NOTE: Okay, ff.net is again going weird on me. I go to the link for RUSH TO
THE STARS, and it says I have two new reviews, but when I go to STATS, it
doesn't show them, so I'm not really sure if anyone reviewed or not. If you
did review, I want to say ThankS!!!! And sorry I couldn't address you,
because of the technical difficulties. Well, I'm probably going to start
slowing down when it comes to a chapter a day. I know tomorrow I'm
definitely not going to be able to post a new chapter, so yeah. Okay, hope
you guys like this one!!! Don't forget to review!!
DRIFT AWAY: 19
"He kissed me," Amdiriel whispered under her breath, lightly brushing here lips with her fingers. The shining smile across her face showed how she had been completely enamored by Ewan's gentle lips. She felt like a little girl, giddy and lively with adrenaline. Gradually however her smile dissolved, as she remembered Ewan's bitter words before her greeted her with his kiss. "YOU WOULD RETURN TO GONDOR AND NOTHING AWAITS YOU!" She cringed at the words; feeling as if Ewan was standing before her, repeating them to her. Amdiriel wasn't sure what wounded her more; the fact that Ewan had hurt her with his harsh choice of words, or the fact that she felt he was right. As she wandered the wood, lightly sweeping her fingers against the trees, the stones, anything around her, she felt a hand on her shoulder. Amdiriel turned, expecting to see Ewan, but to her surprise it was Eldarion.
"Are you ill?" he asked.
"No, why do you ask?"
"You look as if you've been crying."
"No, I mean, I have, I mean I was. It doesn't matter. I want to go home, Eldarion. My heart aches every moment I am away. My spirit is tired, and I long to rest in my own bed to revive my self. I miss Naneth, and Ada, the gardens, the people, and the city. I do not wish to be away any longer."
"I know you don't, but we can't leave Maethoriel."
"Is it Maethoriel your heart is so determine to find, or Aeronel? Do you make excuses to hide your feelings?"
"Amdiriel, what is the matter? I come down here to comfort you and you only show me hostility."
"I am sorry, I didn't mean to be callous. I was simply curious."
"How can you ask such a thing, imply me to be such a brother? I admit it, I care for Aeronel, more than my mind wishes to let on, but I am still worried for my sister's sake. I do love Maethoriel. I wish for her safety and I wouldn't let my feelings for Aeronel get in the way of that, you know this."
"Yes, I do. I truly am sorry I meant no cruelty. I am just as worried as you. For Eru sake, my two sisters and my best friends are out there somewhere in who knows what kind of danger and I am here, safe with you and Ewan. Why is this happening? Were we not only children playing in the fields of Gondor? When did such madness take hold of our lives?" Amdiriel began to weep, feeling tired and helpless and scared all at once, not knowing how to keep her sanity. Eldarion didn't answer her with words. He only sat down next to her on the ground, and placed his arm around her shoulder hoping to comfort her.
MIRKWOOD
"Laurelas, tell me what troubles you?" Aragorn asked, the boy sitting in the seat across from him. They were alone in his room, and Aragorn wished to address the sadness he had noticed in Laurelas when he first arrived.
"I know, Aragorn. I know the truth about Legolas, of my mother." Aragorn leaned back, a bit shocked, yet unsurprised for he had a feeling Thranduil would tell his grandson.
"You've spoken to Thranduil?"
"Yes. He is my grandfather, my kin. Do not mistake my words Aragorn, I am truly grateful that you and the Lady Arwen took me into your home, cared for me as your own, loved me as a son. But when he told me he was my grandfather, it was a feeling I have never felt before. I did not know anything about him when I first arrived and when he told me the story it was our first conversation, but I instantly felt as if, a part of me had been restored."
"It is understandable, Laurelas. He is the kin you've searched for, that part of you you longed to discover. Though you always spoke about your father in anger before, I knew in your heart you yearned to find him. Your eyes betrayed you each and ever time his name was uttered from your lips."
"I admit you are right. You do not know how much I've tortured myself in my mind, regretting the fact that I've wasted time being bitter and angry."
