Rolling in the Deep (Andreas&Abby)

[Katie]

There was never a dull or boring moment in the hustle and bustle of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania the capital of the colonies and the second largest city. Abigail Franklin had known nothing else, but Philadelphia and she loved every single moment of it. Being the granddaughter of Benjamin Franklin had its moments, however, she found herself being respected by anyone who is a Patriot.

Abby to her family and friends closed the door to the house she lived with her grandfather and headed down the street towards the market down the street. She smiled at people greeted at her as the wind blew through her short, red hair and she immediately went to buy some bread and cheese for the evening's meal. She wanted to make some chicken, potatoes and corn knowing that it would be much appreciated by everyone in the house for the night.

"Hello John, the usual please. Ben wishes for some mashed up potatoes tonight." She asked him curiously before John smiled and handed her a batch of potatoes and she gave him the money for it before she felt a sudden push knocking her basket towards the ground.

Abby glanced up and saw the back of a red coat walking away from her and she snorted very unladylike as she bent down to grab her food.

"Excuse you." She said loudly and finished grabbing the food as she suddenly saw a black boot in front of her.

"Pardon me miss, what did you say?" The British soldier snapped at her and she stood up slowly to face him.

"You have ears, I believe you are capable of hearing." She replied ignoring John the vendor begging her not to carry on the conversation, but as usual she ignored him.

"You would be well advised to hold your tongue young lady." He remarked and she snorted once more.

"Oh please do not treat me like a child, I am an adult, so leave me be." She commented trying to walk off to finish her shopping, but felt a sharp tug on her arm and she immediately jerked it away from her and reached up to slap him hard across the face. Her eyes suddenly went wide as the realization that she had just struck a British officer in the face.

"Come back here!" The officer yelled as she picked up the bottom of her dress and began to run down the street needing to go around the corner to buy more things. She glanced back holding onto her basket and turned the corner gasping for breaths, quietly as she heard the officers coming to probably arrest her. She backed into an alley and listened as they went off not even looking in her general direction.

Feeling a huge sigh of relief, she went back down towards the corner hurrying just in case they came back and suddenly she felt herself hitting something hard. So hard that she dropped her basket and she fell back on her backside landing on the concrete ground hard. Groaning in pain, she glanced up and could not recognize the person in front of her.

"I apologize I did not see you there, are you alright?" She asked softly slowly standing up wincing in pain.

[Dallas]

-ANDREAS

[/b][/right]

He went crashing through the field, barely able to comprehend what had just happened to him. Some how by the will of God he had barely managed to escape. He was free! It had come at a price though, the two like minded men that he had escape with, Diederick and Frantz, had been shot down by a few pursuers. There had been nothing he could do, and he wasn't sure if they were still on his tail or not, he hoped that he would live to see another day. To walk as a free man and to no longer be forced to fight the Colonists. A while ago he had shed his jacket and hat, hopefully it made him look less like a Hessian. He still had his satchel and his canteen, which was good because he had been running for a while now.

Andreas stopped by a tree and tried to catch his breathe. There was no sign of anyone else coming after him. He smiled happy that he could take a break. He glanced around at where he had stopped. The first thing he noticed was a road, and when he glanced down the road he saw that it lead to a town. Last he knew, he had been along the border of New Jersey and Pennsylvania. He wasn't sure how far he had ran, but he was a good distance away from the camp by now. He straightened up and took a few more deep breathes as he contemplated if he should dare enter the looming city. It looked large, that could play to his favor if they hunted him down with hounds. Though they probably figured him for dead anyway, a rogue Hessian was hunted by both the British and the Colonists. What made him different was that he could speak English. I'll just have to avoid speaking to much, lest the figure out I have a German accent. Before heading down the road he practiced his Colonist accent as best he could, repeating the words that he had trouble with, and trying desperately to pronounce the 'th' sound correctly.

The walk to the city wasn't to long, nothing compared to what he had just done. As he came closer to the city, he felt his skin crawl. Everyone around him was speaking English. He had expected that but it was different to actually experience it. Usually he had another Hessian around to speak German with, but now... Now he was alone. His heart sank as he walked down the street, he felt like everyone's glares were directed at him. Did they know? Could they tell he was German? What have I gotten myself into... He tried hard not to look up, not to look at their intense glares. Sweat began to run down the back of his neck. Maybe being in such a big city hadn't been a good idea. He skirted along the edge of a building on the left side of the road, trying not to attract attention to himself. His heart beat picked up as he could have sworn he heard someone in the distance yell at him. Oh no, have they found me?! Quickly he scanned the area for an exit. There was an alley not to far away.

He picked up his pace, almost at a run, then turned the corner into the alley way. With a loud thud he smacked into something so hard he fell back and a tremor of pain ran down his spine.. He placed a hand on his forehead, as he tried to make out what he had just hit. His head ached, and his vision was blurred, but he managed to make out what looked like a person. A woman's voice broke the stillness and he tried to make out what she had said. He gathered his thoughts, translating the words. From what he could make out she had said she was sorry and asked if he was alright. This was his time, it was now or never. Could he speak with a decent Colonist accent? “I... I'm fine. I jus' thought I saw someone I knew walk down this 'ere alley.” He felt like what he had just said was so obviously fake, but he waited for the lady to respond before he did anything. “Are you a'right Miss?”

((his 'th's probably sound a little rough still when he speaks.))

[Katie]

The pain was excruciating, the one going down Abby's back, mostly her spine. Maybe she was being too sensitive about it, however, she would not be surprised if she found some kind of bruise on her backside the next morning.

Abby groaned softly as she stood up slowly, her legs turning into jelly as soon as she stood up. She was shocked to find herself leaning on the wall next to her for support before glancing down and groaning at the food that was scattered everywhere. She then glanced down and brushed off the dirt and pieces of gravel from her dress.

