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Post by Herc's_Girl on Aug 5, 2007 15:07:57 GMT -5
If this were a book I know I would not ever be able to put it down.
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Post by megatude on Aug 10, 2007 0:41:37 GMT -5
Really?!
Continued....
As the realization of what had happened, started to sink-in, a new sense of adventure began forming within Zebra's psyche. "Wow! We actually did it. We've achieved the impossible; We traveled through time!" She stood up quickly and spread out her arms, showing triumph. Oops, bad idea. She was still a bit woozy from her blow to the head. Meg came to her side, to keep her steady as she swayed on her feet. Still in denial, Meg expressed her annoyance. "Zebra, stop it! This is just a dream, there can be no other explanation." "Then how do you 'explain' the time portal we were sucked through?" Zebra challenged. Meg clutched her skull, trying to maintain some sanity. "I don't know......" She took several deep breaths to keep her blood pressure in check. "OK. Say that we did travel through.....time", she found the word difficult to pronounce, now that it had come with such a heavy weight. "Do you, by chance, have the slightest clue as to how we could return?....." Zebra lifted a finger, for added effect to her answer; she opened her mouth to speak, but no sound escaped her throat, she had nothing. "No", she quietly confessed. Meg stepped away and threw up her arms toward the heavens, defeated. "Great! Now were stuck here, and we don't even know where 'here' is! And to top it off, not even when!" Her sarcasm rang true. "What do you suggest we do now", Meg turned about to face her friend again. Zebra shrugged, as if the answer should be obvious. "What we set out to do from the beginning; go and search out my grandfather. He's got to have some idea of how to reverse the process." Meg couldn't see how Zebra could be so confident and at ease, when she was about to have a nervous breakdown. They had, absolutely, no resources to sustain them. "How? We aren't even sure he's......here." Zebra smiled gently. "Oh, he's here......I know he is." End of Chapter 12
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Post by Herc's_Girl on Aug 10, 2007 9:54:07 GMT -5
Weee! Oh this is SO great. I can't wait to find out what happens!
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Post by megatude on Aug 13, 2007 21:38:25 GMT -5
Chapter 13
After some massive persuasion, Meg followed after Zebra, to find any sign of....intelligent life. The scorching sun beat heavily upon their brows. Meg had long shed her Nittany Lions sweatshirt. Finding no other practical use for it, she tore it in half, so her and Zebra could use it for protection against the sun. They wrapped the scraps tightly around their heads, like a turban. It seemed like they had been walking forever, when Meg finally broke the silence. "So, any idea where or when, we are?" Zebra found a shady spot beneath an Olive Tree, sank down the trunk, and plopped herself onto the cool grass. Meg soon followed suit. "I've been pondering this for some time. The landscape seems almost identical to the description Dr. Shaw gave in his lecture, about Ancient Greece. But we can't be sure until we find someone to confirm this." She admitted quickly after seeing the shock on Meg's face. "Of all places, why would he travel here, what practical purpose could there be?" Zebra could only shrug in response, feeling a might flustered, not having no real answer to give. "That, is another mystery, that I hope will reveal itself, when we actually find the man. He's the only one who would know the path back." Meg massaged her temples, trying to stave off a headache that early in the morning. At least, she assumed it was morning. Back home, it would have probably been close to 5 a.m. And if they were, where Zebra presumed them to be, there would have been about a six hour time difference. But....they couldn't have established time zones yet. If they were, in fact, in ancient times. Oh how Meg had become to despise that word; TIME, in the last couple of weeks. Eager to find civilization, she grasped her knees and lifted herself to her feet. "C'mon", Meg urged, offering a hand to Zebra. "The sooner we find your grandfather, the sooner we can return home." Zebra let Meg help her up, and they continued their trek.
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Post by Herc's_Girl on Aug 14, 2007 14:21:15 GMT -5
I'm so egar to find out what happens next!
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Post by megatude on Aug 16, 2007 19:16:52 GMT -5
Continued.....
