8.25.2015

Hey! Wanna Vote For Me?

Okay, so I entered this t-shirt contest, like forever ago.  You had to enter a quote to go on a t-shirt about writing.  And my quote got picked as one of the top ten!  So now you guys can go and vote!  I forgot to tell you, so the voting ends on the 27th.  So, it is ending really soon.  Anyway, go to this link:

http://kingdompen.org/t-shirt-quote-contest-let-the-voting-begin/

My quote is: "A Writer: someone who loves words enough to bring them to life, and life enough to put them into words."

If the link above doesn't work, go to this link:  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LDF6TTT

If both links work, though, you can vote twice.  So, once for me, and once for your other favorite. =)  If you don't have another favorite, but don't want to vote for me twice, vote for this one that says something like: Being a writer is an excuse to keep your imaginary friends around longer than everyone else."  It is right below mine.

Okay, that's all.  Thanks  =D

*If this whole big rambling thing made no sense, sorry.  It is late at night and I'm trying to be quick* #Notimeforproofread

8.24.2015

Roman Play - Part 5

Last part!

Part 1 HERE

Part 2 HERE

Part 3 HERE

Part 4 HERE


 Characters: 
Madelyna – Nobleman Trilogy’s daughter
Peter – Nobleman Citrus' slave
Marcus – Madelyna's betrothed, a soldier
Proconsul Pompous – Government leader of the city
Army Commander
Harmony - Nobleman Citrus' slave girl
 
Scene 11:

The Guard Station; The night of the Ambush



Commander: [At the end of a briefing] Does everyone understand their positions? Good. Let's move! [To Peter and Madelyna standing nearby] Thank you both for approaching me about this. Hopefully this will go as smoothly and painlessly as possible. [Commander called away by guard]



Peter: [To Madelyna] Are you doing okay? Do you want me to take you home?



Madelyna: Are you kidding me? This is awesome! I don't want to miss anything!



[Peter laughs]



[Commander and soldiers surround Proconsul's house. Peter and Madelyna look on from nearby. Finally, whispering voices are heard through the night.



Voice #1: Shh! Quiet, fools.



Voice #2: Watch the road; I heard a horse drowned in one of those puddles.



Voice #3: Nonsense; stupid gossips story.



Voice #4: 'ould be true, doe. Not all those wives tales are false.



Voice #3: Tell me one that's true.



Voice #2: A wizard once told me...



Voice #1: If you all don't shut up, there will be more than one victim found on the morrow. Got it?



[Silence]



Good. Now on we go.



[Voices fade, until suddenly a loud crash is heard]



Voice #3: Curses, you beasts! The dead even heard that!



Voice #2: That isn't funny tonight, Curtis.



Voice #4: He didn't say the “almost dead.”



Voice #2: Although that applies too.



Voice #3: Wait, where is Mar... [Interrupted by the sound of a slap and muffled struggle]



Voice #1: [Hissing] No names, and if any of you so much as whimper I will slit your throat. Is that understood!?



[Silence, then the creak of the outer gate. After all slip through the gate, and it clangs shut again, the soldiers close the circle surrounding the block. Finally, the house is surrounded.]



Commander: [Nods to lieutenant]



Lieutenant: [Pauses, then yells] Now!



[Instantly every man in the platoon lights a torch. Shouts and curses can be heard from the men in the courtyard as they realized their entrapment.]



Commander: Make sure none of them get away! Guards, on alert!



Soldier #1: Sir, I need back up! Some are trying to climb the fence!


Soldier #2: Over here, two captured!



Proconsul: [Comes running sleepily from house; rubbing eyes] I say, I say, what is all this ruckus!



Soldier #3: Wait, wait! Commander, we have them cornered!



Proconsul: Will someone tell me what is happening? Why did you have to chose my house to have a party this late?



[More noise of chaos]



Proconsul: [To criminal running by] Say here, dear chap, how are you? Do you know what's going on?...



[Talking, noise; fads away...]





Scene 12:

After the criminals, including Marcus, are captured and being transported to prison.



Commander: Peter, Madelyna; the Proconsul and I wanted to come and personally thank you for your bravery in coming to us about this. You have done a great duty to your country. You truly are heroes.



