Disclaimer-me no own, you no sue.

Sandry stood in the sun, gazing about. She hadn't seen Briar yet, he was behind a garden fence a few houses down. He peeked through the slats, just looking at her. He had built up, from his memories while he was away, a picture of her in his head. But he alays thought he had overexaggerated it, thinking "no one is THAT gorgeous." But she proved him wrong. Her hair shone in the sun, her natural summer highlights glimmering. She was wearing a gorgeous dress, one that Briar hadn't seen before. It hugged her hips and defined her curves, cascading onto the ground around her.

Finally, Little Bear started to bark, giving away Briar's hiding place. He rolled out, dusted himself off, and looked up to see her hitch up her skirts and run flat-out towards him. He ran to her as well, stopping a few moments before impact to brace himself. She leaped into him, squeezing him to her. For a moment, they felt like the force that she had run into him with had fused them into one person. And he didn't care.

They held each other without speaking for a long time, long enough for Rosethorn and Briar's apprentice to catch up to them. Neither said anything, but Rosethorn gave them a look as they passed. The couple reluctantly let go of each other and walked back to the cottage, holding hands. They still had yet to say a word aloud, but Rosethorn knew they were communicating faster then the speed of light in their minds.

Dinner that night was excellent-when Lark realized that there would be three extra people to feed that night, she had gone a little crazy when she went to Gorse. Turkey, ham, and chicken were the main course, followed by couscous, peas, fresh fruit and vegetables from the garden, along with several kinds of biscuits. Seven, to be exact. This was all followed by frozen yogurt and plenty of cold milk. After they had all stuffed themselves, there was still a LOT of food left. Lark frowned as she looked over the overflowing table.

"I don't think this will all fit in the coldbox. Briar, I know it's your first night back, but will you run some of this down to the Water Temple? I know they still have some refugees there who wouldn't mind some extra food. Sandry, why don't you help him carry it?"

Briar and Sandry nodded vehemently. Everything was packed into baskets, and they set off. They talked for a long time, and took the scenic route to the Water Temple. After dropping off the food, they began the long walk home. Briar wiped his sweating palms on his trousers, and watched his feet take him home for a while. Sandry noticed how quiet he was.

"Briar, what's the matter?"

"Nothing...nothing."

"Well, if it was nothing, then you would be talking to me. Or, in case you haven't really missed me at all..." His head shot up.

"NO! I mean, no. It's not that."

"Then what is it?" He took a deep breath, and took the plunge.

"Sandry, how long have we been together?"

"Coming up on a year and a half now. Why?"

"And how old are we?"

"Um, we're both nineteen. What's up with these questions?"

"Well, you know...this is the time when lots of people...you know...start thinking about the rest of their lives...and who they want to spend it with." He took both her her hands in his, which brought them to a stop. He turned her to face him.

"And I was wondering," he said softly. "If you wouldn't mind spending it with me."

OOOOOOOOOOOO...im horrible. God, like you all don't know what she'll say. or do you?