aamirandaisha

[aamirandaisha]

Act 1 Scene 2: Meet-cute

(Morning)

(Open on a wide shot of a bustling, middle-eastern city. People are opening for the day, it is thriving and lively. Fisherman at the docks are bringing in hauls and shipping out, one in a small boat hoists up a very large lobster trap. Other ships are casting off, some come into port, their passengers excited to explore and trade. Further in the center of the city we see shops and vendors opening up, greeting the morning. We focus on one girl, Aisha, walking briskly down the street. She is carrying a crossbody canvas bag, and walks with a spring in her step.) 

(People greet her as she makes her way)

BARD (slumped outside of a tavern, idly strumming his guitar-like instrument):

Hey little sister! Where you off to so early?

AISHA: 

‘Morning! New job! Mrs. Kareem hooked me up. 

BARD: 

Nice! Good Luck! 

(Aisha makes her way farther down the street, and passes the bookshop.)

CLERIC (as they’re opening up the windows):

Hey Aisha-girl! Where are your shoes? 

AISHA: 

What?? I don't need shoes! The weather’s nice! 

CLERIC: 

Hon, your feet are gonna be filthy! Mrs. Kareem won't like you tracking dirt!

AISHA (waving dismissively): 

Ah, I’d track dirt with shoes anyway! 

CLERIC (laughing): 

Get along you little dustball!

(Aisha laughs and waves bye. She continues down the street until she’s suddenly knocked over by AAMIR, who’s running the same direction haphazardly) 

AAMIR (stopping to look back at her)

Oh sorry! You ok? 

AISHA (knocked on her butt and stunned): 

(nods)

(Aamir nods and gives an apologetic look, then takes off)

AISHA (to herself):

What a beautiful boy...He looks like a prince. 

(She gets up and brushes herself off, wincing a bit as she notices a new scrape along a myriad of already existing scars on her shoulder. But she thinks little of it, shrugging and moving along her way.)

(Aisha arrives at her new job, a shop that sells pottery and glass-blown trinkets. The bell jingles as she opens the door. )

AISHA: 

Hello?

(she hears a booming voice from the back room)

ZANDER: 

Yes, hello! One moment, please! 

(Zander, the shop owner, emerges from the back room. He is large but not intimidating, and he has a kind, wizened face. )

ZANDER:

I wasn’t expectin’ a customer this early, I can I help you? 

AISHA

Oh, um...I’m here about a job? Mrs. Kareem sent me. 

ZANDER 

Oh, of course! You must be Aisha! Mrs. Kareem told me to look out for you. 

(He shakes her hand enthusiastically, almost shaking her entire body, her tiny hand is lost in his huge one.)

ZANDER: 

Yes, you will basically be doing chores, running errands, just helping out around here while in the studio. You’ll mostly be working with my apprentice. He does help me make the pottery sets, but I'm trying to break into glass-blowing, so I’ll need a bit more help around here. (Yelling into the back room) Hey, Aamir! Come meet the new friend! (Aamir emerges from the studio wiping his hands on his apron. His eyes go wide as he recognizes Aisha as the girl he knocked over.)

ZANDER 

This is Aisha! She's going to be doing deliveries and errands for us, as well as other things around the shop. 

AAMIR (snapping out of it):

Oh, nice to meet you. (shakes her hand)

AISHA (smirking to herself): 

You, too!

ZANDER: 

Great! I’ll let Aamir show you the ropes, and if you have any questions, give me a shout! 

(Zander leaves the room, smiling)

(There’s a bit of an awkward pause between Aamir and Aisha)

AAMIR: 

I’m... really sorry about knocking you down earlier. 

AISHA: 

It’s ok! Is this what you were rushing to get to?

AAMIR: 

Yeah, I overslept, and I had to go buy some more tools before I helped Zander open the shop. We’re still pretty new in this city so...”can't start off slacking off” (he’s quoting Zander)

AISHA (examining the pottery on the shelves):

So did you make these? 

AAMIR: 

Some of them. I mostly so the plainer sets, things that have to look the same. Zander does all the real creative stuff. 

(Aisha turns to look at more shelves, Aamir notices the scrapes on her back)

AAMIR (concerned):

Is that...because of me? 

AISHA (craning her neck to see the scrapes): 

What, this? Uh, yeah, but it’s no big deal! 

AAMIR: 

No, let me help you with that. 

(Aamir exits, leaving Aisha a bit stunned. He comes back with water, a rag. and some bandages. Aisha blinks in surprise.)

AAMIR:

Please, sit down. (he gestures to the small seats behind the counter, and Aisha has a seat)

(Aamir starts gently cleaning the wound, Aisha winces a little bit but soon relaxes. Aamir notices the other scars on her back and knees.)

AAMIR:

So...How’d you get the others? 

AISHA (sensing his tone):

They're not from anything bad! I’m just really clumsy. And with all my odd jobs and deliveries, I’m usually holding something fragile I can’t drop, so instead I land on my back or my knees if I fall. Trash me, I’ve fallen a lot harder than this morning!

(Aisha chuckles, but Aamir still looks a little guilty. He puts a bandage on her wound.)

