–- SEYRUUN HIGH JINX -- 10 year Reunion Story –-7/09/2004

"Affection is responsible for nine-tenths of whatever solid and durable happiness there is in our lives." – C. S. Lewis

Chapter Seven: No Going Back

"Love involves a peculiar unfathomable combination of understanding and misunderstanding." – Diane Arbus

Note: Please, patient readers, we understand that Filia can be a tedious person and story teller and sympathize with those of you who wish the focus to move off her and onto the others. This is a different format for a Seyruun High Jinx story. Since so many have written and asked, we can say that Filia will continue telling her story for a few more chapters, three updates, then Zelgadiss will have his turn- starting at the beginning- then Lina, before the entire story unfolds. So, if you can hold out a little longer, we hope we can reward your stamina and endurance with something interesting and entertaining. Thank you.

Xelloss returned the next day and in one undamaged piece. He must have been successful convincing the local syndicate to do things his way, because he seemed in good spirits. Tired, though. We just lazed around and ate food.

On the third day he wanted to do some sightseeing, so Airi took us to the Floating Palace in Wilanowie. Now that was a really spectacular place.

"The palace is remarkable for its original architecture – a blend of the European art with the Old-Polish building tradition – and iconographical program of façade and interior wall paintings and carvings," Airi read from her guide book. "The oldest style being the Baroque royal chambers, located in the central part of the building, the Southern wing and the adjacent pavilion."

"Makes me think of Versailles," Xelloss smiled. I knew he loved to visit France whenever he could.

But that was as far as we got. "No syndicate allowed," the security man at the gates told us in no uncertain terms.

I bristled. Xelloss, an old hand at this, having often been on the receiving end of unreasonable prejudice, smiled and calmly withdrew his White Shrine priest identification. "I'm a priest. And Miss Ul Copt is a priestess in the Cephied clan, neither of which organization is associated with the syndicate. Our guide is Volphied..."

Even so, word of Xelloss' connections with the underworld must have spread like a computer virus, infecting who knows how many government agencies already with the information, valid or not. The Volphied clans were also the prevailing mindset in the area's agencies, lending their influence to the government, the courts, and to the point of dictating the overriding culture. Much in the same way that the White Shrine was the primary sect of Seyruun.

Now, for me being a part of the Cephied Believers meant that we were close kin to the Volphied folks, so one would think that I'd be comfortable with the state of affairs. However, remember that I had come to learn a lot about our 'darker side'. Like how my people tried to annihilate Val's clan for greedy purposes and some had attempted to take away his inheritance only a few years ago. I had seen Volphied followers and leaders in action against Darkstar. They would kill in the name of Volphied just at my people had once done. So, I knew that their actions were just as questionable and their pasts as tainted.

To me, that meant that passionate clans-- in particular those with strong lunatic fringe groups-- shouldn't be in control of a government. I liked the White Shrine's laidback 'let everyone be free to believe as they will' attitude that ran the city-state of Seyruun. Maybe because they accepted me and Xelloss the way we were and didn't require either of us to change or give up something major to stay together helped as well.

Boy, I know that I must sound like a heretic to others of my clan, but then I've been told that I'm not just any clan girl-- which is true since my boyfriend's head of the un-syndicate, for gods'sakes!

Here was another case. Either Volphied extremists had corrupted the security rings or this guard guy had especially strong feelings, but he was making it clear that under no circumstances would he allow Xelloss to enter.

Airi was pissed off, but Xelloss shrugged it off. He really took it well. "It's...okay, Airi, I want no trouble here today. I certainly don't want to harm your reputation in any way."

So, we left the palace and simply strolled through the surrounding park land. Had Lina been along, I'm sure there would have been a scene and maybe a jail cell to complete it.

Xelly continued, "That kind of thing happens often, has always happened to me. Someday, it would be nice to be recognized for destroying the syndicate. Of course, then they'd all blame me for ruining their fun, their purpose, and their reason for being, I suppose," he chuckled.

We walked for miles that day, enjoying the gardens and talking. I learned a lot about, well, plants, architecture, but also people, politics, and Xelloss, especially.

