Chapter 5.
Disclaimer: Do I look like GCL to you? Do I? DO I? Unless you are suffering the side effects of hallucinations or delusions, you would most probably admit that I do not. (or unless you are restrained by the fact that this IS the internet, and you MOST probably can't see me.) For future reference, I do not look like her, and therefore, I am NOT GCL. A logical follow-up of this is that I do not own any of her works. Therefore you should not sue.
Thank you to andreaatf, AithneAderyn and saz for reviewing.
andreaatf: Thank you for being my faithful reviewer since day 1. I think you've reviewed every single time I've posted, and I'm really grateful for that. Reviews really make my day! Hehe…MAYBE…
AithneAderyn: No, it's cool, really. I don't mind. Placing stuff on this website is also supposed to help me improve my grammar etc. In fact, I'm changing it in…3…2…1…ok, it's changed. Sorry, about that :D Thanks, I really appreciate the other comments as well. I'll try to be more careful in the future anyway. You are most welcome to 'nitpick' (as you put it) any time.
saz: Thanks. Hey, I was stuck! I couldn't think of a name! And it's not that it's a bad thing. Galahed was supposed to be the best knight in King Arthur's realm, if anyone doesn't know. Yeah, I fixed up one/two already, but if you've found anything else…
I've just realised that the lines I put in to separate different people's point of views don't show up. Sorry. :S
And for those of you who read one of my friend's reviews, Bert is a nickname. I am not a guy. That would be really odd.
NOW, I should probably get on with it. :D
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Daria stood as far from El as possible. Her friend was standing on the opposite side of the room, eyes shining. Eligible bachelors and elegant young ladies surrounded El. Daria turned away, half angry, and half filled with remorse. But as she turned, she felt a polite tap on her shoulder. She jerked back.
"I am sorry. I did not mean to startle you." A man, old enough to be her father, smiled graciously at her. "I am the Earl, Polthard. Would you do me the honour of dancing with me?" He had a careful way of speaking, as though he couldn't quite get his tongue around the words. Daria smiled at him.
"Certainly." Not another dance with an old man…I am not a fortune hunter…
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El laughed again. Then, she felt a tap on her shoulder.
"Jerrold!" There he was, his eyes twinkling at her surprise.
"El." He bowed gallantly. "I hate to tear you away from your companions, but…" There was definitely a mischievous gleam in his eyes now. "…the music is so alluring…as are you. I can tell you are simply longing to dance with me."
El rolled her eyes and laughed.
"Well if you put it that way, how can I refuse?" She turned to her companions and excused herself. "I will speak to you later."
Jerrold offered her his arm, and together they made their way down to the dance floor.
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Daria stood in the corner, watching Jerrold twirl El down the set. She had escaped the Earl as fast as she could, without appearing rude. She watched a young, handsome man walk towards her direction. Hey…he's walking towards me!
She smoothed down her dress, trying not to appear flustered.
"Excuse me…are you busy?" He had a smooth sounding voice, like that belonging to nobility.
"Depends." Daria smiled coyly. Even a dog on the streets could see that she wasn't busy.
"Oh. I was wondering if you would like to dance with me. But if you are busy, then no matter…" He feigned hurt, but showed no sign of walking away.
Daria laughed, for the first time that night. She gazed at the young man appraisingly.
He was handsome; there was no doubt about it. His dark chocolate brown hair was wavy, and immaculate. He was tanned, and his emerald eyes were soft and warm.
"I will dance with you. May I know your name?"
"I am Peter, son of Sir Galahed."
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El laughed again. Jerrold gazed down into her face. There was an odd expression on his face. It was almost that of tenderness. The silence that ensued between them was almost profound…then two more joined them.
"El! I haven't seen you all night!" It was Daria. El knew this wasn't true. She had endured Daria's silent glowers all night. But now she seemed so friendly. Almost…too friendly. El glanced at the young man at Daria's side, glad for a distraction from Jerrold's warm, caring eyes.
"Allow me to introduce Peter, son of Sir Galahed." El offered her hand to the newcomer, exactly as her mother had instructed her.
"You are most welcome. It is pleasure to meet you."
"Let me assure you, madam. The pleasure is all mine."