The Drums of War-- Day 5 (February 6, 2317)

[Anwen]

Angie

"I live in the green house just down the street there." Angie replied. "What about you?"


Will

Smiling, Will gently took Endosi's hand and led her out into the hallway. "Now, where was the living room again?"

[Cytherea]

Endosi

Endosi laughed and rubbed the back of her neck nervously.

"Oh sorry! I kind of..." she blushed. "I kind of took you through the house quickly."

Endosi's heart thumped as they walked to the living room. He was holding her hand, he had just proposed, and now her parents were discussing her fate.

She took a seat on one of the sofas, her mind still whirling.

Alex

Alex fidgeted nervously. It had felt like hours he had been sitting in the lobby waiting for the meeting to be over. With a moan, he rested his head on the wall. He brought a hand up to his face and over his eyes.

"Why did I come...?" he muttered.

Two girls suddenly walked in, engaged in conversation. They were high-schooled age, and he had no idea what they were doing in the building. They giggled when they saw him, and then sat in two seats across from him. He felt his cheeks burn when one of them shyly waved at him. He grabbed a nearby magazine and buried his face in it. He heard more giggles, and had to stop his hands from shaking.

This is exactly one of my reasons to seclude myself from society...

He heard footsteps, and then, the same girl who had waved was peeping over the edge of the magazine.

"Hi." she said with a smile.

Alex felt a mixture of horror, disbelief, and fear all at the same time. His heart thumped wildly inside his chest.

What do I do, what do I do, what do I do?!

"My name is Stacey." she said sweetly. "My friend and I are here for a school paper. Could I interview you?"

"Interview?!" Alex managed. Stacey's straight blonde hair framed her face, that at this moment had a look of concern on it.

"If you don't mind." she said with a laugh. "You're just... the cutest one to interview."

Alex felt himself blush madly. This had absolutely never happened to him before, and he didn't have a clue as to how he should react.

"I-" he quickly stood up, and Stacey stepped backwards to let him. She smothered another giggle.

"Aw, it's alright. You don't have to."

"Hey Stace;" the other girl asked. "We'd better call J.T. He's probably wondering where we are."

"Okay." Stacey smiled at Alex again. "Maybe another time. Thanks anyway!"

The two girls left, and Alex practically melted back into his chair with relief.

[Anwen]

"Oh, that's fine." Will replied as she led him into the living room. "It just means we get to do it again."

He sat down next to her and, like a ton of bricks, realization hit him. I just proposed. To a girl I met yesterday. What have I--

Suddenly, he noticed her puzzled, shocked, and bewildered face looking into the distance. He smiled. He loved her. That was all that really mattered at that point.

[Cytherea]

Endosi

So I might be engaged... to someone I hardly know!- oh... but I love him. He's so perfect! Maybe I should try to calm down a bit more.

She looked up at him uncomfortably. Her hands trembled.

"So..." she began slowly. "What are your hobbies? Your likes and dislikes?" she pushed a strand of hair from her forehead. She smiled and felt less tense. "You seem like the type to be engaged in a job actively and whole-heartedly until you finish the task, pleasant or not. Devoted. Am I right?" she asked hesitantly.

[Anwen]

"What are your hobbies? Your likes and dislikes? You seem like the type to be engaged in a job actively and whole-heartedly until you finish the task, pleasant or not. Devoted. Am I right?" Endosi asked, seeming to become more confident.

"Well... I enjoy planning the theoretically perfect government. You know, one with less of a distinction between classes, and with a more efficient system of rule by the people.

I also enjoy knowing my own strength. I know most self defense moves because I live in a fairly bad neighborhood.

As to being devoted, I really don't know about that one. You should ask one of my friends like Puck* or one of the guys at work."


*Sydny

[Cytherea]

Endosi

"A perfect government... that's wishing for too much, right?" she stretched her arms flexibly. "I mean... I want to be a doctor for Subterreans and Royales, without distinction. But it's pretty silly of me to think like that." she laughed, embarrassed. "It's just too good to be true."

Endosi fingered the arm of the couch as she spoke. It was a frayed and worn arm, showing obvious signs of use. Endosi had often sat on the couch and played with the strings and fabric, until it was disheveled and tired looking. It had become a bad habit.

"So what is your job?" she asked, looking up at his face with a sweet smile.

[Anwen]

"A perfect government... that's wishing for too much, right? I mean... I want to be a doctor for Subterreans and Royales, without distinction. But it's pretty silly of me to think like that." she imparted, laughing slightly. "It's just too good to be true."