I really liked the two-tiered Baroque garden. It had these stairs descending into a lake, and it was all decorated with statues of ancient gods, decorative vases, carved stairway balustrades, and fountains. What I wouldn't have given to pack up a few of those massive outdoor vases!

Xelloss evilly preferred some English styled greens loaded with hidden sarcophagi, columns, and obelisks. Although we both agreed to move the Neo-Classical rose garden adjacent to the southern wing of the palace to my back yard some day!

I tried hard to get him to tell me more about his meetings with the local syndicate people.

"They were a lot more than a criminal gang responsible for trafficking drugs and stealing cars," was all Xelloss would say.

Airi was hardly more forthcoming at first, but then she warmed to it after I shared some of my revelations about the clans at home. "The tales of corruption in the courts goes back to ancient times, yet those willing to run against the political grain are few. People like your brave friend, Mr. Xelloss here. The last man in the government, who was as fearless, was forced out of his post after initiating an investigation that tied corrupt prosecutors, police officers and Central Bureau of Investigation officers with an organized crime ring."

Xelloss spoke up in defense of the government, "Of course, perhaps some of the problem lies in the lack of communication, or outright suspicion, between public officials and outsiders coming in like me."

Airi shook her head. "But you couldn't have missed the state of the roads. It's a real-life structural problem as well. The powers actually given to the small second-tier authorities are ludicrous. The only significant competencies they have are secondary education and roads. They have no taxes of their own to finance their activities, meaning that they remain fiscally dependent on the governing agency in the tier above them. Not surprising that some have chosen to pursue extracurricular activities, though in the case of Starachowice where many of the leaders are accused of trading arms and narcotics with the local syndicate, it is still likely to be more an exception rather than rule. I'm afraid that in many cases, the local leaders have been grateful for the extra powers and extra jobs to be dished out as patronage."

Xelloss placed a hand on her troubled shoulder. "That has always been the way of the syndicate. Find a weakness and use it to take over. It can be found everywhere, but that's my job; to end it, of course."

"You don't have to worry about running out of work any time soon, then," she smiled.

"No, I guess not!" he laughed. "But let me tell you, things are looking good for you. The older corrupt guys are being ejected, the new guys are embracing the new-found wealth that I'm turning over to them, and the few syndicate followers unable to get on board, are locked up in jail. This has been one of the most forward-thinking governments with the most decisive of leaders that I have had the pleasure to deal with. You have a lot to be proud of, Airi."

I was awed by what they had to say. Both were so attuned to the workings of the world while I was...a 'babe in the woods'. My feelings for Xelloss took another profound turn that day. I saw him in a new light; he was an amazing person, multitalented, gifted, and that he loved me was a blessing. Yes, I felt like I was headed in the right direction, with Xelloss as my guide. So this was what 'the love of my life' meant!

"Filia? Are you okay?" Airi asked. I had been staring into the distance with a beatific glow, she said.

"Oh, yes. I have never, ever been better!"

Xelloss must have felt my enthusiasm, because he grasped my hand and smiled, "Traveling suits you."

"You suit me," I said and gave his hand a reassuring squeeze.

We left for another tour of duty elsewhere the next day. I was sorry to have to say goodbye to my new friend, Airi, but I have a wonderful memento to remember her by until our next meeting, the recipe for her mother's mushroom soup.

Our travels ended shortly thereafter, and we settled into work at home. I threw around some slabs of clay and handled sales in the Mace and Vase. Xelloss met with Gourry and some architects and did whatever it was he did all day. At night, we had each other—sometimes...when we could.

Then, I didn't see Xelloss for a couple of days. He was meeting Milgasia on the sly. A secret he was keeping most pointedly from me. Oh, yeah, it was, much later (much, much!) that I learned of this meeting and its outcome. If only I had known about it when it had taken place; it would have made such a difference.--

"What would I have to do to become a full-fledged member of this clan?" Xelloss asked Milgasia in a private meeting.

