Having done this before, I convinced myself that nerves were unusual but not unexpected.

It was practically habit by now to count the heavy footfalls of the guards. One…two…three…

On seventy, there was a brief pause as the guard turned around at the end of the corridor and came my way again.

Thirty five footfalls. That was all I had to get out of sight.

I had done it in twelve before. This would be easy.

As the guard passed by my cell, I snaked my makeshift stick out of cloth and dried spit towards his keys. There was a slight jangle as I hooked them, but I made sure his next footfall covered the noise. He was none the wiser as I cradled that metal freedom in my hands. Perfectly executed, I congratulated myself.

When he was out of hearing shot, half the length to the end of the corridor, I burst into motion. I found the shiniest key and thrust it into my cell’s padlock. Click. I swallowed a shout of joy. The hardest part came next.

I would have to wait until the guard’s key pocket was aligned with my cell again. 105 footfalls for him to cross the entire corridor and then make it to my cell. The wait grated on my nerves. I prayed he wouldn’t look too closely at the slightly ajar cell or the small, dirty girl inside.

He passed once. 70 to go.

The slight pause of changing direction. 35.

As he passed again, I looped the keys back where I had taken them from. This time, I didn’t make a sound.

And then, when he was out of earshot again, I ran.

Having done this before, I convinced myself that nerves were unusual but not unexpected.

But as I reached for the sword, I hesitated. I don’t hesitate.

My gaze traveled to the person on the floor. I hate him, he’s done terrible things and deserves this… But then why is it so difficult? Why can’t I kill him?

He looks up at me, on his knees with his arms chained to the walls on either side of him. A terrible, evil man, chained before me without defense — and I have the power to rid the world of him.

And yet, all I can think of is how… powerless he looks. How vulnerable, terrified… and so godsdamn beautiful, even covered in sweat, dirt, and blood. Even with his brown hair stuck to his forehead, his face streaked with dark red, and his gorgeous amber eyes filled with so much emotion I can barely place them.

No, no, no. This man has killed countless people for his own gain. But haven’t I been doing the same? No, I tell myself, Don’t compare yourself with this monster, you are a hero.

But the sword in my hand feels unusually heavy and my thoughts less clear. What if I am not the hero? I walked into this cell ready to kill a man I barely know, and I had no doubt in my mind I would be able to do it. Does that sound like a hero?

“If you’re going to kill me, I suggest you get it over with,” his voice is quiet and rough, but steady.

Startled, I say, “You aren’t going to beg me to spare your life?”

His eyes drag to the stone floor, currently decorated with his blood. “What good would that do? I beg and you’ll kill me anyway. My dignity is all I have left, I plan on keeping it in my last moments alive.”

“You may act all tough, but I can see it in your eyes that you are scared. Everyone believes that they won’t have fear when it is their time, but it’s different when you’re moments away from death, isn’t it? People tend not to realize the value of their life until they’re about to lose it. You don’t want to die, Wilson.”

“Wise words from a killer,” he bites.

“You’re a killer, too,” I respond.

He scoffs and winces immediately after. “That I am but at least I’m not a murderer parading around like a savior. You are no angel, no hero. I own up to my sins, I admit my hands are covered in blood. But you pretend like you’re a fucking hero. I may be the one in chains, but you are the one that’s trapped.”

Prick. He’s right. No, he’s not. You’re a monster. Shut up, I’m a hero.

I was tired of hearing this. I gripped my swords handle tighter and pointed it at his heart, pressing just enough to draw a small stream of blood.

There was no satisfaction in the act. He met my eyes and I knew I should look away, but I couldn’t. I was trapped.

“Bianca,” his voice was rough as he said my name, “They told me you were going to kill me so why haven’t you?”

I press harder into his flesh, the blade drawing more blood. He doesn’t even flinch.

“My name is Maz. Wilson is my last name, first names are too personal so I only ever tell people my last. My name is Maz Wilson.”

