Rating: T (Teen--some language)

Notes: Gabrielle is from “Xena Warrior Princess” which belongs to StudiosUSA and MCA. All other characters are mine and fictitious. Please send comments to dante0220@yahoo.com .



Introduction

Gabrielle, Bard Queen of the Amazons, writes…..

David and Angela decided to share two more of their early adventures with us. Those will concern this scroll and the next one. Certainly we’ve all come to enjoy these accounts as much as they do. It gives us all perspective into a wondrous relationship.

In this scroll, we see their hard work in the early days. David’s ingenuity comes out as well. If anyone can reassure his ‘Princess’, it’s him. His love for her is certainly legendary—a fact that neither Karen nor Deirdre mind me saying.

Accounts like this one give the rest of us hope….Hope indeed.





Chapter 1
[Fall River Hospital—April 22, 1993]

Angie collapsed into the chair following another harrowing rotation. While she loved Clinic duty and seeing her patients, she couldn’t get as much research done on her latest article as she needed to. The parents don’t like me using all of my free time like this. I don’t have a choice though!

On her computer, an email sat from the editors of The Cancer Center Studies.

Here we go! She winced while pressing a button and read the editors’ request. They want it by next week? My word! I’ll never do it! She bit her lip anxiously while looking at her notes again.

“How goes the research, Blackwell?” Dr. Moten, her supervisor, asked.

“It goes, Sir. Have to balance it with patient needs though,” she reported.

He read the email and then glanced over her notes. “I think we can deal with the patient load for a couple of days. You’d best get this wrapped up. I want you to work at home for the next few days until you get it done. Understand?”

She nodded. “Yes, Sir. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” the head doctor assured her. “You’re doing fine. We need to keep your publications up. Otherwise, just relax. See you in a few days.” With that, he left her area.

She took a deep breath. I guess that answers my question! I camp out, I guess. She packed up her notes and journal copies before heading toward her car.

Study time would take her attention from thereon in…or so she thought.




Chapter 2 [SMU Library]

Even as Angie fretted, Dave returned to his office fresh off of another reference desk stint. While not yet finals, he could feel the students’ intensity and fears picking up. In addition, Tamiani’s latest reports and his historiography article bugged him. Hope they don’t mind waiting a week. At least those workshops and classes are behind me! He grabbed a mini jar of iced tea from his dorm fridge and quenched his thirst. “Better.”

The phone rang as he set the jar down.

“Hello?”

“Dave, it’s Richard Porjeunts. How’s it going?”

“Hi, Richard! Great to hear your voice. Getting ready for the concert?” Dave supposed.

“We just came back from rehearsal. Ready to hear us? I’d appreciate your feedback,” Richard replied.

Dave sighed.

“I remember that sigh from our classes at U of A. You couldn’t get tickets?”

“Sorry, Rich. They sold out in the first hour,” Dave apologized. “Too bad. I was hoping to surprise Angie with it. We were going to listen to the simulcast.”

“Excuse me? Angie?” Richard wondered. “Is there someone I should know about?”

Dave rolled his eyes. “I’m referring to my girlfriend, Angie Blackwell.” Remembering that the world at large didn’t know about Deirdre, he continued, “Yes, I finally moved on after Karen.”

“About time. Tell you what, Dave. Two front row seats just opened up. Bring Angie with you and be prepared for an awesome show,” Richard indicated.

“Rich! Oh come on!”

“Did I mention two backstage passes are part of the bargain? The band wants to meet you anyhow,” Richard added. “Do I have to make a few calls? You and Angie are coming, Dave.”

Dave could hear the Child laughing in his head. Oh zip it already! Besides he knew Richard would back that particular threat up. “It will knock her socks off. Okay, you sold me. What do I have to do to get those passes?”

“You and Angie show up at the box office before the performance. Just let them know who you are. They’ll let you in,” Richard instructed. “Tell you what. You really want to impress her?”

“Rich, Angie’s not like that. She’s not into the glitz.”

“Any girl likes the glitz. I’m talking about throwing in dinner too. Meet us at Toni’s at 5:30. That work for you?” Richard offered.

“That works for me. I’ll check with Angie to make sure that she’s free. If there’s a problem, can I call this number?” Dave agreed.

