The Calhouns of Riverview

[MissTrips]

The immortal mark is a glove accessory of all things.  I got it when I downloaded a few Supernatural characters for a ghost hunting duo.  (Dean and Castiel)  I don't remember which one of them I got the mark from, since neither of them actaully have it on their preview pictures, but my girl Kharisma that I uploaded to the Sim Exchange is wearing it, so if you nab her, the glove-tattoo should come with it.  But it's great for the Immortal campaign, where you cant actually get a tattoo, but this slides in sideways as a legal accessory!

http://www.thesims3.com/assetDetail.html?assetId=6414841

And Eld?  I've been writing little stories for around thirty years now, I started as a little girl, writing stories with my friends on notebooks and we passed them back and forth in classes, because there was no texting back then!  So Just keep practicing!  The more you write, and the more you read, you'll pick up style.  You already have some great originality and backstory, and I think story is the hardest part!   And Dean thanks you for his swimsuit ice sculpture collection!  Now to convince the rest of the family to keep doing it!

As for making deck advice, since the whole house is on a foundation, I just drew out a little L shape around the back corner and used a wood flooring.  And the front porch is pretty much just a basic rectangle! I  have all sorts of funny little hallways and a support column to hold up half my sceond floor because i just slap bits down and go... new bedroom!

[Eldridge]

Thank you for provide me the link, MissTrips

But, in this case. This is what make Calhouns Immortals unique. I'll keep that away from my Dynasty ^^
Thank you for give me such an info. I never knew that! I still have many things to learn.

Wow, that surely took a long time but it's really worth! I can't wait to see how my writing style will develop in the future. But, yeah everyone has their own style that's why make their stories are so unique. I always amazed with Simmers who publish their stories here! It was fun to read them, including yours. Thank you for the tips! I look forward to see more swimsuit in action, I just love it when I see Sims in swimsuit

Well, see you again in next chapter ^^

[MissTrips]

Gabrielle was back in front of the mirror.  She was older, and there was a broad range of new styles that she could style her hair into.  Some of them were even really pretty, but they all looked like she'd taken an iron to her hair.

"What about his one, dear?  It's pretty curly?"

Gabby sighed, "Yeah, but its the wrong *kind* of curly.  it's more like what girls with straight hair get when they use curlers and gels."  She flipped through a few more styles and looked at the one with neat tight braids all over.  That one looked *right*... but it only looked good with a swimsuit.  Well, she'd pick it for that anyways.

"You know what mom?  I'm thinking hats are totally in season."

Skye took a look and gave her daughter a hug.  "Well, you don't look like a boy at all, I promise.  And don't give up, we'll check out some of the stores for styles, we will find something you like."

Gabby jammed the cap over her hair and looked in the mirror.  It wasn't... bad.  But it wasn't what she'd been hoping for either.



Later that evening Skye went out to talk with Brandy.  The unicorn whuffled up the carrots she'd brought and leaned her head against Skye.  While the unicorn didn't have words to give her friend, she sent a feeling of peace.

"You're right, Brandy.  Things will work out.  We're doing well, we only have four more races to win to complete our challenge and with Athena's latest foal, I'll have more horse best friends than human!"



The unicorn whinnied and trotted in place, eager for Skye to get on and the pair of them could race through the winding roads to the equestrian center.

Dean watched his granddaughter race off before turning back to his easel.  Most of the paintings he made, he tended to sell off rather quickly, but with the recent construction in the basement almost complete, he had a good idea about a place for this one.



Meanwhile, Riley was attempting to improve his relationship with his son-in-law.  It wasn't that he didn't *like* Lorenzo... it was just hard to...

"So, aliens contaminated the crime scene?"



..so hard to...

"Yes!  There were traces of adamantium powder all over the cash register!  And adamantium is second to unobatnium in rarity on the planet!  It has to be aliens!"

...must... stay.... awake....



Feeling a bit awkward, Lorenzo shuffled off to the computer and wrote his ideas down there instead.  At least the computer didn't shut down halfway into his explinations!  he'd put out three books already, and while none of them were smash best sellers, there were enough sales that he knew his theories weren't completely baseless.  now to convince the publisher to relase them as non-fiction...


Gabrielle woke up early for once, at least two hours before the school bus and she slipped outside to tha garden where Dean was weeding.

"You're always up so early," she said.