“Why are you telling me this?” I grind out.

“Because I want someone to know. Tell me why you haven’t put that sword through my heart yet, killer,” he cocks his head to the side in an arrogant manner but I can see a glint of fear as my sword pushes ever so slightly.

What a great question. Why haven’t I?

“I… I don’t know,” I whisper.

“It’s because I remind you of you. And if you kill me you’ll be back to being alone, misunderstood. Stop pretending to be a hero when you’re destined to be a villain. I think you’d make quite an evil one,” he grins so widely you couldn’t guess I had a sword halfway to his heart.

I’ve had enough.

I slash my sword harshly and barely catch the panic flare in his face.

Then it’s done. I did it.

The chains fall to the floor. But two prisoners are freed as he takes my hand and we escape.

[S.C, Bloodlines. CH 15]

[Jayden’s point of view]

“Having done this before, I convinced myself that nerves were unusual but not unexpected “ Jayden spoke, watching Sampson looking to find the hunters trail again. “You have always been a great tracker. Don’t forget what you learned from Haricot, and don’t underestimate your opponent. I’ve never seen a human move so fast, he’s gifted for sure” “Your right” “Watch out for his guns”

Sampson heard a far off rustle and was off. Zipping through the tree’s; bushes, rocks. Like he didn’t walk everywhere with a cane.

Sampson was right behind the hunter. Chasing him off into the woods. This man was quick for a human for sure. Not just quick, he was smart and knew the territory and terrain.

Jayden had nearly taken him down twice, each time nearly getting tagged by the black flame pistol. Now he was a few feet behind Sampson. Chasing this man towards civilization.

“Stop” Sampson shouted as Jayden slipped between two tree’s, stopping just short of a thin line of wire. “Trip wires?” Jayden looked back at Sampson, thankfully. “Stay alert “ Sampson was scanning the tree line for any more. “You two shouldn’t have followed me in here??” The hunter spoke loudly. “By now my son and his friend will have taken down most of your vampires.” “The bow kid is dead…. The other one, your son. Will be our prisoner.” Sampson kept scanning the tree’s, bushes, and anything else for any movement. “Very sorry to hear. His mother will be heartbroken. My son has the blood of our line. It would be wise not to drink from him.” “We don’t want to kill you. We have enough other problems. Let’s make a deal. Your son for your surrender.” Sampson spoke again, Jayden just stood still listening for anything out of the ordinary. “He has siblings. Keep the boy, not much use to me anyway”

They stood for a few moments then Sampson relaxed a bit. Letting his cane stick into the soft ground on the forest floor.

“He’s gone for now” Sampson started back towards the sanctuary, at normal pace.

Footsteps came from the clearing a second before Sapphire burst from the tree’s. Her small body, matted with blood. She looked like a warrior princess.

“Guess he got away” She groaned, slamming a fist into a nearby tree. “Patients young one. He will be back” Sampson walked past without another word. “He knows I’m older then him right?” Sapphire looked over at Jayden. “Guess not” Jayden laughed a bit. “So any chance you know why your sister left?” Sapphire stepped closer to Jayden, hardly even coming up past his chest. “Or why Amelya is protecting the hunter boy?” “She’s protecting him?” Jayden and Sapphire continued behind Sampson.

[Amelya’s point of view]

A few more hunters had fled the clearing. Newt stood next to his friend for a while in silence. Tears hadn’t stopped.

Warren was gone, that was for sure. Monticello on the other hand was sitting in the grass. Staring off towards the woods where Jayden has entered.

“Does it hurt?” Amelya asked, getting closer. “Weirdly enough. No it didn’t hurt at all.” “So what’s next?” Amelya questioned, watching Newt from afar as she sat across from Monticello. “The Ruby sanctuary is probably the most reasonable. Maybe we stop along the way to see a witch I know. Might be able to give me a new arm or something close”

“A new arm sounds good” Sampson stepped into the clearing, ignoring the boy and walking straight to them. “Your more aerodynamic now, might actually be able to beat me in a race”

They both shared a hearty laugh. Jayden and Sapphire followed, but Jayden glared at the boy for a second before meeting Amelya’s gaze.

