Country for Dinner

Alfred F. Jones did not need directions to the homes of his children. He knew where they lived by heart. He currently stood out within an open field. He was somewhere within Kansas, having landed there after his meeting with his Boss. He smiled, closing his eyes and bringing two fingers to his lips. He blew against them, sending an eerie whistle throughout the air. The sound road the wind, calling upon his trusted stallion. From the distance, he watched as Alsoomse turned her head upon hearing the calling. He flashed a pearl-white smile to his horse as it galloped towards him, moving its head from side to side. Once she was getting close enough, Alfred turned sharply on his heel and began running. His motions turned to an angle as Alsoomse caught up to him, meeting him at the angle in order for him to jump at just the right moment. He hooked an arm around her neck and settled upon her back, riding her without a saddle. It wasn't necessary - he trusted her without it.

"To Danni..." He told Alsoomse in a gentle voice.


Alfred had been passing through the small town Alex had managed to find, where surprisingly enough, Danni was with him. "Woah," He told Alsoomse, his horse coming to an abrupt stop. He narrowed his eyes as he watched Danni from a small distance, noticing she was sitting upon the ground with her knees drawn to herself. Just from here, he could see something was wrong...he could see the tears. Something within him snapped. Seeing the tears of his children made his heart ache every single time. It was something he hated to see.

He got down from Alsoomse, patting her after he did so and jogged over to his daughter. Once close enough, he greeted Alex without taking his eyes from Danni. "Alex," He had said, with a nod of acknowledgement before he knelt beside Danni. "Danni," His voice was gentle, like a father's should be. His arm snaked around her shoulders and he pressed so that she leaned against him. "Danni, what's wrong?" He asked in an equally gentle tone as before. Already, he was brushing her hair from her face and tucking a few strands behind her ear with his free hand.

Alfred closed his eyes as his daughter leaned against him for support and poured her heart out into her words. Danni was one of his more innocent children, but she was also one of his most precious ones, too. He had moved the hand from her shoulder and was now rubbing her back in a comforting manner, listening to every single word before he would speak. He couldn't help the small smile that tugged at his lips when she exclaimed she was proud of her family and thought they were braver than she was. Alfred thought all his children were brave - - knew they were all brave. Still, her words meant a lot to him as her father and he was thankful for them.

"Danni, listen to me~ Don't you dare think you are any less admired or any less brave than a single one of us. I think I can go for all us states when I say, you might just be the sweetest, bravest, and dedicated one of us all. You're always trying to make us smile, to show your admiration... But to tell ya the truth, I think you do that just fine without any special parties or dinners. I will love you just the same no matter when or where you are, and don't you ever think differently."

His son had it well put. Alfred was thankful for what Alex had said, too. They were just what she would need and so he tilted his slightly, his eyes finding Alex before he gave him a gentle smile. He passed him his thanks in the way he looked at and then turned his attention to Danni again, especially when her horse had knocked her back down to him. Alfred caught her within his arms, completely embracing her now.

"Don't you see, Danni? I've never stopped smiling for you..not once before..and never in our future."

"See, Danni?" Alfred had added to his son's words. "You have nothing to fear. You can so easily make any of us smile, because you're so sweet and passionate about what you do. And just like all of my children, you are always there for me in the most darkest of times. That makes you brave, dear. It's not always easy, being my daughter, and I understand that. But you manage. So, it is me who should be throwing a party for you all. I am proud of you, for everything you do," He paused, placing his hand beneath her chin and tilting her head up to meet his gaze. "And for you, I will always smile." And like Alex had done for her, Alfred flashed a brilliant smile, but it was also very gentle - still possessing the look a parent would give their child.

With that, Alfred stood to his feet, bringing Danni up with him. He helped her to stand, still supporting her with his arm wrapped around her petite form. "We love you Danni. Always and forever," He nearly whispered, placing a kiss to her temple.

Alfred had just spoken to the mother with the child, listening to her explain that there was a young lady further within the grocery store holding up a shelf all on her own. Alfred was puzzled, turning his attention from Alex and looking inside. He entered the store and stood at the front, seeing that Danni was checking out. She looked...exhausted. Had she been the one to catch the shelf? He figured she would do such an honorable thing, and he would be proud if she did, but he was worried as she stumbled towards him. He gasped slightly as she collided with his chest and he held her close. "D-Danni!" He said in surprise.