“Sure. I’ll look forward to meeting her. Meantime, how’s the library stuff coming? Are you ready to be a history prof yet?” Richard wondered.

“Not yet. It’s a good gig. I do a lot of good here.”

“Nobody doubts that, Dave. You’d do more good than a hundred librarians in the classroom. Just think on that, okay? Hang in there. See you tomorrow and best to your lady. Vale,” Richard concluded before hanging up.

Dave set the phone down and shook his head. Same old Rich! He managed a smile. Nice to see your friends don’t change. He checked his watch. Three hours until I leave for Fall River. I can get some more research done in the meantime!




Chapter 3
[Angie’s Apartment—Two hours later]

After driving back there and getting the mail, Angie sat in her front room with her note cards spread out across the end table. A half-typed draft of her article sat beside her typewriter; the last page still under the machine’s keys and roller. She scrambled to make sure that her points included each relevant point (and its accompanying citation).

The editors and referee board wouldn’t take any less.

Come on, Angie. You can do this! As at other times such as that one, she glanced over at Dave’s picture. Push on, Champ, he would say. She felt herself blush. “I can do this.” She went back to work, pouring through her stack of handouts but not finding the one article she needed. “Gosh darn it! Now I’ll have to go back in!” She rubbed her forehead in consternation. “I’d better let him know.” She dialed his office number.

“Hello?” Dave asked.

“Hi, Dave, it’s Angie. Umm, you have some work to do at the office? I just hit a snag with my research and may have to go back into the hospital. I forgot an article that I need for my bib,” she informed him.

“What’s the journal?” he queried while bringing up the OPAC on his office computer.

“It’s in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.”

He smiled. “We actually have it! What’s the rest of the citation?”

“Volume 47, pages 256-286?”

“Hold the line. Be right back, okay?” he assured her before rushing off into the stacks. Two minutes later, he returned with the tome in question. “Hi, Angie. Got it! Gathers’ piece on isotopes, right?”

“You really found it?” she gasped.

“Hey, I’m not the medical genius you are but I am a librarian, remember?” he cracked. “You keep working on that piece of yours. I’ll copy this and bring it over. Maybe if you’ve done enough, I might cook dinner too.”

“Oh really?” she inquired. “The pork chops?”

“With rosemary and cheesy baked potatoes. I’ll start packing my work up and bring it over. Oh, clear your calendar tomorrow afternoon. I have a surprise for you,” he informed her.

Her mouth started to water. “Surprise?”

“Yeah. I’ll let you know later. Got to get your article copied. Love you,” he concluded before hanging up.

She set the phone down and felt herself relaxing. Leave it to him to bail me out. Still what is this surprise? Before she started fretting about that too, she made herself get to work.


****


[SMU Library—Five minutes later]

After packing up three books and a ton of note cards into his backpack, Dave stood in front of the copier Xeroxing the article in question. Here’s hoping that this will put her over the top. I don’t want to deal with Rich if she can’t go tomorrow!

“David! Damn, Boy! Don’t tell me you’re still doing research? I thought Angie was expecting you?” Polly Jones, his colleague/surrogate big sister/Advice Guru Extraordinaire, gasped.

“She is.” He held the journal up so she could see the spine.

“Since when do you do oncological research?” she wondered.

“I don’t. Angie needs this piece for her article. Since we have it, why make her drive back into the hospital? Five minutes here…maybe a trip to the flower shop in addition to the market?” he supposed with a grin. “That butcher’s got to have some pork chops in need of a good olive oil bath if you get my drift?”

She nodded approvingly. Despite his propensity (or as some would argue addiction) to research, Dave’s instinctual romantic knack amazed her and their co-workers. When they thought he wasn’t around, they’d talk about his latest surprise that he was whipping up. (Usually it was a poem.) “Now THAT’S more like it!”

“So glad you approve.” He snickered dryly.

She slapped the air in front of him. “Don’t you be sassing your elders now.”

“Did I?” He smiled at her almost triumphantly. “Got to have SOME FUN on the study date after all.”

“You’re going to research? Dave!”

“The couple that works AND plays together stays together. Besides, if I get this out of the way tonight, there’s a night of fun for us tomorrow,” he declared.

