This chapter's name is from another local band. The song is called 'Stalker' by Kes The Band. It's a great song, and I believe it was the top hit on Synergy (do you even get Synergy?? Hmmm) anyways, enjoy the chapter!!

p.s. any anime freaks out there: I'm beta-ing this story, "The Other Side Of Me" by Nicigold, and its pretty freaking awesome :) she's changing the story line, but the change is for the better, don't worry! check it out!!

Briar stared at Sandry, admiring her curves. Even when sitting she held herself regally. Such a noble, thought Briar. He grinned as he remembered that even at the tender age of ten, she held herself like the noble she is and commanded respect from the men who were chasing him when he stole his shakkan.

His stomach growled loudly, and Sandry turned from her weaving to smirk at him. "I think it's about supper time, don't you?"

Briar nodded vigorously. All his foster sisters knew Briar put his stomach first, everything else second. He had gone hungry for too long in the slums of Hajara. He swiftly got up from the bed and pecked Sandry on the cheek.

"You'll join me in the dining room, or shall I bring the food here?" he asked as he walked out of the room.

Sandry waved her hand dismissively and replied, "I'll join you as soon as I can." Briar rolled his eyes- he knew he would have to bring food for her. When she was so absorbed in her work, she would put everything else on hold, even food. He just could not understand it.

He shoved his hands deep into his pockets and strolled down the near deserted corridors, taking his time. Even though he was hungry, he was in no rush. As he was walking past a smaller corridor, he heard a noise that made him pause. Drawing his daggers from the sheaths on his wrists, he cautiously moved towards the noise.

"Hello? Anyone there?" he called. Better safe than sorry, he thought ruefully. I would rather that I announce my presence and get attacked than attack an unsuspecting servant.

Briar took a startled step backwards as a woman crashed into him. He held her up as she regained her balance and composure. "Oh! Briar! I didn't know you would be here." She exclaimed as he let her go, opening her brown eyes wide. Briar almost groaned aloud. He just had to bounce into Lexa.

"Good evening Lexa. I was just heading down to the kitchens to get some food for Sandry and I." He answered, taking a step backwards to the main corridor.

Lexa was average height, maybe half a hand shorter than Briar. She had large innocent brown eyes, and long brown hair that was usually kept in a bun. She was actually kind of mousy looking, thought Briar as he took another step in retreat.

She walked around him, blocking his retreat. "Oh yes, Lady Sandry. I think she can wait just an itsy bitsy for her food, don't you?" she asked, her eyes a bit too innocent. She advanced on him, trapping him between her and the wall.

"Um, I think she may notice if I'm gone for too long." Briar replied, ducking under her arm. She placed a hand on his chest, stopping him from moving. She gently shoved him against the wall again. She traced the contours of his chest, moving lower and lower, forcing Briar to lean against the wall even further.

Where did that boy go? She thought irritably. He couldn't be so far ahead!! She quickened her pace, only to stop in surprise as she heard Briar's voice. She paused, listening and heard another voice after his- a woman's. Wait, that voice was familiar.

She turned to corner and saw a smaller corridor where she finally saw Briar. Lexa was holding him against the wall, and Sandry almost laughed aloud at Briar's expression. He looked helpless and exasperated. Always the gentleman, he would not simply push the very forward servant away so he can leave.

Sandry felt a flash of jealousy as Lexa trailed her hand along Briar's chest, but she saw that Briar attempted to push himself further into the wall at the contact. She barely managed to hide her snort of amusement. She covered her mouth quickly, not wanting either to hear her.

Briar looked at her, pleading, and Sandry hardened her gaze. She spun on her heel and walked in the direction of her room, trying in vain to muffle the laughter that was bubbling in her chest.

Briar heard a soft snort, and quickly snapped his gaze to the person standing at the entrance of the hall. He almost groaned as he Sandry standing there, a hand over her mouth. She glared at him, then spun around and headed back to her room.

Briar gently pushed Lexa's tracing hand away, saying softly, "I'm sorry Lexa, you are simply not my type." He quickly sidestepped the stunned servant and hurried after Sandry.

Sandry slammed the door to her room, keeping up the pretense that she was angry at Briar. She heard him rush after her, so she quickly retreated to her room, hoping to put a very solid door between them.

"Sandry! C'mon Sandry, open up! I can explain." Briar pleaded from the other side of the door. Sandry sat on her bed, trying to smother her laughter.

Her maid, Gudrundy, walked in on her in this position and sent her a quizzical glance. She sent a sharp glance at the door through which Briar was still pleading, and asked simply, "Do I even want to know?"

Sandry shook her head quickly. She feared if she told, she would finally give into the fit of laughter that was hovering in her chest. Gudrundy took the hint and left the room quickly.

Sandry? Asked Briar silently. I'm so sorry. I didn't instigate anything, I swear!

Sandry felt his authentic guilt, and relented. She laughed aloud, unable to hold it any longer. Briar barged into the room, and incredulous look on his face, and Sandry erupted into further giggles. She threw her arms around his neck and pecked him on the lips.

I forgive you, she answered, unable to speak. Briar stared at the still giggling Sandry and shook his head in amazement.

Heehee hoped you liked this one :) I tried to resist the temptation to write, coz I still have A LOT of work to do, but this chapter was haunting me all night last night, so I had to get it out my system before I exploded. I had a bunch of fun writing this one, and I'll have even more fun writing the next one :D However, that one is only gonna get published AFTER I finish ma work.

r.e.v.i.e.w.

por favor

[please]

x)