"You mustn't Laurelas. Trust me when I tell you that your father will return. I know in his heart he feels something is missing, and that something is you. Though he knows nothing of your existence, that feeling will haunt him until you two finally reunite. I know my friend well, Laurelas. He will not deny his heart from returning." Laurelas nodded, accepting Aragorn's word to be truth. He stood to take his leave, feeling he needed some air before supper. "Alright, Laurelas, but if you see Nestor would you tell her to come here? I'd wish to speak with her also." Laurelas nodded, as he walked out of the room. He made his way down a long hall, and turned to find Nestor.
"Oh, Nestor. Your father wishes to speak to you. He is in his quarters." Nestor nodded, but before she made her way to her father's room, she gave a warm hug to Laurelas. "What was that for?" Laurelas asked, more curious than suspicious as they parted.
"I sensed something was wrong before, like my father had pointed out when they arrived. I only hope you are well. I also hope you would swallow your pride, and speak with Arodiel."
"Nestor,"
"Just for a few moments even, Laurelas. For years you have ignored her folly when it comes to her choices of how to express herself. Why are you angry now?"
"Because Nestor for the first time she showed to be how she felt, though I've known in my heart. She started to admit it, but she held back; that moment she refrained, hurt me more than ever. It is something I cannot explain."
"I will not force you, Laurelas. I only suggest to you that you speak with her. She hurts just as you do." Nestor placed her hand upon his shoulder, squeezing it lightly, Laurelas squinting slightly at the wound in his shoulder that was still a bit achy. Nestor giggled, then headed to the direction of Aragorn's room. Laurelas sighed, knowing she was right. He began to search the fort for Arodiel, now longing to speak with her. It had only been a day without her, but in truth Laurelas felt like it had been years. He missed her and he hated to be angry, but he was hurt. Laurelas turned to enter into the main hall where he thought she might be, but instead found a man wandering the room, examining the elegantly carved chair that was placed in the hall for the king. The man looked up from what he was looking at, and was startled to see Laurelas there.
"I am sorry, I did not mean to intrude," Laurelas apologized.
"No, no, you are not intruding," the man, said, standing tall, proud like, as he slowly clasped his hands behind his back. Laurelas noticed the man was looking at him, rather peculiar. It was almost as if the man was examining him, as he squinted his eyes at Laurelas. "Tell me boy, are you native to Eryn Lasgalen? For you are certainly dressed for the forest but you are no elf."
"Oh, no, no. The clothes I wear are only borrowed. The ones I had are soiled it seems. I am only visiting. Lord Thranduil welcomed me into his home."
"Ah. Are you with the company from Gondor?"
"I did not enter with them, but I will be leaving with the company tomorrow morn, so in a sense I am. And you, my Lord? Is it rude if I ask what brings you to Eryn Lasgalen?"
"No, not at all. I am here with a small group, including my son. We came to find the Lord of Ithilian, for we have some business to speak of with him."
"Oh. It must have been urgent, for you followed him here."
"Yes, indeed it is. It is of my son's business really. He has come to find a bride, and he hopes by the end of the day he would of convinced Lord Faramir for his daughter's hand and leave Eryn Lasgalen betrothed to the Lord's daughter."
Laurelas stood motionless. The man spoke of Arodiel, and his son wished to be betrothed to her. He didn't mean to, but he had raised his voice, the fear in his heart overcoming him. "He cannot marry her!" The man looked to the boy, whose chest was violently rising and falling. He sensed the boy was tense and overwhelmed with emotion.
"My word, boy. Calm yourself before you shatter your nerves. And I think it to be the decision of Lord Faramir of who is to marry her. Though, I think if the girl were to meet my son, she would only beg her father to comply to my son's offer."
Laurelas felt his anger rise, as his hands formed into fists. He felt almost sick at the man's arrogant words. "She would not give her heart so freely," he said, grinding his teeth as he did. The man only looked to Laurelas confused and curious. Despite the fact that the boy was challenging his words, he could not seem to ignore the thought in his mind that the boy looked so incredibly familiar.
"You seem very passionate about the matter. I suppose we can only wait and see. Tell me, boy, who are you exactly?"
"My name is Laurelas, son of Legolas Thranduilion." The man's eyes widened, and he felt his heart stop. Laurelas' eyes narrowed, as he noticed the man's astonishment.
"And you, my Lord?"
"Rhaemyr, Captain of Arlen. Though, I have a feeling you know nothing of the place."