“Fun? You? Oh this should be good. And what is this, pray tell?” she asked.

“The Britonnic Quartet concert,” he mentioned.

Her eyes went wide. “Dave, that concert was sold out in the first hour! You didn’t get tickets so….”

He shrugged. “The conductor’s a friend of mine. He wants to meet Angie and us to have a good night out. The call three hours ago was him twisting my arm.” He grinned. “Richard’s a nice guy.”

She shook her head. “You really know Richard Porjeunts?”

“We went to grad school together.” He finished copying the article and drove a staple through its upper left corner. “I spare no angle for my lady. Now if you’ll excuse me, she awaits me. See you tomorrow.” With that, he grabbed his backpack and headed for the Circulation Desk.

She smiled to herself. There’s hope for that boy yet!





Chapter 4 [Angie’s Apartment—Forty-five minutes later]

Angie finished drafting a couple more pages of the article and set it down to stretch. She felt confident that she would be finished with the piece by the following day at the latest. “Wonder what that surprise is?” She peeked out the window to see Bessie settle into her usual parking space in the guest row. “Great! He’s here!”

She opened the door to see him struggle up the stairs with three bags not to mention his backpack. “Dave, you know you can ask for help?”

“Hi to you too, Princess,” he replied with a shrug. “Figured I could make it myself. How’s the magnus opus coming?”

“Another section drafted,” she reported while taking two of the bags from him. “And your article?”

“About halfway done,” he indicated as they kissed. “Better!” He took the article out of his backpack and set it down in front of her. “I think you’ll be needing that.”

“Anyone tell you that you’re really sweet?” she inquired.

“Not today but I can always stand a reminder,” he declared while setting up his goods on the counter. After washing his hands, he started trimming the chops.

“You got them. Now I’m in for it,” she teased.

“Better believe it, Princess,” he retorted with a knowing smile as he diced fresh rosemary and set it in the olive oil covered frying pan. After laying the chops on top of that mix, he set the pan on the stove top. “And don’t worry about dinner tomorrow either.”

“Tomorrow?” she asked.

“My surprise. You know who Richard Porjeunts is, right?” he asked.

“He’s the conductor for the Britonnic Quartet.” She sighed sadly. “I love their stuff. I know you do too, Dave. Maybe you can come over and we’ll listen to their concert on the radio.”

“We’ll be listening to them but not here,” he informed her. “Richard called me today. He’s putting aside two front row tickets, backstage passes and dinner at Toni’s for us tomorrow night.”

“You’re serious?” Her jaw dropped. “Dave, how?”

“Rich and I were in the Ph D program together in Tucson. He insisted we come. Besides he wants to meet you—the girl who’s helping me to move on finally,” he explained while slicing the baked potatoes open and placing them in the microwave. “So I figured we’d do a study date of sorts. Get each other over the hump. Then we can enjoy tomorrow night.”

“Let’s hope I can get this article done and off to the editors by then,” she hoped while smelling the cooking smells coming from the kitchen area. “Mmm!”

“Got to inspire the doc, I say,” he cracked while checking on the pork and potatoes.

She shook her head as her mouth watered yet again.



****


[An hour later]

She leaned back against the couch’s cushions feeling totally content. The isotope article filled in the last few citations for the next to last draft of her piece. She’d savored the pork dinner, enjoying the tastes as they melted in her mouth. “If I’m dreaming, don’t wake me up.”

“That’s what the doc ordered, right?” he jabbed.

“Don’t quit your day job either, Chief,” she retorted.

“I wasn’t planning on it,” he noted with a smirk while finishing the dishes and putting them away. “Speaking of the day job, how’s the article looking?”

“Last citations are finished. I should have it ready by noon tomorrow. Gosh is Dr. Moten going to be surprised!” she informed him.

“Can’t see why. You’re one of the most determined people I know,” he complimented. “Well, if you’re almost set, you can give me some moral support.”

“Poor baby,” she sassed while rubbing his shoulders. “How’s that?”

“Better,” he agreed while sliding closer to her. “This is better than working at the office.”

“Some work,” she kidded him. “You should be working on your own article.”

“I know. The editors will survive,” he assured her while holding up a stack of cards. “Did these before I left.”

