My Lizzie (back / summary)
James Vetour is many things: handsome, gentlemanly, and, above all, an eligible bachelor in eighteenth-century England. After three years in London, he returns to his family’s home in the country (Hetfordshire?). Upon his return, he finds his best friend, Miss Elizabeth (Eliza) Tedrow, engaged to be married and must quell his long-standing feelings for her as she enters wedlock with an abusive husband, Mr. Samuel Crowe. He decides that, against his better judgment and the order of Mr. Crowe, which he will remain in correspondence with Miss Eliza through a pseudonym – Miss Henrietta Vetour.
When at the engagement party for Miss Eliza, he meets the charming but not beautiful Annabelle (Belle) Cliffe. Drawn to his growing sense of familiarity and friendship to Annabelle, he begins feeling guilty about his quickly-changing feelings, from Miss Eliza to Miss Belle. And, after becoming attached to Miss Belle, he finds that she is to marry a stable hand, John, in Scotland on her way to America. Devastated, James finds that not only is his heart broken, but Miss Belle’s is about to be – for John is a conspirator in a scheme to kidnap Miss Belle for her fortune. Miss Belle is devastated and snaps at James in her pain and anger. James goes into seclusion from women; he is afraid that the next time he puts his heart on the line it will end as it always has for him. At Miss Eliza’s wedding, he meets yet another fascinating woman, Miss Amari Letta, the daughter of an Indian merchant and a very handsome and rich woman. He becomes good friends with Miss Letta and never feels feelings that go above that of a friend. While traveling with other rich young people, including Miss Letta, James stops at the estate of his good friend from school, William Browning. James meets William’s little sister, Miss Elizabeth (Lizzie) Browning. Bonding with her deeply for her passion and energy, he begins to love her more deeply than anyone he has ever known. But, to James’s disappointment, it is not to last, for he must return to care for the estate while his father lies on his deathbed. James finds that his only companionship through life is that of Miss Lizzie Browning – through long and entertaining letters. Upon the death of his father, James invites William and Miss Lizzie to stay at his estate for his father’s funeral. Unable to ignore his growing love for Lizzie, he admits he loves her – and she admits the same. Miss Penelope Tedrow, Eliza’s younger sister, sees this and does everything in her power to quench this match – for herself. Miss Penelope has always loved James fiercely and this reckless girl will not tear her from him. After almost flinging herself to her death, Penelope begins a cat-fight with Miss Lizzie. This brings the Tedrows and Crowes to a feud with James. And when Eliza is beaten so far as to kill her child, she turns to James for help. With Lizzie’s encouragement, James goes to duel with Mr. Crowe while she cares for Eliza. James kills Crowe with many injuries and is raised back to health by Lizzie. Penelope becomes a nun and Eliza a common widow. Eliza falls in love and marries William. Happily ever after.
All my love,
Asiat
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Saturday, June 20, 2009
more my lizzie.
Okay, and YES, I happen to know how halarious the comment about the shrubbery is.
Chapter 1
My brain was in an anxious frenzy. After three years of study in London, I was returning home. My sweet, lovely country home. And everything was as it should be – I was returning home, Lizzie was getting married. As children, she had made us plan out the rest of our lives – and we had planned it thus. Lizzie would laugh at the irony of it all. I knew that she had wished to have a double wedding with me, but now that was not possible. Something deep inside the wells of my heart thrilled when I saw Willford Estate come into view. The pond with the gravel walk around it brought happy memories to mind. I leaped from the carriage and ran through the front doors – just to assure myself that nothing had changed. The glass chandelier still glittered elegantly and Lizzie was in the library browsing the books with my mother as my father read the newspaper.It had not changed here at all.
“Ahem,” the servant said, brushing past me. “Excuse me, Mr. Vetour, Mrs. Vetour, Ms. Tedrow – Mr. William Vetour has arrived,” the servant retreated to the kitchen as I burst through the doors.
“Ah, my dear, Will!” my mother exclaimed, kissing my cheek.
“Will, my boy,” Father said shaking my hand. There was an awkward silence. Father returned to his newspaper and Mother left in a flutter calling for servants.
“Well, Ms. Lizzie Tedrow,” I said, teasing. “Have you not noticed there is a new arrival at Willford?”
“Is there?” she asked, turning the page of her book. “I hadn’t noticed.” She looked at me as if she had never seen me. “Oh, William! There you are. Have you been in your father’s closet these past three years? Hmmm.” We both laughed.“Welcome home, Will,” she smiled delicately.
“Thank you, Lizzie,” I replied with a smile. “It’s good to be back.”
“Lizzie, dear,” Mother called, popping her head through the door, “Are you staying for supper?”
“No ma’am,” Lizzie replied. “In fact, I should be leaving now. Goodbye, Mr. Vetour, Mrs. Vetour, Will.”Lizzie left quickly. Mother returned to the room with a quick glance.
“William – why are you still here?” Mother cried. “It is hardly gentlemanly to not escort a lady home. Go, now, before the Tedrows think us horribly impolite!” I began walking backwards towards the door. “Oh,” she called, “And stay for supper if they ask!”
“Yes, Mother,” I replied.Lizzie was at the edge of the front gate.“Miss Tedrow!” I called. I caught up to her. “Lizzie.” I bowed.
“Will,” she replied, surprised. She curtsied.
“Mother refuses to let a lady walk home alone without lecturing me about it, so I may as well accompany said lady home. And she also added to stay for dinner if asked.” She laughed.
“It’s good to have you back, William,” Lizzie said, touching my shoulder. “You were sorely missed these last three years; especially by your mother.”
“Yes, indeed, Lizzie,” I replied. “So, when is the date set?”
“I have no idea,” Lizzie replied. “This marriage it not anything like I wanted it to be, Will. I thought it would be romantic and wonderful, but it is just an arrangement between my father and Mr. Swan. I had no deal in it. He barely even knows me. I’m scared, William.” She was almost at tears. “It was a silly childish notion – being in love was,” she sniffled.
“Oh, Lizzie,” I smiled, walking arm in arm now. “You’ll be alright. If he really disturbs you, I’m sure you could throw a fit and refuse to marry him.” I gave her hand a gentle squeeze. We were approaching Enchorage Estate now. Lizzie smiled and slipped her arm out of mine. The sun was lowering on the horizon. Lizzie notified her parents that she had arrived safely home and we entered the parlor.
“Mr. Vetour!” Mrs. Tedrow exclaimed in her usual soothed elegant tones. She was the kind of mother who prided herself on personal elegance and social perfection, though her heart and mind were cold of all energy and warmth. “You have come such a long way. You must stay for dinner,” she said and began instructing the servants accordingly.
