Detailed Roleplayers discussion
1x1
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McKensie and Lara III
Jack nuzzled her "tomorrow and afterwards we'll go to my favorite restaurant. And grab a beer ok? Oh and see Jack at the clinic because I need to get some more medication..."Thomas rested his head on her still chest and just cried feeling his whole life rip apart and come to shambles. He clenched her hand and just cried "Sada..."
Jackie looked up and her face broke as she saw his face "she's...she's gone?..." She felt tears stream down her face as she hugged Sampson tightly "is he ok?..."
Donavon woke up as he looked around at his mom and dad "where's Ella?...they had her...they hurt her..." He blinked fighting away the pain "tried to protect her..."
Clara nodded, deciding that wouldn't be so bad. She could go out into the town with her love, make some memories, forget the old ones. "Alright. That sounds like a plan." She gave him a hesitant smile. Maybe this wouldn't be horrible after all. The doctor came in then, and seeing what had happened, she sighed softly. She told all the nurses to give them some space and then left again, closing the door so he could have some time.
Sampson nodded simply, feeling pain for his brother, and for the sweet gypsy girl he had loved. "I don't know how he's faring…" He said honestly. "But that's bound to be hard."
James sighed in relief when Donavon woke. He had cleaned his own wounds and bound his shoulder, not wanting a fuss to be made over it, so that he could sit with his son. "She's alright, Donavon, I promise. She's back at home with her family. You're such a brave brave boy." He smiled weakly. "I'm so proud of you."
Jack smiled and nipped her neck "it'll be ok, you know my brother is coming in today. Please don't tell him that im sick and that I had to sell everything to keep the farm. Happy thoughts." He slipped his mother's wedding ring on her finger "happy wedding thoughts!"Thomas just stayed by her side all night, he avoided the baby wanted nothing to do with it he just missed his wife's soft smile and the gentle laugh as they painted the babies room. Why did he wait so long?...
Jackie sighed bouncing the baby and shaking her head "has he asked about the baby?..."
Donavon touched his shoulder slowly "your hurt...get that stitched up..." He moaned closing his eyes and sighing tiredly "I want Ella...i want my friend..."
Clara nodded. So she would finally get to meet his brother. She was looking forward to seeing his relations. "I promise I won't breathe a word." She vowed, looking down at the stone on her hand. It glittered softly and a true joy filled her heart. "It's beautiful, Jack, thank you." She whispered. The doctor went in the next morning, surprised to find Thomas still there. "Thomas… you need to eat, and drink something. I didn't know your wife, but I know she would want you to care for yourself." she said gently.
Sampson shook his head slowly, wincing. "He's holed himself up in that room, not saying anything at all. I worry for him…"
James hid the pain he felt when his son touched his shoulder, and he just shook his head lightly. "I'm alright, Donavon. I'll be ok." He promised, squeezing his hand gently. "Ella and her family are on their way over to visit." he promised.
Jack smiled and kissed her hand and pressed it to his cheek and nuzzled her wrist "you know how much I love you..." He helped her to the carriage that took them to the train and waited as his brother exited. He hugged him balancing on his cane and smiling "you said you had news of my book?"Thomas shook his head "just leave me alone...I don't want the child just give it to someone else...I just want to be left alone..." He mumbled and rested on her chest thinking about when they first met and finding her again...marrying her and holding her like this every night.
Jackie frowned "they have to take away the body burry it or something...he can't live like this...what would you want if I died?..."
Donavon sighed in relief and snuggled back into the pillow "my head hurts..." He mumbled and Lydia tucked him in and hugged James crying softly "he could have died...go get that stitched up..."
Clara rode in the carriage along with him, smiling genuinely now. When they got to the station, Matthew spotted them and jogged over, embracing his brother. "Yes! Wonderful news! The public loves it!" He grinned, clapping his back. "I did exactly as you said, and sent it to the publishing houses, and this…" He held out an envelope. "Is your first check." He beamed. The doctor frowned, not liking this at all. He was neglecting his child, and his promise to his wife that he would be ok and take care of their baby. But it was not her place to barge in. "As you wish." She said softly, going to Jackie and Sampson. "He said he does not want anything to do with the child." She whispered.
Sampson groaned, raking a hand through his hair. "If you had died, Jackie, I'd want to send you off properly, in a nice little boat with flowers, preferably over the edge of the falls in some wild forest, but the shore of the sea works fine too. We need to find that child a family. Sada would not want it abandoned."
Ella walked in there and gasped seeing Donavon in bed. "Donny!" She ran over, half tripping on the way there and crawled up onto his bed. "How are you?" She asked softly, worried.
James sighed, hugging Lydia. "Yes, but he's alive now, and alright." he promised her, kissing her gently. "And I'm just fine too. It's just a scrape, not anything that needs stitching."
Jack opened the envelope and nearly passed out "this cannot be right! This much?! There are..." He started counting the zeroes "800,000 dollars in this check? You can't be serious?" He was in shock and had to sit down his breath getting lost again.Jackie nodded "then that's what we shall do!" She said trying to think of a beautiful way to honor her friend "she can wear the golden dress she got married in...with candles and send her off to the sea." She looked up as the doctor came out and shook her head "we'lol take her, he's just im shock he'll want the girl..." She held the bundle closer "he'll be ok..."
Donavon held is friend and sighed in relief "Ella..." He snuggled close and sighed "im ok...im just glad they didn't hurt you...I should have protected you better..."
Lydia raised a brow "I can even tell its deep, go get it taken care of before you get an infection!"
Matthew smiled, helping his brother sit as Clara clasped her hands together in excitement. "You better believe it brother. I told you they'd love you." He said, sitting beside him on the bench. "You ok? You kinda look like you're going to pass out." He said, the corner of his mouth twitching up. "Nice number, isn't it?"Sampson nodded knowing that that was the best possible way to send her off. "Good idea." He agreed. But he was hurting for his brother. He knew it would be hard to take Sada away from him at all, regardless that she was now nothing but a body.
The doctor nodded, sighing in relief. "And please get him to eat and drink something! That man is going to get dehydrated or starve. He hasn't moved at all, and he's crying away all his water supply." She said seriously, smiling tiredly at the bundle. "Quite a lot of fuss over one child. I'm sorry, for your loss." She told Jackie.
Ella relaxed, letting her eyes close as she lay there with her friend. She would be safe here, she knew that. "I'm sorry they hurt you… I'm so sorry." She whispered, starting to cry all over again. "I should have been the one saving you."
James huffed in exasperation. He didn't want stitches! He didn't want to sit still while some strange nurse jabbed at him with needle and thread. But he paced away and got a bottle of antiseptic, washing the wound again and rebinding it with clean cloths. "Now it won't get infected." he smiled smugly.
Jack coughed trying to get his breath back holding onto Clara's hand tightly, he coughed some blood into his handkerchief and nodded "im fine Matthew how is school going for you? Still no relationships?" He knew his brother hadnt cared about girls before but now he wanted him to find someone, smart and beautiful.Jackie nodded "thank you, for all you did...it was just her time to go...and we will miss her terribly..." She felt the tears realizing all of her dreams with her friend were gone she was losing the only female friend she had ever had. She pushed Sampson into the room to get Thomas to eat and drink something as she coroners took Sada's body away.
Donavon shook his "it's ok Ella...we both are ok..." He rested with her in his arms his best friend safe and it was nice. He didn't know much about love but if it was anything like this he'd be ok with it.
((Let's skip a couple of years to when they can court and he has arranged princesses and she has a boyfriend or something and they just stay friends until they realize they are more then that))
Clara held his hand, just trying to support him. She knew he was getting better, but healing was a process. Matthew was unconvinced, but he wasn't going to push. "Schools doing fine." he said honestly. "Almost done now, so there's a lot of stress finishing up projects and studying for exams. But soon this will be all over… and I can relax and get a job. As for girls? well, I'm friends with a few, but they work just as hard as I do, it's just a friendly sort of conversation here and there."
The doctor nodded, reaching out to squeeze her shoulder gently. "You're a strong woman." She said, her smile honest as she turned then, packed up her stuff, and left them in peace.
Sampson entered the room and swallowed, not liking how his brother looked right now. "Thomas… can you please eat something? Have a glass of water? Jackie and I are worried about you. We miss Sada too, and heaven knows I don't want to lose you as well."
((sure, sounds good. What's the plan for Thomas?))
Ella was dressed in an elegant gold gown that hugged her curves and flowed in a train behind her. Kitty, who had grown spoiled and quite chubby, now accompanied her under her arm almost everywhere. But tonight, she had had to stay at home, as she was going to a royal ball with Edward, her boyfriend. Donavon had invited them both, and as her mother said, she had to make appearances, and gain friends in the royal circle.
