HELLO!
I want to let you all know there is a big announcement on its way to you. Before that, however, I want to let you all know that I am working on keeping the updates coming here. With summer in full swing and most of my obligations out of the way, I can rest easy and take my free time to write more blogs and more stories. That leads me to my big announcement! I am releasing the title and first 5 pages of the Profugorum sequel. Ladies and gentlemen, I am proud to announce the newest upcoming novel from Genevieve Noel... Fortitudo! Thanks to all who put themselves into a helping me with titles (you know who you are). Chapter 1 The sun is rising in the east, just like it does almost everyday. I can hear the blue jays singing thier sweet morning songs. But me, I sit lounging in a chair on my new deck. I've only been in D.C. for ten months but I've settled into the swing of the days quite easily. The dark, cherry-colored wood of the deck beneath my feet is strong but relaxing; the metal table and chairs go quite nicely with the theme of the outdoor area. All the material things around me lend to the bright, morning atmosphere, but there's something missing. I just can't put my finger on what it is. I look down at the mug in my hands; the cup contains the remains of my morning milk. There are crumbs of bread strewn across the table and a small chickadee lands to eat one. Cautiously, it steps forward, but it doesn't take its eyes off me. I stare back into its eyes, but not in a condescending way; it's almost a friendly look that I bestow upon the creature. The bird carefully stretches its neck down and snatches up a crumb. Then it reaches for another and another until the remains of my toast have been devoured. The brown winged bird looks up for a moment and cocks its head as if to ask for more, but then, it flies away, leaving me in silence. I was a bird once. Once, almost a year ago, I was a bird flying from place to place, searching for a scrap from here or there to nourish myself until morning. I needed something to fill a growing hole in my heart, but I was unsuccessful. That was so very long ago. That was back when I was still an active part of the Profugorum. I have long since left the group to lead my life in silence. They have tried many times to bring me back. Luke, Gray, even Xavier have all come to my door and practically begged me to help them. I think they just miss me, but I turned them down every time. My eyes focus again as the shining sun rises triumphantly over the edge of the earth and floods the land with light. The wind blows and goosebumps prick the surface of my bare arms. I probably should be wearing a bit more then a thin tee-shirt if I'm going to be out this early in the morning, but then again, I've never been much for following rules. The cream-colored top that I wear is accompanied by Capri length jeans, a heavy, beaded necklace, and bright blue, lace flats. My light blonde hair hangs freely in it's curly natural state and a military camouflaged hat graces my head. It's strange for me to care so much about how I look, but I don't live out in the country anymore and I can't afford for people to recognize me. D.C. is a large place with so many civilians and even worse, military personnel; it's hard to fit in and be unobserved by the crowd. I close my hazel eyes and breathe in the fresh morning air. How I miss those days in the woods, roaming with the Profugorum, giving people a chance to be free. I open my eyes again and sigh. I left for a reason and I don't ever want to go back. The city sounds are beginning again and I scour my mind for the plan of attack I have today. Then it hits me. Orange juice, I almost forgot! It's my anniversary. I snatch up my plate and rush through the sliding glass doors into my apartment. Dropping the dishes by the sink, I hurry to my bedroom and remove my military cap. I throw on a dash of mascara and tuck my key into my back pocket before rushing out the door. No, I am not married, and no, I'm not engaged. Today is just the three year anniversary of the day Ash and I met; knowing the sentimental fool, he has big plans that start in less then five minutes. I hurry down the hall to another apartment door and knock rapidly. "Ash, are you up?" I nearly shout as my fist pounds harder. If I missed the beginning of our anniversary I will crush the poor child. The door is thrust open and I nearly punch Ash in nose. "Well, beat me up then Blondie, nothing you haven't done before." A playful smirk makes its way onto the would-be casanova's face. "I almost thought you left without me." I sigh in relief. "Couldn't do that Rap," he poke my nose with his finger, "then it wouldn't be a celebration would it?" I roll my eyes and invite myself into the room. from the kitchen on my right, the closet on my left, to the living room in front of me, I see a load of sticky notes spewed on every wall, lamp, and piece of furniture in sight, even the double doors at the far end of the room are coated with a layer of paper. "What's all this?" I ask, raising an eyebrow. Ash smiles mischievously, "This is part of your present." I look at him in confusion. "I made a note for every adventure we had. Go on, look at them." I advance farther into the room and look at note after note. "Ash, this is beautiful, thank you!" I turn around and pull him in for a hug. He chuckles deeply and holds me close. "No problem Re; Happy Anniversary." "Happy Anniversary." * "You're crazy, no one eats four hot dogs piled with ketchup and pickles!" I laugh as Ash tops his fourth hot dog. "You're crazy if you don't! Oh, and you forgot to add onions to the list." He takes a mouthful of food. I shake my head and finish my first hot dog. "You better eat that hot dog quickly;" I note, looking up, "It looks like it's gonna rain and I don't know what you have planned, but it better not include outside." "What?" Ash asks, his mouth full of food, "You're kidding! It wasn't suppose to rain today!" "You know Ash, even though we don't live in Minnesota anymore, you still should know that the weatherman is never right." "There's no time to waste; we have to hurry!" Ash snatches my hand and pulls me through the crowded street. "Ash, slow down!" "Not a chance Blondie!" We twist and turn up and down the streets of the capital, running here and there, stopping for mere moments to catch a glimpse of a part of our past. Around lunch time, we finally hault on a bench in a pavilion near the monument ruins. I'm more breathless then I'd like but Ash seems perfectly pleased with how quickly we accomplished our errands at all of his outdoors stops. "You're exhausting, you know that?" I ask, when I've finally caught my breath again. "Only the best for you Blondie." Ash's face shimmers with happiness. "You know, there are days when that nickname really irritates me." We sit in silence for a moment before Ash picks up my left hand. "You're hands are so soft." He compliments absentmindedly as he studies it. "That's only because yours are so dry." I look to him, "Ash, what are you doing?" "Oh, nothing." A sudden blush creeps onto his cheeks. "Ash," I warn, taking my hand out of his, "if you're going to turn this wonderful day into a prank again, I think I'll have to-" "Oh relax Re." Ash instantly relaxes. "I'll leave this day alone. Okay?" I look at him, still unsure if he intends to keep that promise. "Well-" "Just trust me on this one Renay." His eyes plead with me as I battle my desire to ask more questions. "Alright. I can do that- I suppose." "That's what I'm talking about!" Ash's face lights up, "Rap, let's be kids and go play tag in the park there." He stands up and bounces like an innocent child. "Ash, we just finished running. Do we have to do it again?" I whine, throwing my head back. "Come on Renay. You don't do anything fun anymore." I am about to retort when a shadow from behind me catches my eye. I shoot straight up and turn to face the intruder. Shock pours over me when I realize who it is. In disbelief I ask, "Talia?" Love From, Genevieve
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