“Okay,” she relented. “A little more cuddling then I’ll let you work. Don’t want to miss tomorrow, do we?”

“No we don’t,” he agreed while hugging her closely to himself.


 

Chapter 5
[Scituate—Alvarez House]

Since he would be working the weekend reference shift and did not have any appointments scheduled for that day, Dave opted to work at home. Much as he had at APRHS, he locked himself in his bedroom, working away on his research. By lunchtime, he had finished the last of the books, noting the important points on his stack of cards. After a turkey and Swiss sandwich, he drafted the rest of the article.

By 2:30, he was ready to go….


****


[4:00 PM]

Dave straightened his ties and inspected himself in the mirror. No wrinkles or stubble. Excellent!

“You’ve still got it,” Caroline complimented from his bedroom door.

“Hi! When did you get back?” he queried.

“I got out of work early,” she revealed. “Mom and Daddy told me how you snagged those tickets. Pretty lucky.”

“Blame Richard Porjeunts. When the conductor of your favorite group offers dinner AND front row seats, you don’t refuse,” he pointed out.

“I guess not especially when the girlfriend likes them too,” she teased. “Seriously, Dave, this is going to be great. Is she nervous?”

“This is Angie,” he reminded her. “She’ll relax soon enough.”

“And you’ll help her, right?”

He arched his eyebrow at her. “You know I will. I want her to have fun tonight.”

“I know. I guess I’m still getting used to this whole thing with you and Angie. Well, I have to run to the corner store for something. Have a good time,” she told him before leaving.

“She’s getting used to it?” He sighed.

“You’d better get used to it,” Deirdre informed him.

He turned to see his angelic wife floating behind himself. “Hi, Dee Dee. Guess you’ve been watching as usual?”

“Watching and admiring as usual,” she admitted. “Richard’s doing you a huge favor.”

“I know and you know I appreciate it,” he declared. “Time to show Angie that she deserves to enjoy the better things in life.” Then he winced.

“You did more than enough where I am concerned, Dave. Trust me,” she assured him. “Just keep up the good work.” With that, she faded away.

Keep up the good work she says. Hope I can do that! With that, he headed out toward the car.



****


[Angie’s Apartment—4:42 PM]

As she always did before a formal event, Angie fretted over her attire. She wore her best white blouse under a blue sweater with charcoal slacks. The cameo rested against the collar’s top button. Hope I look okay for him! Having mailed the article off to the editors at noon, she felt herself relax ever so slightly.

Still she wanted to look presentable for her boyfriend especially when they were with such important friends.

Hearing a knock at the door, she answered it. “Hi! My! You’re looking nice!”

“I can’t dress just any way when escorting my Princess, you know,” he quipped before kissing her. “Get the article off?”

“At noon. How did you make out?”

He smiled. “The whole article’s drafted. I’m aiming for the end of the week with it.”

“See? I told you so,” she informed him while putting on her blazer. “Now we shouldn’t keep your friends waiting.”

“You mean our friends. We share everything, remember?” he reminded her.

She had to smile. “Yes, my Sweetums.” She ushered him outside and locked the door before they headed toward the Subaru.


 

Chapter 6 [5:07 PM—Toni’s—Downtown Fall River]

As they pulled up to the fancy white painted Italian restaurant, Angie felt her butterflies flaring up again. On her rotations, she’d heard the doctors talking about how great Toni’s was for eating purposes. She also knew the menu’s price tags. How can these people be offering me dinner? They haven’t even met me yet!

“You’re fretting again, Princess. Deep breath,” Dave advised as they turned into the lot.

“Sorry. I just don’t know how they can offer me dinner. They don’t know me,” she worried.

He rubbed her hand. “Simple. Richard’s a nice guy. Then, you’re my girl. Third, you’re a fan. Four, you’re making me happy. Five, he wants to meet you. Just relax, okay? Everything’s all right. Promise me you’ll enjoy tonight?”

“I promise,” she conceded as they found a space.

“This is a dream night for both of us.” He kissed her. “Can’t think of anyone I’d rather share it with than you. Come on.”