Does she really think a good government is impossible? I mean, I know it would be difficult, and even the best of governments can be corrupted, but still... Will's mind wandered as Endosi picked at the couch.

"So what is your job?" she queried, looking up at him, smiling sweetly.

"Oh, I'm a deliveryman. I work for ONLY package shipping, OneNation Loves You package shipping." He made a face. "I really don't like the name, but at least it pays well." He was still preoccupied with the government thing.

[Cytherea]

"ONLY..." Endosi mused over the name, letting it roll off her tongue as she tried to match the name to the company. "Oh! That's right. We've had occasional packages from ONLY. How long have you worked there?" Endosi asked. She bit her lip hesitantly. She had wanted to ask him about his parents or family, but she didn't know how to bring it up. She was lucky to have such a wonderful family, and she didn't want to upset him with her questions. "It is quite a..." she smiled. "Attention-demanding name."

[Wylla]

"I live in a green one" Jacob said

[Anwen]

"Oh... a couple of years I guess." Will looked into her eyes and smiled. "I'd find a better, full-time job if I could, especially if..." He trailed off, not sure how to say 'if she married him.'

_____________________________________________________________

"Okaaaay... Just, like that one right there?" Angie asked as she climbed higher and pointed.

He doesn't say much does he... Oh well...

[Cytherea]

Endosi sucked in her breath quickly.

Oh... is he worried I won't marry him if he's not rich enough? That I won't be content?

"William..." she said softly, taking his hand in hers as she spoke. "I don't need to be rich to be happy with you. Whatever job you have, or even if you don't have any, I don't care. It doesn't matter to me." she smiled at him. "I can adapt to my new surroundings joyfully without wads of money, if it means staying with you."

[Wylla]

Jacob craned his neck to see where she was pointing.
"Yeah" Jacob said.
He shivered. I really should have brought something warm.

[Anwen]

Will wasn't sure how to reply to that. He was grateful of course, but he just wasn't sure what to say. So, instead of saying anything, he put his arm around her shoulder and squeezed gently.

Just as Mr. and Mrs. Brightworth walked into the room.

__________________________________________

Angie groaned. "Look, Jake, can I call you Jake? Why don't you go home and warm up. I'm feeling cold just looking at you." She didn't want to be rude, but he really didn't seem in the mood to talk anyway.

[Wylla]

"Yeah, I should be going" Jacob said "Jonah will be back soon so I need to help him make lunch"
Jacob climbed down the tree and walked through the park back the way he came.  

[Cytherea]

Endosi

"William," Mr. Brightworth began. "if you would like to court our daughter, and she in turn wants your attention, we will allow you to court her. Of course, we would like to get to know you better. Would it be possible for you to join us for dinner tonight?"

Endosi's heart was racing.

Is that a yes?

[Anwen]

"Mr. Brightworth, I would be honored to join you all for dinner. I probably wouldn't be able to make it until after six though. I kind of have work to get to in..." Will paused to look at his watch. "5 minutes."

Will hugged Endosi gently and then looked around at everybody. "I'll see all of you later."

[Cytherea]

After he left, Endosi couldn't stop smiling and jumping around the house. She plunged into the housework whole-heartedly, talked and talked and talked to her mother and father, and hurried through her studies. There was still so much of the day left once she was done, that she didn't know what to do with herself. She studied some more and then sat in her room designing a wedding dress. She hoped that would be needed soon.

[Cytherea]

Shawlin

Shawlin wrapped a scarf around his neck. He was already wearing somewhat formal clothes and a long black jacket. He grabbed a fashionable hat (to the man's world of fashion, anyway) and placed it on his head. He quickly checked his appearance one more time before leaving. His face was handsome as usual, and his coal black hair fell over his forehead attractively.

"Okay... time to go." he breathed. He stepped outside in the chilly air and started walking the short distance to Mandi's house.

[Zinna]

Mandi

"Mother, is dinner about ready. I have a guest coming at 10" Mandi called downstairs.

Mrs. Jras replied, "Yes dear. Are you ready?"

"Almost. I will be finished in just a minute." Mandi had spent all morning on her studies and had only just opened her large wooden wardrobe. She has many dresses in every color. All of them are about the same design: puffed, short, or three-quarter length sleeves, modest square necklines, and ankle length skirts with or without trains. She chose a light blue puffed sleeved trainless dress and a pair of black ballet flats, small sparkly blue earrings, and her heart shaped necklace and brown leather cuffs she always wears. 

"Here I am Mother," Mandi said gently as she glided down the stairs and into the library.