Laurelas remembered the story his grandfather had told him, and uttered the title under his breath, "..the Captain," remembering that the captain in Thranduil's story was nothing short of a murder in Laurelas' eyes. Laurelas gave the man the benefit of the doubt, however, and thought maybe the Captain of Arlen's army had changed over the years, but the words Rhaemyr spoke next made Laurelas' blood run cold.
"You know, you look just like your father. Every feature of your face, even the way you stride is similar to that of the elf's. Your eyes, however, are as brown and deep as your mother's. If I look closely, I can almost see that hint of utter stupidity in them, just like Laurelen." Laurelas sprang to attack the man, but Rhaemyr quickly pulled out his blade to keep the boy at bay, chuckling to himself as he did so; Laurelas only glaring madly at him. "Indeed, truly evident is Laurelen's spirit. So quick to attack, and so confident that she could defeat anything."
"You are a murderer. You do not deserve to utter my mother's name."
"Trust me, boy. I deserve much more than your mother's head on a silver platter."
"You deserve nothing but your own hideous death."
"That look that you give me now, that glare, just like your father's. It is a real pity your mother didn't listen to him when he told her not to trust me. It seems her stupidity and gullibility got her killed in the end. Though I cannot say I am sorry for my actions. That betrayer was worthy of nothing but death. Stay out of my way, I must attend to my son." Rhaemyr lowered his dagger, and carelessly passed by Laurelas, who only stayed in his place for her remembered what Rhaemyr had spoken of earlier about Arodiel.
"I would murder you and your son to keep him away from Arodiel," Laurelas called to the Captain, as the Captain stopped dead in his tracks, and turned to face the boy once again.
"Do not make threats you cannot handle, son of Legolas. You wish to repeat history? It wasn't enough that your father interfered with my own engagement, but now you must interfere with that of my son's? Meddle in this affair, Laurelas, and you will regret it, I give you my word." Rhaemyr turned and left the room. Laurelas filled to the brim with anger, grinded his teeth and tried to keep himself calm. It only took a moment for him to decide to follow Rhaemyr, to try and find Arodiel, or Lord Faramir, for he needed to speak with them urgently. After running down some halls, he found Lord Faramir standing outside the door to one of the rooms, pacing.
"Lord Faramir, I wish to speak with you, immediately if I may."
Faramir halted his paces and approached Laurelas. "What is it Laurelas? You look as if you've only moments before you pass out. Are you well?"
"Yes, yes I am fine. I need to speak to you about Arodiel."
"Yes?"
"Have you spoken with the son of Rhaemyr? Has he offered to take Arodiel's hand in marriage??"
"Yes, he has Laurelas, though I am curious as to how you found out. In fact, they are both in that room right now, which is why you saw me pacing about earlier."
"Lord Faramir you cannot be serious? With all do respect, you cannot offer Arodiel"
"I do not offer her, Laurelas. I have given her the choice of whether or not she wishes to marry Taemyr. Before she gave me an answer, I told her it would be best if she met with the man first, to give him a bit of a chance. In truth Laurelas, I do not wish her to marry this man any more than you do, but it is of my daughter's decision, not mine or yours."
Just then Rhaemyr approached the two, looking suspiciously at Laurelas. Before he could speak however, the door flung open, and Arodiel emerged. All three men stared to her for an answer, but she only approached her father and pulled him aside. Laurelas watched the two, Arodiel whispering so no one could hear her. After a few moments of speaking, she took her leave and made her way down the hall. Laurelas attempted to follow, but Faramir restrained him.
Laurelas only looked to Faramir in question. "Well? What did she say my Lord?"
Faramir turned so that he could acknowledge Rhaemyr as well, for he knew the Captain wished to ask the same question. "She has refused. I am sorry Captain, but I can only support the decision of my daughter." Laurelas sighed in relief. Rhaemyr, though he had a look of calm on his face, spoke with only bitterness after the three men witnessed his son emerge from the room, and silently make his way down another hall, a look of hurt and anger evident on the boy's face.
"You, Greenleaf, you had something to do with this," Rhaemyr accused lifting his finger and pointing to the boy.
"I admit I hadn't. In truth I needn't to do anything. She would refuse your son with or without my persuasion."
"I told you you would regret interfering in this, and I am a man of my word." He glared at Laurelas, as he left the two men to follow his son. Laurelas only glaring back, feeling Faramir's hand hold him back from attempting to jump at the man.