"Well, I don't need much sleep anymore, and getting this done before work means it gets done.  Sometimes I have busy afternoons.  Lend a hand?"

"Sure,"  Gabby replied and reached up to harvest some fruit.  "So... great grandma  Constance started this garden?"



"She did.  Though the Simolean trees in the corner... those two there... are the only ones left that she planted.  Hardy, long lived things.  And your mom and your grandmother went to France for those grape vines over there, though they're a few generations of seedlings along."  He pointed out the plants.

"But where are all the fruits?"  Gabby asked.  "I've looked in the fridge and there's just garlic and lettuce and potatoes, no flame fruits or grapes or deathflowers."

"Ah.  Well, I suppose  you're old enough to see."  Dean finished harvesting the last few vines and dusted off his hands.  "Come on."  He led Gabby out of the garden and locked the door behind them.  He juggled the key for a moment, then grinned and handed it to her.  "Keep it locked, or your mother will play in the sprinklers *all* day."

Gabby bit her lip a little, because well.. those sprinklers had looked awfully tempting... but... "You're giving me the key to the garden? But you've always managed it."

"Yeah, but I'm not a green thumb like you.  You'll do much better."  They walked down into the basement and Dean opened up a door that had until now, been as locked as the garden.  "This is what we've been working on, and in that chest over there?  Is everything you'll need."



He handed her the room key.  "Riley's already upgraded the machines.  It's all yours Gabby."

Gabrielle walked around the room, amazed at everything so carefully laid out and felt a wish come .  She'd make this nectar cellar *incredible*!  Bottomless even!

[Eldridge]

It's nice just before I decide go to sleep. I saw your story updated~~

Ohh, I love Gabby. She was really fit with that hairstyle, well when I looking at her as a child. Can't agree more.
But, I bet that you have a different hairstyle if Gabby will hold a wedding party right?
Riley screenie was so funny! I never experience that, when he/she fall off but their eyes are still open.
And... Hmm... Let me guess, is Gabby SuperMax is related to those basement with Nectar Maker?

[MissTrips]

The saga of Gabby's hair!  I just could find anything in the choices I had that really felt like 'Gabby' to me.  Lots of options, but the exotic heavily beaded Egyptian was just way too busy for ordinary wear.  So under the cap Gabby went, and I began combing the Sim Store for just the 'right' hair for her.  All will be revealed for her final choice!

And yeah, poor Lorenzo!  If I leave him alone in a conversation, he automatically picks "Bore to death",  so people keep falling asleep on him!

>.>  And you're right, Eld!  That long ago trip to France came back woth 4 nectar makers for the yet unborn Gabrielle, though once Skye had a daughter, I knew she was the Gabby it was bought for.

[Shewolf13]

Oooo!  Very cool update!  Gabby's great!  Her poor hair.  Sometimes, I really find a hair style that just WORKS for a Sim and other times...

[MissTrips]

Grandpa Dean was right, Gabby learned.  The lure of sprinklers was a terrible terrible temptation.  It was hard to concentrate on homework and socializing with classmates when she knew that just outside the family room window was a green, grassy plot of land that was *infested* with watery delight.



And it was hers!  All hers! 

"It's just not fair,"  Skye grumbled.  "You deliberately waited until you knew I was asleep before unlocking the door to let Gabby in and reassign the door to her alone.  We could put a sprinkler out by the pond..."

"You'd never have gotten those opportunities done if we had,"  Dean replied.

"Well, I have them all done *now*.  I even have 6 best friends!"

"Are *any* of them even human?"

She sniffed at her grandfather.  "Two, I'll have you know, and I didn't even need to use daddy."

Meanwhile Gabrielle had finally gotten enough sprinkler playing done to be ready to face the first of endless barrels of fruit.  Squish!  Squish!  Squish!

Okay, this was almost as much fun as sprinklers... almost!



Gabby's high school days were flying by, though it seemed that all they had to offer for extra activity was a trip to France, which her mother had already done.  So it seemed she'd have to look elsewhere for opportunities as her life went on.

"Opportunities?"  Lorenzo asked and then nodded seriously.  "Perhaps I should look at getting a ride along program going at the policee station, a set of fresh eyes would be useful, as I'm convinced that there's someone stealing office supplies... but only left handed staplers!"



It seemed that repeated exposure did not inure one to Lorenzo's ability to render a person unconcious.


