Total wording: A lot.

Disclaimers: I'm not really the author. The story and characters took over long ago and made me their slave. They continue to amaze me...

WARNING: Many happy sweet moments, not written for the evil minded.

Chapter 24: Lea and Danny

Beric stepped out first and I followed, forgetting about my hair which I had twisted into a quick braid. I took a gulp of air, ready for whatever. I immediately caught sight of a young woman running down the steps that led up to the doors; her skirts held high as she flew toward us. What struck me was the similarity between her and Beric. She was tall, slim, and her dark hair curled gracefully from a loose bun. Her almond brown eyes twinkled just like his and her grin flashed happily.

"Beric!" She cried, and would have thrown herself into his arms if he had not quickly warned her of his condition. She stopped short and gasped, "Ach, have you gone through a torture chamber? Or maybe you offended a titan! You did not mention you were so badly hurt!"

See, she even sounded like him.

"I'm not," he insisted. "I'll be better soon."

"When you say soon, I wait for eternity," she scoffed. Her eyes suddenly found mine and again they lighted up. "May! I've been so excited to see you. Beric's told me all about you in his letters. I feel like we've been friends forever!"

She swept me into a warm hug, and I managed to raise my eyebrows at Beric, who was looking guiltily sheepish. She stepped back and was about to say more, when her eyes froze in amazement. I turned to see Max helping Danny carefully out of the carriage. Smiling, I stepped back as her bright eyes shone with tears.

"Danny?" she whispered, as if she couldn't believe it. She almost glanced at Beric as she added, "You found Danny!"

"Mommy!" The boy was trying to get to her sooner, and although Max was slow, he was soon in her embrace being smothered by her happy tears and joyful exclamations. This scene alone was worth all that might go awry on this trip, and I was sure Beric's face was going to split with the grin he had.

I took a step closer to him, my voice low. "You managed to tell her about me, but not Danny? How could you?"

He shrugged, but didn't look me in the eye. "Some surprises are more effective than others. If I told her I was going to attempt to get him and then failed...well I knew there was no possibility of failing to bring you here. Careful though, she thinks you really are my fiance."

My eyes widened, suddenly afraid of what was going to happen. Surely when she found out the truth she'll be upset, and before that she'll be so excited. For some reason I really didn't have the heart to disappoint Beric's sister. Beric's face was unreadable, as he watched his sister and nephew. Why had he done that? It wasn't as if he couldn't trust her with a secret, she was his beloved sister. Sometime I would have to talk to him and get more answers from him.

"Why didn't you tell me?" wondered Lea of Beric when she had finished crying over Danny.

Again he shrugged in response. "I was afraid you might walk to the capitol yourself instead of waiting for me to bring him to you."

Lea laughed, and shook her head. "You're impossible, Beric."

I nearly voiced my agreement, but instead sent Beric a meaningful look that said, 'I told you so.'

Lea slipped her arm into mine, she held Danny with the other, and he looked to be in complete bliss. "Come on, lunch is practically finished, which will leave us just enough time to get you settled. Beric, you'll be wanting to visit the vassals, I suppose. Two of them got into an ugly row this morning, and I couldn't understand them to see what the matter was. They speak a dialect of Evif, but it is so warped, I can't make it out."

"Right, I'll see to that now."

Lea suddenly looked doubtful, "Are you sure? You might want to rest..."

Beric raised his brows. "Rest? From what? I've been sitting all day, and my legs feel cramped. Maybe I'll even eat standing up."

Laughter issued forth from Lea like a happy fountain. "Suit yourself, Beric. But I'm afraid you'll get dirty during the trip the spoon makes between the bowl and your mouth. You are rather tall."

Beric waved his hand dismissively. "I've been taught table manners, Lea and now that I'm a big boy I think I can manage."

Lea shook her head, still chuckling. She tugged on my arm and murmured loud enough for him to hear, "He was a horrid when it came to etiquette. I hope my table cloth won't be stained this evening. Come, let us leave this boy to his foolish imaginations."

