*****Down the Ladder*****

Sandry was almost to the top of the stairs when she heard Briar call out
behind her.

"Sandry, wait!"

She stopped and turned.
When Briar had caught up to her, Sandry moved away from the steps leading
downstairs.
She walked to the back wall, near the ladder they'd just descended.
"What is it Briar?"

"Sandry, we've got to talk."

"No we don't. There is nothing for us to talk about."
She thrust her chin out stubbornly, and tried to look
like the noble she was.

"Sandrilene fa Toren, don't start with me," Briar growled threateningly,
"I'm better at it, so just don't

start."

Startled, Sandry took a step back. She'd never heard him use that tone of
voice.
The faint sound of a door closing came up the stairs.
Trisana Chandler stomped up to the attic. She stopped short at the sight of
Sandry cowering from Briar.
An odd picture indeed.
"What are you two doing?" Tris spat out obviously upset.
Judging from the small sparks hovering in her hair, Tris was extremely
angry.
"We're having a conversation." Briar said, at the same time Sandry asked,

"Tris, what's the matter?"

With narrowed eyes, Tris stared at the image that they were making.
Sandry pressed against the wall, Briar scowling in Tris's direction.
Suddenly, it was as if a cloud had lifted, and Tris understood what had
been going on.
Smiling she replied,
"Conversation, huh? Well, you two go ahead and finish up your little
conversation and I'll leave."
And with that she climbed the ladder onto the roof.