16 . 10 . 07
--dancing around whimsically, humming under breath--
Oh sorry, what? Author's note? Right. Erm. Actually, there's really not a lot to say; you'll have to see for yourself.
The sisters traded looks. "If he hurt her…" began Anna, anger glinting in her eyes.
"The question isn't if he hurt her, Anna. It's how."
Caporushes --shattered rainbow
An icy wind blew through the slightly open window, cooling the stuffy cottage. Smells of spicy meat wafted throughout the small dwelling, riding puffs of smoke that strayed from the roughly hewn fireplace. The cottage was small, but comfortable.
It looked like a happy home, with quilts draping over the sparse furniture and stuffed neatly into cracks in the walls. A smaller quilt, half finished, was carefully folded and sitting on a rocking chair next to a few scraps of fabric that were about to be sewn in. "My precious angel" was stitched perfectly in white thread atop of a maroon heart.
The floor was paneled in polished oak boards, and swept fastidiously clean. A few globs of polish marred the otherwise flawless handiwork, evidence that it had been a labor of love, not skill.
The woman holding the pan over the fire and looking at it with an experimental eye fit right in with the home. Her worn apron was tied around her slightly bulging middle with frayed cord, and the skirt that swayed in the breeze was plain and practical. Blonde curls, reaching the middle of her back, were bunched and knotted at the nape of her neck to keep them out of her busy way.
One tendril strayed onto her face, shining with perspiration from the fire, and she expertly secured it in the tie once more. A delicate nose and high cheekbones complemented a mouth that always seemed to have a smile tucked just out of reach.
Same as always, Jody thought, looking at it all with a pang of familiarity. The cottage was almost as familiar as his own small house in town, though a great deal cleaner. He remembered when the new couple were just moving into this house, two years ago. He had known Celeste and Lee since they were all laughing children, chasing each other before school started. He was one of the first to become an advocate of the unlikely pair's falling in love, and one of the first people Celeste had told after Lee proposed. Jody had already known about it, of course, but Celeste insisted on telling him how it happened from her point of view, interspersing the narrative with laughing and crying.
He was the best man in the wedding, and Lee had already told Jody that he would be the legal godfather of their children.
"In case anything happens to us," Lee had said with a wink.
Oh golly, if only you knew...
"Jody! Get out of bed and come eat before—! Oh, how long have you been standing there?"
She set the pan down on a potholder on the table and brushed her hands on the apron.
"Only a minute," Jody said, limping to the table.
"You need a crutch or something," Celeste admonished. "I'll bet you're not supposed to put a lot of weight on that."
Jody waved her off and spooned some of the meat and potato mixture onto his plate.
"You can't avoid me," she warned, sitting down and scooping food onto her own plate. "And I'm in a foul temper, so don't argue."
Jody wasn't planning on it. On closer inspection, Celeste did look rather like she'd had a bad morning. Her eyes were bloodshot and puffy from crying, and she had a firm line above her eyebrows that looked forbidding. She poked a piece of meat with her fork and held it up, scowling. Jody choked a laugh back, deciding that it might be hazardous to his health to show amusement when Celeste was so evidently annoyed by something.
Laugh. He almost laughed.
He considered that he almost wished he did, just so he could say that he had laughed. It sounded like an accomplishment. The first real laugh since Lee had died. Would there be a prize?
Another amusing thought. Odd. He suddenly noticed that Celeste was still talking and situated a solemn look on his face.
"--burned my hand twice already, and singed my skirt! This happens to be one of my favorites. The meat took too long to cook, and I think I burnt some of the potatoes. I'm normally quite a good cook, if you recall, and the fact that I can't even make a simple breakfast stir-fry is very irritating!"
"You'll get used to the burns," Jody said, remembering his first few serious ones fondly. Ah, the benefits of being a blacksmith. Anything cooler than a forge he could handle without wincing.
He was startled from his thoughts by Celeste's angry remark.
"That doesn't make them hurt less now!"
"Golly, I was just trying to help!" he said with mild annoyance, taking a large bite of the breakfast. "This is good, by the way. I don't taste anything burnt."
Her eyes began to fill with tears and Jody inwardly winced.
"Jody!" she said in exasperation and slammed her fork onto her plate.
Jody physically winced this time. Celeste didn't usually crash things around when she got angry. She tended to hold it in and get more sweet sounding, but venomous. More scary. But the fork-banging was startling.
"Why can't you – what's wrong with – ergh!" she cried, then dropped her head onto her arms and began to sob.
What in blue blazes? Jody thought in confusion. He set his plate and fork down and examined her, wondering what he should do now. Comfort her? Leave her alone?
"Why did he have to die?" she whimpered.
The words sliced cleanly through him and cut his breath in half, mortally wounding any last vestiges of humor. He exhaled sharply.
"I don't know," he whispered.
"I wasn't talking to you!" she shouted, clenching her fists but not raising her face from the table.
