WILL I BE DENIED ---

Do you remember me?
Lost for so long...

[/b][/color]



ERIN “IRELAND” PATRICK[/size][/b]
====================================[/center][/color]

2009

[/b]

====================================

[/color]

Erin was about ready to lose her mind. She had been dealing with on and off vomiting, headaches, nausea and occasionally a few more embarrassing symptoms as a result of this damn economic bull crap. Oh, okay. She knew it wasn’t ‘bull crap’ but around no she didn’t care what it was, it was miserable!! There was of course the global financial crisis hitting her, but it was the more local one that was driving her towards complete and utter misery. Erin hadn’t experienced this kind of economic issues before. Sure, she had experienced small parts of the Great Depression, but for the most part some could say she practically missed it compared to other countries. This was hitting her much harder and more directly.

So what did Erin do when her government started struggling with the finances (something she tried to avoid being a part of, given her somewhat wild temperament)? She immediately started packing her bags for a vacation. Now, this wasn’t technically a fair term for it, given the symptoms don’t just go away as she leaves the country. For all intents and purposes she IS the country. At least heading somewhere else for a while would take her mind off of the chaotic politics. And perhaps she could convince someone to get involved with helping her economy? Doubtful...

Erin grabbed her bags and left, hopping a plane for what would be the worst flight ever. When she finally arrived in Washington, she was about ready to collapse into a bed. So she got a hotel the first night before making her way over to Alfred. They had dated once upon a time, though no normal person would ever believe her if she gave them a time line. Erin had also slept with Alfred on and off over the course of the last century and a half. They were far from strangers.

Wandering up to the door she poked the door bell and waited, her orange, white and green suit case plopped on the ground behind her. Erin never packed light. So that suit case was accompanied by a smaller ‘carry on’ suit case in green (it was checked for the flight), a shoulder bag in orange and a white duffle bag, balanced very carefully on top of the bigger suit case. It was an amazing visual, the little, thin, slight 5’0 girl lugging around all these bags. It was a wonder she had managed it at all.

Erin leaned back against the rail as she waited, taking a sip from a small flask (with whisky in it no doubt) pulled out of the messenger bag. Her eyes were skimming around and her mind was on the type of reception she may receive. Alfred wasn’t expecting her and she had once again shown up unannounced. Erin often did that to poor Alfred...but she hadn’t been turned from the door yet.

[/color]

====================================

[/color]

Tag --- Alfred/Mandee
Words --- 483
Lyrics --- " Tourniquet" By Evanescence
Outfit --- A pair of jeans, a green tank top, an orange long sleeve, thin sweater and a pair of sun glasses. Her luggage is currently an accessory

[/color]

====================================

[/color]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=style, width: 415px; padding: 15px; -webkit-border-radius: 10px; background-color: #494949; border-top: 3px solid #333333; border-bottom: 3px solid #333333, bTable][STYLE=font-family: Helvetica Neue; font-size: 25px; text-transform: lowercase; text-align: center; letter-spacing: -1px; color: #cacaca; font-weight: 100!important]i get knocked down, but i get up again[/style] [STYLE=padding: 10px; border-top: 1px solid #cacaca; opacity: 0.8; width: 415px;] [/style] [STYLE=font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10px; color: #cacaca; text-align: justify; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-bottom: 10px;] TAGGED Erin/Ireland - WORDS 570 - NOTES Placed this somewhere in June. Alfred hadn't ventured out as much as of late. His condition wasn't as bad as some - Greece for example, who seemed to be getting worse with every month, but it was safe to say that the recession was taking it's toll on Alfred as much as it was on everyone else. They were calling it a global recession for a reason. It had been awkward, introducing himself to a new boss in January with the worst case of the sniffles he'd had since introducing himself to FDR in 1933. Well, to be more accurate, this was a bad case of the sniffles. What he had in the 1930s was more akin to the flu. Regardless, being sick in general wasn't a good thing when you were introducing yourself to the man who was going to be your boss for the next four to eight years. Another reason Alfred didn't venture out much was that he didn't want to scare his own citizens. There was a level of panic concerning a new strain of the influenza virus dubbed as 'swine flu', and though Alfred knew he was ill as a direct result of the recession and not a flu virus, there was no way he could tell Joe Schmoe on the street this. Really, if you saw a man who looked to be 19 or 20 walking down the street sniffling in a declared flu pandemic, would you assume he's the personification of your country undergoing the residual effects of an economic downswing or a college student (already described as one of the ages most at risk), sick with swine flu? Currently, Alfred was sitting in front of the TV, a few tissues haphazardly tossed around him. He flipped through the channels, unsure of what to watch, a blanket around him even though it was June. He was surprised to hear a knock at the door, and set down the remote at once. Company? He wasn't expecting company. He assumed it was one of his states, or maybe Danii - either that or someone from the White House. He decided to venture on over to the door. Having the symptoms of a bad cold, he still had most of his energy, he just didn't feel too hot. Alfred had to admit that he was surprised to see Ireland of all nations standing at his door. He hadn't even been expecting a nation. Most of them were preoccupied with their own economic situations, only deciding to converge with those they were especially close to, and for the usual meetings. It had been a while since Alfred and Erin's last 'get together', so to speak, so Alfred was mildly surprised that she'd turned up so suddenly. He couldn't say he minded, though. "Hey Ireland, come on in! When did you decide to come here?" He hoped he hadn't missed an email or call or something. He also hoped she wouldn't mind the slight mess that he had around, particularly on the couch. He rubbed at his nose and sniffed a little, wondering how the current global economy was affecting her. This one seemed to hit almost everyone...funny, the humans had their pandemic, while the nations had their own outbreak. Oh well, such was the sort of thing that happened with a global economy.[/style][STYLE=font-family: Helvetica Neue; font-size: 25px; text-transform: lowercase; text-align: center; letter-spacing: -1px; color: #cacaca; font-weight: 100!important; border-top: 1px solid #cacaca; width: 415px;]you're never going to keep me down[/style]

[STYLE=font-family: Courier New; font-size: 9px;]template by jetplane of btn[/style]

Do you remember me?
Lost for so long...

