Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon or associated characters.
AN: So, um… I promised that there would be answers in this chapter. Well, there are. Kind of. Over half of this chapter is another memory, but we get back to the main event at the end. I spent a entire day writing this, so let me know of any discrepancies. (After writing that long, editing isn't really attractive.)
Chapter 7: Awaken to an Angel
Time passed in a blur. The blur lasted a moment or years. Time still had no place in the nothingness. Colors streamed by with no detail, just long streaks of colored ribbon that shifted constantly. A sudden halt of the streaming colors threw Endymion back into the memory.
Endy was in a field without his shirt on, leaning up against a hoe he had stuck in the ground. It had been over six months since the inn and he had found work in the fields all over the western part of his country. Everywhere he went; there had been a shortage of farmers. All of them had been struggling just to tend to their crops.
Endy's neat idea of how things were in his life at the palace was utterly disabused. The truth of reality showed him his people's lives and how hard it was for them to simply live. But, despite all their hardship, all the farmers he had worked for, reveled him with tales of how it used to be before the king had made it better for them. He guessed starving for only part of the year was better than starving all year round.
"Hey, boy! It ain't break time yet!" Jacob yelled at him. He had just started working for Jacob that morning, having come to Lowe Valley late the day before.
"Aye! Just taking a moment," he replied, genially. He understood how Jacob felt, having worked on farms for the last five months. Harvest was only a few weeks away and all the farmers were working themselves to the bone, plus whoever was willing to work for them. Grunting, he turned back towards a bad patch of weeds. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Jacob give a nod in approval and turn back to his task.
Hours past while Endy worked under the harsh sun. Mid day meal came and past with no food. He had come to expect this aspect of their lives as they just couldn't afford to have a third meal in a day. He didn't complain, though. No one had time or the energy to complain out here. Just work. Hard, constant, never ending work.
When the light began to fade, Jacob came over to where Endy was working. "That's the day, lad. Com'on, Louise will have supper ready 'bout now," Jacob said.
"Moment, almost done here," he replied to the graying farmer.
Jacob wasn't too old, but the hard life of a farmer had aged him prematurely. He had a small family, which Endy hadn't met yet, of his wife, a daughter of ten, and a son of six. He had another farm hand who lived in a shack on his property. Endy had been invited to stay in the main house with the family, as everyone somehow knew he was the prince. He hadn't taken Beth's advice to change his name. Instead, he kept his shortened nickname so there would be no confusion on his part.
Even though people all over knew he was the prince, there weren't any special privileges. He showed up for work and that's what the farmers had him do. Simple courtesies were extended, though. Like being invited to stay at the main house for example.
The hard work seemed like a test. His people were warily testing the young noble to see if he was what he said he was.
After some hard work, and he had to admit, some good times, there always seemed to be tearful goodbyes. He understood none of it. He had just shared in their work and a bit of their lives. He couldn't understand the joy and pride he brought just by becoming family for a few short weeks.
"Lost in day dreams, Endy?" Jacob grunted.
"Aye, just a bit. Was it a long time?" he queried.
"Nah, a couple moments. Let's go get some chow," Jacob nodded his head towards the house.
Endy grinned his agreement while picking up the equipment. They made steady progress towards Jacob's home, chatting about what work was accomplished that day and what else needed to be done.
"Tomorrow I need to head to town. Need supplies. Yer welcome to come with, it'd be a half day's work for ya," Jacob told him.
"Aye, that'd be nice. Haven't had a break in a while," which was true. The last break he had was at the inn, otherwise he had been working or traveling.
As they neared the front door, Endy cursed softly.
"What's the matter?" Jacob asked.
"Forgot my shirt on the fence," he grunted. Usually, it wouldn't matter, but there were ladies in the house.
That'd be a great first impression, a sweaty man-boy coming into the house shirtless, Endy criticized himself.
"Aye, no problem. Just use the barrel to wash yerself up and I'll lend ya one," Jacob said.
The barrel was originally filled by rainwater, but during times of summer heat, the woman and the children of the house filled it from the well. Its sole use was for the men to wash when they got home from working the fields. Later in the night, Jacob would dump the water onto the small garden they had. He nodded and went to the side of the house to use the barrel. He tried to use the water so that the used water didn't go back into the barrel. Other's still had to use it and he didn't think it polite just to dunk himself into it.
