Monday, July 29, 2013

"Start of Time" by Gabrielle Aplin


Words cannot describe how beautiful I find this song!

Start of Time
by Gabrielle Aplin

Oh today I'm just a drop of water 
And I'm running down a mountainside 
Come tomorrow I'll be in the ocean 
I'll be rising with the morning tide 

There's a ghost upon the moor tonight 
Now it's in our house 
When you walked into the room just then 
It's like the sun came out 

I'm an atom in a sea of nothing 
Looking for another to combine 
Maybe we could be the start of something 
Be together at the start of time 

There's a ghost upon the moor tonight 
Now it's in our house 
When you walked into the room just then 
It's like the sun came out 
It's like the sun came out 

And the day is clear 
My voice is just a whisper 
Louder than the screams you hear 
It's like the sun came out 
It's like the sun came out 
It's like the sun came out 
It's like the sun came out..

Sunday, July 28, 2013

The Vampire Diaries - Season 3

The Vampire Diaries - Season 3
     After what seems like an eternity, I have finally gotten around to writing my review for season 3, which is an incredible and creative season. Not only are you introduced to a bevy load of new characters with their own storylines, but the original characters have changed and developed increasingly from the first series. Some have grown to be unlikely good and others have become incredibly evil or at least, their struggle with evil is what comes to define them.

     We also get the introduction of more of the Original vampires, a 1000 year old family who have hated and loved each other with equal measure over the years. Finally reunited, they can be seen as forces of good or evil, but never underestimate an Originals power or their loyalty.

~ ~ ~

Elena Gilbert // Katerina Petrova
Nina Dobrev as Elena Gilbert/Katherine Pierce
     Season 3 picks up several months later after the death of Elena's beloved aunt and guardian, Jenna Sommers who was killed by the cruel hybrid vampire Klaus. If that wasn't bad enough, to save his brother from a werewolf bite, Stefan Salvatore has turned himself in to be Klaus' "ripper" and must now return to his former life as a blood thirsty killer with no redemption.

     Feeling guilty and useless, Elena is lost and confused. Although she has her brother, her teacher Alaric Saltzman (her temporary guardian and Jenna's former boyfriend) as well as her close circle of friends, Elena feels cut off and at odds to know what to do to find Stefan who has completely disappeared from her life. In spite of that, Elena becomes close to Damon who believes that Stefan will return, but chances are he won't be the same Stefan.

     Damon once again is right. Stefan does return, but his blood lust is now so strong that it seems impossible to save him. Elena on the other hand does not give up on him and will fight till her last breath to save the man she loves. At the same time, she becomes frustrated when she realizes that her feelings towards Damon has changed. Although she loves Stefan, her unlikely affections for his wild brother have crept up on her leaving her more confused than ever.

     In the first two seasons, Elena had to fight to stay alive, but now her greatest battle will be for her heart, for her love and which brother to give it to. Stefan's terrible blood lust and loyalty to Klaus closes her off from him, but Damon's rare strength of character draws her closer. Elena loves both brothers dearly and will literally die before she could conceive the thought of hurting either one of them, but eventually she must choose or must face a life alone.

     As always, Nina Dobrev did not disappoint. She played Elena will such grace and dignity, but also with a personable portrayal that you were able to get inside her head and really understand what's going on in her seventeen year mind. At the same time, Katherine Pierce also returns and Nina's acting increases to another level. If Elena is generous and loyal, Katerine is selfish and cruel. I find it so interesting how one actress can play two totally different characters, one completely admirable and the other so detestable. A wonderful piece of talent to watch and enjoy.

~ ~ ~

Stefan Salvatore
Paul Wesley as Stefan Salvatore
     Dear and wonderful Stefan is dear and wonderful no more. To save Damon from a deadly werewolf wound, Stefan makes a deal with Klaus, who's blood has supernatural healing, that if he saves his brother, he will turn himself over to the vampire hybrid. After Damon is healed, Stefan returns to Klaus and the future of happiness and peace that Stefan was working so hard for, comes crashing down around him.

     Now Stefan travels with Klaus to capture werewolves so as to create a breed of hybrids for Klaus' own uses. That isn't an easy task, but having Stefan as a trained killer lightens Klaus' load. In spite of his 'loyalty' to Klaus, Stefan despises himself as he becomes the former monster of his past. With every bloody body, there is no hope, with every lost life, there is no redemption.

