Work or More? (open)

[Eben Dunstan]

The landscape was flitting by the windows as Eben stared out. The earth changed geography, from rocky hills to flat grasslands. Then as the train slowed the grass was thinning into sandy pebbles.

Eben had been sent to the Common Area by his father for surveying the area. His father had been contracted to build housing. It's been ages since he left District 2 for anything. Now he was allowed to leave on his own as a journeyman.

A light breeze rustled Eben's short hair as he stepped from the train. The air smelled like salt. He ran his rough hand through the black mess on his head to fix it. He had to look good, it was part of his charm.

The open area was rather emptier than he expected. The gorgeous green and blue water washed back and forth onto the white sandy beach. He had never seen the ocean before and stood in complete awe. The water was the exact opposite of his home, alive and colorful instead of grey and lifeless.

Eben looked around the huge area for the spot his father had explained to him. Empty, flat, and away from everything else. Immediately he noticed it. There was fresh packed soil right in front of the beach. No plant life around it. It looked empty, that was for sure.

Eben was supposed to be seeing how much stone would be needed to build several vacation homes. Three to be exact. He would have been doing exactly that if it wasn't for the crashing of the waves on the shore. It was so distracting. No wonder they didn't work with stone here.

He was walking toward the area when from the corner of his eye he caught the profile of someone. He stopped thinking that he was completely alone. He wasn't afraid but the first thing he expected were the rebels. His hand tightened on a knife hilt that was sheathed at his waist with a few others. He was trained to throw them accurately but was waiting for the person to make a move.

"Who are you?" Eben questioned in a very strong voice. whoever they were they wouldn't try anything. It wasn't that he was paranoid but he didn't want to be unprepared.

Word Count: 381
Muse: Fine
Notes: Short and sweet just the way I like it.
Template by: Kiroshiro!

[Ellen Johnson]

Everything outside stunned Ellen. It was so... so... amazing, every landscape she had seen on her way here beautiful in its own unique way. Fantastic, gorgeous, amazing. And free for everyone to see. No longer was she trapped in her district, finally free to see all she could. Or, at least, so it seemed at the moment. She hoped it would stay this way. She hoped 13 wouldn't turn into another Capitol. She'd start another rebellion herself if it did. A peaceful one this time though, one without violence.

Ellen had been sent here to get away from her District, her parents hoped her wild ideas might be calmed somewhat if she got away. Not that it was working, if anything this little jaunt was creating more.

Without thinking, she pulled off her shoes and socks, allowing her feet to sink in the warm, white sands. She could stay here forever. It was a wonderland like she had never dreamed off.

Ellen tilted her head back, taking in the roaring off the ocean all the while wonder if there was anything beyond it, another country like Panem, maybe, or a wild land just waiting to be cultivated and civilized. Someone should go and explore the great vastness, maybe she could, it would be an adventure just like in her dream it would be-

Ellen rolled her eyes. She was being silly now. The chances anyone would do such a thing were slim, the chances of her doing were nonexistent. She had been afraid to even come here.

And why shouldn't she be, what with the rebels lying about, just waiting to pounce on some unknowing victim. Even now one could be here getting ready to drag her off to their horrific Games.
"Who are you?"Someone asked. Ellen was startled out of her whirlwind of thought.

Scared it might be a Rebel, she reached for the small, folding knife in her back pocket, not that it would do her much good now. She didn't know how to throw it, the knife was for close range use.

"Uh.." She didn't know what to say. She had caught a glance of the speaker, a tall, muscular man who, if he attacked her, she had no chance of beating. "Uh... I'm... Ellen"


Ellen bit her lip, and took a deep breath trying to calm herself. If she panicked now, she would be as good as dead, or so she thought.

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Word Count: 405
Notes: Sorry, I rambled a bit
Music: None.
Lyrics: How do you know - Third Day
Template by: Kiroshiro!

[Eben Dunstan]

Eben calmed some when he noticed the person at the waters edge was a young girl. She was very small compared to himself. The grip he had on his knife loosened. She couldn't hurt him unless she outwitted him.