They entered the restaurant and admired the deceptively simple surroundings. Rather than ornate marble floors and paneling, they found a shiny oak floor underneath twenty-five or so tables with white tablecloths and a pair of long stick candles on top. Color and black/white pictures of different people and events lined the walls adding to the family/homey feel.

“May I help you?” a heavy set woman with white hair asked.

“Si, Signora,” he replied. “I’m David Dubois. Has Mr. Ponjeunts arrived yet with his party?”

“Si, Signor Dubois,” she concurred. “They’re expecting you. Follow me please.” She led Dave and Angie through the busy dining room and up a flight of stairs. “They are expecting you.”

“A private dining room?” Angie asked in shock.

A stocky blonde man walked over and shook Dave’s hand. “Absolutely. When one’s expecting friends, why not? You have to be Angie.”

“That’s right. Angie Blackwell and you’re Richard Porjeunts. Sorry, I recognize you from the album covers,” Angie introduced herself as they shook hands.

“Charmed. Dave never ceases to amaze with his taste in women,” Richard complimented.

“Angie’s a treasure all right. I keep telling her that,” Dave concurred. “She’s a publishing oncologist too. Just sent her latest piece off today.”

“Is that so?” Richard nodded in respect and admiration. “This is a day of celebration then.”

“Mr. Porjeunts….” Angie started to blush.

“Please call me Richard, Angie. Secondly, why shouldn’t we toast each other accomplishments? We—the band and myself—are having a great tour. Dave’s working on another piece and keeping the library straight. And you’re successful. Besides, you two are a good thing together. Celebrate those things, Angie,” Richard pointed out while turning to the group. “These are Claire St. Daniels, Ray Burroughs and my wife, Leigh. Folks, this is my old classmate, David Dubois, and his girlfriend, Dr. Angela Blackwell.”

“It’s a pleasure. Richard speaks of you often, David,” Leigh assured them while shaking his and Angie’s hand. “Angie, good to meet you.”

“It’s been too long, Leigh,” Dave agreed as they hugged. “How goes married life?”

“Better than I thought,” Leigh admitted while smiling at her husband. “The touring gives us a chance to be creative.”

“Just the way you both like it,” Dave surmised as they sat down for dinner. “This okay, Rich?”

“Covered plate’s yours. Never say I forget your preferences, Dave,” Richard announced.

Dave uncovered it to find a mound of fried calamari sitting there.

“He has you pegged all right,” Angie noted.

“But it isn’t just for me though. Every one like lemon?” Dave disagreed. Getting nods all around, he squeezed the five wedges over the fish and tossed the mix with his fork. “Let’s share in this.”

“Nice touch,” Claire complimented after sampling the calamari.

“Can I ask a question? Richard, what class did you and Dave take together?” Angie interjected in between bites.

“Fair question. We took three classes together: medieval folklore, later medieval and renaissance romance and a history seminar. Never say they were dull,” Richard recounted.

“And we would’ve let that happen, how?” Dave supposed wryly as the salad arrived. “That had better have the virgin and balsam on it.”

Richard shrugged as the bottles were set down along with a mini spice tray. “You have the knack for that. Figured to let the genius do his thing.”

“Flattery gets you nowhere, Porjeunts,” Dave retorted with a bit of humor as he inspected the romaine lettuce/green and red pepper strips/cucumber and tomato mix. He dressed and seasoned the salad, adding just the right amounts of oil, vinegar, lemon juice, salt, pepper and oregano. “Got to have the right balance to get the proper rhythm.” Taking the serving forks, he tossed the veggies and started serving people. “Let me know what you think.”

Ray bit into his and nodded. “Mmm! Oh that’s good! Richard, you weren’t kidding!”

“Told you he knew his way around a spice rack, didn’t I?” Richard supposed. “Has he treated you to his pork chops or chicken yet, Angie?”

Angie nodded, allowing a big smile across her face. “Several times including last night.”

“Had to encourage my lady genius here,” Dave interjected with a warm smile as he rubbed Angie’s arm.

Richard only smiled, somehow knowing that to push the point would embarrass Angie. In the past, he’d only seen Dave doing that for Karen although he could almost remember something else about his friend in that regard. But it’s only been Angie and Karen. So who would Dave have had?

“So what is your research on, Angie?” Leigh wondered.