Doing the best he could, he rubbed most of the dirt and sweat away. He ran a hand through his hair and waited for Jacob to show up. In the warm evening, his skin dried fairly rapidly. After some time had passed without Jacob showing up, he went back to the front door and entered quietly. The small family had gathered at the table already, but nothing seemed to have been touched yet.
"Aye, there he is! Thought ya got yerself lost or something. Was about to go look for ya. Shirts on the peg there," Jacob pointed beside the door. Endy's face reddened as the two women of the house fixed their eyes upon his chest and stomach. All the work and sun had his skin a nice golden brown laid over taunt, lean muscle. He quickly grabbed the shirt and donned it. Jacob's wife averted her eyes, blushing slightly while the ten year-old girl smiled prettily at him.
"I thought you'd bring it out to me," Endy said, quietly.
"Why?" Jacob asked, perplexed.
"The ladies in the house…" he thought it was self evident. Jacob guffawed, looking at the females, then laughed again.
"It was how I was brought up. Ladies are treated with a certain respect where I grew up," Endy tried to defend himself from the man's laughter.
"Aye, don't get me wrong. It's a good thing, yer respect for women, but we just don't have the time to care about those things out here," Jacob informed him, as he sat down at the table.
The only empty spot happened to be by the girl, who immediately scooted closer to him after he sat. As there was no more bench for him to move over to, he took her attentions with good grace. Her smile was shy this time and she gently grabbed his arm, hugging it to her chest.
"We do have a few manners out here. We waited for ya to come in before we started supper," Jacob said, trying to regain some sense of civility.
"May I be introduced to your family, Jacob?" Endy asked, trying to get his attention over to the girl. Hoping he would stop the girls affections. Jacob looked right at the girl and him, but didn't say anything about what was going on.
"My daughter there, is Caitlin. My son is Mathew, and my wife is Louise. This is our new farm hand for a few weeks, Endy. Let's eat now!" Jacobs introductions were quick, and if Endy knew any better, his eyes approved of what his daughter was doing.
Endy knuckled his forehead and muttered, "Nice to meet you" to everyone. Everyone started grabbing food and putting it on their plates. There was no method to their madness, just taking what they wanted. There were fresh baked rolls, boiled turnips, fresh carrots, and a stew of some sort. The fresh rolls were a treat by their standards and Endy was puzzled when no one touched them.
Caitlin used one arm to dish herself up, keeping the other latched onto his. Seeing her predicament when it was time to get some stew, Endy thought he'd be nice and ladled some into her bowl for her. He was hoping she would release his arm in thanks, but her head snuggled against his arm instead.
"Um, are the rolls for dessert?" he inquired, not wanting to be rude and just grab one when nobody else has.
"Nah, we're waiting for ya to take one first. Guests are always offered the best, first," Jacob replied. "Caitlin, I think Endy needs his arm to eat."
Endy was sure he heard laughter in Jacob's voice when he said that. Caitlin let go of his arm, though, so he decided to over look the man's mirth. True to the word, after Endy grabbed a roll, everyone grabbed one for themselves. Louise gave the last ones to the children, giving them two apiece.
Endy gave a slight nod in approval. Caitlin's arms were willowy and he couldn't decide if it was from youth or lack of food. He knew that lack of food wouldn't be intentional, but he had a soft spot for the children of farmers. Hell, he had a soft spot for everyone. If he could improve their lives, he wouldn't hesitate to do so.
The food wasn't gourmet by any means, but he ate every last crumb and enjoyed it. "Thank you for a wonderful meal, Louise," he said with heartfelt gratitude. She looked to Jacob with a questioning look.
"Aye, he's like that. Means every word," Jacob winked at his wife. Louise turned back to Endy and gave him a warm smile.
"Yer welcome," she said, shyly.
"Alright, Endy. It's been a long day and we have to go early in the morning to reach town. Mathew can sleep with us, ya can sleep with Caitlin," Jacob said as he got up and stretched. Endy's eyes widened and his face paled. Jacob took notice and spoke quickly to calm Endy's fears. "For warmth, Endy. We haven't many blankets and it gets cold during the night."
He looked to Caitlin who flashed him a sweet smile before heading to a side room. Jacob led his wife to the other room with Mathew following. Endy sat forward at the table, putting his head into his hands. He thought of just sleeping there, at the table. The thought of waking up to a frozen girl pulled him from his seat to the other room.