Jack sat up straighter and smiled lightly "good...good, well take one of those girls on a date and court her. I am getting married, this is my Clara and I have never been happier my entire life...I nearly died from a lung infection...and im ready to live my life as you should."Thomas held little Jeniffer in his arms, she was about six and he took her to sea. After Sada died he went mental and then he took care of his girl like the best father he could. They were in Tortuga and he was teaching her to play poker pecking her cheek "lay down the cards honey."
Abby watched her sister get ready and smiled "I wish I could go to the Royal ball...it's so romantic! Even if Edward is a prick...why do you let him hang around you?" She took the cat petting him "why can't you be Donavon's date? He's the one you truly love!" She pressed.
Donavon straightened his collar and smiled at his father "this look well? I'm supposed to have an appearance of a handsome prince..."
Matthew laughed then, tipping his head back in cheer. "Jackson… don't tell me you're trying to set me up!" He raised an eyebrow. He held out a hand to Clara giving her a pleasant smile as they both shook. "It's grand to finally meet you. Trust me, I'm in your debt for finally getting this lonely old coot some company." He winked, looking back to his brother. "I'm sorry to hear about the infection. Was it from the war? Because if you died, and never even told me your were sick, I would never speak to you again." He said in mock seriousness. Jeniffer loved the life and colour that existed out at sea and in untravelled lands, and especially at Tortuga. She was interested in other people's chatter, and in the colourful tents that sat at the edge of town. The gypsies. Her father always avoided talking to her about them, but she knew why, so she didn't ask. She beamed, laying down the cards she had in her hands. "Is that a good hand Daddy?"
Ella rolled her eyes as she clasped a slender golden chain around her neck that had a dainty golden leaf hanging off the bottom, and examined her reflection in the mirror. She looked regal. Good. She wanted to turn heads and hearts tonight. "Edward is a good man, Abby, you have no right to talk about him that way. He's got a good job." And he had a good sum of money to his name as well. "I loved Donavon, Abs, loved not love. He's moved on and so have I. We're no longer teenagers, and for goodness sakes we haven't even spoken in months!"
James's smile was soft, and slightly sad as well as he surveyed his son. "You're all grown up." he said, brushing off his shoulders before he gave them a light squeeze. "And every bit the handsome prince. You've grown into an honourable man, and I'm proud of you."
Jack chuckled lightly "im not sure how you could talk to a corpse easily...but the doctor wasn't sure how it happened but he's been doing a good job of keeping me alive. Now the doctor has a female friend that I think you two would get along famously her name is Brooklyn and she actually attends your academy."Thomas glanced and nodded with a big smile "that my girl is a Royal flush! You have your uncles knack for poker..." He laid them out and the other sailors groaned as they passed her the money thinking it would be easy to beat a little girl. He ruffled her hair tying the bandana more securely. He blinked as Maria, Sada's sister approached he never liked the woman and he didn't want his daughter involved in that life.
Abby frowmed "but you don't love him! You love Donavon. You can't end up with that prick when your prince charming is literally across the ballroom!" She folded her arms "he's a dishonorable man and I do not like him I won't let you marry him!"
Matthew smiled. "That was kind of the point." He shook his head. "Brooklyn, hm?" he repeated, not really wanting to go chasing women. He'd rather a relationship happened naturally. "I'll think about it." he promised. "Shall we head to your place for tea? I only have a short time off, but I'd like to see the old house again. Maria joined the table just in time to see the small girl giggle in delight and win all the men's money. She raised one calculating eyebrow. The girl looked far too much like Sada, her late sister, far too trusting of a girl. And she would miss her dearly because of it. "Teaching the child to gamble?" She said, pulling up a stool beside them without asking if she was invited or not. "Hardly an admirable thing to get in the practice of…" Jeniffer was staring in wide eyed wonder at the new woman who had sat down. Her colourful scarves and beads and coins dangled everywhere were entrancing. "Who's that, Daddy?"
Ella whirled around then, anger flashing behind her amber eyes. Her sister had gone too far. "My personal affairs are none of your business, and I'll not have you insulting the man I am currently courting. It was my decision to court him, and I trust my own judgement." She whispered sharply. Taking a deep breath to try and settle down, she smoothed her skirts. "I wish you wouldn't try me so, Abby. I value you as a sister, I do. But I don't want you as a matchmaker. You are still young, and when you are young, it is all well and good to dream of fairy tales. However, I can not afford such fantasies. You'll understand when you're older." She pulled on her gloves and soft fur coat, heading to the doorway. "I'll see you after the dance, and don't get into too much trouble." She smiled then, leaving out to the carriage, where she nodded to their butler and stepped inside.
Jack helped him to the carriage and held onto Clara's hand as he pulled out the black and white photo of Brooklyn and handed it to him "she's trying to get a doctorate...as a woman you know how difficult that is..." Thomas tugged his daughter closer and protectively "Maria..." He said brusquely "you have no right to judge my parenting...it is hardly honest and honorable to take coin from men and give false prophesies..." He looked down at Jen wincing at how impressed she looked "this is your aunt Maria..."
Abby climbed onto the carriage as she entered and hid, she waited till her sister entered the palace and she followed her staying secret. She grinned seeing Joy and hugging her best friend.
Donavon kissed her hand as she bowed to him "it is good to see you."
Clara climbed into the carriage with the men, and smiled softly as she watched them chat. She valued that they had a good relationship with each other. Matthew admired the picture and nodded. "Brave woman." He said honestly, handing him back the picture. "Pretty too. Like I said. I'll think about it." he smiled softly and hopped out of the carriage as they arrived. "Ah… the old place. Hasn't changed a bit. I have to say I'm rather impressed it's still standing."
Maria bristled at his comment. Was that what he thought of her kind? Did he tell her sister that, when they were together? Was that what killed her? Sada had a love for their people, matched only by her own. "False prophesies or not, I always knew you were bad for Sada." She hissed.
Jeniffer watched the exchange in wide eyed surprise. She could tell her father didn't like this woman, and that this woman didn't like her father. She beamed when she heard it was her aunt and she reached out to touch one of her bead bracelets. "You're pretty…"
Maria smiled lightly. "Thank you child. You are as well. You got that from your mother." She shot a glare at Thomas.
Joyella was all swooped up in the latest trends in dresses and jewellery, and when she saw Abby in a state of disarray, with a dress on that clearly was for everyday, and not a ball, she grinned and hugged her, fussing over her friend. "Oh Abby! You made it! I knew you would! No time to prepare eh? Couldn't let your old crow of a sister find out? No matter, I've got plenty of dresses you can borrow!" She squealed. "Come come! The music will be starting soon!" She rushed her friend up towards her bedroom.
Ella entered the ball, immediately impressed by the decorations that had gone into the occasion. The palace was usually a sight to behold. But tonight, it had been transformed into something glittering and magical, with elegant flowers and bows placed carefully around the food, and the constant rise and fall of many voices as people conversed. Ella smiled, feeling relaxed an in her element. She loved parties, and this was looking to be a good one. Spotting Edward among a group of men, she slid over and slipped her arm through his, pecking his cheek and smiling coyly at his friends, who all smiled politely back. "Who are your friends, love? I don't believe I've been introduced."
Jack left balancing on his cane and helping Clara exit "we've done a lot of work on it but it's not going anywhere...I know I promised you it for your family but that is because I was dying...now that I have a new wife we will live here but of course I'll help you find your own when it comes to that."Thomas frowned "I loved your sister and she me, I was heartbroken when she died...I do not mean to disrespect your people I belirve Sada had gifts that couldn't be explained...but I do not take well to being told how to care for my jenifer...she is all I have left..."
Abbey smiled "id rather ice skate, you can corall Donny and Ella outside and make sure they have to stay outdoors and I'll spy and listen in. They have to be together that man she is dating is awful! I hate him he is an odious man!" She tied up Joyella's skates on her feet.
Edward smiled as Ella came in "why don't you go dance and let the men talk dear." He never treated her like an equal and shooed her away as he drank and talked to the men. Donavon stood greeting each guest with his parents he gave a smile to Ella hoping to talk to her tonight.
((Just thought I'd let you know that I prefer quality over quantity, so even if I have to wait longer for more detailed replies, I'd rather that then get lots of short ones. And there's been nothing wrong with the posts we've been doing so far… I just know that an rp tends to be more interesting when there's more detail, and I'd like it if we could get towards being more detailed :P Lol. I know it was random to say this in the middle of an rp, but I'd thought I'd let you know what I've been thinking :) ))Matthew smiled lightly, watching his brother and his wife with a certain sort of longing. Maybe he did want love like that, deep down in the non busy part of himself. "I'd like it if I had your approval on a new house. I wasn't thinking of buying one for a year or so, just until I get settled in my job, but when the time comes, I'd value your insight."