[/b][/color]



ERIN “IRELAND” PATRICK[/size][/b]
====================================[/center][/color]

2009

[/b]

====================================

[/color]

In many ways Alfred was more considerate than Erin. Erin had a hard time thinking about the people in her country when she was ill herself. She had moments where she was concerned but mostly she was caught up in her own misery. She didn’t care about potential panic but her symptoms hadn’t exactly manifested the same way as his. She was finding herself with a frequent headache, occasional vomiting, fever and rarely the sniffles. She was sniffle free for the moment, but she had been on and off many times throughout this crisis. Her symptoms were inconsistent and continuously changing. For the moment she was nauseas, unable to keep food down, getting hot and cold flashes, with a mild headache and a strong desire for potatoes. The last one was hardly a bi-product of the economy though…

For Erin this was in many ways worse than the Great Depression. The 30s had been mild for her with much less to be worried about than many of the countries hit by the depression. She had bit a bit off kilter but not nearly anything like this. An on and off flu with migraines wasn’t exactly what she had been wanting. Erin’s thoughts were as always on herself and her symptoms. As soon as her government expressed a concern she found herself a new place to hole up to try to weather it out.

Erin’s head perked up as she heard the sounds of the door opening. She turned her attention to Alfred, skimming him over after the door was opened. She knew he wasn’t expecting her and she didn’t care. ”When Mary decided I was too much of a hassle and they had other things to focus on. Sure, their other things will get me feeling better but I am not feeling too hot, the least they could do is give me some attention!”

[/b] She sounded like a whining child, but Erin didn’t care. She wanted attention and some focus on her. And if she couldn’t have that she’d at least have company.

She glanced in the door and then at her luggage. ”Mind helping me in with all this crap? Oh, and do you happen to have some potatoes and a toilet?”[/b] she asked, anticipating the back lash she’d get from eating the potatoes. She didn’t wait for an answer and started lugging her bags in the door.

”So, you sick too?” she noted his sniff so this was more a statement than a question. She could tell he was being effected and she hoped he wouldn’t mind her imposing with her own illness. It wasn’t like it was contagious like a human illness. It was, however, spilling across many nations. Her own state couldn’t make his any worse, so at least they could be miserable together.[/size][/blockquote][/blockquote][/color]

====================================

[/color]

Tag --- Alfred/Mandee
Words --- 468
Lyrics --- " Tourniquet" By Evanescence
Outfit --- A pair of jeans, a green tank top, an orange long sleeve, thin sweater and a pair of sun glasses. Her luggage is currently an accessory

[/color]

====================================

[/color]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=style, width: 415px; padding: 15px; -webkit-border-radius: 10px; background-color: #494949; border-top: 3px solid #333333; border-bottom: 3px solid #333333, bTable][STYLE=font-family: Helvetica Neue; font-size: 25px; text-transform: lowercase; text-align: center; letter-spacing: -1px; color: #cacaca; font-weight: 100!important]i get knocked down, but i get up again[/style] [STYLE=padding: 10px; border-top: 1px solid #cacaca; opacity: 0.8; width: 415px;] [/style] [STYLE=font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10px; color: #cacaca; text-align: justify; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-bottom: 10px;] TAGGED Erin/Ireland - WORDS 457 - NOTES Placed this somewhere in June. It was most certainly a surprise to see Erin at his doorstep. Not an unpleasant one, though. Anyone who knew Alfred knew that he hated being cooped up or feeling cut off in any way. At least modern technology allowed him contact with others without having to venture out of his house, but he hated that not many people came to visit him. What he had wasn't even contagious, at least in the normal usage of the term. One couldn't get sick from being in close contact with him, human or personification. He just supposed most of them were busy and left it at that. Alfred raised an eyebrow at Erin's words. "So they kicked you out? That's a drag. Well, you're welcome to stay here as long as you want!" Alfred should have known better. He should have known that Erin would likely take such words to heart and crash at his place until she was ready to leave. And when she left, it was doubtful that she'd take her leave in peace. Having known her ways since the mid 1800s, he was used to it by now, and wouldn't expect it any other way. The blond heard Erin's comment, and swooped in to pick up her luggage with ease, as if he were lifting something incredibly light. While he wasn't at full strength as a result of the recession, he was still far stronger than any human, and the vast majority of nations as well. If he could lift a car without too much of a problem, he could lift Erin's bags. Her next question caught him off guard. The second part of it, at least. The first part brought a grin to his lips. He knew that Erin enjoyed potatoes as much as he enjoyed fast food, to the point where they were both known for it. The toilet comment puzzled him, though. "Of course I have a toilet. Third door on the left!" His assumption was that she just had to use the bathroom, not that she'd end up filling his toilet with probably half of her lunch. Again, their symptoms were manifesting differently, and the economic downturn was affecting her worse than it affected him. What a switch from the 1930s! Alfred sniffed again when Erin asked if he was sick. "Sure am. Sucks, doesn't it?" He could only assume she was sick, given her use of the word 'too'. That and it seemed as though every nation was affecting by this in some way. It wasn't all that farfetched to think that she was feeling ill too, even if she hadn't all but admitted it.[/style][STYLE=font-family: Helvetica Neue; font-size: 25px; text-transform: lowercase; text-align: center; letter-spacing: -1px; color: #cacaca; font-weight: 100!important; border-top: 1px solid #cacaca; width: 415px;]you're never going to keep me down[/style]

[STYLE=font-family: Courier New; font-size: 9px;]template by jetplane of btn[/style]

Do you remember me?
Lost for so long...