“He’s not to be trusted” Jayden looked at Sapphire for back up. “We’ll all agree boy hush. Let him morn his friend” Sampson was pointing at Monticello’s shoulder. “Took that hit pretty well” “Not like I had a choice “ Monticello shook his head. “Let’s get back inside and plan our trip” Sampson looked around. “Where’d the wolves go?”

Amelya scanned the clearing and caught sight of Nela’s wolf. Laying down, her fur covered in blood. She wasn’t moving.

“Nela” Amelya thought and the wolves head wiped around. “Wait you can put thoughts in our minds too” Nela was just staring at the vampire girl from across the clearing. “I guess so” “Well I lost both of my accomplices” Nela’s wolf stood and Amelya could make out the two bundles of fur next to her. “I’m sorry”

“We only have one wolf…. Other two died” Amelya voiced to the rest of them as they started across the field. “Darn. Those staring contests were just getting fun” Jayden blurted out. “Quill!” Sapphire shouted as the man just appeared close to us. “Yes Mistress” “Help get these bodies cleaned up” Sapphire looked back at the boy. “Burn all the hunters except for the boys friend, and bury the rest”

Amelya nearly had to carry Newt down into the sanctuary, afterwords he just sat around the table silently. Everyone else seemed to be annoyed by his presence anyway.

“He shouldn’t be here” Jayden hissed, tossing a blood bag to Amelya. “They know where the sanctuary is anyway.” Amelya shouted back.

Sampson just stood between them.

“Fight nice kids” Monticello laughed, stepping into the room with his shoulder in bandages. “Doc says the burns won’t heal. Nor the arm” “Funny, you gonna be the first vampire lizard?” Quill said stepping in behind him. “Let’s get serious “ Sapphire was sitting on the table across from Sampson, on the table legs crossed. “Cleo is gone stolen away by Onyx….. We need to hurry and revive Ruby before our older brother” “Why’s the older brother so bad?” Jayden questioned, sitting down on the table across from them. “Garnet is not only the first of Onyx kids but he’s a chip of the old block. A tyrant.” Sapphire spoke and Amelya just watched Newt. “He will kill without remorse and without a care” “So where is the Ruby sanctuary?” Jayden spoke. “The mountains, about a days way north” Monticello spoke up leaning against the doorway. “My witch will be a bit before we get there” “So what about the hunter boy?” Jayden questioned, not trying to meet Amelya’s gaze. “He’s coming with us. That’s that” Amelya stood up, grabbed Newt by the arm and pulled him off towards Sapphire’s bedroom. “I’m gonna get some sleep.”

[Jayden’s point of view]

“This is bullshit!” He pounded his fist on the table. “For all we know his father has a tracker or something on him. We’ll just be inviting them to the other sanctuary’s “ “Amelya is in pain…. She lost your sister to Onyx. We don’t know when we’ll see her again. Or if she will even be herself “ Sapphire’s eyes pleaded with him. “They saved him, so it’s like a piece of her….. let her have that” “If something comes out of it. We’ll be ready. But stop bringing it up.” Monticello was serious. “What’s more of a problem was all the power she released.

Nela stepped in, fully clothed in jeans and a hoodie. Passing Amelya in the hallway she’d gotten a big hug. Which made it all feel a bit easier.

