The Green Dolphin Dynasty: Chapter Eleven

[SimBlip]

Ay! I can see how it took you time to take the screenshots. I can also understand your near reluctance to proceed. It's about the daylight/nightime, isn't it? Let me assure you. It takes nothing away from another beautiful episode in this story! Your writing carries all.

[Stellastatistic]

This is absolutely beautiful, DeLouche. I love your writing style and your screenshots are so intimate and emotional. I can tell you are really connecting with these characters and I can't wait to read more! Bookmarked!

[Toni]

I can't believe I didn't notice the update sooner... This is always on of the first stories I check for. Great chapter though.

[DeLouche]

I'm glad Constance and Peter found their treasures! It's awesome that Justin has Peter's hair. Connie's grey hairs are great, too! (Why am I obsessed with your Sims' hair?)

YAY treasure! I'm glad to see the red hair as well I'm glad you like my characters' hair Doing the story this way means I don't get to do those awesome 'update' shots when characters age up, so I'm happy that you notice the changes anyway

Lovely update as always. When I see a update of this story I always save it for last.

That's a really nice compliment, thank you

Ay! I can see how it took you time to take the screenshots. I can also understand your near reluctance to proceed. It's about the daylignt/nightime, isn't it? Let me assure you. It takes nothing away from another beautiful episode in this story! Your writing carries all.

It was absolutely about the day/night thing I worry about the time it takes me to get decent screenshots within normal gameplay, as they seem to be ageing so fast, and I don't feel like I can take too much time to set up specific shots that I want... I'm mostly concentrating on gameplay now, Connie still needs one opprtunity, and I'm beginning to get worried!

I love your writing style and your screenshots are so intimate and emotional. I can tell you are really connecting with these characters and I can't wait to read more! Bookmarked!

Really glad you're enjoying it - I absolutely have connected with all my characters, I'm extremely fond of all of them - they're just all such individuals! Connie and Peter have both rolled wishes to see Justin be a genius though, which breaks my heart a little He's going to be many awesome things, but a genius is not one of them.

I can't believe I didn't notice the update sooner... This is always on of the first stories I check for. Great chapter though.

Thanks Toni

[Rhoxi]

Wow, it's been awhile since I got caught up with your dynasty. So much has happened! I loved the wedding, and the church in which it took place. Really I just love the whole town. Everything looks so authentic to the time period! But, how on earth do you manage to make all the townies where appropriate period piece clothing? Anyway, it was great to get caught up. I'll have to remember not to wait so long next time.

[Deklitch]

Very nice DeLouche, the writing, the choice of pictures, the clothing, the scenery, all of it. Thoroughly enjoying this.

[DeLouche]

Chapter 10

Patience was frustrated.

Her parents had found their 'treasures' within a day of searching. Constance had returned from the graveyard that day, subdued but bright-eyed, gingerly carrying an extremely ugly flower, which she had promptly planted. Peter had returned at some unearthly hour of the morning, shivering but triumphant, dragging an enormous fish with flowing fins the colour of the midnight sea. And she - she who was supposed to bring it all together! - could not for the life of her work out what she was supposed to do, even though years had passed since her dream. It didn't exactly help that there were so many demands on her time that she could hardly get a moment to spare for herself. She cooked, she cleaned, she looked after her little brother (now well into his childhood), and worked at the tavern; and, as if that wasn't enough, she was being courted!



She sighed happily, as the thought of Jack came to mind. He was so handsome, so strong! He could always make her giggle with some semi-bawdy jest when he came to drop off the fish for the tavern, although he was careful to mind his language. He was respectful to her mother when they had passed him in the market one day, and polite to her father. When he had asked her to go walking one evening, she had run home to her mother almost in tears.

"Mama, Jack has asked me if I would care to go walking with him, and all I have to wear is my old dress, which smells of fish cooking!"

Connie laughed, but gently, so as not to hurt her daughter's feelings.

"If he asked you to go walking, then I don't think you need to worry about that, my dear. Besides," she said kindly, "isn't he a fisherman himself?"

Patience almost wept at this, and Connie relented.

"I still have the dress that I wore when I married your father," she said. "It would be little enough trouble to dye it, so it looks fresh, and you and I are of a size."

