Heart Duel
*A/N: This chapter is dedicated to Ms. Sherwood Smith, the woman who brought CCD to life for all of us, and for providing me with information about Sartor and its royal family, etc. THANK YOU so much!!! I hope that this chapter will allow you guys to understand what Sartor is about, although some of it will be made up by me along the way.hahaz;)
Disclaimer: Little of it belongs to me, me and only ME! But most of it belongs to Ms. Smith.sad feeling, isn't it?
*~*~*
Chapter 6: Could It Be.Love?
The days passed swiftly and pleasantly, although I soon grew restless with the monotony of it all. I longed to run barefoot in the fields of Tlanth, to sing with the Hill Folk, to be.normal.
I know I'm far from special, except maybe to my family and friends. But what is true love like? I've often wondered.
Seeing Aunt Mel and Uncle Danric together made me wonder.
Could one love another so much as to see only his or her perfections, and accepting their flaws?
Could one love so deep as to sacrifice one's life for the other's?
Could one love with no restrictions, enabling them to say, "I love you" at any given time or place?
Till I meet my true love, I guess I'll never know. "M'lady, you are late!" cried Louise in an exaggerated whisper, peering at me anxiously. Her flustered look made a laugh bubble at my throat. I quickly repressed it in fear of aggravating her further.
"Don't worry, I was just thinking."
I threw off the bedcovers, stepping lightly on to the tiled floor. The marble chilled my feet. Louise hovered nearby, ready for my next command.
*~*~*
The day was warm and bright, the arrival of spring.
While instructing Louise to get me my walking gown, I hurriedly washed and cleaned myself.
The dress this time was a light green-blue colour. The perfect colour for a spring day! The silks fell gracefully like a waterfall, pooling around my feet. The bow-shaped collar was trimmed with silver lace, as were the sleeves, which fanned like wings at my sides.
"How would you like your hair today M'lady?" asked Louise, as I settled myself down at the dressing table.
"Hmm.how about braiding these two bunches which frame my face and tying them together at the back?"
"That would be nice," was all she said, as she worked her slim fingers through my hair.
The end result was perfect!
Louise had braided a silver tiara into my hair, with the centrepiece of a sword-shaped green crystal hanging in the middle of my forehead.
*~*~*
The delegation from Erev-li-Erval was to arrive today. I was supposed to be in attendance at the welcome ceremony, but managed to weasel out of it after much pleading with Aunt Mel.
I decided to spend my free time in the gardens, which was in itself a work of art.
The rattle of numerous horse carriages and the excited neighs of the horses could be heard in the distance.
The delegation had arrived.
Apparently, the diplomats arriving were here to accomplish more than just an alliance treaty. No one knew what, except the royal family. Even I was not told.
The young lords and ladies of court have tried time and again to gain information from either of the royal siblings, but both kept mum.
An accomplishment for usually talkative Derrick.
The continuous interrogation soon forced the siblings to seek refuge in their own rooms or their parents'.
With a book in hand, I made my way deeper into the heart of the maze of trees and shrubs, immersing myself in solitude and nature.
Seating myself against an oak tree next to a pond, I began to read. The book was about Erev-li-Erval, her history, culture and people. I must have fallen asleep, as the sounds of the festivities slowly faded away.
A soft neigh and the tossing of a mane awaked me.
Opening my eyes, I was greeted with the most monstrous looking thing to haunt me for the rest of my life. A horse!
The slobbering beast had its face thrust right in front of mine. I gave a yell loud enough to startle it, and slammed backwards into the tree behind me, scrambling to get up.
My eyes, which were wide with terror, soon regain their focus, and began to assess their surroundings.
Upon the great beast sat a young man. His dark brown hair was tied neatly at the nape of his neck, and his golden brown eyes bore through my emerald green ones.
His face showed no remorse under that plumed hat which was tilted at a jaunty angle. That uncaring expression fanned the fires of my anger.
How dare he!
"Excuse me, M'lady. I fear I had failed to see you from up here," he apologised in detached manner.
If that could be considered an apology.
"But you seem to blend into the surroundings," he continued, as he smiled at his own weak attempt at a joke, looking me up and down in my green-blue gown.
My cheeks burned both with anger and embarrassment.
"What kind of a gentleman are you? How dare you invade upon my privacy? How.get your horse out of my face!" I screamed both in fear and anger.
Seeing my distress, he leapt from his horse gracefully and took a step towards me, probably to calm me down.
I took a step back, and tripped over a tree root.
A strangled cry escaped from my lips, as I felt myself fall in slow motion. My hands reached out, and grabbed at the only solid body it could find. As I waited for the moment of impact, nothing happened!
I opened my eyes slowly, and what I saw shocked me.
Mystery man had my left lower arm in his firm grip. He immediately pulled me upright towards him, his free arm encircling my slender waist.
In my dazed state, and with the momentum of his tug, I hit him full on in the chest.
With my left hand, I cradled my head, which throbbed from the sudden jerks I had put it through. My head was bowed, supported by my left hand, which was sandwiched between my forehead and the crook of his neck. I took a deep breath to calm myself. Inevitably, I breathed in his scent.
He smelled like the earth, like the forests back in Tlanth, wild and musky.
He smelled like home.
Home, the very place I wished I was, the very place I sorely missed from the depths of my heart.
Yet for a moment, encircled by his strong arms, I felt as if I were safe at home.
What am I thinking? I am being taken advantaged by a stranger for goodness sake!
