Unbelievable

I can't believe it.  Beaufort won.
I don't understand.  With all the evidence Beanstalk found, it should have been easy to have him locked away.  I don't understand what the jury was thinking!  Are they okay with just letting him free to keep committing crimes because they don't think he was treated properly?!  I wonder what they would think if they spoke to the animals he's mistreated! 
Can't write anymore.  Too upset.  Looks like I'll be digging into my stash of chocolate in the fridge.

Not all that glitters is gold.
Ruby

Turn for the Worse

This isn't good.  Beaufort's lawyers have claimed that Beaufort was arrested illegally.  They claim Sonic Boom didn't have a warrant, so the Decartes warehouse shouldn't have been searched.  And the problem is, I think the jury are agreeing.  If Decartes' cronies get off again...
I mean, this is completely ridiculous!  Everyone knows a super heroes job doesn't involve arresting anyone!  They just take care of the more dangerous problems, like super villains that control technology and smuggling rings that are good at hiding the proof that they're criminals.  If Beaufort gets off on a technicality like that...
Hmph.  I suppose I could always pop down to the courthouse and "talk" to the jury - ie bribe them.  Like I could get anywhere close to them.

Not all that glitters is gold.
Ruby

The Second Day

So far the trial of Louis Beaufort is looking pretty good for the prosecutors.  Beanstalk, the super no one really knows much about, apparently went back to the warehouse after Beaufort was captured and was able to gather some pretty hard evidence.  It doesn't look like Beaufort will be able to weasel his way out of this one.  Now if only he could be linked to Decartes...
In other news, I'm nearly done with my class on sign language!  Hopefully that means I can go to the duck pond again soon (as long as I don't run into any more "harmless" old ladies)!

Not all that glitters is gold.
Ruby

The Trial of Louis Beaufort

The trial of Louis Beaufort begins today. 
Who is Louis Beaufort?  Beaufort was a powerful member of the Decartes smuggling ring.  They trade rare, endangered, and otherwise off-the-market creatures.  Unfortunately, they are filthy rich and therefore have a crack legal team.  We have a hard time keeping them in prison for long.  Luckily, though, this time it looks like we have solid enough evidence to put Beaufort in prison for a long time, and hopefully even lead to the arrest of Georges Decartes himself!
You see, a few weeks ago Beaufort was caught bringing endangered animals into the Decartes warehouse in Middling by a super called Sonic Boom.  Sonic delivered Beaufort to Snow White and the Seven Supers, and now the day all of Faire City has been waiting for is here. 
Luckily, the internet is back on so we can actually follow the trial.

Not all that glitters is gold.
Ruby

No Internet

Sorry for not updating sooner.  But I'll have you know it WASN'T MY FAULT!!!!!!  I HATE TECHIE SUPERVILLAINS!
You see, a couple days ago my internet started freaking out.  I assumed it was a normal problem and would fix itself in a couple of hours.  Three days later, not a single thing had changed!!!!  Do you have any idea how boring it is when you're stuck indoors and you don't have internet?!  Even the television was having problems!  And then I found out it wasn't just me.  Everyone I knew was having issues.  I thought it was just city-wide... until the broadcast.
Apparently this ridiculous villain called Evil Evil, a technopath, had taken control of every sort of computer and electrical device up and down the entire west coast (now I know why it was three days, it must have taken a lot of power).  For what, you may ask?  For one. stinking. city.  He was looking for Sonic Boom, who he apparently has some sort of grudge against (if you, like me, had no idea who Sonic Boom was, you can check out irisclearwater.blogspot.com).  Seriously.  He took out the entire west coast's internet to look for one single super. 
Luckily, said Sonic Boom was able to find him and kick his trash without a problem.  Internet is back, along with my sanity.

Not all that glitters is gold.
Ruby

Sign Language

Taking a bit of time away from Ivory's ecstasy for a moment, I thought I would explain to those of you who may think I'm overreacting to my newfound ability that I do not intend to stay indoors my entire life.  I am actually planning on living a fairly normalish life.  The trick is learning how to do it without talking.  I am taking an online course in sign language.  As soon as I have that under my belt, I will (hopefully) go back to a slightly less-than-normal life.
So there.

