Hi reader. How are you? Good, me too. This next chapt. sounds like the
end but it's not.believe me! Halloween soon, maybe I'll get a solid
chocolate pumpkin.or maybe not. I'll try to get the first Ash/Mare kissing
scene up by Halloween but don't be surprised if it's NEXT Halloween and as
much as I want to, I don't own Ash, Delos, Morgead etc. Sigh Oh well,
read on faithful reader. Fear not this desperate writer. Lol.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Ash walked behind Jade, Rowan, and the rest of the girls, only the
thousands of bags piled in his arms stopping him from storming towards
Kestrel and Mark. He had just be forced to endure what had to be the most
torturous of experiences he'd ever been through, shop after shop, jeans,
shoes, shirts, hat, scarves, coats! The list was endless, if he ever saw
another falsely happy salesperson again, he'd 'assist' them all right. He
knew he should have hidden when the girls announced they needed some last
minute essentials. Mall- deprived life on the enclave didn't bode well
with release into the real world with Thierry's platinum, no-limit credit
card.
Mark suppressed a grin as the satisfied women and one very pi$$ed Ash separated from the crowd. He'd just escaped this little outing by offering to pack with Kestrel. 'Heya girls.Ash, How was the trip? Buy anything pretty Ash?' Mark teased. He couldn't resist, the look on Ash's face was reward enough.
I'll show him pretty, I'll rearrange his pretty little face! Ash sent out, glowering at the human who grinned back, completely unaware. 'Are you quite finished?' Kestrel wondered in a bored voice, 'Or do you have more shopping to do-'
'NO! No.um.I think we've just about bought everything in the mall!' Ash interrupted hurriedly, his vibrant eyes flashing panicky amber.
Rowan and Jade laughed as they helped unload Ash and reload the shopping into the car. 'I think we're just about done here Kest- wait!' Rowan exclaimed as her placed both palms on her head in a position of meditation. There was something she was supposed to do, it was really important that she got it, was what it? Oh yeah. 'We have to get Mr and Mrs Carter a card to congratulate them on the new baby!' Rowan finished triumphantly.
Everyone groaned, Ash the most vocal. 'Where are we going to find a card shop?' Mark whined, wanting to sink into one of Thierry's sofa as soon as possible. 'We're in the middle of nowhere!'
He was right. Kestrel had parked the car in a quaint little side street; old-fashioned houses and darkened corners were the only things around. Rowan and the others had only been able to locate them using telepathy (and Ash's threats of inscrutable pain).
Poppy's feet were killing her and Maggie was anxious to show Delos some of her new 'purchases'. 'Umm.why don't you four go find cards and we'll ring one of the guys to pick us up. It'll be quicker.' Maggie suggested. Poppy nodded and Hannah whipped out her cell. 'Don't worry about us,' Rashel called as they walked back towards the mall, 'you all take your time!'
Realising that he wouldn't be able to leave this retail hell, Ash relaxed is mind, sending tendrils of thought flowing in all directions, searching out the nearest card shop. 'This way, and hurry up about it. The longer you take, the greater the amount of painful tortures I can imagine.'
That was incentive enough, though Jade couldn't resist pulling a face at her bossy big brother.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The shop was amazing-cards and quirky little trinkets took up every available space. The interior was larger than you'd have thought so everyone spread out when they entered, walking towards whatever weird little artefact caught their eye. Ash walked straight in, noticing particular attracting his attention. Common sense told him that anything worth seeing would be hidden away from probing eyes at the back of the shop, an old joint like this must have accumulated some fascinating junk over the years.
Although it was broad daylight outside, the shop itself was quite dark, only light from the various displays lighting up the shadowed passages. Ash mumbled to himself as he followed one of the paths down towards the back of the shop, dodging wooden chests that seemed intent on tripping him and intricate chandeliers dangling just above his blonde head. A strange blue light was coming from around the corner. Curious, Ash rounded the corner, gasping at the sight before him.
It was in a glass display that just about reached his shoulders. The brilliant azure light it broadcasted standing out luminously against the ink black of the shadowed corners at the back of the shop. It was delicately made- intricate glass and precious stones revolving around each other in an almost otherworldly, theatrical play of the solar system. The entire thing would have just about fit in the palm of his hand.
So caught up in this fragile masterpiece and equally fragile memories of one the specific blue-eyed beauty that had knocked the breath from him- literally, Ash didn't notice the kind-faced old woman until they were practically shoulder to shoulder. Then, only noticing her when she brought her face mere centimetres from his, startling him out of his reverie.
