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Young Writers Society


Beyond Titles (Liv and thelostone)



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Sat Aug 23, 2014 12:08 am
thelostone says...



Emeline Mather

"Emeline, darling, have you found a muse yet for your stitching?" Mother set her tea cup down lightly on the matching saucer.

Looking down at my blank piece of cloth, I sighed. "No, Mother. Nothing has caught my eye."

She stood up and strode across the parlor to put her hand on my shoulder. "There are some lovely robins outside. Perhaps you could stitch one before they fly away for the winter."

"Yes," I murmured. "Perhaps." I tucked away the needle and my embroidery hoop into the wicker basket beside my chair. "I do think a breath of fresh air would do me good. If I may, Mother."

"Of course, dear." Mother smiled kindly at me, creating wrinkles on the sides of her mouth. "Run along now." I stood up carefully, I learned the hard way that standing up too quickly while wearing a corset would give you a terrible headrush. "Do be back in time for dinner. I expect it to be ready soon."

I gave Mother a small nod and curtsy before hurrying out the front door straight into Wilkins, the post rider. His gray streaked hair was frazzled, sticking every which way out of his ponytail. I've never seen his hair as slick and tidy as Father's. I suppose it's from riding around all day.

"Oh! Miss Mather, I have your post." He grinned, handing me a small stack of envelopes.

"Of course you do." I said, pursing my lips. "It is your job, is it not?"

Wilkins cheeks turned pink as he tried to smooth out his hair. He opened his mouth to speak but shut it immediately. I raised my eyebrows at him, curious as to why he was still standing in my way.

"I best be off, then." He muttered and walked off back to his horse who was waiting for him halfway down the path.

I let out a small irritated puff of air then brushed off the front of my dark green dress as if my interaction with Wilkins had somehow made me filthy. I thumbed through the post until I found one addressed to me. Warmth and excitement built inside me because I already knew what it was. The Mayor's home address in the corner and the exquisite calligraphy on the front, how could it not be my invite?

I rushed back up to the porch and set the other mail on the banister. My hands trembled slightly as I opened the cream colored envelope.

Emeline Mather, you are cordially invited to attend Lord and Lady Pennington's annual Harvest Ball on the sixteenth of October-

I stopped reading after the first line, too excited to focus.

"Emme, dear! I was just out looking for you." Grandfather's deep voice boomed behind me.

"Grandfather, look what arrived today!" I grinned, turning around to face him. "It's my invitation to the Harvest Ball."

"Oh, how lovely." He smiled then gestured to someone behind him. "Emme, there's someone I'd like for you to meet."

"Miss Mather," a different steadier voice spoke. "My name is Asa Calhoun. It is-"

"An honor to be in my presence, I'm sure." I said sourly not looking up. My excitement turned into annoyance at how quickly Grandfather dismissed my invitation. I slipped the invite back into its envelope and pushed past both of them.

"Emeline!" Grandfather called after me, but I pretended not to hear him as I strutted back into the house. An invitation like this, although expected, should be celebrated. Mother would surely find it as mesmerizing as I did.
maybe hell is just rewinding home movies





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Wed Sep 17, 2014 11:29 pm
Liv says...



Asa Calhoun

Stray pieces of golden hay and particles of dust floated in the air around me, illuminated by the dim evening light shining in to the stables, as I stocked the horses' food supply. I ran a hand through my hair in subconscious habit, still growing accustomed to the feel of it as my mother had cut it just yesterday. She said it would make a better impression if I looked tidier, or something of that nature. But it wouldn't matter in the end.

"Asa," I voice called, distracting me from my work and causing me to instinctively turn to find Mr. Mather. "Come here, boy. Since you'll be working for us now, I'd like to introduce you to a few people that you should know."

The demeaning connotation of "boy" caused the hairs on the back of my neck to rise, but I merely stood straight and wiped the palms of my hands on my trousers. I said nothing. Instead I simply nodded and followed him out of the stables.

Shortening my stride, I tried to match Mr. Mather's pace. I was nearly twice his size in muscle and in height, practically towering over him. For much of my life I had grown accustomed to taking smaller steps so that people did not have to exert so much effort just to walk with me.

