Disclaimer: I own nothing except for my OC Joanna and any alterations to the original storyline plot her presence creates to various reader's amusement everywhere across the globe during these dark and grim times.
Between Love And Blood Chapter 19
After hours of listening to the Council bickering uselessly back and forth with each other Joanna would love to knock her head slowly and repeatedly against the nearest tree. It's times like this she wonders why there's even a High Council in the first place to give appearances that everything is actually alright.
No progress is being made on either side which is causing much irritation amongst the throng.
From her vantage point up on the civilian balcony Joanna can clearly see her brother's mounting frustration that his fellows still haven't fallen into line with his viewpoints although he's been careful to keep them carefully restrained.
All the while Joanna is constantly checking the chamber's main doors in a discreet manner, keeping a weather eye out for Justin and Mr. Ages. They should've been here by now even with Mr. Ages' invalid being a hindrance to travel.
Either they show up soon or Joanna is going to find her way outside and drag them in here herself to get rid of a massive headache on the way for certain.
There's too much incompetence layering the atmosphere in this room right now.
Exhibit A.
"The plan is nothing but folly! A doddering old fool's fantasy. Nicodemus would have us destroy this colony only to lead us to starvation in some wilderness," booms Jenner, his voice carrying to every corner of the room in his persistence to make the point properly stick permanently.
"Moving to Thorn Valley is a good plan!"
"Fie! We have everything we need right here," argued Jenner, scoffing.
"You mean we steal everything we need."
"If we stay here humans are bound to discover us."
"They'd destroy us on the spot!"
"I agree. He's right. We'll be killed."
"Not if we got them first," counters Jenner.
"Oh Jenner," whispers Joanna, wincing slightly.
Apparently, others are thinking along the same lines as her.
"He means war."
"We'd be outnumbered!"
"There is many of them."
Out of the corner of her eye Joanna observes the doors creep open unnoticed by everyone else. She breathes an enormous sigh of relief as Justin and Mr. Ages finally make their entrance.
But…they're not alone.
Narrowing her eyes and leaning a little over the banister to get a better look Joanna catches a glimpse of a third person partially concealed behind the former. Joanna's eyes widen in shock and surprise as she realizes it is Mrs. Brisby.
What in the world is she doing here? Jonathan never brought his family here before. She's not supposed to know about this place. All that's going through Joanna's mind at present is that Jenner is going to have a field day with this the moment he spots her.
The Lord Speaker bangs his gavel to return calm and control to this important gathering.
"Hear me. The Thorn Valley plan is the aspiration of idiots and dreamers. We-," said Jenner, spinning around on his feet to address the entire room, cape snapping behind him with a flourish, speech cutting off as he finally takes note of the newest arrivals to the meeting. Chuckling Jenner smirks as he gestures towards them. "We were just talking about you."
Hands on hips, smiling good naturedly, maybe with a touch of sarcasm, Justin said "That's refreshing, Jenner. Usually you're screaming about us."
Even Joanna can't resist joining in on the laughter that breaks out because it is true.
Mrs. Brisby unfortunately chooses this interlude to peek out from behind Justin's protective shield.
Big mistake.
"Who is that," demands Jenner, outraged. "You know the rules. There are no visitors around here."
Stepping aside with Mr. Ages, Justin announces "May I present Mrs. Johnathan Brisby."
A stunned tremor spreads throughout the room.
Scowling, Sullivan said "Jonathan Brisby is dead!"
"She's not one of us. What's the meaning of this," asked Jenner, spitefully.
"Send her away."
"Let's get back to business."
Interceding on Mrs. Brisby's behalf, Mr. Ages said "Wait. Wait. She has been to see the Great Owl. He has told her that we could move the Brisby home to safety."
"Her home was Jonathan's home," adds Justin, subtly reminding them all the late Jonathan has done for the Colony.
A factor it seems some individuals appear determined to ignore about the desperate Mrs. Brisby's plight.
Scornfully, Sullivan said "We have urgent problems of our own. Let the lower creatures fend for themselves."
Other various members voice their agreement wishing to bring an end to the subject permanently much to Mrs. Brisby's horror.