Raising an eyebrow when the man spoke, it sure did not sound like an American colonist's accent, but it was not a British accent either. Was he a Hessian or a citizen from another country that lived here in the colonies? Only one way to find out, she thought to herself. She reached her hand down to help him up and then released it when he was done reaching down to pick her food up and throwing it back in the basket. She carefully listened to his words and raised an eyebrow at him saying he might have seen someone he knew in the alley. How strange.

"You're not from around here are you? You can be honest with me, I won't turn you in or anything. I am Abigail by the way, Abigail Franklin. Yes I am fine, just sore. I did not expect to run directly into anyone today. I was running from soldiers. I blame their stupidity, they blame my mouth." She replied watching him flinch in pain.

"Are you positive you are alright?" She asked him curiously watching him carefully.

[Dallas]

-ANDREAS

Andreas was happy to accept her help, he was still a litle winded from his long journey. His head swam as he stood on his feet and watched she began picking up the food that had been scatterd from the crash. Once his head was a little clearer he began to pick some up and hadn them back to her as well. I'll have to get out of here soon before- His thoughts were interrupted when he heard her speak up again.

A shiver of fear ran down his whole body. She's figured me out that fast? Maybe he had misunderstood her, but when she kept speaking he was sure he knew what she was saying. “Uhh...” He needed to say something but he couldn't think of the right words. He dusted off his shirt in a calm manor as he summoned up his knowledge once again. She had said that she wouldn't turn him in, like he would believe that. He couldn't trust anyone at this moment, “I am from France.” Those words tasted surprisingly bitter coming out of his mouth. France was sympathetic to the Colonists so that was why he had chosen it. “I'm Andrew...” He couldn't think of a French sounding last name so instead he tried saying something else maybe address something she had said? “You were runnin' from soldiers?”

He looked around a little bit, wondering if they were still after her or if someone had been yelling his name. A few people had stopped to look at them, but they only stayed for a little while. The bustle of the city seemed to keep moving on and no one was running for him. Safe for now... He looked back, a sudden surge of pain erupting at the base of his skull. He flinched from the sudden shock and heard Abigail ask if he was alright. “Yes... Just been travellin' for a while.” He rubbed his temples slowly trying to lessen the pain. It was then that he realized just how fatigued the journey had left him. Now that he knew he was some what safe the adrenaline stopped pumping and he felt himself go faint. He didn't black out, but he leaned against the wall. “Sorry, I hope that I didn't... harm the food you bought.” On the bright side he felt like usage of English was improving slightly, maybe not his accent, but definitely his context.

[Katie]

Abby was a bit shocked to see the man she barely knew helping her pick up the food that she had spilled when she ran into him. She gave him a grateful, small smile as she took the food from him, their fingers brushing gently. Blushing a bit, she placed the food he had handed her back in the basket, standing up straight.

"Oh um thank you very much, you're from France? I have always wanted to travel across the ocean and explore France and the English countryside before the war obviously. My grandfather has been to both countries and speaks very highly of France. Rumor has it, he must return there to talk to the French about helping the colonists, however, I see that some are already here. Your name is Andrew? It's a pleasure to meet your acquittance Andrew. What brings you to Philadelphia?" She asked him curiously watching him carefully trying to understand what exactly he was saying.

Blushing a bit more, she felt the warmth on her cheeks, "Yes I was, well I am a bit opinionated, my grandfather says I need to hold my tongue at times. I was running from soldiers because a British soldier knocked me almost to the ground and I could not help myself so I said something smart to him. I should be apologetic, but they do not run the people here. In fact the majority of us here are patriots. Are you one as well?" She asked him raising an eyebrow curiously hoping that he was a patriot. Most of the French were, but you couldn't trust anyone, anymore, she thought to herself with a small sigh.

Abby suddenly had a weird feeling about Andrew, he did not look so well. He looked fatigued, exhausted and hungry. She could see it in his eyes that he was in some pain.

"No you are not alright Andrew, you are in pain because of me. I am terribly sorry. In exchange for doing this to you, please allow me to take you back to my house so I can take care of you. I live with my grandfather, he does not mind the company, honestly and we will not say anything to anyone. It's quiet there and you can eat and rest up before you have to go somewhere else if you have to. Do not trouble yourself about the food, it will survive, but let me at least help you." She pleaded with him gently hoping that he would accept her offer. Watching him lean against the wall for support, she slowly took a couple steps forward not wanting to startle him, but she genuinely was worried.

A sudden yell of a British soldier interrupted her thoughts and she glanced over a bit shocked with her eyes wide. She saw another smaller part of the alley blocked by big enough crates that they could hide for now. Her head suddenly began to throb and she groaned softly rubbing it gently.

"We must get away, if you want me to leave you, I will, there's a big enough space to hide us both over there or I can lead you back to my grandfather's house. Whatever you decide I am alright with it." She said with pleading eyes not wanting to get caught because she knew she would get arrested.

(ooc: I sent you a PM, I have an idea )

[Dallas]

-ANDREAS

A small laugh escaped him when she explained why she had been running from the soldiers. She did seem like the type of person to run their tongue off like that. She was kind, and she seemed to believe what he had told her about him being from France. That was good, though he hadn't expected that her grandfather had been to France before. Hope I don't meet him. He'd see right through my ruse. He smiled kindly at her, and felt his face become warm when he noticed that she was blushing a little bit. The sight suddenly reminded him that it had been a while since he had been around women and their unpredictable nature.

When she asked if he was a 'patriot' he wasn't completely sure what that word meant. Was she asking if he was a red coat? That wouldn't make sense since she was running from the British and had mouthed off to them. So she was probably asking if he was a yank. He smiled once he understood and nodded his head, “Yes.” He said proudly. That was what he had come to do after all, join the rebels. Well he couldn't really call them yanks or rebels anymore. After all that would be weird if he talked about them negatively when he would join them. Sort of an old habit, one he feared would haunt him for a long time.