“Ma’am, if it is no trouble to you, I will remain,” I replied.“Of course you must stay, Penelope will be delighted to see you,” she smiled benevolently. I suppose she thought my marrying her second daughter, Penelope, would be a good match. Penelope, though a kind girl, is exactly that; she is only a girl. Mrs. Tedrow would hope that I would marry her for a promise in the property of Enchorage. I would not marry Penelope if I was paid a good price, nor if she were older, I might add. Penelope is a tad desperate. She believes, like her sister once did, that love and marriage are the same thing and that the sooner she is married, the sooner her life will be complete. She is altogether too loud, too annoying, and too young for me to stand. She is her mother’s favorite and has been spoilt by such favoritism. I hope that my children do not suffer from a mother like that.
“Oh, Mr. Vetour,” Penelope exclaimed. “What a wonderful thing it is to see you! I hear that London is a very socially wonderful place to be. Please tell us of it.” She said this all very fast, with her hands flailing about, that her glass of wine was nearly spilt.
“Calm yourself, Ms. Tedrow,” I scolded gently. “London’s fine qualities are over exaggerated a little much, but it is a grand and fine place to have taken my studies at. There is an agreeable higher society and the people there are fine in manners and fashion. It was a wonderful place to live and work and study at, but I am far happier to be home.”
“I should never be happy to remain here when there is London to see,” Penelope said indignantly. “You should take us, me and Lizzie, to London as a wedding gift,” she suggested.
“Oh, no,” Mrs. Tedrow said, scolding the child. “You are far too young to be traveling about and I will take you to London myself when the time comes to present you to higher society.” At this, the child could only pout.
I sipped my wine to keep from laughing. Lizzie looked at me, her eyes laughing. I could not see her face because it was hidden behind a handkerchief.
“I really must return to Willford,” I said, excusing myself from the parlor. “My father and I have business to catch up on.”
“And I am sure your mother wishes to clout you for leaving for so long a time,” Penelope said eagerly.
“I’m sure,” Lizzie interspersed teasing.
“Lizzie, please show Mr. Vetour to the door,” Mrs. Tedrow said quietly.
“Yes, Mother,” Lizzie replied.
Chapter 2
I seldom saw Lizzie or the Tedrows until their dinner celebrating the joining of Mr. Swan and Lizzie. Mrs. Tedrow was ecstatic over this news – even though it had been announced two months ago. Lizzie sent a note the day before:
Dear Will,I have a request and hope you do not have interference that would otherwise engage you. I would like you to come an hour or two before the engagement dinner, for my sake. What say you to a last enterprise of our good old times?
Lizzie
I checked with my parents so as to make sure I was not otherwise engaged and sent Lizzie a note telling her I would come as she wished. Lizzie was very nervous when I came and insisted that we go for a walk.
“Ah,” she sighed. “Now my mother cannot pester us with Penelope.”
“Yes, indeed,” I laughed. “I think I must announce that I shall marry any woman between the ages of seventeen and twenty, who has an admirable, silent character, with a witty personality that is revealed amongst close friends.” Lizzie laughed, for Penelope was only sixteen and none of those things.
“Oh, Will, that is a very descriptive want,” she chuckled. “I wish you luck, but you are looking for the perfect woman – and such women do not exist.”
“Well, thank you for your support, Lizzie,” I teased. “I would not marry a woman without flaws, however. You know I would not.”
“Indeed,” Lizzie said, looking towards the horizon. “Oh, Lord have mercy.”
“What is it, Lizzie?” I asked, squinting.
“Mr. Samuel Swan,” she breathed. “Would it be terribly rude of me to ask you to hide behind a piece of shrubbery?”
“It would,” I replied. “But, for the sake of your female nerves, I will obey.” I ducked behind a thick bush and held my breathe as Lizzie’s now-dreaded betrothed approached.
“A rather morose day, isn’t it, Elizabeth,” Mr. Swan commented. “Are you walking alone?” The man was rude enough not even to remove himself from his horse.
“It is a wonderful day, in my opinion, Samuel,” Lizzie replied. “I am alone.”
“You have a poor opinion then, Elizabeth,” Mr. Swan said sourly. “One should assume my betrothed would like fine sunny days, not depressing cloudy ones. You would be the perfect wife, would you not?”
“I will never be the perfect wife, Samuel,” Lizzie smiled, trying to remain polite.
“All wives must strive to be perfect,” Mr. Swan pronounced.
“Just because they strive does not mean they succeed,” Lizzie said playfully.
“I hope you do not cheek me so when we are married,” Mr. Swan nodded. “Do you have any friends coming to our engagement dinner?”
“Why, yes,” Lizzie said. “My good friend, Mr. William Vetour.”
“That scoundrel?” Mr. Swan gasped.
“Yes,” Lizzie blushed. “But he is a perfect gentleman.”
“I insist that he is not,” Mr. Swan said heatedly. “I say that, after our marriage, you sever contact with this Mr. Vetour. And, as my wife, you shall obey.”
“I suppose so,” Lizzie said quietly.
“You suppose so?” Mr. Swan repeated angrily. “Elizabeth, you must promise to never correspond with this man.”
“I – I promise…,” Lizzie said faintly.
“Good girl,” Swan said. I felt my skin boil. “You will walk for another hour or so and then return to get ready for the dinner, I suppose. You should look stunning.”
“Yes, Samuel.”
I hear the thundering of horses hooves and waited for Lizzie to approach me. When she did, she was weeping.
“Oh, Lizzie,” I said sympathetically. “You could still throw a fit, couldn’t you?”
“I don’t know if I would have the strength to, Will,” she sobbed. “But, never talk to you again? It’s a horrible notion.”
I thought swiftly, “But you will correspond and visit my cousin Ms. Willianna Vetour, to whom you became very close when you knew me, correct?”
“What are you saying, William?” she asked, her cheeks tear-stained.
“I am saying, Elizabeth, that if you go through with this marriage I will not abandon you,” I smiled softly. “I am saying that you will break your promise to Mr. Swan and write me letters and visit on the rare occasion. But it must be done in secret. I will tell my parents, my mother, at least, will approve.”
“Ever the gentleman,” Lizzie said, wiping away her tears. “Any woman would be lucky to marry you, Will.”
And, yes, once again, i KNOW that the shrubbery thing is funny. LOL.
Ciao, Bellas and ... guys...
Asiat
Chapter 1
My brain was in an anxious frenzy. After three years of study in London, I was returning home. My sweet, lovely country home. And everything was as it should be – I was returning home, Lizzie was getting married. As children, she had made us plan out the rest of our lives – and we had planned it thus. Lizzie would laugh at the irony of it all. I knew that she had wished to have a double wedding with me, but now that was not possible. Something deep inside the wells of my heart thrilled when I saw Willford Estate come into view. The pond with the gravel walk around it brought happy memories to mind. I leaped from the carriage and ran through the front doors – just to assure myself that nothing had changed. The glass chandelier still glittered elegantly and Lizzie was in the library browsing the books with my mother as my father read the newspaper.It had not changed here at all.
“Ahem,” the servant said, brushing past me. “Excuse me, Mr. Vetour, Mrs. Vetour, Ms. Tedrow – Mr. William Vetour has arrived,” the servant retreated to the kitchen as I burst through the doors.