“Sorry about the goons” Jayden tried to sound caring. “Thanks. So did anyone else know Amelya could put thoughts in someone else’s head?” Nela sat down a table away from everyone. “Wait what?” Jayden’s jaw nearly fell off. “Yeah after the fight she said my name and I heard it in my head” “We all seen the bubble and how she brought everyone to their knee’s…… her power seems to be growing “ Sampson looked over at Sapphire. “Any idea’s why her blood brings you all back?” “I have a guess but it’s not possible….” Sapphire looked around the room, wondering if they were gonna think she’s crazy. “I think her family has witch blood….. my mother could have passed to her…. She was the most powerful witch to ever exist.” “We all know the story” Monticello shook his head. “Question is, will she fight with us. Or will she be on Onyx side” Sampson held his face in his temples. “She died before Onyx became the tyrant he is now. She’ll be with us on the witch side” Sapphire shuffled a bit on the table. “You think your witch could communicate with her, when we get there?” “I don’t see why not?” “How about wolves? In our time they were servants to us…… well they were protectors” Sapphire looked over at Nela. “I was part of a single pack. I’ve never met a wolf outside of them” Nela mumbled a bit. “No one’s left of them either. “Every just calm down. We’ll head to the witch, hopefully sort out stuff with Amelya’s power and get Monticello a arm” Sampson just stood up. “Everyone relax till then. Let’s not fight amongst ourselves.” “I’ll check on Amelya” Nela said moving off the table. “Hopefully she’s fine” Jayden fazed off nearly out the door when Sapphire grabbed his arm mid stride. “No human girls and don’t leave the sanctuary “ Sapphire’s eyes blazed, knowing full well he was reckless. “I’m not that stupid.” “If you leave, don’t bother coming back” Sapphire let his hand go, and he was off. “He’s a spitfire for sure. But he’s got a good heart” Monticello stepped over toward Sapphire. “He’s just a little lost, and overwhelmed by it all. And he’s confused about himself” “Sounds like you know much about the boy” Sapphire’s eyes dug in to Monticello’s soul, until she seen it. “Your partly to blame for it.” “He’s finding himself. Being set in a thruple for your first real relationship isn’t helping” “Keep an eye on him if he leaves. The head guy might still be out there waiting and watching.” Sapphire and Monticello watched Sampson head off down the hallway. “I’ll watch him”

[Amelya’s point of view]

Exhaustion had long set in, Nixole power came at a high price. She was dragging walking up the stairs to Sapphire’s room. Knowing dam well Newt was close behind her. His mind blank, yet she could feel the distance and grief.

“I’m sorry for your loss” Amelya pushed open the door and felt the boy lunge at her. Knocking her onto the bed. “He was my best friend…” He cried out. “I know” She rubbed his back, peacefully. “Our fathers knew each other since birth…… we were the same.” He continued. “You are not the same…. He tried to kill me, when I disarmed you. With an arrow to the back.” She tried hard not to sound harsh. “It will hurt for a while…. But eventually it will get better.”

Crying into her chest and stomach. The boy needed a mother, his was not here. Maybe they should had let him go back, but his father might have been a worse fate then seclusion.

“It’s gonna be alright Newt. Get some rest.” Tears started to form in her own eyes.

He wasn’t the only one missing a mother. Hers was off in hiding, not that she’d been active frequently or really showed much care or initiative towards loving them. She was a busy woman, was.

“It will all be ok” She whispered to him as she felt Nela slip into the room. She heard her shift, then lay on the floor.

Sleep came effortlessly.