Maria frowned, not wanting to feel anything but anger towards this man who had stolen her sister. And it was hard to feel angry when he came up with such fantastic apologies. "And I am sorry if my comment was offensive. I was merely stating my opinions out of interest for the girl. Ultimately, as her father, you get to choose whether to heed my advice or not." She said bitterly. This man had stolen her sister, her niece, and a good income for her family through Sada, and mostly, Maria was just bitter to him for it.
Joyella rolled her eyes in mock annoyance. "Skating over parties? Sometimes I wonder how we ever came to be friends." She smiled lightly, "And you are such a sneaky devil! But honestly, my brother's not all that exciting. You should match your sister with that fiery looking man from France! He looks so handsome…." Joyella also didn't want Ella with her brother very much, after Ella and Donavon had broken up a few years ago, and she didn't want to see that happen again.
Some of the men completely ignored Edward's brash comment, but others raised their brows at his completely tactless manner for dismissing his girl. Ella, however, took it all in her stride, not looking the slightest bit ruffled. "Very well. I do enjoy a dance. And I'm expecting one from you later." She insisted, patting his arm. "Well gentlemen, it would seem I am free for a dance, since my date is otherwise occupied. Would anyone else like to join?"
Three of the men stepped forwards to take her up on her request, but the one that got there first, bent and smiled, kissing her knuckles. "A pleasure, Madame."
"The pleasure is all mine, Monsieur…."
"Richard." he said pleasantly, leading her to the dance floor.
Ella was rather pleased to find him a good dancer, and so she was smiling genuinely when she caught Donavon smiling at her from the door. My my my… so the gangly boy-prince has grown into a man…. I wonder what he thinks of my growing up? She thought, giving him a cordial smile in return from over the shoulder of her partner.
((no that's completely fine, I agree I have been getting lazy what with being busy. I will do my hardest to write more eloquent and complete posts because I do agree it's just hard because I'm usually on my phone or the kindle which makes it difficult.))Jack dismissed the carriage and opened the door getting the tea set up on the stove. He hummed lightly to himself as he watched his brother sit by the fire. He was glad the house was more hospitable and less...medical. He sat by his brother sighing in content "So how are your lessons coming?" he asked as he got a tea bag for all three of them "I'm sure I wouldn't understand any of it but it makes good conversation." he tucked the check away too shocked to even be able to comprehend what kind of money this was for him and Clara.
Thomas sighed lightly and reached in his knapsack and handed her the silver locket that Sada always wore "I think she would want you to have this Maria, I know losing her to me was the hardest thing you have ever dealt with but I did try to treat her like a queen...we were planning on seeing you and the caravan after the babe was born..." he looked at his little girl so intrigued with her customs and jewels "Would you ever mind taking little Jen and teaching her the customs her mother couldn't...she needs both traditions in her life..."
Abby frowned and looked up at her best friend "You don't want him to be with my sister? Why ever not? They are true love...they have been since before either of us were born...she thinks about him often even though she denies it." she ran to the ice rink and got ready to skate around loving the freedom away from being a duchess and doing things her mother thought improper.
Donavon stepped forward as the song ended "Would you permit me to take you to the garden dear Ella, it has been a long time since we have corresponded and I do miss your witty conversation and company." he took her by the arm and led her out to the lit garden "How have you been?" he asked quietly when they were away from the ball guests and could be vulnerable, he missed her. He wanted her back.
((I totally get that, so don't feel like you have to post all the time! I know posting on a phone is super hard… lol it's annoying with spellcheck and small buttons…. XP But thanks for agreeing to try! I'll do my best as well… as I get lady when I'm at school or on my phone too… lol This will probably be my last set of posts for tonight. So bye for now!))Matthew made himself at home at the other chair by the fire as Jack worked on getting the kettle and tea for them. Clara seated herself on the old bench by the corner, which had a cushion to pad it, and she listened quietly, smiling and nodding where was appropriate. "Thanks." She said quietly, as he handed her her tea. Then she listened intently, as Matthew nodded and when on to explain the process that learning to be an engineer required. Then he explained his current projects, and what his portfolio included. "I have to design a bridge, Jack, a bridge they're actually going to build and test…" He scratched the back of his neck. "I don't know if I can come up with something beautiful and yet sturdy enough to pass, and get hired. All the employers will be there!"
Maria just stared at the locket for a moment, old emotions stirring in her as she took it and clenched it in her hand so hard it hurt. It kept the tears away, but not the pain that had risen in her. Sada… my dear sister… If only you were still here… She closed her eyes, breathing in deeply. She could not, and would not cry, not here, in front of these people, in a tavern. When she opened her eyes, they were clear again. "I would be honoured to teach Jeniffer our ways." She said honestly, giving Jeniffer a small smile. "She could come over in the morning for breakfast." She suggested, sliding a bead bracelet off her wrist and putting it into a wide eyed Jeniffer's palm. "This is for you to keep." She said gently, knowing how the girl had admired it. And she smiled along with her as the child slid it on her wrist, beaming.
Joyella sighed softly, slipping on gloves and a fur hat to keep her warm outdoors as she stood and watched Abby cut circles in the ice, back and forth, and around and around. "Well… I just don't want them breaking up again. The last time hurt Donavon pretty bad." She admitted quietly, fiddling with her gloves. When she looked up again, it was with an expression of surprise. "She still thinks of him?" She asked. "Donavon said she had moved on…" She admitted, shrugging lightly. "I thought she didn't like him anymore."
Ella looked up as Donavon approached, and while she hadn't planned on spending much time with him this evening, she was still flattered by the invitation and, keeping up appearances, she nodded and lay her arm on his. "Of course, it would please me to do so." She said, following him out into the cooler air in the garden. It was beautiful really, and she moved to stand by the white roses, making as if to admire them, when really, she was just trying to keep her head clear. She knew all too well that Donavon had an effect on women that she wasn't sure he was aware of. Truly charming smiles could make anyone swoon. "I've been alright." She fingered a rose petal. "Busy going to social events for Mama." She ran her fingers around the edge of the rose, absentmindedly admiring it. "I swear she tells my maids to do up the corset tighter every week. But I don't blame her. With me being the oldest daughter, and having no sons, I feel she wants to know she's done good by marrying me off to someone wealthy and making sure I'm well aquatinted with anyone worth something."
Jack grabbed his sketch pad from the bedroom and came back to his brother. He handed him the charcoal pencil "Just sketch out how it has to be structurally sound and i'll design it to be aesthetically pleasing to the eye. Clara darling do you know where the compass is?"Thomas smiled and nodded "I'll bring her tomorrow, I still have a little sarong that Sada made for her before she was born...I just, it's very difficult for me to make her look more like Sada, but I can't stop her from persuing her culture..." he kissed her hair and sighed looking at the bracelet "Looks very nice, what do you say?"
Abby shook her head "I read her diary and she talks of him all the time and his charming smile...we have to connect them again. They are true love and that boyfriend of hers is just awful...and I wish he would disappear. He treats her badly..." she saw them enter the garden and squealed excited trying to get closer to hear what they were saying.
Donavon sighed lightly "I find your new suitor...an odious man, he doesn't treat you or any woman properly. They speak of him in ill manner at the country club...please tell me what he has that intrigues you so...you are my dearest friend and I feel like I can't be silent much longer...I know that we can't work out but...you deserve better."
Matthew beamed, as always, he was surprised by the ingenuity, and thoughtfulness of his brother. He took the book and pencil from him, starting to sketch out a simple arched structure, and the bank needed to support it. He lined out the lengths and supports, and handed him the paper back. "This is a simple support system, and some adjustments can be made, as long as they're even on both sides."Clara nodded, jumping up and putting her teacup down. She went to find the compass on the shelf and brought it down, handing it carefully to him.
Maria's smile was soft and genuine as she nodded, clasping the little girl's hands. "That works well. Would you like that Jeniffer, to see where your mother grew up?"
Jeniffer nodded eagerly, still eyeing the bracelet in wide-eyed wonder. "Yes! Thank you for the pretty bracelet."
Maria smiled, standing and stepping away again. "You're very welcome dear, I'll see you soon." She adjusted the scarf around her neck, and looked reluctantly at Thomas, who she could no longer hate. "Thank you. For allowing this." She said softly, her dark eyes holding nothing but honesty. She wanted Sada to live on through her child, through their customs, and the legacy she left in the girl.
Joyella's eyes lit up. "Oh really?" She asked, a mischievous grin lighting up her features. As any girl would at that age, she loved to hear about romance and secrets, and women who had fallen for charming smiles. She knew all too well about the girls who came requesting to see her brother. She clapped a hand over her friend's mouth, shushing her. "Quiet!" She whispered. "They'll hear you, and you're not supposed to be here!" She reminded, crouching behind the rose bushes to watch as her brother spoke with her best friend's sister.
