Chapter 180: Des gens habillés
Sunday, January 15th, Morning
She walked into the den of the Jamlyn. It functions as both a place for James to work on his offseason business matters and where Ashlyn could do some of her school paperwork without the kids bothering her. She took her place at the antique partner's desk and opened her laptop.
Once the computer was booted up, she opened the web browsers. Once set, she chose a website and picked the first video link that was on it. While waiting for it to load, she took a sip of her glass of wine.
The computer screen came to life. The studio of Tree Hill High School was clearly in view, and a young man was sitting behind the desk. He wore a blazer, a shirt, and a tie. The tie was in the colors of Tree Hill High School; he looked at the camera and smiled.
"Good afternoon, and happy Sunday, I'm Trey Terthero, and today we start Be Heard, a series on the first Tree Hill High School Ravens Girls Basketball championship team. It was fifteen years ago this year when these girls did the impossible before they did it. Before the season, the team was thought by basketball writers to be no better than third place. What they did was run the table, winning the North Carolina State Basketball Championship. Join us each day of the next few weeks until the thirty-first, when at halftime of the girls' basketball game, we honor this team," Trey said, "On Be Heard: A Championship Defined; in their own words."
The screen changed to a beautiful blonde woman in a different space. She looked like she was in her thirties and looked comfortable in the room. She was well dressed and looked like everything perfectly placed. "Be heard," she said.
The screen changed again to a different woman in her thirties. She had dirty-blonde to brown hair and dressed in the livery of a European Basketball team. There was an intense look in her eyes. "Be heard," she said.
The screen changed a third time to show a hotel room. Angela Scott was sitting at the desk and looked at the camera. She had a turtleneck and blazer on. The camera quality didn't seem to drop off. "Be heard," she said.
"Fifteen years ago, thirteen young women got together to form a team. His collection of people and personalities would form a machine that would dominate almost every opponent they would face that season," The Narrator said.
The screen changed to saw the outside of Tree Hill High School. It changed again to the girls' basketball coach's office. Coach Kiera Sinclair was sitting there in her coaching gear, with a Tree Hill polo shirt.
"What is little known is the foundation of the team got laid down in the closing minutes of that game. It was the state semi-finals when we lost in the closing seconds. We returned seven girls from that team, including all five starters from the team that started that semi-finals game," Coach Sinclair said.
The scene changed to the Coach's Office and the head coach's desk with Coach Lucas Scott sitting behind it. "The way that semi-finals game ended left a bad taste in their mouth. All seven of those girls came back with a chip on their shoulders and not wanting to relive those feels, or repeat those mistakes. They were hungry," Coach Scott said.
The screen changed to a basketball game. The clock in the corner showed a few seconds on the clock. The ball was passed to a young black girl wearing a Tree Hill number Twenty-one. The scoreboard showed Tree Hill was down by two to Olympic. "The ball passed to Brown at the top of the key. The shot is off; it's either win or go home. One-shot determines who is going to the state championship game," The Broadcaster said.
The ball bounced off the rim. "No good! No good! Olympic wins! Olympic wins!" The Broadcaster said.
"That shot took the wind out of our sails," The beautiful blonde said.
"All the weight came down on Faith, the youngest of us all," The second woman said.
Angela came on the screen and shook her head. "It was my fault. If I didn't foul out, I'd be the one taking the shot, not Faith," Angela said.
"It's simple; we sucked that day. We were a broken team and played like the dumpster fire we were in the locker," Coach Ashlyn Pierce-Scott said, from her office in guidance counselor office in Tree Hill High School.
The image changed to a doctor's office with another woman in her thirties with dirty blonde hair. "As soon as the ball hit the parquet, we started on the next season," she said, "Ashlyn rehabbed her knee during the summer. Faith went back to working with her brothers. Most of us played our summer ball. Angela changed the most; she developed an attitude, and also discovered hardcore."
The beautiful woman was back, "Angela took that loss the hardest, she felt like she let everyone down," she said, "That was one thing I've learned by this time is don't let Angela feel like she let people down."
The Second woman was back on the screen. "Vandoo, worked harder than any of us that offseason, and her attitude changed," she said.
Ashlyn appeared on the screen. "We would work out together over the summer, and once she found that hardcore music, you could see her attitude change, and she was taking charge," she said.
Coach Sinclair was on the screen. "Going into tryouts, you don't know what you get. We have an open try out a policy where everyone had to earn their spot on the team. Our seven returning girls earned their positions again. We also picked up Cara Gyles from the JV team. But the rest wasn't just that good," she said.