"I was wondering when you would come to me and ask me that question," Milgasia answered. "So, I looked into it ahead of time. First, you would have to apply for the training program. If the Supreme Elder accepts you into that, then a trainer is selected. It could be me, for example. When that is completed, there is a ceremony in which you demonstrate your acceptability to the elders of your home clan. They vote and if you pass, then you become apprenticed to a member for a period of a year or so until your position in the clan is determined. And that is that. It could take a year or two. Still interested?"

Xelloss smiled, undaunted. "Yes. But tell me, do you see any problem getting my name past the new Supreme Elder?"

Milgasia nodded, "You detected the weak point immediately. I don't know the man well, but he's said to be fair. I'll help you with supporting documents explaining your role in the syndicate, past and present."

"Thank you. I want to represent myself in the best light possible. If that's possible," Xelloss smiled and shook his head.

"Have you spoken to Luna about this?"

"No, I haven't even mentioned this to Filia." Luna was not going to know. She wouldn't approve of our relationship, he was certain.

"You haven't?" Milgasia was taken aback. "This is a serious action to take without her knowing about it."

Whether Milgasia meant for Xelloss to tell Luna or Filia, Xelloss wasn't sure, but he was certain he didn't want to speak to Luna about any of this so he decided it was Filia to whom Milgasia intended him to open up. It made the lie not a lie when he said, "I'll tell her, once I get through the application part. I have no doubts concerning my ability to master any lessons. It's just... No sense in getting her hopes up only to be met with disappointment."

A week later, Xelly met again with Milgasia...

Xelloss opened his door, "Come in, Mil. Have a seat and I'll bring you ah..."

"Something strong."

"I have wine."

"It will do."

Xelloss carried two glasses of wine into his living room and handed one off to Milgasia, who was gazing about the room. "It's not what I expected," the man said simply.

"What, the wine?"

"No, although this..." he took another sip, "this is very good." Milgasia took another longer drink.

"I think so, too. It is from Kiki's vineyard and winery. Filia, Kiki and I just brought back a case to taste. I don't think it's too 'young', as Kiki puts it, but I'm no expert." Xelloss stopped himself from further pointless chatter and waited to hear Mil's news.

"Hmmm, well, I was referring to your place here. I was expecting to find a typical bachelor pad with food remains and clothes strewn everywhere. Or a luxurious room filled with priceless collectibles. What I find are Spartan accommodations and spotless cleanliness."

"Zelgadiss taught me about having less and holding onto nothing. Also, I'm a bit of a clean-freak my friends say. It's just another of my odd behaviors. But you didn't come to check out my condo. Tell me..."

"Xelloss..."

"I was not accepted, was I?"

Milgasia shook his head. "I'm going to fight the decision, though. You didn't actually kill the previous Supreme Elder, but it is being held against you. That and threatening to kill Filia..."

"But at the time, it was an act! I wouldn't have done such a thing!" Xelloss said angrily.

"Of course not, that's why I say I'm fighting this. I'll get McGywn's police report and as many affidavits as it takes to clear this up."

Xelloss and Milgasia sat in silence, studying each other awhile. Then Xelloss sighed and sat back, "It's not going to work. My current syndicate ties are just too strong; even though it's not the syndicate of the past, it is the enemy. I'd give up my White Shrine position and my 'un-syndicate' post if I thought that might make a difference, but..."

"You can't do that, son. There is no one else who can do what you are doing right now, breaking up all the old syndicate entities. And it is too dangerous for any one to want to try." Milgasia looked away as Xelloss' eyes filled with angry, frustrated tears. "What are you going to tell Filia?"

"Nothing," Xelloss' voice was thick with emotion. "She doesn't know I tried. I didn't want her to think...of me that way, unless it was a real possibility."

"Then she doesn't know that you want to marry her?"

"From the start...we entered into all...this...knowing I couldn't be part of the clan and that she was permanently... remaining a part of it," he spoke hesitantly. "Marriage has never been discussed." Xelloss paused to gain control of his voice again. He was determined not to start crying. Then, he turned to the clan leader and asked. "If we did marry and I wasn't clan, then what? She couldn't be a priestess, right?"