"Well sorry, but in case you didn't notice, there's no one else here," he said waspishly. "What else am I supposed to do if you start talking to invisible people?"
"Why can't you be a little more sensitive," she snapped, jerking her head up and swiping furiously at her eyes.
"What did I do?" he said, growing more angry with every word.
"Not enough!" she said, standing, "I've cooked all your meals, kept the house clean, washed your clothes, and you haven't thanked me once! I have to practically force you to say anything complimentary, and you never apologize for losing your temper, even if I apologize first!"
"Is that all?" he said in disbelief.
Her face colored and her eyes flashed.
"All?"she practically whispered. "Yes, that's all. I just want to be appreciated sometimes, to let me know that I'm not living with a lump of rock."
"I do appreciate you!" he said heatedly.
"Then show it, and quit pretending you're perfect! You make mistakes, just like the rest of us mortals!"
"I know I'm not perfect," Jody growled, hackles rising at this jab, "but if we're going to live together, we're going to have to see past each others' differences."
"Oh, really. Tell me, oh magnificent and forgiving one, what exactly are you overlooking about me?"
Her voice was acidic and Jody had the feeling that he probably should apologize or something, but his character was tugging him away from that. She asked a question, he would answer it honestly.
"You're always melting at the slightest mention of anything having to do with Lee, which is extremely irritating and very inconvenient. I've been pretty good about keeping my temper then, which is a huge accomplishment."
Celeste looked like she'd been slapped.
"Jody, he was my husband, I love him, of course it's going to take a while to get used to his... death."
"I've known him a lot longer than you have, and you don't see me bawling everyday!" Jody exclaimed.
"You're impossible!" she shouted. "I don't know why I even bother with you. Can't you just listen to people?"
"We weren't even talking about listening!" Jody thundered, now thoroughly riled. "We were talking about you not being in control of your emotions, and me having more reason to!"
"You're an arrogant unsympathetic fool," she said, wiping her eyes again, which had been streaming tears without notice during the shouting match.
"I agree," said a voice from the doorway.
They both whirled toward William, who was leaning against the doorframe with a self-satisfied smirk on his face.
"Noble intentions, had we, Jody? It seems as if your blushing bride isn't as willing as you portrayed her to be."
As angry as she was at Jody, Celeste instantly realized what a horrible scene the man had just witnessed, and Jody saw fear replace the fury on her face.
"William, you came at a bad time," she said obviously.
Jody considered speaking, but decided it would do more harm then good at this point. His nerves were already high-strung with frustration toward Celeste, and he knew he was apt to let his mouth run away with him at William.
"So it seems," William murmured. "I am just coming home from Albertte. I heard the strangest story there. Apparently, you made yourself out to be quite the romantic hero, gallantly saving the damsel in distress. A few of the more callous ones even suggested that you'd loved Celeste all along, and this was fate's way of confirming your secret love. But, I do not believe in fate. Or, rather, of fate's controlling actions. I believe that actions control fate."
He stepped into the cottage, and Jody could see several men behind him with various weapons. His blood ran cold.
"I have been watching your fight for a few moments, and that was all the evidence I needed to confirm my suspicion. Jody, I am hereby making a citizen's arrest, because I have reason to believe you murdered Lee Wilson. It would do you well not to fight," he continued, seeing Jody's corded arms tense, "because you are outnumbered six to one. Even a murdering blacksmith cannot take on six armed men empty-handed."
"William, stop it," Celeste snapped.
Her eyes were flashing even more now, and the pleading note she had taken with him before was gone. She was in a towering fury as she marched up to him and looked him squarely in the eye (a prodigious feat, as she was a head and a half shorter than he).
"We were telling the truth then, and the story has not changed. Lee died in battle. I've known Jody better than you have, since as long as I can remember, and have no reason to believe that Jody killed him. I agreed to marry him, for both of our benefit."
William smiled through this entire vehement speech, then patted her shoulder fondly.
"Your grief has drawn you closer to those you trusted. Unfortunately, you have trusted the wrong person this time. Don't worry, Lee will be avenged, and I will personally be sure that you live comfortably. Perhaps the men could build you a house in town."
She brushed his hand away and glared at him still.
"If you arrest him, and he is convicted of this crime, I hope you never rest easy in your bed again; you are sentencing an innocent man to death."
"I don't understand why you're still fighting for him," William said calmly, appraising her as if he were reading a curious letter. "He certainly isn't treating you very well, from what I heard."
"Everyone fights. Do you mean to tell me you and Hallie have never once had an argument that escalated into shouting?" she challenged.
"No, we haven't," William said, "because I make it a point to control my temper."
"Well," Celeste huffed, "aren't you just Mr. Perfect. You have all the manners and none of the sense. Congratulations. I suppose you're proud of yourself, aren't you?"
"Do you love him, Celeste?"
Jody stiffened and glanced at Celeste, who appeared wary. William looked as if he were seriously trying to make a point, his eyes focused intently on Celeste's.