His heart seemed to ache at her words. Without any hesitation, he lifted her up and into his arms, carrying her as he always did when she was a child. He never refused when she asked him to carry her this way - it was something special they shared. Dipping his head as he carried her, he placed a gentle kiss to her forehead and whispered, "Always, Danni...you will always be my little girl." He promised her.

The American glanced up and his eyes fell upon another one of his children. "Good ol' Jack!" He cheered as he held Danni close in his arms. "Come along! We're getting back to the house now." And the father turned to leave the store, stepping past Alex as he did so. "I am going to bring Danni back to the house." He took the ham from her and handed it to Alex. "We might show up...later, okay? Not too much later, but we won't arrive right as you do. Wait for your brother before you leave. Jack is inside the store." He told Alex and then called Alsoomse over. His horse neighed and cheerfully came to his side, eager to let Danni ride with them. He placed Danni upon his horse and then swung himself up and behind her. "Take Danni's horse back to the house, too, okay?" He requested of Alex. It seemed he was leaving Alex quite a few things to do, but Alfred wanted to spend a moment alone with Danni right now. Especially since she had exhausted herself from saving the mother and child.

"Hya!" And Alsoomse raced off in the opposite direction. Alfred's form rested protectively behind Danni's as they rode, his arms securing her to the horse. He grinned as the wind whipped through the hair. He wasn't sure if his daughter had realized what he was doing yet, but he had actually taken her with him to ride alone for a moment or two. Alsoomse took a sharp turn down a long, dirt path. The stallion kicked up dust and pebbles in her tracks, gaining speed with so much free room to run. "Remember when I first taught you how to ride a horse?" He asked Danni over the whistling of the wind. He suddenly pulled back and held his arms out, closing his eyes as he allowed this free feeling to wash over him. "The first rule. Find trust in your horse - and in return, they will trust you." He said, holding his arms out because he trusted Alsoomse would not run or jump in a way that would cause them to fall off.

Clop clop clop clop clop clop.....

The steady yet swift rhythm of of iron against stone sounded in the area of the American's lands. The sound was coming from the iron-shoed hooves of a jet black Friesain stallion who trotted in a steady gait over the stone path that lead to the American girl's house.

The rider of the big black stallion glanced to the sides in a somewhat nervous manner. Ivan Braginski was, obviously, Russian. This was his first time going to a state's house... in fact, this will be his first time meeting Alfred Jones' kids. He wasn't exactly sure how he'll be taken by the younger Americans. But there was one thing that settled Ivan's nerves as he trotted toward the house of Kansas:

Sunflowers... there were sunflowers everywhere.

Ivan marvled with delight at the colorful lands of the Americans. Everything was so warm and bright... that, and this territory in particular was rich with one of the few things he treasured the most. Sure, many would overlook those tall yellow flowers as 'just another flower,' but Ivan.... Ivan adored those plants nearly just as much as he adored vodka.

Boroslav's nostrils flaired at the unfamiliar sents as his large ears swerved at each little noise. The big black stallion chewed at the bit every now and again as he trotted steadily along, the 'feathers' around his large hooves filtered gently in the breeze. He wasn't too nervous about being in another territory; his use as both a work horse and a military horse had numbed him to the natural fear of stranger lands. The stallion's nostrils flaired in a mighty snort and flexed his muscular neck. His long, luxurious mane was tied in one neat braid down his neck in order to keep it from tangling on the trip, and large, iron muscle rippled under a slick, ink black coat. Even the pickiest of horsemen had to admit Borislav was quite a hansome horse.

Ivan's attire was different than usual; he wore dark clothing now (maybe to match his horse...?), yet that signature scarf flapped gently in the wind from it's eternal place around the Russian's neck.

In the short distance, Ivan's striking amethyst irises spotted the house of Kansas. With a long inhale, the Russian allowed his signature cheery smile to appear as he gently reined Boroslav to a halt in front of the door. The stallion's nostrils flaired in a loud snort as he artched that powerful neck of his, catching the sents of the other horses nearby. Ivan dismounted and walked up to the door, leading the large black horse by the rein; he wasn't going to just leave the Stallion there, knowing other horses were around...