And before the offended Beric could call out a comeback, Lea and I had darted into the castle. I had liked her on first sight, but now I was completely attached to her and loved almost as much as I loved Da. She was a sweet creature who was probably incapable of truly hating anyone, yet her tongue could be as sassy and fiery as mine. Yes, I liked Lea a lot. She was going to make a wonderful sister-in-law.

Er...will has...uh.. I meant she would have made a wonderful sister-in-law.

After we had deposited my luggage in a room Lea proceeded to give me a tour of the castle. Really she just talked about how wonderful things were, asked me tons of questions and every now and then commenting on an artifact that caught her eye. She wasn't random, but managed to connect everything together, and gave me every opportunity to have my say. I wasn't the talkative type, and her narrative of everything was so engaging that I only spoke on cue.

The interior wasn't nearly as grand and elegant as the royal castle, but had more of a simple grace with a very nice homey feeling. Many of the ornaments were homemade or foreign. Due to the war and Lord Harvey's persecutions their treasury had been drained to the point where half of their servants had to be released. This made the place seem more like a normal home rather than the house of a nobleman.

While she was showing me her mother's achievements in embroidery we were interrupted by an anxious lady in waiting who had a permanent worried expression on her face.

"Milady something terrible happened," she stated, and stood wringing her hands.

"What is it, Melissa?" asked Lea patiently.

Melissa took a deep breath before breaking the horrifying news, "We are out of clean sheets! Georgette the washer woman is sick today so the laundry is behind. We've managed to get your dresses, but there is no clean bedding! I can't have the beds changed in Sir Beric's, Lady May's, or the little one's bedrooms! What ever shall I do?"

Instead of putting the woman out of her obvious distress, Lea smiled and turned to me, "May, this is Melissa, my right hand woman. She's been here for a month and has taken over many of the household tasks, for which I am very grateful."

I smiled as well and gave her a little curtsy. "Pleased to make your acquaintance."

"The pleasure is all mine," replied Melissa hastily. "Please, milady, Lea..."

"Melissa, I think I can save you from the chore of changing all three beds, unless you are absolutely adamant in which case you'll have to solve the problem yourself. For one thing, Danny will not be having his own room for a while. He will stay with me. Sir Beric's sheets were changed after his departure and so are quite clean since no one has slept in them since. The same is for Lady May's room, although they aren't...fresh, I'm quite sure she'll find them suitable."

She sent a glance in my direction as if making sure this was accurate.

"Yeah," I said, nodding to show my complete agreement. "Very suitable."

Melissa mulled this over, then some relief relaxed her worried brow. "That does make sense," she breathed. "Thank-you so much, milady." She curtsied quickly to both of us then rushed off to a new task.

Lea watched her go with a kind eye. "Melissa is very intent on making everything perfect, poor woman. Her last mistress was a stickler and rather rude, and the dear hasn't gotten over her traumatic experience. However, her husband told me she is constantly like that. He is the exact opposite of her, and I wonder that he has managed to keep his wits all these years." She smiled.

I remembered Prince Charlie and said, "I suppose people with a lot of responsibility have to show their stress somehow, or they'll let it out in a torrent and break down completely." I realized poor Charlie did not let out his stress; that I knew of. He kept it in, storing it in a pocket that would soon burst its seams.

Lea considered this. "Yes...I assume you are right. When I had to deal with Lord Harvey in Beric's absence I always...well at the end of each day I would cry myself to sleep. It happened nearly every night, but in the morning I was ready to face more things." A blush shadowed her face and she smiled rather sheepishly, just like Beric. "It's seems rather silly now, but then..."

"I know what you mean," I assured her. I had never had such responsibility as taking care of an estate when a relative was trying to tear it away, but I had cried myself to sleep at times; not many times.

Lea's smile was contagious and when she hugged me tenderly I wasn't too surprised. But I was surprised when she murmured, "I'm so glad you're here, May."

After two days of absolute bliss Lea pulled me aside and asked softly, "Can you sew?"

My head jerked up toward Lea in surprise and guilt. "No, I'm horrible at it."