“Ah, my dear, Will!” my mother exclaimed, kissing my cheek.
“Will, my boy,” Father said shaking my hand. There was an awkward silence. Father returned to his newspaper and Mother left in a flutter calling for servants.
“Well, Ms. Lizzie Tedrow,” I said, teasing. “Have you not noticed there is a new arrival at Willford?”
“Is there?” she asked, turning the page of her book. “I hadn’t noticed.” She looked at me as if she had never seen me. “Oh, William! There you are. Have you been in your father’s closet these past three years? Hmmm.” We both laughed.“Welcome home, Will,” she smiled delicately.
“Thank you, Lizzie,” I replied with a smile. “It’s good to be back.”
“Lizzie, dear,” Mother called, popping her head through the door, “Are you staying for supper?”
“No ma’am,” Lizzie replied. “In fact, I should be leaving now. Goodbye, Mr. Vetour, Mrs. Vetour, Will.”Lizzie left quickly. Mother returned to the room with a quick glance.
“William – why are you still here?” Mother cried. “It is hardly gentlemanly to not escort a lady home. Go, now, before the Tedrows think us horribly impolite!” I began walking backwards towards the door. “Oh,” she called, “And stay for supper if they ask!”
“Yes, Mother,” I replied.Lizzie was at the edge of the front gate.“Miss Tedrow!” I called. I caught up to her. “Lizzie.” I bowed.
“Will,” she replied, surprised. She curtsied.
“Mother refuses to let a lady walk home alone without lecturing me about it, so I may as well accompany said lady home. And she also added to stay for dinner if asked.” She laughed.
“It’s good to have you back, William,” Lizzie said, touching my shoulder. “You were sorely missed these last three years; especially by your mother.”
“Yes, indeed, Lizzie,” I replied. “So, when is the date set?”
“I have no idea,” Lizzie replied. “This marriage it not anything like I wanted it to be, Will. I thought it would be romantic and wonderful, but it is just an arrangement between my father and Mr. Swan. I had no deal in it. He barely even knows me. I’m scared, William.” She was almost at tears. “It was a silly childish notion – being in love was,” she sniffled.
“Oh, Lizzie,” I smiled, walking arm in arm now. “You’ll be alright. If he really disturbs you, I’m sure you could throw a fit and refuse to marry him.” I gave her hand a gentle squeeze. We were approaching Enchorage Estate now. Lizzie smiled and slipped her arm out of mine. The sun was lowering on the horizon. Lizzie notified her parents that she had arrived safely home and we entered the parlor.
“Mr. Vetour!” Mrs. Tedrow exclaimed in her usual soothed elegant tones. She was the kind of mother who prided herself on personal elegance and social perfection, though her heart and mind were cold of all energy and warmth. “You have come such a long way. You must stay for dinner,” she said and began instructing the servants accordingly.
“Ma’am, if it is no trouble to you, I will remain,” I replied.“Of course you must stay, Penelope will be delighted to see you,” she smiled benevolently. I suppose she thought my marrying her second daughter, Penelope, would be a good match. Penelope, though a kind girl, is exactly that; she is only a girl. Mrs. Tedrow would hope that I would marry her for a promise in the property of Enchorage. I would not marry Penelope if I was paid a good price, nor if she were older, I might add. Penelope is a tad desperate. She believes, like her sister once did, that love and marriage are the same thing and that the sooner she is married, the sooner her life will be complete. She is altogether too loud, too annoying, and too young for me to stand. She is her mother’s favorite and has been spoilt by such favoritism. I hope that my children do not suffer from a mother like that.
“Oh, Mr. Vetour,” Penelope exclaimed. “What a wonderful thing it is to see you! I hear that London is a very socially wonderful place to be. Please tell us of it.” She said this all very fast, with her hands flailing about, that her glass of wine was nearly spilt.
“Calm yourself, Ms. Tedrow,” I scolded gently. “London’s fine qualities are over exaggerated a little much, but it is a grand and fine place to have taken my studies at. There is an agreeable higher society and the people there are fine in manners and fashion. It was a wonderful place to live and work and study at, but I am far happier to be home.”
“I should never be happy to remain here when there is London to see,” Penelope said indignantly. “You should take us, me and Lizzie, to London as a wedding gift,” she suggested.
“Oh, no,” Mrs. Tedrow said, scolding the child. “You are far too young to be traveling about and I will take you to London myself when the time comes to present you to higher society.” At this, the child could only pout.
I sipped my wine to keep from laughing. Lizzie looked at me, her eyes laughing. I could not see her face because it was hidden behind a handkerchief.
“I really must return to Willford,” I said, excusing myself from the parlor. “My father and I have business to catch up on.”
“And I am sure your mother wishes to clout you for leaving for so long a time,” Penelope said eagerly.
“I’m sure,” Lizzie interspersed teasing.
“Lizzie, please show Mr. Vetour to the door,” Mrs. Tedrow said quietly.
“Yes, Mother,” Lizzie replied.
Chapter 2
I seldom saw Lizzie or the Tedrows until their dinner celebrating the joining of Mr. Swan and Lizzie. Mrs. Tedrow was ecstatic over this news – even though it had been announced two months ago. Lizzie sent a note the day before:
Dear Will,I have a request and hope you do not have interference that would otherwise engage you. I would like you to come an hour or two before the engagement dinner, for my sake. What say you to a last enterprise of our good old times?
Lizzie
I checked with my parents so as to make sure I was not otherwise engaged and sent Lizzie a note telling her I would come as she wished. Lizzie was very nervous when I came and insisted that we go for a walk.
“Ah,” she sighed. “Now my mother cannot pester us with Penelope.”
“Yes, indeed,” I laughed. “I think I must announce that I shall marry any woman between the ages of seventeen and twenty, who has an admirable, silent character, with a witty personality that is revealed amongst close friends.” Lizzie laughed, for Penelope was only sixteen and none of those things.
“Oh, Will, that is a very descriptive want,” she chuckled. “I wish you luck, but you are looking for the perfect woman – and such women do not exist.”
“Well, thank you for your support, Lizzie,” I teased. “I would not marry a woman without flaws, however. You know I would not.”
“Indeed,” Lizzie said, looking towards the horizon. “Oh, Lord have mercy.”
“What is it, Lizzie?” I asked, squinting.
“Mr. Samuel Swan,” she breathed. “Would it be terribly rude of me to ask you to hide behind a piece of shrubbery?”
“It would,” I replied. “But, for the sake of your female nerves, I will obey.” I ducked behind a thick bush and held my breathe as Lizzie’s now-dreaded betrothed approached.
“A rather morose day, isn’t it, Elizabeth,” Mr. Swan commented. “Are you walking alone?” The man was rude enough not even to remove himself from his horse.
“It is a wonderful day, in my opinion, Samuel,” Lizzie replied. “I am alone.”