Ella's casual expression turned into something more tired as she nodded and let out a soft sigh. "As so I've noticed." She assured, moving from the rose bushes to the bench in the garden by the fountain, where she sat and watched the water. "But he's charming around my parents, and has a good sum of money to his name. They both love him." She admitted, shrugging lightly. "I can not complain about him now, or they would suspect that I was cheating on him for another." She didn't know why she was being this honest with him, after she had been away for so many months, and they had lost contact, but it felt good to talk again. "I have to go through with the relationship as if it is ordinary. And then I'll find a way to get out of it and convince my parents on a different suitor." She sighed, reaching up to finger her necklace. "Love is a game, Donavon… little plays and moves, plans and strategy… and to be quite honest, I've grown tired of playing."
Jack watched his brother astonished at the simplicity and lines that appeared on the paper. It was beautiful and strong, art that he never could understand before. He clapped his brother on the shoulder proudly "that is something..." He said in quiet awe, he looked at the compass rose on the old tarnished gold compass from his grandfather. He started to design the bridge to echo the rose filigree and pushed the paper back to him "will this work?"Thomas smiled softly, he watched Maria never seeing her in this light before, she had those dramatic beautiful dark eyes that his Sada had. Her skin wasn't sun kissed but pale and porcelain like well carved marble. He swallowed and nodded squeezing his little girl's shoulders "thank you...for teaching her..." He said softly and watched as she walked off, exotic floral scents remained as the colored scarves disappeared in the flurry of the crowded tavern. He collected the winnings and lifted Jenn in his arms taking her back to the ship and tucking her into the captains bed "are you happy Jenn?..."
Abby sent a glare at her friends direction she spit out the fur that came from Joy's glove and nodded zipping her lips and watching through the green leaves contrasted by the delicate white petels dabbled with frost. They were late in the season and the snow had already come. She listened in and frowned as her sister told him how miserable she was with that prick of a man. She never knew that, she never knew her parents had been that pushy. If only she could say something! She got frustrated by it all and went back to the frozen pond skating and leaping trying to release the pent up angst she was feeling.
Donavon watched her finger the leaf he had given her on her 16th birthday, that's when he told her that he loved her. It was strung around a simple white daisy, her favorite flower. He knelt at the bench taking her gloved covered hands in his and looking deep into those eyes that took his breath away since he was a child "Ella my darling...I have never stopped loving you...I am too old for games, I am a man and I am tired of watching you be hurt by men that don't deserve to breathe your same air..." He was going to continue but a scream made him stand as he looked around for the cause. Abby had collasped into the frozen pond, she couldn't swim and her wet clothes weighed her down as she started to drown.
Matthew found himself smiling brightly out of pride. His older brother had complimented his skill… and nothing made him feel better than getting his brother's approval. "Thank you." He said, leaning his elbow on the arm rest and looking over at the paper as his brother added in the designs that turned the bridge into something beyond just a simple structure, something that looked more like artwork. "Well I'd definitely like to have that bridge in my backyard…" He grinned, shaking his head. "Thanks so much for the help!" He tore out the sheet and folded it carefully into his bag so he could take it with him when he left to school again. "Guess my practical and your artsy worked together well this time…"Maria nodded lightly before leaving to return to her tent again. These days it felt empty without Sada there to share the fur bed with her, but she was growing used to the silence and the hours alone. She convinced herself that she didn't need anyone else, she could move on…
Jeniffer knew the way back to the ship and she gave directions to her father, feeling smart, even though Thomas knew the way himself. She curled up in the bed, tucking the blankets up to her chin and nodded. "I'm happy Daddy." She promised, giving him a sleepy smile. "Tell me a story?" She pleaded, wanting to hear one of her father's stories.
Joyella saw the emotions cross her friend's face, and knew then that she had had no idea that her sister was unhappy with her boyfriend. Just as well for her to learn now, she figured, so that she wouldn't have false beliefs about that relationship. She followed her friend down to the rink again, not wanting to snoop when she was the only one doing it. When the ice shuddered and cracked, she screamed along with Abby, dropping to her knees by the edge of the rink. "Abby!" She cried. "Abby! Can you hear me? Swim! Swim! Oh God, please don't drown!!!" She shrieked, not sure what to do.
Ella kept her eyes bashfully on their hands and not his face as he came over and took her hands in his. Her heart started to palpate and flutter when he spoke words that were foreign at first, and then started to make sense…. he was proposing? Oh no… please don't propose! No… please do! Please! Ella dared a risk of glancing at him and was immediately drawn in by his sincere expression. How was she supposed to tell this to her parents? How was she supposed to explain? And then a shriek cut through any romantic thoughts she might have had, and her carefully powdered skin paled. "Abs…" She breathed. That rotten sister of hers! She had snuck here! Ella was up and running seconds later, holding her skirts up as she rushed down to the rink. "Abby!" She cried, taking two hesitant steps out onto the ice, wobbling in her heels. "Abby!" She cried again, terrified. She had her eyes glued on the dark water in the hole, begging for her to show her hand, or her head, or surface… something!
Jack smiled as he put the art supplies away, Clara always gave him a gentle lecture about him never putting things back and then not being able to find them when his muses were calling. He pecked her cheek as he passed by her and pat his brother's leg "honestly I think that's art, what you created that balance and symmetry are just beautiful and the design is so clean and doesn't need much to show its value. That is art." He explained and gave a smile as he cleaned up the teacups and served the biscotti,Thomas smiled as she got all snuggled into the bed, he pecked her forehead "you've been patient little one...how about I tell you you the story of how your mother and I met?" He began the story of how he met the beautiful gypsy woman and couldn't speak to her but the love was so strong and so real they learned eachothers languages falling deeply in love and creating a beautiful strong baby girl. He made it more romantic and avoided talking about the death but she was fast asleep and a sweet smile on her face.
Donavon cried out scared for the little girl, he took off the suitcoat and dove into the freezing cold murky water. He found the girl deep on the water her dress and hair flowing around her mystically as he tugged her up and started compressions trying to get the girl to breathe. Her skin is white and her lips blue and she was unresponsive.
Clara smiled approvingly at her love when he sorted through his art supplies and put them away again. She came over to sit by the brothers again as she accepted a biscotti from Jack with a smile and munched on the sweet crunchy cookie. Matthew's smile turned thoughtful. "Leave it to you to find the art in everything brother. Speaking of, I've seen some pretty expensive paintings around town, that look surprisingly like your Clara." he said, raising an eyebrow. "Like the one of a girl in a corn field, and another of her riding a bike. They wouldn't happen to be your paintings, would they?"
Clara stared at Jack in shock. She had thought he had only painted that one nude, and the one unsuccessful attempt of her by the window.
Jeniffer listened to the beautiful story about adventurous young people, and she knew that those people were her parents. It was such a lovely sweet story that she drifted right off into a land full of happy dreams, her expression peaceful.
Outside, on the deck, some of the crew were playing with a sheet of paper they had gotten from the gypsies. The noise they were making as they talked to the paper was causing quite a ruckus. "Are you a ghost." One of them shouted, drunk. The paper scrawled in black ink: no. "Are you a demon?" Another drawled. The answer: No… but you used the devil's powers to allow me to speak in this manner. Some of the sailors backed away, hastily drawing crosses over themselves and whispering prayers to ward away evil.
Ella could hardly react before Donavon was racing past her, dumping his coat, and diving down into the still waters. She shrieked, terrified for both of the people down in the freezing depths, and took another wobbling step forwards, her heart pounding a mile a minute as she waited, prayed, for them to surface. And when Donavon's head broke again, and he was gasping air and hauling her sister up onto the ice, she gasped in relief and rushed over, kneeling beside them as he started to pump her lungs. She watched, tense from the stress, as her sister started to spit up water, the compressions forcing it out. She took her sister's hand in her own, rubbing it to warm it. "Come on Abby. Please wake up."
Jack frowned as he heard the news of the paintings "yes...I...they are but I threw them out...they weren't Clara, they weren't her essence...how are they being sold?" He was angered that someone was getting money for his passion and art. He grabbed his coat ready to fight this "Matthew you are coming with me to the gallery, Clara stay here and don't let anyone in...we will be back." He was enraged though his voice calm.Thomas rolled his eyes at the drunk ruckous, he stepped out ready to make some grown men cry. He was known to be tough and heartless unless it came to Jenn. He blinked at the paper and shook his head at the ridiculousness "whoever you are I suggest you depart from my ship." He said as writing slowly started to appear on the parchment.
Donavon worked hard nearly cracking her ribs watching the water decrease to a small stream. He pushed his lips to hers blowing in two breaths and watched by her chest inflate along with it. Abby started to cough and shiver her eyes fluttering open and then back into the unconscious state. Donavon turned to Joyella "get father and the family physician!" He took his coat and wrapped her up trying to get her to warm up.