     When they return to Mystic Falls, Stefan in reunited with Elena, Damon and his friends who refuse to see him fall back into his old ways. They do everything they can to rescue him from his bondage to Klaus, but in the end only Stefan can save himself, his love for Elena and his trust in humanity.

     I love Stefan, but my love turned to heartache as I watched his downward spiral into blood and violence. Watching Stefan's constant struggle with blood was like watching an alcoholic or a drug addict. You pity him and want him to be saved. His guilt outweighs his love and his rage overcomes his humanity. Paul Wesley was perfect from beginning to end. Watching Stefan transform from the ripper vampire to a redeemed man was heroic at most and admirable all around. 

~ ~ ~

Damon Salvatore
Ian Somerhalder as Stefan Salvatore
     Damon is still a jerk, no argument there. He is still arrogant and conniving, but in the absence of his brother, he is left to care for Elena, which he does without complaint. The more time Elena and Damon spend together (usually trying to look for Stefan), the more Damon falls himself falling deeper and deeper in love with her. So when his brother comes back, he is torn between his love for Elena and his loyalty to Stefan.

     As wonderful as Damon can be, his affections for Elena become almost possessive, at least that is what it seemed to me. Elena can no longer make a free decision for herself without Damon stepping in and trying to stop her. He may see it as love and protection, but some may see it as over possessiveness. Then when Elena needs him the most, he, and even Stefan, abandons her to fight for herself, leaving Elena angry and confused.

     I have to admit, I did not like Damon as much in this season I did in the first two. My reason already stated in the paragraph above. Maybe girls like a man who can protect and keep them safe from danger, but Damon came off as almost sexist and not allowing Elena to fight for herself or her friends. On top of that, he was also a detestable prick to Elena's younger brother Jeremy whom he bullies all the time, as if he is somewhat offended by Jeremy's closeness to his sister.

     When is comes down to it, Damon will always be Damon and he will not change. If he wants change, it will have to be in others. If he wants to love, someone will have to give it first, which is why he is alone all the time. Eventually Damon will have to realize that to gain love, he will have to give love and to do that he will have to trust in others and not always in his own supernatural vampiric powers.

~ ~ ~

Niklaus "Klaus" Mikaelson
Joseph Morgan as Klaus Mikaelson
     Considered to be the oldest vampire in the world as well as the most dangerous man to walk the earth, Niklaus or Klaus Mikaelson is no ordinary vampire, but a natural born werewolf who was cursed with vampirism. Klaus hates humanity with a passion, but above all, he will not abide with disloyalty. Anyone who betrays his trust has automatically sign their death warrant and Klaus will stop at nothing to seek revenge and murder, even if it's his own family.

     His part in the story comes when he wants Elena, the Petrova doppelganger, sacrificed to break his unbearable curse put upon him by his own mother. Yet Elena slips from his grasp everytime, but with each escape only makes Klaus stronger to catch her. Fueled by hatred against the world and the his lust for power and dominance, Klaus seeks to create an army of vampire/werewolf hybrids, in which he needs Stefan's aid to do so. Surprisingly enough it works on one werewolf, Tyler Lockwood (who becomes the epitome of heroic at the end) and now believes the can have an unbeatable army.

     Before Klaus was a revenge seeking vampire, he was a human. At one point in time he was generous and kind, full of hope and dreams, but then a curse gone terribly wrong, robs Klaus, as well as his sister and brothers, of any future dreams of happiness. Now he lives in a world of hate and loneliness and his dreams of happiness have become ambitions of greatness that is only achieved by terror and fear. 

     Yet...there is still hope, even for powerful Klaus Mikaelson. Unexpected hope found in strong and courageous Caroline Forbes. Her strength of character, kindness and honesty becomes a very unexpected element in Klaus' lonely life. She shows him that loyalty doesn't have to be bought or companionship be forced upon. Whether Klaus will trust Caroline or not is revealed in season 4, but for now Klaus has made his decision to wage war on the humanity and his ambitions will not be stopped by anyone, not even those that still love him in spite of all that he has become.

~ ~ ~

The Originals
The Mikaelson Family
     For over 1000 years they have roamed the earth inspiring legends and myths of the night creatures that hide from the sun, feed on blood, rage war with werewolves, terrorize humans and live immortal lives of loneliness. They are the beautiful and terrifying Mikaelson family who are the first vampires. Shrouded in mystery and feared by all those who speak of them. They are "The Originals."