Patience sniffed. "Could... could we dye it pink?"

She smiled as she remembered how Connie and herself had dyed the old dress, and how she had twirled when she first put it on, to admire it better. It was ready in time for her stroll with Jack, and she had been most gratified to see his eyes light up when he spotted her walking nonchalantly towards the promenade by the harbour. It had been a magical evening, and the mermaid laughed down on the two young lovers. Patience remembered the stories her mother had told her as a child, about how the mermaid had come to shore, only to turn to stone - "but look and see Patience, for she still laughs. She is exactly where she always wanted to be."

 That evening, when Jack took her into his arms, Patience understood how the mermaid must have felt.



Patience should have been blissful. And yet. There had been no further walks, although Jack always looked delighted when he saw her. Her work was satisfying, but she felt that there was so much more that she could do, if only they let her free with her ideas for the kitchen. Justin Joseph was utterly adorable; although slow to understand at times, he could spend hours watching Peter paint, until Patience had finally offered him his own brush and Peter had shown him how to mix colours. After that, he would stand next to his father, solemnly dabbing paint on his own canvas. The results were mixed, but she delighted in seeing him happy. He had come home one too many times crying, unable to follow the lessons, and mercilessly teased by the other children, but in front of the easel, he looked peaceful and sure of himself.



With all of this joy in her life, how could she feel so frustrated? She sighed. It was so rare that she had a moment to herself, and there she was, wasting her time. She stood up decisively, and went over to the bookshelf to peruse her recipe books. She knew most of the recipes by heart, but she drew a kind of peace from reading them over, imagining how she would adjust them and making small notes in the margin. Browsing throught the shelves, one book caught her eye. It was a slim volume, and did not look exactly like a recipe book, yet it was entitled "Recipes for Lyfe". She did not remember purchasing the book, and thought that perhaps her mother or father had picked it up somewhere. She leafed through it idly, and sat down to read.



When she finally looked up from the book, it was late at night, and she had to be up early to do her chores before work, but she finally knew what it was she had to do to bring together her parents' endeavours. It was so obvious (how else does one combine fishing and vegetables?) that she laughed at the time she had spent trying desperately to find the answer that was right in front of her. She went to bed, vowing to live up to her name better in future. Even as she thought this, she couldn't help but hope that Jack would ask her out again soon, as she drifted off into sleep.

The next day, Peter called Connie to go fishing with him. They wandered up to their accustomed spot on the headland, and stood companionably across the water from each other.



After an hour or so, Peter wandered round the pond. He didn't say a word, but Connie could see the thoughts racing through his mind as clearly as if they had been written on his face. She took his arm.

"Come, my love, let's take a walk, and you can unburden yourself," she told him, in a tone that said clearly to Peter that this was more a command than a suggestion. They walked arm in arm down towards the beach.

"So that young Jack lad came up to the headland yesterday." Peter sighed as though he thought that this signalled disaster. "I was fishing, and he just came up to me and said 'hullo', as though we were old friends."

Connie smiled inwardly. She thought she knew where this was going.

"Actually, he was rather pleasant," Peter continued, in a doom-laden voice. "We had plenty to discuss, what with the weather being so fine this summer, the fish have been jumping. In fact, I caught a rather fine trout..."



"Is that all you spoke about?" asked Connie, gently prodding him.

"He... he wants to marry Patience," Peter exclaimed. "He wants to take our daughter away from us!"

Connie sighed. She knew that the day would come eventually, but she had hoped that Patience would stay with them longer. "Surely that is a good thing, though?" she asked. "Think of when we were young and in love... We could hardly wait to marry. And it speaks well of his character that he came to talk to you first. It was a courtesy; we both know that Patience knows her own mind, and it must be clear even to you that she loves him."

Peter sighed so heavily that Connie could hardly suppress a giggle.

"All this is true. And of course I said that he could ask her. I told him, mind, that it would be her decision, and not mine."

"I am proud of you, my darling," Connie said gently. "I know how you adore her. But she is a grown woman now, and ready to start a family of her own. Think of the joy she and Justin have brought us over the years - could you deny her that?"

"Of course not. I will just miss her."

Unexpectedly, tears pricked Connie's eyes.