He felt a little embarrassed when she explained that he should come back with her. She lived with her grandfather, which meant there was no way he would go back with her. He couldn't let him figure out and then possibly turn him in to the colonial army. She did seem genuinely worried about his health, but he knew that he couldn't go back with her. “No, no I couldn't. I wouldn't want to cause trouble.” Although he had to admit the sound of a quiet place for him to recuperate was very tempting. She took a few steps toward him, worry spread across her face.

He would have continued and made some sort of excuse for not staying, but a sudden yell echoed down the street. He pushed himself off the wall and glanced around in shock. Abby explained about a space not far away that they could hide in. He wasn't sure if they could really hide there, but it might be worth a shot. He glanced over his shoulder and noticed that the British soldiers had spotted them. They would know if they ran into the alley now. There really was no escape from this one was there? It would take something completely ridiculous to get out of this tight predicament. He looked back over to her, at the very least he didn't want her to get caught, “Go on, I will talk with them.” Although he knew, that they would no doubt figure him out and arrest, then kill him. They always killed rogue Hessians.

[Katie]

It had been awhile since Abby had been around another male figure that didn't really know her that well and maybe she needed to stop being so friendly and concerned. She would not have cared so much if she had not been the one that injured the poor man. However there was something about Andrew that intrigued her. It was a unique situation and she found herself wanting to know more about this Frenchman turned Patriot. He had replied to her that he was indeed a patriot and she gave him a warm, caring, smile.

"Then welcome to Philadelphia, the capital of the colonies and the second largest city, Boston's the actual biggest city, but I haven't been up there since the battles of Lexington and Concord. I'm sorry if I talk too much, I have been advised that I do talk a lot sometimes.Feel free to tell me to be quiet if it is too much for you." She replied blushing a bit more.

Figuring he would first deny her offer was no surprise to her, she still wanted to help him out. She knew if he was caught by the British or a Loyalist what exactly would happen.

"It is more dangerous out there than you realize Andrew. The British are very close to occupying Philadelphia. There are Tories...colonists who are with the British and spy for them and Loyalists around here more than ever. You know what they will do to you if you are caught and I apologize for being so blunt, but seeing as you are tired and injured, they will catch you faster." She told him staring at him being completely serious.

She jumped startled at the louder yell of the British soldiers and she saw that Andrew had spotted them as they started to head back towards the spot in the back of the alley. She snorted very unladylike as he told her to go and that he would talk to him. There was no reasoning with British soldiers now a days.

"Like hell I will, just do what I do." She told him practically demanding him to listen to her, it was the only way that they could survive this thing. Suddenly she got an idea ignoring the soldier's yells for them to stay still. She then placed her basket in her left arm and took his hand in her right hand gently feeling strange with her hand in another's man hands. She had not held hands with any other man besides Ewan and that was years ago.

"What exactly do you think you two are doing?" A soldier demanded of them and she took a deep breath, she was good at lying if she wanted to be.

"We were given the wrong directions sir, see we are looking for food for our dinner tonight. I am cooking for my fiance and I tonight and I have not seen him in such a long time. He has been fighting the colonists up north in New York and he had a chance to come down and see me." Abby explained scooting closer to Andrew to prove her point.

"Your fiance? You are a colonist and he's been fighting for us?" One soldier asked raising an eyebrow.

"Where's his jacket?" Another one shouted.

"I don't believe them colonel, make them prove that they are betrothed." Another one said to the leader who nodded at them and turned to Abby and Andrew suspiciously.

Cursing herself mentally, Abby sighed and kept going with her lie, "Yes he is loyal to his Majesty King George the Third as am I. and I was washing it at home. He is tired from his long journey, may we please have your permission to go home so he can rest up before our dinner?" She asked them curiously finding herself getting more nervous and panicky so she held onto his hand more tightly.

"Prove it and we shall let you go." The colonel replied and Abby turned towards Andrew biting her lip gently.

"I'm sorry." She whispered softly before reaching over to kiss him gently on the lips. She let her lips linger on his a bit longer trying to ignore the weird feeling she had inside of it. It had been too long since she had been around another man and she had not missed it until now. She slowly pulled away facing the officers.

"Alright thank you miss, now sir is she correct on all of this?" The colonel asked Andrew curiously and Abby could hope that the blushing would go down on her face soon and that he would agree with her for now.

(ooc: You can rp with the officers too if you want, they're just in there)

[Dallas]

-ANDREAS

[/b][/right][/size]

He was amused when she explained to him the dangers of a patriot being in a city like Philadelphia. True when he had entered this city he hadn't known which army was occupying it, but he knew of the dangers all to well. The fact was, was that as a Hessian Brunswicker he was in danger no matter where he went at this point. He could probably lie about being a Frenchman, but he knew that that woluldn't always work. Becoming a patriot was risky and had a chance that they wouldn't let him if they knew who he really was. Though he was slightly appreciative of Abby's concern.

At the moment though they faced a very serious situation. When she told him that she wouldn't go save herself he was disappointed, yet slightly relieved that he didn't have to face them by himself. He didn't understand what she meant by 'just do as I do.' Did she have a plan? He didn't have any time to ask her, because before the soldiers reached them she grabbed his left hand in hers. He was slightly flustered by the suddenness and couldn't imagine why she would do that. The feeling of holding her hand sent a shiver up his arm, slightly aggravating the large gash that he had acquired from a recent skirmish. A red coat stopped in front of them demanding what they were doing. Abigail began speaking to the man in a calm manor. She was explaining something to the man, and he tried to stay calm in return. Though he was again confused when he heard the word 'fiance.' He knew what that word meant, but was she suggesting that he and she?