AAMIR:

Well... I’m glad you're ok. 

AISHA:

I am! I promise. Thanks for your help. 

AAMIR: 

Not a problem. C-come on, I’ll show you around the shop. 

(smiles are exchanged, a friendship is blooming.)

#original characters #original content #original story #screenwriting #original fiction #original character #Original Concept #Character Design

[aamirandaisha]

Act 1 Scene 1: Prologue

(Open on a stylized animation sequence depicting the mythology described)

AISHA: 

I grew up on the stories of creation. They were the favorite of any adult wanting to impart wisdom on a lost child. But for the most part, they were all the same, no matter who was telling it. The Grandfather God created humanity and our world with the help of his four daughters: Earth, Water, Air, and Fire. The Elemental Goddesses provided him with the materials to make everything. Earth sculpted our bodies with clay, Water gave us life blood to flow through our veins. Air filled our lungs with the Breath of Life, and Fire gave us the Spark of Life in our souls. And Grandfather put us here on the planet to live our lives. Every time I heard the story, it always imparted the same wisdom: Magic was used to make us, but its power is too great for us to use. There have been countless people who have tried to wield magic, but only a few sorcerers. The Elemental magic used to create humanity is an incredible power, and not just any human can wield it. These who can are often corrupted; they lose themselves to the power. One way or another, it becomes too much, and they lose their lives to the very magic that gave it to them. That’s why magic is illegal in most provinces. 

And so my favorite childhood story turned into a cautionary tale, and I stay satisfied doing odd jobs around time for my next meal. But I don’t know...I bet there are people out there who can do magic. It’s more fun to believe something fantastic than just accept the world how it is. 

#original story #original characters #original content #original character #storytelling #story development #screenwriting

[aamirandaisha]

Just some more side characters we see around the city. 

The Cleric runs a local bookshop and prefers books to people, but they’ve always been kind to Aisha. 

The Rogue is a traveler that likes to stop in town during the marketplace festival, where they find the finest silks and shoes to protect them from the sun while they’re sailing or crossing great deserts. 

The Bard is a lovable vagrant who frequents local bars and restaurants to perform, but also to happily drink with the patrons. He is very in touch with himself and the “cosmic energy” around him, but also serves as a sort of big brother to Aisha. 

The Alchemist runs the local apothecary, and comes from the Far East where magic is...less illegal. He does not use magic himself, but tries to find scientific alternatives that might heal people, or make their lives better, 

#concept art #illustration #character sheet #character design #original characters #original story #original character #artists on tumblr

[aamirandaisha]

Here we have some of the side character designs: Mrs. Kareem, a member of the royal guard, and Aamir’s mother. 

Mrs. Kareem is a kindly middle-aged widow who lost her husband very young, and always wanted children of her own. Since she was never able to have any, she took in Aisha happily when she was just more than a toddler. Though it took a village to raise that scamp, Mrs. Kareem was the primary caretaker, and allowed her her own living space in her attic/roof. 

This particular knight of the royal guard, though unnamed currently, is very important to the story. Basically, she’s the narc who tells on Aamir to the Empress for using magic. 

Aamir’s mother gets her own post for her backstory ;)

#original character #original content #original story #character design #concept art #fiction #original fiction #character sheet #visual development

[aamirandaisha]

Here we have a couple of important side characters: 

Zander’s name means “smart, intelligent, compassionate”. He is an artistic, gentle giant, and he owns the pottery shop that Aamir is apprenticed to. He is stern and strict with Aamir, but never harsh as it comes from a place of love. All the most beautiful pottery sets in the shop are his, and the plainer sets are Aamir’s. He is also trying to break into glass-blowing. He is 37 years old, and a father-figure to Aamir and Aisha. He is not interested in finding a wife, he is not even attracted to women. His true love will always be his craft. 

Karina’s name means “companion” or “accomplice”. She is the Empress’s Lady-in-Waiting/Captain of the Guard/Right-Hand-Woman. She is devoted to the Empress completely and is a good companion to her. She is also very tough and skilled for her age of 28, and she could and would totally kill anybody. 

#original content #original characters #original story #Original Concept #Character Design #original character #character description #character sheet #visual development #concept art

[aamirandaisha]

Magic and Sorcery

In this original story’s universe, every human had the Elemental Goddesses give them life with their bodies provided by Earth, the Breath of Life from Air, Lifeblood from Water, and the Spark of Life from Fire. However, even though every human is made the same way, some humans are born with the ability to control and wield the Elemental power within them. This is the magic that is inside the Empress, and often those kind of people re in positions of leadership and power because they are revered for their closeness to the Goddesses. Most of the time, one element in particular shines through more. In the Empress’s case, it is Fire. Though she can wield each element a little bit, she has the most comfort in fire. This is to juxtapose herself with Aamir, who also uses predominately fire. 

In this world, sorcerers are people that were not born with magic, but tries to use elemental magic anyway. They do this through extensive study, ambition, and grasping for power. Often, sorcerers are not successful in controlling this power. This power is of the Goddesses and if it doesn’t kill the sorcerer, it corrupts them. They can become monsters. The only successful sorcerers (and there haven't been many) are cruel, evil people. They avoided failure by being worse than the power that corrupts them. Instead of dying or turning into a monster, the magic corrupts their character. 