"My Lord, I beg your pardon, but I need to speak with Arodiel." Faramir only nodded, and released Laurelas to find his daughter. As Laurelas made his way down the hall, Faramir smiled to himself, proud at the decision his daughter had made, and completely relieved.
TBC.. sorry so long!!! Please review!!
DRIFT AWAY: 19
"He kissed me," Amdiriel whispered under her breath, lightly brushing here lips with her fingers. The shining smile across her face showed how she had been completely enamored by Ewan's gentle lips. She felt like a little girl, giddy and lively with adrenaline. Gradually however her smile dissolved, as she remembered Ewan's bitter words before her greeted her with his kiss. "YOU WOULD RETURN TO GONDOR AND NOTHING AWAITS YOU!" She cringed at the words; feeling as if Ewan was standing before her, repeating them to her. Amdiriel wasn't sure what wounded her more; the fact that Ewan had hurt her with his harsh choice of words, or the fact that she felt he was right. As she wandered the wood, lightly sweeping her fingers against the trees, the stones, anything around her, she felt a hand on her shoulder. Amdiriel turned, expecting to see Ewan, but to her surprise it was Eldarion.
"Are you ill?" he asked.
"No, why do you ask?"
"You look as if you've been crying."
"No, I mean, I have, I mean I was. It doesn't matter. I want to go home, Eldarion. My heart aches every moment I am away. My spirit is tired, and I long to rest in my own bed to revive my self. I miss Naneth, and Ada, the gardens, the people, and the city. I do not wish to be away any longer."
"I know you don't, but we can't leave Maethoriel."
"Is it Maethoriel your heart is so determine to find, or Aeronel? Do you make excuses to hide your feelings?"
"Amdiriel, what is the matter? I come down here to comfort you and you only show me hostility."
"I am sorry, I didn't mean to be callous. I was simply curious."
"How can you ask such a thing, imply me to be such a brother? I admit it, I care for Aeronel, more than my mind wishes to let on, but I am still worried for my sister's sake. I do love Maethoriel. I wish for her safety and I wouldn't let my feelings for Aeronel get in the way of that, you know this."
"Yes, I do. I truly am sorry I meant no cruelty. I am just as worried as you. For Eru sake, my two sisters and my best friends are out there somewhere in who knows what kind of danger and I am here, safe with you and Ewan. Why is this happening? Were we not only children playing in the fields of Gondor? When did such madness take hold of our lives?" Amdiriel began to weep, feeling tired and helpless and scared all at once, not knowing how to keep her sanity. Eldarion didn't answer her with words. He only sat down next to her on the ground, and placed his arm around her shoulder hoping to comfort her.
MIRKWOOD
"Laurelas, tell me what troubles you?" Aragorn asked, the boy sitting in the seat across from him. They were alone in his room, and Aragorn wished to address the sadness he had noticed in Laurelas when he first arrived.
"I know, Aragorn. I know the truth about Legolas, of my mother." Aragorn leaned back, a bit shocked, yet unsurprised for he had a feeling Thranduil would tell his grandson.
"You've spoken to Thranduil?"
"Yes. He is my grandfather, my kin. Do not mistake my words Aragorn, I am truly grateful that you and the Lady Arwen took me into your home, cared for me as your own, loved me as a son. But when he told me he was my grandfather, it was a feeling I have never felt before. I did not know anything about him when I first arrived and when he told me the story it was our first conversation, but I instantly felt as if, a part of me had been restored."
"It is understandable, Laurelas. He is the kin you've searched for, that part of you you longed to discover. Though you always spoke about your father in anger before, I knew in your heart you yearned to find him. Your eyes betrayed you each and ever time his name was uttered from your lips."
"I admit you are right. You do not know how much I've tortured myself in my mind, regretting the fact that I've wasted time being bitter and angry."
"You mustn't Laurelas. Trust me when I tell you that your father will return. I know in his heart he feels something is missing, and that something is you. Though he knows nothing of your existence, that feeling will haunt him until you two finally reunite. I know my friend well, Laurelas. He will not deny his heart from returning." Laurelas nodded, accepting Aragorn's word to be truth. He stood to take his leave, feeling he needed some air before supper. "Alright, Laurelas, but if you see Nestor would you tell her to come here? I'd wish to speak with her also." Laurelas nodded, as he walked out of the room. He made his way down a long hall, and turned to find Nestor.