He found Caitlin under the blanket already, shivering.
Asshole, he thought of himself.
Quietly, he slid onto the sleeping pallet that was just big enough for them both. Instantly, she flipped over to him, throwing an arm over his chest and snuggling against him. Her shaking was too erratic for it to be shivering, letting him know that she was sobbing quietly.
"I thought ya hated me when ya didn't come in," she whispered softly.
Endy cussed himself for several seconds, before replying. "Of course I don't hate you. Your beauty is intimidating," he told her.
She stop moving for a moment, then spoke, "What's in-tim-ma-dating?"
He gave a soft laugh. He was uneasy for no reason. She was too young and innocent to want anything from him other than friendship.
Maybe that's the only way she knows how to treat someone she likes, he thought to himself. He came to terms with it and let himself enjoy her attention.
"It means that you're so pretty, it scared me a little," he yawned.
A moment went by, then she giggled. "Yer silly."
And that was the only girl that had slept in my arms. Until Serenity… Endymion thought.
***
A hand was shaking him awake. Yawning, he took a look around. All he saw was faint light outlined against the doorframe. The morning sun had not come up yet. He was used to early mornings, though, so he was alert relatively quick.
"Time to head to town," Jacob whispered.
"Aye, I'll be out in a moment," he replied, just as quietly. As Jacob left the room, Endy started to slowly work his arm out from underneath the warm ball of girl that was slightly attached to him. As soon as he got up, carefully leaving the blanket covering Caitlin, she snuggled into the spot he had just vacated. Soaking up the warmth he had left behind, no doubt.
He left the room as quietly as Jacob had, trying not to wake the girl. Jacob was standing by a candle that stood on the table, which gave the only light in the house. When he saw Endy close the door, he softly blew it out, throwing the room into darkness. He heard quick footsteps and then the night sky was visible through the open front door.
Outside, both relaxed their restraint and let out noisy sighs. Jacob immediately took off down the road to the end of his property, not even glancing to see if Endy was following. They came upon an empty wagon with an old plow horse hooked up to it, sitting just off the main road. Jacob didn't hesitate jumping up onto the wagon's bench. Endy took a second before hoping up beside him. Almost immediately, the horse took off at a steady, slow pace.
He wouldn't just take someone else's wagon and horse. Must have set it up before waking me, Endy thought.
"It'll take some time to get to Lowe Town, so ya can relax some," Jacob said, lightly.
Endy stifled a laugh, both humored and awed at the simplicity of names out here. They were in Lowe Valley, so why not have the closest town named Lowe as well? He reasoned that it kept things simple and organized. He had heard of cities in other countries that were so big that they had more than one name. Twyn wasn't big enough to have more than one name, although it had many quarters.
"How do ya like Caitlin, my daughter?" Jacob spoke suddenly. He cast a quick glance at Endy, eyes full of uncertainty and embarrassment.
Endy had a fit of coughing, he was so unprepared for the question. He wasn't stupid, he knew that Jacob just wanted a good life for his daughter. In fact, he knew this would happen sooner or later since everyone knew he was prince. He was actually puzzled that it took this long.
"Is that why I didn't sleep with Mathew last night?" Endy countered, hoping to buy time. Jacob had his own fit of coughing, trying to cover his guilt. Endy had a speech all planned out for such an incident. Unfortunately, it didn't fit because the speech was for a maiden some family would try to pawn off onto him and to instill a sense of honor into the family. No one should try to take advantage of someone else.
Of course there was the problem that Caitlin wasn't the typical maiden and the fact Jacob wasn't trying to take advantage of Endy. Jacob had found them snuggled up together that morning, what was he suppose to think? Endy truly believed that Jacob only had his daughter's interest at heart.
"I like her well enough," Endy replied to the earlier question. Jacob's eyes lit up, but were still a little guarded. Endy was surprised a little as he found that he spoke truth, he did enjoy her attentions. "But I don't want to put her through that."
"What do ya mean?" Jacob had a completely bewildered look upon his face.
"How do you think it would be for her, if I just up and took her from home? Put her in a big, unfamiliar palace, surrounded her with haughty, uncaring people? Leave her for long periods of time due to duty? That type of life I could offer her isn't fair," Endy put a lot of emotion into it, convicted that he couldn't do that to Caitlin.