Clara's frown only deepened. Paintings? His paintings being sold? That was not fair, and not right. She nodded slowly, following them to the door and then bolting it after her, going to sit by the fire and wait in nervousness. Matthew nodded, grabbing his coat from the chair and putting it on again. He knew his brother was angry, very angry, he could see it in his eyes, so he let him lead the way, and followed him into a carriage and to the gallery in town. "I don't know who's selling them. Someone who's discovered a fortune in your work…" he hopped out and walked towards the doors.
The men all stepped back quickly, mumbling their apologies and scurrying away from the captain. They knew when to stand down, when to go back to their posts. Some of them were still muttering about ghosts and spirits. The paper was still, but the black ink started to scrawl across it again. "If that is what you wish, Thomas." Said the words, lasting only for a moment before they faded again.
Ella watched her sister and Donavon in tense fear, not moving as Donavon did CPR on her sister. And when Abby started to cough, Ella slumped to her hands on the ice and sobbed in relief. "Abby…" She crawled over, hardly worried about her dress. "Abby don't ever do that again. You're ok now. You're ok, you're going to be ok." She promised, scooping up her shivering sister and cradling her close to her body.
Joyella nodded immediately, jumping up and running into the castle. Moment's later, James rushed out, followed by the doctor who had been over in case of incidents at the ball. James immediately ran out onto the ice, gently scooping up Abby from Ella's arms and carrying her inside by a back way so they wouldn't have to push through the crowds. He lay her on a bed inside, and the doctor immediately got to work peeling away her soaking clothes, ordering for hot water bottles and blankets, and warm dry clothes.
Ella was told to wait outside, along with everyone else so the doctor and maids could work quickly, so she sank into a chair and just cried from stress for her sister.
Jack shook his head going to the gallery opening, he was a well known artist in the town so he got the special permissions and nobody tried to stop him as he went to the owner "Claude, we have a problem and I won't stop until it is solved." He went to his painting of the cornfield and scratched the fake artist's name right off the paint cheap and peeling not what he would use and there was his name right under "someone has been selling my work off as theirs, and I will go to court if I must!"Thomas paused at the paper, the wording ecerythibg was Sada. He had to be sure though! He started speaking in her native language "if you are my maiden of the sea what was the first gift I ever gave you." He bit his lips knowing not to mess with witchcraft but...it could be the only way to speak to his Sad'a!
Donavon watched his Ella go from tense and fearful to sobbing snd relieved he slowly picked her up in his arms and hld her close trying to soothe her as he stroke her long hair pressing her face to his neck "I have you...she will be fine...she's a very fortunate girl, don't cry my darling..," he whispered and pressed his forehead to her hair just holding on wishing he could do this the rest of their life.
Matthew followed his brother in, careful to stay behind him and just watch as he handled the situation. Claude, a greying old man, clearly looked shocked and quite miffed at this new form of debauchery. He peered through the spectacles on the end of his nose and his eyes widened. "Why you're right my dear boy!" He exclaimed. "I'm so sorry for the mishap… I'm sure it was not meant. The artist… er well… the supposed artist is over there. She's been selling the paintings as self portraits." He explained, pointing. And there in the corner, dressed in a lacy gown and talking with some viewers, was a woman who could have been an older version of Clara.The paper was blank for a moment, and then slowly the words started to scrawl. "Your love; it was the gift I always valued most. But if you speak of physical things, then the two six pence you gave me when we first met. I thought them a pity offering first, when I was naive, but now I treasure them dearly." The words again, lasted only a moment on the paper, before fading again as if the paper soaked them up and they were never there in the first place.
Ella didn't resist as familiar arms gathered her up, and she found herself leaning into the sense of security that a hug from Donavon always brought. She let her head rest against his shoulder as she reached up a hand and pulled off her glove, carefully wiping away her tears and trying not to smudge the makeup. She didn't want to leave here looking like a monster, her parents would probably die from a heart attack. "Thank you… for saving her…" She whispered, hiccupping from crying. A light smile broke on her features as she hiccupped again. "Are you…" Hiccup. "Alright?"
Jack took the painting with him as he went to the woman, he pulled her away from the crowd. Knowing by her face she knew who he was and what she had done "I am a merciful man, not one to fuss over little things...but this is thievery, the worse kind. I poured my soul and life into each of these paintings mourning the love you have been passing as your own. Remove your name and status from each or I will send you to jail."Thomas covered his mouth as silent sobs wrecked his body "Sada...my Sada...you have no idea the pain I feel without you...I miss you more then any man should bear..." He whispered taking the paper to the captains quarters and setting it on the desk where maps used to cover the surface. He dried his tears ashamed of them but to have the chance to speak to the woman he loved once again was miraculous.
Donavon grabbed his handkerchief, after he had come inside he changed into another suit only his dark hair nearly black from the water was a sign of what he had done. He dabbed her tears and make-up leaning close and kissing her tender lips chilled at quivering from the emotion and chill "im fine..." He assured and nuzzled her "I never got to finish my...speech, unless you rather I didnt...I do not want to make you uncomfortable...I love you, that's all that needs to be said...I will fight to my dying breath to be the one you choose..."
The woman's eyes turned wide and frightened when she spotted Jack and he took her and pulled her from the crowd. Trying not to look too ruffled, she swallowed once and then stammered. "You… You sold your paintings to me… you sold me the rights… I can sell them if I wish…" she said her sentences choppy and rushed. "I'm sorry for putting my names on them… I… I admired your work… I'll take the names off…" She promised, her eyes still wide. Matthew lay a hand on Jack's arm, reminding him silently to loose the grip he had on the shaking women's wrist. The paper was blank for a while again, and when the next words appeared, they were wobbly and there were splashes here and there, as if someone had cried on the page while writing. "I miss you too Thomas, more than my words can show you." The ink faded, and then another sentence appeared. "But do not mourn me. I am in a better place. It is I that mourns for you everyday. That you and our daughter would have to live in such a harsh world." The old ink faded as new ink appeared, drawn by an invisible hand. "I wish with my whole being that I could be with you Thomas. I wish it every second… and one day, we will be reunited." The words faded, and again came the wobbly script. "But it is not yet to be. I wish you only to be happy Thomas. Take another wife for yourself, love again, like you used to love me."
Ella closed her eyes, leaning her head against him again and just relaxing. She knew she probably looked to be quite the mess. But that didn't matter right now. Right now she just wanted to know that everyone was safe and good and not in any danger of dying or catching pneumonia. She felt the heat creeping into her cheeks as she remembered Donavon's proposal, or unfinished proposal anyways. "I haven't seen you in nearly a year, and we hardly talked for years before that. I doubt the public would take very well to a prince who got engaged the day he saw his childhood friend again. And I can't just get rid of Edward, you know that's not how it works." She sighed softly, looking up at him. "There has to be at least a few weeks before I end things with Edward, and then there needs to be the friendly visits between you and I, and then at least a couple weeks of courting to please both our parents, and the press. They don't want to see a repeat of our last relationship." She pointed out. They had begun dating suddenly, and ended it just as suddenly months later. "And then after that… maybe…. maybe I'd like to hear the rest of that speech." She admitted softly.
Jack shook his head "I...didn't sell them to you madam...I threw them out, Ive never met you in all my life...you have a likeness of my fiancé Clara however. The girl in the painting...my paintings. You can keep the money you have earned so far, but half belongs to me from now on...take off your name and please do not do anything like this again...I will be selling more and I know nothing about this...you seem to know how to promote and sell so would you be my manager?"Thomas shook his head "I can't love anyone like I love you...I will marry just so that Jen has a mother figure but how can I love her? You are the one the fates arranged for me...and you were taken from me without a thought. Jen didn't know you, she's like a mini you...passionate and gentle the little maiden of the sea...please don't go...please stay...your sister is going to teach her your customs, I tried to keep her from the gypsies because it hurt so badly but now I know she needs it."
Donavon chuckled lightly and shook his head "my Ella, even as a child you overthought everything...I was not proposing marriage though the idea brings me joy. I was proposing courting again, leaving that idiotic sexist oaf and letting me be your exclusive dance partner...letting me treat you like a queen and bringing glee to those two nosey sisters of ours that try every tactic to bring us back together...leave him tonight and then we will date secretly and in a few weeks I will speak to your parents and make an announcement. How does that idea strike you?"