Mikael and Esther Mikaelson
     Before they were legend and myth, they were a simple family who came to the new world in the 10th century to escape the hardships of their former home in Eastern Europe. Mikael and Esther Mikaelson left their old lives after their first child died of a deadly plague. There in the new land (which eventually became Mystic Falls, Virginia), they started again and over twenty years later, they were a prosperous family with a household of six lively children, Elijah, Finn, Klaus (who is an illegitimate child, the product of his mother's affair with a werewolf), Kol, Rebekah and Henrik. Life was perfect and simple, they lived in peace among the supernatural natives (werewolves) and the servants of nature (witches).

Henrik's Death
     Yet, death cannot be escaped and when Mikael and Esther's beloved youngest son, Henrik, is murdered by a werewolf, their once happy and idyllic life comes to a horrific end as well as beginning the life long enmity between vampires and werewolves. Unable to lose anymore, Esther and Mikael take in upon themselves to save their family, to make them stronger, faster and powerful. Esther, a witch, creates a spell of magic and blood and gives it to her children to drink; then Mikael (who also becomes a vampire) kills all of them. They come back to life, but must complete the transformation by drinking human blood, thus was the creation of vampires.

     Mikael and Esther's intervention and using magic for immortality comes with painful consequences, for with every strength comes a weakness. Although they are strong and fast, they are weakened by the sun, although they have the ability to compel and control minds, they are forbidden to enter homes unless they are are invited by the owners themselves. What they did not expect was the blood lust that is all consuming and the heightened emotions of anger and revenge. Most especially Klaus who is now part werewolf, part vampire and a dangerous and detrimental force of nature.

     Once Esther and Mikael realize the damage they have created, the only thing that is left to do is to kill the unholy creatures of magic and blood. Their children must now run and hide from their father who seeks to end what he created. For 1000 years they run, they kill, they survive. What was meant to save they family, destroyed them and their reborn lives truly killed the dreams they all had dreamed. 

~ ~ ~


     This was a great season, reason being because of the Originals. I loved the backstory and the family all around. They were so dysfunctional and yet they still loved one another, knowing that no one in their family was truly innocent and blameless. Some want to end their lives as vampires while others want to remain who they are. Some are out for revenge, others are out to live the best possible life that they can.

     Hopefully season 4 will reveal more about the Originals and their 1000 years of history; as well as the possible relationship between Klaus and Caroline and the main love triangle between Elena, Stefan and Damon and who Elena will choose in the end.

Saturday, July 27, 2013

Pink & Green Reality



1. If your eyes follow the movement of the rotating pink dot, you will only see one color, pink.


2. Green Catastrophe: If you stare at the black + in the center, the moving dot turns to green.


3. Reality Shatter: Now, concentrate on the black + in the center of the picture. After a short period of time, many if not all of the pink dots will slowly disappear, and you may only see a green dot rotating.


What does this tell us about the nature of reality? There really is no green dot, and the pink ones really don’t disappear. If our brains are so easily fooled, what aspects of reality are we missing?

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Welcome Prince George Alexander Louis


Prince William and Princess Catherine have names their son

Prince George Alexander Louis

~ ~ ~

His royal title will be

His Royal Highness Prince George Alexander Louis of Cambridge


Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Monday, July 22, 2013

Catching Fire layout


How do you like my new Catching Fire layout?

I love it!!

Prince Cambridge Has Arrived!


Clarence House has reported that at 4:24 P.M the Duchess of Cambridge delivered a son. He weighs in at 8lbs. 6oz.

The Duchess of Cambridge and the new prince are doing well and will be staying overnight at the hospital.

~ ~ ~

Congratulations to Prince William, Princess Catherine and their families!!!

Saturday, July 20, 2013

"I have an army..."


Tom Hiddleston in his typical amazing glory arrived at Comic-Con 2013 in San Diego, California, dressed up as Loki to introduce new footage for "Thor 2: The Dark World."
This is hilarious!!! 

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

The Adventures of Merlin - Season 1

Magic is his destiny
     Well, I was FINALLY able to watch season 1 of Merlin and all I can say is that I am totally 100% obsessed with it! I love everything from the storyline, to the characters, the music, the costumes, all of it. It is such an interesting and new take on the popular Arthurian legends that I find myself loving it more and more after each episode. 

