And The Winter Came (O/O) CLOSED

His eyes lit back up, a bit of a victorious smile across his lips. "Alright!"

She gave him a small smile before giving her hands a clap. "Well, how about we get this nest ready, huh?"

"What do I need to do?" He chirped.

"Well, you already gathered all of these lovely twigs. Do you thing you can find our friend some moss?" She asked him with a smile. "I'll get started while you go look."

"Okay, what kind?" James rocked on his behind, "I know where there's lichen, really green moss, leafy moss, sad moss.."

"Just green moss, please." Ellen decided. She took up some twigs and weaved a few together.

He nodded briefly, and scampered off.

((Do you wanna skip to a big event or continue?))

She watched him scurry off and she smiled. "Leonord," She looked to the bird. "You have a great friend, indeed." She giggled and continued with her word.

Skip)

(Alrighty, if you don't mind, lead the way, comrade.))

~~~

Ellen heard her father come home late at night. His voice carried through the walls, speaking of Washington's inauguration, and, a dinner invitation.

She had been reading by candlelight when he arrived. As she shut her book and listened to his words, she dared to allow herself….to hope. Perhaps, her parents would allow her to join them this time around. Perhaps, she wouldn't be left alone at home with the cook. Perhaps…. she would be treated like she was normal, like everyone else.

Fueled by her 'maybes' she rose to her feet and walked to the door, stepping into the hallway to confront her father. If worse came to worse, she'd rather have her 'no' now.
"Father?" She called to him, her head down respectfully.

"What do you want, Ellen?" He spoke, "You should be asleep."

Ellen took a deep breath, her hands fisting her skirts. "I was having a bit of trouble sleeping, sir." She answered him. "So I was reading as you suggesting to me, but I couldn't help but overhear you mention Washington's inauguration and…. a invitation to dinner."

He shifted his jaw, and lips. "Yes, I did."

Ellen lifted up a silent prayer as she lifted her blue and hazel gaze to her father. "Will I be allowed to attend….sir?"

He gave her a disapproving look. "What could you possibly offer that I couldn't?"

The illusion of a happy household, the image of a loving and wonderful father, the lie of a prospering lineage even though your wife cannot produce you any more children, I can offered you a lot!

Ellen simply bowed her head once more. "I believe it wold be better for your image, sir. Especially at the inauguration , displaying your generosity and sympathy towards the unworthy."

"Your my daughter. I believe other grown men would not prefer to babysit." Her father spoke bitterly.

You hardly babysit me, she thought with just as much bitterness. You never have, and you never will.

"Inasmuch as that is true, I still question whether or not my presence with actually be noticed." She said. "Also, if mother is going, why shouldn't I be able to?"

"Who'll clean the house when we're gone?" He crossed his arms.

Biting her lip, Ellen fought for the right words. "If I clean before we leave…. it will not require furthermore cleaning when we have gone." She answered, surety in her voice. She lifted her eyes to him once more.

"Maybe. If you do a well enough job, I may allow you to come with."

((Cinderella much….?))

"Yes, sir!" She instantly straightened her posture, determination in her mismatched eyes. Just by his words, she knew she would have to be a clean and polished as ever. She knew he'd be looking for every single reason to deny her wish.

Oof )

"You have an hour."

Her eyes widened. "A-an hour!?" Ellen felt panic and dread consume her. How was she supposed to clean the entire house in an hour? Perhaps, if she started with the windows and move to the floors, she have time to do the kitchen and get all the bedding down to the basement for washing in time.
She took a step back, her mind racing .

Her father sat. She knew he took entertainment in her panic.

She took off in a dead run, her skirts scrunched in her hands. Hope was a stupid thing sometimes, but it kept her going as she cleaned, even as her bones ached, she did not stop.

Her father watched with a nonchalant expression.