Coach Scott appeared on the screen. "Yes, the pool was rather shallow, and we ended up selecting four freshmen to fill out the bench," Coach Scott said.
"The Wonder Freshmen," The Doctor said, "We looked at these four girls, and at one point or another, we all shook our heads. I ended up my last season babysitting these freshmen on the team."
"The Wonder Freshmen," The Second Woman said, "I think myself and Ashlyn were the only starters that didn't have a freshman or a new back-up."
"The Wonder Freshmen," The Beautiful Blonde Woman said and laughed, "Not only did I have to play well; I had to look after my back-up. She's a great girl, and we're still friends to this day, but you felt like you had to do more."
"Oh Boy, The Wonder Freshmen," Angela said, and laughed, "I was responsible for one of them. My niece was a freshman and wanted to play basketball, so I worked with her hoping to get her on the JV Team. She ended up being my back-up."
The image changed to show the basketball court in the Whitey Durham Memorial Field House. It showed the various banners and retired jerseys hanging on the wall; one of the jerseys had the number twenty-two with the name Scott on it. The camera panned over to Coach Lucas Scott.
"This was where we took that raw material and forged a team," Coach Scott said, "Our first game was here."
"What was it like before that first game?" someone off-camera asked.
"Anxiety, mostly," Coach Scott said, "That's every year before the first game," he took a deep breath and let it out, "We had a team, and as practice started we found we had a leader."
"Who was the leader?" The person off-camera asked.
Coach Scott looked up at the number twenty-two jersey. "Angela," Coach Scott said.
"What else happened that day?" The person off-camera asked.
"Well, by the first game, we had a battle cry," Coach Scott said.
"What would be that?" The person off-camera asked.
"Be heard," Coach Scott said.
"Be heard," The Doctor said.
"Be heard," The Beautiful Blonde Woman said.
"Be heard," The Second Woman said.
"Be heard," Ashlyn said.
"Be heard," Angela said, and the credit started to run.
"Tomorrow, we'll be back with our first profile, in episode Fifty-four," The Narrator said.
Ashlyn smiled and held up her wine glass in a toast.
Sunday, January 15th, Morning
(Song Lyrics in Italics)
From the porch, you could see the inlet, and the light of the rising sun would dance over the surface of the water. It was cold, but it wasn't too cold. She pulled her coat closer and held the coffee mug in her hands.
With her left hand, she adjusted her watch cap. After a big exhale, she watched the mist and the steam of her breath. Looking over to the nearby table, she looked at a beat-up radio that the music she listened to came from it.
The door opened and closed behind her. She wasn't alone on the deck anymore. Her morning routine of solitude and communion with the rising sun was over.
"You're not playing this morning," Andrew said.
Kelly shrugged, "I didn't feel like it," she said.
"So, what are you listening too?" Andrew asked.
"Viking music," Kelly said, keeping it simple.
"Viking music? I'd always pegged you for Irish Folk in the morning," Andrew said, trying to be funny.
"Country, Blue Grass, and American Folk are inline with Irish music through the Scot-Irish," Kelly said, "This is just the origins of the same traditions."
"So, what is this song? It's haunting," Andrew said.
"It's singing a person on their final journey," Kelly said.
"Rather dark thought," Andrew said.
"We've been in darkness for years," Kelly said, "Some of us are heading to the light. Some of us towards the darkness."
"So, why dwell on it?" Andrew asked.
"It keeps me righting myself to the light," Kelly said.
"Why?" Andrew asked.
"I have a family, and I have people to worry about, you've known that since we got engaged," Kelly said.
"That's true," Andrew said.
"You will never die if you win a good reputation," Kelly said.
Andrew nodded, "Yeah," he said, not sure what Kelly said.
Kven skal synge meg
i daudsvevna slynge meg
når eg helvegen går
Sunday, January 15th, Morning
They sat on the sofas looking out the windows. The Upper East Side spread out before them. The winter winds whistled along the glass panes. Finally, the oldest woman in the group turned and looked at her grandson as he cuddled up to her.
"So, Ellie, you need distance from this mess you got yourself into," Brooke said.
Ellie nodded, "I wouldn't put it that way, but I can't get peace here," she said.
Brooke nodded, "Well, I have a proposal for you," she said.
"That will be?" Ellie asked.
"I'm leaving Wednesday to return to Tree Hill. I have a private jet, and you can ride back with us," Brooke said.
"Where will I stay? Are we going to open the Carriage House?" Ellie asked.
"Who said anything about that, you'll be renting a room at Beaulieu," Brooke said, "So, I can keep an eye on you."
"Why do you want to keep an eye on me?" Ellie asked.