Lea grinned. "So am I. But I want to make Beric a new cloak. His old one is getting torn and muddy, and is even rather small for him. Not only that but the blue is fading and I think it would nice if he could attend all his meetings and political affairs with a splendid cloak...that is if we can make it. Will you help me?"

It was impossible to refuse something of Lea, so not even considering the embarrassing mistakes I would make, I readily accepted. She insisted that we start that day...that very instant! The first problem was getting Beric out of the house. Recently he had actually used the fact of his injury to stay in the house close to Danny and us. He was reluctant when the problems of the estate called him away from us, even though he managed to never be gone for more than an hour.

We couldn't tell him out right to leave the castle for the rest of the day and not to bother us. Nor could we both persuade him to go do something else for awhile. Beric was far too smart and would suspect something immediately. Due to this predicament we were forced to sit down and think hard.

Lea sprawled out on a couch and put a pillow on her head; she said it helped her think better. I sat cross legged on the floor and leaned against the couch, closing my eyes. There, I was comfortable; everything was dark and quiet...

"What in the world are you two doing?"

I snapped my eyes open and Lea shot up into a sitting position. Beric stood in the doorway leaning on his crutch and the doorway. His expression was amused and completely curious, a very handsome...and annoying combination.

"Mourning," replied Lea simply and lay back down.

I was startled at this declaration but did dare show it since I figured she had come up with a plan. I nodded solemnly in agreement and leaned back again.

Beric's eyebrows rose. "Mourning? Over what?"

"Why don't you know?" Lea sat up again her eyes wide. "Igor told me today that the fishing hole is churning with fish. It is a pity that you could not take Danny and spend the day fishing. It truly grieves us."

"Why can't I go?" challenged Beric straightening into a defensive posture. It appeared that fishing was a hidden passion of Beric's. I never would have guessed that this hefty politician and warrior would find pure delight in sitting on the banks of a stream hoping for a trout. And yet...it fit him nicely. It showed just how down to earth he was.

Having caught the game, I answered, "How will you get there? Max has been called away for some muscle work, and there is no way you can carry Danny all the way to the fishing hole. It is a pity."

Beric's brows furrowed down to his nose. "Can't Igor come?"

"He's busy," sighed Lea. Suddenly her eyes lighted up. "But I can go ask him and have someone else take his spot. Yes, I think that will work. Oh, Danny will be so happy to spend the whole day with you at the fishing hole!"

I smiled at just the thought.

Beric suddenly hesitated. "I don't know. I was actually hoping to do something else today." His eyes met mine and I pinked at the unexpectedness.

I wanted to protest loudly that the fish were much more important than...whatever he had in mind. But for once brilliance hit my tongue first. "I like fish. I know just how to make it taste good, too. If you catch it, I'll cook it."

"All right. I'll go as soon as Igor comes along."

Lea and I glanced at each other. Lea jumped up. "Come on May, let's go get him. Fish usually bite the hardest in the morning."

Igor was more than happy to relinquish his chore to a day of fishing and it wasn't long before we managed to subtly push all three of them out of the house without any one of them looking the slightest bit suspicious.

"Now, we must find Melissa. She's a natural when it comes to sewing. She'll get us started, but I want to be sure we do it all by ourselves. It will make it all the more special."

Melissa was delighted at the prospect of assisting in a surprise for the 'master' and some of her anxious worried lines smoothed as she chatted happily about the perfect pattern and color she had in mind. She was several years older than Lea or me, but her anxiety made her looked older. Below her ever puckered brow was a set of very nice green eyes and elegant ladylike nose. Her tawny hair was always smoothed back and her dresses mainly composed of high necked gowns with long sleeves. I bet her corset was as tight as she could make it...It was no wonder the woman was always fidgety. Still, I could not admire her devotion to Lea and her determination to make her happy.

A room was set apart to be our sewing room and Melissa promised to bring us our supplies whenever we needed them. She had to explain how to assemble the cloak several times to us, and was very tempted to do it herself in exasperation. But we managed to fit the lovely blue fabric together in all the right places and pin them.

