Word of the Day

[glennagirl.livejournal.com]

You can share a few thoughts, write a few sentences using our word of the day, and you can post that in the comments. 

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17

Hoarfrost

[HOHR-frost]Part of speech: noun

Origin: middle english, 13th century

• Frost that forms from dew
• Frost that occurs in freezers with high humidity

Examples of Hoarfrost in a sentence

• On cold mornings, the hoarfrost coats everything in a sheen of ice crystals.
• His job was to thaw out the walk-in freezer when it was filled with hoarfrost.

About Hoarfrost

"Hoarfrost" basically just means frost, but it can specifically refer to the light covering of white that forms when dew freezes. Hoarfrost occurs in any situation where there’s excess moisture that quickly freezes.

Did you Know?

The word "hoar" comes from a Middle English term that means gray or old. The inspiration came from trees and bushes covered in frost that looks like white hair.

Forging Friendship - A Drabble Story

[glennagirl.livejournal.com]

Day 1

New York City was already lit up like, well, like a Christmas Tree.

It was Christmas, and it was cold.

Napoleon Solo was looking forward to spending Christmas at home, at least he hoped it to be so.  He and his partner Illya Kuryakin, newly partnered and still working out the finer points of that status, were both sidelined with injuries sustained in their last mission.

Biding their time at various projects related to ongoing missions, it occurred to Solo that Illya hadn’t mentioned having plans for Christmas.  He wondered if it was by choice or circumstance.

Maybe he’d ask.

Day 2

Illya Kuryakin had lived in some of the world’s most interesting cities.  Now he found himself in New York City; perhaps the most intriguing one with its abundance and outrageous displays of commercialism.  Store windows with elaborate stagings of a store bought Christmas left him longing for his childhood, for the stories told by his beloved babushka, of the child heralded by angelic hosts.  It was a story he remembered now without fear of reprisal, the images of such a scene woven into his memory of the woman who shared them with her grandson.

If only...

Day 3

In the haze of being in Medical until now, both Napoleon and Illya had managed to mend, at least physically.  The affair they survived was one of those with lasting memories, most of them in stark contrast to the current season of cheer and good will.

Napoleon was hesitant to invite his partner to a little soiree on Christmas Eve; he wasn’t sure of the Russian’s response to something so obviously American, a term Illya had used recently. Even though adapting well enough to Western culture, celebrations for Christmas might still be a stretch.

Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

The Twelve Days of UNCLE - Chapter 5

[jkkitty.livejournal.com]

glennagirl     ,Chapter 1 https://section7mfu.livejournal.com/2696261.html
ssclassof56   Chapter 2 https://section7mfu.livejournal.com/2696624.html
mrua7           Chapter 3 https://section7mfu.livejournal.com/2698329.html
glennagirl      Chapter 4 https://section7mfu.livejournal.com/2701431.html



The trip back to the estate was quiet once more.  Justin stared at the fan while holding it close to himself. His eyes frequently checked the others in the car, almost as if someone would take it away from him.  

Denise cuddled up to Illya, “Father is so strange with this collection of his.  He usually is so involved in his business that he often forgets about mother and I until I need to remind him.”

“I don’t remember him mentioning what business he is in?”  Illya said innocently.

“I’m not sure, but frequently men with bulges in their coats just like yours come and go. They often will be locked in father’s home office for hours at a time.”

Illya glanced at Napoleon, who nodded for Illya to continue.  Although the Russian felt that it was insensitive to trick the girl, the assignment came first.  “It must be frightening to have them coming in with those bulges.”

“Well, the only scary thing was I don’t see all of them leave.  It’s the yelling that upsets me...” Denise started.

“DENISE,” Depardieu's voice was raised in anger.  “Enough.”

Everyone stared at him, “Excuse me.  Denise, I’m sure Mr. Kuryakin isn’t interested in my business activities.” Turning toward Napoleon, “Mr. Solo, you do have the information for the next item, I hope.”  The tone of his voice went from anger to intimidation as he changed the subject.

“An envelope will be brought to your home tonight,” Napoleon assured him.

“It better be,” was the menacing comment.

---------------

After arriving back to the estate, Depardieu entered his office, ignoring his guests only to reappear when his valet informed him that a message had been delivered to his guest.  He found Illya and Napoleon opening an envelope.

“Mr. Solo?”

“It states there will be a reservation for dinner tomorrow night in Nice, France, waiting for me at the Hotel Le Negresco for their Regency-style Le Chantecler restaurant.  It seems like we need to wear that monkey suit once more that you dislike so much Illya,” Napoleon teased his partner.

“I’m sure if we need to dress up for this meeting Mr. Kuryakin will have no problems with it,” Depardieu made it clear that he wouldn’t be prevented from getting the next item by Illya’s dislike of a tux.

“No problems Justin,” Illya assured him just as Denise came into the hall. 

“Oh, where are we going next?” she asked, seeing the envelope in Napoleon’s hands.

“Le Chantecler in Nice, dear,” Depardieu informed her.

Letting out a shriek, she threw her arms around Illya’s neck.  “Just think. You in a tux.  Me in a sexy little thing.  We’ll be the talk of the restaurant.”

Napoleon tried to hide a grin as he turned to his friend, who had Denise draped over him, kissing his neck and nibbling his ear.  “Sounds like an entertaining night.”  Napoleon smiled at his partner, who looked uncomfortable with Denise’s attention.

“As long as I get my item, it should be,” the threatening tone returned.  Depardieu returned to his office.  Before the door was closed, they saw the items he had purchased so far on his desk.