They soon came across a path, which upon closer investigation, appeared to be a road. Zebra knelt down to study the engraved tracks left behind in the dirt. "Horse-shoe imprints, and wheel ruts. That's proof that we're not the only intelligent creatures in this land." Meg lifted her eyes to gaze down the road. Thanks to the sun, hazy waves filtered her view. Then, she spotted movement, and what she saw made her stomach coil. By the time she had passed the information on to Zebra, it was too late to hide, they had been spotted. Three, burly looking men were coming down the path, each with a walking staff in hand, to aid them in their step. Meg knew that if they fled now, it would make the anticipated situation, much worse. She kept her appearance firm and taught. Zebra, on the other hand, couldn't move. Her eyes were wide, not with fear, but total awe! These guys were.....HUGE! And the closer they approached, the larger they seemed to get. Their muscles were taught and rippling, beneath their......skirts? Meg couldn't say what they were wearing. They would have been quite nice looking, except.....they were all frightening UGLY! The first man, was almost completely covered with greasy, black hair, which was pretty repulsive to look at; Place a picture of an ape next to the guy, and you wouldn't be able to tell the difference. The second, who seemed to be the leader, had numerous deep scars covering his face. The last, and shortest of the gang (5'12") was as bald as a bowling ball, his skin was the color of tanned leather, probably due to sun exposure. Zebra, at least had the mind to stand up as they approached. Upon seeing the two, lone females, their eyes and throats began to burn. "Greetings!" Hailed the leader, in mock politeness. "My my, it certainly is a pleasure to see some fellow travelers." "And attractive ones at that", grunted the hairy man. The scarred leader, elbowed his companion in the gut, as if he'd said too much. "Barabus!" He scolded. "Where are your manners?!" Barabus caressed his now sore belly. The leader turned his conversation back to the girls. "You'll have to forgive my friend here. We are but lowly travelers, and don't see many women on the trail, especially not ones who are dressed so strangely." He noted their apparel, longer than necessary. Feeling self-conscience, Zebra looked over her outfit; blue cotton sweats and tennis shoes. They obviously weren't a common trend around those parts. "Soooooo, where are you ladies headed?" Meg shook her head vigorously at Zebra, but she didn't see the harm in answering his question, perhaps they could could get some answers to their own questions. "We're actually looking for my grandfather, Julius Sanders. You haven't heard of him by chance, have you?" The scarred leader scratched his grizzled chin. "No. Can't say that I have." His associates seemed oddly fidgety. "Perhaps we should travel with you", he suggested casually. "You really shouldn't be out here alone in these parts, there are some.....unscrupulous characters about." His buddies snickered. "No thank-you", Zebra replied nervously. "Come now, we can protect you." He said, stepping forward to brush a stray hair from Zebra's face. Zebra thought she was about to be torn apart by his rough, calloused hands, and braced herself for the inevitable. Meg quickly stepped between them. "Don't....you.....touch her!" She warned, pushing Zebra behind her. Just like a couple of playground bullies, the men gave a mocking, "Ooooohhhhh!" Surprised at Meg's boldness. "Now now. Don't be like that", the leader soothingly replied. Now where had Meg heard THAT line before. It appeared that, even ancient men, could be just as arrogant as those in the future. "A scowl really doesn't become you, young lady." The short man disagreed with his leader. "Nonsense Urius. I believe she looks rather cute when she's angry." He stretched out a hand to playfully pat her cheek. "Hardly", Meg snapped as she rejected the gesture, batting his roughly away. Then, a sly smile climbed her cheeks. "In fact, you'll find that things get quite UGLY when I'm mad." She noisily cracked her knuckles. "Observe." Before he could comprehend what was coming, Meg drew back a fist and laid the brute out flat. His companions looked on in complete shock! "Get that wench!" Commanded Urius. Meg jumped back, dodging their attacks. Her goal was to wear them out. It would be rather difficult punching-out two fully grown men, with murder in their eyes. When she found an opening, she took it. She swept her leg to trip them where they stood. As they tumbled to the ground, Meg snapped her wrists below their temples, turning out the lights. Looking over the vanquished, Meg bent her frame, and panted. The short, bald man, named Chius, was coming out of his unconscious state. He shook his head at time or two, then set his vengeful eyes upon Meg.