Proconsul: You saved my life. I had no idea ruffians were plotting against me. How could I ever replay you?



[Madelyna and Peter look at each other; a silent agreement]



Peter: Well, I think we have an idea...





Scene 13:

Madelyna sits on hill overlooking the city; and Peter comes and sits beside her.



Madelyna: Oh, hey! Is it official?



Peter: See for yourself. [Grins; Hands over rolled up document]



Madelyna: [Scans and reads, before throwing paper aside and throwing her arms around Peter] Oh, Peter, that's magnificent! I'm so happy for you! We are now both free from slavery and betrothal. Oh my goodness, this is so exciting!



[Peter stands up; pulling Madelyna with him. Once Madelyna is standing, Peter kneels, still holding her hands.]



Peter: [Looking up at Madelyna] Madelyna Elisa, I love you. Will you marry me?



Madelyna: [Mouth open in surprise] Oh, Peter! [Silence for a second] What kind of question is that? Of course!! I love you, too.



Peter: Really, truly?



Madelyna: There is no one on earth I'd rather have than you.



[Peter stands, and they embrace.]



[Finis] (The end)

8.23.2015

Roman Play - Part 4

Part 1: HERE

Part 2: HERE

Part 3: HERE


 Characters: 
Madelyna – Nobleman Trilogy’s daughter
Peter – Nobleman Citrus' slave
Marcus – Madelyna's betrothed, a soldier
Proconsul Pompous – Government leader of the city
Army Commander
Harmony - Nobleman Citrus' slave girl
 
Scene 9:

Behind the public baths; Madelyna and Peter lean against the wall, eating apples



Peter: I still can't believe your dad would blow up like that. Besides misjudging Marcus, he seems like a pretty level guy, at least compared to Citrus.



Madelyna: Did the beating hurt really bad?



Peter: [Shrugs] It's painful, but I heal quick at least. One of the older ones gets beat and they are out for a month. Probably why they can get away with more.



Madelyna: Thankfully, at least, my dad he let the escort-issue drop. Could you imagine if I had Mark trailing me all day? That'd be terrible! Meeting you would be so awkward.



Peter: Impossible, you mean. An escort can't keep his mouth shut; trust me. The whole town would know about us.



Madelyna: [Giggles] True. My dad still makes me tell him where I'm going, though. Thankfully we meet normal enough places.



[Both sit and eat in silence, until Madelyna groans and sits upright]



Madelyna: We have to do something, Peter. The assassination is in 3 days! We can't just let it go; and know that we didn't even try to stop it!



Peter: [Takes another bite] But you did try! Your dad just wouldn't listen.



Madelyna: But that's not enough! I wouldn't be able to live with myself if the Proconsul dies in two days time and I knew about it! [Thinks for a minute] Could we go straight to the capital house? Talk to a senator, or something?



Peter: Same problem as before; if your dad won't listen to you, why will a senator want to listen to us?



Madelyna: But, Peter, we have to try. If you don't want to, I'll go alone.



Peter: [Throw apple core aside and stands up] No way. If your gonna do something this crazy, I'm with you.



[Madelyna grins, and offers hands for Peter to pull her.]



[Exits]










Scene 10:

The Capital Building



Madelyna: [To Door Guard] Excuse me, excuse me sir, I have an urgent matter I need to discuss with someone close to the Proconsul. Is there someone here I can talk to?



Guard #1: You could; but there is a meeting going on right now, and it can't be disturbed.



Madelyna: When will the meeting be out?



Guard #1: [Shrugs] I don't know. They often go on into the night, though. I'd try again tomorrow.



Madelyna: [Turns away and frowns; talking to Peter] Tomorrow! That is only the day before! Is that enough time?



Peter: [To Guard] Where is your commander?



Guard #1: Commander Reed? He is back at the guard station on North. Why?



Peter: Thanks! [Grabs Madelyna's hand and they run to North street.]



Guard #2: Halt! This is private property of the military. Move along.



Peter: We need to speak to your commander.



Guard #2: You won't be speaking to anyone! Now, I said...



Commander: [Interrupting] Hold your peace, soldier. [To Peter and Madelyna] What be ye needing, young things?