"Oh Bramanda!" Mrs, Jras exclaimed, "All this for a boy you meet at as party you were not suppose to go to."

Mandi ignored her mother's last comment, "What's for dinner?"

"Bramanda, what IS for dinner. Oh, do use proper English."

"What is for dinner, Mother?" Mandi asked trying not to look annoyed.

"Chicken, mashed potatoes, and steamed vegetables is what the cook has made for your dinner."

"Thank you, cook," Mandi thought.

Suddenly there was a knock at the door. One of the maids answered it and showed the guest to the parlor. She came into the library and said, "A young man to see you Mrs. Jras. He is waitin' in the parlor. Shall I show him inta 'ere."

"No Maude, I will see him in the parlor," Mrs. Jras said. Turning to Mandi she gave a warning, "Use you words wisely, Bramanda." She turned, left the library, crossed the foyer, and entered the parlor. Tito was standing patiently by the fireplace. "Have to found out anything about my daughter's acquaintance Mr. Inderados?"

"Yes Mrs. Jras. He is a writer. In the whole 10 hours I watched him, he worked on his writings or ate. I don't think he is..."

"I don't pay you to give me your opinion!" snapped Mrs. Jras. "I want you to continue watching him especially if Bramanda is out with him. I don't want my child hurt."

"Yes Mrs. Jras," Tito gave a small bow and showed himself out of the house. "Until after dinner I will go back to my place and help Saben with the house work," he thought to himself. "But first, I think I will go and get some cheese for Rollo. He loves cheese."

[Cytherea]

Shawlin

The cold bit at his cheeks as he walked up the pathway leading to Mandi's house. He rang the doorbell and then brushed off his jacket nervously. He was excited to see Mandi, even though he'd seen her just a few days ago.

He pushed a few unruly strands away from his face and straightened his collar again. He hoped he was formally-dressed enough.

[Anwen]

Flipping down from her branch, Angie landed in a crouch in the slush. As she ran lightly through the snow, she smiled, pretending she was Tinuviel running from Beren-one-handed. Silently she ran, making no imprint on the sugary whiteness. She came to a clearing. In this natural stage, she began to play. Ethereal music filled her ears as she played, satisfied that she was alone.

[Cytherea]

Alex

"So... how did things go in the lobby?"

Alex just shook his head, as if it was all that needed to be done to explain about that topic.

"You see, it wasn't that hard, sweetie." his mom said with a cheerful smile. "Coming out of your shell for the first time in so long... wasn't it refreshing?"

"No!" he said quickly. "No, it was extremely stressful, and I don't want to ever do that again."

"Oh come on." his mom put a hand on his shoulder. "Are you sure?"

"Never again." Alex confirmed.

Mrs. O'Connor sighed, obviously disappointed.

"Well, we still have to go to the party tonight." they reached the car and she opened the door. "Try to last for three hours before you 'never again' be seen by anybody besides your parents."

[Brock]

Benjamin and Johnathan

"So how much have to been practicing since the last time I saw you?" Johnathan asked as he and Benjamin strolled down to the park for an outdoor guitar lesson.

"It seems like every minute of every day I've been practicing. My mom eventually had to limit my practice time because I wasn't playing enough piano." Ben replied.

"So do you think you're ready for a new lesson on fast finger-style guitar picking?"

"You bet I am. And after this can you teach me how to play 'The Devil went down to Gorgia'?"

"I might." Johnathan teased. Of course he would, Ben was a fast learner and in a few weeks time he would be ready for whatever Johnathan had to throw at him. Just then the soft, delicate sound of beautiful music reached their ears.

"You thinking of what I'm thinking?" Ben asked.

"Yep. You're thinking that we should check out who's playing that music and try to match the beauty of it."

"Let us try then." Ben joked. And they walked toward the sound.

[Anwen]

After completing her self-composed warm-up, Angie moved on to Cosmic Rain Dance for Solo Flute, which was composed by Paul Cecchetti in 2008. Playing it slightly faster than normal, she began to practice her acrobatics while playing, doing flips and spins, with some ballet thrown in now and then. The music was entrancing. She became more fluid in all her movements, becoming the music as much as was possible. While the snow was soft, it was left with barely a dent when she landed.

She never suspected someone could be watching her.

[Brock]

As Benjamin and Johnathan came into view of the girl, they stopped in their tracks. She was dancing to her own music, moving gracefully with each step, mimicking the flow of of it. They stood in awe looking on as she danced, forgetting everything around them and just watching and listening.