Discussion: 'The Flight of the Secretary'

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HeroineAddict	'The Flight of the Secretary' Mar 23 2009, 6:26 PM EDT \| Post edited: Mar 23 2009, 6:28 PM EDT Hey everyone Inspired by the threadjack to end all threadjacks, Team Cromwell has decided to attempt to harness the madness (a little) and cash in on the creativity/insanity of its members. The very basic score is that this will be a contributory story that imagines an alternative path to Cromwell’s unfortunate end, where he escapes the tender head-chopping mercies of his crazy King and heads off to a life of unknown adventures. Where will his new life take him? Who on earth will he meet? And will he ever find something to wear that isn’t black? YOU decide…muahaha. All Team members are encouraged to contribute their own parts to the story, and non-members are free to join in if they wish. If anyone has any questions, feel free to ask. I suck at instructions, and this is probably as clear as mud :D I’ve written a seriously clunky introductory scene-setter, which is rubbish because I was scribbling it in-between trying to do coursework. The idea of starting this off in the Tower was donated by Reggie (and then stolen by me). Post reply Do you find this valuable? Keyword tags: James Frain Team Frain/Cromwell teams Thomas Cromwell word games
HeroineAddict	1. RE: 'The Flight of the Secretary' Mar 23 2009, 6:28 PM EDT \| Post edited: Mar 23 2009, 6:37 PM EDT The man’s face was ashen and weary in the fragile light of a guttering candle. It seemed to have been hours since he had moved from his seat at the simple wooden desk that it had been His Majesty’s great benevolence to furnish this prisoner’s cell with; his hands were folded in front of him, pale in the gloom, the fingers curled over into clenched fists. He had fought so hard, and for so long, and it had come to this. Thomas Cromwell drew a long, cleansing breath, and by degrees, he felt his fists begin to unclench. He had bartered his own soul for the sake of his King, struggling against the prejudices of his enemies to build a new future for the realm out of the darkness of the past, and the end of it all found him here: in a dungeon with a waning candle, a week’s growth of beard on his face, and the bell tolling for his blood on the morrow. What’s more, the rain was creeping in the window and he was freezing. It would nicely add injury to insult if he ended up being beheaded with a head-cold. Cromwell smirked darkly despite himself. How typical. And yet… He became aware of movement outside his cell, a tentative footfall as though whoever it was out there was being careful not to announce their presence too boldly. Cromwell tensed involuntarily, feeling his fists tighten again. The guards never took care to mind sleeping prisoners; if they were checking up on him, he’d have heard them coming from the end of the corridor… He realised distantly that he was holding his breath. Slowly, the bolt to his cell-door was being drawn back... *** But we all know Cromwell’s not going to the scaffold on our watch, mateys! Who the heck’s at the door? And what do they want? Post reply Do you find this valuable?
Maggie-AnneB.	2. RE: 'The Flight of the Secretary' Mar 23 2009, 7:16 PM EDT \| Post edited: Mar 23 2009, 7:23 PM EDT Then the door closed with a bang. Cromwell didn't know what to think. This was not the guards, but they must have heard that. Cromwell heard a whispered argument through the door. If he listened carefully, he could hear them... "How do you know that's his cell?" "Are you joking me? Of course this is his cell. I would not be here attempting this if this wasn't his cell; if I wasn't sure." Silence. Looking intently at his cell-door, Cromwell waited to see what the two unknown individuals were going to do. He had a flicker of hope in his heart. Maybe... But it seemed impossible. Slowly, the bolt on his cell-door was drawn back once more. Cromwell, gripped the arms of his chair, steadying himself for what was going to happen. The candle, the only source of light there, flickered making the shadows jump around. The door slowly opened farther and farther and then finally, it was opened. The two black figures stood there in the doorway watching Cromwell, and Cromwell watched them. Neither said anything. Finally, the shortest of the two stepped forward, and Cromwell could faintly smell rosewater. The smell reminded him of his wife, and his throat choked up with emotion at the thought of Elizabeth. "Secretary Cromwell?" the little one quietly said. "Yes." Cromwell uttered in an raspy voice. She walked up to Cromwell and took his hand, her face hidden by her cloak she said, "Secretary Cromwell, we're here to take you away. Far away from here." * * * Ok, I suck at this. But I tried, yeah me! So what's next, is Cromwell going to go with them (He had better!) or his he going to stay and die? Post reply Do you find this valuable?
