Writing Practice, Rough Draft

Writing practice, rough draft

I want to keep this page updated constantly with things related to my story, no matter how rough it is. So here is a little blurb I wrote today just because I had a sudden burst of motivation.

“Mr. Balgraven?” Emalia knocked softly on the man’s door, raising her voice just a little. She waited a moment to see if he would answer, leaning towards the door to listen for any signs of life. Only the quiet sounds of someone walking about could be heard, instead of his usual grumbles of acknowledgement. “Dinner is ready whenever you’re hungry. I made beans and venison, your favourite.” Again, she listened for a response, anything to say that she had been heard. After a moment, the young woman sighed. She gave one more soft knock before returning downstairs, heading into the dinner room to start getting things set.

Jeter was sitting in his usual spot, at the head of the table. A novel was held in one hand, thin fingers keeping the pages open. The sun that came through the window highlighted his features, the golden filigree on his cheek flashing in the light. He lifted his gaze as his ward entered the room, eyes darting over her shoulder then back to her face.

“Will Henderson be joining us tonight?” The automaton asked as Emalia made her way around the table, placing empty plates and cutlery down. She shrugged, straightening everything out.

“He didn’t answer.” The young woman replied before heading into the kitchen, retrieving the small pot of beans. “If he doesn’t come down soon, I don’t mind-” Her words trailed off as the manor’s stairs creaked loudly, indicating that they were no longer alone. Both people looked up as Balgraven carefully made his way down the stairs, struggling a bit with each step. He grunted as he finally hit the floor, hand still tight around the railing.

The older man limped his way over to the dining table, glancing between the two already present. Placing a hand on the wooden table, he slowly lowered himself down onto the chair. It creaked under his weight, protesting the sudden heft. Balgraven got himself comfortable, shifting in the seat a few times. He made brief eye contact with Jeter as he leaned back, giving Emalia enough room to put food in front of him. She was unable to look him in the eye, but nodded slightly after receiving a mumbled ‘thanks, kid.’

“Henderson.” Jeter spoke up once the table was cleared, and teacups replaced the plates. The man in question fished a cigar from his overcoat, sticking it between his teeth.

“Emalia and I were talking about going down to the market tomorrow, perhaps you’d like to join us? It might do you some good to get out of the house.” The automaton's words were met with an amused snort. Balgraven lit his cigar and took a few puffs, looking across the table with a cocked brow.

“You’re really inviting me to join your little excursion? How kind of you.” With a chuckle, the older man leaned back in his chair. He tapped the table a bit in thought, smoke pouring from his lips. Jeter raised his eyebrows slightly, eyes remaining expressionless. A beat of silence passed between them, both sides awaiting an explanation.

Jeter folded his hands together, tapping a finger against the opposite knuckle. Balgravens eyes darted down at the sound, and sighed.

“Fine, I’ll tag along. But I better not hear any complainin’, you asked for this.” Pointing a finger towards the automaton, the man narrowed his eyes. “And no bossin’ me ‘round either. I’m going out to relax, not to do your biddin’.”

“I am aware, Henderson.” Jeter replied blankly, unfolding his hand to pick up his cup. He bobbed the teabag up and down a few times. “But there are some things you must be aware of. This outing is not a reason for you to get drunk, nor is it an excuse to shirk your duties. We will be going into the city to gather supplies, nothing more.” Tilting his head back, Jeter poured some tea into his mouth. Balgraven grumbled something but ended up nodding reluctantly.

“Fine, you have my word. No hooch.” He raised the hand with his cigar, holding it in a mock boy scout salute. He lowered it once Emalia re-entered the dining room, a small plate of pie in each hand.

She smiled at the men, placing one of the plates in front of Balgraven. He waved the cigar smoke away before the young woman leaned in, making sure she didn’t get a lung full of it. Emalia was quick to exit his personal space, taking her spot at the table. Her smile didn’t fall as she started to eat, enjoying the lack of tension in the room. “Emalia. Henderson here will be joining us tomorrow, I do hope that is alright with you.” The young woman froze before slowly lifting her head, looking towards the man. She seemed hesitant to speak, unsure on how to react to the news. “He has promised to be on his best behavior”

“I…” Emalia looked to Jeter then back, uncertainty in her eyes. “Mr.Balgraven can tag along, sure.

Writing Practice, Rough Draft

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