Days of Future Past

Francine:

"Boo!"

I playfully jump out from behind a corner to scare Eiden.

He startles on his way down the hall.

"Got you!"

I giggle amused before looping arms with him as we both continue our walk together.

"When is your shift over? I'm boreeedd."

I whine a little as my class was finished hours ago.

Eiden:

"Hey!"

I look at Francine startled, I was a trained tunnel warrior apparently but still she could sneak up on me.

I wasnt mad about it though, she links arms with me and we walk down those familiar rocky corridors.

"Pretty soon, just gotta patrol this side's pathways..but what are you up too? Dont you think we've out grown sneaking off?"

I tease her wondering if she'd go any further though the tunnel that was dark and flooded.

There might be spiders..

Francine:

"Sneak off? I was thinking dinner at the cafeteria. I'm starving."

My stomach rumbles in agreement.

"Or are you commenting on how I got here?"

I ask looking down the dark tunnel way.

"That's top secret."

I playfully move behind him, pretending to be scared.

"How much further do you have to go?"

Eiden:
I laugh when Francine claims she only meant to sneak off to the cafeteria.
But I do hear her stomach growl.

I peer down the dark tunnel seeing a spider move and shine a flashlight over the sides thoughtfuly. I did not see any movement of the barricade.

"I think I'm done."
Something splashes into the still stail water and I use my cloak to protect Francine (and her hair) from any dirty water.

"Yeah ok lets eat."

After I wash my hands..

Francine:

"Good."

I hug his arm not digging the spiders.

Eiden protects me from a splash.

What was that?

"Thanks Eiden."

I swish my hair past his face and guide him back down the tunnel.

"What do you think they are serving?"

I ask, my mind still set on food

Eiden:

"I hope fried chicken." I answer, every tunnel loves fired chicken.
Once we get to the dining hall cave I smell its stew, leftover stew.

"Ok not today, maybe the next raid.." I tease her playfully as Rowan scoops up a big lattle full and pours a good portion into a bowl for Francine first.

Francine:

I nod my head in agreement at the fried chicken idea.

Turns out dinner tonight was leftover stew.

I didn't care, I was starving.

"Thanks Row."

I smile politely despite my CONFLICTING FEELINGS for him.

"Here you go."

I hand Eiden a dish.

Exhaustion hit and I felt myself wind down a bit.

What I wouldn't do for a day off. If only to sleep of course. Not sure how mom and dad did it.

Eiden:

I don't think I noticed how hungry I was till now.

"Thanks Row!" I give him a slight wave, poor guy on kitchen duty. I wonder what he did to tick off a Sulez?

I sit down with Francine, Tesla passes us by taking his bowl to eat off somewhere else. Such a quiet guy.

"So how was your class?" I ask before taking a spoon full of the warm stew.

"Or if your tired of work, we can talk about something else too." I add in.

Francine:

"It was ok."

I stir the stew several times before scooping up a spoonful and eating it.

Too hot.

I spit it out into my napkin and pout.

"The kids were easy on me today. All very quiet. I think it may be the homework I'm giving them."

I pause.

"I'm not trying to overwhelm them or anything but we have a lot to cover by the end of the year. So much is expected of them now."

I bit my tongue from stating the obvious.

Eiden was already well aware of the tight situation our people were in. We needed as much help as we could get which ultimately lead to pulling kids out of school sooner and adding additional pressure to each class to best prepare them for early graduation.

Eiden:

Poor Francine, its alot of stress knowing alot of those kids are going to end up in active duty and some might not make it. Everyday life was so unsure here. It used to be fun thinking about going out on 'sneak missions' causing hell for Havenland, breaking into parties and sabotaging evil plans.
It wasnt all that fun and exciting really.

Just trying to get across the street in Havenland was crazy.

"Don't worry Francine, you did a great job with them I'm sure."


Mooshie serves us fresh cider.

"Thanks!" I greet before turning back to Francine.

"I cant believe its almost new year again, time just goes by...we we're apprentices ourselves not too long ago."

Francine:

"Thank you."

I say to Mooshie as she serves us some drinks.

Eiden tries to encourage me about my day and reflects on how fast time flew by.

"I know."

I smile at him sadly, missing the blissful ignorance of childhood very much.

"Things are a bit sadder now aren't they?"

My ambiguous question was of course directed at Constantine's empty chair.

Eiden:

I try to warm the coldness of my heart by holding the mug as I look at the chair.

"Yeah.. we had alot of fun as appetences with.. Cause."

