Stop 0 of History Journey

Dearest Beloved,

Today is a big day for Menewsha which is why I am writing to you instead of being by your side. If you have not yet learned to read, it is okay. I know that the postman is probably gladly reading this to you. I completely understand and won't write anything that would embarrass you. ^_^

As a historian, I must journey on the train being pulled by the Spirit of Calesco. You understand my passion for historic events is as great as your love of bones. I am currently at the station ready for departure. I have already needed a tissue from missing you. However, let us wish on the Lucky Star that Mistress Misfortune does not cast more than a mild glance my way. We all prefer it if she were to frolic elsewhere.

She obviously hasn't been here. The train station is an amazing place with decorations and historic statues everywhere. I bumped into a cute guy while on the wooden platform. He was so nice. You don't mind do you? It was truly an accident. He helped me onto the train after that in the most delightful fashion. It was almost like he was a part of the train station. Both are refined, classy, and in love with clocks. He had a gorgeous pocket watch and the was a huge oak carved clock up on the wall.

By the way, where did you put my watch? I couldn't find it before I left and it is not in my luggage. I know your fond of pranks, but this really wasn't the time. We will have to have a talk when I return. For now I will rely on all the wonderful waiters and uniformed men. Please don't be jealous. They are good looking!

You would love this train. The excitement is your dream environment. There are people ready to travel walking all over being assisted by those in cute uniforms. I can't wait to go get brunch in the meal car. I hear they went all out. I did catch glimpses of food on gorgeous designer platters. Everything is so plush and blue! And pretty carved wooded things too. I prefer the blue things though ^_^

However I am waiting in my sleeping car (which is totally comfortable and roomy) assignment until someone can escort me. I have already worried the staff with my sense of direction. How was I supposed to know that the big red handle (you know how tempting big red levers and buttons are) would disconnect the train cars?

Of course I then had to explain I was lost and simply looking for my room. The looks of surprise and disbelief on their faces were quite a shock for me. They explained that if I needed help, to simply pull any rope cord and an assistant would come quickly. Then I was shown my room and it was pointed out my door handle is blue. So now I know!

My dearest love to you. All of you including your quirks. I will be sure to find something for you at each stop. Think of me at night when your lonely. We both are just too used to sleeping with each other. So this will be good for both of us. A great way to grow up! You can make new friends too while I am away and introduce us when I return!

Love,
MRH

Stop 1 of History Journey

Dearest Darling,

Today we made it to Garland, a most wondrous place. It was a pleasant journey here. When we were close to the coast, we passed by many gorgeous bays. However, the gentle cliffs have been getting more rugged. As much as you enjoy exploring, even you might find these a challenge.

This small town is near a pretty neat lake. Don't be jealous dear. I had quite the surprise when I stepped off the train. A gentleman nearby came over to make my acquaintanceship. He said he had riddle that needed to be answered, but he couldn't do it alone. So we spent a pleasant time sightseeing together and trying to figure out the riddle. Here is what it was:

Bride of summer and flowers bright,
Bride of winter and poinsettia true,
Dared to play the dice of flight,
so to the watery grave she flew.

Evidently if he could figure out what it meant, he would get a prize. The requirements were to find a female historian to assist. As I am of course the most qualified, I accepted. After much thought and reading of the love letters in the local museum of the famous bride and groom who died so long ago, I came up with an answer. She was part way to the island (and it is so gorgeous too) to be married, she got cold feet and committed suicide. I was proud of myself so wasn't expecting the bark of laughter he made. That kinda reminded me of you.

Anyrate, he came up with a more acceptable answer to the riddle and we went and completed his quest. We then decided to head for ourselves to the island to visit the chapel and graves. The boat ride sure can exhilarate you. The chapel was very pretty with white flowers everywhere. I think I should like to get married there. At the graves were presents. I made sure to leave some gold there. I didn't want them laying in the open so I used my shawl that I had torn earlier on the edge of a sharp corner to put the gold in. Then I tied the cloth corners into a knot and placed it gently with white flowers on the Bride's grave.

He accompanied me back to the train and to where I am staying. I am currently freshening up for lunch. When we take off, I will be dining with him. He was so sweet. He had arranged a surprise for me. Beside my suitcase was a red rose with a blue card tied to it. It simply said that "friendship is a treasure, and you are close to my heart." So sweet! So I am going to wear a blue outfit to lunch. Silly me wants to match the card.

I love you very much. We can catch up and spend time together as soon as I get back. Don't stay around the house. Get out and get some exercise. Fresh air does a person good. I found a gift for you at a local shop. A really cute bowl made by the locals. I think you will like it. It has hearts on it for the local legend. I figured coming from me, you wouldn't mind.

With great love,
MRH

Stop Two of Historic Journey

Dearest and closest to my heart,

I think I have met my true love. You won't mind sharing me will you? You will always be my beloved, but one's true love only shows up once in a lifetime. He insisted we stay together for the entire journey. It was most pleasant traveling to Reinsend. We arrived and enjoyed a lovely time in this town. It was a most unusual encounter though. Perhaps the story of my time here will ease any jealousy you may be feeling.