"Oh, Nestor. Your father wishes to speak to you. He is in his quarters." Nestor nodded, but before she made her way to her father's room, she gave a warm hug to Laurelas. "What was that for?" Laurelas asked, more curious than suspicious as they parted.
"I sensed something was wrong before, like my father had pointed out when they arrived. I only hope you are well. I also hope you would swallow your pride, and speak with Arodiel."
"Nestor,"
"Just for a few moments even, Laurelas. For years you have ignored her folly when it comes to her choices of how to express herself. Why are you angry now?"
"Because Nestor for the first time she showed to be how she felt, though I've known in my heart. She started to admit it, but she held back; that moment she refrained, hurt me more than ever. It is something I cannot explain."
"I will not force you, Laurelas. I only suggest to you that you speak with her. She hurts just as you do." Nestor placed her hand upon his shoulder, squeezing it lightly, Laurelas squinting slightly at the wound in his shoulder that was still a bit achy. Nestor giggled, then headed to the direction of Aragorn's room. Laurelas sighed, knowing she was right. He began to search the fort for Arodiel, now longing to speak with her. It had only been a day without her, but in truth Laurelas felt like it had been years. He missed her and he hated to be angry, but he was hurt. Laurelas turned to enter into the main hall where he thought she might be, but instead found a man wandering the room, examining the elegantly carved chair that was placed in the hall for the king. The man looked up from what he was looking at, and was startled to see Laurelas there.
"I am sorry, I did not mean to intrude," Laurelas apologized.
"No, no, you are not intruding," the man, said, standing tall, proud like, as he slowly clasped his hands behind his back. Laurelas noticed the man was looking at him, rather peculiar. It was almost as if the man was examining him, as he squinted his eyes at Laurelas. "Tell me boy, are you native to Eryn Lasgalen? For you are certainly dressed for the forest but you are no elf."
"Oh, no, no. The clothes I wear are only borrowed. The ones I had are soiled it seems. I am only visiting. Lord Thranduil welcomed me into his home."
"Ah. Are you with the company from Gondor?"
"I did not enter with them, but I will be leaving with the company tomorrow morn, so in a sense I am. And you, my Lord? Is it rude if I ask what brings you to Eryn Lasgalen?"
"No, not at all. I am here with a small group, including my son. We came to find the Lord of Ithilian, for we have some business to speak of with him."
"Oh. It must have been urgent, for you followed him here."
"Yes, indeed it is. It is of my son's business really. He has come to find a bride, and he hopes by the end of the day he would of convinced Lord Faramir for his daughter's hand and leave Eryn Lasgalen betrothed to the Lord's daughter."
Laurelas stood motionless. The man spoke of Arodiel, and his son wished to be betrothed to her. He didn't mean to, but he had raised his voice, the fear in his heart overcoming him. "He cannot marry her!" The man looked to the boy, whose chest was violently rising and falling. He sensed the boy was tense and overwhelmed with emotion.
"My word, boy. Calm yourself before you shatter your nerves. And I think it to be the decision of Lord Faramir of who is to marry her. Though, I think if the girl were to meet my son, she would only beg her father to comply to my son's offer."
Laurelas felt his anger rise, as his hands formed into fists. He felt almost sick at the man's arrogant words. "She would not give her heart so freely," he said, grinding his teeth as he did. The man only looked to Laurelas confused and curious. Despite the fact that the boy was challenging his words, he could not seem to ignore the thought in his mind that the boy looked so incredibly familiar.
"You seem very passionate about the matter. I suppose we can only wait and see. Tell me, boy, who are you exactly?"
"My name is Laurelas, son of Legolas Thranduilion." The man's eyes widened, and he felt his heart stop. Laurelas' eyes narrowed, as he noticed the man's astonishment.
"And you, my Lord?"
"Rhaemyr, Captain of Arlen. Though, I have a feeling you know nothing of the place."
Laurelas remembered the story his grandfather had told him, and uttered the title under his breath, "..the Captain," remembering that the captain in Thranduil's story was nothing short of a murder in Laurelas' eyes. Laurelas gave the man the benefit of the doubt, however, and thought maybe the Captain of Arlen's army had changed over the years, but the words Rhaemyr spoke next made Laurelas' blood run cold.