I still wasnt sure what to think, was he brainwashed? Then I remember so many times, things he did, things he said that I question now. He didn't really believe in our way did he?

There was so much endless fighting I know why he felt the way he did to some point..only to a point.

"We'll get him back, eventually I'm sure."
His family was here.

"Im glad I still have you Francine." I add in, not only cause she was still here in the tunnels but still ALIVE too.

Francine:

I look over at Eiden and smile.

"And I you, Eiden."

I reach across the table and take hold of his hand to hold onto.

"We will hold down the fort together. At least until Constantine makes his way back home."

Eiden:

"Uh yeah!" I add in weakly, distracted by her hand holding onto mine.

*Squeezes it back*

Francine:

I smile at his silence, wondering what was going on in that cute little head of his.

*Pulls hand back gently and get up.*

"I'm done with my dish. You?"

I offer to take his bowl.

Eiden:

I snap out of the trance of the moment awkwardly.

"Uh uh yeah."

I give her my bowl.

"Thanks."

I look off to the side awkwardly.

Nice Eiden nice...

Trojan:

Francine walks away with the bowls trying to be helpful.

I really hope she doesn't put them on the counter, the cook will throw a fit if he has nowhere to put the hot plates.

A part of me wanted to stop this impending disaster from occurring, another part wanted to see things play out as this was not the first time I had to remind Francine of proper procedure.

*Taps foot in thought before wiping down Eiden's table.*

"Looks like someone enjoyed their food."

I comment on the mess in front of him in jest.

Eiden:

I snap back to reality when Trojan surprises me.

"Ohh s..sorry."

I say awkwardly at the mess I made.

I try to reach for the towel.

"Please, let me."

Trojan:

Eiden goes for my towel and I laugh.

"No need to be sorry Eiden, I was only teasing you."

He was always such a sweetheart.

(Chef) "WHO PUT THE DIRTY DISHES ON THE COUNTER?!?!?"

I snap out of our conversation to see Francine rush over and apologize.

(Francine) "I did Chef, I'm sorry where would you prefer them?"

Chef softens up when he sees that it was Francine.

(Chef) "Now don't you go apologizing to me young lady it's I that should be apologizing to you."

I roll my eyes and turn away from the scene at the injustice of it all.

Francine's hair is back at it again..

Ettimay:

I hear a clamor in the kitchen and look abruptly at the incident...

... just Francine again.. nothing new.

Back to the task at hand.

I called Klaus and Adam and Mooni especially to the Elder's table to discuss how to prepare for the oncoming attack we'll face come the winter solstice.

It was ALWAYS the most deadliest time of year!

Klaus:

I sit down at the table next to Ettimay.

"Adam and Noomi will be here shortly."

I update her while scooting my chair forwards and making a bit of a loud squeaky noise against the floor.

*Smiles back at Ettie cheekily.*

Ettimay:

Hmm why are they 'busy' is that a bad sign

I ponder skeptical despite years of loyalty, it was always in the back of my mind sometimes I had to admit.


Klaus distracts me with his squeaky chair.

"Stopp that, you know I have sensitive ears.."

*plays footsy back at him under the table since NO ONE was here*

Klaus:

"But if I stop then I won't have your full attention love."

I playfully retaliate under the table while we were alone.

Shame these moments were few and far in between with the current stresses of the political climate and all.

I take her hand if only to hold under the table while we wait.

(Noomi) "Our apologies guys, we had quite the mess to clean up."

She sits down abruptly in front of us, while Adam follows only moments behind her.

"We were waiting hours."

I tease.

Adam sits down, rolls up his sleeves and does that OCD thing he does with the salt and pepper shaker everytime.

(Noomi) "I believe it."

She stares at Adam openly judging him before turning to look back at Ettie.

(Noomi) "We are ready when you are."

Ettimay:

It WAS still the public dining den so I try not to smile or appear too 'un unprofessional' in front of our warriors

We must give then appearance of dignity and power, to give them great antipsaiton to survive and one day be worthy to sit at this table.

I look attentively towards Noomi and Adamaous. The salt and pepper get manhandled of course. I'm sure that conveys the dignity of the Elder's table.

"Thank you." I reply to Noomi telling me they are ready now.

"I dont think I need to presse the need for tighten security and a pause from missions outside during this time. But I have been hearing of a sickness sweeping across Havenland, I fear they might be trying to reach us by poisoning supplies in the lower districts."
I show Adam and Noomi the reports a sneak tunnel had brought in of the Havenland hospital. I was not sure if it was plague like or posion at this time but I fear sending anyone else out to steal food because of this new incident.