There was no way he could act like her betrothed, and the soldiers didn't seem convinced either. They asked where his jacket was, probably good he had shed it. No one would have liked to have seen a lone Hessian stroll through the town. She told them that he fought for the British, and despite the situation he found some humor in it, for it had been true this morning. But now it was just a lie. From the conversation they were having it sounded like they didn't believe Abigail's lie. I knew it wouldn't work. She was determined to go further though and convince these men that he and she were in fact a couple. He could feel her hold on to his hand tighter, no doubt she was just as anxious as him.

The colonel demanded that they prove it again, and Andreas wasn't sure what to do about it now. He'd run if he had to, he could already feel adrenalin working up from fear. Abigail seemed to have something else in mind though. She turned to him and whispered, “I'm sorry.” Then did the most unexpected thing he could think of. She kissed him gently on the lips. What the hell?! It shocked him and he almost pulled away out of utter surprise, but he had to convince these soldiers. She pulled away from him, and he could feel butterflies in his stomach as he grasped what had just happened. What the hell... He told himself again, still not sure what to think about it.

His head swam again, the mixture of fatigue and anxiousness was beginning to take it's toll. And that little 'event' had made him even more flustered then before. The soldier asked if she was correct, or in other words did he agree with what she said. Holding his tongue before he burst out speaking German, he calmed himself and spoke confidently, “Yes, sir.”

The colonel eyed them with a zealous glare. For a second Andreas wasn't sure if he was truly convinced or not, but felt himself relax a little when he heard him continue, “Alright then... Afternoon, sir,” He nodded towards him then towards Abigail, “Ma'am.” The other soldiers around them mumbled some things, but they all began to walk away, resuming their duties.

Even though they were off the hook now, Andreas knew that he couldn't just leave Abigail. No doubt if a soldier saw them just suddenly separate they would become suspicious again. Looks like for the moment he was stuck with her. He glanced to her, relaxing his grip on her hand, “What was that?” He felt himself blush again as he looked at her.

[Katie]

What on earth had she gotten herself into? Abby wondered to herself as everything began to unfold in front of her. They were now stuck dealing with nosy British soldiers when all she wanted was Andrew to be safe whatever he was going to do next. She was now holding his hand in a very awkward situation and she prayed that this would work. Everyone in Philadelphia knew who she was and how much of a patriot she was so it was very strange that she was now lying about being a Loyalist.

The soldiers looked suspicious as ever as they still questioned them now turning their attention back towards Andrew who was glancing at her both confused and in nervousness. She could not tell if Andrew was going to speak the truth or lie along with her. If he did tell the truth, they would both be in serious trouble and her grandfather would be very disappointed in her.

When Andrew finally did speak, she felt herself sighing in relief very quietly, through her nose, that he had agreed with her and she knew she would be questioned about the kiss as the soldiers bid them farewell and headed back down the trail towards the main road.

"Good day gentlemen." Abby said letting out another big sigh of relief as they went out of their sights and Andrew released her hand swiftly asking her what that was about. She knew he would ask her that, but what other choice did she have?

"I am sorry for doing that without any advance, it was the first thing that popped into my head. If anyone saw a man and a woman alone behind buildings, they always assume things so I just said we were betrothed. The kiss well I could not think of anything else more convincing to prove that to them. She finally glanced over at him blushing a bit more as she realized that he could be blushing as well. Was he just as affected by this as she was?

Running her free hand through her hair that was down, she let out one more sigh, "Well right now we have two choices, one is keep posing as a betrothed couple until you get to my house and you can leave there or stay, or two is we can separate now. I leave the decision up to you, I know a lot of people here and if they ask, I shall deal with the consequences later. I just need to know that you're healthy and safe when you leave wherever you may go. My offer still stands, but that is entirely your decision." She told him wondering what exactly was going through his head at the moment.

[Dallas]

-ANDREAS

Andreas let himself relax as he listened to Abigail's explanation. If only he had known her plan before hand, then he would have been able to deal with it better. Of course the situation wouldn't allow for it, but he still couldn't help that feeling of fear that he got when he didn't know what was going to happen. At least the soldiers were gone, well they'd probably be keeping an eye on them now. They hadn't exactly left with smiles on their faces.

He knew that she had no other choice, and now that he looked back at it, the whole betrothed and kissing thing had been clever. Considering the time allotted she had thought of a better plan then he could have. And she had managed to make him blush, normally he was tougher then that. She really did have a way of getting under his skin. He hadn't been with a woman in so long he had almost forgotten about how it felt to be around them. It was strange thinking of it like that, but it was true. And he might admit that he had some kind of feeling for her, but he wasn't sure if it really meant anything. It was probably just spurred up from the moment.

Again she offered taking him back to her home. It was a big city and he supposed that he could possibly go off on his own. The chance of a soldier seeing him and asking questions was still there. He'd have to go to another city if he wanted to really be able to relax on his own. Then on the other hand if he went with her to her house then her grandfather could still figure him out, and he wasn't sure how she would react to finding out the truth.

Thinking about it a little more he began to grow wearier. He scuffed his boot in the dirt, Home... The word struck a chord in his very being. It had been years since he had actually been anywhere he could call home. So alone, for so long. His family was still back at his home, in Germany. Still under the reign of the Duke. He pursed his lips, trying not to think about them to much. It had been hard being away from them and he tried not to remind himself. Finally he looked back to her, “Lead the way.” He said as he extended his arm towards her for her to grab a hold of. They might as well act like a betrothed couple if they were going to fake it. He'd only follow her to her house, stay for dinner if she'd offer it, then leave. Then it would be done and he could go on his way.

[Katie]

The atmosphere around them was starting to relax more and Abby fould that she could relax a lot more and could go back to being her normal self in a regular situation. Of course this was still a strange situation, she was a bit surprised that Andrew was still around. He could have easily left her when the soldiers had left and that was a few minutes ago. She glanced over at him and frowned when thanks to the sun, she could see a huge dash on his forehead with dry blood sticking on it.