Jacob sat in silence while the horse quietly plodded along. The sun just peeked its face over the horizon when he spoke.
"Aye, ya are right. I hadn't thought of that," He grinned up at Endy. "That's why ya are the prince and I'm just the farmer." Endy searched Jacob's face, looking for bitterness for their positions in life. All he found was Jacob's still grinning face. Endy relaxed and let the morning rays of the sun warm his head.
***
Lowe Town came into sight mid-morning. Endy would've called it a village, but didn't want to hurt anyone's pride. It did have wooden buildings and some of those were two stories tall. Jacob headed towards a large, one story building at the edge of town.
"HO!" Jacob yelled to slow the horse at a large door in the side of the building. "Kenji! It's me, Jacob! I've come for the supplies."
Endy hopped down from the wagon right after Jacob had. He followed the graying farmer as he headed to the door, which swung open as they approached. A rather fat man, shorter than Jacob, pushed the door open the rest of the way before clasping Jacob's extended hand.
"Aye, Jake. You look well. How's the family? New farmhand?" Kenji spoke like he was chewing leaves, then nodded towards Endy at the last question.
"Family's good. This, here, is Endy. He'll be working for me for a few weeks," Jacob replied, warmly. Obvious to Endy, that these were good friends.
"That's good, that's good. Your usual, I take it?" Kenji said as he turned back towards the inside of the building. Jacob and Endy followed as well. The inside looked like a staging area, different amounts of goods were neatly stacked upon pallets. Several lanterns kept the large warehouse well lighted.
"You supply all the farmers around Lowe Valley, Kenji?" Endy inquired.
"Aye, have them here every day," Kenji said, offhandedly. They shortly arrived at a smaller pallet not too far from the door. "It's going to be three silvers and five coppers this time, Jake."
A small noise issued from Jacob's throat. "What happened to the prices, Kenji? I don't have that type of money!" Jacob shook a little.
"Sorry, Jake. I can't help it. My suppliers raised their prices. I can't just give the stuff away, you know," Kenji seemed sad that he had to raise the price on his friend.
"Can you make my order smaller? I can do without the flour. Needles and cloth will have to go as well," Jacob sat there scratching his head, thinking of what his family could really do without. A single tear rolled down his face from all the frustration he must have felt. Something snapped in Endy. Hot anger boiled in his blood.
This isn't fair! Jacob works too hard for his family to go without. Caitlin's dress was nearly threadbare. I won't let them suffer, he raged inside.
Endy pulled out his pouch and slipped out a gold coin. Broean had paid him fifteen gold coins and he had only used two of them in the last six months.
"Here, this is for Jacob's order. In fact, I'd like you to double it. Then use the rest for his next orders, until it runs out," Endy proffered the coin. Both men had their eyes goggle out a bit. They may have never seen a gold coin before. Endy slipped out another. "This is to cover all the other orders in here, give all the farmers their orders with the expressed thanks of the crown."
Kenji made no move to take the coins, rather swaying in shock. Endy grabbed his hand and placed the glittering coins in his palm. Jacob's mouth flapped a few times before he found his words.
"I should be paying ya for yer work, not the other way around!" he exclaimed.
"This isn't from me, it's from the crown. Please, just take what's offered, Jacob. I couldn't stand thinking Caitlin and Mathew starved to death when I leave," Endy pleaded with the farmer. What happened next had Endy's eyebrows nearly climb off his head. Jacob went down to a knee.
"My life is yours, my liege," He said, solemnly.
A rather crude oath, but more heartfelt for it, Endy thought. He touched his shoulder, accepting the pledge, then quickly pulled him to his feet.
"None of that, now. Any decent man would've done the same," Endy said. Jacob had gleam in his eye, like he was part of something bigger now. Kenji was still stunned, looking at the two gold coins in his hand. "Kenji, can you do what I asked?"
"Aye," Kenji seemed to have finally pulled himself out of shock. "But it will take me some time. Rest of the morning, I think."
"Jacob, stay here with Kenji and see if there's anything else you'd like. I'm going to wander a bit, I'll be back to help load the wagon," Endy noticed that he started to take on a commanding tone. Jacob didn't seem to mind and bowed to him. Kenji just blinked then looked back and forth between Jacob and Endy.