HeroineAddict	3. RE: 'The Flight of the Secretary' Mar 23 2009, 7:29 PM EDT You do not suck at this. It rocks. Drama! Post reply Do you find this valuable?
Reggie19	4. RE: 'The Flight of the Secretary' Mar 23 2009, 7:41 PM EDT "We don't have much time" muttered the other figure, Cromwell knew this voice also, and looked beneath the cloak to see a familiar face. "Thomas?" asked Cromwell, looking into the face of his one-time friend, Thomas Wyatt, and suddenly realizing that this could not all be a simple visit. "Quiet" ordered Wyatt, and walked quickly in the direction of the door, searching the corridor. "Alright, everything appears to clear" whispered Wyatt, and turned back to Elizabeth and her husband. "You must go, now, follow Elizabeth down the corridor" Wyatt began until Cromwell cut across him. "And you?" asked Cromwell. "Well, i'm staying here, aren't i, the Yeoman have to believe there's someone in here - " explained Wyatt. "Are you insane Thomas?" asked Cromwell. "Who isn't insane in this kingdom, now go, go with your wife, she will explain everything to you as soon as possible, take my cloak, so they'll think it's me leaving the tower with Elizabeth" explained Wyatt, removing his cloak to hand it to Cromwell. "Don't ask anymore questions, leave now!" ordered Wyatt, Cromwell listened, tossed his friend's cloak around his shoulders, and lifted the hood around his head, and followed Elizabeth quickly and quietly out of his cell! Well there's my addition for the day, i had to add Thomas Wyatt, he died two years after Cromwell does anyone, so i thought it would be fitting that he'd sacrifice himself for his friend! Post reply Do you find this valuable?
Hever	5. RE: 'The Flight of the Secretary' Mar 23 2009, 7:57 PM EDT ""We don't have much time" muttered the other figure, Cromwell knew this voice also, and looked beneath the cloak to see a familiar face. "Thomas?" asked Cromwell, looking into the face of his one-time friend, Thomas Wyatt, and suddenly realizing that this could not all be a simple visit. "Quiet" ordered Wyatt, and walked quickly in the direction of the door, searching the corridor. "Alright, everything appears to clear" whispered Wyatt, and turned back to Elizabeth and her husband. "You must go, now, follow Elizabeth down the corridor" Wyatt began until Cromwell cut across him. "And you?" asked Cromwell. "Well, i'm staying here, aren't i, the Yeoman have to believe there's someone in here - " explained Wyatt. "Are you insane Thomas?" asked Cromwell. "Who isn't insane in this kingdom, now go, go with your wife, she will explain everything to you as soon as possible, take my cloak, so they'll think it's me leaving the tower with Elizabeth" explained Wyatt, removing his cloak to hand it to Cromwell. "Don't ask anymore questions, leave now!" ordered Wyatt, Cromwell listened, tossed his friend's cloak around his shoulders, and lifted the hood around his head, and followed Elizabeth quickly and quietly out of his cell! Well there's my addition for the day, i had to add Thomas Wyatt, he died two years after Cromwell does anyone, so i thought it would be fitting that he'd sacrifice himself for his friend!" Brave Wyatt! I love it! Post reply Do you find this valuable?
HeroineAddict	6. RE: 'The Flight of the Secretary' Mar 23 2009, 7:59 PM EDT "Brave Wyatt! I love it!" I know. Poor, lovely Wyatt :((( Fantastic addition, Reggie! Post reply Do you find this valuable?
Reggie19	7. RE: 'The Flight of the Secretary' Mar 23 2009, 8:00 PM EDT (takes a bow) Thank you, at least this way he's a hero rather than someone who gets shook up about traveling! Post reply Do you find this valuable?
Hever	8. RE: 'The Flight of the Secretary' Mar 23 2009, 8:07 PM EDT "I know. Poor, lovely Wyatt :((( Fantastic addition, Reggie!" This was a really good idea! I can't wait for the next bit!!! Post reply Do you find this valuable?
Reggie19	9. RE: 'The Flight of the Secretary' Mar 23 2009, 8:08 PM EDT Hhhmmm, i have sociology again tomorrow, so i can me brains racking then! Post reply Do you find this valuable?
HeroineAddict	10. RE: 'The Flight of the Secretary' Mar 23 2009, 8:11 PM EDT "Hhhmmm, i have sociology again tomorrow, so i can me brains racking then!" Yay! I'm going to have to get my thinking cap on too... The bar's been set by yours and Maggie's amazing contributions :D Post reply Do you find this valuable?