Gasping softly, she dropped her basket once more and reached down to tear a bit of her apron off and reached to slowly touch it. She dabbed it a couple times being as gentle as she could before stopping suddenly blushing more than ever, it just came natural to her.

"I'm sorry, I just am use to taking care of people especially my grandfather. He refuses to believe that he is in fact getting older in age sometimes. Here hold this to your head so when you leave, it won't get infected. Small pox and all kinds of illnesses are still going around. The last thing you need is getting ill when you leave." She replied softly handing him the cloth before pulling away to grab her things.

She was convinced that Andrew would turn her down and she turned away from his eyes that seemed to be drawing her in very slowly. She could not let what happened with Ewan all over again to herself. Sure she was at the age where most women married and settled down, but Abby wasn't like the typical woman in the colonies. She hated the rules. However she was shocked to hear that he would go with her. She stood up with her basket and watched slowly as he held out his arm for her. He is not Ewan, you can trust him, her mind screamed at her while slowly taking his arm and holding onto the basket tightly in her other arm.

"So why did you come here to the colonies if you don't mind me asking? I mean everything for you is in France, why come here where a huge war is breaking out?" She asked him curiously as she lead him out towards the streets and down towards Market Street where she lived. She smiled and nodded at certain people who said hello to her and Andrew and she blushed a bit more knowing that she would receive questions about the handsome man next to her. It was more than obvious that he was very attractive and why she decided to use the he is my fiance plan, she still didn't know.

They soon reached the large, red brick house that belonged to her grandfather. It was three stories high with multiple rooms including over five bedrooms and a room for Ben's inventions and his writing. A large portion of the house downstairs was solely for the newspaper that Ben founded and created. There were always people coming in and out of the house with information and news for the paper. Abby was also a writer when she had the time or when no one else could do their work due to illness or another news story breaking out. Currently, two of the writers Sam and James were with Washington and his army while the others were scattered around the colonies.

"Here we are." She told him softly as she lead him to the doorway and opened it leading him inside before shutting it.

"Hello Abby." Moses one of the journalists greeted her while placing the right blocks on the typer so the newspaper could be made.

Abby smiled and closed the door behind them placing her shawl on the rack next to the door, "Hello Moses, is Ben around?" She asked him curiously and Moses turned back to her giving her a bit of a stern look because of the stranger who was now glancing around the printing press.

"Yes I am here Abby, what took you so long? Oh I did not realize we had company. Hello." A strong, male voice entered the room and Abby glanced up to see her grandfather, Benjamin Franklin, walk in the room holding steady onto a cane.

"There were...complications in the market, lots of Redcoats Grandfather I apologize for the delay. Oh yes we do, this is Andrew, he hails from France. Andrew, this is my grandfather Benjamin Franklin." She said introducing them wondering if Andrew even know who her grandfather was.

[Dallas]

-ANDREAS

He was a little surprised when she noticed a cut on his forehead. It was so small and insignificant that he hardly ever noticed it. He had gotten it when he tripped and scrapped it against a branch on a bunch that had was particularly sticking out some. It had bled quite a bit, but he hadn't bothered with it. It was the cut on his left arm that he had acquired from a bayonet that bothered him from time to time, but it wasn't anything he couldn't handle. It was actually quite funny because now he had a scar on his right shoulder and one on his upper left arm.

She explained why she was so use to helping people, her grandfather sounded like a funny guy. He wasn't sure exactly what diseases she was talking about, but had sort of an idea from what he had heard some of the British soldiers talk about. There had been plenty of diseases in Germany, but he wasn't sure of they were the same here in the Colonies. It probably would be good to be cautious like she had said. So he dabbed the cut a little more, then put it in his satchel. Wasn't very often he got a fresh cloth for a bandage. Last one he used for the gash on his left arm.

After he had accepted her offer she seemed like she was shocked. I denied her once before she probably was expecting me to decline again. She slowly grabbed his arm and they were off once again. He noticed a few people glancing at them, probably wondering what she was doing with a stranger. And rightly so. It was a very confusing situation and he wasn't entirely sure he knew what he was doing. He tried to avoid looking at her when she asked what exactly had brought him to the Colonies. That was a good question... If only he knew the answer. I didn't have a choice in the matter. It would probably be best not to tell her to much, not to get to involved. Though he needed something convincing. “Well... I'm a man of duty... I felt it was right, because I understand the Patriot cause.” At least that was partially true. Not really any background to it, hopefully she wouldn't pry any farther then that.

When they reached the massively huge house Andreas didn't believe that she actually lived there, and was shocked when she led him to the doorway. Suddenly there was something in the air that smelled familiar. Some muffled noises coming from the house that he could have sworn he heard before. A grn spread across his face when she opened the door to reveal that there was a printing press in the bottom floor of the house. He hadn't expected that at all, but he was so delighted when he saw the familiar sights of a printing press. Ever since he was a boy he had wanted to become a journalist, though education was hard to come by in Germany. Of course he had been lucky enough to learn how to read, and from then on he had been obsessed with reading everything he could get his hands on.

He looked around the press, so happy that he had chosen to follow her after all. She was speaking with one of the workers, he didn't bother trying to understand what they were saying, but shivered when he heard a strong male voice suddenly speak. He turned around calmly and saw who the man was. It wasn't until Abigail said that his name was 'Benjamin Franklin.' He had heard stories about him back in Germany. From what he knew Mr. Franklin was a very well accomplished journalist, inventor, and had made a trip to France. Oh crap.. He suddenly felt like he was in a whole lot more trouble. As long as he didn't ask which part of France he was from, or about his past. Though Andreas knew things were about to get harder. “It's nice to meet you sir.” No matter how much Andreas had tried to cover his voice, Mr. Franklin would likely recognize that his slight accent was not French. Still he extended his hand in an attempt to show some kind of courtesy.