[/b][/color]



ERIN “IRELAND” PATRICK[/size][/b]
====================================[/center][/color]

2009

[/b]

====================================

[/color]

Erin was the type of person who could entertain herself but also adored having company. You’d never guess with the way she often treated people, but she did enjoy having people around her. She had to have a balance in her life. She loved taking long hours to watch National Geographic, Discovery Channel or Nature Documentaries. She loved running around outdoors and having some fun. But everyone needed other people and Erin found others like her more preferable to human company. Especially since all the humans who knew the truth about what she was were all more inclined to talk politics.

Alfred was one of Erin’s friends. She didn’t have many she would personally call her friends. Some you would never guess were her friends to begin with. She didn’t often treat friends very well. It was the ones who were resilient or returned the poor treatment that often ended up being semi-permanently her friends. Naturally, within the political scope, Erin could only consider friends Semi-Permanent. Countries changed allegiances too much to be considered her friends indefinitely. So far she hadn’t had too many nasty spats with Alfred. Only two main ones stood out in her mind. The first was her getting furious with him for faulty advice on how to handle the whole situation of independence. His method had not worked well for her. That had ended with them dating...which led to the second. Her raging and storming out. Come to think of it, most of her visits ended that way...

Erin shrugged and tilted her head side to side for a moment in indecision before nodding. ”They can’t exactly kick me out. But they had me temporarily relocated?”

[/b] she offered with a shrug. She made careful note of the exact words in case he tried to make her leave later. Nothing was a better argument than your own words turned against you. She would take it to heart. Alfred had just ensured that Erin would stay until she felt like leaving. That could be a while...

Erin as always found Alfred’s strength impressive and slightly surprising. She moved to the side with the bag she was still rolling around and the shoulder bag, but left the rest for him to deal with. Erin didn’t exactly have any major physical things that made her exceptional. Her hair stood out like a beacon, but that about covered it. She watched him take the bags and followed a few steps behind, dragging the suitcase on wheels behind her.

She couldn’t help but grin as Alfred told her where the bathroom was. She didn’t need directions. Hell, she could find her way there with her eyes closed. Erin had visited more than a few times before. She had just stated her needs regardless. That toilet and her were about to become more intimate than Erin would like, not that it was the first time. Problems had hit Erin before that led to her coming here and she’d more than made friends with Alfred’s toilet. The two shared secrets...

Erin noted Alfred’s sniffing and felt quite a bit of sympathy. She hated the sniffles. That was the worst symptom to get from any political, economic or natural crisis. Nothing was more irritating than a constantly running nose. Erin’s would run when she tossed her next meal, but at least it would be short lived. Alfred wasn’t so fortunate.

”It does! I’d be positively amused at the state of everyone, if I wasn’t feeling so gross myself.”[/b] Erin offered with a devious grin. Despite being sick, she was still somewhat amused that others were also suffering for it. Misery loved company, and Erin was definitely one to enjoy a situation more when others suffered with her. It was even better when they suffered without her, naturally...

Erin smiled widely. ”Now I am setting up shop on your couch. I brought my favourite blanket and my snuggie...”[/b] Erin said, far from asking if this was alright. She often just made herself at home at someone’s house. It didn’t matter if she knew them for centuries or only a few hours.[/size][/blockquote][/blockquote][/color]

====================================

[/color]

Tag --- Alfred/Mandee
Words --- 685
Lyrics --- " Tourniquet" By Evanescence
Outfit --- A pair of jeans, a green tank top, an orange long sleeve, thin sweater and a pair of sun glasses. Her luggage is currently an accessory

[/color]