“You have a poor opinion then, Elizabeth,” Mr. Swan said sourly. “One should assume my betrothed would like fine sunny days, not depressing cloudy ones. You would be the perfect wife, would you not?”
“I will never be the perfect wife, Samuel,” Lizzie smiled, trying to remain polite.
“All wives must strive to be perfect,” Mr. Swan pronounced.
“Just because they strive does not mean they succeed,” Lizzie said playfully.
“I hope you do not cheek me so when we are married,” Mr. Swan nodded. “Do you have any friends coming to our engagement dinner?”
“Why, yes,” Lizzie said. “My good friend, Mr. William Vetour.”
“That scoundrel?” Mr. Swan gasped.
“Yes,” Lizzie blushed. “But he is a perfect gentleman.”
“I insist that he is not,” Mr. Swan said heatedly. “I say that, after our marriage, you sever contact with this Mr. Vetour. And, as my wife, you shall obey.”
“I suppose so,” Lizzie said quietly.
“You suppose so?” Mr. Swan repeated angrily. “Elizabeth, you must promise to never correspond with this man.”
“I – I promise…,” Lizzie said faintly.
“Good girl,” Swan said. I felt my skin boil. “You will walk for another hour or so and then return to get ready for the dinner, I suppose. You should look stunning.”
“Yes, Samuel.”
I hear the thundering of horses hooves and waited for Lizzie to approach me. When she did, she was weeping.
“Oh, Lizzie,” I said sympathetically. “You could still throw a fit, couldn’t you?”
“I don’t know if I would have the strength to, Will,” she sobbed. “But, never talk to you again? It’s a horrible notion.”
I thought swiftly, “But you will correspond and visit my cousin Ms. Willianna Vetour, to whom you became very close when you knew me, correct?”
“What are you saying, William?” she asked, her cheeks tear-stained.
“I am saying, Elizabeth, that if you go through with this marriage I will not abandon you,” I smiled softly. “I am saying that you will break your promise to Mr. Swan and write me letters and visit on the rare occasion. But it must be done in secret. I will tell my parents, my mother, at least, will approve.”
“Ever the gentleman,” Lizzie said, wiping away her tears. “Any woman would be lucky to marry you, Will.”
And, yes, once again, i KNOW that the shrubbery thing is funny. LOL.
Ciao, Bellas and ... guys...
Asiat
Saturday, June 13, 2009
hello kittens :D
not. so, if ya want kudos from moi, then read the post before it and u'll be informed.
The Greensborough Lodge, New York
Things had changed a lot since Adam left. Tonia tried to pretend that she didn’t miss him, but I knew she did. Adyin was being wonderful to both of us – since we were still on probation. He kept us in the loop and gave us tiny little things to research for his bigger cases. He took us for a “Girls’ Night Out” every Friday. He and Tonia had become really good friends – which was something I saw as kind of strange, and I tried not to get jealous.
In the meantime, I still kept in touch with Adam, who was now working on probation in Cairo, Egypt. He sent me letters about the hot, dry climate and his strange case – which caught even my attention. Capturing the media attention was a mass-murdering spree, but the media didn’t know that their murderer was a well-known, crazed sphinx called Cleopatra. She was the creature Cleopatra, the queen, was named after. I was still incredulous about the actual existence of sphinxes because we had disproved their existence for over forty years. It was hard to think that searching was in vain.
It was a warm Sunday in May, after church – which was part of preparation for our baptism, when I received a call from my cousin Felix, who was currently acting as Adam’s Guardian.
“Tess,” he said, “Please, I don’t know what to do – Adam’s gone missing.”
“What? Slow down, Felix,” I soothed. “What do you mean Adam’s gone missing?”
“On Friday night, Adam went out to do some research,” Felix explained more thoroughly. “He never came back and he’s not answering his phone. The thing is, I was looking through Adam’s research and he highlighted two points. One, the sphinx took the people for the day before killing them – and if the sphinx took Adam, then he’s already dead. And two, all of the victims were males of Greek descent – like Adam. I’m not sure what to do, I alerted the police and the Legend-Seeker Council, but…” he trailed off.
“You’re worried about him,” I finished. “I’ll see what I can do, Felix. I can’t promise much.”
“You sound like you’re not worried,” Felix said, I could hear the confusion in his voice.
“I am worried, believe me,” I said. “But I found out being hysterical doesn’t do any good.”
“Okay, then,” Felix sighed. “I’ll let you go.”
“Okay, bye.”
“Who was that?” Adyin asked, sitting on my couch with a cup of coffee and the newspaper.
“Felix,” I answered. “He says that Adam’s gone missing. I’m going to Edna to see if I can get anywhere.”
“Adam’s missing?” Adyin said surprised. “What happened?” I sat down and quickly explained the situation. Adyin got a call to the Legend-Seeker Council room and stood. Adyin kissed my cheek gently. “My superwoman,” he smiled. “I’m sure you’ll find Adam without even going to Cairo.”
“Yeah, well,” I sighed, “Adam’s parents aren’t going to care – they’re workaholics. Someone’s got to look out for him.”
“And that’s you?” Adyin said lifting and eyebrow. “Thought that was Tonia?”
“Tonia is on a career path,” I said. “Got a problem with that? I’m still your girlfriend, but you’re not my only friend.” I sensed the animosity towards Adam. Adyin sometimes got jealous too.
“No, I’ll be okay – just get jealous sometimes…” he explained.
“Hey,” I said lifting my hands in the air, “I get jealous all the time, don’t worry.”
“You do?” Adyin asked.
“Though you don’t seem to notice, most people still think Tonia’s pretty hot,” I smiled.
“I’m sorry,” he smiled. “I got to go, darling. I love you – no matter what.”
“Yeah, yeah,” I replied. “Go on – you have more important things to do than go all gaga over me. I love you too.” With one last wink, Adyin left me.
GUESS WHAT??? Well, it shouldn't be THAT hard. I finally decided where FoRM would end.
ciao, darlings,
Asiat
The Greensborough Lodge, New York
Things had changed a lot since Adam left. Tonia tried to pretend that she didn’t miss him, but I knew she did. Adyin was being wonderful to both of us – since we were still on probation. He kept us in the loop and gave us tiny little things to research for his bigger cases. He took us for a “Girls’ Night Out” every Friday. He and Tonia had become really good friends – which was something I saw as kind of strange, and I tried not to get jealous.
In the meantime, I still kept in touch with Adam, who was now working on probation in Cairo, Egypt. He sent me letters about the hot, dry climate and his strange case – which caught even my attention. Capturing the media attention was a mass-murdering spree, but the media didn’t know that their murderer was a well-known, crazed sphinx called Cleopatra. She was the creature Cleopatra, the queen, was named after. I was still incredulous about the actual existence of sphinxes because we had disproved their existence for over forty years. It was hard to think that searching was in vain.
It was a warm Sunday in May, after church – which was part of preparation for our baptism, when I received a call from my cousin Felix, who was currently acting as Adam’s Guardian.