“New cancer treatments. Some of my colleagues and I are bound and determined to get this stuff under control,” Angie replied. “Sorry I can’t say more but hospital regulations forbid it. Contract stuff which I hate.”

“It’s okay. Rules are rules. Just send us a copy of the journal article when it comes out,” Leigh assured her.

“I’ll do that,” Angie agreed. “So what do you all have for tonight?”

“Some things from the twelfth-fourteenth centuries. Ready for some French and Italian stuff, Dave?” Richard supposed.

“You did it?” Dave asked, letting his excitement show. “The Dante manuscript!”

“Thank your cousin for that. She was a big help in Florence. Francesca sends her regards too, Dave,” Claire reported.

“Francesca?” Angie asked.

“Francesca Alvaro, Grandpa’s great niece. She’s a master’s student in Italian literature. Budding mistress of the Beatrific dream visions too,” Dave explained.

“And Italian counterpart to her cousin here,” Richard pointed out.

“I’ll have to meet this one. Dave’s not that close to many people in his family,” Angie presumed.

“You will some day. Meantime, Angie, this is going to be awesome!” Dave promised, not letting the smile leave his face. Then as the veal arrived, he grinned. “Now as she and my Aunt Louisa would say, ‘Manga!’”

The group was all too eager to dig in…..



Chapter 7
[Faerie Realms]

Unbeknownst to the dining companions, the Faerie Empress watched their feast and conversation through the mist portal. She narrowed her eyes at the conductor’s suspicions. The veil is thinner at some points, is it? “I may have to cast another spell.”

“I told you at the time, Milady,” Nai-Jin advised from the corner. “You will not be able to cover the truth forever. Time itself erodes your handiwork.”

“Then I shall renew it!” the Elf Queen snapped.

“At some point, the truth behind Deirdre and the red haired girl from the Dark Isle will be known to Outer Earth once more. The goddess herself has declared that the longer you keep the truth hidden, the worse it will be for all when it finally does spill out,” the seeress prophesized.

“The goddess would tell me such things! GO!” the Empress ordered before turning her back.

One day, you will be sorry for your pride, Milady. You play reckless games with the outer world and they will have their consequences! Nai-Jin bowed and left the area, keeping her thoughts to herself as she did so.

I know what I do! As if the goddess would keep such things from me?



****


[Fall River Convention Center—7:25 PM]

After an exquisite dinner at Toni’s with the quartet, Dave escorted Angie over to the convention center and toward their seats. The floor had been covered with a red carpet. Other spectators filled the velvet seats in back of them.

“I still can’t believe this! Dave, front row seats!” she exclaimed in disbelief.

“Believe it. I told you only the best for you,” he noted as they sat down. “This is going to be a memorable performance.” He flipped through the program, glancing at the selections. “Richard’s pulling out all of the stops.”

“I’ll take your word for it,” she indicated while checking her watch. “Ten minutes to go.”

“Just relax and ditch the watch. Be prepared to float on that good rhythm,” he advised while squeezing her hand gently.

“I’ll do just that,” she agreed. “Here’s the MC.”

The lights dimmed around the arena just as a thin dark haired man in a tuxedo stood at the stage’s center. “Good evening, Ladies and Gentlemen, and welcome to the Fall River Convention Center! Thank you for coming out for what should be a magnificent concert by one of the best musical groups in medieval choral and chant musicology. Led by Richard Porjeunts, the Britonnic Quartet has entertained royalty, various governing bodies and inspired other such talents from all corners of the globe. Tonight, we have the pleasure of having them entertain us. For more on that, here is Richard Porjeunts himself. Richard?”

The crowd applauded as he and the other group members stepped onto the stage.

“Thank you, William. It’s always a pleasure to be back here in Fall River. On behalf of my fellow performers, I’d like to thank you all for coming. Tonight we have a new program that we’re trying out called ‘Sounds of Romance’. We just finished putting it together earlier this week so hopefully it’ll be all right. The program actually owes its life to a dinner at a local bar in Tucson, Arizona with a good friend. That night, we were discussing Dante and he suggested the musical accompaniment. I took a grant that summer and to make a long story short, I found the MS. Five years later, with the help of him and his cousin, Miss Francesca Alvaro, we translated the manuscript. Some of the music is included here in the program along with French trouvere and troubadour pieces from the same time. I’d like to recognize him if I could. Dave, can you stand please?”