The Russian pulled out a bouquet of pretty white flowers native to his lands. It was an old Russian custom that everyone followed to bring a gift to your host or hostess; either flowers, wine, or vodka for females, or wine or vodka for males. Ivan was sure Alfred wouldn't like it if he gave one of his kids an alcaholic beverage, so Ivan settled with the flowers.

Without much hesitation, the Russian reached out and knocked lightly on the door

(Boroslav..... VVVVV)

"Ah, Privet Dann--" Ivan's greeting was cut off at the overwhelming greeting he was met with. The Russian blinked with surprise as Danni rushed out and grasped his hand, and gave a soft 'hmn' as he allowed himself to be pulled. however, he cast a short glance back at Boroslav, keeping a firm hold on the huffing stallion's rein and pulling him along.

Ivan nodded and followed the girl over the hills, clearly marveling with childish delight at the fields of sunflowers that painted the pastures yellow. It was quite an amazing sight for someone like the Russian. The big stallion's inky coat glimmered in the golden sunlight; even his ears were up and at curious attention.

Ivan was quite iffy about anyone touching his scarf.... yet he couldn't help but smile as the girl wrapped the sunflower in it. Boroslav lowered his giant head and flaired his nostrils against the sunflower. After batting his upper lip against it a bit and finding nothing interesting the stallion bobbed his head up and nickered a bit.

"Oh, eh Danni... where should a'I put Boro-..." Too late... the girl had already gone. Oh, well... it wasn't a problem hanging onto his horse for a little while longer. Ivan wandered around the sunflowers, admiring their golden beauty as he pulled his horse along. Boroslav seemed to have lost interest in these strong-smelling plants... he was bored with them now and wanted to go. But... despite the bobbing of his head and pawing at the ground with his large hoof, Ivan kept him right there.

Ivan indeed wanted to just scoop a bunch up and carry as many as his arms can handle... but Just to keep polite side, the Russian just picked one and stashed it away in his casual black coat before glancing up skyward. The sun was begining to dip in the sky. Was it time to return back...?

Maybe just a few more minutes here won't hurt...

---

Upon their return, the American was looking out at the fields of sunflowers. Surprisingly, his mind had not drifted to the Russian ally, despite how it usually ended up doing that. Ivan Braginski - eh, the American preferred not going on his usual rant of how important the Russian wa-...

"Ivan you came! I can't believe it!"

Alfred's head had snapped in the Russian's direction and fell upon the amethyst eyes, but Ivan seemed focused on something else. Alfred saw the white flowers within the Russian's hand, which the American knew to be a symbol of greeting and thanks to a host in Russia. Alsoomse seemed to step to the side and then back, as if unsure about this newly found presence. It had been a long while since she was last in the Russian's presence. He calmed her by placing a hand to her neck, his touch reassuring and gentle.

He wasn't exactly sure how he felt about the Russian being here. He had thought this was a dinner for him and his family. Ivan, in a way, was family. All his allies were family, in a way. But...something just felt...

It could have had something to do with their recent argument, that made Alfred feel uncomfortable. Nevertheless, he would not hurt Danni. If Danni wanted Ivan here, the American would allow it. However, he could only watch as she tugged him along as if they were best friends. His eyes narrowed suspiciously. It was already frustrating enough to see that Russian child...what was his name...ah, yes. Viktor Braginski. It was already frustrating enough to see Viktor hanging around Danni. Did Ivan really see this as necessary?

Alfred slid down from Alsoomse, calming her once again and then urging her to return to the opposite field. She snorted, hanging her head as she walked away, tail flipping in disturbance of the newcomers. The American, from the corner of his eye, could see his other children returning. Their images were growing larger as they hurried down the dirt path upon their horses. Even Danni had reappeared, but she had reappeared without Ivan...

Without a word to anyone, and without letting his other children return first, Alfred jumped the fence and followed the steps Danni and Ivan had taken. He moved over the hill, looking down at the Russian. His eyes had been narrowed, but his expression softened when he saw Ivan standing alone in the bed of sunflowers. The wind blew the American's bangs into his eyes, ruffling his clothing and even whipping the Russian's scarf into the air. Alfred now possessed a gentle look, despite his earlier thoughts about having Ivan over for dinner...