-----------------

The next afternoon the men met Denise, and Regina in the front hall.  “You’re ten minutes late,” Depardieu informed them.

“Sorry,” Illya said, “We were just making last-minute arrangements to ensure this sale would run smoothly.” He nodded to Napoleon, who pull a piece of paper out of his pocket.

“This seller is once more demanding 430,000 francs,” as Justin, began to complain, Napoleon interrupted him.  “I didn’t want to say yes until I talked to you.”

Depardieu stood still. It was a lot of money, and he would have to cash in some of his bonds to afford it if it was truly Marie’s.  However, if it truly belonged to her and something breathtaking, it would be his forever. “What is it?”

“We were not informed, just that the latest offer for it was 425,000 francs.  However, as a favorite to Napoleon and myself, the seller was willing to let it go for 430,000.”

Regina shook her head,” You can’t be seriously thinking of spending that type of money on an object.”

Everyone waited for his response.  “Let’s go.”

Regina gasped.  “This obsession of yours is getting out of hand.  Go, spend the money, but don’t expect me to support this decision.” Then turned to head back up the staircase.

“Let’s go, gentlemen.  Are you going to support your mother or come with us, Denise?”

The girl dressed in a black, sleeveless mini dress with a deep, plunging V neckline that was a crossover front draped style, leaving nothing to the imagination. “I did promise Illya a good time and intent to make sure he remembers every minute of it.”

“Then at least take a stole with you to cover up some of your nakedness.  I don’t want to have a conversation with Mr. Kuryakin because of him getting the wrong idea,” Justin, ordered, heading toward the car. 

Walking with his partner, Napoleon whispered, “Good time, you will remember?”

“Shut up, Napoleon.  She’s the one with the ideas.” The Russian entered Napoleon’s regular front seat.

“Illya, I was hoping you would sit by me,” Denise whined.

“I have to give your father the directions.”

Pouting, Denise moved over to the window giving Napoleon more than half the seat, which made him smile.

------------

Once they arrived at Hotel Le Negresco, Napoleon retrieved the information then directed everyone to the Le Chantecler and a private room. 

An older man sat at the top of the table.  Beside him, a older dark-haired woman with makeup so thick you could see it across the room was feeding him.

“I’m sorry, but he hoped he’d be done before you came.  He doesn’t like to have others seeing him eat.  Please help yourself to the offerings.” She said, continuing to offer the man his dinner.

“I’d like to see the item,” Depardieu said, ignoring the cuisine.

The man’s shaky, weak voice said as his two clawed hands hit the table. “A gentleman eats before business.” Then looked at Napoleon, “You said he was a gentleman.  I’m not sure he is the man for this item.”

“Please forgive me,” Justin, backtracked.  “I’m just excited to see the item.”  He quickly moved to the food and loaded his dish.

As he ate, Justin, kept glancing at the box on the table behind the older man.  When everyone was finished and sherry was poured, the man looked at Illya, “You look strong.  Please place the box in front of Depardieu.”

After sitting the box by Justin, Illya returned next to Napoleon.  “Something is familiar about that old man, but I can’t place it.”

“We’ll have to up our security.  Keep an eye on him.”

Opening the cardboard box, Justin’s eyes widened while he tried to speak.  Finally, he was able to mumble out, “Is it?”

“Yes, her second one.” The man said, “You can take it out and examine it.”

Justin heaved the heavy item that weighed over 40 kilos (100 pounds) out and stared at it.  Slowly he opened the chest.  It was Marie Antoinette’s second traveling case that was handmade by the Royal Cabinetmaker in veined mahogany from Cuba with gilded brass hinges and corners. The locking system is a complex two turn system with a cloverleaf shaped key which latches down in four places. It includes over 50 items such as desk accessories, glasses and bottles, silver cutlery, porcelain tableware, candlesticks, bed warmer, coffee, tea, and chocolate pots and spirit burner.

“Wow, I could use that,” Denise’s excitement broke the silence.

“You will not touch it,” Justin demanded.

“Did Mr. Solo tell you my price?”  the old man asked.

“Yes, and worth every franc of it,” Justin, stood paying the man then asked.  “Are you ready to leave?” 

The others stood following him out as Justin, hurried to the car holding the chest.

----------------

As the group left, Mark looked at April.  “Love, I think Napoleon and Illya are getting suspicious.”

April removed the wig and began to remove the makeup, “I agree.  We need to let Waverly know.”

“I don’t think it will make a difference, but it seems like the smart thing to do.”

---------
Leaving the room, Depardieu “Mr. Kuryakin, you drive.  I don’t want anything to happen to this.”

As they walked toward the car, “I agree there is something about those two, but I can’t figure it out also.  We need to watch out from now on.  Something is going on, and I don’t like it.”

“I agree,” Illya sat as he entered the driver seat and Denise slid in next to him.

Illya floored the car, thrilled with the power it had. He often was taking the curves on two wheels.  Sitting next to him, Denise cuddled into his arm giving a shout of joy frequently.  “It’s hard to drive with you holding onto my arm.”

“But I’m so comfortable, and we had to leave before I could show you how much I enjoyed being with you,” Denise complained.

“Later,” Illya told her as he removed her arm.  Pouting once more, she moved to the window.

“We’ll see if I’m in the mood,” her disappointment was obvious.

Napoleon kept an eye on both his partner and Justin,, who sat in the back seat, oblivious to anything around him.  He ran his hand over the box touching everything in it whispering mine repeatedly.  He was beginning to see what obsession could do to an ambitious man.