Not all that glitters is gold.
Ruby

Ivory Again!

Yes, but this time I'm actually letting her post.  You didn't think I would leave you hanging like that, did you?  Here she is.

Hello again!  It's so good to be back!  Actually, everything seems really good right now!  I'm just... oh, it's like I'm in the middle of a snowstorm, and everything is white and bright and wonderful!
I suppose you're wondering how it happened.  You see, Harry and I love skiing together.  Sometimes, like this time around, we take some of our family (Harry brought his mother, and I brought a few of my brothers).  Sometimes we take friends (even though Ruby hates it).  We never go alone.  These are the kinds of moments we want to share.  But this time, everyone else stayed at the resort while Harry and I skiied (they were all in on it!  Can you believe it?).  We took the lift to the top of the mountain, where we could see the sun lighting all the snow up, and it was sparkling like diamonds.  It was beautiful.  And then Harry took my hand, and he said he wanted to share every moment of his life like this with me.  And he pulled out a little black box and pulled off my glove... and then he slipped the ring over my finger and asked me to be his wife.
I couldn't tell if I was crying because of the cold, or because I was so happy.
I feel like we never came down off that mountain.  Like we're still in paradise.

Not all that glitters is gold.  Some of it is snow.
Ruby and Ivory

They Return!

Well, Ivory and Harry are back from their skii trip!  Did it go as planned?  Well, I'll show you the answer:

Congratulations to my wonderful friends!  I know they'll be happy together. 
(FYI, Cecily is going nuts with happiness.  Ivy has asked her to design the bridal and bridesmaid gowns).

Not all that glitters is gold.
Ruby

Meet Cecily

Well, Ivy and Harry get back tomorrow night, and after last night's disaster (I didn't sleep a wink, I kept starting up at random noises), I've decided I'm going to be spending a little bit of time with my friend Cecily.
Who is Cecily, you may ask?  Cecily Algernon is a fashion design prodigy studying at the best school in the state.  She gives amazing fashion advice, has a beautiful array of accessories (which she designed herself, I might add), and has impeccable taste in friends.  Meaning Ivy and me. ;)
Before you ask, yes, Ceci knows about the gems.  She, Ivy and I have been best friends since elementary school, and besides, she's used some of them in her designs, and they look gorgeous!  How could I not tell her?  I just haven't mentioned her before because she doesn't live with us.  At the moment she's living with her step-family (and don't get me started on that kettle of worms!  What jerks!), but due to my little panic attack last night, she has graciously offered to keep me company, which is why I'm writing so late.  I've only got time now because she's cooking (another great thing about Ceci, she is an amazing chef!).
Ah, and there's her call for dessert! 

Not all that glitters is gold.
Ruby

Paranoid

I think it's great when Ivy and Harry go on skiing trips.  I really do.  And I'm hoping this one turns out well for both of them.  The problem is, when I'm alone in this house, I get a little... paranoid.  I'm convinced that one of the multiple supervillains in town is going to find me, and nab me, and take me to some dark, dreary lair where I'll be forced to fund all their crazy, diabolical plans...
Maybe next time I'll just tag along with Ivy.  Snow can't be as bad as this.

Not all that glitters is gold.
Ruby

Skii Trip

Well, Harry has taken Ivy on another skiing trip, but I get the feeling this one is going to be a tad more special than the last.  You see, Harry happens to know a quite talented jeweler, and before they took off today he asked for permission to use one of my diamonds...
More after Ivory gets back!