"You startled me. You know its not safe by yourself, a girl like you could get kidnapped." He said turning on his bright charming smile. The girl was pretty but she seemed young to him. Her long blonde wavy hair was trailing the sand where she sat. Her eyes appeared to be dark. Eben sauntered forward cockily. He noticed the small knife at her side, his eyes widened a bit in disbelief. "You can put that away. I'm not going to hurt you."

Why would a young girl like her have a knife? She seemed innocent enough. Not even intimidating. She held herself well but he wasn't sure if she could hold her own. He thought. Then it hit him, She would be the perfect target for the Rebels to kidnap. She wouldn't be able to do a thing. It makes since why she would train to fight.

He smiled again running a hand through his dark hair, "What are you doing here by yourself?" He wondered out loud.

Word Count: 227
Muse: Blah
Notes: Man, that was short!!
Template by: Kiroshiro!

[Ellen Johnson]

Ellen scrambled to her feet, sand scattering all around her as she did so. A few of the pale yellow grains were caught by the salty breeze and swept away into some great unknown. On an impulse, she grasped a fistful of sand she could use it if she needed to.

And then he spoke. "You startled me. You know its not safe by yourself, a girl like you could get kidnapped." He seemed calm enough. Said that he frightened her. Ellen relaxed slightly, though her hands still trembled with fright. The thought that he could be lying nibbled at her consciousness. But, if he meant to hurt her, why hadn't he attacked yet?

As he came toward her, Ellen stepped back, maintaining the distance between them. As she walked back, she looked him in the eyes, trying to appear less afraid than she really was. She couldn't help thinking how interesting his eyes were. They made her think of a night sky without any stars or moon, dark and endless.

Those eyes widened as they landed on the small knife in Ellen's hand and widened. Was he shocked or upset? Had he been hoping she would be an easy catch? She still was. in her hands, the tiny blade was about as useful as a wooden spoon. Still, it gave her a feeling of security.

"You can put that away. I'm not going to hurt you."

For a second, Ellen almost did put her knife away. She probably wasn't going to hurt her, she probably was safe for now, but there was still that slight chance that she wasn't. It was a tiny chance, really, but Ellen had seen even the most unlikely things happen before. Not often, though. Not often.

It took several more seconds for Ellen to finally force herself to stash the knife back were it belonged. She kept her dwindling fistful of sand, though. If anything she could give herself a few second to whip out her knife and run.

Her mouth opened to say something, but he beat her to it. "What are you doing here by yourself?" Ellen thought for a second whether or not she should answer the question. She could see no harm in doing so.

I'm... She hesitated. Why was she here, really? Her parents had sent her here so they wouldn't have to deal with her political ravings for a bit, but what was her reason for coming. To satisfy her curiosity? Most likely.

"I'm... exploring? My.. uh, parents thought I need to get away from home a bit..." She trailed off. Why was she telling him this? Surely it wasn't his business. Why are you here?

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Word Count: 448
Notes: That's a lot for 5 in the morning
Music: Dance Dance Christa Paffgen-Anberlin, The Haunting-Anberlin, *Fin-Anberlin
Lyrics: How do you know - Third Day
Template by: Kiroshiro!

[Eben Dunstan]

The girl seemed to hesitate. The Eben supposed she thought better of it because she replied, "I'm... exploring? My.. uh, parents thought I need to get away from home a bit..." It sounded a bit made up. Most kids these days rarely left from home alone but maybe this girl was actually older than she seemed. That or she had something to hide.

He started to rationalize when he realized he was away from home. He guessed some parents sent their children away, even when it was dark times like these. His father had trusted him with the task of surveying the land. Actually that was what he should be doing, not chatting with this girl.

He glanced over to the empty space. It was large and would take lots of calculations and measurements before he had a solid number. Normally he wouldn't put off work but the crashing of the waves was distracting him and drawing his eyes back to the endless waters. What would it be like living by the water? Eben wondered. All he knew is he would never get any work done.