Noomi:

I look at the report as Adam tries to understand the rational.

(Adam) "How does there being a sickness in Havenland translate to them trying to poison us?"

"Is it that well known food sources for sneak missions have been tampered with?"

Klaus glances over at my report trying to refresh his memory on what it said.

(Klaus) "Isolation is wise. Even if this is not an attack our people could still very well contract the illness."

"We are still going to need food. We can only ration so much."

(Adam) "Don't we have a garden?"

"Yes, but it doesn't produce enough for it to be our only source. We also need to consider protein. Our black bean plant is.. very high maintenance."

(Klaus) "We could hunt?"

We all stop talking and STARE at Ettie for answers.

Ettimay:

"Yes its only in the impoverished areas, the élite are not getting sick. If anything they have their own vaccine."

I try to help Adam understand too, we can never be too careful. This could be a problem merited to poor health as well sure but if it isn't, it would be devastating to us.

Klaus comments the importance of isolation. While Noomi brings up the impossibilities for not raiding for food. As proud as I am of our Greenhouse gardens it is true not everyone here can live on a vegetation diet.

"I think we should try organizing hunting Klaus, you would have to be wary of the land owners and any trouble they might have out there. But you know the woods and so does your Tracking Guild."

Only the big name families running the asteroid's program have big land set aside for woodlands and park. Who knows what goes on in the Brewcaslte's woods, nothing good. But its a fair bet the animals are clean.

"Since we're taking the risk to go on enemy grounds to raid, should we wake it further? They do have private gardens as well.."

Noomi:

I tilt my head at Ettimay's terminology.

Wake it further?

(Adam) "If we take only what we need, and don't get greedy, they may not even notice we are stealing from them."

(Klaus) "Yes, ideally if we can be clean and quick about the whole thing it may prevent further "traps" being set for us."

"Yes, I don't think we should push things too far Ettimay and place Klaus' team in danger. I would hate to have more of our people in the infirmary."

I second Klaus' comment.

Ettimay:


"Very well, we'll just go for meat at this time."

I reply to the general wariness to try to raid the gardens as well. It would be tough enough being unseen hunting.

((Try not to make too much of a bloody mess)) I tease KLaus.

Klaus:

*I bat my eyelashes innocently at Ettimay.*

((Who? me?))

Adam wrinkles his nose at our "secret conversation" while Noomi giggles quietly to herself.

*Trojan gawks at us all in the background, hoping to one day be as COOL AS WE ARE.*

I clear my throat to change the subject.

"I will make ready a team."

I squeeze Ettimay's hand gently under the table before getting up to get started.

(Noomi) "Is that everything Ettimay?"

She asks worried I may be leaving the group conversation too soon.

Like I don't already know what is being discussed..

Ettimay:

Klaus leaves to ready a team for the hunt. The other's sense his flirtation and I try not to respond back anything cheeky this time.

I really hope it goes well...

I have a feeling Noomi wants to discuss Constantine and I try to manage it back to the main issues. Though I'm sure it involved Constantine as well...

"Just be prepared for a lock down, I don't want anyone coming and going a day before the solstice celebration."

I respond before looking at Adam.

"Was there anything you wanted to say?"

Adamaous:

*Tilts head at how much Ettimay looked like Constantine just now.*

Noomi elbows me in the ribs to respond.

"No?"

She elbows me again.

(Noomi thinking to Adamaous) ((Stop staring!))

I look down at the table and bite my tongue for now.

(Noomi) "Duly noted! We will of course play our part!"

She chirps in as clearly I had nothing to say.

Emerald:

Some gossipy tunnels were whispering in broken English what they overheard. Such ballsy chicks spying on big shot meetings and all. Gotta love 'em. I catch up with Klaus.

"Your going hunting! On Earl land! I gotta come I'm a GREAT hunter!" I smirk a toothy grin at him.

Ettimay:

I dart my eyes away at the stare.

They are thinking about Cause aren't they?

I just know it

"Thank you." I reply when both husband and wife agree to play part for the lock down.

I arise to go to my office cave and go over supplies calculations to think of ANYTHING else.

Klaus:

I turn around to look at Emerald and try not to grin.

It was hard to say no to her.

As formidable as she was I still couldn’t help but think of her as the feisty little dragon she was before.

“As you command your highness.”

I do a playful bow in response.

Emerald:

I fight back a fistpump of victory - to you know look more regal and refine.