Peter: My lord, we have some information that we think you should know, sir.



Commander: [Chuckling] I'd love to hear it. Come to my tent.



[All exit]


8.21.2015

Roman Play - Part 3

Part 1 Here!

Part 2 Here!


 Characters: 
Madelyna – Nobleman Trilogy’s daughter
Peter – Nobleman Citrus' slave
Marcus – Madelyna's betrothed, a soldier
Proconsul Pompous – Government leader of the city
Army Commander
Harmony - Nobleman Citrus' slave girl



Scene 6:

A narrow street near the Capital. Madelyna peeks out from behind a building.



Madelyna: [Whispers] Peter! Over here. [Peter looks around and then ducks into alley]



Peter: I didn't know if you'd be able to get out today or not. It was such short notice. I'm glad you came.



Madelyna: [Giggles and tugs at her hood] No one knows I've gone out. I tried to disguise myself a little.



Peter: [Laughs] I like it. I still recognized you, though. I... [Interrupted by loud crash and noises. Peter and Madelyna hide behind pile of wood and bricks.]



Voice #1: Curse you, Julius; making that racket. Someone's to have heard.



Voice #2: Nonsense; listen. Everyone going about their business. We're safe.



Voice #1: Whatever. Help me move this. [Both grunt and groan. Madelyna peeks out before Peter pulls her back down.]



Peter: [Harshly whispers] Stay down!



Madelyna: They are blocking the ends of the alley!



Peter: Then we stay here until they are done with whatever they are doing. Just stay out of sight! [Both stop whispering and listen again]



Voice #2: I do hope the Boss brings some cakes with him. I plan better on a full stomach.



Voice #1: No, you sit still and shut up better when your full. I'm to nervous to eat anyway. All this meeting in broad day light makes me nervous. I'd much rather be doing all this at night.



Voice #2: You are such a scarey cat, Stephen. Ah, here they come!



[Voices lower and there is the sound of scuffling feet. Peter had to hold Madelyna down to keep her from looking. 'Nosy' Peter mouths to her. Madelyna sticks her tongue out at him.]



Voice #3: We are all here; but if anyone who doesn't have the spite to call himself a man and face his duty until the end, let him leave now.



[Silence.]



Voice #3: Good. Now let us hear the plan. [Sound of movement and then silence, but finally a voice, obviously the leader, speaks]



Voice #4: I want you to listen very carefully; gentleman. Every word I'm about to say is of extreme importance.



[Madelyna gasped]



Peter: Shh! [Slaps a hand over Madelyna's mouth.]



Madelyna: [Pushing his hand away] Peter! That's...that's...Marcus! The leader! It's...



Peter: M, quiet! He will hear! Just listen, we might miss something.



[They listen]



Marcus: In ten days time we will meet at our designated spot. About half way through the second fortnight, we will get into Proconsul's house. I have arranged to have the back door left unlatched. You three; twill be your job to make sure all the slaves are tucked away. No witnesses. The rest follow me up to the Proconsul's chambers. I'll do the honor. After it is done, we shall all bathe in the glory of our victory, and I shall finally get the political status that I deserve. Now leave, one at a time. Until we meet again.



Madelyna: [Whispering] He told my father he wasn't interested in politics!



[Sounds of dismissal and men leaving. Peter and Madelyna stay quiet until they have all left.]



Madelyna: [Hopping up; ecstatic] Peter! Peter! They are going to murder the Proconsul! They are going to kill him! And Marcus is the head of it! This is horrible...no, wait! It's perfect; when they are caught my father will hear of it; and I won't have to marry...Oh, but the poor Proconsul! We have to do something, Peter! We just have to! Peter? Are you okay?



Peter: [Lost in thought, looks up] Oh; yes. Fine. We have to warn the Proconsul. We can't let them get away with this. You have to tell your father about this. He has the power to handle this.



Madelyna: What does power have to do with it? We can handle it just as well.



Peter: Who is going to listen to a slave and a teenage girl? They will laugh us away.



Madelyna: [Soberly] I guess you are right. I'll try and talk to my father. Do you think Citrus would listen to you?



