Chapter Four
Kassi of Pirate's Swoop
Disclaimer: For Mithros' sake, I'm running out of creative ways to say it: They're all Tamora Pierce's, except for a few characters like Tara. Get used to it, people! I'm actually not THAT brilliant, although I'll let you think I am...~laughs evilly and mutters something about taking over the world~
A/N: I GOT MORE REVIEWS!!! AND PEOPLE ACTUALLY LIKED IT!!! ~begins to cry~ Thanks so much, everyone! Sorry, I've been so busy lately, what with basketball and homework. ~gives a death glare to teachers~ Basketball takes up a lot of time, but I love it so much that it's worth it. Hey, we're undefeated so far! ~dances around the room~
To my wonderful reviewers: Thanks a million! You all rock!
Me Acorn and Sometimes Banana ~ Thanks so much for reviewing my story and actually liking it! Oh, and also for the ideas! Update!
Midnight Knight ~ A SPELLING MISTAKE??? ME??? How can that be possible??? Please tell me what it is, so I can fix it! I'm glad you like Tara's personality. I felt that it would just ruin the story if she acted like a Court lady.
PsychoLioness13 ~ Glad ya like it!
SaNgUiNe SiStaR ~ Tara is NOT falling for Dom! It's just that he's like an older brother to her. Way older, but whatever. Like I said, Dom's in love with Kel and Tara isn't in love at all with anyone yet. Thanks for reviewing!
I know that this chapter is drawn-out, but I think it shows Tara's character a little better. The next update should be this weekend, and I promise it will have more action!
~~~~~~~~~~
Tara woke early the next morning, despite being out late. She wanted to say goodbye to Dom before he left.
After she had dressed, she crept across the hall to Kassi's room. "Kassi?" she whispered. "Kassi, are you awake?"
A loud moan from inside answered. Tara slipped through the door. "Kassi, get up! Don't you want to see Dom again before he leaves?"
The girl stumbled up, bleary-eyed. "I'm awake. Now," she added grumpily.
While Kassi pulled a cream dress on, Tara wandered around the room. Noticing how quiet her sister was, Tara asked, "What's wrong, Kass? It's not like you to not talk like this."
Kassi mumbled, "Everyone else gets to do something fun. You and Da in the Own, Ma with the Riders..."
Tara shook her head. "I'm not in the Own," she reminded Kassi. "Now hurry up. We can talk later, but Dom leaves soon." Tara brushed past Kassi, heading for the door. Kassi hurried to follow; Dom was a family friend, and she liked him.
Outside, both girls had to blink against the bright sunlight. They could make out Dom arguing loudly with Raoul in the stables. While Kassi chose to eavesdrop outside the door, Tara silently climbed the side of the stables, then jumped down to the rafters. Both men below were too preoccupied to notice.
"- Mithros' sake, Dom, she's my daughter! My oldest! I'm not letting her join the Own. She'll get hurt, maybe killed - and I could never forgive myself." Raoul's usually even voice was laced with anger and anxiety.
"Sir, she's made up her mind. You know how Tara can be - stubborn as a colt. Fourteen - that's the age Kel was when she became your squire, and you had no qualms about her. Tara's a woman, Raoul, not your little girl."
Tara could see her father flinch, as is Dom had hit him. The Knight- Commander was silent for a minute before he said softly, "I know that. I do. It's just that - she's our oldest. Our child. Kel... she's like another daughter, but... she's not ours. I've watched Tara grow up. She'll ruin her life; she can't understand what it would mean for her never to marry. She's too young... even Alanna's married, and you and Kel... you want to. If Tara leaves the Own for a man, she'll never be respected. I don't want my daughter to have to suffer with that."
Tara had an uneasy feeling that Dom knew she was there when he said softly, "Raoul, she understands. It's the life she wants. If she falls in love, she'll still live a happy life, even if the conservatives mock her." He smiled. "Look at her parents - the Knight-Commander of the King's Own and the former Commander of the Riders. How can you deny her this?"
"I agreed to it. It's Jon who's got his head underground," Raoul said bitterly. "He's worried about the reputation that realm's getting for having female warriors. The Own's his little performing show, he wants it untainted."
Dom clapped a hand on Raoul's back. "Then we'll have to show him that we can dance just as well with a woman among us," he said cheerfully. "I can tell you that this time, Tara isn't going to stop fighting until she gets what she wants." When Raoul looked discouraged, Dom added, "Why don't you go find Buri? I'd like to talk to her before I leave."