Having done this before I convinced myself that nerves were unusual but not unexpected. I felt Jerri before my shop door opened. Her energy was crisp and bubbly. I could feel something else mixed with her energy something odd. The last time I felt odd energy with Jerri we had to figure out how to release a trapped lothario’s spirit back to 1800s. Beaming Jerri stood in the doorway. Her blonde locs were pulled into a messy bun and around her neck with many colorful necklaces. In the middle of her Hawaiian shirt, overalls, and rainbow chucks jerri carried a teapot. Not another one. I nearly dropped my feather duster. Jerri was quivering with excitement. Mrs. Gibbs was browsing for the perfect birthday gift for her daughter. “So I’ve narrowed it down to Forever Single and Loving It or Last Chance Love. What do you think Prof. Crawford?” I had a sudden image of Mrs. Gibbs having a screaming match with a younger version of herself in a nice restaurant. I blinked away the vision and stared into Mrs Gibbs’ eyes. “You could take both or …” Jerri added “Or you can take neither and get your daughter a beautiful handmade journal and a nice fountain pen and encourage her to finish her novel.” Quickly Jerri and Mrs. Gibbs picked out one of my pricy journals and Jerri gift wrapped it while I rung up the purchase. “Are you psychic?” I asked. “How did you know about her daughter or the book or—“ Jerri’s laughter cut my sentence and made my heart race. “I don’t have visions. I have a mother and a working brain. If she bought me a book on my single status I would freak the hell out. So what do you feel?” Jerri thrusted her pot in his face. Blue and white with pink flowers, I grabbed the teapot. Our fingers touched and we froze for a moment looking into each other. “I’m a warlock. I don’t feel anything.” The hell I don’t. I set down the tea pot examining it carefully. No mystical symbols no vibrations just a spout and a lid on a nice tea pot. “So what do we have a hellmouth or a cuppa to go with my diggie biscuits?” I asked. “Well not a hellmouth just a teapot that may predict when and how you die. Jaime you’re white as a sheet.” Jerri flipped the closed sign on my bookstore door and headed to the back of my shop. “ I think you need some tea but not from that pot.” I stared at the teapot and backed away.

Having done this before, I convinced myself that nerves were unusual but not unexpected.

I started the Buick after prepping the pots for another round, and then dressed. First long underwear, then T-shirt and sweatpants. Third, long shirt and jeans. Finally my orange bib overalls and orange camo overcoat, followed by hat, boots, etc. I save my gloves and facemask for when I’m actually in my blind. Thirty-nine degrees Fahrenheit was actually remarkably warm for opening day, but layers were still very much required. One grows especially cold when sitting still in the elements.

It was still dark when I set out from the cabin. It would remain dark for another hour or so. I took the track south across the tile and over several sandy bends. It was less than a mile, but moving slowly in the dark it felt more like six.

I parked where dad and I always park—a scrubby bank that marks the beginning of the ridge. Dad and I always hunted the ridge. Beside, the track beyond the ridge becomes a bit too much dicey—too washed out and greasy—for a lowriding LeSabre. The other guys’ trucks could clear it much easier.

I turned the ignition off to the White Whale (as I called it), and shut the door lightly. A barred owl greeted me as I stepped out and into the dark wood. We were regularly greeted by barred owls at the onset of the ridge. Sometimes they hooted gently, sometimes they screamed a cantankerous wail not unlike what some consider the whoop of a North American Sasquatch (according to those silly cable programs). It reminded me of the night dad died, and how I’d heard the hoot of a barred owl mere minutes after giving up on cpr while smoking a cigarette and awaiting the paramedics.

“You too, old friend,” I whispered back. “It’s good to see you too.”