Peter: I'm better off explaining it to a wall. I'm his least favorite. I know he wouldn't listen. [Pauses, then pales] Oh, I was supposed to serve his lunch today! [Looks at the sky; judging the time] Oh, I can't believe I did it again! [Starts off running; calls over shoulder:] I'm sorry, Madelyna! Good luck with your dad!



Madelyna: Thanks! I'll need it.



[Exit]



Scene 7:

Nobleman Trilogy's Garden





Nobleman Trilogy: [To multiple slaves, each holding a piece of art] Yes, yes, put that statue on the pedestal by the pond. No, no, never mind. Put the stone by the pond, and bring in statue over here. Good, good.



Madelyna: Father!



Nobleman Trilogy: Oh, hello, darling! I'm redecorating the garden! I hear those new mosaics are extremely popular in Rome; I'm thinking of having the courtyard redone with them. What do you think?



Madelyna: Um, Father, could I talk to you a minute? [Motioning with tip of head to the slaves] Alone?



Nobleman Trilogy: [Understanding, but still baffled] Ah, yes, I suppose. [To slaves] You can put those down for now. Give my daughter and I some privacy. I will call for you later.



[Slaves bow and exit]



Nobleman Trilogy: Now, what is it, dear? You look pale and breathless.



Madelyna: I'm fi...fine. But, Father, today I was, um, at the, uh, market and I overheard a meeting. A secret meeting; and...and they were-are-planning on murdering the Proconsul! And Marcus is the leader! I swear, Father, it was him! We were right there and heard the whole...



Nobleman Trilogy: [Interrupting] We? Who else heard this?



Madelyna: [Flustered] Oh, um, well, I didn't mean 'we'. It was just me and, um, well...



Nobleman Trilogy: This isn't just a game of yours, is it? Really, Madelyna, you are much to old to be pulling pranks with your friends.



Madelyna: [Interrupting] But, I'm not...!



Nobleman Trilogy: [Continuing] I know you don't like the idea of marrying Marcus right now. But he is a respectable man, and I know he will take care of you. No matter, though, you are much to old to go around spreading rumors just because you don't like someone.



Madelyna: [Protesting] Father, please, just listen!



Nobleman Trilogy: [Loudly emphases first word] Obviously [Madelyna silences] I have given you too much freedom. From now until either the wedding, or you show yourself very responsible, you will have to inform me of all your coming and goings. If need be you will be escorted. Hopefully it will give you a bit of accountability. Now, you are excused.



[Madelyna opens mouth to protest, but Nobleman Trilogy points to the door and turns away. Tears starting to stream, Madelyna runs for her room; locking herself in. Nobleman Trilogy turns and looks after her, then leaves; shaking his head.]



[Exit]



Scene 8:

Outside slave quarters; Peter lies on a mat; Harmony hovers over him with a dish and cloth.





Peter: Ow! Please, just stop!



Harmony: I know it stings, but the wounds will get infected if I don't. Just; look away.



Peter: Looking away doesn't help! You know that...



Harmony: [Sighs] Yeah, I know. But it distracted you for a little while, at least. [Sets bowl aside; looks down at Peter, and giggles]



Peter: [Grumpily] What is so funny?



Harmony: Oh, I was just wondering how special she must be for you to go through all this for her.



Peter: [Looks away, guiltily] I...I don't know what you're talking about.



Harmony: [Laughs] Ha! Save the excuse for a rainy day. Now, come on, just tell me her name.



Peter: [Reddens] No!



Harmony: Ah, but it is a girl!



Peter: Yeah, yeah. Doesn't matter, though. She is already promised to someone else. [Sits up and looks moodily into the distance. Harmony scoots closer to Peter]



Harmony: Who does she love, though?



Peter: [Startled, then blushes] She doesn't like him...I think she loves me. I love her; I know that.



Harmony: Then it will all work out in the end. I promise.



[End Scene]


8.19.2015

Roman Play ~ Part 2

Missed Part 1?  See it Heeeeerrrreee!!!