As soon as Raoul had left, Dom glanced up. "Get down here. Now. I need to talk to you."
Reluctantly, Tara swung down, landing on the dirt floor. "How did you know I was there?"
Dom grinned at her. "I grew up with my cousin, Sir Nealan the Meathead of Queenscove," he told her dryly. "I know every trick there is."
Tara moved to Sunstreak and began to stroke her absently. Dom eyed the mount. "She'd make a good warhorse," he told Tara. "Or a riding horse, either one. She's beautiful." Dom took a deep breath. "Tara, I know I shouldn't say this, because your father would strangle me if he found out, but I hope I see you in the Own someday soon." His smile returned. "Kel's taught me that women can be more persistent and just as capable of fighting as men. I suppose you'll fight King Jonathan's order?"
The girl nodded. "Of course. I think I can; after all, he was Alanna's knight-master, and he allowed Kel to become a page. He ought to be able to handle one more woman in combat."
As the rest of the noble family of Goldenlake entered the stables, Dom smiled. "Good luck, then."
Buri laughed. "Trying to encourage our daughter to go against our orders, Sergeant?"
Dom assumed an obviously false look of innocence. "Now, dearest Buriam, would I do that?" he asked with mock astonishment. "I was simply trying to wish the young lady good fortune."
Kassi looked searchingly at Tara. Tara shook her head, letting Kassi know that they could talk about it later.
Raoul was saying something to Dom about the ride to Masbolle. Buri, who held Lidi's hand, handed Andrew to Tara. The baby instantly quieted; Tara began to gently rock him. When she looked up, Dom had mounted his horse. He looked down at her. "You have a way with children. Remember what I said about falling in love. Think about it." Raising his voice so the others could hear, he bade them farewell. As the form of his horse faded into the distance, Tara sighed. Dom made everything seem so much simpler.
~~~~~
That evening, Tara found Raoul in his study. "Da, I need to talk to you."
Raoul pushed aside the paperwork he had been scribbling on. "Yes?"
"It's about the servants," she told him. "I accidentally ran into one of the girls, Mari, yesterday. She told me that one of our men-at-arms has been abusing the women."
Raoul's eyes flashed. After spending so much time with Lady Knight Keladry, the Knight-Commander had begun to enforce the strict rules that governed the behavior of anyone in Goldenlake service. The penalties were harsh for abusing women.
"His name is Fergor Smithson," Tara added. "I think he has the afternoon and early morning watch."
"Thank you, Tara," Raoul said quietly. He knew that most noble girls wouldn't care about their servants - Kel was different in that. That Tara would make sure that they were being protected only hardened his resolve to speak to Jon again. As Tara turned to leave, Raoul added, "We're leaving tomorrow evening for Court. I'd like to speak with Alanna again before I leave for the Own."
Tara nodded. As she walked towards Kassi's room, she thought about that. She knew she had to talk to King Jonathan, but she didn't want to anger him by speaking out against him in public. She still wasn't sure what she was going to do when she knocked on Kassi's door.
Kassi opened it hesitantly. "Yes?"
Tara gently pushed her way past her sister. "I need to talk to you. You know more about proper behavior at Court anyway." When Kassi raised an eyebrow, Tara explained, "Da says we're returning to Court tomorrow. I want to talk to the king, but I don't want to mess it up."
Kassi smiled. "You're tactless and you overcomplicate things too much. Simply ask to speak to him. Only around midday, because he sits with his war council in the afternoon and is usually occupied during the morning."
Tara stared at Kassi. "How do you know things like that?" she asked, shaking her head.
The younger girl shrugged. "I listen. And watch."
Tara stood up. "Thanks, Kass. I'm going to go practice archery. Want to come?"
Kassi sighed. "No thanks. If I'm going to the convent in the fall, I'd best not do trivial things like that," she said sarcastically.
"Suit yourself." Tara got her bow from her room and began to walk out to the archery courts. The brilliant sunshine hadn't lessened, and she had trouble seeing her target.
After ten arrows, she walked closer to inspect her work. They had all hit somewhere in the first ring, and most were in the middle.