The cloth was soft as down on one side, and rough on the other. I had never seen anything like it. Lea said it came from Evif. It was thick, but wasn't too heavy. Lea wanted to make it large enough to cover two men, because she knew Beric would probably use to do just that. So, the beautiful material was nearly used up in our ambition and mistakes. Lea saved some of it, and placed it away for a future reference, though I couldn't imagine what it could be used for.

Once Melissa taught us how to thread a needle without poking ourselves, and how to keep the pieces together while stitching them, Lea dismissed her and said, "Now we can really get started!"

Lea was determined that although Danny was hardly five, he would receive an education. So he joined us in our sewing after he had sworn to the secrecy of the cloak. He thought it was a marvelous idea, but soon forgot about it once he learned he could not help with it. Lea would sometimes be caught between the two of us; teaching Danny the ABC's and helping me undo a knot I managed to get into.

Throughout it all, she was as patient as a mother wren who constantly fed her wailing chicks. If I had been in her position I would have hardly been able to concentrate on one. Still, she managed to put in a few stitches of her own during this time.

On the second afternoon of this double teaching business, Lea declared she was ready for a break, and asked me to go gather up a tray of cookies and milk. Danny had caught the contagious syndrome of a starvation for learning. He rarely looked up from his paper, and I knew Lea wanted him to have a break as well.

The kitchen was familiar to me, and I had immediately gotten use to the cozy atmosphere of it, as it was about half the size of the one at home. Everything was in plain view, and it didn't take me long to figure out where everything belonged. Not only that, but the window was large and made the place all the more bright. I would be sure to open that huge window if I ever chanced to burn something again.

I suddenly stopped, cold, a feeling of panic rising in my chest. Beric was coming up the hill, laboring on his crutch. What was he doing here? He was supposed to be overseeing the farms. Surely he was going to go see Lea or Danny for some reason. I had to stop him somehow. Swallowing my desperation I pushed the door open and walked toward him, my demeanor as careless as possible.

"Beric..." I called genially, "What are you doing here? I thought you were inspecting the farms."

He shrugged. "I decided that could wait for tomorrow. I've been in the shop instead, making something I want to show Danny."

"Shop? What shop?"

"The carpentry shop."

"I didn't know you did carpentry."

He was looking at me rather funny now. Perhaps I was being too nosy or overly talkative. "Just a past time I've picked up."

"Like fishing?" I countered with a smile.

All suspicion left his face as he matched my grin with own of his own flashing ones. "Exactly. I actually like it more than black smithing. I've been doing that, too." He gestured to his sooty smock and blackened hands.

"Are you better at it?" I said it as challenge, but Beric took it as a compliment.

He shrugged casually. "Usually people are better at what they like. Would like to see for yourself?"

I didn't really. Crafts like metal and wood hardly ever fascinated me. But Lea was inside with the cloak and couldn't be bothered by Beric right then. "Ok, is it in the carpenter shop?"

"No it's in the garden."

That perked me up. I had visited the garden during my self directed tour of the place and I found it to be absolutely fascinating.

We walked briskly towards the orchards that surrounded the hill. Stone steps had been placed into the mountain making it easy to trip lightly down to the tall sturdy trees. In the center of the vast grove was a good half acre of garden full of flowers, herbs, decorative trees, and other plants. The variety added to its loveliness and the small space added to its cozy tranquil aurora.

"It's over here."

He walked over to the huge oak that stood in the center of the garden. The tree must have been over a hundred with a trunk the diameter of at least three feet and a canopy of leaves that gave shade to a large area. It was a beautiful oak. I had seen it before but was again struck with with its majestic beauty.

I was also surprised to see a swing swaying on either side of the giant tree. Chains suspended them in the air and disappeared into the dark foliage of the tree's leaves and branches. Both seats were made of wood and at the same height, but they were different from any swing I had ever seen.

The first was made of solid block of wood but had been carved out and smoothed to create a seat with actual dip so that when a passenger sat down it would not be a completely flat rough board.