~ ~ ~

Merlin
Secret Sorcerer
Colin Morgan as Merlin
Instead of an old, grey, wizened wizard who always has the right answers, this Merlin is young, handsome and constantly looking for the answers to his complicated life. Before he could talk, he could move objects with his mind and would rather spend time practicing spells than having a regular social life. Upon the concern of his mother, Merlin leaves his quiet home to set out to the large kingdom of Camelot, only to discover that magic and the practice of it is illegal and punishable by death. Now only his guardian, Gaius the court physician, can know his secret.

Keeping your magic undercover is harder than it looks, especially when Merlin finds himself in constant trouble and needs a quick getaway. His hardest problem doesn't come in the form of any general danger, but in his unlikely destiny. That being, protecting the arrogant and selfish Prince Arthur and helping take the throne of Camelot. Merlin is anything but thrilled with this idea of 'destiny fulfillment,' but doesn't have much of choice when he becomes Arthur's manservant after he (surprise, surprise) saves his life.

Now Merlin must be Arthur's personal whipping boy and Gaius' constantly confused assistant, while practicing sorcery in secret. Tough load, but Merlin is gifted in more ways than one. His generous attitude, quick mind and hardworking spirit gets him through just about any situation. Not to mention the friendships of Lady Morgana and her maidservant Guinevere or Gwen.

Fulfilling destiny, especially your own, can seem a lot when you're a young and awkward teenager who has never had an ordinary moment in his life. Merlin is determined to prove himself to Gaius, Arthur and Camelot that there's more to him than what meets the eye.

I really don't think the show would have the popularity it gained were it not for Colin Morgan's wonderful representation of such a well loved legend. Not only was he charming and funny, he also was able to convey the ordinary teenage emotions and issues that come with the territory of being the new guy in town. From dealing with bullies to accepting yourself for who you are and realizing that your gifts and talents are a better use for the people around you than for your own gain.

~ ~ ~

Prince Arthur
Prince of Camelot
Bradley James as Prince Arthur

My first thought when I saw Prince Arthur was that he really looked like the quintessential storybook prince. Tall and handsome, but also spoiled and arrogant, Arthur is use to getting his own way and woe be to anyone who tells him otherwise. Sadly, Merlin, the new guy in the palace, didn't know this when he told Arthur to lay off of bullying a young servant. That one fatal mistake took Merlin to prison, then the stocks (where he got a great fan club of children) and then Arthur's primary target for fun. After Merlin saves Arthur's life from a crazed witch, King Uther, Arthur's father, makes Merlin Arthur's manservant.

Can you sense the excitement?
Overtime, Merlin and Arthur get use to one another, but oftentimes a master/servant relationship where the master and servant despise one another is anything but easy. Arthur does everything in his power to make Merlin's life an inevitable hell. Only when Merlin sacrifices himself for Arthur, does the young prince begin to understand that maybe is isn't always about him and sets out on a dangerous journey to save Merlin. Yet, change is slow in coming. Arthur never misses an opportunity to put Merlin down, he works him to exhaustion and is always blaming him for his own shortcomings.

Although, underneath that self-confident facade is a young boy who feels the pressure of being next in line to the throne of Camelot, desperately trying to please his strict father and never seems to find himself good enough. Being a secret sorcerer was difficult, but being the crown prince to a mighty kingdom is a whole other issue. There are rare occasions when Arthur lets his guard down and a few people are able to see a spoiled brat who could become a loyal friend and a deprecating prince who could become a great king. 

Like with Merlin, seeing a young and handsome Arthur before he becomes a powerful king was very new to me, but Bradley James made him completely believable as well (on some occasions) lovable. His on screen camaraderie with Colin Morgan was nothing short of perfect, they are hilarious together and each episode with the two of them together is better then the last.

~ ~ ~

Lady Morgana
First Lady of Camelot
 Katie McGrath as Lady Morgana

The ward of King Uther, foster sister (and potential lover) to Prince Arthur and most sought after lady in Camelot, Lady Morgana seems to have the perfect life. At first she seems just as spoiled and self-centered as Arthur, but Morgana is much more than what she seems. Her best friend is her own maidservant Guinevere (Gwen) and she  immediately befriends Merlin. She is willing to put her life on the line to save a young druid boy, travel underneath the palace to fight an evil seas monster, defend Gwen when she is unjustly accused of being a witch, travel with Merlin to defend his home and even confront King Uther on his harsh resentment of magic.

