Disclaimer: See first Chapter

The Story of A Ball

Chapter Two: Of Walks Alone and of Walks with Company

Daja walked through the busy market place contemplating thoughts of the upcoming ball when someone tapped her on the shoulder.  She jumped in surprise as she turned around to find Kirel smiling down at her. 

"Hi" Daja said shyly.  Why did she have to sound so stupid?  She was friends with him, and he had come up to her, so why should she be nervous.  These thoughts did nothing to calm her nerves. 

"What, no hug?" asked Kirel with a mischievous smile on his face.
            Daja gasped as Kirel approached her and wrapped his strong arms around her thin form.  She savored the moment, placing her head in the cradle of his shoulder, where it fit perfectly.

 He had matured so nicely, his once childish and tubby look was gone and a handsome, toned man was left in its place.  No wonder he had all the girls of Winding Circle eyes on him, he was definitely the most handsome in her opinion, and not only were his looks good, but he had a loving personality that would attract anyone's attention.   

The hug ended all too soon, although it had lasted a little longer than necessary; or had she just imagined that?

"So what's new?" asked Daja.

"Actually, Frostpine sent me here because he wants you to work on project for him at the forge."

Daja's face fell, she knew it was foolish, but she had been hoping that Kirel had sought her out just to see her, not because of an order from Frostpine.

"I'm glad he sent me actually," said Kirel, "I haven't seen you around much lately Daja, and well, I've, um, missed you."

Daja looked up in surprise, he missed her?! Stop thinking like that…you know he just looks at  you as a friend, after all, you miss Briar, but that doesn't mean you LIKE him. 

"Well, I've missed you too Kirel," Daja said trying to act casual.  "Are you going to be working in the forge today too, or is it mage stuff?"

"No, I'll be there.  Shall we head off to the forge now, or do you still need to buy something at the market?"

"No, I was just out for a walk, thinking." 

"About what?" asked Kirel as they started towards the forge. 

"Oh, just that ball coming up I guess.  Rosethorn and Lark are planning on taking me dress shopping sometime soon.  Are you going to go to that?" asked Daja, praying that his answer would be yes. 
            "Of course! I wouldn't miss all the fun.  Um….are you going to ask anyone to go with you Daja?" Kirel managed to gulp out. 
            "Psh, who would want to go with me?" was Daja's disappointed reply.  She thought she heard Kirel answer "You would be surprised." but when she asked him to repeat himself he said it was nothing, and by that time they had reached the forge so the subject was dropped. 

            A/N: Well that's the second chapter!! Hope you enjoyed it! Thanks to everyone who reviewed!

Lady Wolfspeaker: I'm glad you liked it! I have no idea what's preventing you from reviewing it! But if you still have trouble, I guess you could just review in my other story! I'll get your reviews from there!

Miamouse: Well, I'm glad you like the writing! That's very important! I guess, I never imagined Kirel to be much older that Daja.  I guess when I read the books I ignored that comment, and just made up my own character (I tend to do that sometimes…) I hope you'll read the story anyway! (Just imagine Kirel to be about Daja's age….)

Review please!!