“Tess,” he said, “Please, I don’t know what to do – Adam’s gone missing.”
“What? Slow down, Felix,” I soothed. “What do you mean Adam’s gone missing?”
“On Friday night, Adam went out to do some research,” Felix explained more thoroughly. “He never came back and he’s not answering his phone. The thing is, I was looking through Adam’s research and he highlighted two points. One, the sphinx took the people for the day before killing them – and if the sphinx took Adam, then he’s already dead. And two, all of the victims were males of Greek descent – like Adam. I’m not sure what to do, I alerted the police and the Legend-Seeker Council, but…” he trailed off.
“You’re worried about him,” I finished. “I’ll see what I can do, Felix. I can’t promise much.”
“You sound like you’re not worried,” Felix said, I could hear the confusion in his voice.
“I am worried, believe me,” I said. “But I found out being hysterical doesn’t do any good.”
“Okay, then,” Felix sighed. “I’ll let you go.”
“Okay, bye.”
“Who was that?” Adyin asked, sitting on my couch with a cup of coffee and the newspaper.
“Felix,” I answered. “He says that Adam’s gone missing. I’m going to Edna to see if I can get anywhere.”
“Adam’s missing?” Adyin said surprised. “What happened?” I sat down and quickly explained the situation. Adyin got a call to the Legend-Seeker Council room and stood. Adyin kissed my cheek gently. “My superwoman,” he smiled. “I’m sure you’ll find Adam without even going to Cairo.”
“Yeah, well,” I sighed, “Adam’s parents aren’t going to care – they’re workaholics. Someone’s got to look out for him.”
“And that’s you?” Adyin said lifting and eyebrow. “Thought that was Tonia?”
“Tonia is on a career path,” I said. “Got a problem with that? I’m still your girlfriend, but you’re not my only friend.” I sensed the animosity towards Adam. Adyin sometimes got jealous too.
“No, I’ll be okay – just get jealous sometimes…” he explained.
“Hey,” I said lifting my hands in the air, “I get jealous all the time, don’t worry.”
“You do?” Adyin asked.
“Though you don’t seem to notice, most people still think Tonia’s pretty hot,” I smiled.
“I’m sorry,” he smiled. “I got to go, darling. I love you – no matter what.”
“Yeah, yeah,” I replied. “Go on – you have more important things to do than go all gaga over me. I love you too.” With one last wink, Adyin left me.
GUESS WHAT??? Well, it shouldn't be THAT hard. I finally decided where FoRM would end.
ciao, darlings,
Asiat
Friday, June 12, 2009
L...O...L...Z!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So, I know that I promised E.C.P.M that this next post would be SoED's debut, but, well, I lied. :P deal. Reason being that my laptop's connection is shoty at best. (is there a way to spell shoty???) No, this is a comment on Vortican's comments. I really should put my "dead" friend Will in the dedication. I can see it now... To Vortican - meet my dead friend Will. Yes, I laugh at my own typos.
Now, Vort. also said that you can tell that Will regrets that he didn't ask Lizzie to marry him, but at the time he doesn't even realize that he loves her (in that way.) Currently, he plays the part of the loyal bff. :P If any of you have ever read the Luxe then it's something like the relationship between Penelope and (i forgot his name!!!)
Don't worry, there are some correspondence dashed in there with the common letter. And, right before the wedding, Lizzie (because of Sam Swan) is forced to end her relationship with Will. She continues it in secrecy through her letters addressed to a Ms. Williana Vetour (aka - Mr. William Vetour!!! I am genius :D). Through this correspondence and visits to Ms. Williana, Will finds that Swan has beaten Lizzie so often as to kill there first child ;( THEN, when Will has had enough, he meets Lizzie on a dark rain soaked night they declare their love for each other and Will then goes off to duel Swan. And... if I told you the end of the story, I would seriously spoil EVERYTHING, so I won't. :P
SO I am awesome!
And Vortican, if your computer is proposing to you, I'd dump it - or give it your number (well, give it the number that goes to the rejection hotline. Imagine it calling you only to hear, "You have been rejected!")
Well, thus ends the blog post on... comments. I had a really good laugh with some of them (my dead friend!).
Live long an' prosper, homies!
Asiat
Now, Vort. also said that you can tell that Will regrets that he didn't ask Lizzie to marry him, but at the time he doesn't even realize that he loves her (in that way.) Currently, he plays the part of the loyal bff. :P If any of you have ever read the Luxe then it's something like the relationship between Penelope and (i forgot his name!!!)
Don't worry, there are some correspondence dashed in there with the common letter. And, right before the wedding, Lizzie (because of Sam Swan) is forced to end her relationship with Will. She continues it in secrecy through her letters addressed to a Ms. Williana Vetour (aka - Mr. William Vetour!!! I am genius :D). Through this correspondence and visits to Ms. Williana, Will finds that Swan has beaten Lizzie so often as to kill there first child ;( THEN, when Will has had enough, he meets Lizzie on a dark rain soaked night they declare their love for each other and Will then goes off to duel Swan. And... if I told you the end of the story, I would seriously spoil EVERYTHING, so I won't. :P
SO I am awesome!
And Vortican, if your computer is proposing to you, I'd dump it - or give it your number (well, give it the number that goes to the rejection hotline. Imagine it calling you only to hear, "You have been rejected!")
Well, thus ends the blog post on... comments. I had a really good laugh with some of them (my dead friend!).
Live long an' prosper, homies!
Asiat
Monday, June 8, 2009
SORRY!!!
I'm SORRY everyone! I haven't posted in ever for... many reasons. Main reason: I haven't written in, like, two weeks. LOLZ LOOK WHAT IT IS???
My Lizzie – Prologue
To my dead friend, Will,
Too long has it been since we have last traded letters. Your mother is pleased to inform me that rumor says you are to come home. She begs me to ask if you intend on doing so. With a teasing not, I ask do you, a man of London, intend of returning to your lowly country home?
Affectionately,
Elizabeth Tedrow
Dear Lizzie,
Too long indeed. You may tell my mother that her son is at long last returning home – and happily so. Rumor has also whispered in my ear – it tells me that my return will be to hear the Enchorage chapel wedding bells. Tell me, old friend, who is the fellow? I cannot wait to meet him. I shall wonder whether we shall laugh or duel.
All the best,
William Vetour
William,
I certainly hope you do not duel, for then I will loose a husband or a beloved friend and shall be very disagreeable indeed. Your mother once again beseeches me to ask when you plan to arrive at Willford Estate and if you will call on me first. I must smile and laugh at such talk. My betrothed is Mr. Samuel Swan of Bedfellow Estate. I will pray that you do not duel, Will.
Affectionately,
Elizabeth Tedrow
Dear Elizabeth,
I have met Mr. Swan one several occasions and found him very agreeable. I wish you happy. Please tell my mother that I will return to Willford and then pay calls to my friends. I assume that I shall not have to call at Enchorage if you still spend as much time there as you did when I was home.
