To Walk Through a Dream Chapter One Chapter Two Chapter Three Chapter Four Chapter Five Chapter Six Chapter Seven With Wavering Footsteps Chapter One Chapter Two Chapter Three Stone Song Chapter One Chapter Two Chapter Three A Tale of Winter Chapter One Chapter Two Chapter Three Chapter Four Chapter Five Chapter Six Chapter Seven Destiny Inescapable Prologue Chapter One Chapter Two Chapter Three Epilogue The Cycle's Continuing Beginnings Chapter One Chapter Two Chapter Three Chapter Four Chapter Five Chapter Six Chapter Seven Chapter Eight Chapter Nine Two Spirits Akin

A Tale of Winter (In balance, Imbalance) Chapter Seven "I don't have anything to say to him." Phoebus protested, planting his feet. Esmerelda pushed at him, but she had no chance of moving him by brute force. She decided to try charm instead. She came around in front of him, swaying her hips slightly. "It's not like you have to bow before him or anything. Just explain what you meant by it, and then he'll let you come to my tent again..." Therese poked her head out of the tavern door. "Will you just get in here already? He's wearing a track in the floor pacing. If he keeps it up much longer I'll have to have the floorboards replaced." He strode past Esmerelda and Therese both. Clopin looked up at his entrance, already wearing a scowl. He stopped pacing and crossed his arms over his chest with an air of impatience. "You have something to say Gorgio?" They glowered at each other from across the room. Esmerelda and Therese took up a position to one side, not wishing to get involved even by accident. Anne watched unnoticed from the back.. "I love Esmerelda, and when I saw her people in need, I wanted to help. It's not my fault you took it the wrong way." Phoebus pronounced with a steady voice. On the sideline Esmerelda winced. Clopin snorted softly. As if his anger is justifiable. "Our concerns are not your own, Gorgio," he called across, annoyed. He saw the other man backing off slightly, but continued to stare him down for a few tense moments more. Then he slipped into a more usual tone. "I trust in the future you will keep out of gypsy matters?" The rhetorical question was very obviously patronizing, but Phoebus held his temper in check. Clopin glanced over at Esmerelda and acknowledged the question in her eyes. "You may visit the court when you like, just be sure not to interfere where you don't belong," he said dismissively and strolled out casually. After all, Clopin would not wish to rush his revenge on you, Gorgio. He may have missed hanging you once... Marya emerged from the shadows and watched him walk away, petting Achilles' side absent-mindedly. All things will balance. ~*~ [Author's Note: My apologies to the Blonde Hero Haters league, please do not throw rotten pineapples, coconuts, or watermelons, but smaller fruit I can dodge. Well, I suppose the coconuts aren't so bad, as long as they're accompanied by European swallows. In explanation: (A) When I get a story in my head, I write it down, even if I don't really like it, and (B) Even if he does have a big heart, he's still a doofus. Besides, can you honestly tell me you didn't like chapter four? And yes, that is Feebles endorsing the 'Sponsor a Child' program. I was sorely tempted to put in my friend's skit: Announcer: "And for just pennies a day, you too can support an impoverished child, like poor little Pepe here." Pepe: (in Mexican accent) "I went to the market. To buy a chicon head for dinner. But I have no money. So I had to sell my finger." Holds up hand with finger very obviously folded down. The announcer notices this and quickly reaches down and turns the child's hand the other way, so that the folded finger is hidden from us.] Prologue of Destiny Inescapable