====================================

[/color]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=style, width: 415px; padding: 15px; -webkit-border-radius: 10px; background-color: #494949; border-top: 3px solid #333333; border-bottom: 3px solid #333333, bTable][STYLE=font-family: Helvetica Neue; font-size: 25px; text-transform: lowercase; text-align: center; letter-spacing: -1px; color: #cacaca; font-weight: 100!important]i get knocked down, but i get up again[/style] [STYLE=padding: 10px; border-top: 1px solid #cacaca; opacity: 0.8; width: 415px;] [/style] [STYLE=font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10px; color: #cacaca; text-align: justify; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-bottom: 10px;] TAGGED Erin/Ireland - WORDS 521 - NOTES This was longer than I expected it to be, which is good! =) More often than not, Alfred thrived when he was around people. He was an extrovert. Having people around him could cheer him up when he was feeling down, distract him from his worries, and rejuvenate him. That said, even Alfred appreciated occasional time to himself (especially if something was really bothering him), but for the most part, he was a people person...or nation, rather. Whatever the reason for Erin's 'relocation', he was happy to have her there. Alfred had no problem moving Erin's bags. He failed to note Erin's grin when he mentioned the bathroom, not realizing that she'd be spending almost as much time in there as she would in the guest room she'd be staying in. Though it wouldn't come as much of a surprise if she spent a couple of nights in his room. It was usually how it went when she came to stay. Old habits die hard, and this was a habit they'd had since a century and a half before. Neither seemed particularly eager to stop it either. Alfred knew his situation could be a lot worse. The cold-like symptoms were still annoying, but at least he wasn't confined to his bed with a raging fever that left him delirious. That was the fate that befell him during the early days of the Great Depression, and it wasn't one that he was eager to repeat. Thankfully, as bad as this was, it showed no signs of getting that bad any time soon. He grinned at Erin's next statement. "I think everyone's feeling kinda gross right now. Still not as bad as the 30s though, and I'm happy for that." He reached out and grabbed Erin's hand, holding it to his forehead. "See? No fever!" Alfred had at least a mild fever throughout the majority of the Great Depression, though his fever only spiked during the particularly rough turns. The initial crash, the fallout after the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act was passed, and the dip in 1937 and 1938 were some examples of this. He took the fact that he didn't have a fever as a great sign, though it would be optimal if the economy was back on track and his symptoms subsided, of course. Erin might not have been asking if it was alright, but it did not matter to Alfred either way. He was fine with her making herself at home, as long as she wasn't under the impression that she could take over entirely. This was still his house, after all. "Just as long as you save some room for me." Instead of plopping down right away, Alfred decided to address another matter first. "You want something to snack on?" Here, his stomach gave a low rumble. Another huge advantage over his symptoms during the Great Depression - He still had his appetite! Still waiting for Erin's answer, Alfred turned around and began to dig through the pantry for something to soothe his own cravings.[/style][STYLE=font-family: Helvetica Neue; font-size: 25px; text-transform: lowercase; text-align: center; letter-spacing: -1px; color: #cacaca; font-weight: 100!important; border-top: 1px solid #cacaca; width: 415px;]you're never going to keep me down[/style]

[STYLE=font-family: Courier New; font-size: 9px;]template by jetplane of btn[/style]

Do you remember me?
Lost for so long...

[/b][/color]



ERIN “IRELAND” PATRICK[/size][/b]
====================================[/center][/color]

2009

[/b]

====================================

[/color]

One thing about Alfred Erin would always love is the fact that he always seemed pleased to see her. That wasn’t exactly a common reaction to her. Erin was high maintenance and more than a bit difficult to handle. She would never admit this, and certainly wasn’t aware of it. She was aware that few welcomed her openly and many would do so strictly out of courteously. It wasn’t that she couldn’t be fun, it was that she was often a bit drastic in her moods. Alfred didn’t seem to mind and Erin appreciated it. Again, this was something she’d never admit to.

Erin intended to spend equal time in the guest room, on the couch, in the bathroom and of course, in Alfred’s room. Well, the bathroom wasn’t in the plan but it was best she did plan for it, given it was likely to happen. Erin and Alfred had a history of habit. She’d show up. She’d stay for a while. She’d creep into his bed and they’d spend a night, or two... or more together. Erin was always lonely and being with someone made her feel less alone. Why Alfred did it wasn’t something she cared to work out. She hadn’t even spared a thought to his reasoning.

Erin shrugged as he mentioned everyone feeling that way. ”I am more concerned with me feeling that way. I’ve never been this sick before...Well, not sick sick at least.”

[/b] Erin had felt worse, but it wasn’t for the same reasons. Famine had hit many times and hard over the years and she wasn’t one to suffer quietly. Much like her people she had been constantly hungry and no amount of food helped. Naturally that was bi-product of the state of her population. So many had died in those years of famine. This wasn’t a constant gnawing at her stomach, so much as discomfort, an occasional twisting followed by a quick expel.

Erin shook her head and laughed. ”No fever indeed. I’ve had one on and off. Nothing serious though...”[/b] She made it out to be a lot less than it was. The initial shock of her economy had left her in bed for three weeks. Erin was difficult when she was healthy. Now imagine her stuck in bed with nothing but nature documentaries to keep her content. It wasn’t a great prospect for those trying to help her through it, or her government for that matter.

Erin grinned at him when he told her to leave room for him. ”I am small, I will fit just fine with plenty of room for you.”[/b] She retorted. She turned to enter the living room but cocked her head and turned when he mentioned a snack. ”Do you have any chips? French fries? Hell, I’d settle for mashed potatoes!!”[/b](which for Erin wasn’t settling at all) she said with an exaggerated sigh of contentment at the thought of munching on something solid. That was another reason she was here, the girl was sick to death of soup...even if it did stay down.

She immediately plopped into a chair in the kitchen. She could choose to help herself but one of them in the pantry was enough for the both of them. ”Know any places that make a good Leek and Potato soup around here?”[/b] She asked. ”I could go for some of that later...”[/b] Of course, any of it would just meet his toilet anyways...[/size][/blockquote][/blockquote][/color]

====================================

[/color]

Tag --- Alfred/Mandee
Words --- 575
Lyrics --- " Tourniquet" By Evanescence
Outfit --- A pair of jeans, a green tank top, an orange long sleeve, thin sweater and a pair of sun glasses. Her luggage is currently an accessory

[/color]