Endy left quickly and headed for the stalls he had seen coming up onto the town. Eventually he came back to the wagon with arms full. He had bought Mathew a few toys, Caitlin a doll and some bows for her hair, Louise a couple pots and spices, and a jug of whiskey for Jacob. The merchant selling the whiskey didn't want to sell it to a boy so young, but Endy mentioned it was for Jacob and not him, then the merchant let him go without a hassle. Endy was glad that everyone seemed to like Jacob. With a second thought, he headed back to the stalls, returning with heavy blankets.
Endymion remembered that time with fondness. He had never worked so hard, physically, in his life. But he never had enjoyed meeting so many different people.
Everything went dark again. Silence reined. Time had no markers, so it did not pass. Endymion waited patiently for the next memory to take hold.
No colors swirled, no voices came. Still he waited.
His thoughts started to drift after a while. He thought of what happened after those events.
Even though the things his father accomplished had made life a little easier for everyone, Endy wasn't satisfied. He came home angry, and with a purpose. He set himself on a big project to ease the poverty experienced all around.
A few weeks after his return celebration, he came up with a brilliant plan. He told his father of it and instead of meeting resistance like he thought he would, his father approved. Of course he wouldn't help him implement it. He was told that it was more training.
So Endy spent the next few months writing legislature and convincing the Council that it was the right thing to do. Five months after his return and in ample time for harvest, Endy announced that each soldier not currently serving at a garrison would go serve a tour out in the fields. All through the military ranks, Endy was met with protests and opposition. He held steadfast to his plan and after harvest came in, everyone was completely surprised at the amount of crops brought in. Everyone made money, the royal coffers filled to bursting. When everyone made money, everyone was happy. His kingdom now fed a large part of all the surrounding countries.
Endymion thought that the warm glow was coming from the pride he felt. Slowly, he realized that it was surrounding him and not coming from within himself. He thought perhaps it was another memory.
This is different from the other times… AAHHH!
***
The End!
(Just kidding. Ha ha ha…)
It felt like he had been stretched then snapped back into original position. Regular sensations rushed into his head, demanding to be heard. His gut demanded food, his mouth, water. His chest just cried. His head complained about the glow.
Glow?
The darkness wasn't as complete as before. This type was self imposed. Gradually, he cracked his eyes. Everything was too bright and he slammed them closed again. Not before he caught a glimpse of what seemed like Serenity lying on top of him. Glowing…
Glowing? Am I going mad?
He cracked his eyelids again.
See? No glowing, it was just the candlelight…
The faint light around her faded, giving no illusion to the fact that she had been glowing. A shocked and concerned look was upon her face.
"Endymion?" her voice was just as sweet as he remembered, causing him to smile. Then grimace in pain as he felt his lips crack.
He opened his eyes the rest of the way. Sky blue met deep ocean blue. He tried to speak, but all that came out was a croak.
"Water," he barely got out. Serenity leaned over to a side table out of his sight. Which brought to his attention that she wasn't wearing anything. The covers slid down her back, revealing her chest to him. All too soon, she had come back with a mug in her hands, blocking his view of such beautiful wonders. She seemed to notice what he had been gazing at, spreading a small smile across her lips and a blush gracing her cheeks.
He tried to lift his arm to grab and mug and defend himself against looking at her breasts, but both failed. All that happened was a slight flop of his arm and another croak. She had already put the mug to his lips, though, and slowly tipped it. Cool water flooded his mouth and he quickly gulped it down. He coughed and sputtered as the last of the water seemed to find his lungs and not his stomach. A few moments later, he felt refreshed and more clear headed.
"Serenity," he got out.
"Hush, you're still not well from the poison. It might be another day before you can talk well," she spoke, quietly.
Poison? Who would poison me?
He was feeling better by the moment, thought, and took his chances. "How long have I been asleep?"
She shook her head gently, not answering. That made his eyebrows draw down. He felt strong enough to move his arms a little. He planned on placing his arm around her and asking again, but with command in his voice. Again, he failed. Instead of placing his hand on her mid-lower back, he ended up with a handful of her bottom. Both of their faces turned crimson, although she didn't make a move to take his hand away.
"Sorry," he muttered as he used the last of his strength to slide his hand up to the bottom of her spine.