"Because we need to exorcise Libby and find Ellie again," Brooke said.
"Can I settle up here?" Ellie asked.
"You have to, I wouldn't expect anything less," Brooke said.
Ellie looked at Trin," What do you think?" she asked.
"Go home, get grounded, spend time with your Dad and Sawyer, The City isn't going anywhere," Trin said.
"Okay, I have until when to tie up loose ends?" Ellie asked.
"Five PM Wednesday; be here ready to go," Brooke said.
"Okay, I can talk to my agent and get my stuff from the townhouse," Ellie said.
"Now, comes the cost," Brooke said.
"What?" Ellie asked.
"Everything has a cost," Brooke said.
"What is it?" Ellie asked.
Brooke smiled, "You'll walk for me again," she said.
Ellie nodded, "Okay," she said, sighed, and shook her head. That was one hell of a price to pay.
og dei spora eg trår
er kalde så kalde, så kalde
Sunday, January 15th, Morning
He sat on the bed in his bedroom. On his lap was an open photo album. Slowly, he looked over the pictures from his past.
Lucas took in the memories of a life well-lived. He looked over the pictures of his family. The earliest photos he looked at, taken at Chapel Hill when he was in college. At the time, he's a newly published author, a new husband, and a new dad.
He looked over pictures of him with Keith. Over the years as his son grew up to be the man he is now. Some of the newest photos were of Keith and Lucas at Keith's college graduation. Keith's wedding to Izzy. Some images of Keith holding Nomi or Ellis. The last batches of pictures were of Keith in Georgia and were related to the second job that took him overseas.
Also, among the pictures of Lucas were him and Kay. Growing up, Kay was always close to him and even clingy at times. The earliest photographs of her and him taken in New York City. AS she got older, they had more and more basketball-related pictures for Kay. There were several pictures of Lucas and Kay holding the championship trophies, for the two championships they won, while he coached her. There are pictures of Kay graduating from UCONN. Pictures of Kay getting drafted in the WNBA draft. Also, sadly there were pictures of Kay in the hospital with her shoulder after her accident.
Ellie's pages were next. Sadly much of Ellie's pictures were tied to Kay. Part of it was because they were twins. Others were pictures of Ellie being treated in the hospital for her cancer when she was in high school. Some of the more delightful pictures were of Ellie graduating high school and UNC. There were several of Ellie and cheerleading in high school. There was one picture f her holding up a book titled The Girl Who Always Wore Purple.
Turning the page, the next batch of pictures were of Sawyer. The baby of the family had fewer photos in this album. For some reason, his baby girl always could find a way to bring a smile to his face. Still, in high school, she didn't have those milestones that she had passed. Several of the pictures of Sawyer holding basketball trophies she won when she was younger. There were others of her when Sawyer first took up cheer leading. The newest one was taken at a football game this school year of Sawyer and Keni cheering on the sideline.
Lucas sighed sadly. There weren't many pictures of him with Candi, his oldest, but he did have photos of her with several of her important milestones. There's a picture of Lucas and Candi holding the State Championship trophy, Candi's senior year of high school. There's also one of Lucas, Kay, and Candi with the championship trophy; it was the only championship in which both his daughters that were players were on the same team. There were several of Candi holding MVP trophies from her two years playing at Tree Hill. The next few pages were just of graduations for Candi, her high school graduation, her undergrad graduation, and her medical school graduation. The last of the three made Lucas smile and remember flying out to California to see her graduate for med school.
Lucas smiled; it was a sign of a life well-lived. A tear came to his eyes as memories came back, and the hollowness of loss and darkness follows that.
Eg songane søkte
Eg songane sende
Sunday, January 15th, Morning
It was a good morning, Haley reflected, as Nathan hobbled into the kitchen. His knee was good enough for him to get out of bed. He took a spot at the breakfast table, with LK, and the grandkids.
Haley smiled as she finished up with breakfast and brought them to the table. With a plate placed in front of each person. Haley had to put them out in a specific order, or LK would freak out. Once finished, she took her seat at the table.
"So, how is the knee today?" Haley asked.
"Good enough," Nathan said.
"Any plans today?" Haley asked.
"Maybe see if I could get out on the basketball court, and get some little ones out of your hair," Nathan said.
"Are you sure, Nate?" Haley asked.
"They want me to have my knee strong for the surgery," Nathan said.
"Where will we go, Papa Nate?" Lacy asked.
"The backyard, its Sunday after all," Nathan said.
"Oh," Lacy said.
"There's nothing wrong with the backyard, Lacy," Lennon said.