Mr. Mather said nothing and neither did I. I simply followed him, and it seemed we were going towards the house. Looking up and admiring the house, I wondered why anyone would need such a lavish home. And for so few people! We had over twice as many people in my own home, yet our house wasn't even half the size of theirs. What could they possibly being doing with all of that space?

"Emme, dear! I was just out looking for you." Mr. Mather's voice boomed, causing me to jump sightly as he pulled me from my thoughts.

"Grandfather, look what arrived today!" A feminine voice chimed, capturing my attention as she turned around in a whirl of rich emerald fabric, "It's my invitation to the Harvest Ball."

"Oh, how lovely." He smiled, then gestured a hand towards me, "Emme, there's someone I'd like for you to meet."

Clearing my throat, I offered a hand towards the petite girl and said kindly, "Miss Mather, my name is Asa Calhoun. It is-"

"An honor to be in my presence, I'm sure." She snapped, slipping her mail back in to its envelope and pushing past me.

"Emeline!" Mr. Mather scolded, yet Miss Emeline continued on.

I stood with my mouth practically agape. If me or any of my siblings acted like that we'd be corrected with a hand to our cheek!





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Sun Sep 21, 2014 8:39 pm
thelostone says...



Emeline Mather

I strutted into the house with my chin high and my invitation in one hand. I found Mother cutting up potatoes with one of our many servants, Rose.

"Mother, look what arrived!" I gushed. "We must begin looking at fabrics for my dress."

"Oh, how exciting!" Mother set the knife and potato on the counter, wiped her hands on her apron then read my invite. "Darling, this is wonderful! Perhaps we can go into town tomorrow after your etiquette lessons for fabric." The heat from the kitchen had caused her copper hair to coil in little wisps framing her face and her face to look flushed. "Your father requests that you meet him at the stables. He insists on squeezing in your ride before supper."

"Do make sure my invitation is kept safe, Mother." I smiled, turning to leave. "Rose, assist me in changing into my riding gear." Rose tossed the carrots she was preparing into the large boiling pot then scurried upstairs to lay out my boots and jacket.

I spotted Father outside the stables securing the saddles. His long gray hair was neatly pulled back with a black ribbon, the same color the one in my hair was.

"Ah, Emme!" He beamed, hugging me. "I see you're all ready. Shall we?"

I nodded. Father helped me onto the horse then got on his. I draped my dress to cover my legs and sat up straight to help my balance. The key to sidesaddle was balance.

We started slowly, as always, taking the horses on a leisurely trot down to the orchard. I noticed a few other servants busy picking the apples.

"Emeline, there is something I would like to address." Father said as we neared the creek that ran alongside the orchard. "You are a young woman now and most young women of your age are beginning to court. You are aware that your mother and I have begun the process of picking you a suitable husband, am I correct?"

"Yes, Father." I sighed. This wasn't news to me. I'd always known Mother and Father would pick me a titled husband. I didn't expect anything less.

"You ought to be aiding your mother more around the house," Father turned his horse around and started heading back to the stables. "It is important that you understand the skills needed to be a proper housewife. You are to be wed soon."

"Of course," I smiled, bringing my horse back up to a trot. "Mother will have our heads if we are not back in time for supper."

"Your mother will understand if we're late." Father's voice grew serious. "Emeline, although you are a lovely young woman, it is imperative you make a good impression when your suitor and his family arrive. The agreement is not yet set in stone."

I rolled my eyes, sliding off the horse when we arrived at the stables. "I understand, Father." I handed the reins to the nearest stable boy then proceeded to pick off any dirt that had gotten onto my jacket. "Take care of the horse. Do make sure my saddle is polished and put away properly. The last time I was down here, it was hanging off a post. I do not want that mistake repeated. Am I clear?"

"Yes, Miss." His voice sounded familiar but also not at the same time. When I looked up I realized he was indeed new.

"Emeline!" Father called, halfway back to the house. "Hurry now!"

As Father predicted, Mother was not as enraged as I had thought she would be when we sat down late. She must've known Father wanted to have a discussion with me. Rose served me roast and potatoes, clumsily rattling the tray as she did. I opened my mouth to scold her when Grandfather talked.

"Cornelia, have you informed your daughter of the big news yet?"

Mother shook her head and took a small sip of her wine. "Elijah was planning on telling her during their ride."

"What is it?" I asked, excited. "Have you already bought me a dress for the ball?"