 Characters: 
Madelyna – Nobleman Trilogy’s daughter
Peter – Nobleman Citrus' slave
Marcus – Madelyna's betrothed, a soldier
Proconsul Pompous – Government leader of the city
Army Commander
Harmony - Nobleman Citrus' slave girl
 
Scene 4:

Nobleman Citrus' kitchen. Harmony and Peter side-by-side washing dishes



Harmony: [To Peter] You just missed a beating this afternoon. Why on earth did you stay out that late?



Peter: [Handing her a clean dish to dry] I told you, I was just delayed at the market. Nothing more.



Harmony: [Laughs] Sure, sure. Just try to be a little more careful next time. Master was super mad when he had to have someone else serve his wine. The guest was a man all the way from Rome!



Peter: Yes, yes, I know I'm on thin ice. Just stop talking about it, okay?



Harmony: [Light-heartedly] Fair enough. Now you get outta 'ere. I'm sure you got places you'd rather be. I'll finish up.



Peter: You don't have to do that. I'll help you finish up.



Harmony: [Playfully pushes Peter towards door] Get! There isn't much left anyway.



Peter: [Grinning; scurries out of kitchen] Thanks!



Harmony: [Chuckling to self] That crazy, un-tameable boy.





[Peter jogs out into the street to Trilogy's home]



Peter: [To self] Oh, I hope her sign is out! Please...please...Oh! Window empty again. Where is she? She promised she'd see me! I have to find out.



[Rushes around to Trilogy's kitchen; slips in door]



Trilogy's cook: What you be needing, boy? I'm not in the mood for gossip, and whatever business your master has, do it quick.



Peter: I have a message for the Nobleman's daughter.



Trilogy's cook: [Sarcastically] Yah, and I'm her father. You had any message of sorts it would be delivered at a respectable time by someone a little higher rank than you and I. We'll have none to do with you; out, now. No excuse, lad.



[Peter goes out and waits in an ally. Trilogy’s cook's voice heard through a window]



Trilogy’s cook: [To servant] Don't forget to lock 'er up now, ya hear. Thrice this week I've come morn to the door unlatched. Once more and I'll report you to Master, ya' hear?



Servant: You can trust me, Cook.



Trilogy's Cook: [Snorts] That I know isn't true. But you're still better than me sticking around all night.



Peter: [Quietly to self] Ha, let's just see how much of the all-night shift is being attended to.



Trilogy's Cook: I'm off. Keep your head on your shoulders, boy.



Servant: [Under his breath] Whatever, old man.



[Cook leaves; minutes later servant leaves also. Peter jumps up and sneaks through unlatched kitchen door]



Peter: I just need to find the opening to the hall...wall...wall...

pans!


[Clatter and pots crashing. Peter freezes]



Peter: Whoo, still quiet... Ah, there is the opening! Now just to get down this hall without being detected...


[Finally, Peter reaches a door. He reaches up and quietly knocks.]



Peter: [whispering] Madelyna! It's me, open up.



[The door cracked slightly]



Madelyna: Peter, what are you doing here? We could be caught!



Peter: I don't care, I had to see you! Just let me in.



Madelyna: Alright, but we have to be careful; my father might find out.



Peter: Thank you.



[Once inside the room...]



Peter: Why has your sign not been out these last days? I've checked every night and seen nothing.



Madelyna: I'm sorry, my father has been forcing me to attend dinners every night.



Peter: [with disgust] With Marcus?



Madelyna: Yes. He mentioned tonight that he wants me to move to a villa in the country with him.



Peter: And your father sounded okay with all this?



Madelyna: Positively thrilled. He says our family is honored to be giving me away to a man with such high standing.



Peter: [bitterly] High standing. It's all anyone cares about anymore.



[Madelyna comes and sits beside Peter. She lays her head on his shoulder]



Madelyna: I care nothing about high standing. I'd rather have you than Caesar himself.



Peter: And I would be more honored than Caesar himself to have you, my love.



[End Scene]





Scene 5:

Nobleman Citrus' study



Nobleman Citrus: Here, slave, go and fetch my ink and pen. I want to transcribe a letter to the Capital, and you will deliver it when I'm done.



Peter: Yes, m'lord. [Exits, then returns]



Your pen and paper, m'lord.



Nobleman Citrus: Leave me until I call.



Peter: As you wish. [Bows, and exits]