"You know, you look just like your father. Every feature of your face, even the way you stride is similar to that of the elf's. Your eyes, however, are as brown and deep as your mother's. If I look closely, I can almost see that hint of utter stupidity in them, just like Laurelen." Laurelas sprang to attack the man, but Rhaemyr quickly pulled out his blade to keep the boy at bay, chuckling to himself as he did so; Laurelas only glaring madly at him. "Indeed, truly evident is Laurelen's spirit. So quick to attack, and so confident that she could defeat anything."
"You are a murderer. You do not deserve to utter my mother's name."
"Trust me, boy. I deserve much more than your mother's head on a silver platter."
"You deserve nothing but your own hideous death."
"That look that you give me now, that glare, just like your father's. It is a real pity your mother didn't listen to him when he told her not to trust me. It seems her stupidity and gullibility got her killed in the end. Though I cannot say I am sorry for my actions. That betrayer was worthy of nothing but death. Stay out of my way, I must attend to my son." Rhaemyr lowered his dagger, and carelessly passed by Laurelas, who only stayed in his place for her remembered what Rhaemyr had spoken of earlier about Arodiel.
"I would murder you and your son to keep him away from Arodiel," Laurelas called to the Captain, as the Captain stopped dead in his tracks, and turned to face the boy once again.
"Do not make threats you cannot handle, son of Legolas. You wish to repeat history? It wasn't enough that your father interfered with my own engagement, but now you must interfere with that of my son's? Meddle in this affair, Laurelas, and you will regret it, I give you my word." Rhaemyr turned and left the room. Laurelas filled to the brim with anger, grinded his teeth and tried to keep himself calm. It only took a moment for him to decide to follow Rhaemyr, to try and find Arodiel, or Lord Faramir, for he needed to speak with them urgently. After running down some halls, he found Lord Faramir standing outside the door to one of the rooms, pacing.
"Lord Faramir, I wish to speak with you, immediately if I may."
Faramir halted his paces and approached Laurelas. "What is it Laurelas? You look as if you've only moments before you pass out. Are you well?"
"Yes, yes I am fine. I need to speak to you about Arodiel."
"Yes?"
"Have you spoken with the son of Rhaemyr? Has he offered to take Arodiel's hand in marriage??"
"Yes, he has Laurelas, though I am curious as to how you found out. In fact, they are both in that room right now, which is why you saw me pacing about earlier."
"Lord Faramir you cannot be serious? With all do respect, you cannot offer Arodiel"
"I do not offer her, Laurelas. I have given her the choice of whether or not she wishes to marry Taemyr. Before she gave me an answer, I told her it would be best if she met with the man first, to give him a bit of a chance. In truth Laurelas, I do not wish her to marry this man any more than you do, but it is of my daughter's decision, not mine or yours."
Just then Rhaemyr approached the two, looking suspiciously at Laurelas. Before he could speak however, the door flung open, and Arodiel emerged. All three men stared to her for an answer, but she only approached her father and pulled him aside. Laurelas watched the two, Arodiel whispering so no one could hear her. After a few moments of speaking, she took her leave and made her way down the hall. Laurelas attempted to follow, but Faramir restrained him.
Laurelas only looked to Faramir in question. "Well? What did she say my Lord?"
Faramir turned so that he could acknowledge Rhaemyr as well, for he knew the Captain wished to ask the same question. "She has refused. I am sorry Captain, but I can only support the decision of my daughter." Laurelas sighed in relief. Rhaemyr, though he had a look of calm on his face, spoke with only bitterness after the three men witnessed his son emerge from the room, and silently make his way down another hall, a look of hurt and anger evident on the boy's face.
"You, Greenleaf, you had something to do with this," Rhaemyr accused lifting his finger and pointing to the boy.
"I admit I hadn't. In truth I needn't to do anything. She would refuse your son with or without my persuasion."
"I told you you would regret interfering in this, and I am a man of my word." He glared at Laurelas, as he left the two men to follow his son. Laurelas only glaring back, feeling Faramir's hand hold him back from attempting to jump at the man.
"My Lord, I beg your pardon, but I need to speak with Arodiel." Faramir only nodded, and released Laurelas to find his daughter. As Laurelas made his way down the hall, Faramir smiled to himself, proud at the decision his daughter had made, and completely relieved.
TBC.. sorry so long!!! Please review!!