Jenner the opportunity created by the confusion to approach Sullivan. The two shared a hushed conversation that no one else in the room is privy to. Upon first glance Sullivan is conflicted with whatever Jenner is telling him. Jenner on the other hand, the glint in his eye suddenly has her extremely worried.
Out of nowhere Jenner does a complete turnaround confirming her instincts. Joanna then watches as her brother reverts to a pleasant exterior, she's well aware is merely a mask for the court. He apologizes to Mrs. Brisby and attitude turns entirely sympathetic to her cause and convinces a motion to be carried for the Colony to movie their home to a better defended side of the stone in the field this very night. Instantly her guard is up. He's planning something again. And whatever it is isn't good.
Authors Note:
Apologies for the long wait everybody!
I cannot begin to describe how apologetic I am for taking so heinously long to get back on track. From this day forward that's all gonna change.
I hope you all like this one! I certainly did while writing it for your vast enjoyment! ;D
So I've got some bad news for all my loyal readers. My dog just passed away a couple of months ago. To be perfectly honest I'm heartbroken. He meant so much to me and even though my family has had other dogs in the past, since I moved out, he was my baby and the first animal to ever well and truly be mine. Especially during all of this craziness with covid-19 I think all dog owners can agree that your canine companions can really fill that void that one can find themselves stuck in. And make their households complete. So this is a shout out to all fellow dog lovers out there that see them as their children. Keep your animals close to you and cherish them always…That goes for cats, too. ;)
I recently put up some other works I've put out at titled Charmer And Company, Edith Angelica Tepes, Spirits Save The Justice League Against Crazy Jane, Crazy Jane Comes To Town, Fatal Attraction, The Strawhat's Mermaid, When Two Become One, The Sorcerer's Daughter, Enola: The Last Unicorn To Middle Earth, Heroes Vs Predators, Silent Guardians To Gotham, Hachiko: UA Class 1-A's Mascott, Big Hero 6: Mirai Hamada, Mermaids Walk Among Us, U.A. High Schools Own Blue Eyes White Dragon, Sayuri Wren, Fifth Turtle, Crown Jewel Of Gongmen City, The Emperor's Daughter, Glenstorm's Daughter, Dianca Robbins, Morning Star, Reira Todoroki: Daughter Of Fire and Ice, Secret Of Bristol Cove, Predators Redemption, Rava's Journey, Princess Of The Forest, A Revolutionary Romance, Aunt, Fantine Tezla: Hot Wheels Acceleracers, Green Lantern Odette Dupree: First Flight, Magic And the Brave Little Toaster 1, Lavinia: Princess Of Edelweiss, Rorschach's Legend, Watchmen Meets Avengers: The Newest Defender, The 8thLoser, Naomi Poldark: Mistress Of Nampara, Serenity: End Guardian To The Moors, Dido Cruger: Power Rangers SPD, The True Catwoman Of Gotham, Green Lantern Odette Dupree: First Flight, and Nuala: The White Lioness. I highly recommend them. ;D
By the way, Charmer And Company, Edith Angelica Tepes, Spirits Save The Justice League Against Crazy Jane, Crazy Jane Comes to Town, Fatal Attraction, Strawhat's Mermaid, When Two Become One, The Sorcerer's Daughter, Heroes vs Predators, Enola: The Last Unicorn To Middle Earth, Silent Guardians To Gotham, Hachiko: UA Class 1-A's Mascot, Mermaids Walk Among Us, Big Hero 6: Mirai Hamada, U.A. High Schools Own Blue Eyes White Dragon, Reira Todoroki: Daughter Of Fire And Ice, Morning Star, Crown Jewel Of Gongmen City, Fifth Turtle, The Emperor's Daughter, Rorschach's Legend, Sayuri Wren, Bianca Robbins, Aunt, Glenstorm's Daughter, Mandalorian: The 2ndFoundling, Eira Byrnison, and Watchmen Meets Avengers: The Newest Defender, Rava's Journey, Princess Of The Forest, Green Lantern Odette Dupree: First Flight, and The True Catwoman Of Gotham, are some of the best newest additions to my profile.
Stay safe everyone. Especially with all of these crazy natural disasters occurring a lot lately due to global warming and climate change everywhere for sure.