All the best,
William Vetour
I just wrote that yesterday and today :D :D :D!!! YAHOO!!!! so i'll put on the rest when i finish the chapter1-scene!
I HOPE YA'LL LIKED IT!
*wink, wink* love ya'll!
Asiat
My Lizzie – Prologue
To my dead friend, Will,
Too long has it been since we have last traded letters. Your mother is pleased to inform me that rumor says you are to come home. She begs me to ask if you intend on doing so. With a teasing not, I ask do you, a man of London, intend of returning to your lowly country home?
Affectionately,
Elizabeth Tedrow
Dear Lizzie,
Too long indeed. You may tell my mother that her son is at long last returning home – and happily so. Rumor has also whispered in my ear – it tells me that my return will be to hear the Enchorage chapel wedding bells. Tell me, old friend, who is the fellow? I cannot wait to meet him. I shall wonder whether we shall laugh or duel.
All the best,
William Vetour
William,
I certainly hope you do not duel, for then I will loose a husband or a beloved friend and shall be very disagreeable indeed. Your mother once again beseeches me to ask when you plan to arrive at Willford Estate and if you will call on me first. I must smile and laugh at such talk. My betrothed is Mr. Samuel Swan of Bedfellow Estate. I will pray that you do not duel, Will.
Affectionately,
Elizabeth Tedrow
Dear Elizabeth,
I have met Mr. Swan one several occasions and found him very agreeable. I wish you happy. Please tell my mother that I will return to Willford and then pay calls to my friends. I assume that I shall not have to call at Enchorage if you still spend as much time there as you did when I was home.
All the best,
William Vetour
I just wrote that yesterday and today :D :D :D!!! YAHOO!!!! so i'll put on the rest when i finish the chapter1-scene!
I HOPE YA'LL LIKED IT!
*wink, wink* love ya'll!
Asiat
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Sounding like a Jesus-Freak
THIS is the PouringMyHeartOut/ContemplatingLife Post. And don't worry, I'll keep it brief... not.
So many of you know that I've become.. cynical? harsh? completely lost?... forgive me for that. It was a combo of life, school, and my book-dom (book-kingdom) crashing down on me.
Life problems = a sick feeling that all my friends are going to up and leave me for no good reason at all. This also comes into play with some of my latest nightmares. I'm seriously scared that I'll loose all of my friends if I become famous or actually publish. I'm afraid I'm going to loose you guys ;( I sound so mushy, but it's really true!
School problems = this is, like, a biggie. Ya know when you go to school and you're not only the outcast, but the outcast who doesn't care. Aren't they supposed to leave you alone after you stop caring??? Oh, well. It's a case of seeing people I hate too much and seeing people I love too little. There's really nothing I can do about that.
Book-dom problems = this is more of a case of 'What the heck am I going to work on next?' and 'How do these authors make it through the second draft?' - itis. I'm really NOT sure what I want to do next. Along with the fact that I want to start a fictional story-blog about a mom who dies of cancer and leaves a diary for her son... it's REALLLLLLLYYYYYY depressing/sad and I'm not sure if anyone would read this, but it's a pretty cooooool idea. Add unto ALLLL of that that I'm still working on both 50EPOL and SoED AND the second draft of FoRM... Lord have mercy! So I'd like to see if any of you would consider reading the cancer-diary-blog story - just comment, darlings.
Well, I'm gonna flee... and continue watching Under The Greenwood Tree. lol, hopeless non-romance-believing-romantic that I am.
Ciao.
Live Long and Prosper,
Asiat
So many of you know that I've become.. cynical? harsh? completely lost?... forgive me for that. It was a combo of life, school, and my book-dom (book-kingdom) crashing down on me.
Life problems = a sick feeling that all my friends are going to up and leave me for no good reason at all. This also comes into play with some of my latest nightmares. I'm seriously scared that I'll loose all of my friends if I become famous or actually publish. I'm afraid I'm going to loose you guys ;( I sound so mushy, but it's really true!
School problems = this is, like, a biggie. Ya know when you go to school and you're not only the outcast, but the outcast who doesn't care. Aren't they supposed to leave you alone after you stop caring??? Oh, well. It's a case of seeing people I hate too much and seeing people I love too little. There's really nothing I can do about that.
Book-dom problems = this is more of a case of 'What the heck am I going to work on next?' and 'How do these authors make it through the second draft?' - itis. I'm really NOT sure what I want to do next. Along with the fact that I want to start a fictional story-blog about a mom who dies of cancer and leaves a diary for her son... it's REALLLLLLLYYYYYY depressing/sad and I'm not sure if anyone would read this, but it's a pretty cooooool idea. Add unto ALLLL of that that I'm still working on both 50EPOL and SoED AND the second draft of FoRM... Lord have mercy! So I'd like to see if any of you would consider reading the cancer-diary-blog story - just comment, darlings.
Well, I'm gonna flee... and continue watching Under The Greenwood Tree. lol, hopeless non-romance-believing-romantic that I am.
Ciao.
Live Long and Prosper,
Asiat
Monday, May 25, 2009
you're going to WANT to kill me, but then you'll give a fan-girl SQUEEEE!!!
so, i figure, that's exactly what you're going to do when you read my next selection. i FINALLY!!!! found out how i want to start this once-deadbook. *hint hint*
lol. :D :D :D I want YOU to try and figure out which dead book! (commentos!)
Prologue
Master Al’ead stood contemplatively looking at the fire. He heard a knock at his door and turned around. He was a tall, rather young man – not too old. He had icy blue eyes and deeply tanned skin; a rugged shaped body.
“Who is it?” he said quietly.
“Adela, Master Al’ead,” a small girl sniffled. Master Al’ead smiled down on the child.
“Adela, my dear, whatever is the matter?” Al’ead said, opening the door for her. She ran in and clutched his legs in a child’s bear hug.
“Papa yelled at me because I talked to a servant-boy, a bard,” she wept. “Rafael is – is intelligent and funny and Papa says I can never speak to him again because he is not my equal until he is actually a bard… then he will be my superior. Why can I not talk to him, Al’ead? Why?”
“Shh, Adela, be still,” Al’ead soothed.
“Will you tell me a story? To get my mind off of it?” Adela asked, wiping the tears away from her cheeks. Al’ead had always admired the child’s insightfulness and intelligence – admired the way she spoke as an adult.
He sat on a chair and smiled as Adela climbed up into his lap. In her dreams, she referred to him as her father, not her biological father. He loved the child dearly as much as the child loved him.
“A story, please?” she begged.
“Alright, alright,” he laughed, kissing her forehead and brushing her black her dark hair.
“Once upon a time, before our islands were covered in the Mist, we were a proud united nation. All of the islands: Karnar, Theselon, Theo, Dragon Island, Calips Island – our home, the Realm of the Barbarians, the Desert Islands. Everyone. There was a greedy man,” Al’ead said bitterly. “A greedy man who convinced his mistress and his country to turn on the others; they began a war unlike any other. Thousands of dead, and soil that was drenched in the blood of our forefathers. It was… terrible…”
“How would you know, Master Al’ead?” she asked fighting her slumping eyes.