"I will too my love. But this is the way that life goes. I just... I just wish that Justin were able to start his own family one day as well."

Peter put his arms around his wife and held her tenderly.



"Justin is adored, my sweet," he said kindly. "He has two parents who would do anything for him, and a sister who will defend him with her dying breath."



"Life does not deal everyone the same hand," he murmered to his wife. "Justin is kind and playful, and he is becoming quite proficient with his brush and canvas. Do not assume that, because he is not as quick as the other choldren, that he does not have his own gifts, and his own destiny. Why, right this moment he is planning a picture of his mama. He wishes it to be a surprise, so don't look at his easel when we go home."



Connie smiled at this, and wiped her eyes.

"You are right as usual. You are well named, Peter - you know you are my rock."

Peter snorted. "Nonsense! Why, do rocks grow flowers for pretty women?"



"Honestly Peter," Connie smiled, "I don't know where you get these from."



As the sun began to sink in the sky, they turned to fish in the ocean, as they had done so many times before.



Connie was the first to make a catch, and swiftly hauled in a large plaice, to Peter's private chagrin. He hid it well, and came over to offer his admiration of her skill.



"Your talents are never-ending, sweetling", he said smoothly.

"Flattery will get you nowhere, Peter Devlin," said Connie sharply. "I know you like to be the provider, but don't forget that I have been fishing these oceans for many years, since I was a child."

They smiled at each other, ready to return home to their children. Or at least, nearly ready.

[DeLouche]

Wow, it's been awhile since I got caught up with your dynasty. So much has happened! I loved the wedding, and the church in which it took place. Really I just love the whole town. Everything looks so authentic to the time period! But, how on earth do you manage to make all the townies where appropriate period piece clothing? Anyway, it was great to get caught up. I'll have to remember not to wait so long next time.

It's been an eventful time for our intrepid adventurers! Well, sort-of intrepid adventurers I'm quite ahead in gameplay now, so hopefully it won't be so long until the next update... As it's an unofficial dynasty, I've kept my mods, and I used the stylist function on a few townies to make them look fancy for the wedding - I haven't always done this, so there are a few anachronisms, but I'll try and keep it authentic where I can... Glad you like the church, I was quite proud of that! I'm planning on uploading a populated version of the island when this is all done, and the chapel will definitely be included. I'm not personally religious as such, but the church would have been the centre of a lot of social life in a European island at this time period, so I tried to make it as nice as possible.

Very nice DeLouche, the writing, the choice of pictures, the clothing, the scenery, all of it. Thoroughly enjoying this.

Thanks Deklitch! Glad you're enjoying it

[SimBlip]

I love this chapter! It gives us some time to catch our breath and to contemplate on how much this family has achieved!
As always your photography melts my foolish heart. As does, of course, the wonderful interaction between the Devlin household members. Brilliant update, Delouche! 

[DeLouche]

I love this chapter! It gives us some time to catch our breath and to contemplate on how much this family has achieved!
As always your photography melts my foolish heart. As does, of course, the wonderful interaction between the Devlin household members. Brilliant update, Delouche! 

I love it too I was planning a much more action-filled chapter (and the next one will be), as a lot has happened since then in gameplay terms, but I think the story needed a 'bridge', and when I started writing, this is just what happened And actually, I love writing Connie and Peter, I think they're such a wonderful couple - mutually supportive, communicative and sharing in the good and bad with each other. As they're elders, I probably won't get to do it much more, but I also wanted to show how 'old people' are just as romantic and loving as young people, and a full life together, with all its ups and downs, can make a relationship stronger and more loving than the whirlwind of first romance and attraction... fun and exciting though that is

Oh, and it was all getting too close for comfort with the immortality thing, but luckily an opportunity came up in Connie's late eighties. Phew! I am pretty proud of this lot - money would probably have been the biggest issue, except lovely Seal (and then later Luna and Starfish) brought in SO much money collecting gems, rocks and metals. I'd definitely recommend dogs as a dynasty strategy!

[DeLouche]

Chapter 11

Patience knew that there was a time to wait, and a time to act. She had decided to wait for Jack - she felt he was worth it - but when it came to her parent's treasures, she had most certainly waited long enough. She gathered together the ingredients she needed, most importantly the fish with the ink-swirl fins, and a peculiar looking fruit from her mother's garden, which looked something like a pear, and something like a quince, and seemed to glow from within.