Without control of himself, he walked down the hill and easily dodged the sunflowers, being sure not to harm a single one of them. Coming upon the Russian, he moved up to the left of him, eyes focused on the sun in the distance. "I had no idea she had invited you..." He said in a soft tone. "It doesn't bother me. I was surprised, however, when I saw you...I can't remember the last time you were here for an occasion like this. I can only seem to remember you stopping by because of a meeting or for something our bosses arranged. Nevertheless," His eyes found the Russian finally. "My children are very important to me. Your presence might unsettle my sons. Ivan...I know you. Better than you think. If at any time I feel you are looking at them the way you would look at me, I will dismiss you. Do you understand me? However, if at any time I feel they are being rude to you, I will call them out on it. You are still my ally, after all." Hesitantly, he reached over and placed his hand firmly to Ivan's shoulder. "Other than that, I hope you enjoy your time here. Danni seemed to have trouble cooking earlier, but I assure you, her food tastes wonderful once she gets a hang of things. I think nerves had managed to get to her." He chuckled at that last part.

His eyes fell to a sunflower at his feet and he knelt to pick it, making sure to be gentle as he did so. He stood straight, studying it. "Sunflowers always remind me of Danni...but I would be lying if I said I didn't think of you, too." His eyes found the Russian, and with a soft gaze, he said, "I really am glad to see you again..."

Despite what happened when we last spoke.

But Alfred wouldn't dare bring that up.

It was just another stupid argument over political matters. Things he and Ivan rarely agreed on, but perhaps, things were unnecessarily brought up. Like, how Alfred was a capitalist pig and Ivan was a maniacal bastard. Perhaps...

Realizing he might have made things...difficult, he looked away. He dropped the sunflower in the process, feeling...odd. "Well, I'm heading back. Feel free to look around some more before you come back to the house." And without another word, he turned on his heel and left the Russian there, climbing the hill and finding the house again.

Ivan hadn't seen nor heard Alfred coming down the hill. The Russian's head was tilted ever so slightly as he was gently rubbing a yellow petal of a flower between his thumb and his index finger. He couldn't deny that he jumped just a bit at Alfred's voice; not realy enough to be really noticed, though.

"I had no idea she had invited you..."

The Russian quickly get go of the flower and snapped his gaze to his right at the familiar sound of the American's voice. Ivan's eyes widened ever so slightly as a smile touched his blank features; he was expecting Alfred to attend... so why did he feel so surprised... exited even?

Ivan's facial expression remained calm; sirene almost as Alfred spoke. He didn't seem worried or even offended as Alfred mentioned his sons. He'd met the Texan once before... and naturally, things were already quite tense between them.

"My children are very important to me. Your presence might unsettle my sons. Ivan...I know you. Better than you think. If at any time I feel you are looking at them the way you would look at me, I will dismiss you. Do you understand me? However, if at any time I feel they are being rude to you, I will call them out on it. You are still my ally, after all."

Ivan nodded once, slowly as the American finished, that smile was still visible.

"You have not'ing to worry about when et comes to d'at, Alfred... a'I suspected you already knew I would treat your kids d'e same way a'i will expect you to treat mine."

He felt an odd sort of tingle once his ally's hand was placed on his broad shoulder. Ivan remembered the last time they spoke. It was... a long time ago. He hated the terms they left on... he hated being part of some stupid quarrel that just won't seem to die. The Russian was worried that Alfred might stay mad at him... but no... the fact that the American wasn't kicking the Russian out of his lands came as a relief to Ivan...

"I really am glad to see you again..."


Ivan's heart leapt; so Alfred wasn't angry at him... this confirmed it. But as Alfred turned to leave, however, the Russian's voice spoke up.

"Alfred..." Ivan called up in a light tone.

"...Where can a'I put him for now?" The Russian gestured his head at the friesain next to him. Boroslav was flicking his long, thick tail back and forth, apparantly eager to get moving.

Late Reply, Am I the only one who's not using a Stallion? X'D



rath = Right

** Heads up. Since it has been a long time I haven't role play. My writing wont be as nice and wont be as cool as before. I am getting warm up sooner or later who knows, I'll get better! **\