Riley woke up and checked the calander, then checked it again and smiled.  Today was going to be a big big day.  He should get some special treats ready.



"Grandpa... why does Dad sing in french when he's never even been there?"

"Atmosphere, my sweet cherie!  I am a French chef, i sing the songs of love!"



"Ugh... I am going back to bed until all you grown ups start making sense."  Gabby grumbled... but then she snuck outside for a quick play in the sprinklers.  (whoo!)

Skye stomped her foot a little when Gabby escaped and closed the door quickly behind her.  Once more her attempt at those elusive sprinklers was thwarted! 

"You're making an awwful lot of food today Dad,"  Skye said, reaching for a plate.  She frowned when he whisked it away.  "I'm a little hungry."

"Save it!  Ssave it for later, trust me!, these crepes are not ready yet."

Her father whisking food away iinto the fridge and her traitor daughter leaving the sprinklers behind locked glass doors, Skye went out to console herself with Brandy for the afternoon.  "At least you still love me sweetheart."

that evening, now more than mildly hungry Skye came home to find the whole family gathered.  "What?  What did I miss?"



Riley laughed.  "Happy birthday, sweetie."

"Happy... Happy... it's today?"  Skye hadn't checked the calander at all and it had snuck up on her!



"oooghle.... argle bargle!"



"Someone get the license plates on those sparkles,"  Skye groaned.

"Say cheese!"  Lorenzo held up the camera.

"No!  No, not until I get to a dresser and a mirror!"



Skye patted her hair into its new shape and pondered it.  Not... too bad.  she'd have to like it for a long time though.  All right... she was ready.

"Pictures, paintings and sculpture, chop chop lads!  I'm *hungry!"



Skye Calhoun - Immortal

   Riding - Jockey - Horsewoman
   Equestrian/Loves Outdoors/Friendly/Charismatic/Lucky

   Opp: Cultural Interview/Professional Horse training
   Seminar/Tough Negotiation/Getting to Know..
   You/Charismatic Cash/Smooth, Like Verbal Butter

   Properties: Grocery Store/Cemetary

   LTR: Raised By Wolves/Relic Hunter/Eye Candy

   Best Friends: Lorenzo McIntyre-Calhoun, Athena Calhoun,
   Brandy Horse, Nellie Swift, Ripley Calhoun, Ghost
   Calhoun

[Eldridge]

The saga of Gabby's hair!  I just could find anything in the choices I had that really felt like 'Gabby' to me.  Lots of options, but the exotic heavily beaded Egyptian was just way too busy for ordinary wear.  So under the cap Gabby went, and I began combing the Sim Store for just the 'right' hair for her.  All will be revealed for her final choice!

Ah, when I look in new update. That hair is suit Gabby perfectly! I'm happy that you finally found one for her. I'm quite remember there is something like that at the store.

---

Now this is for the actual comment:

That was funny. Same thing happened again here, I just wonder what's wrong? @_@
I notice about your writing style in this new update. I'd say it is quite different somehow, it was more cheerful and funny. Several times I read it, it just make me smile, especially looking at Riley's picture! That was priceless!

Well, Skye is stunning! Even she was an Elder. Congratulation to the realm of Immortality, Skye!

[MissTrips]

Even for a household with three immortals in it, with sunny day after sunny day, time moved forwards.  Lorenzo was only a few days younger than Skye and his final birthday arrived as it must.



Gabrielle was first on scene to cheer him on.  Even though their relationship had never deepened beyond friendship (partially due to Lorezno's unfortunate ability to bore her to sleep mid conversation)  she whooped and clapped as the sparkles hit.



"Oh... oh dear.  Gabby, have you seen my mustache?  It's fallen off somewhere."

Skye however was quick to intercede and affirm that he looked quite dashing without that highly ticklish upper lip that he'd sported durning his adult years.  She appreciated the clean shaven look very much!

Lorenzo fingered his upper lip and sighed a little.  Mustaches were considered very dashing on the force, even in the forensics department where he currently worked but...  "You think so?"  he asked Skye.

"Mmm.  I know so.  You're just as dashing with the gray too."

Lorenzo considered it for a few days and then he decided.  It was time for him to retire,  and enjoy his last remaining years with Skye and the rest of the Calhouns.   He still had his writing hobby to pass time with and well... after the most recent brush with a Reaper...

Yes.  It was time to enjoy what was left to him.