"I was hoping to see Maeghan," Lacy said.
"Jamlyn is busy today, as Brett is heading over to Tree Hill Hall," LK said, to the air.
"Lacy, it's good to spend time with your cousins," Nathan said.
"So, are we going to see them?" Lacy asked.
"No," Nathan said, "My knee is okay, but not that okay."
"What will we be doing today?" Lennon asked.
"Have fun," Nathan said, "You're eleven, no scouts are looking at you. Lennon, just enjoy the game."
"You played hard at my age," Lennon said.
"But it nearly destroyed me," Nathan said.
Haley nodded and agreement. Lennon turned back to his plate and started to eat. Nathan looked over the other faces at the table but returned to his plate.
då den djupaste brunni
gav meg dråpar så ramme
av Valfaders pant
Sunday, January 15th, Morning
She looked over the bed at the blonde eight-year-old girl standing there. Brett studied her sister. Maeghan just watched as Brett packed her bags.
Once she finished, Brett zipped her bag closed. Taking a seat on the bed and studied Meaghan. Maeghan joined Brett on the bed cuddling with her.
"What's wrong?" Brett asked.
"You're leaving," Maeghan said.
"Well, not now," Brett said, "I'm waiting for my ride."
Maeghan nodded, "That's when?" she asked.
Brett shrugged, "I don't know," she said, "I don't even know who's picking me up."
"Why do you need to be picked up?" Maeghan asked.
I got in trouble, and I'm grounded," Brett said.
"What did you do?" Maeghan asked.
"Something I wasn't supposed to do," Brett said.
Maeghan nodded, "Well, why do you switch house?" she asked.
"I spend time with my Dad, and our Mom," Brett said.
"But I miss you," Maeghan said.
"I miss you," Brett said, "I also miss my dad's family. Anyway, you'll see me twice this week when we have games."
Maeghan nodded. Brett looked up to see a tall man standing in the door. He wore a THFR Rescue Twenty-Seven hat and stood silently.
"It's time to go?" Brett asked.
"Yes," Huck said, in the only way he could.
Brett nodded; she leaned over and kissed Maeghan n the top of the head. Maeghan looked up at Brett.
"I'll miss you," Maeghan said.
"I'll miss you, too," Brett said, got up, and grabbed her bags.
After a heavy sigh, she looked at Maeghan. Brett nodded and followed Huck out of the bedroom. Slowly, she walked through Jamlyn towards the driveway. Brett wasn't looking forward to facing Momma Chase for the first time since she grounded her.
Alt veit eg Odin
kvar du auge løynde
Sunday, January 15th, Morning
Beaulieu was home, she always would tell herself. Being raised most of her childhood in New York City, Beaulieu was still home. Four years in New Haven, Beaulieu was still home. Her job keeps her in Washington, DC, but Beaulieu was still home. Her official residence is now Leighton, but Beaulieu was still home. Izzy looked down from the loft of the Chapel at Beaulieu. She told herself that every time she felt part of her soul torn away.
Below her, a wedding is taking place. Izzy watched with a careful eye; another Beaulieu Bride, Izzy thought. Izzy took a deep breath and leaned heavier on the rail. She was one of those brides that stood below and said their vows.
Picking her eyes up to the stained-glass window, they were decorative, but not religious. The late morning light poured through the window. There's poetry to this, and on most days, it's lost to Izzy.
"Momma, why are we here?" Nomi asked.
"Sometimes, Your Momma needs a reminder to what's important," Izzy said.
"What would that be, Momma?" Nomi asked.
"People are important, Nomi," Izzy said.
"Don't you always say that, Momma?" Nomi asked.
Izzy nodded, "I do, but Your Momma needs to be reminded time to time," she said.
Nomi nodded.
"Mrs. Scott," The Butler said, Izzy turned around to see Lurch standing before her.
"Yes?" Izzy asked.
"A Ms. Overton is waiting for you," Lurch said.
Izzy nodded, "I guess it's time to head to my next appointment," she said.
"You have to leave again?" Nomi asked.
Izzy nodded, "Yeah, duty calls," she said.
"Duty sucks," Nomi said.
"You're telling me," Izzy said, and looked to Nomi, "Go find Grandpa Lucas."
Nomi nodded and headed off. Izzy looked at Lurch. "Once more unto the breach," Izzy said.
"Yes, Ma'am," Lurch said, as they left the Chapel Choir Loft.
Kven skal synge meg
i daudsvevna slynge meg
når eg helvegen går
Sunday, January 15th, Morning
They lay on the bed together, still dressed for bed. Kay adjusted herself on the bed, getting comfortable on her stomach. She wore faded blue cotton shorts and a white tank top; Kay looked over to her girlfriend, Ivy.
