White Swan
Several hours pass. Sister is ready to head off to the Ball of Ascension, anxious to meet and dance with Brother. A two, two, one rap on the oak door, and the sound of her father’s impatient but friendly voice announcing his arrival, told her that it was time to get up and leave for the ball.
“I’ll be out in a minute. I want to check one more thing.”
Father groaned, “Daughter, you had four hours to be ready.”
“Yes, Yes, Father. I’m going as fast as I can.”
Father turned, placing his back against the wall, placed his hand on his face and spoke through his fingers, “Why do women take so long to get ready?” Hammering loudly on the door with his other hand, he yelled, “Hurry up. We’re going to be late.”
Whack! Oomph!
“Seriously Father, what is the cause of such violence,” gasped Daughter rubbing her stomach.
“I’m so sorry Daughter. My hands know not what they do.”
“There seems to be a lot of that going around.”
“Oh, what do you mean Daughter?” Asked Father, turning to her.
“It’s nothing Father. Just a foolish Old Man and his wandering hands.”
“Tell me who these wayward hands belong to,
and I promise you that they’ll be chopped off.”
“No Father, no need for such violence.
He’s just another foolish minor,
who’s lucky I mean him no harm.”
“My Daughter, always the pacifist.
You are too good to these Minors.
Come, let me have a good look at you
before we head down to the Ball of Ascension.”
Daughter turned and faced Father, spreading her arms out like a white swan, twirling on her tippy toes in a slow, wide circle.
“My dear, you are magnificent.
True, your dress has more curls and frills than a wedding cake, but they suit you, Daughter.
You truly are magnificent.” Father moved in close and slid a pink Corsage over her left hand.
“Remember your promise Daughter, not to dance with ‘that Brother.’
Dance with anyone you like, except him.
Soon you’ll be expected to fill your role in Crow &Company.
It’s best now to put foolish, naïve ways behind you.”
Daughter rolled her eyes, “Yes Father, I know.”
“Good, don’t forget it.”
“Yes Father, I’ll remember.”
Beaming with pride, Father took Daughter’s left hand, and patted it affectionately.
“Shall we go, Daughter?”
Yes, lets Father.”