To be continued.....
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Post by Herc's_Girl on Aug 17, 2007 20:45:27 GMT -5
That was SO cool!!!! I can totally see that in my mind. The whole scene. Butt kickin...never tire of readin it.
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Post by megatude on Aug 21, 2007 23:20:13 GMT -5
I'm glad.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Continued......
With her back turned, he silently approached. "Look-out!" Zebra cried in warning. Meg turned, but had no time to react, Chius was nearly on top of her. Then, his body suddenly went limp, falling at Meg's feet. Astounded to still be alive, Meg looked up into the face of her rescuer, Zebra. With no thought for herself, Zebra had retrieved one of the men's abandoned walking staffs and brought it down swiftly on the back of Chius' skull. Zebra was shocked, she'd actually attacked someone, but with positive results. "Wow!" Meg expressed, coming to her feet. "That was brilliant!" Zebra felt a growing swell of pride. "Is this how you feel when you compete? It feels wonderful I almost feel...invicible!" Meg frowned and grasped Zebra's shoulders, trying to curb her ego. "Hold on tiger, let's not get carried way." She looked back at the gang sprawled-out on the ground. They needed to buy more time, so they could make a clean get-away. No doubt, the travelers would waken soon, and would want to pay back the beating they received. Meg knelt at their feet and unstrung the lace from their leather sandals. "C'mon, help me", she urged Zebra. "Tie their arms and legs together." Zebra obeyed. She then became distracted, she took notice of a small pouch that hung of Urius' belt. She carefully loosened the tie that secured it shut, and anxiously plunged in an eager hand. Her fingers brushed the fabric until they made contact with a flat, round object. Removing her hand, she pulled it close to her face and examined her prize. Her eyes glittered with excitement as she studied it, coming to the conclusion that it was.....a coin, of some sort. It had the image of an Olive Branch inscribed on either side. Meg was just finishing-up the last knot on Barabus' ankles when she looked up to see how Zebra was progressing. "What're you doing?! Zebra jumped at the sternness of her voice. "Quit messing around! Finish-up with him so we can get out of here." On Meg's orders, Zebra pocketed the coin and secured her knots tightly. Upon completion, Meg pushed them forward, determined to put a great distance between them, and their sleeping attackers. End of Chapter 13
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Post by Herc's_Girl on Aug 22, 2007 15:53:00 GMT -5
Whoo Hooo!! More please.
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Post by megatude on Aug 25, 2007 16:15:27 GMT -5
Chapter 14
The sun crept further into the western sky as they trudged onward. Meg's skin felt as if it were on fire, she was positive that she was covered in sun-burns. Sweeping away the sweat, covered bangs, from her forehead, she glanced over to see Zebra fiddling with her new-found trinket. As of yet, Zebra had not revealed the object to her. Her curiosity won over. "So, what did you confiscate from our buddies back there?" She brought herself to ask, trying to sound disinterested, but Zebra knew better. "It's a coin", she replied, displaying it proudly. "this, almost, confirms my theory of where. Perhaps, even when. To the best of my knowledge, I firmly believe we are, indeed, on the other side of the globe, in Greece. Perhaps in 600 B.C. Meg's skepticism played yet, another dramatic role. "How can you decipher all that, from that itty bitty cent?" "Drachma", Zebra corrected. "Besides, if you have anything helpful to offer, as to where we are, by all means....." Meg pouted, she knew she'd been beaten. They could not say, for certain, how far they had traveled, it didn't seem to matter anymore. Meg smacked her tongue on the roof of her dry, thirsty mouth. They had not seen water since arriving in this strange, new world. The reality of this adventure was suddenly pushing down, upon Zebra. She believed she'd solved the mystery of their location, but how could that help them survive? She bowed her head shamefully, unable to look Meg in the face. She felt responsible for their current sufferings. Biting her lip for courage, Zebra barred herself to apologize for their unfortunate