Connie walked in, her tread a little heavy. For the first time, Patience noticed that her mother looked a little tired.

"Your father is out teaching Justin about shading and colours. I do wish he'd wear a scarf, these evenings are getting chill."

It was barely late August, but Patience wisely said nothing as she continued to chop.

"Ever since that time he stayed out all night fishing at the graveyard and predicatably caught a chill, he's had a weak chest," Connie continued fretfully. "Just like my father, he will not listen to what's good for him."

Patience's ears pricked up at the mention of Connie's father Joseph. She knew little about him, save that her brother was named for him, he had been a kind man, a fisherman like Jack, told stories... and had once appeared to her as if in a dream, a dream that had led her to cook this exact dish. Connie rarely spoke of him, so it was a strange coincidence that she had mentioned him now.

"Do you still miss your parents, Mother?" asked Patience cautiously.

Connie sighed. "Sometimes I wish they could have met Peter, and you and Justin Joseph," she admitted. "I rarely think of them these days - it has been so long - but I wish that you had known them too. It is strange, but I feel them close to me every now and then. You remind me so much of my mother, with your skill at the stove that sometimes I am transported back to that cottage by the harbour."

"And your father?" Patience was nervous about mentioning him - they had not spoken of him since that day that Patience had told her mother about that dream. Connie's face softened, though, and her eyes seemed to glow in the candlelight.

"Tis strange, Patty. As I grow old, I seem to hear his words more and more often. I remember that he told me to live as fully as I could, to excel at the skills I learned, to become a part of the community, and give as much back as I could. I think he would be proud of me, for I have tried to live my life by the principles he and Mama instilled. I offer my skill, such as it is, up to the community when it is needed. I have surrounded myself with love, not only with you, Patty, and the rest of my family, but with friends from the village. I have gone as far and further than I dreamed with my vegetables, and who would have thought that I would end up owning not only the grocers in town, but also a paatch of my beloved headland? I have tried to look after it as best I can, and make it a pleasant place for people to rest a while. Yes, I think papa would be proud of me, and I am well content with what I have achieved. To have a husband such as Peter, and children such as yourself is a blessing that I hope you will know yourself before too long, Patty," she finished, somewhat archly. "Mayhap your husband won't be able to record your youthful beauty the way Peter has done, but no doubt he has other talents," she continued, with the ghost of a wink.

Patience reddened. "Never mind all that, mother. Try this new dish I have made for you. I found the recipe in that old book on the shelf. It is meant to restore youthful health, and I intend to have you with me for many years longer, to help look after your grandchildren, though goodness knows when they will arive."

Connie smiled and bent her head. "Perhaps sooner than you think, Patty." She took her first bit. "This is good, Patience. Very good. It makes me..." she broke off, and laughed, a young, girlish laugh. "Why, it makes me feel younger! I feel quite restored, Patty! I don't know what you put in this, but it tastes like magic! It's quite a rich dish, I couldn't eat it that often, but oh! how I would like to try this again!"



As Connie was eating, Peter stood outside the door. Justin had insisted on continuing his painting, but Peter was overcome with tiredness, and needed to come inside. For a moment as he stood, he felt dizzy and weak, and a sudden sharp pain in his stomach caused him to stagger unexpectedly. He drew a deep breath, pulled himself together, and walked into the kitchen, bringing the scent of the night air with him.



Patty rushed to bring him his slippers, but he waved her away tiredly.

"That young Justin has enough energy to tire a Shire horse," he said. "I am quite aching with exhaustion, and we have only been painting."

Patience brought up a plate of the strange dish and offered it to him. For some reason, she had no urge to try it herself. In some dim corner of her mind, she knew she was young and strong and healthy, and had no right to eat the ambrosia, as the book had referred to it. Peter waved her away again.

"No no, Patty," he explained. "I am grateful for the offer, but that's not for me. Make sure your mother eats it regular, mind."

Patience frowned, but set the dish aside. Before she could enquire further, Justin burst in, all excitement.