The second was even more amazing. It was an actual chair with a back and arm rests, all made from the same block of wood. Attached to it was some sort of a step where one could rest their feet. Every inch of the seat was covered in intricate designs and pictures as if taken from a story book. I ran my hand carefully over the seat in awe. Here was a knight standing over dragon, and there was a wizard with crazy designs around him. It was obviously made for Danny.

"It's beautiful," I breathed. "Danny will love it."

"Here, go ahead sit in it. I'll push you."

I gaped at him. "You want me to swing?"

He laughed. "You make it sound as if I just asked you to commit a scandalous act. Please, milady I did not think it would offend you!"

I sat abruptly on the swing. I wriggled around and found it to be extremely comfortable. Stretching my toes I was dismayed that I could just barely touch the ground. I was so short. I placed them on the foot rest, then took it off again; I didn't want to break it, because I was sure I was going to brace myself during the flight.

"No, no, put them back on," instructed Beric. "This is a test to see if it works so if the chains break, it will be on you, not on Danny."

My eyes widened. I had just allowed myself to become the guinea pig for a dangerous ride. What had gotten into me?

Beric grabbed the chains and I yelped in surprise as I was quickly pulled up into the air as he backed up. The farther he went the more uneasy I became and the tighter my grip on the chains. I hadn't been in a swing for years and the feeling of not being able to have two feet on solid ground unnerved me. "Beric..." I warned.

Suddenly he let go and I was flying way up high. I think I swallowed my heart, but what it was doing in my throat I don't know. Maybe I was trying to throw it up. Thankfully this swallowing process hindered me from screaming, something I wanted to do very much. It was as if there was no seat and no chain, just me flying wildly in the air. It was a scary feeling.

"Having fun?"

I looked at Beric's blurry figure as I whizzed past and I think I caught sight of his laughing grin. I looked around me and suddenly I was having fun. I laughed right back and kicked my legs like a little girl. "Yes! Yes, I am having fun!"

"Good," he responded. "Then I'll swing you higher."

Was this not the highest it could go? I feared that if he pushed me anymore I would fly into the leafy bows above. He grasped the seat and expertly heaved me into the air. Now I felt as if I were a bird in flight and relished each time I swung up into the air.

"Higher!" I laughed, looking down at Beric as my back and forth motion began to lessen.

His face was radiant, but he shook his head. "Nah, I can't. Maybe later."

I was about to question why, but I noticed his bandaged up arm and realized he had been doing that single handedly. "Are you ok?" I asked with concern, but the childish grin had not left my face.

He nodded, still regarding me with glowing satisfaction. Let me show you something else that's really fun." He grasped the side of the seat and began to twirl it. The chains entwined and my toes no longer brushed the ground.

"What are you doing?" I wondered as he twisted them high and higher until the coil was just above my head.

"Hold on," he warned and stepped back suddenly, releasing the seat.

The swing backfired and the links began to unroll. I gasped and clutched the chains. The world spun faster and faster and it felt as if everything wanted to pull me from the swing. The two cords broke apart and for a split second I was free before they coiled the other way. I must have twirled around twenty times, and each jerk in a new direction made me giggle with delight. I really did feel like a little girl who had never been in a swing before.

I stumbled off the seat and landed on the ground, still chuckling. "That was fun! But I'm really really dizzy now."

"Fun isn't it?" grinned Beric, lowering himself carefully to sit beside me. "I'll add a couple more links to it so you can reach the ground and swing yourself. I didn't realize..." he stopped.

"What?" I persisted.

Shaking his head he replied. "Nothing."

My curiosity grew. "Tell me!"

"Nothing really. I was...about to tease you but realized I didn't want to...you know...spoil it."

We were silent for a moment, both feeling guilty. A few days ago I would have been indignant at his mere mention of teasing but now...

"I don't mind, anymore," I murmured. "Your teasing I mean..." I considered looking up to see his expression, but decided against it as I heard myself rush on, "I didn't like it before because you were so...I didn't know you. I didn't recognize it as teasing and I..." I shrugged, suddenly realizing I was rambling out nonsense. I sighed in resignation and admitted, "My opinion of you has changed. I trust you now."