Plucking them out, Tara wondered what would have happened if she had gone to the convent. Well, I'd definitely have made a mess of things, she thought ruefully. But spending years learning to curtsey and write invitations and whatnot seem like such a waste of time.
She was interrupted by a touch on her shoulder. Tara turned to find her mother's K'miri eyes smiling at her. "We need to talk," she told Tara. As they sat on a fallen log, Buri explained, "If you and your father do manage to talk Jon around, you'll spend your life among men. You've got good sense, but most men don't." Tara smiled. "I want you to wear this," Buri told her. She handed Tara a small golden symbol strung on a silver chain. Tara slipped it over her head. "It's to ward off childbirth. I know," she said when she saw the look on Tara's face. "But I'd feel much better if I knew you were wearing it."
Tara grudgingly nodded. If it made Buri feel better... "Very well."
Buri kissed Tara's forehead gently. "Now that that's done with, shall we go inside?" she suggested. "I have a feeling that we'll only be at Court for a few days, so we don't need to pack much. And I'm hungry," she added. "Let's go talk to Elle."
~~~~~
That evening after dinner, Tara was packing her bags when she heard a soft knock on the door. When she opened it, Lidi stood outside. The little girl looked sleepy, and she was sucking her thumb.
Smiling, Tara picked her up. "Lidi, why aren't you in bed?"
"It was too hot," the girl complained. "And Hani wasn't there."
Tara frowned. Hani, the children's nursemaid, was supposed to be watching them for the rest of the evening. "Where was she?"
Lidi pulled herself onto Tara's bed. When Tara sat down, the girl crawled into her lap. "Andrew was crying. She went to get Mama."
"I see." Tara sat quietly, holding the little girl in her arms. Lidi's eyes began to close, and then her breathing evened out.
Careful not to disturb her, Tara stood and walked over to the window, still holding Lidi. Dom's voice came back to her: You have a way with children. Remember what I said about falling in love. Think about it.
Did she really want to leave Goldenlake? Tara looked down at her sister. Lidi looked so peaceful, sleeping and occasionally murmuring something. She knew she would miss her family, especially Kassi, terribly.
Through her memories of her family came others: learning to shoot a bow, learning how to fight, playing with the village boys and getting muddy. Tara smiled at the last. She had had a hard time beating the oldest of the boys at wrestling. It wasn't until Raoul had showed her how to do it properly that she had beaten them. Tara also thought of Raoul's warning: Never use this as an unfair advantage. You need to use your talents to help others.
Lidi coughed and began to stir. Conjuring up a small blue ball of flame, Tara placed her hand against Lidi's forehead. She instantly quieted, Tara's magic soothing her.
I can use my healing magic to help the Own, Tara thought. I can save lives with it.
Realizing that Hani would be looking for Lidi, Tara began to walk back to the nursery. When she gently opened the door, the woman looked frantic. "Oh, thank the gods, you found her!" She gently took the sleeping child from Tara and set her in her bed.
When Tara was back in her room, she blew out the candle. Looking out her window, she watched the stars. She found the grouping called the Cat. The Lioness claimed she had known the cat, but few believed her. Tara did. Lady Alanna had the Goddess' hand on her; she had turned Tortall upside down, and for the better. So had Lady Keladry. Both had proven women could fight. Why shouldn't she?
Tara rolled over, smiling. She knew that she would be talking to King Jonathan, and soon.
~~~~~~~~~~
A/N: I just realized that one of my best friends, Brooke, gets a lot of credit for ideas in this story. Like the entire thing with four kids, one of which is a baby, which is based on her family. Plus all of the things that she's said that gave me ideas to write about. So to Brooke: Thanks so much for everything, and I hope you like this story!
Okay, now that I gave her some credit... I might as well give some credit to my friend Alison, who I'm loosely (VERY loosely!) basing Tara on. Aly, I miss you! I know you'd hate this story, but you're in it anyways.
Yeah, I know that the entire thing between Dom and Raoul was kinda deep... and the entire thing at the end, when Tara's have second thoughts... but I felt like writing it that way. So there.
I haven't gotten flamed yet!!! Even though I said it was okay! YAY! ~does a little dance~ Seriously, if you hate it, go ahead and flame it. I don't mind. Sorry, I'm having trouble dealing with the fact that I'm letting people read my writing... and that they actually seem to like it!
So review! Boost my self-esteem! ~cough-ego-cough~ Thanks!