Father shook his head. "No, dear. Your mother and I have found you a suitor. Gideon Pettus and his family will be leaving on the eighth to be here in time for your ball."

"But that's less than a few weeks away." I squeaked. The food on my plate no longer appealed to me. "Father, I was under the impression I'd have at least one more year-"

He chuckled. "Darling, what gave you that impression?"

"Who did you think would be your escort to the ball this year?" Mother asked. "You're too old now for your cousin to be your escort again."

I grew queasy all of a sudden. Everything was spinning, everything was happening too fast. I couldn't be married this year, I simply couldn't. I needed some air to clear my mind.

"I would like to be excused." I said quietly, about to stand up.

"Dinner is not yet over," Father said. "You will remain seated until our meal is done."

"But, Father, I requested to-"

"Request denied." Father's fist slammed on the table making everyone's plates tremble. "I do not want to hear another word, Emeline."

Frustrated tears blurred my vision and I fought hard to keep them at bay. Grandfather began rambling on about this years apple harvest and how exquisite they are compared to previous years. Grandmother ate quietly, giving me reassuring smiles whenever she caught my eye.

I pushed the food around on my plate until dinner came to a close. "I will be getting some fresh air." I announced as Rose took my plate. "If you need me, that's where I will be."

Father said nothing so I hurried out. The tears I held back began to fall down my cheeks as I ran towards the stables. I had always been able to find privacy on the hay bales.

"Does he ever stop to think what I might like?" I hissed to no one. "Did he ever consider asking me before inviting a suitor to visit?"

"Is someone out here?" A silhouette of a man stepped out from the stables, frightening me at first.

"Excuse you," I wiped my cheeks but somehow that made the tears fall faster. "You're infringing on my privacy. Who do you think you are? Can't you see I don't particularly want to be bothered. I'm quite distraught at the moment."

The shadow took a few steps closer, the lantern he had in his hand lit up his face. It was the new stable hand. Of course he was new, he didn't know when to leave me well enough alone.
maybe hell is just rewinding home movies





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Thu Oct 30, 2014 9:59 pm
Liv says...



Asa Calhoun

I led my chestnut colored mare in to the stable, a luxury the Mather's provided for me and my only companion here, rain dripping off of the both of us. Silently, I unsaddled him, the night replaying in my head over and over again. My horse nudged me with its velvet nose, sensing my uneasiness. I felt as if I was going to be ill, having just returned from my family's home. My father's debt was increasing but he was trying to hide it from my younger siblings, my elder sister Rebekah had miscarried a child for the third time since she'd married just last year at 16, and my younger brother Matthias was getting himself into trouble with a girl he fancied as her father didn't find our family to be good enough. Everything at home was getting worse, and I could do nothing more - I already gave up so much, even started working on the Mather family's plantation for goodness' sake!

The flickering of shadows distracted me from my thoughts, bringing me to the realization that I was no longer alone. Curiously, I stopped to listen so that I might hear the intruder.

"Does her ever stop to think what I might like? Did he ever consider asking me before inviting a suitor to visit?" A small, feminine voice whispered to itself, confirming my suspicion that I wasn't alone.

"Is someone out here?" I called out - it was an odd hour for someone to be here, especially a woman - as I carefully walked out of my horse's stable.

Her voice stopped me dead in my tracks, "Excuse you," she accused, wiping at her cheeks fiercely. It was the girl from earlier, the one who had brushed me off so rudely...but why was she crying?

"You're infringing on my privacy," she continued, "Who do you think you are? Can't you see I don't particularly want to be bothered? I'm quite distraught at the moment."

Taking the lantern from the ground where I had left it, I took a few steps closer to her, lifting the lantern closer to my face so that I could see better. I stopped a few feet from her, her scowl warning me to stay away.

I thought for a moment, then decided to ask, "What's wrong?"

She was silent, simply staring back at me with tear stained hazel eyes, her blonde curls having come loose from its bun and now laying splayed around her face, the light from the lantern illuminating the tracks of her tears.

"You were so happy earlier," I furthered, "About the Autumn Ball?"

"It's the Harvest Ball for starters," she snapped, "And I'm not crying about that."

She crossed her arms over her chest, and I allowed myself just a second to let my eyes scan her appearance. Our earlier meeting had been so bereft that I hadn't had the chance.