Morgana can use her beauty and charm to get any man (mainly Arthur) to do her bidding, but her intelligence and will of iron are her greatest assets. She has a genuine kindness toward others her are considered below her and isn't afraid to fight for what she believes is right.

Katie Mcgrath's elegance and beauty made her perfect this time period; she reminds me of a living Snow White in many ways. She gives a personable charm to her character, but also had an element of mystery and intrigue which works well as the story of Morgana goes deeper and deeper.

~ ~ ~

Guinevere "Gwen"
Friend and confidante 
Angel Coulby as Guinevere "Gwen"
Kind, loyal and the epitome of true friendship, Guinevere is more than a maidservant, she is a constant source of hope and light to those around her. In spite of her humble surroundings, Gwen is proud of who she is and even prouder of who she serves, the Lady Morgana, whom she considers her closest friend.

Upon Merlin's arrival, Gwen is the first person to befriend him (while he was in the stocks) and afterwards helps him accomplish what needs to be done, even though it may risk her job or her life. Gwen does not judge by appearances and always gives a person the benefit of the doubt. At the same time she is strong and even stubborn and contains a strong sense of right and wrong, even when she herself is wronged.

Angel Coulby beautifully portrays Gwen in every way imaginable! I loved her immediately and I was very interested at the idea of making Gwen a servant instead of a princess or a lady, making it proof the great things can come from the humblest of beginnings.

~ ~ ~



Being a fantasy lover myself  (Harry Potter, The Wizard of Oz, The Chronicles of Narnia), I immediately found Merlin a new world of mystery, magic and usually mayhem. I've told my family that if they love Harry Potter they will love this series. I also see many elements of "The Princess Bride" (another favorite fantasy movie) in the Merlin series which make it all the more lovable and fun.

After seeing season 1, I immediately knew that I had to get season 2 which is already amazing! This is very quickly becoming one of my favorite series and it just keeps getting better and better.  

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Why yes, I'll take a sugar cube...

Or I can just take you instead...

Catching Fire: Finnick Odair - District 4

:::Que in rabid fan girl screams:::

My favorite character, my favorite book!!!

Thursday, July 11, 2013

Vide Cor Meum

   
     One of my favorite pieces of music!
I first heard it during the death/funeral scene of of King Baldwin IV in "Kingdom of Heaven," and have loved it ever since.

Here's another version done by one of my favorite musical artists, Sarah Brightman. I have loved her and her voice since I was a child. She's incredible.

Friday, July 5, 2013

"Come What May" by Jackie Evancho and The Tenors



Jackie Evancho and The Canadian Tenors 

perform "Come What May" from Moulin Rouge

~ ~ ~

Come What May

Never knew I could feel like this
Like I've never seen the sky before
Want to vanish inside your kiss
Every day I love you more and more

Listen to my heart, can you hear it sings?
Telling me to give you everything
Seasons may change, winter to spring
But I love you until the end of time

Come what may
Come what may
I will love you until my dying day

Suddenly the world seems such a perfect place
Suddenly it moves with such a perfect grace
Suddenly my life doesn't seem such a waste
It all revolves around you

And there's no mountain too high
No river too wide
Sing out this song and I'll be there by your side
Storm clouds may gather, 
And stars may collide
But I love you (I love you)
Until the end of time(until the end of time)

Come what may
Come what may
I will love you until my dying day

Oh, come what may, come what may
I will love you, Oh I will love you
Suddenly the world seems such a perfect place

Come what may
Come what may
I will love you until my dying day

~ ~ ~

I am seriously obsessed with this song right now! 
And this rendition in nothing short of breathtaking!

Thursday, July 4, 2013

Special 4th of July

Another Fourth of July greeting
from Captain America and The Avengers


Because the strong man who has known power all his life, may lose respect for that power, but a weak man knows the value of strength, and knows... compassion.

~Dr. Abraham Erksine; "Captain America: The First Avengers


Happy 4th of July!


Happy 4th of July!!

Our country is not the only thing to which we owe our allegiance.
 It is also owed to justice and to humanity. 
 Patriotism consists not in waving the flag, 
but in striving that our country shall be righteous as well as strong. 

~ James Bryce

St.Giles


     I love writing : ) I don't think I would have a Blogger and a Fanfiction account on Fanfic.net if I didn't. Now mostly of what I've written has been fanfiction which I love doing! I've written two Narnia fanfictions (The Beloved and The Just: A Narnian Love Story and A Love Unknown and A Grace Unseen), I'm in the middle of a Harry Potter story (A Heart Full of Love) and I've started a Thor fanfiction (Asgard: The Lost Cosmos). And ever since I've taken college English, I believe my writing has improved.