'Arghh!' Ash exclaimed, 'Who the hell are you and what in Gods name is your problem?' He was in no mood to deal with some senile old woman.
The woman straightened and looked him up and down. 'Now young man, no need for that sort of language. I don't deem it necessary to defile the Good Lord's name like so.'
Ash just snorted, when had the 'good Lord' done anything good for him. Ash felt some thing inside him tug as old memories of his blue-eyed angle tried to surface. Brushing them aside, he focused on the anomaly before him.
The old lady was still talking. 'I see you were observing that little treasure of mine. Magnificent isn't it?'
'Yeah you could say that.how much is it?' He knew it was stupid buying it but just in case.
'Interested are we. Sorry young man but as much as I'd like to indulge you in your delinquent fantasies, this wonder has been reserved for a special friend of mine, she's had her eye on it for quite some time.' The old lady continued her talk as she gently guided Ash back to the front of the shop where the girls and Mark were huddled over a colourful display of hand-made cards.
'Hey lady,' Ash started, his prided wounded. ' What makes you so sure I'm not worthy of that thing and if your friend like sit so much why hasn't she already bought it?'
'It is not a 'thing' young man,' the old woman ground out, ' That ornament was hand-crated by an ancient master eons ago, it is the only one of it's kind. It is called ' Aurora's palm stone' and Legend has it that-since it was made as a gift for a loved one- for forever on, it may only be passed on as a gift.'
'Oh.sort of like you can't put a price on beauty?' Ash asked, not nearly as clueless as he looked.
'Quite my boy,' the old lady murmured, warming to this strange young man who was proving to be one the most entertaining people she had met all week. 'Except I am in the money making business, the palm stone can only be purchased as a gift for another. My friend has voiced no real concerned for the stone but she not a good liar. I have kept the stone for her as she often speaks of a lost lo-'
'Ash, which do you prefer?' Jade asked excitedly, bounding over to Ash, two brightly coloured cards clutched to her chest. 'Oh hello, I'm Jade. Are you the owner?' The woman smiled as she was greeted with one inquisitive green-eyed stare and one exasperated blue one. 'My name is Tulip Laine and yes, I do own homely little domicile. And you are?' Ash grinned sheepishly as he introduced himself and Jade. 'And the two girls over there are my other two sisters, rowan and Kestrel.' Hearing their names, the girls walked over with their chosen card. 'Hello. Hi.'
'And the one with his head under the display is Mark, my sister's boyfriend' Ash finished, frowning over the last part. As Mark straightened, they all missed the quick flash spark of recognition in the old woman's eyes. 'Hey, sorry about that, I'm Mark.' Tulip shook the outstretched hand and gathered the items to run them through the till. 'Ah yes Mark, I'm afraid you missed your sister by a couple of hours. She said she was taking a jet so she'll probably get to the hospital before you.'
The silence was marred by the old woman's gentle humming and the occasional beep from the till. 'Umm.do I know you?' Mark asked cautiously, afraid to break anxious silence.
'Goodness me no boy! But after all your sister's told me about you and your lot, it's like I do.' Tulip exclaimed joyously, glad to have made the connection between these teenagers and the discontented young woman who frequented her shop. Seeing the confusion, she stopped. Had she made a mistake? 'Your elder sister? Big blue eyes and luxuriously wavy mocha brown hair? Nice smile?'
'You know Mare?' Mark gasped. Who'dve thought this barmy old lady'd know his long lost sister. 'Hmm...Mare? Cute nickname. Why do you all look so surprised? I presume you're all friendly as she always buys cards fro the family. Was I mistaken?' Tulip asked Ash, worried by his pallor and haunted grey eyes.
Ash gulped as he tried to cover the yawning chasm that was his stomach and stop the flow of emotions to his pounding head. 'No. We're just surprised.' Ash mumbled, Dare he ask? 'Where did you say she was headed?'
'Ah, I know you!' Tulip shouted suddenly, smiling cheerily as it hit her. 'I wondered how you fit into the puzzle. Let me see you boy.' Tulip walked round and surveyed Ash. Looks aside, she could see what he girl saw in him but honestly, was any man worth that heartache? Remembering her Arnold, she kept quiet. 'She's off to see your parents, Mark. Perhaps if you hurry, you'll catch her at the hospital?'
All four looked at each other. They hurriedly thanked the old woman before grabbing their purchases and hastily retreating to the car. She'd given them far more than she knew.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Phew, my poor hands! Please tell me my suffering wasn't in total vain. Is anyone out there? If there is, I'll try to get a LOT more Mare into the next chapt. The Ash scenes just flow out, I dunno why? GRIN. I tried to make this chapt. longer but no guarantees for the next ones.