====================================

[/color]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=style, width: 415px; padding: 15px; -webkit-border-radius: 10px; background-color: #494949; border-top: 3px solid #333333; border-bottom: 3px solid #333333, bTable][STYLE=font-family: Helvetica Neue; font-size: 25px; text-transform: lowercase; text-align: center; letter-spacing: -1px; color: #cacaca; font-weight: 100!important]i get knocked down, but i get up again[/style] [STYLE=padding: 10px; border-top: 1px solid #cacaca; opacity: 0.8; width: 415px;] [/style] [STYLE=font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10px; color: #cacaca; text-align: justify; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-bottom: 10px;] TAGGED Erin/Ireland - WORDS 413 - NOTES Placed this somewhere in June. The main reason Alfred never seemed displeased at Erin's presence was that he never had reason to be. Even when they dated and broke up, it wasn't that big of a deal for him. Sure, it was upsetting, just as any break up would be, but he didn't hold it against her. They were still on good terms, even if they had their spats occasionally (though Erin's personality ensured that nearly everyone had some sort of spat with her at some point, even if it didn't erupt into a full out war). Alfred frowned at once, caught a little off guard. He knew she hadn't been as badly affected as him during the Great Depression, but she was worse off this time around? Per usual, Alfred wanted to find out more. "Worse than the Great Depression?" The slight shift of tone in his voice irritated his throat, and he coughed a few times into his sleeve, wiping his nose when he was done. The fact that she had a fever seemed to point in that direction. He believed Erin when she tried to pass her illness off as less than it was, but fact remained that she still had a fever off and on. That meant that her economy was doing worse than his. Seeing her grin, he grinned back, before he went back to searching through the pantry. What was the saying? Feed a cold, starve a temperature? He was pretty sure that was how it went. Well, Erin did say she had occasional fevers, but she didn't seem to have one right now! So hopefully eating would do her some good too. Alfred knew Erin well enough to already be searching through the chips before she even answered. Hence, he had a response waiting for her mere seconds after she made her request. "You want regular, barbecue, or sour cream and onion?" Alfred might snack on a few chips as well, but he'd already selected his snack from the back of the pantry. He had a small bag of cheeseburger cracker flavored combos in his left hand. He then made his way over to the refrigerator, looking through that quickly as well. "You want any dip? We got french onion, ranch, and bean!" One thing could be said for certain - When one came over to Alfred's, they did not need to worry about a shortage of snack food. [/style][STYLE=font-family: Helvetica Neue; font-size: 25px; text-transform: lowercase; text-align: center; letter-spacing: -1px; color: #cacaca; font-weight: 100!important; border-top: 1px solid #cacaca; width: 415px;]you're never going to keep me down[/style]

[STYLE=font-family: Courier New; font-size: 9px;]template by jetplane of btn[/style]

Do you remember me?
Lost for so long...

[/b][/color]



ERIN “IRELAND” PATRICK[/size][/b]
====================================[/center][/color]

2009

[/b]

====================================

[/color]

One of the things that always came to Erin’s mind when she was around Alfred, was those five years back in the 1800s. Inevitably, something would remind her of those days and what they entailed. She had shown up furious with him, bitching at him for planting a terrible idea in her head that had ended badly. The revolution she attempted with Francis’ help hadn’t ended well, the few rights and freedoms she had gained from England had been lost. She had blamed him for the idea. After all, it was Alfred who had told her it worked that way.

The results of that visit had been quite contrary to her reason for showing up to begin with. They had frequented theatres, seen many shows and acts performed by many people. They had eaten many foods cooked by many chefs. All the while, she had somehow fallen for that carefree charm. Yet, at the same time, she got nothing from the relationship, realizing she was giving far more than she was receiving. One small moment was all it took and she had raged and yelled and it was over. For Erin it still meant something. For Erin...it always still meant something.

Erin had a hard time letting things go. To this day she had a hard time not claiming Alfred was hers just because she had dated in for five years of her eight hundred and forty-one year long life. A relationship that had ended one hundred and sixty-two years ago still made Erin want to stake a claim. She didn’t like when he looked at other people, or talk to other people. Hell, she was like that with anyone she was attached to. Erin was a jealous and self-serving person. As such, those years were always in her mind. Being back here in his space always made those thoughts that much more prominent.

Erin snapped out of her memories, trying to redirect her attentions back to the conversation. He had asked her something...the Great Depression? Oh! ”Mm...well, the Great Depression wasn’t that rough on me to begin with...”

[/b] she didn’t want to commit to a yes. Erin loved to bitch, but when it came to her political and economic problems, she didn’t really want to admit to anything.

”Robitussin?”[/b] she said with a smile after his cough. She understood what he was feeling, that much was for sure. Erin’s symptoms had been similar to his back during the Great Depression. She couldn’t remember very well what state Alfred had been in, but it did seem their symptoms were somewhat reversed...though far from completely.

Erin’s grin remained firmly on her face even as he went back to digging. There was something amusing about watching Alfred dig through the Pantry. Most likely it had something to do with the other Nation’s obsession with food. Erin wasn’t sure she had ever heard him say ‘I’m Full’ or even refuse food to begin with. She went up on her toes a moment, peering around the kitchen. Not seeing many signs of fast-food was always concerning at Alfred’s.

”Mm...a bit of all of them dumped in a bowl so I can mix them all up!?” She said in response to his question, looking hopeful as ever. She loved chips...and mixing flavours was the best of all worlds. She walked right over and just squeezed in next to him by the fridge instead of answering his question. She slinked her hand in and snatched up the Ranch dip. ”Got and cold booze?”[/b] she asked, knowing that drinking was a terrible idea when sick...but then again, so was Potato Chips. If she was going to damn herself, she was going to do it thoroughly.[/size][/blockquote][/blockquote][/color]

====================================

[/color]

Tag --- Alfred/Mandee
Words --- 618
Lyrics --- " Tourniquet" By Evanescence
Outfit --- A pair of jeans, a green tank top, an orange long sleeve, thin sweater and a pair of sun glasses. Her luggage is currently an accessory

[/color]