Milgasia sighed, "She could no longer be a clan priestess, that's right. Things would change dramatically for her, but it would not be the end of her life, Xelloss. First of all she would lose her status, position, and privileges. She would in effect be treated like any other...outsider. She could visit and stay with

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her family on occasion, but have no access codes. She'd have to be let in and out, just as you are. She would have no role in the settlement any more."

"But her children, should she have any?"

Milgasia shook his head, "No. They would have to apply for training, just as you had. She's not... That is, you are not expecting any...soon?"

"No. We haven't even slept together, yet." Xelloss sounded exasperated even to himself. They had slept in the same bed but they had not had intercourse, so he allowed the euphemism to stand, and then went on, "Well, that doesn't sound like a very a good scenario. It would kill her to be estranged from her family."

Milgasia looking relieved but saddened, asked, "So, what will you do?"

Xelloss turned his unhappy face away. "What would you advise me to do?"

"As a leader of her clan, or as a friend?"

"Both."

"Talk to her and let her be a part of any decision that's made."

Xelloss nodded and they left it at that.

Xelloss should have talked to me right then, but he didn't. He didn't talk to me about any of that conversation until much, much later. It makes me mad to this day to remember this part.

As the fall season approached, I started taking a night class at the university thinking I might as well earn a few more credits and possibly graduate sometime, but Xelloss was always on my mind. I noticed a difference in his behavior; I would catch him occasionally looking wistful, looks filled with unfulfilled desire and at times a sensitive kind of melancholy. See? I didn't know that he wanted to marry me and join the clan! So, I took this as a sign he might be getting tired of me. I, however, was becoming more and more deeply attached to him and decided it was time to take the next step.

I refuse to go into any details as to how I seduced him. He put up such a good fight, but in the end we made love.

"That...was...unbelievable," he murmured into my ear. "You have to realize that I'd never done that without a condom and it felt soooo good."

I punched him.

"Aaaand there's never been anyone like you!"

"That's better," I told him.

"You're so golden from head to food. Your hair's like the silk in those tassels on the curtains at the opera house, remember going to that in high school together?"

"Yeah, I had to keep slapping your hands to make you stop fondling those pull-backs."

"Yeah, they felt so cool and soft...like your hair. But, now I have better things to fondle," he grinned and found one. "And then you're all tan and golden all over...except here...and here...and here..." He kissed the few places my skin remained covered when I sunbathed. "My golden dragon goddess..."

"You'd tan too if you ever spent a moment in the sun. Remember that summer we all stayed at the beach house? You and Zel both got some tan. You looked good."

"I don't now?" he smiled, eyes glittering with amusement. His eyes always did that, when I could see them.

"You look pretty good naked, yeah. I think I'll keep you this way for me to play with. I love making love with you Xelloss Metallium."

His face grew serious a moment. "Okay, but you have to make me a promise, and that is...no matter what, we can't do that again without protection, okay? You have to promise!"

I did. And we stuck to that promise for the next few years. And never once did he give me any reason to doubt his love, or I his. We were a couple in the eyes of the world.

The other thing I did was have another discussion with Milgasia about my priestess standing.

"I broke a vow."

Milgasia sighed, "Filia..."

"The one about chastity."

"Do you know why that one exists? Let me tell you, then. It was added to keep the young girls pure. To make them have one more reason to wait until they were mature before becoming...sexually active."

That must have cost him to say, but he didn't blush much or shirk his job.

"You are old enough to make your own decisions now. You are an adult. Just...be careful. Both you and Xelloss."

I must have looked shocked. How had he guessed that it was Xelloss?

"He is the one, correct?"

Remember, Xelloss had not told me about his earlier conversations with Milgasia. I had no idea that he had sought training to enter the clan, and been turned down. Milgasia, in turn, didn't know that I still didn't know, so it made for a strange stilted conversation.

I nodded. "Yes. There could be no other for me."

"I understand. There are difficulties for you."

"We can never marry. I guess you can call that a 'difficulty' if you want to."

"Well, not if you remain in the clan, that's true."

"So, that's all I wanted to talk about," I cut him off. I had accepted my fate, but it pained me to discuss it.

