Family Jewels

Zach Evergard Twenty-one "Never say ‘no’ to adventures. Always say ‘yes,’ otherwise you’ll lead a very dull life."

[nhoultdaily]

[tfbobby-blog]

It's really beautiful around here

Even if it hasn’t stopped snowing.

[zachevergard]

And the view doesn't exactly hurt either. Though I'd have to agree, the snow is kind of refreshing at times. And of course, snowball fights.

[ysabellealarik]

[zachevergard]

That there is. Oh, but what’s the fun in that? Things in places where they don’t belong is what makes it all the more entertaining, Ysabelle Alarik. And on the contrary, I don’t believe that the floorboards have ever made enough contact with snow to form a proper judgement.

[zachevergard]

A little bit of trouble every once in a while is good for you, Ysabelle Alarik. It keeps you young, as some would say. Besides, wouldn't it get dreadfully boring to follow the rules constantly? That sounds nice enough to me. Go ahead and lead the way, Ysabelle Alarik! And I'm not admitting to anything, but the dessert for tonight's dinner looks particularly good.

[tfbobby-blog]

Are you implying I am too extravagant to fit in? I’m appalled, distraught, utterly destroyed. To me? Never. I’ll have to find some pretty girl for you.

[zachevergard]

Maybe yes, maybe no. The question here is, will you ever know? And suddenly I feel wise for making a rhyme. A pretty girl wrangling me into obedience? Sounds like a nightmare. Any future girlfriend of mine will just have to learn to love me and my ways. 

[ysabellealarik]

Well, there is a ski slope which I’m sure you are aware of - we could go there if you’re up for snow outdoors instead of indoors. Not exactly sure the floorboards would exactly appreciate that. 

How about you tell me where you’ve been and I’ll show you the rest of the estate?

[zachevergard]

That there is. Oh, but what's the fun in that? Things in places where they don't belong is what makes it all the more entertaining, Ysabelle Alarik. And on the contrary, I don't believe that the floorboards have ever made enough contact with snow to form a proper judgement. 

Mostly the south end of the estate, and of course my family's current residence. Oh, and the kitchens. What did you have in mind, Ysabelle Alarik? 

[tfbobby-blog]

My footsteps are not distinctive, I fit in, I am merely a ghost in the walls. Or something like that, now obey me.

[zachevergard]

Or so you say. Whatever helps you sleep at night, Ana. Now now, when have I ever been particularly obedient? 

[theodoreevergard]

Damn I’m really off my game, I’ll have to try harder next time then.

[zachevergard]

Surprising actually, because you're usually better at this. But what can I say, years of practice builds up an immunity to old tricks. 

[isaacevergard]

What has you all fired up?

[zachevergard]

On the contrary, I was just hoping you'd have gotten better at this over the years. And to answer your question: cabin fever, possibly. 

[tfbobby-blog]

Damn, you’re too used to my tricks. I feel thwarted.

[zachevergard]

That and the distinct sound of your footsteps. Tsk tsk, you'll have to try better next time. 

[zachevergard]

If that was your attempt at trying to scare me, you'll really have to work on it. Five and a half out of ten, I'm actually quite disappointed. 

[ysabellealarik]

My name is Ysabelle Alarik, though I suppose you may call me Belle if you desire. 

Oh, nothing. It just seemed as if, well pardon the rude language, up to something. But it’s nothing. Would you like me to show you around?

[zachevergard]

Pleasure to meet you; Ysabelle Alarik. That's quite fun to say, actually. 

Well, that depends: how do you feel about snow indoors? Because otherwise I'm definitely up to nothing whatsoever. Just taking a stroll of the estate and admiring the new surroundings like any good guest. And sure, why not? Though I've seen a good portion of it by wandering around already. 

[menaevergard]

I would hope not, but in my experience not all believe that a person can live in this world for seventeen years and remain optimistic. That’s just too bad for them as far as I’m concerned.

[zachevergard]

I'll have to admit that sometimes your optimism can be a little overwhelming at times. Especially when my preferred team loses the game. But it's a part of who you are, and in some ways a quality that a lot of people lose early on. Just don't let it get used against you. Otherwise Teddy and I may have to kick some serious Rydell butt. And besides, if you weren't happy-go-lucky all of a sudden I'd be seriously concerned that something died. Okay that's enough sentimental conversation from me for today, wouldn't want to get a reputation for being a softie now, would I? 

[tfbobby-blog]

Apologising is not something we women do lightly, surely somebody had told you that already? After all, you claim to understand us so well. True but please don't ruin things, some of the male members of the family have the wonderful trait of physical attractiveness.

[zachevergard]

Only from you and my mother about a handful of times, of course. Though I'll admit that I myself am not one eager to apologize over petty things, so I suppose we have that in common. But I'd rather live without regrets, so there isn't very much to apologize about there. Oh, but I never ruin things. I just make them more.. interesting, on occasion. Doubting my wingman abilities already, cousin? 

[menaevergard]

I’m denying nothing, but I do believe that if that were to happen, not all of us would take it in stride as you or I might. It may not be as enjoyable as you think. A few, though not all seem totally convinced of me.

[zachevergard]

And that's exactly what would make it quite the sight. Of course, unless things were to turn particularly ugly and we'd have to step in. Maybe not, but there are always ways to make things more enjoyable. Of you? You're hardly the suspicious character. 

[tfbobby-blog]

Just a few dozen rumours about you and perhaps a camera or two of you rendezvousing until the parents grew suspicious and wondered what you were up to. Now then, how about you stop being so adamant to take good credit, you're the one most likely to hurt the Rydells.

[zachevergard]

But well thought out, I must say. Then again, her reaction to the underwear accusations weren't quite the most pleasant either. She never did apologize even after they found out it who was actually responsible. Now now, if they're bad dancers than I wouldn't actually be doing anything. Other than enjoying the show, of course. 

[ysabellealarik]

I’m very sorry. It won’t happen again, Zach.

Calling royalty “your majesty” or “your highness” is proper protocol, though. I was told to use them in any circumstance unless told otherwise, so I suppose I will have to call you Zach.

And… if I may be so bold to ask, what exactly are you doing?

[zachevergard]

No worries, really. 

That it is. But I get enough of it at court as it is, Miss.. Actually, I don't quite remember catching your name earlier. Oh, nothing at all. Just taking a stroll.. Admiring the estate. Why exactly do you ask? 

[rosrydell]

It is a truth universally acknowledged,

[rosrydell]

Every time I complain, she says it’s for the family. Probably to guilt me. But I don’t see my dear brother picking ugly floral center pieces. I’m glad to have your faith, then. It seems that this wedding is going to consist of both families being drunk, which is more than fine with me. Ah, yes, well, your bias seems to be proving true. I haven’t found anything worth hating. As of now, at least.

[zachevergard]

Being the first born has it's disadvantages, I'm certainly glad to be the middle child myself. If anything, both of our drunken families would make for an interesting reception party. And I'm sure if you have even remotely good taste in that matter, it'll be hard to find anything worth hating.