"Do you?"
"Yes," she answered, eying him as if waiting for the trick question.
"As anything other than a friend?"
"No," she answered without hesitation.
"Then you have no business marrying him."
"I'd thank you to stay out of my business," Celeste said loudly, breaking the tense moment.
William nodded at the men outside and they filed in, pointing swords and spears at Jody.
"I care about you too much for that," William said softly, offering his arm. "Come on. Hallie is expecting us at home."
"I'm not leaving your men to torment my friend," she said hotly, stepping away from him. "And you are making a mistake, taking him like this. He'll never be convicted. We have no witnesses."
"We'll see about that," William hummed. "Now, come with me, or I'll have to take you by force."
"You wouldn't dare," she spat. "I'll fight, and if my baby is miscarried you'll have a lot more to pay than it would be worth."
"Celeste, please see reason," William pleaded. "We are arresting him, and you'd be better off in town then here alone, in case anything happens."
"Just go, Celeste," Jody said around the men menacing weapons at him. "He has a point. It's winter, anything could happen. I'd feel better if I knew you were being taken care of while I am unable to help."
He tried to sound as if he did not at all believe he would be convicted. But, knowing them mens' prejudices, things weren't looking very good for him, even without witnesses.
"I'm not going to let them hurt you!" she shouted at him.
"Celeste, you can't do much," he commented realistically. "They won't kill me before they put me on trial." Golly, that was morbid.
She began to cry again, which gave William the opening he needed. He quickly took her arm and steered her out the door. The men converged on Jody and for one horrifying instant, he thought they would kill him. All of their weapons jabbed into him at once and he felt a burst of sympathy for a cooked pig.
"If you move, we'll run you through," the butcher said grimly.
"Really? I couldn't tell," Jody said with a bored air.
Someone bound his hands tightly with rope. Jody felt rather flattered by all the effort they went to. Apparently they did view him as a real threat. That was strangely comforting, in its own odd little way.
They forced him into the back of William's wagon, and kept their weapons on him all the way into town.
Here you go, Lee, he thought, I yelled at your wife, and now I'm getting arrested for murder. At least William and Hallie will take care of her after—if I'm killed. She'll have to give up the cottage, though, which would kill her.
Good golly, how am I going to get out of this? Any advice, little man?
His mind remained silent, and the cold air frisking about his ears bore no hint of a supernatural whisper. He sighed, which aroused the men to raise their weapons higher.
"Don't try anything," someone grunted.
He really wanted to snap something witty at the man, and hear Celeste or Lee's laughter ringing after it, but the realization that neither could hear him and one never would again, sobered him. He looked away.
"I'm not going to," he said dully, and closed his eyes against the whole situation.
Final word count: 2567
Out of character? Too dramatic? Too overused?
Midnight Duchess: Wonderful Zero Wing reference. It made me smile. Cadmus is preening now over the compliment you actually gave ME --kicks him-- Whoops, forgot about the fire-breathing end of him, heh heh heh... Ew, you're right, that does sound grandmothery. Let me fix that. You get another shout-out, congrats.
daring2dream: It is extremely odd that she is out there dancing by herself. I wonder why... --looks innocent-- Johnathon is just groovy. I'm not sure any other word would be quite accurate. The ball is next chapter, and I hope you like it!
Celestial Seraphim: --Adopts the aura of a wise and benevolent master-- Patience, young padawan. Happiness, conflict, and love will come all in due course (probably). And yes, well, everything I write needs to be rewritten. If you have any specific suggestions, feel free to PM or review them to me. I love words. They are the spice of life. Choosing the right one really is like deciding what specific herbs to put in a dish in order to cultivate the ideal flavor.
tami: I'm glad you like it; I'm having a lot of fun writing it. Thanks for reviewing! I hope you stick around!
FaylinnNorse: Yes, extremely unexpected, her dancing. Depth of character even? Very good. By all means, give them nicknames. I generally call them Roddy and Kat myself. She is an expert at controlling her facial expressions, isn't she? Wish I could do that, sometimes. Heh, well, Roddy has no clue what to do, the poor guy. Everyone's been respecting him and looking up to him practically all his life, and here comes this insolent woman, whom he has to live with, who thinks he's nothing but a brainless urchin. Again, Jonathon is groovy. Very groovy.
Clar the Pirate: No, you're right – he is rather average. But those men who think that way aren't always God's gift to women either. I was referring to a mindset. Roderic himself; I don't think he's ugly, perhaps more of the 'cute once you get to know him' type. Doesn't stand out from the crowd at a glance, unlike Katharine who's just phenomenally beautiful, and smart, and she knows it. Yes, that description of Katty fits quite well, good job. Nice word, by the way, banausic. Perfect.
I feel healthy. How about a nice grilled chicken salad? Or taco salad, if you'd prefer.
P. S. Did anyone catch the pun in here? Extra croutons if you did!