[Katie]

Abby was never the type to bring strangers into her grandfather's house or even into her own life. After what had happened with her and Ewan, she could not afford to trust any man whole-heartedly anymore. However for some reason it was strange that she felt like she could possibly trust Andrew one day if he stayed with them. She would invite him to dinner and to rest up for a couple days and then let him do whatever he needed to do.

He did come across as a man of duty and honor and she could see that he really did believe in the American cause, that they were being treated unfairly by the English. Everyone around them were Patriots and they would appreciate his help or contribution towards winning the war either from fighting or helping out in any way that he could. Any way he could help, they would take right now.

Abby slowly entered the kitchen where she laid down her basket of food and sorted it out before heading back into the print shop where Andrew had now just met her grandfather Ben and watched them very carefully. She could read her grandfather's facial expressions and movements, but not Andrew's. He seemed to be intimidated by the elder man though, most people were and soon they found out that Ben was just a smart, older man trying to end this war.

Ben meanwhile smiled gently and reached out slowly to take the young man's hand in his, "It's a pleasure to meet your aquittance as well, are you a soldier here for the French or the colonists?" He asked curiously as he began to sway a bit and Abby rushed towards his side.

"Grandfather you must not be on your feet for a long time, you heard what the doctor said about resting." She said taking Ben's arm and guiding into the sitting room next to the print shop.

Rolling his eyes at Andrew behind Abby's back, he led her guide him to a small couch and sat down slowly, "Come have a seat, you must be exhausted from your trip. You must join us for dinner Andrew, how did you and Abby meet?" He asked curiously.

"We met in the market Grandfather, we helped one another out and he did not have a place to stay so I invited him to stay here until he felt well enough to leave." Abby said looking over at Andrew with a small smile as she said that before standing up tall.

"Would you like some tea Grandfather? Andrew?" She asked them curiously turning back into her normal caregiver duties at home. She didn't mind though.

[Dallas]

-ANDREAS

He felt himself tense up when he noticed Abigail leave the room. He wasn't exactly sure he wanted to be left alone in the room with some one like Mr. Franklin. Still he grasped his hand firmly and confidently nodded. Relief swept over him when the man didn't ask about his accent and instead asked him a question, one that confused Andreas just a bit, but he understood the just of it. Though he couldn't answer when he noticed Mr. Franklin sway on his feet a little after having shook his hand. Abigail rushed to his side. Andreas's brow sunk with worry when he heard her speak again. The man did seem to be very weak, it was so kind of Abigail to be taking care of her grandfather like she was. A woman like her, he'd imagine that she would have gone off and settled down herself.

Mr. Franklin offered him a seat and he didn't want to be rude so he sat on a the edge of a seat in the small room they had walked into to. It did feel good to be off his feet for once. Glancing around at the quaint little room it was hard to imagine he had been staring at a canvas tent just the night before. He would always be grateful to Abigail for helping him out. Surely he'd have to find some way to repay her. The only other time some one had helped him was Adolf at the print shop back in Hanover.

Before Andreas could say anything Abigail explained how they had met, and Andreas smirked remembering what had happened only several minutes ago. Abigail seemed amused by the memory too, well at least from what he could make out. He still couldn't read her facial expressions, after all they had only met that day. She asked if her grandfather and Andrew would like some tea. He wasn't a fan of tea, but again he did not want to be rude so he nodded, “Thank you.” It was a little strange hearing them calling him 'Andrew' so much. Of course that is what the British soldiers had always called him. At least she and her grandfather weren't calling him that cursed nickname, 'Andy' it made his skin crawl whenever he heard that one. He had no idea why it bothered him so much, it just did.

As he thought a little more he grew curiouser about the Patriot cause and the organization. After all here he was sitting in the house of a huge Patriot. He had heard so many red coats speaking of Benjamin Franklin. The man's reputation was so great, it was remarkable that Andreas had happened to run into his granddaughter. “If you don't mind me asking,” He clenched his fist when he heard himself speak, still to German, “What will the Colonies do if they win?” He barely ever heard news about the Colonies. He'd only ever fought the Patriots, but they had managed to spur some very large scale battles. He hadn't been in very large ones, at least not in his opinion, but he had heard of the Battle of Trenton where all of the Hessians had been taken captive.

He felt a little tense after he had stated his question. There was still always the chance that someone would figure him out. Though he wasn't sure if that would necessarily be a bad thing since he and Abigail had formed some sort of trust between each other. That feeling of fear still lingered in the back of his mind though, much worse then it had been in Germany. It had been different in his home country, now he was afraid of what would happen to him in this new world. Still he felt more nervous if Abigail wasn't in the room. She was after all the only English speaker that he had made friends with. Well that wasn't counting those lads he had met during battle, they weren't here and even then they were red coats and they made him tense.

[Katie]

Abby was glad that Ben seemed to approve of her choice of bringing home a nice, patriotic stranger to their house. Ben seemed to be entertained by Andrew and his eagerness to learn more about the cause of freedom. They all entered the sitting area and she nodded as Andreas agreed to have some tea, although she noticed a slight pause in him after she had asked that. Maybe he didn't like tea, she thought to herself, as she hurried off into the kitchen to make the tea herself. Placing the iron kettle that Paul Revere had sent to them for a gift on the oven, she turned it on and grabbed the cups and tray she needed.

She glanced around the corner and saw that Ben was sitting across from Andrew and that they seemed to be in deep conversation. She grabbed the kettle when it was done and poured it into the tea cups and adding the little slice of lemon that Ben liked. She placed them all on the tray while she grabbed some random pieces of food, from slices of apples and grapes to a couple pieces of cheese and bread and placed them also on the tray. Satisfied with what she had, realizing that she was hungry, she grabbed the tray and headed through the print shop towards the sitting room where Andrew had just asked what the colonies were going to do if they won the war.