Having done this before, I convinced myself that nerves were unusual but not unexpected. I stepped out from my tent. Taking in a breath of cold, crisp air I looked around. There were thousands of men wearing armor preparing for war. War, what a despicable thing! At least thats how most people view it. Me? I enjoy it. Every scream of pain and agony. The satisfaction of my blades cutting through flesh is what I live on! It doesn’t matter who I’m fighting! So long as I get to cut people down! “Eversor s..sir?” I turned and looked down to the knight who had spoken my name. He flinched at the blood thirst in my black eyes. “Yes?” I tried a smile as I had seen others do, but he just looked more scared. Maybe because of the fangs? “The huh the cap…captain wants to se…see you.” “Alright I’ll head there now.” I patted him on the shoulder and he looked like he had just taken a glance at death himself. I went back into my tent and put on my long, leather jacket covering a number of my tattoos and scars. I sheathed my dual blades and put a dagger in my boot. I stared at the mirror in the corner of the tent. Black irises stared back at me. Black horns twisted above my head and a long white braid draped down my back showing my pointed ears. A little over a dozen piercings ran down both ears. A long scar stretched from above my lip down my throat to my chest. I left the tent and the soldier was there waiting. He led me to a large tent with knights out front. “Sir Danes here with Eversor Ma’am!” “Let him in!” I walked into the tent. A large table was in the middle with a map on it with little figures marking the location of both troops and enemies. Standing by the table looking down at the map was a woman. She was dressed in armor and held one such wooden figure. “Do you know why you’re here?” “I have a few guesses.” “Your here because while the king trusts you I don’t. I’ve heard of you and what you do.” “All good things I hope.” “I’ve heard that you’ve taken down armies without help. I’ve heard that you can tear a full grown man apart with your bare hands.” “Oh good, I thought you had heard bad things.” “I’ve also heard that you have no loyalty. That you betray the armies who hired you.” “Why is everything you’ve heard so accurate? Anyway your point?” “My point is that if you even think of betraying us, I will kill you myself. It doesn’t matter if your Dragonfolk or one of your dragon ancestors. You won’t escape my blade.” I looked around the tent. “So, are you done with your threats? I want to be on the front lines and the longer I spend talking to you the longer I have to wait till the battle.” I left the tent and made my way to the front.

 Why does it take so long? The army so very painfully, slowly approached. Finally the captain finished her speech of glory and whatnot and raised her hand to march to battle. I couldn’t take it and I ran ahead. It looked like a single white rabbit charged against an oncoming silver ocean.

Having done this before, I convinced myself that nerves were unusual but not unexpected. We were high up. Higher up than any rotary aircraft could take us on this planet. The mountains here were absolutely spectacular, reaching colossal heights. And now for a present to myself on my birthday, I was going to snowboard down it’s highest peak. . .

The voice of the pilot came over the headset in my helmet. “Approaching Altitude. The Spire is up ahead. I’ll give it a flyby if you want to have a look. Its quite a scene.”

I peered out a small port window from the back of the craft and spotted the peak of the mountain. It came to nearly a perfect point of white snow and ice, tall above the natural surface of the planet. The spacecraft we used skirted the horizons of space. The sight alone was enough to give anyone instant permanent vertigo.

But like I had said. . . I have done this before.

“Are you sure about this?” The Pilot asked. “This is insane! I mean you thrill junkies are just asking for a quick death. And you want to go down this beast?”

“I came up here to jump.” I said back into the headset.

“Alright, you crazy son of a B-“ the radio cut out. And then the spacecraft shifted and we turned around to make a wide loop and approach the peak of the Spire.

“I guess I dont care if you die or not.” The pilot continued on. “I got your money.”

A green light switched on in the cabin and the craft’s door began to slide open, revealing whipping thin winds. I checked my suit, and secured my board to my feet. Now was that single moment when one’s heart could stop, and time could cease to exist. Just man verse nature in a primal simple form.

“See you at the bottom.” I said back to the pilot, and then I pushed myself out of the aircraft.

I floated for a minute. Suspended in air. The untouched peak of the mountain underneath my feet. It was dark around me. Above me was the cold dark empty expanse of space, and below me I could see lower hanging thick clouds. It is strange how thoughts randomly occur when you should be focused and in the moment. And in this moment of helpless free-fall, I thought about the snow that covered this mountain, and how it managed to cover the tip, when it rose far above the cloud-line.

The board connected with snow, and I slammed hard into the side of the peak. It was a near straight drop at this point. It was hardest part of the journey down. I tucked myself back to enjoy an even faster ride, kicking up the fresh powder behind me as I went. Back and forth, right and left, I kept my balance on the board with perfect precision. Before I crossed into the cloud blanket, I caught one last look of the spacecraft I had departed as it took another wide loop around the mountain, probably watching my descent.