====================================

[/color]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=style, width: 415px; padding: 15px; -webkit-border-radius: 10px; background-color: #494949; border-top: 3px solid #333333; border-bottom: 3px solid #333333, bTable] i get knocked down, but i get up again TAGGED Erin/Ireland - WORDS 510 - NOTES Placed this somewhere in June. Alfred remembered the days that he and Erin dated with mostly fondness. There were ups and downs, but compared to some of his relationships, his relationship with Erin was rather stable. Apparently, though, he hadn't taken it as seriously as she had. It wasn't that he didn't take the relationship seriously at all - because he did. He just didn't put as much into it as Erin did. That said, obviously something worked between them. They were still friends...alright, so they were more than friends. Friends with benefits best described their relationship, and it was probably the best place for their relationship to remain. He didn't see much of the other nations in the 1930s. He just assumed (rightfully) that most of the other nations were hit by the worldwide depression as well. Erin was of course grouped into this, even though it apparently wasn't the case. This surprised Alfred, but hey, it was good for Erin at the time! "You're lucky." Alfred commented. "That one hit me hard. It took World War II to get me feeling up to speed again." He rubbed at his nose. Erin was lucky when it came to the Great Depression, though not so much this time around. Alfred let out a laugh at Erin's comment about Robitussin. "I don't know how much good it'll do, but maybe it'll offer some relief. Wish they had something that didn't taste like some sort of topping Arthur would put on his scones. Seriously, I wouldn't put it past him." For all that he poked fun at Arthur's cooking, Alfred secretly enjoyed a few of his older brother's dishes. He rarely ate them, though, out of principle. About the only thing he'd eat in public was fish and chips, but that wasn't a surprise to most people. Fried fish and french fries? Yep, that was right up his alley. "You got it!" He called out in response to her request about the chips, yanking out a large bowl. He opened each bag one by one before dumping copious amounts of each flavor into the dish. He jumped slightly as he saw her hand reach out to grab the ranch dip. "I thought you were still at the couch! Couldn't wait that long?" Alfred teased, grabbing a chip from the bowl and munching on it. He was caught off guard by her next question. He shouldn't have been, given that it was Erin, but he figured she might want to lay off of the alcohol since she was sick. Apparently that wasn't the case, though, and Alfred grinned. "When don't I have booze around here? If you're looking for cold, I've got some beer and whiskey. Everything else is warm, though we could always mix it with something cold if you want something like that." Alfred started to dig through the refrigerator again, pulling said beer and whiskey to the front for easy access. you're never going to keep me down

template by jetplane of btn

Do you remember me?
Lost for so long...

[/b][/color]



ERIN “IRELAND” PATRICK[/size][/b]
====================================[/center][/color]

2009

[/b]

====================================

[/color]

Erin was pretty sure not many nations saw each other in the 1930s. It was a time where financially it was difficult to afford a trip to another country, and other than for meetings at the World Conference Centre, why would anyone want to go anywhere when they were feeling under the weather? Hell, Erin couldn’t recall if there were any meetings then either...Erin had spent those days lounging around outside (playing in the snow, dancing in the rain, working in the garden), at the local pubs, or at the market enjoying a mix of performances and trying her best to support the locals of Dublin.

”It hit a lot of people hard. World War II wouldn’t have been quite so possible without it. Ludwig may have been the aggressor for World War II but I felt bad for him in the aftermath of World War I. Then the depression hit everyone. There were plenty of empathetic feelings going around...I am just glad I didn’t get hit like the rest of you...”

[/b] Erin said with a triumphant smirk. Of course, that didn’t help her queasiness and inability to keep food down right now...

Erin shook her head. ”If Pepto Bismal didn’t do jack for me, Robatussin won’t do anything for you. That’s the worst part about economic illness. No relief...”[/b] she muttered the ‘no relief’ part almost like she would a curse. Erin felt some strange satisfaction that she wasn’t the only one however. She was definitely the type where she wanted company in her misery.

Erin crinkled her nose at the scones comment. ”That stuff is so gross, I wonder if they have ever tasted fruit before. That cough syrup doesn’t taste like cherry...Oh. And I think even Arthur is beyond that.”[/b] she said with a grin. Erin loved many forms of food. She had experienced several of Arthur’s dishes over the years and naturally she loved them. Naturally, she wasn’t so inclined to refuse them as Alfred was.

She moved into the kitchen doorway when she heard the crinkle of chip bags. Erin’s eyes lit up with pure delight, something she had thought lost when this economic downfall hit. She watched with every dump of the chips her eyes darting over the beautiful crisp forms of coloured potato. The perfectly seasoned and fried to perfection...Her mouth was watering with desire.

After Alfred’s response to her popping into the fridge she couldn’t help the devious grin. ”Nope...it’s easier to hear you from in here...” she said, popping the dip open and snatching up a barbeque chip to dip into it before placing it on her tongue and groaning with pleasure. ”Chips...I have missed you...”[/b] she told the bowl.

She dropped the dip next to the bowl and turned with a grin at the information of cold Whisky and Beer. ”Best I stick to Whisky. Mixing when I am already ill isn’t a great plan. My tolerance for Whisky is so great I am sure I’ll have no problem.”[/b] By that she meant, she’d likely throw up anyways and then the whisky would be a great follow up to get rid of the flavour residue once she had given her offering to the toilet.