Ivy was also in cotton shorts but was also wearing her number fifty-four Chicago Bears jersey. She looked over to Kay. Ivy was even lying on her stomach.
"Are you sure you want to make his trip? My family can be a handful," Kay said.
"You've met my family?" Ivy asked.
"Some of them," Kay said.
"I'm Polish; we're a handful," Ivy said.
"These are non-refundable, I just want to make sure. Once I click the button, we're committed to this trip," Kay said.
"Then commit us," Ivy said.
"Are you sure?" Kay asked.
"Yes," Ivy said.
"Be aware I have to deal with the bad emails," Kay said.
"I know, Kochanie, and I'll be there to support you," Ivy said.
Kay nodded and picked up her smartphone and pressed a button on the screen. After a moment, she looked up at Ivy, "Well, I booked our flights, finally," Kay said.
Ivy smiled and nodded, "How does it feel?" she asked.
"What?" Ivy asked.
"Tell me how I should feel," Kay said.
Ivy shook her head and laughed. She gently pushed Kay. "New Order, Kochanie?" Ivy asked.
"Why not?" Kay asked.
Ivy smiled and shook my head, "You just keeping me on my toes," she said.
"O…" Kay started to say but was cut off by Ivy kissing her. They broke apart and smiled, looking at each, and smiled. They leaned back towards each other and kissed gently this time.
og dei spora eg trår
er kalde så kalde, så kalde
Sunday, January 15th, Morning
In the hallway of the hospital, she took one, two, and then a final breath. Candi walked into the hospital room and came to a stop about six steps from the foot of the hospital beds.
"Hi Candi," Lamont said.
Candi nodded, "Hello Lamont," and turned to the chair, "Ms. Wilson," she said.
"So, any good news?" Lamont asked.
Candi nodded, "You seem to be doing well, and you're on track to be released soon," she said.
"That's great," Lamont said.
"Of course, you're going to be limited on physical activity while your heart and chest heal," Candi said.
"That sucks," Lamont said.
"Lamont, please listen to her; she's the Doctor," Ms. Wilson said.
"Mom," Lamont said.
"Are there any questions?" Candi asked.
"No," Lamont said.
"No," Ms. Wilson said.
"Have a good day, and get some rest," Candi said and left the room.
Candi stood out of the line of sight. She took a few deep breaths. She looked up, and the attending pediatric doctor was standing there.
"I know it was tough, but you have to do it," Fawn said.
Candi nodded, "It's tough when you've telling kids, who are scared, their life is changing," she said.
"Your past makes you empathize with them," Fawn said, "I get it, empathy is good, but you can't get attached."
Candi smiled, "I know," she said with a nod.
"What are you thinking about?" Fawn asked.
"Hoping we're staying at Beaulieu," Candi said.
Fawn laughed, "I wish," she said.
Årle ell i dagars hell
enn veit ravnen om eg fell
Sunday, January 15th, Late Morning
She walked into the café and took her spot in line. She ordered her coffee and went to find a place to sit. Ellie looked around the café and sighed.
They called her name, and she retrieved her coffee. Slowly, she drank her coffee and looked out the window in the street. There was something about the city, and it's energy.
While she looked out the window and mused, someone took a seat across from her. Ellie looked over at her new companion. She smiled at him.
"Another meeting?" Dawson asked.
Ellie shook her head, "No, just warmer," she said.
"So, what's up? You're not working?" Dawson asked.
Ellie shook her head again, "No, I have other things going on," she said.
Dawson nodded, "You always have a lot of things going on, what could that be?" he asked.
"I'm heading back to North Carolina to visit my family," Ellie said.
"What brought this on?" Dawson asked, "It always seemed you weren't interested in heading back there."
"My Dad is getting an honor, as is my aunt and sister," Ellie said.
"So, it's a family thing," Dawson said.
"Yeah, I'd like to be supportive," Ellie said, and shrugged, "I guess."
Dawson nodded, "So, when do you leave?" he asked.
"Wednesday," Ellie said.
"That's short notice," Dawson said.
"I only found out very recently," Ellie said.
Dawson nodded, "So, I guess no movies next weekend?" he asked.
"We could do something before that," Ellie said.
"We could," Dawson said.
"Tuesday night, seven o'clock, meet me at the George Cohen Statue," Ellie said.
"Okay, what are we doing?" Dawson asked.
Ellie took a sip of coffee, and after she swallowed, she smiled, "We'll figure it out then," she said.