Not all that glitters is gold.
Ruby

Supers

So, apparently there's a big rivalry about the supers in various parts of the country... I think this might have something to do with Superman's return (see http://www.irisclearwater.blogspot.com/2013/06/you-guys.html).  In any case, I thought that I may as well join the crowd and describe the supers in my little corner of existence.
We're cool enough that we don't just have one super hero in our city.  We have an entire team (though that also means we have more villains).  This team is led by Snow White, a powerful super with the ability to summon blizzards at any given moment.  Her partner-in-not-crime is Prince Charming, who specializes in magnetics.  I have no idea who gave him a name like that (actually, it was probably Maribel Watson), but it is rather fitting.  Very chivalrous.
The others in the team include:
Cinderella: Some sort of accessories witch.  Somehow she makes all her accessories deadly weapons.
The Mermaid: Controls water.
Gretal: Temporarily paralyzes other supers' powers, which helped her and her partner, Hansel, get out of a bit of mess with one of the super-villains a while back (I would love to talk her into getting rid of mine for a little while).
Hansel: Not much is known about Gretal's partner, Hansel.  He works in the shadows.  No one is really sure what he does.  And the same can be said for
Beanstalk:  Again, I think Maribel Watson was behind this.  Beanstalk has never really been seen, except for a brief photo Ms. Watson was able to snap after one of their battles with the Decartes ring.  It didn't really show much, except that he was very tall and skinny.  The name kinda stuck.
The Beast:  He needs no mask, because his power is the ability to give himself the features of animals.  He can be a rather ruthless fighter.
The press calls them "Snow White and the Seven Supers," and unfortunately, their services are needed pretty often.  This is because Faire City is plagued with an unusual amount of super villains as well, villains like The Witch and The Queen.  These are people you really don't want to run across.  Especially when you spout enough gems to fund their evil plans for millenia.

Not all that glitters is gold.
Ruby

Well... Now What?

Well, I've already told you all my big secret.  Now what am I supposed to talk about?  My boring online classes?  My life as a rich recluse?  The ratio of diamonds to rubies to emeralds to sapphires?  There just isn't that much to tell.  My life is ridiculously boring.  And pointless.  I mean, how much good can I do stuck in my house?
Okay, I guess I'm not that bad.  The one thing gems are good for (besides jewelry) is paying for charities.  Normally banks would be suspicious of a bunch of jewels showing up randomly, but I'm lucky in the fact that Ivory's boyfriend, Harry, works at the bank.  As a matter of fact, he's the owner's son.  He knows what happened to me, and he "takes care" of the gems.  I'm not entirely sure what he does with them, but he makes them disappear before too much suspicion is raised.  Ivy and I keep what we need, but most of it goes to charity.  It's nice knowing that my life isn't a total waste.
That brings up an interesting thought.  I've always believed that people have the gifts they do for a reason.  I've never considered that maybe those gifts also come with a price.  I'm sure that somewhere those gems are doing someone good, but... well, does that mean that the price for that is my freedom?  My life?

Not all that glitters is gold.
Ruby 

How and Why

I'm bored again.  It happens easily when you're stuck inside all day long and your roommate is off with her boyfriend again.  So I thought I would explain just how I ended up spitting diamonds.
It started a couple weeks ago.  I was at the duck pond (and don't you say a word, Ivy!) feeding the new ducklings when this sweet old woman came up the path.  I didn't think much of it at first, but then she started crawling around on the rocks.  Why?  I can only guess.  Personally I think she orchestrated this whole thing from start to finish.
It was like I was watching in slow motion.  Her foot slipped on the rocks, and she lurched backwards... Before I really knew what I was doing I jumped up and managed to push her back to solid ground... before I ended up in the water myself.
I came up wet, cold, and covered in the feathers of the ducks that had scattered.  The woman was very apologetic, even when I tried to tell not to worry about it.  Why can't people just listen?  She insisted on paying me back.  When I told her that was completely unnecessary, she just laughed it off and said she had been waiting for something like this.
That itself should have tipped me off, but unfortunately, I remained oblivious to the fact that she was a super.  Not the kind you hear about in the news, mind you.  Not all supers are the "save/destroy the world" type.  Most are really rather ordinary people who have unusual talents.  This particular woman appears to have the ability to give super abilities to others.  She pointed her finger at me, and I was suddenly surrounded by glowing purple swirls.  For a second that was all I could see.  When they faded, the woman was gone.  I tried to call for her, but the moment I made a sound, I felt something in my mouth.  It was cold and hard.  For a moment I was afraid one of my dental fillings had come out, but when I spit it into my hand, I realized it was a ruby. 
I think she was trying to make a joke about my name.  I am not amused.