~Kassi
Kassi of Pirate's Swoop
Disclaimer: For Mithros' sake, I'm running out of creative ways to say it: They're all Tamora Pierce's, except for a few characters like Tara. Get used to it, people! I'm actually not THAT brilliant, although I'll let you think I am...~laughs evilly and mutters something about taking over the world~
A/N: I GOT MORE REVIEWS!!! AND PEOPLE ACTUALLY LIKED IT!!! ~begins to cry~ Thanks so much, everyone! Sorry, I've been so busy lately, what with basketball and homework. ~gives a death glare to teachers~ Basketball takes up a lot of time, but I love it so much that it's worth it. Hey, we're undefeated so far! ~dances around the room~
To my wonderful reviewers: Thanks a million! You all rock!
Me Acorn and Sometimes Banana ~ Thanks so much for reviewing my story and actually liking it! Oh, and also for the ideas! Update!
Midnight Knight ~ A SPELLING MISTAKE??? ME??? How can that be possible??? Please tell me what it is, so I can fix it! I'm glad you like Tara's personality. I felt that it would just ruin the story if she acted like a Court lady.
PsychoLioness13 ~ Glad ya like it!
SaNgUiNe SiStaR ~ Tara is NOT falling for Dom! It's just that he's like an older brother to her. Way older, but whatever. Like I said, Dom's in love with Kel and Tara isn't in love at all with anyone yet. Thanks for reviewing!
I know that this chapter is drawn-out, but I think it shows Tara's character a little better. The next update should be this weekend, and I promise it will have more action!
~~~~~~~~~~
Tara woke early the next morning, despite being out late. She wanted to say goodbye to Dom before he left.
After she had dressed, she crept across the hall to Kassi's room. "Kassi?" she whispered. "Kassi, are you awake?"
A loud moan from inside answered. Tara slipped through the door. "Kassi, get up! Don't you want to see Dom again before he leaves?"
The girl stumbled up, bleary-eyed. "I'm awake. Now," she added grumpily.
While Kassi pulled a cream dress on, Tara wandered around the room. Noticing how quiet her sister was, Tara asked, "What's wrong, Kass? It's not like you to not talk like this."
Kassi mumbled, "Everyone else gets to do something fun. You and Da in the Own, Ma with the Riders..."
Tara shook her head. "I'm not in the Own," she reminded Kassi. "Now hurry up. We can talk later, but Dom leaves soon." Tara brushed past Kassi, heading for the door. Kassi hurried to follow; Dom was a family friend, and she liked him.
Outside, both girls had to blink against the bright sunlight. They could make out Dom arguing loudly with Raoul in the stables. While Kassi chose to eavesdrop outside the door, Tara silently climbed the side of the stables, then jumped down to the rafters. Both men below were too preoccupied to notice.
"- Mithros' sake, Dom, she's my daughter! My oldest! I'm not letting her join the Own. She'll get hurt, maybe killed - and I could never forgive myself." Raoul's usually even voice was laced with anger and anxiety.
"Sir, she's made up her mind. You know how Tara can be - stubborn as a colt. Fourteen - that's the age Kel was when she became your squire, and you had no qualms about her. Tara's a woman, Raoul, not your little girl."
Tara could see her father flinch, as is Dom had hit him. The Knight- Commander was silent for a minute before he said softly, "I know that. I do. It's just that - she's our oldest. Our child. Kel... she's like another daughter, but... she's not ours. I've watched Tara grow up. She'll ruin her life; she can't understand what it would mean for her never to marry. She's too young... even Alanna's married, and you and Kel... you want to. If Tara leaves the Own for a man, she'll never be respected. I don't want my daughter to have to suffer with that."
Tara had an uneasy feeling that Dom knew she was there when he said softly, "Raoul, she understands. It's the life she wants. If she falls in love, she'll still live a happy life, even if the conservatives mock her." He smiled. "Look at her parents - the Knight-Commander of the King's Own and the former Commander of the Riders. How can you deny her this?"
"I agreed to it. It's Jon who's got his head underground," Raoul said bitterly. "He's worried about the reputation that realm's getting for having female warriors. The Own's his little performing show, he wants it untainted."
Dom clapped a hand on Raoul's back. "Then we'll have to show him that we can dance just as well with a woman among us," he said cheerfully. "I can tell you that this time, Tara isn't going to stop fighting until she gets what she wants." When Raoul looked discouraged, Dom added, "Why don't you go find Buri? I'd like to talk to her before I leave."