Når du ved helgrindi står
og når laus deg må rive
skal eg fylgje deg
yver gjallarbrui med min song
Sunday, January 15th, Morning
The younger kids were out on the grounds outside Tree Hill Hall. She looked out the window and watched the four children of her body playing.
Chase smiled and walked away from the window. She knew it was a cold atmosphere in the house. Her oldest, her step-daughter, was upstairs. They haven't spoken since she grounded Brett this past Monday. In fact, when Brett walked into Tree Hill Hall, she went straight to her room without saying a word to Chase.
That caused an odd thing, Chase reflected. Ever since Chase became Brett's step-mom, they rarely fell out. Now, neither of them is talking to the other. That sucks, as her conclusion. She walked through the hallways.
Finally, she came to the living room and found her husband sitting on the sofa, reading a book. Chase took a seat next to him on the sofa and sighed. He quickly tilted his head.
"Give me a moment to finish this passage," Huck said.
"How are you sure I want to talk?" Chase asked.
"You gave me the stop what you're doing and listen to me sigh," Huck said.
"I didn't," Chase said, and shook her head, "You've been paying attention to my sighs?"
"We've been married eleven years, almost, and together longer, how do you think I've survived?" Huck said.
Chase playfully hit Huck's shoulder, "Ass," she said, "What'cha reading?"
"I borrowed back my copy of the Poetic Edda," Huck said.
"Light reading, I see," Chase said.
"Very much so," Huck said.
"Brett won't talk to me," Chase said.
"Well, you did ground her," Huck said.
"She shouldn't have done what she did," Chase said.
"That I agree, and if I didn't, I wouldn't be foolish enough to tell you," Huck said.
"At least one of you're smart," Chase said, "I thought she was better than that and this treatment."
"Hope not too surely for early harvest, nor trust too soon in thy son. The fields need good weather, the son needs wisdom. And oft is either denied," Huck said.
"So, you're saying she's just a rebellious teenager?" Chase asked.
"Yes," Huck said.
Du blir laust frå banda som bind deg
Du er løyst frå banda som batt deg
Sunday, January 15th, Late Morning
The four M1A2 Abrams Tanks lined up near the gate. Several other vehicles would be joining the; each of the crews was going over their vehicle one last time.
The Sergeant was sitting in the cupola of his tank. He reached forward and opened the fifty caliber ammo can, and reached over to open up his M2A1 fifty caliber heavy machine gun. He pulled the belt of ammunition and loaded it into the machine gun. Once he was satisfied with the setting of the belt, he closed up the machine gun.
The Sergeant looked over to the left side of the turret. Out of the loader's hatch, his Loader, Palmer, popped out of his hatch in the turret. He reached over and started loading his M240B Light Machine Gun. Once he finished, he looked over to The Sergeant.
"All loaded and ready to go," Palmer said, "Sergeant."
The Sergeant nodded and slipped down into the turret. The Sergeant leaned forward and looked into the gunner's position in front of him.
Tarheel was in the gunner's seat, checking over his equipment. Once he finished, he turned to look at the Sergeant.
"All set here," Tarheel said, "Sergeant."
"Good," The Sergeant said, "The word should come down any minute."
Tarheel turned to look at his equipment, "Well, let's get this done and over with," he said.
"Yeah, can we just get this over with," Palmer said.
"Y'all have it easy, I have the hard job," Letty said over the intercom from her position in the driver's compartment in front of them.
"At least you have a comfortable seat," Palmer said.
"I remember that seat, use to fall asleep in it, and I still miss it," Tarheel said, looking around his space that he stuffed his big frame in, barely.
"No drifting, Letty," Palmer said.
The Sergeant shook his head, "Who's choice of music id it today?" he asked.
"Letty's Sergeant," Tarheel said.
"Mine, Sergeant," Letty said, "They already have my player."
"Oh boy," The Sergeant said, paused, listened, and then keyed his radio, "Affirmative," he responds, "We're off."
The tanks ran up their engines and headed out of the gates to start their patrol.
"Deyr fé,
deyja frændr,
deyr sjalfr it sama,
en orðstírr
deyr aldregi,
hveim er sér góðan getr.
Sunday, January 15th, Late Morning
They walked through the visitor's center and out into the garden itself. They pulled their coats tighter to their bodies and pulled their hats down on their heads.
It's a queer garden. Sure there were trees, bushes, and grass, but what seemed to grow here were stones. Most of them were similar white marble stones, all the same shape. They all said something different, but yet they all almost said the same thing.
They walked past a red sandstone gate, which stood orphaned with no walls that the gate once let you pass through. Angela paused, took stock of where they were, and pushed on among the fields of white stone. But unwilling, they trudged forward.