What's a good word for soft and firm at the same time?
His eyelids were growing heavy. He felt exhausted from the few minutes he had been awake, the burst of strength a lie. He last thought being that he hadn't really meant his apology.
***
Male voices dragged him from his pleasant dreams. Dreams that weren't memories this time. Dreams in which Serenity had been in. They had played tag in an orchard, swam in a private pond, walked a rose garden together, and he read to her. Not extraordinary things, but they made him happy. Now these intrusive voices were ripping him away from that!
"…don't trust you. Even if the king, himself, vouched for you. You could still be the one who poisoned him," he recognized Zoisite's tenor.
"I swear! He was awake last night. He still needs his rest!" the pleading in Serenity's voice had him finally open his eyes.
"What's all this racket, now? Can't an ill man get some rest?" he moaned. Four pairs of eyes snapped to him. He gave a weak smile and winked at Serenity.
"Prince Endymion! You are awake! Thank the gods, we thought we might have lost you," Zoisite was the first to speak.
"Welcome back, your Highness," Nephrite bowed.
"Glad to see you, your majesty," Kunzite greeted him. Serenity walked over to the side table and picked up a mug. She sat on the side of the bed and leaned over to help him drink.
"Stop, wench! Don't not poison him anymore!" Zoisite yelled and made as if to grab her. Kunzite grabbed his fellow captain before he took a step. Endymion added a dangerous glare.
He felt stronger than before, so he lifted up a hand to take the mug from Serenity. His hand obeyed him well enough, but it lacked the strength to hold the mug. Instead of admitting defeat, he let Serenity steady the mug while he tipped it to control how fast the water filled his mouth. Not to mention he enjoyed her being close. After he finished all of the water he motioned for more.
"Where is Jadeite to complete the little group?" he asked Kunzite.
"His rooms were found abandoned. No one has seen him in a week and a half," Kunzite replied, somberly.
"Is that how long I've been asleep? A week and a half?" he mumbled to no one directly.
"Longer. Two weeks, about," Nephrite offered.
Serenity returned with another mug full of water. He ignored the sense of strength he felt as he knew it to be false. They repeated the same technique as before and he retained what strength he did have. It wouldn't do for him to collapse in front of his captains, making them worry even more. He noticed Zoisite was still glaring at Serenity.
"Zoisite, enough! She didn't poison me! I haven't even ate in her presence yet! Stop with your accusing with your eyes," he snapped at his captain, taking some of his anger out on him. "It would make more sense if Jadeite had done it."
Zoisite's mouth snapped shut with an upset look on his face. His other two captains looked away.
Jadeite did this?
"Jadeite did this?" he asked, softly. "One of my own captains did this?!?!" he yelled.
"We don't know for sure. Many of us suspect, due to his absence," Nephrite looked apologetic.
"I trusted him. I trusted that asshole!" he could feel his energy start to leave and knew he only had a little time left before he fell unconscious.
"We're not sure if it was him," Zoisite provided.
"YOU! You knew about this and you still accuse Serenity? Leave now, Zoisite. I don't want to see you right now," Endy raged.
Zoisite only took a second to think about it before he dashed from the room.
"He is just worried about you, my prince. It was just misplaced anger," Nephrite tried to sooth him.
"I don't want to see anyone right now, leave please," he waved them away.
Kunzite clearly wanted to say more, but he understood Endy better than the rest of them. He pushed Nephrite in front of him and proceeded to follow Zoisite. Serenity had tears running down her face and turned to leave as well. Endy made a huge attempt and threw his body to the side of the bed, barely catching her wrist.
"Not you, my princess," he gasped, now aware of some new pains. The door closed behind his captains. Serenity cried out and helped him back into a laying position. He noticed that she was wearing a gorgeous green dress.
"Dressing to impress me?" he laughed softly as his joke. She smiled behind her tears, nodding gently. He wanted to brush away her tears but found darkness creeping in from all sides. He fought it back, needing to say something important, but not knowing what it was.
"Don't leave me," he pleaded with her.
I said that? It makes it sound like I'm in love with her. I'm not sure how I feel about her yet, I just know I feel something. Something strong.
Her smile widened. She sat, then laid down beside him, face to face. Sky blue met deep ocean blue once more before he lost his grip on reality.
AN2: So… yeah. Ahem. All day. Tired. Yup.