The woman looked down, clearly shamed and nervous, mostly nervous, by the way her hands were vibrating in fear. She figured he'd throw her in jain now. That he'd get her in big trouble and this would be the end. And then he said she could keep the money she had gotten so far… and he was offering her a job as a manager. She looked up at him nervously, hardly daring to hope. "Really? You mean me, sir, as your manager?" She said softly, her eyes growing rounder. The paper stayed blank for longer this time, as if Sada was pausing to think out how to word her sentences. "I am happy to hear that Jeniffer is doing well. I wish I could have known her. From what I can see, she's growing to be a strong little girl, and you a wonderful father. I am proud of you both. And I am happy you finally stopped being angry with my sister. She's a cold woman at times, but a loyal one. Jeniffer will enjoy the customs of my people, and I am glad you will let her experience them. But I can not stay here, Thomas. A witch summoned me, and the power used was not a pure one. I can merely write to you, and only for a short time. It is best you get used to me being passed, and learn to move on. As much as this breaks me, there must be a goodbye for now." The words were getting fainter, as if the ink was running out.
Ella felt the heat creeping up into her cheeks, making them undoubtably bright red. She tucked her face against his chest to hide it and let out a soft groan, shaking her head. How embarrassing… to assume… when he only meant… oh how embarrassing… So she spoke of his later sentences to try and cool off again. "For a prince, Master Donavon," She said softly, a smile in her voice. "You certainly speak your mind quite brashly." She teased. "Let us not weigh our relationship on the goals of our siblings. They merely wish to be sisters…" She pointed out. Her heart was pounding louder than she had hoped, and she swallowed, nodding. "Alright. I'll come back to the palace in the morning, to check on my sister, and we could go for breakfast?" She suggested. She couldn't believe she was getting into this again. Maybe she wasn't as grown up and over fairytales as she had first thought.
Jack nodded as he scraped the paint off of his name and turned back to look at her "yes, my manager. I expect you to sell all oft paintings at a worthwhile profit and I will pay you accordingly. That or I send you to jail, you make the choice." He said seriously letting go of her wrist so she would stop shaking like a mouse under the lions paw. He wasn't a bad man, he was fair and he was losing money this way but hopefully it was a good choice. He needed to create a stable income for his wife and him.Thomas tore up the paper and let the pieces go over the edges of the ship, he sighed deeply and closed his eyes blowing a kiss to the wind and crawling into bed with his daughter.
The next morning he helped his little girl dress up in the colored scarves and smiled pecking her forehead as he squeezed her hands "be good honey...alright? Be good for aunt Maria..." He picked her up and took her to the gypsy caravan he was stunned as he saw Maria not dressed in the tourist costumes but looking...lovely, very regal. He put Jennufer down "are we too early?..."
Donavon nodded and kissed her tenderly again as he pushed her halr back "how about breakfast and we can go to the music room and play our duet...we can take a walk and get to know eachother again..." He pressed his forehead against hers "I love you...but I am an honorable man, you must tell...Edward that things are done...that he is a pig and deserves no woman..."
The woman nodded quickly, indicating that she understood. When he let go of her, she stumbled back a few steps, and dusted her skirts, trying to regain composure, but still clearly nervous. "How do I manage sales? Where do I bring the money that is made?" She inquired, wondering how he was going to organize who got how much, and how she was supposed to pay him his due. She figured this was a fair job, and she could do well by it, so she got right to work at trying to figure things out. The next morning, Jeniffer was practically bouncing around out of glee for the chance to go visit the colourful tents she had always admired. When they arrived at Maria's tent, she looked inside, her eyes wide, as she took in the fur rugs, and the dried hanging flowers and herbs, the low lying stove with a cauldron and something deliciously smelling boiling inside.
Maria had her hair down long, her string of beads handing around it, one pearl sitting in the centre of her forehead, and she still wore tinkling jewellery, and swooping scarves, but everything was more earth toned, and more practical than thin filmy red gauze. "Hello." She greeted in her native tongue, smiling. "My don't you look beautiful Jeniffer!" She spoke in English for her. "You're not too early at all, I was just finishing up breakfast for us."
Ella felt the familiar tingling travel from her lips and down her spine, leaving goosebumps everywhere when Donavon kissed her, and she knew she was falling hard and fast again as his hands played through her hair. Each touch was like fire, and she knew she would have to compose herself again before she left for home. "I will tell him tonight." She promised, standing from his lap and brushing her skirts down. "And I will see you in the morning. Again. Thank you for saving my sister." She curtsied, smiling merrily at him as she went to find Edward. She just hoped he wasn't drunk, and that he would take this news alright. She knew he wasn't the kindest of men. When she found him, she pulled him outside into the stables, away from his friends and any prying eyes or ears. "Edward, I have some news…. I'm afraid this will not work out between us." She started softly, deciding to just get it out in one go.
Jack sighed "we will split it 60-40. Every commission, I think that's fair. You will keep the money in your money box and I will come every week to receive my share and give more paintings. My name is Jack...Jack Parker, I suggest we get on first name basis...since we will be working together. You know where I live obviously and this is my brother Matthew, he is the witness in this agreement...break it and I will send you to jail."Thomas bowed properly and gave a smile having Jennifer sit around the blanket with the food laid out. He sat by Maria and assisted her with the food Smiling as her hand brushed against his arm. He shook his head at the odd feelings and cleared his throat "Jen knows the lamguage...you may speak to her in it if you'd like."
Edward turned shocked and appaled he smack her hard leaving her sprawled on the hay "you ungrateful little bitch...you conniving little ehole. No you don't get to leave me! Your reputation is ruined you hear? You leave and I will scorn your good name." Donavon followed in and grabbed him in a choke hold throwing him against the wall "touch her again and I will make your death seem like an accident...get out, and don't show your face around here again!"
She nodded, taking account of what he said in her mind so she would be sure to remember it. She budded again, making sure he knew that she understood. "Alright. Your money will be here when you come at the end of the week." she promised, a slight tremor to her voice. "My name is Mary… Mary White, sir." She said softly, risking a glance at Matthew who merely smiled gently, trying to reassure her. "Nice to meet you Mary." He said cordially. Mary politely nodded and backed away from them a little further. "I promise to honour our agreement… Is there anything else you need, or may I leave now?" She inquired, clearly eager to escape and compose herself once more. Maria scooped the bubbling broth into wooden bowls, with wooden spoons, and had Thomas help set them out for breakfast. She smiled lightly at him as she came over, cradling her own steaming bowl in her lap as she sat cross legged, a wedge of goat cheese in the middle of the circle on a wood board that also held crackers. "This is shrimp dumpling soup, very healthy, and a staple whenever we are near freshwater. For you see, gypsies live off of whatever is available to them, and so our food changes as often as we travel, which is as frequent as the wind changes directions." She explained to a wide-eyed Jeniffer who was clearly hungry, but holding off eating. Maria smiled gently at her. "You can eat the food, dear, it's for eating, and you certainly don't need my permission."
Jeniffer needed no further prompting, as she quickly slurped down a scoop, immediately panting and shaking her head. "Too hot!"
Maria laughed easily. "Slowly child… it's soup, not a drink." She handed her a glass of milk to cool her tongue. "We have milk and watered beer here, both made by our people, not bought, but the beer is probably much too strong for you."
Ella hardly had time to react before there were lights sparking behind her eyes and she felt herself spinning and then her elbows connected painfully with the floor. She lay there, shaking, as hot tears of pain formed in her eyes and she acutely felt pins and needles where Edward had left his handprint on her cheek. And then she heard Donavon enter the barn, and panic forced her to lift herself up onto her shaking limbs, and slowly stand, still trembling and breathing fast, but upright. "Donavon no." She said softly. "Please don't. He'll only tell what you've done here, and you can't kill him, please, please let's just handle this diplomatically." she said, knowing he was the prince, and even if her reputation was ruined, she was the only one who would have to deal with that, but if Donavon was disgraced, there could be revolts, and war, and she didn't want to see a war. "Edward please see the reason in this…." She begged, hoping to appeal to any mercy in him, hoping to get away from this with them all shaking hands and parting ways nicely. However, she knew what it would look like to him, to have Donavon defending her. "Trust me Edward, he and I aren't together," which was true, they weren't officially dating until the morning. "And we haven't been together while I've been with you. I've just realized that our relationship is probably not for the better. Please… please just accept that we aren't right for each other!" She begged, her pride hurt as she was humiliated by the tears, and the red mark on her face, and her need to beg for her own reputation. She felt exactly like all the names he called her.
Jack nodded and shook her hand "pleasure to meet you Mary White..." He said honestly and gave a smile to reassure her "if you would like painting lessons I would be willing to teach...but don't take another artist's work and claim it as your own. Enjoy the rest of your day without me terrorizing you." He gave a smile and left the gallery with his brother, he passed by a bookstore and smiled at Matthew "I think I want to stop in and buy Clara a book...any suggestions?" He wanted something to help her to remind her of that romantic day in town.Thomas smiled watching his little girl eat actual good food, it made his heart and stomavh hurt knowing she never had anything that good to eat in all of her life. He put his hand on her back and smiled "taste good my darling?" He asked and smiled at Maria "Maria makes the best food in Tortuga...always has been." He praised and sipped his soup feeling like he had raised his daughter all wrong...he should have given Jen to Maria in the begining this is where she was taken care of...he quickly got up and left the tent beginning to pace and cry tears of anger and stress.