"Patty! Patty!" he called excitedly. "There's a man here. He says he wants to talk to you, but I want to show him my pictures. Can I show him my pictures? He's out there with Starfish. They're playing. I like him. Can I show him my pictures?"

Patience's mind awhirl, she started involuntarily. Connie put a calming hand on her arm, and spoke firmly. "Patience needs to change her dress, Justin. Go and show the nice man your pictures, and she will be out directly."

Justin ran out, all long limbs and smiles, and Connie nudged Patience, who was standing there, looking shocked.

"Well, go on Patty," she said firmly. "You like that dress, why not wear it?"

Needing no further encouragement, Patience ran to her room, and tugged on the dress as fast as she could. She came back into the kitchen, smoothing the skirt, and took a deep breath. She smiled at her parents, and walked out of the door.

"Hello, Jack." She was surprised to hear that her voice sounded quite normal

Jack turned away from Justin's easel, and grinned at her, his whole face lighting up.

"Patty! Patty! This is Mr Jack, he says he likes my pictures!" Justin was almost bursting with excitement. "And he wants to take you walking, but I mustn't come this time as it is late, but another time we can go walking together, and Starfish can come too!"

"Of course you shall come next time," said Patience warmly. "Run along inside now, and tell mama and papa all about it, and I shall see you on the morrow."

Justin ran inside, eager to share news of his new friend. Jack offered his arm to Patience, and together they walked off in silence. Did Patience but know it, his calm exterior as much as hers masked a heart that beat wildly, but they kept their silence until they reached the harbour. Her thoughts drifted back to the last time they had been there, how he had held her...

"Patty," Jack's voice broke into her thoughts. "You... you must know that I care for you greatly. You... you are so beautiful that I can hardly dare to believe you might walk with me, and I know how talented you are in the kitchen, for I have been fortunate enough to taste your cooking..."

Patience was glad that the dark night hid her blushes.

"And," he continued, "I know that you must have many suitors, for I have seen how the men in the tavern look at you, but..." He trailed off, as he got down on one knee. Patience's heart was beating so hard she thought it must be visible through her dress. Jack drew a small box out of his pocket.



"Patience Devlin... Would you do me the very great honour of accepting my hand in marriage?"



Patience shrieked. She couldn't help it. Jack, the most wonderful young man on the whole island, was asking her, Patty Devlin to marry him! "Yes, oh, a thousand yeses, I will marry you Jack Romeril," she cried.




There was only one shadow on her happiness, and she drew a deep breath. "Jack, I will marry you, and love you with all my heart, but you need to understand something..."

"I know how much you care for your family," Jack said as he pulled Patience into an embrace. "I would never want to take you away from them. If your parents will allow it, I would like to come and live with you, and be a brother to Justin."

Patience could hardly speak with excitement. He understood! She threw her arms around him, almost sobbing with joy.

"Come, Patty," said Jack, his face alight with pleasure, "I think we must go and see your parents...."



 

[SimBlip]

The writing is - as always - brilliant! I love the thought processes of your characters and their conversations.
Congratulations on your First Immortal!
That wonderful achievement is almost overshadowed by fear for Peter's health, as well as the joy of the engagement between Jack and Patience. I also love reading about Justin Joseph who is a very special boy.

[saltpastillen]

This story is so beautiful!

[Louise56]

I love your story,  your writing is wonderful. Congrats with your first immortal!

[DeLouche]

Congratulations on your First Immortal!
That wonderful achievement is almost overshadowed by fear for Peter's health, as well as the joy of the engagement between Jack and Patience. I also love reading about Justin Joseph who is a very special boy.

Thanks SimBlip Yes, Peter is getting older, and with age comes creaks and aches - unless you're lucky enough to be immortal, of course... Justin Joseph is lovely and you will be seeing more of him soon!

This story is so beautiful!

Thanks saltpastillen, really sweet of you to say that Big fan of your dynasty as well!

I love your story,  your writing is wonderful. Congrats with your first immortal!

Thanks Louise! I'm really touched that so many people have complimented my writing - to be honest, I'd like to write, but am aware that I need to practice a LOT, so am considering this a practice run - and it helps that I'm really enjoying it

And thanks for everyone congratulating Connie on her immortality - after all, she (and her family) did all the work!