His gaze landed back on the staring girl. He had nearly forgotten she was there, "My name is Eben Dunstan. I'm a mason from District 2. Who might you be?" He asked sinking defenselessly into the sand beside her. Eben had noticed the ball of sand she held in her hand and figured showing some weakness would calm her. He smiled his camera worthy smile as he ran his hand back through is dark hair. No one could resist his warm smile. It could melt like the sun.

His father wasn't expecting him back until tomorrow anyway. Eben could definitely get finished with the work by tomorrow. He was a quick efficient worker. That was why his father trusted him as a journeyman. There was no harm in enjoying the water crashing on his feet while he entertained a girl.

Word Count: 335
Muse: Not so great but acceptable
Notes: Sorry it took so long I can never get on the computer.
Template by: Kiroshiro!

[Ellen Johnson]

Ellen's eyes flitted to where his were only a moment before. Why was he looking there? Was he expecting someone? A Rebel perhaps? Maybe his job was to cause her to let down her guard so others could grab her easily. Maybe-

Could she hear herself? She was being ridiculous. She had no reason to believe this person in front of her was a Rebel but yet she did. Why? Because she was an overly suspicious coward. Ellen shook her head in exasperation. Why did she have to live in this time?

Better this time then when the Capitol ruled. she thought.

"My name is Eben Dunstan. I'm a mason from District 2. Who might you be?" he asked as he slipped into a sitting position om the warm, golden sand. She wished she could do the same. She had fallen in love with the soft, yellow grains and missed the touch of them on her hands. The only thing she could feel was the cold, sweat-soaked mass in her hand.

Ellen saw him glance at her fistful of sand and blushed, feeling silly. How could she have thought a handful of sand could help her get away from this huge man-Eben, he said he was. Still, Ellen couldn't quite bring herself to drop it, even when he gave her a smile. She couldn't help thinking what a nice smile it was. She returned it with a small nervous smile.

'I'm Ellen.. Ellen Johnson, from 8.' Ellen said, hesitantly sinking into the sand across from him. She released the cold ball of the gritty dirt and took up another, warmer one. She couldn't help but trace patterns into the yellow surface.

If your a mason, ' Ellen began, looking up from ground, Why are you here? I'm not seeing very much stone...'

[/blockquote][/blockquote]

Word Count: 301
Notes: Not my best b ut it'll have to do... Sorry it's so short!
Music: None' My iPod died
Lyrics: How do you know - Third Day
Template by: Kiroshiro!

[Eben Dunstan]

Ellen? What a practical name. Fits this girl. Not to fancy not to bland. He contemplated. She still seemed to be nervous, unstable actually. He didn't want her to feel uneasy but if he couldn't help it then what else could he do? He knew he just better be in guard for a sudden attack as she filled her hand again with a full first of sand.

"If you are a mason, why are you here? I'm not seeing much stone.. " the girl uttered looking around. She was right, but the question seemed stupid to him. Why else would a mason come to an area with no stone? To bring stone, duh.

He figured he would humor her though, "My fa... boss sent me. I'm supossed to gather the stats on the land here. District 2 has been hired to build over there." Eben stated as he pointed over his shoulder at the empty land. He figured that this girl had no business knowing he worked for his father. For all he knew she was some kind of rebel spy. "I was distracted by the water... and you." He stated as he threw on another charming smile. He looked at the horizon where the water met the sky. There was barely a seem that showed the separation. It was beautiful. He just wanted to touch it.

Word Count: 228
Muse: bad
Notes: sorry so short
Template by: Kiroshiro!

[Ellen Johnson]

Ellen glanced down at the pattern she'd made in the sand. It looked like something she would find on the fabrics in the market in her district. The kinds of fabric they hadn't been able to afford, vibrant beautiful things, if a bit gaudy. Ellen had always enjoyed looking at them.
She began to relax a bit more. The sound of the waves lapping against the ground had that effect on her. She wondered what the water felt like. Probably the same as any other kind of water. But it was so blue. It almost seemed unnatural.
"My fa... boss sent me. I'm supposed to gather the stats on the land here. District 2 has been hired to build over there." said Eben, jerking Ellen's attention away from the teal waters. "I was distracted by the water... and you."
Her first thoughts was disappointed ones. Oh. They're building here. I wonder how long it will be like this before its turned into something unsightly. did they have to build here?