Reggie19	11. RE: 'The Flight of the Secretary' Mar 23 2009, 8:13 PM EDT I actually wish i could stay here and try and think of what direction to go this time, but unfortunately have to be up early (damn college and trying to get a job, argh!), will be back tomorrow with an idea hopefully! haha Post reply Do you find this valuable?
Maggie-AnneB.	12. RE: 'The Flight of the Secretary' Mar 23 2009, 8:18 PM EDT Same here. I think I can come back on tonight.. maybe. I have a powerpoint that I NEED to finish. I've been saying this for days... I am SO lazy... But Reggie, I like your contribution to the story! Post reply Do you find this valuable?
HeroineAddict	13. RE: 'The Flight of the Secretary' Mar 23 2009, 8:20 PM EDT "Same here. I think I can come back on tonight.. maybe. I have a powerpoint that I NEED to finish. I've been saying this for days... I am SO lazy... But Reggie, I like your contribution to the story!" Yeah...this could get addictive. Bloody essay deadlines...pwah! Post reply Do you find this valuable?
Reggie19	14. RE: 'The Flight of the Secretary' Mar 23 2009, 8:29 PM EDT "Yeah...this could get addictive. Bloody essay deadlines...pwah! " Uh, i have a stupid exam wednesday, then study month as of the end of this week, argh, can't wait till this semester is over! Post reply Do you find this valuable?
scooter&buster	15. RE: 'The Flight of the Secretary' Mar 23 2009, 9:50 PM EDT Cromwell's mind was racing. What was this? Wyatt, his true friend through everything....and, his sweet wife, Elizabeth? This was mad. They would kill Wyatt for this. He could not let it happen. He thought back to his time as Wolsey's 'man'. He'd loved his mentor, and to see his fall was heart breaking...and yet, he seized the moment to further his cause...thinking, as he always did, that the sacrifice of one man was worth it if he could advance The Reformation. But, Wolsey had been like a father to him...and now ...Wyatt, like a brother to him...was giving his life for...what? HIM?? He could not believe it. Nor, could he allow it. "Elizabeth", he whispered. "This can not be...this can not happn". "No...my love", she said, as she tenderly touched his face. "It must happen.. It is Thomas' wiah." "But...why?" asked a perplexed and guilt ridden Cromwell. "I killed the only woman he ever loved" "Oh, but no,,,my Lord...that was the King, was it not?" "Elizabeth, i pray you...stop!" beseeched Cromwell. "Nay,,,we must not stop", begged the exasperated Elizabeth. "this was all his idea...I could not persuade him like wise. Perhaps he wishes to join his beloved Queen Anne...or perhaps he loved you more than you think he should. But, it is his decision...and we must not tary. There is much to be done, and it can not be done if you be dead, my husband". "You love me too much,", said a defeated Cromwell. "He doth love me too much. I pray that the Almighty doth forgive me for taking this opportuity at the price of my one true friend's life". Cromwell followed his dutiful and loving wife to a waiting barge. But, he hated himself for it. What of Wyatt? What of his young son Gregory? Post reply Do you find this valuable?
Maggie-AnneB.	16. RE: 'The Flight of the Secretary' Mar 23 2009, 9:51 PM EDT When does your semester end? Mine, May 6th. I cannot wait! and I have finally finished the powerpoint! But I will continue this story tomorrow! Post reply Do you find this valuable?
MaryJuana	17. RE: 'The Flight of the Secretary' Mar 23 2009, 10:06 PM EDT \| Post edited: Mar 23 2009, 10:12 PM EDT I have no problem with keeping this story sane. But are we allowed to make it crazy or shall it be kept normal? BTW, awesome so far! Post reply Do you find this valuable?
Maggie-AnneB.	18. RE: 'The Flight of the Secretary' Mar 23 2009, 10:15 PM EDT "I have no problem with keeping this story sane. But are we allowed to make it crazy or shall it be kept normal? BTW, awesome so far! " I think it will get crazy.. eventual... and when it does.. I doubt that it shall be normal ever again. Post reply Do you find this valuable?
HeroineAddict	19. RE: 'The Flight of the Secretary' Mar 24 2009, 6:11 AM EDT "I have no problem with keeping this story sane. But are we allowed to make it crazy or shall it be kept normal? BTW, awesome so far! " LOL. I think a healthy dose of craziness is good for any story... :D Love your addition, S&B! Post reply Do you find this valuable?

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Discussion: 'The Flight of the Secretary'

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