"How do you do this every year?" Sarah asked, Jess.
"I don't know," Jess said, "I was six when it all happened, and we started this."
"You're braver than me, Jess," Sarah said.
"Aunt Sarah, this is something My Mom taught me I have to do," Jess said, "Even though most people don't want to."
"But Arlington?" Sarah asked.
"My Mom says you can't always choose where you have to go," Jess said.
"I was surprised it was here also," Sarah said.
Angela turned down a road, Jess and Sarah followed. Angela was looking at the curb for a number. She stopped and waited for the other two to catch up.
Once they caught up, together, they walked down a row. The group stopped, and Angela looked at Sarah.
"You go, we'll give you time," Angela said to Sarah.
Sarah nodded and walked to one stone. She put a coin on it and looked it over. In private, she studied the stone and spent all the time she could with it. Slowly, she turned and walked away.
Angela nodded, and she and Jess walked to the stone. They stopped before it, and each put a coin on it. They stood there and studied it, and the frost tinged grass at its base. In their minds, they each read the stone.
The white marble stone had a rounded top and wasn't very big. At the top of the flat face was a Christian Cross. They studied the words that descended the stone.
Spencer
Churchill
Grady
Georgia
LtCmd
US Navy
War On Terror
"Hi Church, we're here," Angela said, in a low, respectful tone, "I wish you were here; there's so much to share."
There was a sudden silence, only broken by the gentle wind blowing amongest the headstone, and rattling the branches. Finally, Angela elbowed Jess to get her moving.
Jess looked at Angela, shook her head, and turned to the headstone.
"Hi, Dad, I miss you," Jess said, "and I love you."
Deyr fé,
deyja frændr,
deyr sjalfr it sama,
ek veit einn,
at aldrei deyr:
dómr um dauðan hvern."
(BLOG entry in Italics)
Memento mori; remember you to will die, something I've been reflecting upon lately. Maybe because I'm the youngest, or one of the oldest, depends on how you group me, I've seen a lot of people I know die. It's a sad state that all you're thinking about is what shade of black to wear. Thank god we don't practice deep mourning or I'd never be out of black. That does beg the question is there is a walk of shame, is there a walk of death? If there is a walk of death, then we all shall have to walk it, right? I'd like to hear your thoughts so please comment below.
RavenHussar
T3 Collective
Author's Notes
So, we come to the end of another Episode. This one, Number Four, is named Helvegan. Helvegan means the Path, Way, or Road to Hel. I spelled that right Hel with one L. It's the Norse realm of the dead, where all dead goes and is ruled over by Hel, yes the same name, the daughter of Loki. The split realms of the dead are more of a Juedah-Christian belief. Yes, warriors who die, in battle, maybe harvested by Odin & Freyja harvested to protect their halls, Valhalla & Folkvangr. Much of Norse worship is unknown as it's lost to time and conversion. Wardruna composed the song itself, and the version I like features the singer Aurora. If the sound rings familiar, the TV series used Wardruna music in Series/Season 1 and music composed by the primary songwriters of Wardruna, Einar Selvik. The song takes the stylings of a death song, or more correctly, a funerary song, where you would sing the departed over Gjallarbru to Hel. The end of the song even quotes from Havamal, The High One's Speech from the Poetic Edda. The translation is below.
Now, why did I choose it and use it in the story? Things have been building up to another reveal of secrets of the Annus Horribilis. So, it was the characters as they slowly marched to Hel. At the end of the dying words of this episode, we find out Secret two is Church Grady has passed, and he's Jess Scott's dad.
Things all have a point here. Everyone is on a journey to find their next phase in life. But like everything, it's a road we walk on. I like using In medias res, so that's why things get referred to offhandedly, and the characters seem to understand. This style also allows for tension to build. There was life between Bless the Broken Road, and Further on Down the Road. I need to find shorter titles. Things don't just stop and start when I choose to write.
Why these two deaths? Carson, well, I love the character of Carson, and a lot of fans do as well. This choice was mainly to his age. He was also getting to be a character in the current social climate that can easily taken out of context. But the second reason wasn't the reason I removed him; it was the practical matter of his age and physical condition.
Church, well, he was never meant to stay in the universe too long. Also, his job, which was never said, but implied in the text, is a hazardous one. I always wanted Angela to have a daughter, and I wanted the daughter to be an active player soon rather than later. Hence why Jess was born, and her dad died. Angela never married Church, and they chose to give Jess Angela's surname.