As soon as Raoul had left, Dom glanced up. "Get down here. Now. I need to talk to you."
Reluctantly, Tara swung down, landing on the dirt floor. "How did you know I was there?"
Dom grinned at her. "I grew up with my cousin, Sir Nealan the Meathead of Queenscove," he told her dryly. "I know every trick there is."
Tara moved to Sunstreak and began to stroke her absently. Dom eyed the mount. "She'd make a good warhorse," he told Tara. "Or a riding horse, either one. She's beautiful." Dom took a deep breath. "Tara, I know I shouldn't say this, because your father would strangle me if he found out, but I hope I see you in the Own someday soon." His smile returned. "Kel's taught me that women can be more persistent and just as capable of fighting as men. I suppose you'll fight King Jonathan's order?"
The girl nodded. "Of course. I think I can; after all, he was Alanna's knight-master, and he allowed Kel to become a page. He ought to be able to handle one more woman in combat."
As the rest of the noble family of Goldenlake entered the stables, Dom smiled. "Good luck, then."
Buri laughed. "Trying to encourage our daughter to go against our orders, Sergeant?"
Dom assumed an obviously false look of innocence. "Now, dearest Buriam, would I do that?" he asked with mock astonishment. "I was simply trying to wish the young lady good fortune."
Kassi looked searchingly at Tara. Tara shook her head, letting Kassi know that they could talk about it later.
Raoul was saying something to Dom about the ride to Masbolle. Buri, who held Lidi's hand, handed Andrew to Tara. The baby instantly quieted; Tara began to gently rock him. When she looked up, Dom had mounted his horse. He looked down at her. "You have a way with children. Remember what I said about falling in love. Think about it." Raising his voice so the others could hear, he bade them farewell. As the form of his horse faded into the distance, Tara sighed. Dom made everything seem so much simpler.
~~~~~
That evening, Tara found Raoul in his study. "Da, I need to talk to you."
Raoul pushed aside the paperwork he had been scribbling on. "Yes?"
"It's about the servants," she told him. "I accidentally ran into one of the girls, Mari, yesterday. She told me that one of our men-at-arms has been abusing the women."
Raoul's eyes flashed. After spending so much time with Lady Knight Keladry, the Knight-Commander had begun to enforce the strict rules that governed the behavior of anyone in Goldenlake service. The penalties were harsh for abusing women.
"His name is Fergor Smithson," Tara added. "I think he has the afternoon and early morning watch."
"Thank you, Tara," Raoul said quietly. He knew that most noble girls wouldn't care about their servants - Kel was different in that. That Tara would make sure that they were being protected only hardened his resolve to speak to Jon again. As Tara turned to leave, Raoul added, "We're leaving tomorrow evening for Court. I'd like to speak with Alanna again before I leave for the Own."
Tara nodded. As she walked towards Kassi's room, she thought about that. She knew she had to talk to King Jonathan, but she didn't want to anger him by speaking out against him in public. She still wasn't sure what she was going to do when she knocked on Kassi's door.
Kassi opened it hesitantly. "Yes?"
Tara gently pushed her way past her sister. "I need to talk to you. You know more about proper behavior at Court anyway." When Kassi raised an eyebrow, Tara explained, "Da says we're returning to Court tomorrow. I want to talk to the king, but I don't want to mess it up."
Kassi smiled. "You're tactless and you overcomplicate things too much. Simply ask to speak to him. Only around midday, because he sits with his war council in the afternoon and is usually occupied during the morning."
Tara stared at Kassi. "How do you know things like that?" she asked, shaking her head.
The younger girl shrugged. "I listen. And watch."
Tara stood up. "Thanks, Kass. I'm going to go practice archery. Want to come?"
Kassi sighed. "No thanks. If I'm going to the convent in the fall, I'd best not do trivial things like that," she said sarcastically.
"Suit yourself." Tara got her bow from her room and began to walk out to the archery courts. The brilliant sunshine hadn't lessened, and she had trouble seeing her target.
After ten arrows, she walked closer to inspect her work. They had all hit somewhere in the first ring, and most were in the middle.