I decided to make the most of every moment Xelloss and I had together. However, we didn't have the opportunity to get together on a regular basis. The best way to achieve that, I decided, was to invite him out to the settlement whenever I was going. Sometimes he would stay at Val's, which was nice because then we could snuggle in the guest room. When that wasn't possible, he stayed at my house, where my parents and little brother monopolized him. Like this one memorable spring visit five years after the musical…

"Mo-om, I just want to talk to Xelly alone for once."

She gave me a look filled with a mixture of understanding and worry. "Why don't you take him riding out to the lake? You could go swimming. I'll even pack you both a lunch to take while you get ready. How does that sound?"

"Wonderful, thanks mom!" I ran to the living room where he was playing checkers with Quinny and answering dad's stream of questions about his work and travels. "Oh, Xel-ly! Come with me. We're going to get your swim trunks from Val's place then go on a picnic ride, okay?"

"Swim trunks? O-kay, do-kay, Filly. Sorry, Quin. She-who-must-be-obeyed calls me to action. We'll finish the game later, 'kay?"

Quinny whined, but dad set him straight...while finishing the checkers game with him.

Soon, we set out with our lunch, towels, and swimwear in hand. "So, where are we going?" he asked.

"Stables."

"S-Stables?"

"Yes, that's where we house the horses."

"Horses?"

"Yes, my little echo boy. What else? What did you think I meant when I said 'picnic... ride'?"

"A car? Bikes?" his voice cracked.

"Wimp," I sniffed.

He clammed up until we entered the stables, at which time he made a scene, naturally. He should have been an actor!

"Gag! Eeew! The smell, the SMELL! Just one more reason to hate them," he complained.

"Watch your step!"

"Gah!"

"Ah, poor baby... Tough luck, huh?"

He pulled his foot out of the squishy straw, "Oh for crying out loud..."

"Now you sound like Rezo talking. That's right. Now buck up and come over here. Meet your steed, Blaze!"

He minced over shaking his left foot. "Hi, Blaze. Oh, wow! Does he ever have a big face? UGH! He's eating my hair!"

"She, Xelly-bean. Blaze is a young lady horse, if you'd look around. And she likes you. That was a horse kiss. Here, give her this apple."

"That's my lunch! And... I never really checked out horses before. How would I know?"

"The same way I could tell that you were a guy. Now, open your hand palm flat so she doesn't accidentally nibble your fingers."

"Uh...oh and all, eh there girl? Those are some big teeth you have."

"All the better to chew you up!" I joked.

"Disgusting..."

"No, it isn't. You're making friends. Just pat her nose and tell her how pretty she is. And be sincere. She can tell if you're not. Horses are very emotional."

"Great. Aren't you just the finest looking fillyin the entire stable?" he crooned to the horse.

"Funny."

"I thought so. It came out sincere because I meant it!" His eyes were sparkling with mirth in the seconds before they disappeared in his smile. "So, does Val ride Blaze?"

I pointed out a tall spirited stallion. "Over there. His name's Buck. That's Mil's horse, but he lets Val take him out. Ah, don't go so near, Xelloss. Give that one some space. He's not particularly friendly toward strangers, especially girls...or small guys."

Xelloss backed off. "Well, Blaze, I like you better anyway. Hey! No! Not my hair! Filly, she's eating my hair again!"

"Oh honestly, Xelloss, just step back and distract her while I get help with the saddles."

Needless to say, Xelloss had never ridden a horse before, but he was in good physical condition, so he had no trouble mounting up. I gave him a quick lesson in horsemanship and off we went. Like the skiing incident, he was willing to try anything to please me, and he was a quick learner, but horses were not his preferred means of travel. They had their advantages, though, he discovered.

"She doesn't seem to care if I'm pulling the reins left or right. She just goes where you go."

"I'm riding her mother. She'll follow her anywhere, but then, she knows the trails and probably has figured out where we're headed anyway by now."

"That's nice. That means I can't get lost."

"Right."

"So, when are we stopping?"

"When we get to the lake. Another mile."

"Oh? Not long then." He seemed relieved.

We reached a shaded spot by the lake to picnic.