predicament. Then, something fowl entered her nostrils, alerting her senses. She peered toward the ever dense sky, and beheld a particularly dark cloud, rising high above the trees, climbing up towards the heavens. She touched Meg's shoulder to veer her attention skyward. "Does that look like smoke to you?" Meg peered beyond Zebra's pointed finger and squinted, willing her eyes to see beyond their capacity. Her nose wrinkled as she sniffed the blowing breeze. Zebra saw hope, alight in her features. "I do believe you're right. It's chimney smoke. A good sign of civilization. That's the direction we should head", she said with confidence. Even if they were scum, like the people they had met there, they had to try. Meg wanted to sprint, race the last few miles between her and their anticipated salvation. But her already fatigued muscles wouldn't allow her to exceed the steady pace they were set on. Although, this new hope provided her with a second wind to carry on. "Let's get going", she insisted, urging Zebra forward into the unknown. "If we sit down now, we may not get back up again." She dared another glance to the sky, to study the sun's position. "At the rate we've been keeping, hopefully we'll reach the source of that smoke by sundown." Zebra nodded, praying that they might find sanctuary at a benefactor's hand. To be continued....
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Post by Herc's_Girl on Aug 25, 2007 16:26:22 GMT -5
Suspence is building. I really want to know what happens next! Then again I always do.
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Post by megatude on Aug 31, 2007 23:20:20 GMT -5
Continued....
At dusk, the weary travelers were still trudging onward. Their legs felt like jelly, numbing every step. They kept a constant direction towards the South-East, keeping their heads down, shielding their already reddened faces from the sun's final rays of the day. Zebra felt the urge to observe their progress. She raised her head, shaded her eyes, and smiled. Most of the trees and foliage had fallen behind them in their wake, opening the way before them. On the bottom of a small dipping hole, lay a quaint, little, farm house. Complete with a smoking chimney. A field just beyond the farm house, appeared unkempt and ill-tended. But the house looked......livable. "Look!" Zebra said pointing, her voice was barely audible due to lack of moisture. "We're....almost there." Meg gave Zebra a weak smile. "I only hope they're open." Her wry sense of humor still intact. They staggered the last few yards toward the front door, their toes dragging from behind in the dirt, through their dog-eared shoes. Their vision grew blurry from exhaustion and lack of nutrition. A faint light emanated from the gap, underneath the thick, wooden door. Obviously, someone was home. Zebra raised a feeble fist and rapt ed lightly, twice, against the wood. Movement could be heard, coming from the other side. They waited in anticipation. Their fate, literally, in the hands of whomever came to answer. A latch lifted and the door swung cautiously open, creaking on its hinges. The figure of a plump woman shadowed the fire-light before them. Upon seeing her caller's weakened condition, the woman's brow furrowed with concern and sympathy. "Oh my, you poor dears. Can I help you?" Meg licked her dry, chapped lips, trying to form words. "Please....help us", she managed to mumble. The disheveled girls were instantly led inside, and seated themselves upon a wooden bench. The kindly woman fetched a clay pitcher, and they were granted water to quench their parched throats. Now that they were inside, the friends were able to see their benefactor more clearly. She was an older woman, somewhere in her late 50's, early 60's. Her gray hair was tied atop her head in a bun and covered in a head-cloth. She wore a periwinkle colored tunic. She pulled up a stool and sat across from them. As she settled comfortably in her seat, her kind eyes studied them, considering them carefully. "Now then, what were you young ladies doing out wandering into the night? It's dangerous to travel alone." "Tell me about it", Meg commented. Zebra nudged her to keep her sarcasm to herself. "We came looking for my grandfather, Julius Sanders, and got lost in the process. You haven't heard of such a man, have you?" The kindly woman brought a hand to her chin, to ponder the question. "I'm sorry. I