"I'm being arranged to marry a man I've never met. He'll be here in time for the Harvest Ball. I just...I thought I had more time. I want more time."

I felt my jaw tense as I asked, "Miss. Emeline, how old are you?"

"Sixteen." She answered simply, as if I should have known.

"My sister Rebekah," I offered, "Married just after her sixteenth birthday last year to a man with two more years than myself, and I have twenty-two. It's not uncommon, Miss. Emeline, it's actually-"

"Maybe not for you!" She snapped so sharply it stopped me in the middle of my thought, "Your family probably has to do that, I don't! You don't know anything about my situation!"

I nearly dropped the lantern. How could she be so unruly and sharp tongued!? She didn't know anything! She's lived her entire life on this plantation with her wealthy family. I tried to hold my tongue to save myself from getting fired, but I couldn't help my temper.

"I don't know? You, Miss. Emeline, don't know anything! You've lived your entire life on this plantation with your pretty dresses, private tutors, and your money! You live in our town, everyone here is just like me. You come to our home, your loyalties to the king and your mind free of troubles! Your only worry in the entire world is what dress to wear to the Harvest Ball and what day your big, fancy wedding will be on! Some people have real problems, Miss. Emeline! Get some perspective!"

By the time I finished I was out of breath, my chest rising and falling heavily as she and I just gaped at each other - neither of us could believe I'd just done that. I don't know who was more surprised, me or her.





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Sun Nov 09, 2014 4:12 am
thelostone says...



Emeline Mather

My eyes widened in shock and the urge to throw something at the rude man was overwhelming but alas, there was nothing but hay to throw. "You," I growled as more angry and embarrassed tears streamed down my cheeks, "are in no position to speak to me in such a manner as that. I will personally see to it that you are out of work by midday tomorrow, mark my words." Humiliated, I kept my head down as I marched off back to the house.

Mother woke me early the next morning in order to prepare me for etiquette lessons at eleven. Rose had set out such a lovely sky blue dress trimmed with lace for my day out that I decided to ignore her klutziness at last night's supper.

As usual, Father escorted me to my lessons in town.

"Father," I began, folding my hands in my lap. "One of the stable hands snapped at me last evening and I would be very pleased if you were to terminate his contract. It was beyond rude and I'd appreciate it if you would take action. No stable hand or servant should ever address me in the manner he did."

Father closed his eyes and pressed the bridge of his slightly crooked nose. "Emme, my darling, I have no doubt that the stable hand displayed an inappropriate demeanor as he is new, however, one can not go around terminating labor contracts due to an error as simple as that. If the issue persists, I will take action. Did you correct him on his mistake?"

I huffed and rolled my eyes. "Of course, Father." Did he think I was going to let a lowly stable boy get away with such a tone?

We rode in silence for a moment after that. The only sound was the crunching of the wheels hitting the ground and the rattling of the carriage.

In an attempt to make me smile, Father commented on my dress. "Is that what you will be wearing to the ball, darling? It's quite stunning on you."

"You must be joking, Father." I laughed although no humor was to be found in my voice. "The dress I will wear to the ball must be much more extraordinary than this."

The carriage came to a stop and Father opened the door, allowing me to step out first. "Ah, I should've known." He grinned. "Your mother will be here after your lessons. She mentioned something about fabric shopping?"

"I'm already aware, thank you." I snapped, still irritated that Father blatantly refused to take care of the stable boy. I turned on my heel and kept my head high as I walked into Lord and Lady Collins' house where lessons were held.

Lord and Lady Collins had only just recently moved from England. Lady Collins claims to have had tea with the Queen herself. Mother envies her. I am indifferent.

I learned nothing of value during the lesson for the day which happened embroidery. I've known to stitch since I was young so I sat terribly bored and irritated the entirety of the time. When we were released after daily afternoon tea, Mother was waiting outside.

After browsing, I had settled on a deep royal purple fabric with black trimmings for my ball dress. Mother reassured me that she would send the patterns to the finest dress emporium in all of the colonies as soon as she could.
maybe hell is just rewinding home movies








In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit. Not a nasty, dirty, wet hole, filled with the ends of worms and an oozy smell, nor yet a dry, bare, sandy hole with nothing in it to sit down on or to eat: it was a hobbit-hole, and that means comfort.
— JRR Tolkien