"Gr-eat!" I replied with a grin and try to be on my best behavior as the hunting party readies to go down the secret pathway in the dark sewer.

I dont want to be sent back before the FUN even starts!

Klaus:

I tilt my head half wondering if Ettimay would approve of this.

The wrest of the crew seemed not to mind?

I get ready and try not to overthink the situation. 

This type of outing is quite standard at this point after all..

Eiden:

*making google eyes at Francine till a strong thin hand whacks me in a soldierly fashion.*

I straighten up looking at Tesla crisp blue stare as he tells me I was drafted to go, the hunt needs a techie.

"B..ye!" I manage to squeak to Francine before moving out with the men.

At first I think about maybe finding something cool to bring back down here, that's always fun but then my mind wonders to Cause... will I see Cause??

(Emerald): "Hear that?" The tunnel next to her shakes his head. She gives the big man himself (Klaus) a wink as if he must hear it with his stronger earing level.

I look up

(Emerald): "Its Earl Tony's horses running above us..yum" She finely tells after many tunnel voices sayin 'waht'

I guess we we're moving under the elite land. It was hard to think of so much space in this domed in asteroid being wasted on such a thing while 20 families are shoved in a hovel in the city area.

I wonder if we're going to find deer game somewhere or is Klaus taking down the horse collection? ;o

I turn on my secure tablet and take scans nervously as our sewer trip empties out into a elaborate waterfall garden like system on elite land.

Klaus:

“Alright everyone, don’t get cocky.”

I caution the lot as we finally reach the surface.

This new hunting ground will only be safe if we aren’t caught.

“No horses. Aim for smaller wildlife, such as birds or rabbits.”

I hesitate knowing we would need a lot to bring back home if we would survive the lockdown.

“Ok, perhaps 1 horse and a few cattle. Simply not being caught isn’t enough, we need to make our presence here not obvious. Understand?”

Eiden:

I straighten up listening to Klaus. I try not to be suckered in by the lovely view, so open and rich compared to the tunnels.

I wasnt the best hunter but toggle my device to cause all kind of malfunction to any possible cameras or traps set up. It temporary short circuits all around it. We are safe.

Well...

....is anyone really safe?

I suck in a breath thinking about so many lost in raids just like this.

Klaus changes his mind about he horse, I wonder why? Is something going on that we need more food?
Wedding? A celebration?
The only holiday up next was the bad ones we dont celebrate like the city.

(Emerald): "Yes!" call dibs on the horse!" She said loudly at first then caught herself in a whisper.
I raise my hand like a good boy to him.

"Sir Klaus! Are we going to make it look like an animal or.. ..something else ..did it?" I ask wanting to know how discreet it was to be.

Klaus:

“If we could not leave a mess that would be most preferable.”

I eye Emmy cautiously.

“Should the animal simply go missing, it will have assumed to be stolen or lost. Should it come to a more gruesome capture then of course we must get creative.”

I turn to Eiden in thought.

“I am not sure what other wildlife would be interested in the rodents or horses. You mentioned something else? Do elaborate?”

I questions Eiden as my creativity in these matters was lacking of late.

Edien:
I look down trying not to meet Klaus's eyes as he asks me to clarify what I was implying.

Oh my... oh my why did I say anything at all?

I suck in a breath and look up timidly from my device, I can only pretend to be 'scanning' so long.

"Well..sir.. your reputation...around town...they would expect nothing less.."

*slowly looks back down at the grass*

Klaus:

Oh.

*Looks down awkwardly too*

I’m sorry I asked...

“Well no matter, I still believe it best to disguise our hunt as they are onto us and-“

...Bloody hell I have nothing!

“Come, come now we don’t have all day.”

I urge the hunting party onwards before we eventually gather a variety of pigs, marmots and whatever else crossed our path during the hunt.

Eiden:

Forget the marmots! I found something on the ground in the duke's garden that was special enough for Francine

I dont let anyone in on what I found either, they are to busy with the bloody hunt so it was easy.

I help out and carry prey inside and give a loyal bow to Sir Klaus on the way out.

"Great Mission Sir!"

Just in case you know...Tesla or Sir Klaus think its 'cursed' or 'bewitched' or a tracking device. I scanned it so its fine. I just dont want to turn it in like everything else we fine. I want to have something special to give to her...

I look at the shimmering shiny object once more before hearing another tunnel happily humming along. I shove it back in my pocket with a guiltless smile.

I yawn to tired and covered in stinky hunt animal fur and blood to go find her, plus it was late. But I'm sure I'll find time somewhere for a special moment..