Edward was shocked and he knew that Donavon could easily make his life a living hell, he turned to Ella and sliwly nodded "your right...it would never have worked out...I won't say anything, you are a good woman and you have qualifies any man would find attractive. The prince is a lucky man...I apologize for hurting you and I hope you will forgive me." He said slurred and stressed running a hand through his hair and quickly walking away.
Donavon took deep breaths and held her close caressing her cheek and examining her for any wounds "no one will know...it's already fading...are you alright?..." He took her hand and held it to his cheek "you are free...do you want to see Abby?...before you go?"
Mary nodded hastily, touched by his offer, but not going to agree to it yet. She wanted to work for him for a bit before she decided whether or not she would actually spend a second extra around him, let alone accept lessons from him. She waved hesitantly and let out a sigh of relief once he was gone. Matthew shook his head in amusement, strolling down the street. "I don't think I've ever seen you that terrifying." He teased, walking into the old shop. It smelled like musty old paper and leather, and he looked around the shelves. "Unless she likes architecture, I'm afraid I don't have much expertise in books. You'd be more adept at finding her a novel then me." He pointed out, grinning over at his brother.
Jeniffer was clearly enjoying her food immensely, and she nodded at her father, her mouth full of goat cheese and cracker. "Mmm hmm!" She said with her mouth full, beaming as she swallowed and then got back to stuffing her mouth with another bite.
Maria laughed pleasantly and she sipped slowly at her own soup, chewing on a dumpling. She looked up when Thomas left the tent in a hurry, and she frowned, concerned. Setting her bowl aside, she gently told Jeniffer to wait here and continue enjoying the food as she stood and left the tent, finding Thomas pacing in the brisk air. He looked stressed… and was he… crying? "Thomas… if there's anything I can do to help…" She said, worried, but not sure exactly what it was that he needed.
Ella watched him leave and her shoulder's slumped in relief. Her face still stung, and she was trembling all over like a leaf, but it was good to know that the mark was fading. She knew if she kept thinking about what happened, and the things he said, that she would break down crying, so she bit her cheek and forced herself to think of other things, like her sister. She nodded weakly. "Yes, I'd like to see my sister… and then I think it's best that I head home. Tonight has been rather eventful…" she sighed. Eventful only covered half of it. She just hoped things could get better from here on.
Mary nodded hastily, touched by his offer, but not going to agree to it yet. She wanted to work for him for a bit before she decided whether or not she would actually spend a second extra around him, let alone accept lessons from him. She waved hesitantly and let out a sigh of relief once he was gone. Matthew shook his head in amusement, strolling down the street. "I don't think I've ever seen you that terrifying." He teased, walking into the old shop. It smelled like musty old paper and leather, and he looked around the shelves. "Unless she likes architecture, I'm afraid I don't have much expertise in books. You'd be more adept at finding her a novel then me." He pointed out, grinning over at his brother.
Jeniffer was clearly enjoying her food immensely, and she nodded at her father, her mouth full of goat cheese and cracker. "Mmm hmm!" She said with her mouth full, beaming as she swallowed and then got back to stuffing her mouth with another bite.
Maria laughed pleasantly and she sipped slowly at her own soup, chewing on a dumpling. She looked up when Thomas left the tent in a hurry, and she frowned, concerned. Setting her bowl aside, she gently told Jeniffer to wait here and continue enjoying the food as she stood and left the tent, finding Thomas pacing in the brisk air. He looked stressed… and was he… crying? "Thomas… if there's anything I can do to help…" She said, worried, but not sure exactly what it was that he needed.
Ella watched him leave and her shoulder's slumped in relief. Her face still stung, and she was trembling all over like a leaf, but it was good to know that the mark was fading. She knew if she kept thinking about what happened, and the things he said, that she would break down crying, so she bit her cheek and forced herself to think of other things, like her sister. She nodded weakly. "Yes, I'd like to see my sister… and then I think it's best that I head home. Tonight has been rather eventful…" she sighed. Eventful only covered half of it. She just hoped things could get better from here on.
Jack shrugged lightly, slightly embarrassed by the way he acted "I...I need to be more passionate, more confident in my skills as an artist. I felt insulted and yet, pleased? That she would sell my art for such a high profit and people were clammering to buy it. It's astounding to me that I can make that big of a difference. Especially since father discouraged me every minute about wasting time with my 'feeble drawings'" he glanced from bookshelf to bookshelf trying to find something romantic and inspiring "Then make yourself useful and pick out a jeweled bookmark or something lovely she would like. I want to woo her, rekindle the love and trust we had for each other." Thomas looked up ashamed that she saw him like this, his first reaction was to put up shields and speak cruelly to her. But that never seemed to do any good so he took a deep breath and was just honest "Jenn has never had a good meal, she eats gruel like the rest of the crew and...I never thought to change that...I'm not a good father, she has drank rum many a times, your beer wouldn't faze her i'm sure...she wakes up early and gambles...I've never seen her so happy or...loved till now. You should take her, you should take her with you on the caravans." he said seriously though it broke him to even think about being away from his little girl for a minute.
Donavon nodded and wrapped her in his suit coat leading her back upstairs to the bedroom and opening the door. The room was dark, only the moon shining through the gauze curtains. Abby was shivering, fighting the fever that was starting to brim from the trauma her body went through. Her skin was white her lips still blue though she was cacooned in blankets and hot water bottles. Donavon pulled up a seat near the bed so Ella could sit in private with her sister "Your parents were notified...your father is away but your mother is coming in the morning...she suggested you stay the night so you don't have to come back and forth."
Matthew nodded simply in understanding, running his thumb over the spines of covers as he walked along a row of books. "That's understandable." He promised, glancing through the shelf at his brother. "This has been a valuable lesson about how you really can create wonderful things, and you should never doubt yourself. Enjoy this opportunity, ok?" He insisted, going to the trinkets and bookmarks section. He held up a soft leather over the shoulder bag. "She might like this to put her books in." He suggested, putting it on the counter. He picked up an intricate little silver bookmark. "Or this… both of these gifts would probably woe her again…" he winked. "Along with words and well timed kissing."Maria found her heart growing pained for this man. Was that really what he thought? Maybe his daughter enjoyed the gruel, and he didn't even know it. She looked at him, her dark eyes clearly sorrowful for his sake. No parent wanted to feel this way. And though Maria had no kids or spouse, she could clearly see the anguish in Thomas's eyes. "I would love it if you both joined the caravan." she said softly. "I swore to myself when Sada died that I wouldn't have anything to do with you. But I have learned since then that that is the exact opposite of what Sada would want, so it would please me greatly if you would accompany us, and I could cook for little Jeniffer. But I will not take your daughter from you, not when I see how she looks at you with such love in her eyes." She said seriously, her expression completely firm on this. "I would not dare to ruin that."
Ella hugged his coat around her, thankful that Donavon knew how to cater to what she needed. He knew that she couldn't handle lots of questions right now. He knew that she needed some time alone with her sister, and he knew that she didn't want to make the journey alone back home. And he didn't say anything, he just met all her needs, and she never could have been more thankful as she sank down beside Abby's bed, nodding numbly. "Thank you Donavon." She whispered, reaching out to take one of Abby's cold hands into her own, trying to warm it, and gain comfort at the same time. She turned to look at Donavon then. "I'll see you in the morning." she smiled lightly, managing at least that before she turned to watch her sister again.
Jack nodded and smiled finding a cover painted with distinct detail floral designs. It looked like something that would be on display in the library of a grand castle. He flipped through the pages finding old parables and fairytales, putting the bookmark in the aged pages he paid for all of the gifts watching as they were wrapped up with such good care. He glanced at the newer books along the sides and nearly choked as he saw his "t-that book, has it gotten any sales?"Thomas glanced into the tent and saw the happiness radiate through his daughter's eyes and smile. He nodded then and turned back to Maria "it would be an honor to join you...thank you." He knew if he didn't come back to the ship it would be comendeared by another captain and that was fine. He carried all of his belongings in the leather satchel over his shoulder same with Jennifer it was the pirate way. He hugged Madia not sure where that was coming from but he was grateful for her and her words of encouragement. Something stirred in him though as her arms tightened around him...what though he had no idea.
Donavon nodded and kissed her temple before closing the door behind him as he left her be. He smirked seeing Joyella waiting for him in the hallway "if I didn't know better, I'd think this was an elaborate plan designed by the two of you to bring Ella and I back together." He ruffled her hair and gave her a side hug as they walked to their own bedrooms "did you get to enjoy the ball at all? I know how much you adore them..."