When we first arrived, there were celebrations going on all over town. Today seems to have some sort of festivities going on. We were maruaded by two groups. One wanted us to participate in the science fair to support the science department at the local elementary school. The other wanted us to participate in the cooking fair to support the local nursing home. They got into a real big argument. Finally, we came to a compromise where we would do something that supported both of them. You'll love what we did. We made a glue volcano! We baked bread using my mother's secret spice cake recipe and cut them into wedges. We propped them against each other with a pencil supporting under each slice. Then we carved out a "ravine" for our "lava" to slow down and lined it with playing cards to protect the edible portion of our volcano.

Our final edible glue volcano was a huge success. The science fair gave us a participation ribbon for it. How sweet of them. Then as the judges were coming over to taste test it for the cooking fair, the delicate scent of spice cake reached the noses of reindeer in nearby pens. After that, everyone could swear that reindeer indeed can fly. They gained momentous energy and somehow leaped from their pens. They crashed through all sorts of trouble until they reached us. I hoped they would be so kind as to stop before me as I stood in their way. I was trampled instead. My ever benevolent friend rescued me and carried me to safety.

I got a participation ribbon from the cooking fair judges as well. Evidently it isn't everyday that one cooks so well as to cause even the animals to race forward.

Desperate for some fresh air away from excitement, we went on a walk into the woods. It was most pleasant. The trial was covered in leaves though. Someone needed to bring a rake and clear them. After awhile, we saw the cutest little chipmunk. I wanted a picture. I knew you would appreciate seeing the little fellow too. So we crept carefully along a hedgerow to get closer to him. I had just snapped the picture when we heard the trot of some really large animals on the other side of the hedge. They definitely had hooves. Figuring the reindeer were all back in town, we decided that the invisible creatures were cows. We hadn't seen the sign further back that said "Beware of..." you'll never guess... reindeer mothers. So we got stampeded again. Those moms are really protective of their young.

He once again saved me. You are probably feeling sorry for me and grateful that another young man could be here in my time of distress since you are not. We spent a lovely evening dancing around the bonfires and drinking toasts to better fortune. We collapsed and slept there as well. A kind elderly gentleman woke us up in time to catch the train. Now we are back on board refreshed and quite comfortable.

Your dearest love,
MRH

Stop Three of Historic Journey

Dear beloved,

If I can even call you that. You are so horrible. So conniving. How did an uneducated fool like you pull off this stunt I will never understand. That fellow that I thought myself in love with. What a joke. Last night after I wrote the letter, I expressed my joint and undying love for him and you. He said he was glad I wouldn't choose... because you hired him to keep an eye on me!

I'm not a child. I'm an educated historian with a life of my own. You can just pack your things and get out of my house. Get out of my life. I sent him packing last night too. I don't need either of you!

It has been a long ride to Icy Peaks. No thanks to your meddling of course. I plan to enjoy my time here. Alone.

**********************************************

Well, my time here has been rather... eventful. I must apologize for my earlier tone. I made you both out to be evil schemists. I haven't forgiven you or him, but I can't understand why you would hire a private investigator to follow and look after me. Well, maybe I can a little. I am a clutz to some extent am I not. Here is how I figured that out.

I was enjoying looking at the ice sculptures around town when I noticed him watching me covertly, though not enough, from a local cafe. So I pretended to go into a shop and slipped out the back. You know my love of nature, so I went for a hike. So does he, but I didn't realize he was following me.

As I was walking along, the crunch of the snow reminded me of the beauty of those sculptures in town. I thought it would be very pleasant to make a sculpture too. I had just reached a clearing that was ringed in large round hay bales where such an artistic expression could take place when something caught my eye. I looked up into the sky and didn't see anything so began to look around the snow for a suitable ice patch to possibly work with. I gave up after realizing that anything I did would be banal. Just like this packet of letters.

Just as I was standing there in despair, I was roughly grabbed and shoved into a hay bale. Sheltered by HIM, I saw a dragon circling overhead. He stayed between the dragon and myself until it disappeared, then offered his hand. It was more than a gesture to assist rising. It was a solatium as well, which I reluctantly accepted.

As I was rising, my foot caught in a moldy and tangled haywire. His strong arms caught me as I started to fall. My shoe had become torn in that, so he offered duct tape to be used to patch it up until we got to town. Of course I did that as I wouldn't let him touch me anymore.

We headed back to town and found the nearest NPC to warn of dragons. The NPC scolded us for talking nonsense and sent us on our way. However we I looked back, I saw the NPC wink up into the trees. I felt suspicious at that.

At the train I left him for my own quarters. Which is why I am finishing this letter in simply to pack. I'll decided if you have to leave later. I'm much too tired and confused to make sense of things now.