She collected the chips and dip and proceeded into the living room again. ”Got a preference for what to watch? Hm..what were you watching when I got here...?”[/b] she asked, eyeing the TV.[/size][/blockquote][/blockquote][/color]

====================================

[/color]

Tag --- Alfred/Mandee
Words --- 567
Lyrics --- " Tourniquet" By Evanescence
Outfit --- A pair of jeans, a green tank top, an orange long sleeve, thin sweater and a pair of sun glasses. Her luggage is currently an accessory

[/color]

====================================

[/color]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=style, width: 415px; padding: 15px; -webkit-border-radius: 10px; background-color: #494949; border-top: 3px solid #333333; border-bottom: 3px solid #333333, bTable] i get knocked down, but i get up again TAGGED Erin/Ireland - WORDS 651 - NOTES Placed this somewhere in June. As Erin talked about World War II and the circumstances leading up to it, Alfred let out a sigh. "He had a lot dumped on him." Alfred wouldn't full out admit fault, because he had a hard time doing so with anything. He also wasn't the only one who pushed Ludwig's fate on him. All of the Allies in World War I agreed that Germany would get the raw end of the deal, and it backfired. That said, it didn't excuse Ludwig's actions during World War II. Admittedly, his actions were not entirely his fault. Ludwig's boss had been absolutely terrible, and a lot of the blame was shouldered on his boss and his regime. Nevertheless, Ludwig went along with it, and therefore Alfred could not remove him from blame entirely. "Yeah, well, lucky you." Alfred stated with a small grin of his own. He didn't blame her for being relieved. However, it looked as though her relatively good fate during the Great Depression was coming back to bite her now, if her symptoms were any hint. And Alfred was just going on the fever for this basis. He didn't even know that Erin spent an awful lot of her time sitting in front of a toilet bowl. Alfred shook his head, covering his mouth as a few more coughs escaped. "I know. All we can do is wait for our bosses and governments to figure things out. Or let it run it's course." One of the worst things, in Alfred's opinion, about economic illnesses were that they tended to drag on for so long. The Great Depression lasted for an entire decade. An entire decade of feeling various shades of miserable. He hoped he wasn't in for another one of those...but so far his symptoms were promising. They weren't good, and they were probably his worst since the Great Depression as far as economic illnesses were considered, but he was still manifesting cold-like symptoms rather than flu-like ones. "Yeah, I think you're right." Alfred admitted. He wasn't going to say that he actually enjoyed many of the dishes that Arthur fed to him when he was a colony, but he would admit that Arthur's food wasn't as bad as Robitussin. Alfred just shrugged at Erin's response. It made enough sense to him. He laughed when Erin spoke to the bowl of chips as if it were actually sentient, and then proceeded to grab another chip himself, giving it a quick run through the dip before popping it into his mouth. "How long have you been without chips? Two days?" Alfred joked, grin still on his face. Again, Erin without chips was like Alfred without a hamburger. Obviously, the two didn't just subsist on those items, but they were quick and easy snacks that both had come to adore. "Sounds like a plan. I'll leave you to it then, and go for a beer myself." With that, Alfred reached into the refrigerator and grabbed a bottle of beer, popping off the top and taking a few drinks from the glass before heading back into the living room with Erin (and his combos of course). He plopped down on the sofa, spreading out as much as he could while still giving Erin a cushion to sit on. He set his beer down on the coffee table and proceeded to bust open his bag of combos, tossing a few into his mouth. "Not too much on right now." He stated, somewhat muffled as a result of his mouth being semi-full. He swallowed before continuing. "I was thinking about popping in a movie before you turned up. We could still do that if you want. You know me, I got a huge collection." Hollywood being his city and all. you're never going to keep me down

template by jetplane of btn

Do you remember me?
Lost for so long...

[/b][/color]



ERIN “IRELAND” PATRICK[/size][/b]
====================================[/center][/color]

2009

[/b]

====================================

[/color]

Erin didn’t really give a damn about other opinions on the war. She also didn’t care who she said her opinion to, despite the fact that Alfred had a part to play in everything. Everyone made mistakes and who was she to fry them for it? Not everyone could be perfect...like her! (Okay, she wasn’t perfect...but like hell if she was going to admit it). She had no sympathy for Ludwig’s actions but she did feel he was wrongly treated...something everyone paid for. The fact of the matter was, everyone contributed to the first world war. The strict rules Ludwig received as punishment for being on the losing side was harsh. And World War II was a nightmare on all accounts that should have been avoided.

”I am paying for it now though, aren’t I?” Erin retorted with a shrug. ”So I wouldn’t say lucky so much as...I managed to deflect till now.”

[/b] she explained. Erin popped another chip in her mouth, feeling delight at the crunch and the burst of flavour.

Erin nodded solemnly. ”That is the worst part...It’s out of our control. I mean, sure, humans get sick. But their colds and flus don’t last years! Ours hinges on what the government does to fight it and how long it takes for the plan they use to work...”[/b] Erin shook her head. ”I just hope that my government gets its ass in gear...”[/b]

Erin had been sick many times in her long life. This still felt like one of the worst times. She’d suffered enough famine it had left her permanently thinner than she should be as a reflection of that, and even then, those were the past in a way she tried and often succeeded in forgetting. Erin was still managing to appear better than she was now, but she honestly felt like shit...She just hoped Alfred’s toilet was well kept since she’d been here last.

Seeing Alfred’s grin as he asked her how long she’d been without chips made her grin in response. ”Closer to a week! Can you believe it?!” she sounded outraged. Now, they may have kept her away from the chips, but Erin had never gone without the whisky at least. That would have been dreadful. As it was she had felt the steadily increasing pangs of desire for chips as the week went on. Now she was feeling quite blissful to fill that craving. Except the part where she was cold, but her head was groggy. Or the way her stomach was already churning from the few chips she had eaten...okay, so the moment was blissful if you took away the reason she had been forced to go without to begin with.

Erin placed the whisky and chips in place and wandered out, taking a few minutes to change into something more comfortable. She had a pair of green leprechaun pajama pants in place of her jeans when she returned, slumping into the open spot, plopping her legs up and grabbing the wonderful goods that coming to Alfred’s had allowed her to get her hands on.

