ambition of erecting new cities, new projects, something to leave his mark on. He identifies with Zeus Master of Olympus because he feels that ruling over other rulers as well is a task he deserves, oftentimes a birth right. His favorite material is Gold because he desires luxury. His scent is that of Musk, which makes him feel powerful. 5 MAIN TRAITS: Imposing, Proud, Controlling, Intelligent, Strategic. THE QUIZ identified you as a King-type and you want to know more? Leave a comment with “King” and your life motto, and I’ll get back at you with 5 more traits that apply individually to you.
QUEEN – The Queen is beautiful, feminine and sly. From the golden plate mentioned in the Quiz she chooses the Mirror, and this she does because she understands her power to influence lies in her charm (born attractiveness doesn’t play a part here, the Queen knows that a “pleasant” and “charming” presence is more than enough). Her place of choice are Bald Mountains, since she strives to reach high peaks in social life, peaks she needs to see in order to keep her motivated. She identifies with Aphrodite the Goddess of Beauty because she understands the importance of a sweet nature in order to be accepted, loved and obeyed when necessary. She loves people, who often turn to her innate kindness to soften the King’s oftentimes quick temper (people seek Queen-types to mediate for them to their superiors, difficult family members or other persons, and to help them through difficult conversations). Her metal is Silver because she’s perfectly fine with playing a supporting role, and she doesn’t mind coming second the way silver does to gold. She manifests her love by letting her loved ones come first. She prefers the scent of Roses because it makes her feel valued and loved. 5 MAIN TRAITS: Kind. Pleasant. Sweet. Ambitious. Innately Feminine. THE QUIZ identified you as a Queen-type and you’d like to know more? Leave comment with “Queen” and your life motto, and I’ll get back at you with 5 more traits that apply individually to you.
KNIGHT – The Knight is dependable and selfless, a young spirit with ideals and high standards. His object of choice is the Shield, since he is one in himself, protecting those he respects. A Knight’s most valuable feeling is respect. He transfers emotion to the mind, and reason rules over his heart. The Medieval City represents his origins, which he feels protective of, protective of his past, blood line, tradition and values. He identifies with Ares the God of War because he’s a developer of strategies, fearless but cautious. He controls his anger and aggressions, he’s a diplomat. His metal is Steel, because steel is as unbendable and ruthless as the Knight can be. The scent of Moist Earth reminds him of what he fights for, of his origins, it feeds his sense of loyalty, purpose and kindness. 5 MAIN TRAITS: Dependable. Loyal. Protective. Diplomatic. Idealist. THE QUIZ identified you as the Knight-type and you want to know more? Leave a comment with “Knight” and your life motto, and I’ll get back at you with 5 more traits that apply individually to you.
NYMPH – The Nymph has a very strong connection to one or more of nature’s elements (Water, Air, Fire, Earth). She’s diaphane and dreamy, hard to grasp, her personality is fuzzy. She chooses the Urn because it’s a vessel, which is what she subconsciously needs to give her personality shape, otherwise she often feels scattered or formless. She loves the Beach like no other because she identifies with its vastness and endlessness. She identifies with the Spirit of the River because spirits fit her idea of existence better than persons. She often doesn’t understand why material existence must exist at all. She loves Ivory because she loves purity. She’s permanently looking for her pure essence, which is lost in this vastness. The Salty Sea air infuses her with a sensation of infinity, of endless possibilities. 5 MAIN TRAITS: Diaphane. Dreamy. Mysterious. Delicate. Fragile. THE QUIZ identified you as the Nymph-type and you wish to know more? Leave a comment with “Nymph” and your life motto, and I’ll get back at you with 5 more traits that apply individually to you.
ELF – The Elf is a creature of the arts and crafts. He’s noble and has a strong moral compass. He’s honest and often intimidates immoral persons. His presence is crushing to them. He’s imposing, a fearsome guardian. His object of choice from the golden plate mentioned in the Quiz is the Paintbrush because he’s good with his hands and gladly contributes to art and crafts. They stabilize his dangerous nature. He enjoys being of palpable help. Forested Mountains make him feel at home. It’s there that his secrets lay hidden, and from there he derives his power. He identifies with Thor the God of Lightning because he feels akin with the destructive forces of nature. He’s a force himself, he strives to build and nurture, but he’s volatile and unpredictable. He chooses Stone because it’s hard, and yet it can be carved and modeled. He loves the scent of Fresh Leaves because it makes him feel forever young. 5 MAIN TRAITS: Noble. Moral. Dexterous. Intimidating. Impressive. THE QUIZ identified you as the Elf-type and you want to know more? Leave a comment with “Elf” and your life motto, and I’ll get back at you with 5 more traits that apply individually to you.
MAGICIAN – The Magician is wise, a knower, secretive, a good teacher and a researcher. Intellectuals oftentimes turn out to be Magician-types. From the golden plate mentioned in the Quiz he chooses the Book because he’s a man of study. His place of choice is the Village because that’s where he discovers man’s deepest secrets – in simple men’s lives and hearts; he feels protective of them. He identifies with Hephaistos the God of Crafts because he knows magic is born of the crafts, and he respects handy work. He knows it was craftsmen who laid the grounds of civilization. His material is Wood because of its simplicity and elegance. He loves the scent of Lilac because it’s the scent of hope and new beginnings, which reminds him of why the planet spins. 5 MAIN TRAITS: Wise. Secretive. Deep. Kind. Protective. THE QUIZ identified you as the Magician-type and you’d like to know more? Leave a comment with “Magician” and your life motto, and I’ll get back at you with 5 more traits that apply individually to you.
WITCH – The Witch is shrewd. She understands more than she lets on. She’s silent, but not inconspicuous. There’s something about her that attracts attention. Her object of choice from the golden plate mentioned in the Quiz is the Crystal, symbolizing her ability of seeing through things. She has a special interest in the past. She knows that decoding the past means unlocking the future. Her place of choice is the Old Church because she’s a believer in higher, eternal powers. There’s a dose of occultism in her ways that the Magician lacks, and a spark of talent where the Magician relies solely on hard work. She identifies with Gaia Mother Earth because she seeks the answers to the greatest questions of life in its building blocks. Her precious stone is the Pearl because it’s associated with the moon, the night and darkest secrets of mankind. The scent of Incense stimulates her sense of connection to a higher power, to the source of her talent. 5 MAIN TRAITS: Fascinating. Forbidding. Deep. Witty. Bold. THE QUIZ identified you as the Witch-type and you wish to know more? Leave a comment with “Witch” and your life motto, and I’ll get back at you with 5 more traits that apply individually to you.

Looking forward to your comments. My goodies for you don’t end here, so enjoy a relaxing Friday with Free Reads available here: Suspense that will keep you reading, and some romance to give it spice. Know of any good books yourself, especially from indie authors? Let me know. I’ll check them out and recommed it further if I do find it valuable indeed. Feel free to do the same with Free Reads here.