Klaus:

Our crew returns from the hunt and is quick to retire/wash up.

I re examine the goods hoping it was enough.

*Wipes hands on old rag in thought.*

There was a lot of blood.

I turn around not really noticing how hungry I was until now.

(Adamaous) "Lovely.."

He comments in all sarcasm at my current state whilst wandering by.

"How's your little garden doing?"

I taunt back.

Adamaous ignores me and continues on to the infirmary.

His contributions were hardly enough at times to cope with that ego of his.

I leave the cleanup to the other volunteers and make my way to the mess hall.

(Francine) "Is it true we are in isolation again?"

"How do you know that? Were you eavesdropping or....?"

(Francine) "Kind of, well not really. I overheard from another who heard from another and well, I think a lot of what I actually know is from my students but-"

"Yes we are."

I respond promptly.

(Francine) "I suppose I shoulda have joined the hunt. How did Eiden do?"

She looked around but was unable to spot him.

"I think he went back to his room to get some rest."

(Francine) "Oh, ok."

She looked somewhat disappointed but left to her quarters all the same.

I wander away trying to get as far away from that bloody mess as I could manage.

Eiden:

Word has gotten around about the new lock down. I felt a bit nervous hoping me and Francine can sneak off before it starts.

Mom and Dad discuss it was for the best, they dont ever go out anyway and Mom makes mention about how much I seem to do.

"I dont go out that much..." I grumbled back at her. Dad kept his cover for quite a few years to help the community. He was a elite too. But then Judge Mann got too interested in him so he had to fake his death. And Mom well she was one of the oldest original tunnels of course she can't go out.

Its not like its a big deal for me...I mean I'm not on wanted posters.... yet..
Maybe one day, when I'm older.

I try to think what I would like to go down for in town and couldn't really think about it. My mind went back to Cause out there.

I try to keep my mind clear of the intentions of going on the walk with Francine... just in case the great and powerful Klaus & Ettimay can hear me ; )

Lalalalalalalalalalla

*passing by to the great hall for breakfast*

I grab a quick tray smelling pieces of the big kill last night was being fried up as bacon. I watch it roasting over a big fire pit and pieces being cut.

"Thanks!" I take my piece and some warm ale before sitting across from Tesla and Mooshie who had salads instead of meat. They were taking in almost their own secret launage now. Classic 'tunnel talk' really has been outdated since we have schools now but they really can speak their mother tounge like pros. I have no idea what they are saying. Mooshie laughs and greets me in English.

(Mooshie): "HEY Ei' see anything out er' last night?"

"Nothing too exciting...which is good..you never know what those earls are doing in the woods."


*Tesla was probably going to lecture about righteous justice being unleashed if we witnessed the horrors, but I was looking around for Francine. We should probably leave before breakfast is over.*

I almost think it was a good thing Rowen was gone or he'd want to tag along but then I remember he is stuck out there because of a terrible circumstance so I really cant be happy about it.

Francine:

Dad was reading a book (not really in a talkative mood).

Noomi prattled away on his behalf while attending to some plants.

I glare at him annoyed.

Was it really too much to ask for a simple conversation from time to time?

I see Eiden and welcome the interruption.

"Hey!"

I join him at his table.

"Good morning."

I greet Tesla and Mooshie hoping for better conversation at this table.

Eiden:


I look up and try to sit straighter when Francine shows up.
The others greet her and I hesitate a bit tounge tied.

...

That's weird..

Hopeful I didn't pick anything up in the woods.

"Mmorrrning." I snap my mouth shut and smile nervously.

Francine:

I tilt my head at Eiden at how funny he was behaving.

"What's up?"

I smile, wondering if he was up to something.

He wasn't really good at being sneaky.

Eiden:


I blink a little absence minded unsure of how to answer that. I was fine wasnt I?

"Nothing?" I give her a innocent look and then was relived to see Mrs. Sulez giving the morning report. Mostly just good news about the mission I was on and some local announcements. I eye to the side to see the other two listening and scoot closer to Francine.

"Still want to go for a walk?" It might be a good time now.

Francine:

I tilt my head somewhat puzzled when Eiden claimed "nothing was up".

Oh?

Perhaps I misunderstood..

Before I can tune into the morning announcements Eiden suggests a walk.

"Ok!"

I get up and take his hand so we can get out of here.

I was going stir crazy and could really use a change of scenery.

"Where should we go?"

I ask as we make our escape while everyone was distracted.