”Sure, a movie sounds great. How does Avengers sound?”[/b] she offered with a grin. ”We can start at the beginning of the set and make a marathon of it...”[/b] Erin popped a few more chips in her mouth, her stomach steadily churning and only getting worse.[/size][/blockquote][/blockquote][/color]

====================================

[/color]

Tag --- Alfred/Mandee
Words --- 560
Lyrics --- " Tourniquet" By Evanescence
Outfit --- A pair of leprechaun pajama bottoms, a green tank top, an orange long sleeve, thin sweater and a pair of sun glasses. Her luggage is currently an accessory

[/color]

====================================

[/color]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=style, width: 415px; padding: 15px; -webkit-border-radius: 10px; background-color: #494949; border-top: 3px solid #333333; border-bottom: 3px solid #333333, bTable] i get knocked down, but i get up again TAGGED Erin/Ireland - WORDS 419 - NOTES Placed this somewhere in June. "Well, you were lucky until now," Alfred retorted, shoveling a few more combos into his mouth. Alfred let out a sigh, followed by a few forceful coughs. "Took until the 40s for me to really start feeling back up to par." He hoped it wouldn't last this long this time around. It took World War II to bring him out of that funk, and he certainly did not want World War III to break out. Especially when taking into consideration what World War III was widely considered likely to entail... He was prepared for nuclear war, but he didn't want to put those preparations to use. Who did? It had come uncomfortably close in the past as it was. "A week?" Alfred paused in the middle of his own snack at this revelation. He reached forward and felt Erin's forehead. "Damn, you really are sick!" It wasn't that he doubted it before, but Erin without her favorite food for a week drove the point home. Alfred watched as Erin wandered off to change, admittedly eying her from behind as she left. While she was out, Alfred munched on a few chips. He settled into his seat, getting comfortable before Erin came back in her pajamas. The blond grinned at Erin's movie suggestion. "A marathon sounds great to me!" He looked toward the TV, realizing the mistake he'd make in getting comfortable so soon. He still had to get up to put the movie into the DVD player! Alfred nevertheless shuffled to his feet, retrieving an Iron Man DVD from a decent sized pile next to the TV. Fortunately, it was a recent movie, so it was more readily available than some of the other movies he had. He really needed to reorganize those at some point... Alfred placed the DVD into the player and hastily grabbed the remote. He plopped back down in his seat. "You have good tastes in movies, you know that?" Alfred informed Erin with a grin. Well, it was either that or she suggested the movies that she did because she knew Alfred would like them. Either way, Alfred was pleased with the results. Alfred reached out to grab a blanket to cover himself with from a nearby chair. His cold like symptoms were giving him a mild chill, although he did not have a high fever as he'd had during various instances in the Great Depression. "You feelin' cold too? I got extra blankets if you need any." you're never going to keep me down

template by jetplane of btn

Do you remember me?
Lost for so long...

[/b][/color]



ERIN “IRELAND” PATRICK[/size][/b]
====================================[/center][/color]

2009

[/b]

====================================

[/color]

Erin shrugged her agreement. Yes, she was lucky until now. Unless you count all those famines, and all the other disasters she had to endure. Sure, Alfred had a small one in Alaska in the late 1800s, but Erin had several full country ones over the years. Other countries had experienced the same over the years, some worse than her. But it was hard for Erin to see the suffering of others over herself. She was just selfish like that.

She shoved a handful of chips in her mouth, delighted with the flavour, despite the churning of her stomach that was steadily building for an eruption. ”I hope this one is short. I get whiney when I am too sick for too long…”

[/b] she complained. That’s right, Erin was complaining about her whining…

Erin glanced longingly at the bowl of chips after her answer and then back at Alfred as he repeated it back to her. Erin stayed still as he plopped his hand on her forehead. ”Yup. I told you I was.”[/b] Erin said, her tone sounding slightly irritated. She didn’t want her chips taken away! Not again! Not ever!! Not her french fries, mashed potatoes, tater tots, baked potatoes, potato skins, cheese fries, beef pies (with lots of potato), hash browns, potato soups, potato chowders, potato casseroles, potato wedges or even the poutine she tried in Canada and now makes at home. Even her Irish Potato Candy, which are not even made with potato to begin with!! Erin just wanted her potatoes!! If they made her vomit, who cares!?! Just makes more room for more potatoes!

Erin got up as Alfred did. As he went to pop in the DVD she dug out a blanket from her bag that proudly showed her flag and bundled into it on the couch, dragging the chips closer. She made sure escape would be easy of course, as Erin’s stomach was making all the warning signs quite clear that any more potatoes and things would take a turn for the worse.

Erin laughed. ”More like I know who to go to when I want to watch certain types of movies!”[/b] she offered. Erin wasn’t overly observant, but she did know most people got bored of her nature documentaries and movies very quick. She would still have to hijack his TV for the one coming on in the morning about Tasmanian Devils. It was a new one!

”I wouldn’t argue with more blankets. I’ve been unable to shake the cold feeling since these economic issues snuck up on me…”[/b] Erin said with a shrug. The cold wasn’t what was bothering her. Those potatoes chips were planning their revenge, even now.[/size][/blockquote][/blockquote][/color]

====================================

[/color]

Tag --- Alfred/Mandee
Words --- 447
Lyrics --- " Tourniquet" By Evanescence
Outfit --- A pair of leprechaun pajama bottoms, a green tank top, an orange long sleeve, thin sweater and a pair of sun glasses. Her luggage is currently an accessory

[/color]

====================================

[/color]