Plucking them out, Tara wondered what would have happened if she had gone to the convent. Well, I'd definitely have made a mess of things, she thought ruefully. But spending years learning to curtsey and write invitations and whatnot seem like such a waste of time.
She was interrupted by a touch on her shoulder. Tara turned to find her mother's K'miri eyes smiling at her. "We need to talk," she told Tara. As they sat on a fallen log, Buri explained, "If you and your father do manage to talk Jon around, you'll spend your life among men. You've got good sense, but most men don't." Tara smiled. "I want you to wear this," Buri told her. She handed Tara a small golden symbol strung on a silver chain. Tara slipped it over her head. "It's to ward off childbirth. I know," she said when she saw the look on Tara's face. "But I'd feel much better if I knew you were wearing it."
Tara grudgingly nodded. If it made Buri feel better... "Very well."
Buri kissed Tara's forehead gently. "Now that that's done with, shall we go inside?" she suggested. "I have a feeling that we'll only be at Court for a few days, so we don't need to pack much. And I'm hungry," she added. "Let's go talk to Elle."
~~~~~
That evening after dinner, Tara was packing her bags when she heard a soft knock on the door. When she opened it, Lidi stood outside. The little girl looked sleepy, and she was sucking her thumb.
Smiling, Tara picked her up. "Lidi, why aren't you in bed?"
"It was too hot," the girl complained. "And Hani wasn't there."
Tara frowned. Hani, the children's nursemaid, was supposed to be watching them for the rest of the evening. "Where was she?"
Lidi pulled herself onto Tara's bed. When Tara sat down, the girl crawled into her lap. "Andrew was crying. She went to get Mama."
"I see." Tara sat quietly, holding the little girl in her arms. Lidi's eyes began to close, and then her breathing evened out.
Careful not to disturb her, Tara stood and walked over to the window, still holding Lidi. Dom's voice came back to her: You have a way with children. Remember what I said about falling in love. Think about it.
Did she really want to leave Goldenlake? Tara looked down at her sister. Lidi looked so peaceful, sleeping and occasionally murmuring something. She knew she would miss her family, especially Kassi, terribly.
Through her memories of her family came others: learning to shoot a bow, learning how to fight, playing with the village boys and getting muddy. Tara smiled at the last. She had had a hard time beating the oldest of the boys at wrestling. It wasn't until Raoul had showed her how to do it properly that she had beaten them. Tara also thought of Raoul's warning: Never use this as an unfair advantage. You need to use your talents to help others.
Lidi coughed and began to stir. Conjuring up a small blue ball of flame, Tara placed her hand against Lidi's forehead. She instantly quieted, Tara's magic soothing her.
I can use my healing magic to help the Own, Tara thought. I can save lives with it.
Realizing that Hani would be looking for Lidi, Tara began to walk back to the nursery. When she gently opened the door, the woman looked frantic. "Oh, thank the gods, you found her!" She gently took the sleeping child from Tara and set her in her bed.
When Tara was back in her room, she blew out the candle. Looking out her window, she watched the stars. She found the grouping called the Cat. The Lioness claimed she had known the cat, but few believed her. Tara did. Lady Alanna had the Goddess' hand on her; she had turned Tortall upside down, and for the better. So had Lady Keladry. Both had proven women could fight. Why shouldn't she?
Tara rolled over, smiling. She knew that she would be talking to King Jonathan, and soon.
~~~~~~~~~~
A/N: I just realized that one of my best friends, Brooke, gets a lot of credit for ideas in this story. Like the entire thing with four kids, one of which is a baby, which is based on her family. Plus all of the things that she's said that gave me ideas to write about. So to Brooke: Thanks so much for everything, and I hope you like this story!
Okay, now that I gave her some credit... I might as well give some credit to my friend Alison, who I'm loosely (VERY loosely!) basing Tara on. Aly, I miss you! I know you'd hate this story, but you're in it anyways.
Yeah, I know that the entire thing between Dom and Raoul was kinda deep... and the entire thing at the end, when Tara's have second thoughts... but I felt like writing it that way. So there.
I haven't gotten flamed yet!!! Even though I said it was okay! YAY! ~does a little dance~ Seriously, if you hate it, go ahead and flame it. I don't mind. Sorry, I'm having trouble dealing with the fact that I'm letting people read my writing... and that they actually seem to like it!
So review! Boost my self-esteem! ~cough-ego-cough~ Thanks!
~Kassi