Oh brother! Dave managed a smile and stood up for the crowd.

“This, Folks, is Dr. David Dubois, a medieval historian who works as a reference librarian at Southeastern Massachusetts University up the road in Dartmouth. Those of us who have worked with him know his talent. Those of you who haven’t, you shouldn’t wait. Believe me; I sat through three classes with him at the University of Arizona. He knows his research. Thanks to you and your cousin, Dave, for the assist. Much appreciated!” Richard introduced.

Dave nodded in reverence before sitting back down.

“Now shall we have some music?” Richard supposed as he and the rest of the group dove into the first song, a piece from the 1180s combining the strings and wind instruments.

Angie finally felt herself relaxing and, as Dave had noted, she floated on the music. She closed her eyes and smiled, closing off everything save the music.

Dave kept his eye on the group, noting every nuance of the instrument play and the beat. He knew Richard would want an “instant review” afterwards. However, for the moment, he was enjoying himself as well.

And that is what counted……



****


[After the show—Backstage Dressing Room] [A/N: The poem below is my original work.]

Two and a half hours later, the flight of sorts ended for the assembled singers and audience. The lyrics coaxed them across the English, Spanish, French and Italian provinces, through various influences and personalities. Everyone left thoroughly satisfied.

Meantime, the two guests found their way backstage to where a good sized plate of pastries and a pot of fine coffee waited for them.

“Hope I didn’t embarrass you that badly, Dave,” Richard apologized while pouring cups of coffee for everyone.

“He’ll deal with it,” Angie assured their host wryly.

“You all did the work. I mentioned it over an ale, Rich,” Dave dismissed his role while giving her a plate with two pastries on it. Then he took one for himself. “Still it was quite the night. Do me a favor though?”

“Name it,” Leigh agreed.

“Maybe send Francesca a letter for her school file? I’d appreciate it,” Dave requested.

“As long as one goes to that dean of yours too, fine,” Richard concurred. “You get your due credit too.”

The other members nodded their approval.

“Fine but take this in thanks…..” With that, the Muse fired up, propelling Dave back into the stratosphere again:


“Sharing the Journey

Years ago five
Richard and I in pub sat
A future vision, he did for strive
Something for which he’d go to mat

For our class
We read Dante’s Beatrific vision
And not for the time last
Did we feel its passion.

You pursued the manuscript
A document recording song
Find it, you did, in its crypt
From that age long gone.

Francesca and I
Small roles we play’d
Lending a hand
But your creativity inspir’d
The resurrection made
By you and the band

The results were Heaven-sent
Lifting everyone aloft
The mundane, you rent
With rhythm precise and soft

The tour led ‘round Europe west
‘Cross England, France, Empire
Spain, Italy and Papal State
Presenting only the best
Pieces to us inspire
The highest stars, the concert did rate.

I thank you
For letting us be a part
Of the collaboration true
A symphony truly from the heart.”


“I forgot about poetic streak of yours,” Richard remarked with a smile on his face. “You haven’t lost a beat yourself, you know.”

“Where’d you pull that one out of?” Claire queried.

“He made it up right now,” Richard informed them. “Too bad I didn’t remember. I would’ve put you on the spot in front of the arena for that one.”

“Tonight belonged to the Britonnic Quartet, Rich. Angie, Francesca and I are just watching,” Dave disagreed.

“Watching and savoring, you mean,” Angie clarified while hugging his shoulders with her left arm and kissing his cheek. “You know I live to reward your creativity.” She tipped her cup to the group with the other hand. “As I do yours.”

“And we celebrate your genius as well,” Leigh pointed out. “This is a night for friends. Roles are roles. We create. We perform. We share in the fruits of our labors.” She kissed each of the guests’ cheeks in the French style for emphasis. “Keep that in mind. You are far too serious. Enjoy your rewards too.”

Rather than say anything, the guests embraced each other, feeling their mutual warmth flowing between themselves. Maybe things were stressful but they supported each other.

And in the end, that was all that counted…..