I just re-read the Forbidden Game trilogy and I know what I want for Christmas.JULIAN! Those of you who haven't read them, what were you think woman? Run, quick! Seriously though, they're good and I'll offer a straight out swap= the next chapters in exchange for Julian. Excuse while I got get some professional help. In the mean time, feel free to re-read the story or to badger me with more threats of violent abuse if I don't update soon. (Only joking, I LOVE all my violent abusers, keep reviewing!)
Luv Phe.
Mark suppressed a grin as the satisfied women and one very pi$$ed Ash separated from the crowd. He'd just escaped this little outing by offering to pack with Kestrel. 'Heya girls.Ash, How was the trip? Buy anything pretty Ash?' Mark teased. He couldn't resist, the look on Ash's face was reward enough.
I'll show him pretty, I'll rearrange his pretty little face! Ash sent out, glowering at the human who grinned back, completely unaware. 'Are you quite finished?' Kestrel wondered in a bored voice, 'Or do you have more shopping to do-'
'NO! No.um.I think we've just about bought everything in the mall!' Ash interrupted hurriedly, his vibrant eyes flashing panicky amber.
Rowan and Jade laughed as they helped unload Ash and reload the shopping into the car. 'I think we're just about done here Kest- wait!' Rowan exclaimed as her placed both palms on her head in a position of meditation. There was something she was supposed to do, it was really important that she got it, was what it? Oh yeah. 'We have to get Mr and Mrs Carter a card to congratulate them on the new baby!' Rowan finished triumphantly.
Everyone groaned, Ash the most vocal. 'Where are we going to find a card shop?' Mark whined, wanting to sink into one of Thierry's sofa as soon as possible. 'We're in the middle of nowhere!'
He was right. Kestrel had parked the car in a quaint little side street; old-fashioned houses and darkened corners were the only things around. Rowan and the others had only been able to locate them using telepathy (and Ash's threats of inscrutable pain).
Poppy's feet were killing her and Maggie was anxious to show Delos some of her new 'purchases'. 'Umm.why don't you four go find cards and we'll ring one of the guys to pick us up. It'll be quicker.' Maggie suggested. Poppy nodded and Hannah whipped out her cell. 'Don't worry about us,' Rashel called as they walked back towards the mall, 'you all take your time!'
Realising that he wouldn't be able to leave this retail hell, Ash relaxed is mind, sending tendrils of thought flowing in all directions, searching out the nearest card shop. 'This way, and hurry up about it. The longer you take, the greater the amount of painful tortures I can imagine.'
That was incentive enough, though Jade couldn't resist pulling a face at her bossy big brother.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The shop was amazing-cards and quirky little trinkets took up every available space. The interior was larger than you'd have thought so everyone spread out when they entered, walking towards whatever weird little artefact caught their eye. Ash walked straight in, noticing particular attracting his attention. Common sense told him that anything worth seeing would be hidden away from probing eyes at the back of the shop, an old joint like this must have accumulated some fascinating junk over the years.
Although it was broad daylight outside, the shop itself was quite dark, only light from the various displays lighting up the shadowed passages. Ash mumbled to himself as he followed one of the paths down towards the back of the shop, dodging wooden chests that seemed intent on tripping him and intricate chandeliers dangling just above his blonde head. A strange blue light was coming from around the corner. Curious, Ash rounded the corner, gasping at the sight before him.
It was in a glass display that just about reached his shoulders. The brilliant azure light it broadcasted standing out luminously against the ink black of the shadowed corners at the back of the shop. It was delicately made- intricate glass and precious stones revolving around each other in an almost otherworldly, theatrical play of the solar system. The entire thing would have just about fit in the palm of his hand.
So caught up in this fragile masterpiece and equally fragile memories of one the specific blue-eyed beauty that had knocked the breath from him- literally, Ash didn't notice the kind-faced old woman until they were practically shoulder to shoulder. Then, only noticing her when she brought her face mere centimetres from his, startling him out of his reverie.
'Arghh!' Ash exclaimed, 'Who the hell are you and what in Gods name is your problem?' He was in no mood to deal with some senile old woman.
The woman straightened and looked him up and down. 'Now young man, no need for that sort of language. I don't deem it necessary to defile the Good Lord's name like so.'
Ash just snorted, when had the 'good Lord' done anything good for him. Ash felt some thing inside him tug as old memories of his blue-eyed angle tried to surface. Brushing them aside, he focused on the anomaly before him.
The old lady was still talking. 'I see you were observing that little treasure of mine. Magnificent isn't it?'