Your ex-,
MRH

Stop 4 - Train Ride on a Historic Journey

Hi Jim,

Okay listen up. I talked to him during the train ride trying to figure out what exactly happened. Was any of it real? You know what he, Pete, told me? The truth. The whole truth. The whole story. How could you?!

You hired your school counselor to babysit me? Your in 2nd grade. I am a graduate from college with a history degree. You had no right. That is it! You are going back to grandma's house. You interfere with my life way to much. I am old enough to take care of myself unlike you.

And that part about not writing anything that would embarrass you in front of the postman... I'm breaking it. Jim still wets the bed at night, especially during thunder storms. There, how do you like it when trust is broken. It hurts!

I'm going to go look at the neat shops and see what the master craftsmen are capable of. You, go pack. When I get home, I'm driving you myself. No, I am calling a taxi! You are no longer the man of the house!

*********************************

Well, I don't know how to say this. I think I can now see your love of the TV show NCIS and that character Abbey. Today would have been a blast... for you. By the way, don't pack. You were only doing what you thought was right. Also it was what Tony and Gibbs would have done in that TV show NCIS.

I went to make a toy at the Make Your Own Toy shop they have set up for the train passengers. It was supposed to be a simple deal. However the "elf" helping me was very irascible and the craftsman running the event was most lachrymose. So between the temper tantrums and the tears, I ended up making a horrible looking bear. Of course the elf started getting after me to fix it and the craftsmen burst into tears at the sight of it. They are both incorrigible on that front. So I left.

I went to a cute hat shop. It was a much more pleasant atmosphere. I tried on western hats, bonnets, top hats, silk hats, and who knows what else. I was just taking one off to put back on the shelf when a random little boy walked up behind me and blew a whistle really loud. I jumped and spun, twisting my ankle in the process and failing down. He stood there, blinked, and turn and ran off.

Some nice man helped me back to the train where the staff helped me to my room. They elevated the leg and put ice on the ankle. One of them brought me a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with iced tea. It was sweet of them and soon I was feeling better.

The staff set up a card game among them for me in my resting quarters and we played CandyLand, Menewsha style. It was fun. If you landed on a candy icon, you had to eat that candy. Whatever color you landed on, you had to eat the corresponding jelly bean. The moderator marked down how many pieces of candy we ate before we made it to the end. They used a calculator to add up all the tic marks the moderator made and I had the most. I guess you could say I hit the jackpot because I got as many tokens as I ate candy pieces. Which was no small number I assure you.

In honor of my win, they set up a table with a red clothe and golden candle sticks. They said a small meal would be along shortly. In the meantime we toasted to my win and they asked for a story. So I told them a story about when I was in college. How every year I broke something in the dorm made of glass. Freshman year it was the door on my hall. I body slammed it when chasing a friend. Sophomore year it was the glass covering on the table in the kitchenette. I didn't know hot glass casserole dishes on glass tables cracked the glass. The third year, after finals but the night before I left I tried to open a window in the TV lounge. I pushed a bit too hard on the glass when it wouldn't swing readily open... and it too broke. My senior year I was checked out and driving away when I realized I had finally made it through the school year without mishap.

Then Pete came in and apologized. That was the real reason for the table. *sigh*

Your sis,
MRH

Stop 5 - Last of this Historic Journey

Dearly beloved Menewshians~

We are gathered here today to honor a fellow traveler. Though our thoughts are sad at her passing, we must inundate our hearts with memories of her so that we might ameliorate our time here. On the finale our our historic journey... during this milestone in Menewshian history... the length of this sweet lady was cut short. For without apparent reason, she was found with not one hive but many on her skin. This acerbic fact leads us to conclude that she died of an allergic reaction.

MRH peered from behind a tree at her funeral proceedings. It had not been her intention to have faked her own death. Indeed, it was not her fault that her twin showed up and demanded to know the whereabouts of her husband. Standing behind that tree on a bench she organized her chaotic thoughts.

It turns out that her twin and Pete had been penpals for some time. They had gotten an online wedding. When her younger brother Jim showed Pete a picture of the older sister he lived with, Pete thought he had found his bride. It was his desire simply to win her over the old fashioned way. That didn't happen.

Her twin, Black Heart Thorn, had thought that she had stolen Pete. So she came after her. She was a scientist and had a needle of the Mene-Flu. Black Heart Thorn used that on MRH, but MRH grabbed it and jabbed back. As all smart villians do, Black Heart Thorn had the vaccine. However, she was unbeknownst allergic to the vaccine and died. Looking on, MRH felt a sense of gladness that she hadn't also used the vaccine. Her sister's death had saved her own life, though now she was infected with that disease.

She stood watching and finished off the glass of champagne she held in her hand. Then she turned and jumped off the edge of the bench she had been standing on. Sprinting she ran off into the fair. Time to get lost.

That turned out not to be necessary. In the shadows was a booth. She crept up to it when she saw the sign: "What a different look? With us you should book."

She went in and underwent a minor facial surgery. The modification allowed her to pass off as her own cousin. She grinned and returned to her funeral. This time to collect her belongings as a bereaved relative.

The End?