#original story #original characters #original content #character design

[aamirandaisha]

These are the character designs for this universe’s deities. We’ve got a goddess for each of the four elements, and a “Grandfather God” who created them and the universe. Here, have a mythology: 

Once upon a time there was a God. He was timeless, powerful...but lonely. So he started to create. With every new thing he made, his boredom was eased and he felt a little less alone. But still, there was no one like him. So he bore four daughters: Earth, Fire, Air, and Water. Together, they created worlds. His daughters shaped the lands, the seas, and suns and the stars. But he still felt lonely, for they were closer with each other than with him. So he asked his daughter, Earth, for some clay. With this, he shaped a new species: humans. He asked Water to give his humans Lifeblood to run through their veins. He turned to Air to send the Breath of Life into their lungs, and Fire to spark a Flame in their souls. And so, humanity was born. The God was finally satisfied with his children and what they had created together. From then on, it was up to his daughters to maintain their creations, and humanity to create things of their own. He watches over his family: his children, the Elements, and his grandchildren, Humanity, and he was no longer bored or lonely. He was happy in his work. 

#original story #original character #original content #original concept #concept art #character design #visual development #mythology

[aamirandaisha]

This is the Empress, I suppose she would be the antagonist of the story. She is the ruler of this kingdom, and serves as a mysterious and benevolent source of leadership. She is very secluded, and no one sees her unless they are palace staff or called for an audience. She is much older than she appears, and carries herself with a wisdom uncharacteristic of one so small. Though it is in secret, she is able to wield magic. She forbids the very sorcery that she can conjure with ease, and threatens Aamir when she finds out about his goal of becoming a sorcerer. She will not allow the threat of an out-of-control-sorcerer to cause havoc in her city. 

I was really inspired by the Childlike Empress in The Never-ending Story, but I wanted her to be less kind and princess-like. This Empress is stern, stoic, and will not allow anything to harm her people. She is very spiritual, and seeks guidance often from the gods who grant her the ability to use magic, though she doesn’t understand why. 

#original story #original character #original characters #concept art #character design #visual development #aamirandaisha

[aamirandaisha]

Here we have our two main characters! 

Aamir  is an 18 year old pottery apprentice who is studying magic on the down-low. Sorcery is outlawed in this city and in most parts of this world, but he is determined to become a successful sorcerer anyway. He inherited his book of magic from his mother, who shared his ambition, but was not successful (she died). More on that later! Aamir is driven, ambitious, and reckless, which often leads to him being selfish and inconsiderate of others. But he is also, by nature, very kind. He does nice things without even thinking about them, especially for his best friend Aisha. The name Aamir, in some translations, means “prince”, which was intentional! He is very beautiful, with long, dark hair that looks blue in the sunlight. His almond-shaped eyes underneath long eyelashes are a deep, very dark red, and they can glint bright red when they catch light. His skin is abnormally pale for his geographic location. He is muscular but lithe, and he’s about 5′11/6 ft tall. His wardrobe is nice but plain, and his red sash he wears around his waist once belonged to his mother. 

Aisha is a 17 year old errand/delivery girl, and she makes her meager living by doing odd jobs and such around the city. It takes a village to raise a child, and that is certainly her case. Though she lives with the kindly widow Mrs. Kareem, she finds family wherever she goes. She gets a new job at the same pottery shop as Aamir, and it is there that they become fast friends. She is upbeat, friendly, and very lovable. However, she’s also very clumsy! She’s constantly falling and bumping into things, and since she’s often delivering or holding something fragile, she protects that over herself, which has led to her getting pretty scraped up. She has many scars on her back and shoulders from falling, as well as her knees. But despite her clumsiness and size, she’s very tough, and will do anything for those she loves. Her skin is naturally dark, but she spends so much time outside in the sun and often sleeps on the roof, so she’s gotten even darker and covered in freckles. Her hair is bright orange and very unruly, the best she can do is tie the long parts into twin tails. Her eyes are a piercing blue that shines in contrast to her dark skin. She prefers not to wear shoes, and her wardrobe is a scruffy accumulation of hand-me-downs, sometimes too big or small. But she’s not bothered by this! Her name, in some translations, means “lively”, and boy isn't she just! 

These characters have been in my head for years, and I’ve since built an entire story around them. It’s been a lot of fun so far! 

#original character #original characters #original story #aamirandaisha #character sheet #character description #character design #concept art #visual development #story development

[aamirandaisha]

I’m using this blog as an outlet completely dedicated to my original story that I’ve been doing visual development on for years. I have posted these guys on other social media as a portfolio or just as a fun update, so if you’d like to check those out and give me a follow, please do! I know Tumblr is weird and dead and used mostly for memes, but it was a great source for artists and creators back in the day (plus it’s free, I would have to pay to get a blog on artstation). SO welcome to the blog! I will be posting characters and descriptions, key scene scripts, storyboards, and any other specific development for Aamir and Aisha’s story! 

#original story #character design #visual development #original character #concept art #character sheet