'Yeah you could say that.how much is it?' He knew it was stupid buying it but just in case.
'Interested are we. Sorry young man but as much as I'd like to indulge you in your delinquent fantasies, this wonder has been reserved for a special friend of mine, she's had her eye on it for quite some time.' The old lady continued her talk as she gently guided Ash back to the front of the shop where the girls and Mark were huddled over a colourful display of hand-made cards.
'Hey lady,' Ash started, his prided wounded. ' What makes you so sure I'm not worthy of that thing and if your friend like sit so much why hasn't she already bought it?'
'It is not a 'thing' young man,' the old woman ground out, ' That ornament was hand-crated by an ancient master eons ago, it is the only one of it's kind. It is called ' Aurora's palm stone' and Legend has it that-since it was made as a gift for a loved one- for forever on, it may only be passed on as a gift.'
'Oh.sort of like you can't put a price on beauty?' Ash asked, not nearly as clueless as he looked.
'Quite my boy,' the old lady murmured, warming to this strange young man who was proving to be one the most entertaining people she had met all week. 'Except I am in the money making business, the palm stone can only be purchased as a gift for another. My friend has voiced no real concerned for the stone but she not a good liar. I have kept the stone for her as she often speaks of a lost lo-'
'Ash, which do you prefer?' Jade asked excitedly, bounding over to Ash, two brightly coloured cards clutched to her chest. 'Oh hello, I'm Jade. Are you the owner?' The woman smiled as she was greeted with one inquisitive green-eyed stare and one exasperated blue one. 'My name is Tulip Laine and yes, I do own homely little domicile. And you are?' Ash grinned sheepishly as he introduced himself and Jade. 'And the two girls over there are my other two sisters, rowan and Kestrel.' Hearing their names, the girls walked over with their chosen card. 'Hello. Hi.'
'And the one with his head under the display is Mark, my sister's boyfriend' Ash finished, frowning over the last part. As Mark straightened, they all missed the quick flash spark of recognition in the old woman's eyes. 'Hey, sorry about that, I'm Mark.' Tulip shook the outstretched hand and gathered the items to run them through the till. 'Ah yes Mark, I'm afraid you missed your sister by a couple of hours. She said she was taking a jet so she'll probably get to the hospital before you.'
The silence was marred by the old woman's gentle humming and the occasional beep from the till. 'Umm.do I know you?' Mark asked cautiously, afraid to break anxious silence.
'Goodness me no boy! But after all your sister's told me about you and your lot, it's like I do.' Tulip exclaimed joyously, glad to have made the connection between these teenagers and the discontented young woman who frequented her shop. Seeing the confusion, she stopped. Had she made a mistake? 'Your elder sister? Big blue eyes and luxuriously wavy mocha brown hair? Nice smile?'
'You know Mare?' Mark gasped. Who'dve thought this barmy old lady'd know his long lost sister. 'Hmm...Mare? Cute nickname. Why do you all look so surprised? I presume you're all friendly as she always buys cards fro the family. Was I mistaken?' Tulip asked Ash, worried by his pallor and haunted grey eyes.
Ash gulped as he tried to cover the yawning chasm that was his stomach and stop the flow of emotions to his pounding head. 'No. We're just surprised.' Ash mumbled, Dare he ask? 'Where did you say she was headed?'
'Ah, I know you!' Tulip shouted suddenly, smiling cheerily as it hit her. 'I wondered how you fit into the puzzle. Let me see you boy.' Tulip walked round and surveyed Ash. Looks aside, she could see what he girl saw in him but honestly, was any man worth that heartache? Remembering her Arnold, she kept quiet. 'She's off to see your parents, Mark. Perhaps if you hurry, you'll catch her at the hospital?'
All four looked at each other. They hurriedly thanked the old woman before grabbing their purchases and hastily retreating to the car. She'd given them far more than she knew.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Phew, my poor hands! Please tell me my suffering wasn't in total vain. Is anyone out there? If there is, I'll try to get a LOT more Mare into the next chapt. The Ash scenes just flow out, I dunno why? GRIN. I tried to make this chapt. longer but no guarantees for the next ones.
I just re-read the Forbidden Game trilogy and I know what I want for Christmas.JULIAN! Those of you who haven't read them, what were you think woman? Run, quick! Seriously though, they're good and I'll offer a straight out swap= the next chapters in exchange for Julian. Excuse while I got get some professional help. In the mean time, feel free to re-read the story or to badger me with more threats of violent abuse if I don't update soon. (Only joking, I LOVE all my violent abusers, keep reviewing!)
Luv Phe.