She handed Ben his tea cup and then handed Andrew his, leaning towards his ear, "If you want something else, you can tell me. I won't mind getting it for you." She replied softly as she stood up straight and then sat down on the only free space in the room, the chair next to Andrew while placing the tray full of food on the small table in front of them taking her own cup of tea and a couple apple slices as she relaxed in the chair.

"Not at all well the colonies have always wanted the chance to rule and govern themselves, they however, have never had the opportunity thanks to the various countries that have people living here as well which is well enough. When we win this war which I think we will once General Washington finds a way to formally train our army along with picking the right strategies to capture and attack the British armies by catching them off-guard. We would essentially have specific branches of government, my idea is to have three of them. A Congress that helps govern our land, a President to have the final say in the decision-making and a judicial system or the Surpreme Court that is made up of judges that helps resolve major issues and cases that can not be decided by local or state judges and lawyers. That is my proposal, however, it is not appreciated by some of the lawmakers and members of Congress right now." Ben replied taking a sip of his tea and smiled at Abby.

"Thank you my dear Abby, so Andrew what part of France do you come from? Rumor has it, I will be asked to be sent there to ask France for their aid in the war. We need more soldiers and money, plus they would make wonderful allies. I have only been there once and I saw Paris which was beautiful, I would love to see Versailles." He asked Andrew curiously.

Abby found herself wanting to know the answer to that question herself, but not wanting to pressure him, as she glanced over at Andrew, the still equally as handsome soldier next to her.

[Dallas]

-ANDREAS

Andreas slipped his satchel and canteen off of his shoulder and laid them down in front of him. The conversation seemed to be going well enough so he allowed himself to relax a little. Even though he was still sitting at the edge of his seat. It wasn't that he didn't feel comfortable around them, no it was just a force of habit. Every member of his family knew that he never liked to sit still, and he had formed a habit of sitting on the edge just in case he had to get up for something. Abigail and her grandfather seemed to be nice enough people, he didn't have a reason to worry about them to much.

He gratefully took the cup of tea off her hands and listened to what she said. No, I wouldn't want to make her run around. She seemed like she was use to running around taking care of her grandfather. She was nice but he didn't want cause her unneeded stress. He nodded gently as he watched her sit down and relax in the chair.

His attention returned to Mr. Franklin as he answered his question. He listened intently to the explanation, but felt his throat tense when he heard the name, 'General Washington.' Mr. Franklin was of course referring to the man who had led the group of colonists against the Hessians across the Delaware river, on Christmas while they were sleeping. Sure it had been a clever strategic move, but there was no way Andreas could forget the anger and fear he had felt when he had heard that bit news. Even though Germany was very divided he felt some sort of loyalty to the men who were like him, the men that had been forced into the Hessian army. He wasn't sure what the Colonists do with prisoners either. I hope I never meet that man... He was sure that if he did ever meet General Washington the temptation to challenge him would be to great.

The Colonists had seemed to be untrained whenever he had fought them, though that had proved to be to their advantage in some ways. Even though Andreas's army was the best Europe had to offer, the Colonists didn't stand in lines and surprised the British and Hessians more then once. What intrigued him more was what Mr. Franklin wanted to do with the government of the Colonies if they won. Is this 'president' like the king or something? He only knew how Germany worked, well how Brunswick worked technically. So what he thought what Mr. Franklin meant was probably something completely different. However the New World was a land of opportunity for a man like Andreas to make something of himself, something he couldn't do in Germany because he wasn't of royal blood.

Then Mr. Franklin asked which part of France he was from. Funny he had almost forgotten that he had said he was from France. He looked over to Abigail, he'd have to tell her the truth some time. At least to her, probably not to Mr. Franklin, he was still intimidating. Abigail though, he had some trust for her. Then he quickly thought of something to answer the question. “North East France...” That was where France bordered Germany... Was France like Germany? Or was it warmer? “It's a beautiful place.” He smiled slightly, trying to believe his own words. Then he slightly to Abigail, “Have you two always lived in Pennsylvania? Have you ever been to Germany?” Crap. He had no idea where the last question had come from, it was sort of directed towards anyone who had heard. It had just sort of popped up because he had been thinking of Germany so much. There was no taking it back now.

[Katie]

Being the typical woman, Abby was always curious about something. She couldn't help, but wonder about everything that was going on especially regarding the new man in her life. She could safely say that she could maybe trust Andrew one day, he seemd like he was harmless and that he just wanted to be free of something. Of course she knew he was hiding something, but couldn't quite put her finger on it.

Listening to her grandfather once more explain what he had in mind of what should happen if the Colonists indeed won this war, she relaxed more in her chair and reached for more apple slices not realizing how hungry she was.

"That's for you too, you must be hungry." She told Andrew gently as she chewed on her slice of apple as her grandfather finished his story and she nodded as she watched Andrew respond about where he was from.

"I could imagine how beautiful it is, you're lucky." She told him with a sweet smile before taking a sip of her tea. Suddenly, out of nowhere, she heard him ask about Germany. What would Germany have anything to do with this? However maybe he was close to the border or something, she had no idea.

"Yes we have always lived in Philadelphia, we travel to different states for stories, but Grandfather loves it here. He travels to London and France sometimes for business on behalf of our Congress. No I have yet to leave the colonies." She replied.

"I have never been to Germany, have you before Andrew?" Ben asked curiously taking a sip of his tea before a knock was heard at the door and Moses entered the room.

"Excuse me everyone, but sir we are ready for your approval for the article about the occupation of Philadelphia." He said and Ben then nodded and stood up slowly.

