December 7th prompt "Debate"  

A/N: I admit the music is a little dramatic, but I could not resist. Hope you enjoy the story while you listen to the astounding 'Fortuna Imperatrix Mundi' by German composer Carl Orff (from his cantata Carmina Burana) and better known to many of us as 'O Fortuna'.  

For almost twenty minutes the debate had lingered on and still, no decision had been finalised. It had ended up in just a childish argument; voices raised, name-calling, every captious connotation floating about the room. Brenda was considering throwing in the towel but then again, they had to succeed this time. Backing out at this stage would be... Well, it was just unthinkable.

"The way I see it, we have only one choice," a voice to her left stated. Jake, always so sure he knew best.

Brenda clucked her tongue. "Actually, that's not entirely true, there is a third alternative."

"Oh, is there, now?"

She rolled her eyes, agitated. "Yes, Fi! There is. We just cannot afford to lose - again." Her eyes drifted to the large retro clock on her living-room wall. Ten minutes left.

"You are aware of the consequences, of course, should you listen to him?" Fi scoffed.

"And to whom, exactly, are you referring to in that derogatory tone?" Jake huffed.

"Considering you're the only bloke - allegedly - I would have thought that obvious."

"Enough!" Abruptly, Brenda stood and crossed the room. "I've had it up to here with you two bitching," she said, slapping her forehead and instantly regretting it. It stung.

"Well, you should listen to me! If we fail again..." Jake, being his indomitable self, prickled Fi's hackles.

"Excuse me, but I think not! Last time we followed your plan we - "

Brenda zoned out. This had become a weekly occurrence. Every Sunday the same old thing. She would put forth her idea and then they would try and talk her out of it. Why do I bother? she wondered. It wasn't as if she was incapable of making a sensible decision after all. Truth be told she was probably the most experienced out of the three of them. She gritted her teeth as the muffled voices continued to squabble in the background.

Tick-tock, tick-tock... Seven minutes left.

Taking a deep breath she moved back to her seat. "Right! I am doing this my way for once!" she said adamantly, reaching for her drink. Dutch courage.

"We will die!" Jake whined.

"Oh, grow up!" Brenda gulped the remains of her gin and tonic. With a sniff, she replaced her glass on the leather coaster.

"We've discussed this already, there are only two ways this can be done, Brenda. So which is it? His, or mine?" Fi pleaded.

"Neither!" Brenda growled. "Now stop arguing and start listening." She eyed the clock again. Five minutes and twenty-two seconds left.

The two voices fell silent, their indignation hanging thick in the air as Brenda explained.

"Now, let's do this!" The gin was having the desired effect.

"But..."

"We are running out of time Jake! If you want to argue, crack on, but I'm doing this." One more glance at the clock. The second hand was creeping up to the twelve. "Ready?"

Disgruntled affirmations played in her ears. She adjusted her headphones and the mic for the final time. Her fingers flexed, poised and eyes glued to her computer screen. 

 She moved her little Night Elf Fury Warrior into position and made him unsheathe his swords. Fi's hunter nocked her arrows and ordered her pet at the ready. Jake's discipline priest cast a Shield over his fellow players. They had five minutes to get this achievement before they were locked out of the game for another week.

"We're gonna get this achievement supposing it kills us," Brenda growled.

The voices in her headset groaned in unison. "Don't say that!"