don't make many trips outside the farm, only to the local Agora, once a month. So, I don't get many opportunities to meet new people." Disappointed, Zebra bowed her head. "My husband does a bit of traveling while on trade, so he finagles with many different acquaintances. I'm expecting Amphitrion to return by morning." The woman smacked her hand to her forehead and chuckled, embarrassed. "Forgive me dears, I've hardly introduced myself; My name is, Alcmene." "I'm Zebra", she then waved a thumb, indicating her companion. "This is.....ummm..." Zebra had to come up with an ancient sounding name for Meg, to avoid suspicion. Or else, she feared, Alcmene wouldn't help them, if they told the truth of their situation. She might think they were crazy and throw them out. "Megara, but she usually goes by Meg." Meg's eyes widened and glared at her friend. "What?!" She whispered through her teeth. Zebra merely shrugged. "I take it, you girls need a place to stay while you seek out this man." Alcmene concluded, oblivious to their small disagreement. Meg nodded. "That's awfully kind of you", Zebra gushed. "But we wouldn't want to be a bother." Alcmene put a hand up to silence Zebra. "I insist. We have plenty of room, you could take my son's old room. But first, let's take care of those vicious sun-burns etched upon your skin."
To be continued.
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Post by Herc's_Girl on Sept 1, 2007 17:14:33 GMT -5
Better and better.
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Post by megatude on Sept 10, 2007 23:29:31 GMT -5
Continued....
She led them into the barn. Using a large tin tub, Alcmene heated up some water and prepared them a bath, with special concoctions of her own making, to soothe their discomforts. Meg and Zebra sank deep beneath the steaming bubbles, determined not to emerge until well pruned. After the water had worked it's magic, they wrapped-up in a sheet to dry off. And, to complete the spa-like treatment, lotion with aloe was, smoothed onto their skin. "I know these won't fit", said Alcmene, offering them some of her old tunics to wear.(from her more thinner years) "But they'll have to do." She then prepared a simple meal of hot bread and cheese, with fresh milk. Considering how little the girls had eaten that day, it was a veritable feast. They ate greedily, barely coming up for breath. Alcmene was pleased to see how much they were enjoying it. Remembering her manners, Zebra dabbed the corners of her mouth with a handkerchief, and cleared her throat to speak. "So, Alcmene, you mentioned earlier you have a son?" A bit of sadness and pride, spoke behind Alcmene's kind eyes. She seemed to be remembering a time long passed. "Yes, my only child. He left us some time ago to pursue his dream." She considered the girls sitting before her. "You two look about his age. Are either of you betrothed or taken?" During this time, Meg had been guzzling her milk, when the meaning of Alcmene's penetrated and traveled through her ears. She nearly choked. Zebra blushed and gave Meg gentle pats on the back, to help relieve the congestion. "No Ma'am." Alcmene smiled. "Perhaps, one day, you'll have the opportunity to meet him." Zebra nodded politely, then nudged Meg to do the same. Parents could be funny about such things; they set-up or put pressure on their offspring to find an ideal mate. And, once that happens, they pester for grandchildren. Meg rolled her eyes at this concept. "Yes, well it's getting late, let's go and prepare you're sleeping quarters." Alcmene returned from the barn with straw-filled mattresses, for Meg and Zebra to sleep upon. She layed them on opposite sides of the spare room. The girls entered behind her. They couldn't believe she was being so nice, to give them so much. "We truly appreciate all you're doing for us." Zebra expressed. Alcmene waved this off. "Think nothing of it dear. We have plenty of room, and it's quite refreshing to have the company of such charming girls." She left them with a couple blankets and feather-stuffed pillows. "Now, I wish you pleasant dreams." She exited the room, blowing out a candle on the way, leaving them in darkness.
End of chapter 14
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Post by Herc's_Girl on Sept 11, 2007 20:24:55 GMT -5
This one cracked me up a great deal! Om my gosh it's extremely funny!
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