“My father…” he said by way of explanation. “Anyways, the war lasted so long, people began to forget the real reason for it – but the man continued his campaign for the domination of the islands. Finally, diplomats from the other islands decided that enough was enough. They met the man and his mistress at the Lost City.
“One night, the four couples stood hand in hand at the center of the City. Silver rain crashed down on them and lightning stroked the skies. A dark-skinned man, the one who had begun the war, clenched his teeth at the others, yelling that this land was made for war and war shall be its destiny.
“The man leading the four couple responded ‘I will not let you do this. I will not let you destroy this land with your lust for power.’ The dark man replied, ‘I had no need to destroy this land, it destroyed itself.’ He then commanded his mistress, ‘Do it, do it now.’
“The mistress began a rhythmic dance, a wicked chant escaping her lips. Snakes rose up from the ground and killed the four couples where they stood. The dark man’s mistress was a witch – with dark, vile power. But even the Dark Forces suffer when life is taken from the earth. After all were dead, she ceased her vile dance and collapsed unto the floor as the Darkness tried to recover its life force.
“Try as she might to help the force, her work was to no avail. The guilt of murdering eight people in cold blood came crashing down. The guilt and the force became so much that she died as well…” Al’ead stopped his narration when he saw that Adela was asleep. He laid her on his cot next to the fire and covered her with a wool blanket. He sat on the ground and leaned his back on the cot. He stared into the fire.
“Please, Master Al’ead, continue with your story,” Adela said quietly, patting his dark hair gently.
“I will, I will,” he whispered, taking her hand in his. “The wicked man was… grieved… to see the one person he loved and who had loved him lying dead. He began grieving as no man ever had. He began to repent his evil ways. He began a life that was simple and he did not lust for power as he once had. Deep down inside, the man hated himself, cursed himself, for killing the only people who could have brought peace to the Islands. As much as he tried, the lands would not stop their war. They claimed his brain had gone to mush. He prowled the land and the sea in search of peace and of death. He grew old searching. He grew old…but would not die.
“The Darkness made the man prowl the earth – sometimes in the guise of a young man, but other times as an old one. Even now he prowls the earth…” Master Al’ead stopped. He turned to see the child sleeping peacefully. He brushed the hair from her face and kissed her forehead. “And that man’s name was Al’ead,” he whispered. “That man is me, Adela. Would you forgive me if you knew?”
Master Al’ead stroked Adela’s cheek where her tears made little dried streaks. Al’ead gathered her up in his arms. He carried her back into her room and, as he closed the door, silent tears fell down his cheeks.
The morning afterwards, Master Al’ead took his leave of ??? Castle. He was never seen again in the country.
________________________________________________________________________________
Part 1 – the Beginning Years
Eight years later…
“Must you go, Eliza?” Adela asked inquisitively. “Where are you going anyway?” Eliza pulled a gown over top her undergarment and tightened the laces.
“I go to my husband, Adela, love,” she answered quietly. Adela had always been a wild soul; Eliza being the quiet, more obedient of Sir Belroth’s daughters. “I dare say you shall be married in less than two years. When you are eighteen, dear.”
“I won’t ever get married,” Adela said passionately.
“You will,” Eliza chuckled. “Just you wait.” Just then, a maid came in telling them that their father wished to see both of his daughters. They exchanged glances and walked to his study.
“You may be at a loss as to why I have summoned you,” Sire Belroth said darkly. He was not a kind man, and never had been – often taking delight in frightening his children.
“Papa, we will know soon enough,” Eliza said, pursing her lips.
“Yes, yes,” Belroth said. “Adela will become your companion and charge when you marry. You are both being packed for. I don’t want Adela in this house for very much longer. She is too wild and we will never make an assassin of her. I chose not to do so with you, Eliza, because it would not suit you… but I am sure Adela’s evil ways will…”
“Papa, please stop,” Eliza said seriously. “You’re hurting her.” Adela was fighting back tears.
“No, no,” Adela said in a fight to be a good child. “I will go. If you hate me that much, then I will go. I am sure Eliza loves me more that you ever did and she will raise me better than you ever could!” Those words stung Sir Belroth. He had always prided himself on his ability to raise good children. He stood and snarled at his own child.
“You ungrateful child, I gave you birth,” he yelled. “You will go as any meek child would, and nothing more. You will not insult your father!”
“You are not father to me, Sir,” Adela replied, her green eyes flashing angrily. “You never were and you never will be! I take my leave of you.” Adela turned around and left the room, but not before Sir Belroth slapped her cheek. That child always made him so angry. Could she not control her mouth a moment?
Adela rushed from her room, tears pouring down her cheeks. She ran to her room and flung herself down on her bed, crying into her pillow.
“You are no father to me,” she whispered repeatedly.
Hours later, Eliza and Adela boarded the ship. They were silent and Eliza very soon became sick. Adela took to the task of caring for her. Eliza knew that Adela was a good child and that she would make a good Assassin. She had made plans of her own – against her father’s wishes. But she, after all, was not her father’s property now, she was her husband’s. She was not at her father’s mercy any longer.
“Here, Eliza,” Adela whispered, “Here is some broth.” Eliza took a sip and swallowed. Adela kept a bucket within arms reach, but Eliza nodded that she could keep it down.
“Adela?” Eliza asked when Adela lay next to her. “Would you like to continue your lessons… as an Assassin?”
“I would,” Adela said eagerly, but she downcast her eyes. “But father has forbidden it, Eliza. I cannot.”
“You can and you will,” Eliza smiled. “Papa has no control over you now, he is nothing to you because he gave you to me. I am your mother and your charge. You will go to school. I will see to it.”
“You are not my mother, Eliza, you are my sister,” Adela smiled. “But I thank you!” Adela hugged Eliza’s slender waist tightly.
“I fear we will have to continue etiquette lessons,” she laughed. Adela smiled.
“So be it.”
SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO..... how do you like it???
Live long and prosper,
Asiat
lol. :D :D :D I want YOU to try and figure out which dead book! (commentos!)
Prologue
Master Al’ead stood contemplatively looking at the fire. He heard a knock at his door and turned around. He was a tall, rather young man – not too old. He had icy blue eyes and deeply tanned skin; a rugged shaped body.
“Who is it?” he said quietly.
“Adela, Master Al’ead,” a small girl sniffled. Master Al’ead smiled down on the child.
“Adela, my dear, whatever is the matter?” Al’ead said, opening the door for her. She ran in and clutched his legs in a child’s bear hug.
“Papa yelled at me because I talked to a servant-boy, a bard,” she wept. “Rafael is – is intelligent and funny and Papa says I can never speak to him again because he is not my equal until he is actually a bard… then he will be my superior. Why can I not talk to him, Al’ead? Why?”