I caught the lip of a jutting rock and jumped back out into the atmosphere for a moment. I did a trick here, grabbing my board and yelling out a triumphant “wooo!” And then I slammed back down into the rough. This time I was now inside the cloud-cover and visibility was terrible.

I tried to slow myself at another steep embankment, but part of the rock beneath actually gave way! I tumbled in a fall for a second before righting myself and continuing on. Getting into a tumble at this height certainly meant death.

Then like a crack of thunder I felt the ground shake. I looked back to see what every mountain climber feared the most. Avalanche!

It seemed as if the mountain had just shook all of its snow loose. The ground rumbled and above me, snow barreled down towards me. I had but only one option now. Try to outrun it.

I sped up, making my body slim, crouching, doing anything I could to outrace the incoming snow.

Whiteness. Whiteness all around me now. Barreling clouds of it swallowing everything behind me. Glistening crystals of it splitting beneath my board… below. . . The first hint of green.

I hit the tree line fiercely, and darted between the tall pines. I could hear the racing avalanche behind me, snapping the trees like twigs. It was right on my tail now.

The snow began to move all around me. The avalanche had caught up to me. Now I just tried to maintain balance as the entire landscape fell apart around me. It would overtake me soon, there was no escaping this.

I spotted a higher rise on a cliffside that was lined with tall Pines. I slowed my board and hugged the tree. A waist high flow of snow instantly began rushing past me, trying to pull me over the cliffside. I held onto the tree with all of my might, and attempted to dislodge my feet from my board. One… and Two! My feet were freed!

I wasted no time climbing the tree after that, and I prayed that the roots were strong. I made it to an upper branch and rested for a moment there, clinging for my life. Trees to either side of me began to snap and tumble over the cliffside. It was a far drop. Much farther than I had anticipated. Going over would be the end.

The avalanche raged on for a while. It was a low rumble clear across the mountainside. I could just make out the little village below where I had been staying. I wondered if it would swallow up the village.

When all was said and done, the snow had all stopped and I climbed back down onto a new layer of snow. My board was long gone now, and I had to walk my way down the rest of the slope. I did make it back to the village by nightfall, and it had been hit pretty badly by the avalanche.

After warming myself up in the tavern that night and recanting the story to my fellow mountain riders, one of them asked if I would do it again.

“In a heartbeat, I would.” I told him.

Drips of rain Race down the window Waiting to be stopped A child like Face Behind the glass Breathing heavily drawing hearts Lights stop The wind blows the woman Her umbrella Fighting to stay up A man running for the bus That soaked him wet What a day

Having done this before, I convinced myself that nerves were unusual but not unexpected. I tipped forward trying to calm my racing heart. It was roaring in my ears. Time felt like it had slowed down. Then there they were. The sea of faces stretched as far as the universe. I felt my breath catch in my throat as it always did- and I snapped back into character. I whirled and smiled to the other actor. A man with a burly chest and dangly arms. I was a scrawny boy with tall lanky frame and little to no muscle. “Jeremy.” I called as the man rolled his eyes and turned to me. “What do you want?” “A coffee.” “No.” I rolled my eyes and ignored the roaring in my ears and ran a hand through my hair. People thought the more famous you were, the less nervous you got. Well I was super famous and I was still shit scared of stages and messing up. Game brought new added pressure to live up to standards I didn’t think I could meet. It was no wonder so many famous people turn to drugs. But as I spoke and I slowly started to relax. I remembered why I love my job.

I took a deep breath and took a step through the painting. I was new to a inter-universal spying job. So as I stepped through into the ballroom I calmed the nerves threatening to blow through my chest. So I straightened my light blue ball gown and dark blue masquerade mask. I looked through as the announcer asked what to announce me as. I said,” A royal dignitary from partiana. He immediately announced me as I stepped through. I was a spy for a different kingdom but my alias is a dignitary for an allied country with us. I puffed up my dress as I saw an enemy of my real kingdom approach and ask me to dance. A waltz can sometimes seem gentle and kind, but with some people it is close contact war.