"I know."

I looked up in surprise. "I don't remember ever telling you, and I doubt you can read my mind that well."

"Don't you remember?" he asked, his sly smile and expression was mischievous. I suddenly dreaded he had a surprise for me. I should have turned away then, but I didn't.

"Remember what?"

"The whole trip to Douglasdale you slept with your head on my shoulder."

My eyes widened, and my cheeks grew warm. "No..." even as I said it I remembered his secret amused expression when he had woken me up. I did not doubt it, and he knew I didn't.

I didn't know what to say, logically, so my tongue took over and I asked solemnly, "Did I sleep talk?"

He smiled, a perfect handsome smile. "No, not much."

It was about this time that I realized he was going to kiss me and that I wasn't going to do anything to stop him. This fact didn't scare or unnerve me, in fact it rather calmed my senses as if...I didn't know.

I could feel his breath on my face and I considered closing my eyes. No, that would be far too sentimental. It was a good thing I didn't, or I would have looked utterly foolish when Beric suddenly pulled back. Still, I couldn't help cocking my head in surprise and letting my jaw dangle a little. He had a funny look on his face that could not be read easily. Was it regret? Triumph? no...it was determination...or maybe a discovery.

He suddenly began to chuckle, the strange expression vanishing.

"What?" I demanded.

"I wish I had a mirror."

I blinked, still gaping. "Eh? Whatever for?"

"So you could see how absolutely... humorously enlightening you are when you look confused."

"Is that a good thing?"

"Definitely. Come on, let me swing you again."

I jumped up, but shook my head. "No, I want to see Danny swing in it." Without another glance in his startled direction, I dashed out of the garden and back up the mountain. I knew he'd never be able to catch up to me since he needed his crutch, though he hardly used it.

However, I did not go directly to the sewing room where Danny was. I paused in the kitchen to pick up the tray of cookies and milk and to collect my thoughts. Now that the moment had passed I was nearly appalled at myself for thinking as if I actually had feelings for Beric. It had to be the curse. But I wasn't confused, just puzzled. Believe me there is a difference...I just don't know what.

Shrugging, as if the mystery was a trifling affair, I went up to the sewing room. Danny hardly glanced up from his book when I entered; he was so intent on the book Lea had set before him. It struck me how absolutely different he was from Prince Alex. The young prince was a couple years older than Danny, but he had grown a definite dislike for anything that had to do with school. Danny on the other hand lapped it up like a puppy panting for water. Still, I had a feeling if the two met, they would be instant friends. They were just that kind of people.

"Danny, could I persuade you to leave your books to come outside for a while?" I asked in my best convincing voice.

He finally looked up, a torn expression on his face. "Now?" He whispered.

"Come on," I insisted. "I want to show you something. Beric made it!"

His eyes widened slightly, and I almost won him, but then he said, "Will it run away if I don't go now?"

"Go on," urged Lea, her smile radiating. "You can finish your reading later."

Danny accepted this offer readily and wriggled off his chair. I picked him up, not at all surprised at the light weight he afforded. He was lighter than a bag of flour or a bushel of crackers. He wrapped his arms around me and I set off at an easy pace for the orchard.

"What is it?" he asked in his soft curious voice.

"It's a surprise."

"Oh." He was silent for a moment then said something very startling, "When are you going to get married to Uncle Beric?"

I had never considered it, and really didn't know how to answer him. "Oh...I think we'll wait for June," I said carelessly. "June 31. Yes, that is when we'll be married."

He nodded absently. I only hoped he would not report this information to his mother who would immediately raise an eyebrow at the questionable date. But I was sure he would forget once he was caught up in the surprise Beric had made for him.

"We're almost finished," declared Lea as she plucked at a knot. "I do believe we'll be able to finish it in time for Beric to wear it on his visit to your father tomorrow."

My needle jabbed my finger as I looked up in astonishment. "Ouch. Tomorrow is Wednesday?"

Lea nodded, dark blue thread dangling from her pursed lips as she inspected her work critically. "Maybe we should wait until later when it is dark so he can not see our stitches."