"You're sure Lorenzo?  You're almost at your next promotion,"  Skye asked.

"I am.  It's not like I needed  to be at the top of my career, and while I liked being a police officer, I think I'd like enjoying  a retirement too."

Gabrielle sniffled hard and bravely waved the tradtional retirement placard.  She'd been feeling awful since well... yesterday... and even having her study partner, Brian over to do homwork together hadn't really lifted her mood much.  But she could be happy for her father!




The Reaper.   It had been a long time since one had last been at the Calhoun household, to send Mu lan over to the other side.  There had been a brief procession of cats after Henry's death, living for a few weeks in the household and gaining hunting skills while fishing up in the backyard pond, but it'd been agreed that they'd all be temprary, going on to other homes before they reached their elder years.

But that changed with Nugget and Riley.  Shortly after his elder birthday, two off his best friends died, right before he'd recieved his final promotion.  And while Dean could step in easily to fill the fifth slot, Riley needed a new best friend rather fast.



Nugget was the newest cat, and despite Dean's request that pets be temporary, Riley decided to make an exception.  It took almost no time at all for thier friendship to take off and cement itself into BFF.



Dean sighed and gave Riley a  look.  "He's your cat, you know."

"I know.  And I remember.  But this is my choice."



Nugget lived a long life in the Calhoun household and it was his final catches that finally produced enough koi to stock the pond with three types of the vibrant fish.  And he never failed to wake Riley up in the morning for a bit of breakfast from the master chef.



It was a long and happy kitty existance.



But one day... it ended.





Seeing Nugget's mortatilty was the deciding factor for Lorenzo.  He couldn't continue to work like Dean and Riley, knowing that the schedule filled endless days, his were limited.  So, he'd spend the last the way *he* wanted to.

But the Reaper was not just there to usher Nugget along to the Heaviside Layer.  First he spoke briefly with Skye, to congratulate her on achieving full immortality.



"But I must speak with Dean..."  it rasped hollowly.  Dean sighed and jerked his head outside.  "You talk, I'll chainsaw."



The reaper laughed rustily but obliged.

"So what did you want to talk about?"  Dean asked.

"the fourth generation."  The Reaper replied.  Do you know, in this 'verse, no Immortal dynasty has ever come so far?  had so many offspring?"

"What do you mean?  Father Calhoun, he's raised lots of kids.  For centuries."

"But they are not of his blood.  Yours is the first to have the fourth generation.  And with her birth, and your granddaughter's success... things are going to change."

"What do you mean... change?"  Dean looked at the Reaper warily.

"How's the weather tomorrow?"  the Reaper asked him.

Dean set down the chainsaw and gave the Reaper an odd look.  "Sunny  and warm... like always."

There was no face, but Dean swore he could see a smile as the Reaper vanished.

"Things are changing Dean Calhoun.   The *world* is changing."

Dean stood there outside with the ice statue of the Reaper.  It's pose was off, it wasn't the pose the Reaper had given him.

And it was starting to rain.

[Shewolf13]

Oooooo!  Very nice!  I love the way you worked getting Seasons into the story!

[Eldridge]

The first thing that appeared in my mind:
"A Grim reaper sculpture o_O! I really want to have him in my game! Oh, boy! How did you do that MissTrips?"

Second to that (birthday-related). It's really suck... oopss... bad word. It's really unfortunate when Sim grow up they always turn to be something else, so random and so... so... annoying. My computer is not a good one, so when birthday and makeover occur, bam crashing and error 12 will pop up around. I must do it separately (birthday-save, makeover-save) too keep the dynasty file safe

Nugget was a nice cat, nugget looks so faithful in the picture. So sweet when Nugget try to wake up the master.
 
Regardless of that.
1. Great update! I just wonder when your story will be published and then here I am finding yours. Lucky~
2. I guess that I just need to get the right moment (Grimmy-related)

[MissTrips]

Shewolf:  *heh*  yeah I was wondering how I could mention that I'd added an expansion pack, and Nugget's death managed to coincide with installing it so after looking at the screenshots I'd managed to get, the idea formed.  And after a couple early fail attempts the Calhouns are my longest running Immortal try!

Eld:  When the reaper shows up, have your sculpter immedately go to the station and cue up make Ice Statute, and old grimmy should be one of the Sims you can select.  He should come over and pose for you once he's done his job.