Not all that glitters is gold.
Ruby
 

Explanation

Ha ha, Ivy, you're hilarious.  For the record, if L'Oreal were stuck using my hair as a model, they would need tranquilizers to end their hysterics.
Despite my roommate's hacking habits, I think I owe anyone who happens to stumble across this an explanation.  Meaning: why I am stuck in my apartment.
I have a rather unusual problem.  There are many people that wouldn't call this a problem, including the one who started this whole mess in the first place.  These people are morons.  My problem: gems fall from my mouth when I speak.
Yes, you read that right, and trust me, the same won't happen for you no matter how far your jaw drops.  So close your mouth.
I can guess what you're thinking: how is this a problem?  You are set for life!  Well, think of it this way: I've become a walking gem mine.  Exploitation, much?  If anyone catches me, I will either a) be kidnapped by some super secret agency to fund the government, or b) be kidnapped by some super villain to fund their ridiculously costly maniacal plans.  I can no longer speak in public.  Which means I am now stuck in the apartment, letting Ivory do all the work, so I can avoid the crazy people who would get even crazier once they see me spitting emeralds.
Still think this is a good thing?  Then find a witch, and I will happily trade.
Though I have to admit, paying rent is much easier now.

Not all that glitters is gold.
Ruby

Hijack

Hello!  Well, I'm not Ruby.  In fact, this is Ivory, her roommate.  Ruby is napping at the moment, and I thought I would take some time to straighten out a few things that Ruby didn't quite describe properly.  :)
Firstly, Ruby didn't really give a good description of herself.  She has long, dark hair, like the kind on shampoo commercials.  She also has dark brown eyes, like chocolate.  And she loves ducks.  She left that bit out. ;)
Secondly, taking a couple skii trips with my boyfriend does NOT mean I am obsessed with snow.  Of course, Ruby thinks any kind of cold is a problem, so I suppose I can see why she wouldn't understand. 
Thirdly, I do NOT have perfect skin.  I am very pale, especially compared to Ruby (I don't understand how that girl tans so well!)
There.  Now that that's taken care of, I'd better scat.  Looks like Ruby's waking up.

Tata!
Ivory

Ruby and Ivory

Well, it appears my boredom has gotten the best of me, once again.  It looks like the blog stays. 
I guess if you're going to be reading about my life, I should probably let you know a little about me.  I suppose if I wanted to I could keep you in the dark, but then, what would be the point of  this blog?  Not that there ever was much of a point, besides staving off boredom.
But I digress.
My name is Ruby.  Ruby Jones.  I'm twenty years old, and I have long, straight brown hair and freckles.  I used to attend college, but certain... events, recently, have caused a self-imposed house arrest.  I am now taking online courses to graduate. 
I share an apartment with my best friend, Ivory White.  I know, the name seems a bit redundant, but her mother had always wanted a daughter named Ivory, and when she died giving birth... well, it's hard to say no to something like that.  She goes by Ivy most of the time.  She has long black hair, perfect skin, and an obsession with cold weather (No offense, Ivory!).  Seriously, though, it's getting a little out of control.  Ivy also does most of the shopping, and runs the errands, and even answers the door most of the time (again, self-imposed house arrest).  If it were anyone else they would have kicked me out already, but Ivy's just cool like that.  She tries her best to understand.
Well, now you know who we are.  Hopefully the rest of my story will make a bit more sense now.  But, because I feel maniacal, and I have to watch six hour long videos to complete my next class, I'm not going to tell you just what it is yet.

Not all that glitters is gold.
Ruby

Once Upon a Time

This is a bad idea.  This is a really, really bad idea.  Blogging about my life?  I'm practically begging for trouble.  Unfortunately, now that I'm stuck in the apartment for life, I get bored.  Very easily.  If I decide to keep this up, perhaps you'll find out why.  If I don't, you get to wonder for the rest of your life just how my story will play out, what will happen to Ruby Jones, the recluse.
Just like me.

Not all that glitters is gold.
Ruby