I looked down at my own handiwork. I had made progress. In the beginning my sewing had been large, uneven, and more knots than actual stitches, but now I had learned to make them fairly straight and the size was not too large. I often had to stop and undo knots, but I was not discouraged.

"I doubt he will actually look at them," I protested. I hoped this was the case. "Well...at least not when we are present. It's a good thing the thread matches the cloth so well."

Lea nodded in agreement, mumbling something about Lisa being a genius at matching colors. A comfortable silence descended as we each concentrated on our sewing, lost in individual thoughts. Despite my trying, my mind wondered to that puzzling scene in the garden and the oak. I had successfully avoided thinking about it before, but now the quiet and up and down rhythm of the needle had led me to just that thought.

The idea that the curse might have been affecting me crossed my mind, but it was not in the nature of the curse. The curse came on slowly, in levels until I was complete uncontrollable. But I knew exactly what was happening and did not oppose it at all. How strange. Perhaps the curse was...sneaky...yes that was it. That witch was a sly one and had made the impressions of the curse different with Beric. I shook my head to myself; that sounded absurd. I was so confused.

I glanced over at Lea who had begun to hum softly to herself and envied her contentment. Perhaps she would know. I could not enfold the whole story of the curse and fake engagement to her, but I could ask questions. I was good at that.

"Lea..." I wasn't sure if I should inquire, it was just so...personal. Still, I felt as if I could ask her and get a truly honest answer. "What is it like...to fall...and be in love?"

I was slightly afraid she would be surprised and say something like, 'Why... don't you know?' But thankfully she didn't.

A smile spread easily across her glowing face and a sparkle danced in her eye. "Oh, May dearie, it's like discovering something extremely valuable that's been eluding you for years and has finally united itself with you, and you finally feel...complete and perfect. It's becoming a little kid all over again. When I first met Samuel it was as if someone had just given me the other half of my life puzzle that Beric had helped created. He didn't realize it at first, since he was awfully shy, but he learned easily. Did you know he thought I was the snottiest girl he had met?"

I gaped. "That's impossible!" I cried. I couldn't even imagine Lea being snotty in the least bit. She was so... so different from any woman I had ever met. I knew I could never be like her, but it was still a nice thought that she just might be influencing me.

She laughed lightly. "It's true. See, sometimes people form certain impressions of people that may be correct or not. They might very well be true, but not entirely. Since humans...and especially Evifians are so stubborn and self willed, they won't give up their idea for any other, even after they see the person in a new light. I believe it takes true love to overcome that. At least, that is what it took Samuel!"

Melissa suddenly burst into the room. "They're coming, milady, they're coming in haste!"

We didn't have to ask who, and the beautiful dark blue cloak was quickly stowed away in the sewing box. All threads were disposed off and we sat on the couch in a position that said we had been chatting for a long time. We were just in time, too.

Danny appeared at the door, a huge smile on his face. Under his armpits were two crutches. He leaned heavily on them, but managed to take a few steps without too much difficulty. Beric stood behind him, a grin similar to his nephew lighting his face.

"Look, Ma," cried Danny. "Look at what Uncle Beric made for me! I can walk some!" He concentrated on his steps, and covered the distance between him and Lea with halting wobbly steps. But he was walking.

"I wish he'd stop calling me 'uncle'," growled Beric as he limped to a chair. He had abandoned his own crutches. I wasn't sure if this was the smartest thing for him, since he still winced, and favored his side, but at my protests, he insisted it was just a sprain and nothing to worry about. At that I agreed. I shouldn't be worrying. "It makes me feel old."

"You are old," pointed out Danny matter-of-factly, and we all laughed.

"I won't argue that fact," sighed Beric. "But I will say that I've been feeling a lot younger these past few days."

"Me, too," I declared without even thinking.

And Lea smiled.

I have bad news this'll be last update for a long time...as in a long time. My wrists are getting sore and so have a long medical name attached to them. My mom wants me to back off from typing for a while. So...that's probably why I hurried and finished this one for you before hibernating (right before summer too...)

So see you in a few months!