"Thank you Moses, Andrew would you like to see my printing press? I don't know if Abby told you, but I own a newspaper here in Pennsylvania." Ben asked curiously as Abby jumped up and helped her grandfather up.

"I shall get dinner going, Andrew wouldn't you stay please?" She asked him curiously.

[Dallas]

-ANDREAS

[/b][/size][/right]

He gripped the arm of the chair as he listened to Abigail speak up every now and then. The atmosphere around them was very calm though, and it was a welcome change. If only it had come sooner, he still couldn't believe that he was actually out of the camp. Looking back at all he still couldn't believe that he was in the Colonies. They seemed nice enough, so he wasn't to worried, but he was tense about how they would respond to his question about Germany. He shook his head slightly when he heard Abigail mention the food on the tray.

A faint smile came to his lips when Abigail remarked that he was lucky for living in such a beautiful place. His home was beautiful... Though the Colonies were just as beautiful and he thought that they were the lucky ones for having been born in them. Some people would probably disagree since the Colonies had been stricken with war for the past century, but he thought they were lucky none the less for being born into a place that was only semi-governed by the British crown. He believed the Colonies would win, it would be a place of freedom.

Abigail went on to explain how she and her grandfather traveled around the Colonies for different stories. Her grandfather had been to London and France more then a couple of times, which didn't surprise him very much. It still boggled his mind just how much territory belonged to England though, well it wouldn't belong to them anymore if the Colonies won. He nodded very gently when he heard Abigail say that she had never left the Colonies. A native of the New World... well in a sense. Then Mr. Franklin asked if he had ever been to Germany. “Well...” A knocking on the door interrupted him.

A man asked for approval for an article or something. That had saved him from a clumsy explanation for his question. Then Mr. Franklin and Abigail got up and he asked if he would like to see his printing press. Boy would I! It was the first familiar thing he had seen in so long. Though he delayed his response when he heard Abigail ask for him to stay for dinner. “Yes, I will.” He smiled at her. Even though he knew that he wanted to leave right after the meal. He had enough provisions to last him for a while, and he would make his way to Boston. Pennsylvania did sound like a nice state, he had even heard some stories of a lot of Germans settling there before the war. Boston was the biggest city though and he wanted to go some where where he'd have a better chance of joining the Colonists. If he stayed in Philadelphia there could be trouble with the British soldiers, since they had probably spread rumors of the strange encounter with a betrothed couple.

Andreas picked up his haversack and canteen again, slinging them back over his shoulder as he walked out of the room with them. “I use to work at a printing press... Back in France.” He glanced around again at the room, smirking slightly at the comfortably familiar sight of it.

[Katie]

Ben always said you could learn a lot from a person by being in their shoes and Abby couldn't help, but wonder what kind of shoes Andreas was wearing, or what kind of condition they were in. He was not like any other man she had met and he seemed truly intimidated about his surroundings.

She was a bit surprised to see that he wanted to learn more about Ben's printing press. She then heard that he had worked at one back in his homeland. She gave him a smile and opened the door leading into the large room where the press was located. Copies of the Gazette were everywhere and she knew that within the remainder of the night that the messengers would come inside and get them to deliver them around the colonies.

"So you are familiar with a printing press I assume? Or is it different back in France?" Ben asked Andrew curiously as they entered the room while Abby couldn't help, but smile. So he was going to stay for dinner and she was excited to spend more time with him.

Exiting the room after she realized that she was blushing, she made a dash for the kitchen and quickly began to boil the potatoes while she prepared the chicken to be cooked. They had the small stove that Ben had modified several years ago that seemed to work better and cook things faster which was a relief since Abby was still learning how to cook.

***

Ben watched his granddaughter rush towards the kitchen smiling a bit knowing that she was probably blushing. What did that mean exactly? He thought to himself before turning back towards Andrew who was staring down at his printing press.

"I apologize if Abby has been a bit intimidating, she does not realize that she can be. She has a lot of pressure on her being my granddaughter and she often can forget that. She means well though if that helps with any strange feelings you have." He said sensing that the younger man was a bit more relaxed now that Abby had left the room.

"Excuse me while I glance over this article, feel free to look around." He offered as Moses handed him the parchment of paper watching with a close eye just what exactly he was going to do.

[Dallas]

((lol I just realized ben asked him if the printing press was the same in Germany. I'm going to ignore that and pretend you typed France xD))

-ANDREAS

[/size]

It seemed busy inside the printing press, papers were lying every where and workers were running about making sure everything was going well. Ben asked him if the printing presses in France were the same, but Andreas didn't feel compelled to answer. Instead he just nodded and watched as Abigail left the room swiftly, noticing that she was blushing slightly.

He returned his attention to Mr. Franklin as he told him not to be intimidated by her. "No, no... She is just different." He smirked as he said that. She was very nice, but she always seemed to be nervous about something or other. It made him feel a little more guilty for having lied to her about being a French soldier. In the bigger scheme of things it probably wasn't that big of a deal, of course if he went around saying he was Hessian people would not to turn him into the authorities. Abigail did seem trustworthy enough though.

When Mr. Franklin glanced over the article, Andreas simply nodded. He grabbed the strap to his haversack and rested his hand on it as he looked around the room. It was nice to see a printing press again, though he knew it wasn't home. He sighed a little as he looked at the papers sitting in stacks, he would run papers sometimes. It did give him the urge to carry on his old job, but he brushed off the feeling quickly. He looked over to the doorway Abigail had disappeared through, wondering if she would be alright cooking by herself. Though she did it every evening he couldn't help but wonder.

Looking over his shoulder really quick he saw that Mr. Franklin was still preoccupied so he took a few steps in the direction of the kitchen. "Do you need help?" He didn't like feeling useless, though he wasn't sure how much use he would be in the kitchen. He had only helped his mother and sisters a few times and even then he had almost burned the house down.