"Here's where we should have lunch," I said as I hopped off my horse.

"Okay. What about the horses? Shouldn't we tie them up or something?"

"No, they'll stick around and find things to eat. They won't wander far, not as long as they know I have more treats in this basket."

"Ah...your secret controlling agent—food." He helped me spread out quilt in the dappled shade.

"Not for you. I have to use more devious means to influence you."

He smiled warily, "Oh? Like...what?"

I leaned over and kissed his lips gently, "I'll let you use your imagination."

He let is imagination get control of his brains, pulling me down onto our blanket and covering my mouth with his own. He didn't require much encouragement to become affectionate. A firm nudge by a warm muzzle broke us apart.

"Interfering mothers..." Xelly grumbled at my horse.

"She just wants us to get to the bottom of the basket. Sandwich?"

"Nice bread," he said as he bit into the one I offered.

It was. My mother's homemade loaves were nutty whole wheat with a crusty coating.

"What's in it? It's great."

"She buys the butter from a neighbor who has cows and goats. It comes wrapped in parchment paper and packed in a wooden crate. Those are lemon cucumbers (thin slices so crisp and cooling on the tongue) which were picked from Mrs. Saunders' garden yesterday."

"Are these tomatoes? They're purple and I've never tasted anything like them," he was entranced by the food.

"Yep, Mrs. Saunders family stock. Good, huh?"

He nodded but picked curiously at the thin leaves layers between the tomato slices.

"Oh, the green stuff is basil leaves from mom's herb garden."

"Delicious," he smiled politely and ate obediently. Xelloss was not one to argue when he was in love. I pointed that out to him.

"The medication makes me more docile," he said in a low tone. "It also helps keep my mind on track and more focused. In some ways its better, but in others..." His voice faded off, leaving his unspoken thought hanging in the warm air. "They all have side effects. Ritalin made me nauseous, and aggravated my mood swings... even more than the Dexedrine. I absolutely hated the way Ritalin made me feel, all moody and stuff. I didn't know which was worse, the disease or the cure! However, there were downsides and side effects to Dexedrine."

I had never before heard him talk about his fight with the drugs he took. I realized that this was important to him. He wanted to share this very personal information with me, so I listened with sensitivity and tried to ask questions to make him feel comfortable. I had never cared this much for anyone in my entire life. "What were your side effects?"

"At first, mostly some loss of appetite which made me skinnier- don't tell Sylphiel, okay? She might want to take it. My headaches got worse, I'd get dizzy, nervous, and restless, which would make me irritable."

"That sounds like the symptoms you were trying to get rid of."

"Right, so I'd up the dosage. I would become tolerant of that, and then I'd up it more sometimes making me so sick to my stomach... "

"Like...you were addicted."

"Yes. To the point that I started getting hallucinations. Bad stuff for me."

"Poor baby."

"What's that wrapped up in the napkin?"

I turned back to the basket and rolled back the generous plaid cotton folds. "Hardboiled eggs. Pretty aren't they? Millie is raising these cool chickens that lay blue-green colored eggs. Try one."

He took an egg and a shaker of salt.

While he was busy I asked, "But that was the worst, the hallucinations and all, right?"

"No, actually. I can recall taking Cylert, a particularly nasty choice for ADD medication. I found out that people taking it died from liver damage. Also it had warnings plastered all over it saying that it should not be taken with drugs that affect the central nervous system, which if you recall I was being loaded with at one time. Nowadays no doctor would give it to a little kid. I had the same foul side effects the other stuff would end up giving me, but also convulsive seizures and depression."

I gave his hand a compassionate squeeze, "Go on."

He shook his head, "You don't really..."

I interrupted him, "Yes I do. I want to hear it all. I care, Xelly. I really want to know the 'why' of you." And I was proud to have actually meant what I said. This wasn't just another case of 'tell me a story, Xelly'. I needed to understand every last thing about him.