What are the other four secrets? I will reveal them in time. Why do they call that year, Annus Horribilis? Well, everyone in the social group was touched by the tragedy that year, everyone.
Writing, is also two stories, some will even say three. The big story, the story of your life. The story you are writing—finally, the story of the writing of this episode. The majority Helvegan I wrote during the COVID-19 Pandemic, I had a few chapters started before it hit North America. This episode's writing finished in the shadows of the George Floyd Protests. Writing this episode was its own way to hell. As I'm finishing this Episode up, I will be preparing to return to my office for work for the first time since March 2020. Something I honestly look forward to finishing the episode.
There are two constants in life, things change, and one day we will walk the path to Hel. I hope that my writing has brought joy to people that read it in these dark times. As the writing helps me get through some of my issues. Someone once commented, they knew my emotions when I wrote the chapter by how I wrote it. I don't know which way to take it, but I do accept it.
As I write this, it's the eve of a protest where I live. The world will drive you crazy and will make you think. I try to be as apolitical as possible when I write. Several reasons, but mainly I want more people to enjoy and have an escape. Some events you can't overlook, though.
As for the structure of this episode, it covers just one week, seven days. Yes, we're still in January. The focus this part is on Kay, Lucas, Brett, Brooke, the New York Crowd, Angela, and a little bit of Candi. I'm trying to mix it up a bit.
If you've gotten this far, I do have a question. Ellie now presented with two "love interests," Dawson, and Bietio. Who do you prefer, so far, and who should I ship? Write-ins are also welcome.
Thanks,
Thumper.
The Annus Horribilis Secrets
Carson Murphy has passed away. (Episode 2)
Spencer Churchill "Church" Grady was killed in action as a US Navy Seal and buried in Arlington National Cemetery (aka The Garden). He is also Jessica Ashlyn Scott's Dad. (Episode 4)
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Playlist
Chapter 141: Vast: Winter in My Heart
Chapter 144: Doro (Featuring Lemmy Kilmister): Alone Again
Chapter 155: SVRCINA: Battlefield (Meet Me On The Battlefield)
Chapter 159: Blackfoot: Left turn on a Red Light
Chapter 162: Teena Marie – Lead Me On
Chapter 163: Teena Marie – Lead Me On
Chapter 163: Machine Gun Kelly – Why are you Here
Chapter 164: Camila Cabello – Havana
Chapter 164: Machine Gun Kelly – Why are you Here
Chapter 180: Wardruna (Featuring Aurora) – Helvegan
Poems
Translation Guide
Chapter 155: Kochanie – Polish for My Darling (Or similar)
Chapter 156:Osita – Spanish for Teddy Bear
Chapter 180: Des gens habillés – French for People Dressed Up
Chapter 180: This is a song in either Norwegian or reconstructed Old Norse.
Kven skal synge meg - Who will sing me
i daudsvevna slynge meg - Into the death-sleep sling me
når eg helvegen går - When I walk the road to Hel
og dei spora eg trår - And the tracks I tread
er kalde så kalde, så kalde - Are cold, so cold
Eg songane søkte - I sought the songs
Eg songane sende - I sent the songs
då den djupaste brunni - When the deepest well
gav meg dråpar så ramme - Offered drops so mighty
av Valfaders pant - Of Valfather's pledge
Alt veit eg Odin - I know it all, Odin
kvar du auge løynde - Where you hid your eye
Kven skal synge meg - Who will sing me
i daudsvevna slynge meg - Into the death-sleep sling me
når eg helvegen går - When I walk the road to Hel
og dei spora eg trår - And the tracks I tread
er kalde så kalde, så kalde - Are cold, so cold
Årle ell i dagars hell - Early or in fading day
enn veit ravnen om eg fell - Still the raven knows if I fall
Når du ved helgrindi står - When you stand by the gate of Hel
og når laus deg må rive - And when you must tear loose
skal eg fylgje deg - Follow you I shall
yver gjallarbrui med min song - Across the bridge of Gjöll with my song
Du blir laust frå banda som bind deg - You will be free from the bonds that bind you
Du er løyst frå banda som batt deg - You are free from the bonds that bound you
"Deyr fé, - Cattle die,
deyja frændr, - Kinsmen die
deyr sjalfr it sama, - You yourself will also die
en orðstírr - But the word about you
deyr aldregi, - will never die
hveim er sér góðan getr. - If you win a good reputation
Deyr fé, - Cattle die,
deyja frændr, - Kinsmen die
deyr sjalfr it sama, - You yourself will also die
ek veit einn, - I know one thing
at aldrei deyr: - that never dies
dómr um dauðan hvern." - The reputation of those who died