Matthew looked at his book choice and nodded in appreciation, deciding that it was definitely romantic. "Good choice." He said, going to the counter as he payed. He grinned when his brother's jaw dropped. The store owner looked up from wrapping their gifts. "Yes, actually it's a best seller." he said, smiling cordially at him. "Would you like me to add that to your package as well?" He asked, reaching for a copy of the book, thinking that Jack was merely interested in the work.
Matthew smirked, wondering what Jack would think of the success of his novel, and how quickly it was being sold. "Told you." He whispered to him.
Maria found herself smiling as he agreed. This was wonderful. He was getting her niece back, she was getting her family back, and they would be living with the gypsies! she could teach them her customs, and make sure they were well fed. She would have friends and people to talk to again, outside of the gypsies, people her were actually friends to her, not just the brothers and sisters who made up the caravan. And then he was hugging her. Maria startled, and then relaxed slowly, wrapping her arms around him in return. "I'm glad you agreed." She said, finding comfort in an embrace. These arms had loved her sister, and given her joy, so maybe she owed more to him than she had first thought. "When can you first leave?" She asked softly. "The caravan is moving on from Tortuga in the morning."
Joyella was bouncing around nervously in the hallway, scared for her friend, and scared for her brother and Ella. She was worried that she and Abby had ruined everything for them. When she saw Donavon's playful smile however, she relaxed, her own smile returning as she hugged her brother back and walked down the hallways of the palace with him, and up to the upper floors. "Well…. we were spying. But I can't take credit this time. You guys got back together all on your own." She teased, winking at him. "It's aright, I don't miss the ball. The other events were more interesting…." she smiled for a moment, and then her smile turned nervous. "is Abby going to be alright?"
Jack shook his head and slowly smiled "I don't think so, I have the original manuscript memorized by now...An author just likes to know if anyone ever actually enjoys his work." He smiled over at his grinning Cheshire cat brother "guess his brother was right afterall..." He took the wrapped pages and smiled at the cashier "thank you for your time, I assure you we will be back soon...once my wife hears about it im afraid she'll never want to leave."Thomas had forgotten for a moment he wasn't holding Sada, the feelings and warmth he felt were the very same. He almost leaned down to kiss her hair but controlled himself and let go. Not abruptly, just naturally patting her back and running a hand through his hair "we are fine to stay here...now, we carry all of our belongings with us and they are few in number..." He went back inside to see nearly all the food eaten. He chuckled lovingly and knelt by his daughter "how would you like it of we stayed with Maria? That we became gypsies just like your mother..."
Donavon frowned as he knelt to be eye level with her and brushed her hair from her face "We have the best doctors helping her alright? I don't want you to fret over this...she needs your prayers and love ok" he pecked her forehead brushing away the few tears managing to escape "go see mother alright? Then head to bed it is late and you have lessons in the morning."
The store owner frowned in confusion at first, and then his eyes widened to a point that it was almost comical, and he lifted up his spectacles to be able to get a better look at the two laughing men as they left his shop. Finally he gathered his wits about him enough to call congratulations and wave. Matthew was looking completely merry and smug as he walked back to the carriage with his brother and rode to the farm house. "Well there you go. You're selling paintings and selling books. Making more money than I am in school!" He grinned. "It's getting late though, so I'll take this carriage back to the station now to return home and leave you and Clara some time together again." He hugged his brother. "It's been good to see you, Jack."
Maria didn't mind the hug, not really, not at all. And when he pulled away, she was smiling softly, a true joy in her pale features and dark eyes. "That's fine with me. There are always extra horses, so we'll find one for you both in the morning." She promised as they entered the tent. The soup was cold now, so it was probably better that little Jeniffer had managed to eat such a big portion. She looked up at the two adults, beaming in obvious glee. "I'd love to! It's so nice here… and I like the colours and the scarves and the fur… and the food! But Papa… what will happen to your ship?" She asked. For the ship had always been her home, and she knew it had been her mother's home while she had lived with Thomas as well. "Will we never see it again?" She asked softly, clearly worried.
Joyella nodded, calmed by her brother's gentle reassurances. "Ok. You're right. She'll get better, I know it." She said firmly, nodding as if that made all the difference, and now for sure Abby would have no choice to get better. As Joyella was a little princess, and a spoiled one at that as she had family who loved her. "Thank you." She kissed his cheek. "And make sure Ella gets to bed, ok? She's still sitting in there with her sister." She insisted, a mischievous gleam in her eye as she scampered off to find her mother to say goodnight before bed.
Jack chuckled and hugged his brother tighrly "don't be a stranger, I haven't had this much fun in a long time." He admitted and pat his back "come back for the wedding alright? I need my best man!" He watched him board the train and sighed worried about him as he headed back home. He entered and smiled seeing her sit by the fire, he covered her eyes and pecked her ear softly "I have some presents for you...are you interested?" He chuckled putting the packages on her lap.Brooklyn was sitting on the train glancing out the window, her rosy cheeks were tearstained and her face solemn, she nodded to the man as he entered her booth "heading to Londan?" She asked softly, he looked to be a handsome man but work and school was her main priority at the moment.
Thomas shook his head "Your uncle will take over and maybe we will se it again, but this is our new life little one...a life where we have enough to eat and a warm place to sleep with Maria...we will make this our home just as the ship was ok?" He pushed her hair back kisding her forehead "don't you worry...we'll be ok..."
Thomas shook his head at his sisters implications, he went back in the room and tugged her up off the chair "come on Ella...lets get you to bed. I'll keep watch tonight don't worry.." He had a maid take her to the guest bedroom and have a nightgown for her to sleep in. He pecked her lips gently "pleasant dreams..."
Matthew nodded eagerly as he waved from the train. "So long!" He called, finding his seat in the rows. When the girl beside him turned, and he recognized her vaguely as someone at his school, he smiled lightly and nodded. "Yes, back to the English Academy for Commercial Sciences." EACS for short. "And you?" he asked, wanting to get acquainted with this woman who he recognized. He could tell she had been crying, but he didn't want to ask about that before he even knew her name. "I'm Matthew." He said, holding out a hand to shake. "Matthew Parker."Clara startled when hands closed over her eyes, as she had not heard him come in, and had been entranced by the flames. But when she heard his chocolate rich voice, she smiled, clearly relieved and happy to 'see' him again. "I am very much interested, Jackson." She said, trying out the full name Matthew had used for him. "Did you have fun in town?' She asked, raising an eyebrow behind his hands. He had come back rather happy, so she figured it had gone well, what with the games and kissing and whatnot, shivers running down her spine in reaction.
Jeniffer sighed deeply in relief, being a child, she spoke her mind, and didn't bother hiding her emotions. And her excitement at being in the caravan, and still being able to see the ship was clearly displayed. "Then I'm happy." She stated, hugging her father. She crawled up onto his lap and leaned back against him like she often did, looking to Maria who had finished up cleaning their dishes. "What's next in lessons? I liked the last one." she announced.
Maria laughed, coming over to sit by her again. "Yes, I figured you might. Let me tell you a story…" Maria told the tale in her native tongue, just as enchanting of a story teller as Sada was. She explained how all things were connected, and how when someone damaged the world, it caused a chain reaction. She spoke of how her people lived free in the world, never damaging a place, taking as little as possible. Weaving their own clothes, making their own food, and living a carefree life. She told of the dances they would have in the evenings, and how the girls often wore flowers in their hair. She told her, that some believed gypsies to be descendants of the tall pointed eared folk who used to live in the land, telling even more wonderful stories, and even using a strange kind of magic, light magic, not witchcraft. "And remember," She finished. "All stories, though some are made up, and some are true, all of them teach a lesson. Every one of them rings with truth."
Ella had nearly drifted off draped over her sister, and she jerked awake when she felt arms lifting her up away from the chair and away from her sister. Knowing it was Donavon by his voice, she let herself be brought to what she assumed was a bedroom, where she managed to stay standing long enough for the maid to dress her. She vaguely remembered a kiss and soft words spoken as if in a dream before she fell asleep.
And then she woke up, and she sat upright, surprised she had slept all the way through the night. Hopping out of bed, she rubbed her eyes and groaned. "What time is it?" She asked the maid that was fixing the fire. The air still felt cold, so it couldn't be long after sunrise.
Sada took another few shuddering breaths, and then her trembling ceased and she looked to be at peace.
Sampson swallowed hard and backed away, feeling like he was invading on a private moment. "I'll be outside, if you need me." He whispered, leaving the room.
The doctor saw Donavon and frowned, immediately getting to work. He hooked up IV's and a heart monitor, working on first stopping the bleeding and repairing the aide so that the brain damage would not continue, and then working on getting his vitals to settle down and stabilize again.
Ella bit her lip, looking frightened. Surgery? He had to have another surgery? She closed her eyes and tucked herself against Iliana again, "He'll be ok, right?" Iliana swallowed, glancing at Marcoux and then back at their daughter. "I hope so, Ella."