“Shh, Adela, be still,” Al’ead soothed.
“Will you tell me a story? To get my mind off of it?” Adela asked, wiping the tears away from her cheeks. Al’ead had always admired the child’s insightfulness and intelligence – admired the way she spoke as an adult.
He sat on a chair and smiled as Adela climbed up into his lap. In her dreams, she referred to him as her father, not her biological father. He loved the child dearly as much as the child loved him.
“A story, please?” she begged.
“Alright, alright,” he laughed, kissing her forehead and brushing her black her dark hair.
“Once upon a time, before our islands were covered in the Mist, we were a proud united nation. All of the islands: Karnar, Theselon, Theo, Dragon Island, Calips Island – our home, the Realm of the Barbarians, the Desert Islands. Everyone. There was a greedy man,” Al’ead said bitterly. “A greedy man who convinced his mistress and his country to turn on the others; they began a war unlike any other. Thousands of dead, and soil that was drenched in the blood of our forefathers. It was… terrible…”
“How would you know, Master Al’ead?” she asked fighting her slumping eyes.
“My father…” he said by way of explanation. “Anyways, the war lasted so long, people began to forget the real reason for it – but the man continued his campaign for the domination of the islands. Finally, diplomats from the other islands decided that enough was enough. They met the man and his mistress at the Lost City.
“One night, the four couples stood hand in hand at the center of the City. Silver rain crashed down on them and lightning stroked the skies. A dark-skinned man, the one who had begun the war, clenched his teeth at the others, yelling that this land was made for war and war shall be its destiny.
“The man leading the four couple responded ‘I will not let you do this. I will not let you destroy this land with your lust for power.’ The dark man replied, ‘I had no need to destroy this land, it destroyed itself.’ He then commanded his mistress, ‘Do it, do it now.’
“The mistress began a rhythmic dance, a wicked chant escaping her lips. Snakes rose up from the ground and killed the four couples where they stood. The dark man’s mistress was a witch – with dark, vile power. But even the Dark Forces suffer when life is taken from the earth. After all were dead, she ceased her vile dance and collapsed unto the floor as the Darkness tried to recover its life force.
“Try as she might to help the force, her work was to no avail. The guilt of murdering eight people in cold blood came crashing down. The guilt and the force became so much that she died as well…” Al’ead stopped his narration when he saw that Adela was asleep. He laid her on his cot next to the fire and covered her with a wool blanket. He sat on the ground and leaned his back on the cot. He stared into the fire.
“Please, Master Al’ead, continue with your story,” Adela said quietly, patting his dark hair gently.
“I will, I will,” he whispered, taking her hand in his. “The wicked man was… grieved… to see the one person he loved and who had loved him lying dead. He began grieving as no man ever had. He began to repent his evil ways. He began a life that was simple and he did not lust for power as he once had. Deep down inside, the man hated himself, cursed himself, for killing the only people who could have brought peace to the Islands. As much as he tried, the lands would not stop their war. They claimed his brain had gone to mush. He prowled the land and the sea in search of peace and of death. He grew old searching. He grew old…but would not die.
“The Darkness made the man prowl the earth – sometimes in the guise of a young man, but other times as an old one. Even now he prowls the earth…” Master Al’ead stopped. He turned to see the child sleeping peacefully. He brushed the hair from her face and kissed her forehead. “And that man’s name was Al’ead,” he whispered. “That man is me, Adela. Would you forgive me if you knew?”
Master Al’ead stroked Adela’s cheek where her tears made little dried streaks. Al’ead gathered her up in his arms. He carried her back into her room and, as he closed the door, silent tears fell down his cheeks.
The morning afterwards, Master Al’ead took his leave of ??? Castle. He was never seen again in the country.
________________________________________________________________________________
Part 1 – the Beginning Years
Eight years later…
“Must you go, Eliza?” Adela asked inquisitively. “Where are you going anyway?” Eliza pulled a gown over top her undergarment and tightened the laces.
“I go to my husband, Adela, love,” she answered quietly. Adela had always been a wild soul; Eliza being the quiet, more obedient of Sir Belroth’s daughters. “I dare say you shall be married in less than two years. When you are eighteen, dear.”
“I won’t ever get married,” Adela said passionately.
“You will,” Eliza chuckled. “Just you wait.” Just then, a maid came in telling them that their father wished to see both of his daughters. They exchanged glances and walked to his study.
“You may be at a loss as to why I have summoned you,” Sire Belroth said darkly. He was not a kind man, and never had been – often taking delight in frightening his children.
“Papa, we will know soon enough,” Eliza said, pursing her lips.
“Yes, yes,” Belroth said. “Adela will become your companion and charge when you marry. You are both being packed for. I don’t want Adela in this house for very much longer. She is too wild and we will never make an assassin of her. I chose not to do so with you, Eliza, because it would not suit you… but I am sure Adela’s evil ways will…”
“Papa, please stop,” Eliza said seriously. “You’re hurting her.” Adela was fighting back tears.
“No, no,” Adela said in a fight to be a good child. “I will go. If you hate me that much, then I will go. I am sure Eliza loves me more that you ever did and she will raise me better than you ever could!” Those words stung Sir Belroth. He had always prided himself on his ability to raise good children. He stood and snarled at his own child.
“You ungrateful child, I gave you birth,” he yelled. “You will go as any meek child would, and nothing more. You will not insult your father!”
“You are not father to me, Sir,” Adela replied, her green eyes flashing angrily. “You never were and you never will be! I take my leave of you.” Adela turned around and left the room, but not before Sir Belroth slapped her cheek. That child always made him so angry. Could she not control her mouth a moment?
Adela rushed from her room, tears pouring down her cheeks. She ran to her room and flung herself down on her bed, crying into her pillow.
“You are no father to me,” she whispered repeatedly.
Hours later, Eliza and Adela boarded the ship. They were silent and Eliza very soon became sick. Adela took to the task of caring for her. Eliza knew that Adela was a good child and that she would make a good Assassin. She had made plans of her own – against her father’s wishes. But she, after all, was not her father’s property now, she was her husband’s. She was not at her father’s mercy any longer.
“Here, Eliza,” Adela whispered, “Here is some broth.” Eliza took a sip and swallowed. Adela kept a bucket within arms reach, but Eliza nodded that she could keep it down.
“Adela?” Eliza asked when Adela lay next to her. “Would you like to continue your lessons… as an Assassin?”
“I would,” Adela said eagerly, but she downcast her eyes. “But father has forbidden it, Eliza. I cannot.”
“You can and you will,” Eliza smiled. “Papa has no control over you now, he is nothing to you because he gave you to me. I am your mother and your charge. You will go to school. I will see to it.”
“You are not my mother, Eliza, you are my sister,” Adela smiled. “But I thank you!” Adela hugged Eliza’s slender waist tightly.
“I fear we will have to continue etiquette lessons,” she laughed. Adela smiled.
“So be it.”
SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO..... how do you like it???
Live long and prosper,
Asiat
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