     Writing fanfiction is fun and it's a good way to start on your own original stories. For a while I have had several storylines that I have been wanting to work on...except....they are all history based and if I want to write them, then it would require heavy research on all topics. Maybe one day, they might get written.

~ ~ ~

St. Giles: Under The Crucifix

     Setting: England, 1178

     Story: Set during the height of the Crusades when the city of Jerusalem is ruled by the powerful leper king Baldwin IV. Across the ocean in England, Alyvia Le Borde, an orphan and leper, devotes her time and energy to serving the lepers at her home in St.Giles and the surrounding leper communities.

      Life is hard and is not always joyful. Alyvia must watch as men and women, boys and girls, are afflicted with the horrific disease and at times bear witness as leprosy eventually takes their lives. Yet, within the community of lepers, there is hope and happiness and the idea of living every moment to the fullest, because you may never know when it may be your last.

     Characters

     Alyvia Le Borde - 16: Born in Jerusalem to a Crusader and a servant girl, Alyvia's father left before he even knew his wife was pregnant. At the age of seven, Alyvia and her mother leave Jerusalem for England, but on the way there they catch leprosy. Alyvia's mother dies at St. Giles, but Alyvia is miraculously spared and chooses to stay and work among the sick and dying. She is well loved by the lepers at St. Giles and is well gifted in the uses of medicines and herbs. Alyvia is often times called the Angel of St. Giles. 

     Carrick Trumelle - 20: A runaway from Jerusalem who is hiding from his older brother's wrath. Carrick finds his way into St. Giles where he is accused of stealing. When brought before justice, Carrick is given the ultimatum, serve time in jail or serve the people of St. Giles. Surprisingly, Carrick chooses to work in St. Giles, even if it means risking his own health. While there, Carrick reveals to Alyvia his dark secret and why he is running away, but soon realizes that his troubles have followed him to St. Giles.  
   
     Lady Rosalba Ashton - 15: Abused by her father, a wealthy landowner, and her two older brothers from the time she was a child, Rosalba sees her life at St. Giles as a miracle from the time she entered at the age of nine. Unwanted by her father and brothers, Rosalba works just as hard as Alyvia to ease the suffering of the lepers. In spite of being a leper, Rosalba is still lovely inside and out and lives up her her cherished title as the St. Gile's Rose.

     Bromwell Carterson - 17: Bromwell was stricken with leprosy as a young boy and even though he has a loving family and a home to return to, he feels led to stay at St. Giles and assist Father Marcus with the running of the lazar house. Brom is very good friends with Alyvia and Rosalba and becomes an immediate friend to the stranger Carrick Trumelle.

     Lord Antony Mehrig - 23: The cold and calculating landlord of St. Giles who lives a life of solitude. Although respected by many people, Lord Mehrig is feared by more, in spite of his young age. He always seems to harbor a sense of aggression and hatred toward the world that he lives in, but never makes an attempt to make it better. Lord Mehrig looks down on the poor and lowly which include the lepers, but never really knows the true joy that they hold within themselves.

    ~ ~ ~

Background

      The idea to write it came after I saw "Kingdom of Heaven." I loved the story of King Baldwin IV, the leper king, who was portrayed in the movie as a strong, wise and generous leader as well as a devout Christian. I did some research on him after I saw the movie and was surprised to see how accurate his portrayal in the film was.


     Other inspiration came from Ellis Peter's "Cadfael" series. For anyone who hasn't heard of Cadfael, he's a former crusader turned Monk who works as the herbalist and physician at St. Winifred's in Shrewsbury, England. Cadfael uses his knowledge of herbs and plants to help solve the murder mysteries that take place in Shrewsbury and the surrounding areas. 

     Masterpiece Mystery did an amazing series back in the 80's starring Derek Jacobi as Brother Cadfael. If you haven't seen it, you must! You will not be disappointed! The inspiration I got from the Cadfael series was that there are several episodes that deal with lepers (also at a St. Giles lazar house) and are some of the best episodes in the series.

     So...there's the basic storyline and characters that I have in my head (Mehrig is my favorite) and I don't know if I'll ever get it written, but it's an original idea : )