“What sort of things are being built?” She asked, and then, without thinking she added, I wish nothing would. It woud ruin everything here. It's so nice and peace now. It think it should just be left alone. Building will ruin the landscape, I think."
Ellen blushed slightly, releasing she may have been too outspoken, and turned her attention to the ground in front of her the muttered an almost inaudible apology for her outburst and for distracting him

Word Count: Uh... Did this on the cell so I dunno. It's sort though, sorry...
Notes: Sorry it's so horrid. I'm slightly distracted. Brewing a potion at the moment
Music: TFK's The End Is Where We Begin album
Lyrics: How do you know - Third Day
Template by: Kiroshiro!

Read more: mockingjayrepublic.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=graphics&action=display&thread=78&page=2#ixzz1t8YlFSSd

[Eben Dunstan]

At first Eben was insulted by Ellen's comments. Masonry was his life's work. He spent most of his years chipping, chunking, and shaping the stones that made most of the buildings around Panem. Before long he would be a master mason like his father and would be able to choose the jobs he took. Then, what she said made sense to him.

His eyes roamed the land around him. Gentle colorful water. Gorgeous white sand. The view was wonderful and he realized what she really meant. How can I destroy this? All this natural beauty destined to be destroyed by grey lifeless rock and disrespectful visitors. He could see the litter of uncaring rich people filling the brilliant waters and it made him sick to his stomach Eben's smile faded. This girl, who he barely knew, was completely right. How could he make this place, as wonderful as it is, a virtual trash bag? His heart broke.

Eben's mind was wondering as Ellen muttered something he believed to be an apology for what she said and distracting him. She felt bad for saying what she did and that made Eben feel bad because he now agreed with her. "No, I agree with you. They want me to help build vacation homes for rich people. You are right. It would ruin what is already here." A salty breeze blew in and filled his nose with exactly what he had a new appreciation for, the sea. If it wasn't for this girl he would have set the stand for destroying this perfect place. Eben smiled more brilliantly than he had before looking at Ellen with a new light. "If it wasn't for meeting you I might have went through with destroying this place. I think I'll report back that I'm not doing it. Someone else will have too." He finished sighing.

Word Count: 319
Muse: working its way up
Notes: Sorry its so short.
Template by: Kiroshiro!

[Ellen Johnson]

Ellen was actually about to get up and leave when Eben spoke. She felt uncomfortable staying after, judging by his initial expression, offending him so horribly. She was actually already on her feet before she actually realized he was speaking.
"They want me to help build vacation homes for rich people. You are right. It would ruin what is already here."
Ellen blinked. Then blinked again. What? No one ever agreed with her. Her parents always ignored her, friends would roll their eyes or, depending on the severity of her comment, leave quickly and ave nothing to do with her until several weeks later when they were sure nothing bad was going to happen.
"If it wasn't for meeting you I might have went through with destroying this place," He continued "I think I'll report back that I'm not doing it. Someone else will have too."
Ellen almost didn't hear what he had to say. She was still in shock. She sat back down again. Then stood up. Then sat back down and crossed her legs to stop from repeating the series again. She didn't quite know what to do. Or say.
In the end Ellen just spoke without really thinking. At the moment, it seemed better then thinking and not speaking. "I'm sorry, but... Are you okay?"
She snapped her finger in front of his face and instantly wished she hadn't.
"I'm... You know what... I should probably... I'm going to go. I'm sorry."
Ellen uncrossed her legs and stood up.
"I really am sorry." She turned around to walk off then turned back around.
"Did you really mean it? What you said?"

[/blockquote][/blockquote]

Word Count: I dunno. On my mum's phone... No counter there.
Notes: Awful and short! Sorry!
Music: Say Goodbye by Skillet. (It makes me cry soooooo much)
Lyrics: How do you know - Third Day
Template by: Kiroshiro!