"Ah...well... Then there was Adderall, a "cocktail" mixture of four different amphetamines I got the weirdest side effects of insomnia at first, then euphoria-- which wasn't so bad- but then I'd come crashing down all paranoid. So, I got doped up on anti-depressants but the Tricyclic antidepressants increase their levels when taken with Adderall medication, making me high as a kite. The worst problems, though, with amphetamines like Adderall were the ways it would impair my judgment and my ability to do stuff... like driving.

"Sounds like it was an awful choice for you. So, did you just quit taking it?"

"Sure. That's when I learned about the effects of addiction! Abruptly stopping it after such a prolonged high dosage, made me really tired and depressed. The most severe, though rare, side effect was the psychosis part, which ...surprise, surprise... was often clinically indistinguishable from schizophrenia. That happened when I got hospitalized. So they drugged me more to treat that!"

"No wonder you were such a mess. It's amazing you survived," I hugged him tightly. "Oh, sweetie..." My heart went out to him. It wasn't fair that he had had to suffer so much.

"I did, but it screwed up my brain permanently in some ways that I continue to have to deal with to this day. Still want to know more about me? I told you, the fantasy me is better than the real me."

"Not true. I love you better understanding you more. Dragons and unicorns are fantasy; my lover has got to be real."

We kissed lightly, but meaningfully. Reassuring one another of the depth of our commitment. After awhile, we came up for air.

"Ummm, I smell something sweet. Is there a dessert tucked away in there?" he asked.

I withdrew a paper bag and handed him a warm plum bursting with juicy ripeness. "From our plum tree in the back. Watch it, it's sticky."

"I've never eaten so much unprocessed food in one meal, well, since living with Zelgadiss." He took a tentative bite, then another and pronounced the plums to be "... like summer in a sour skin." He wiped off his chin and hands with a clean cloth napkin I provided when he was done.

"So, what pills are you taking now?" I asked as I put away the remnants of the meal, setting aside the two very old, over-ripe apples for the horses. "You haven't been having nasty side affects that I've been aware of."

"Yeah, not many. Zelgadiss read about a new product in some journal he dug up and it led to a medical man in your clan. It was still in the testing phase but with a little financial incentive, I was included. Anyway, this stuff called Attend..." From his pants pocket, he pulled out a small bottle wrapped in a pharmaceutical note and read: "... works with the body's natural calming and balancing agents to help the brain to develop new and better neural pathways, to process information better and faster, and to improve the brain's ability to inhibit behaviors. It's all natural, completely safe and non-toxic." He re-wrapped the bottle of pills and pocked it. "Hard to believe, huh? I can't take it all the time because it mellows me out too much. The rest of the time, though, it helps to calm me and reduce stress and frustration. I can focus my attention better and it has improved my concentration."

"That is so great! I didn't know anyone in the clan researched that kind of medication. Even if you don't always take it, it must be good to know that it's not killing you when you are."

"Yes, there are many good things the clan has done for me, you being the very, very best," he nuzzled me and we laughed.

"So, does anyone know how you got this way?"

"Half nuts?" he chuckled. "No, you mean the disease. Well, the first thing doctors say is that bad parenting can't be blamed; mine certainly didn't help though. Most likely, it's in the genes. A child is 70 percent more likely to have Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder or A.D.D. if they have a parent with it-- which means, if I ever father any kids, they'll most likely be doomed to have it too."

I shoved him a bit, "Hey, you've turned out okay and new treatments are getting better all the time. Don't let it get you down."

"Okay," he smiled slightly.

"Let's go for a swim. Xelloss!"

"What?" He had ripped off his shirt and was pulling off his pants.

"Do that behind some bushes! Someone could see you!"

"Only you. I don't really care anyway. I've got nothing to be ashamed of."

That was Xelly-bean...in all his glory.

"Can we go skinny-dipping?" he asked with a grin.

"No! People come here. Children. It wouldn't be right," I instructed him and slipped into my suit behind a screen of plants.

We splashed and goofed around a bit then swam out to a floating dock and climbed up to sun a short while. I discouraged him from man-handling me too much, then we swam back and strolled hand-in-hand in the sun along the sandy edges to dry.

All-in-all, it had been a lovely day...so far...

End -- SHJ Ten Year Reunion-- Chapter Seven.