But I enjoyed it!
My common sense soon returned to me, and I lifted my heavy head with a groan, beginning to protest at his audacity. But before a word could be uttered, Derrick approached leading a young lady unknown to me.
The girl was pretty, with flaming red hair, a contrast to her pale skin. A sprinkle of freckles dusted he petite nose, and she was dressed in a gauzy purple gown, which bordered on the opulent, although it fit her every curve. But what drew me to her were her eyes.
They were a deep violet!
Mystery man released me from his embrace, as a pale flush tinted his tanned cheeks. I was too absorbed in looking at the newcomer, that I forgot to be embarrassed at being caught in an intimate embrace with a stranger.
"Lana! There you are!" exclaimed Derrick with what sounded like false cheerfulness.
"I see you have already met Crown Prince Kaelen-Dei Landis," he continued.
Crown Prince? What the.
"You mean.this rude ruffian is a Crown Prince?" I asked, disbelieving, with my finger pointed at Mystery man.
"Ruffian, brother?" asked the lady with a forced laugh, although her amusement was apparent in her expressive eyes. "What have you done this time?"
Brother?
I was getting confused.
"Who are these people, Derrick?" I asked in frustration.
Derrick cleared his throat at my outburst.
"Lady Tylana, may I introduce you to His Royal Highness The Crown Prince Kaelan-Dei Landis, and his sister Her Royal Highness The Princess Meridanaria Landis of; children to King Rel and Queen Yustnesveas of Erev- li-Erval."
Erev-li-Erval? The delegation!
The Crown Prince and Princess both bowed and curtsied respectively.
"Your Highnesses, my cousin the esteemed Lady Tylana Astiar of Tlanth."
Esteemed?
I curtsied mechanically, extending my hand distastefully for that lousy excuse of a Crown Prince.
His eyes met mine as he straightened. Was that remorse?
If it was, I'll never know, for they soon resumed their glassy stare.
"Would you two like to join us in our stroll?" asked Derrick.
We both agreed, and Crown Prince Kaelan-Dei went to retrieve his chestnut mare, which had sidled away, and was munching on a bunch of grass.
We two ladies were sandwiched between the men. Unluckily for me, the Crown Prince was on my right, his gloved hand nearly brushing mine, as his horse trotted obediently beside him.
The stroll was mainly silent throughout, punctuated with light conversation about their trip and their first impression of Athanarel. This gave me an opportunity to observe the Crown Prince.
He had since removed his hat, making it easier to make out his features.
He was about Derrick's age, seventeen to eighteen thereabouts, with a high forehead and a pointed chin. His hair was the colour of rich chocolate. His deep-set eyes were a shade lighter, like golden honey, framed by long curling lashes, partially hidden under straight eyebrows. He was slim, yet muscular, about half a head taller than I.
The expression he had on now, made him look thoughtful. His jaw was tense, and his eyebrows knitted in a slight frown, as if deep in thought. A dimple was apparent in his left cheek, his gloved hands now clasped behind his back.
Dressed in a long off-white tunic shirt, belted with a deep maroon silk sash, worn under an open knee-length vest of a lighter shade, the collar, cuffs and hem of the vest were trimmed with gold thread. His slim frame filled the tunic and vest perfectly. His matching trousers were tucked loosely into his black weave knee-high boot tops.
(A/N: Black weave is a waxy plant harvested along riversides and in marshes. It looks like snakeskin and can only be found in black.)
All in all, he was handsome.
Handsome? Now, where did that come from?
I shook my head slightly to clear it of my foolish thoughts.
"So, what is the whole secrecy about the alliance treaty?" I asked, breaking the silence.
This brought the three of them out of their own personal reverie. Derrick and the Princess had seemed troubled, heads both bent in worry.
What is going on?
At my questioning, the Crown Prince arched his eyebrow and asked, "You mean you don't know?"
"Know what?" I asked yet again.
At this, Derrick looked stricken.
"My sister is betrothed to your cousin." He replied simply, glancing quickly at the couple beside us.
Derrick had managed to compose himself, and threw me an embarrassed smile. The Princess just looked at me shyly from under lowered lashes, but I sensed a deep sadness within those violet eyes.
"Betrothed?" I asked.
What is wrong with me? (A/N: she keeps repeating the question)
"Yeah, I mean yes. Betrothed," answered Derrick, who seemed quite surprised at hearing this himself.
"It is a.marriage alliance," continued the Princess, almost bitterly.
What is wrong with them?
"Well then, congratulations!" I said happily, turning to envelop the princess in a hug.
She gasped in surprise, before relaxing and returning the favour, although she seemed to cling on to me as if for support.
Reluctantly, she stepped back. Tears were brimming her eyes, but she quickly blinked them away.
I soon realised the reason for her tears.
She is sent here as an ambassador from her Kingdom, away from her family and friends. She has to learn to love a stranger, embrace his customs and way of life, forsaking her own happiness. And she was only a year or less older than I!
The Crown Prince must have seen his sister's tears, for he suggested that we return to the residence in search of some much needed rest.
As I turned from the group to head to my own rooms, Derrick tapped me lightly on the arm. I turned, a questioning look in my eyes.
"You will join us at the engagement ball later tonight?" he asked.
I nodded and turned to leave, when he whispered urgently into my ear.
"Meet me at the library in an hour!"
I was puzzled at his request, but said nothing. Instead, I smiled at the Princess who nodded her head in acknowledgement; and curtsied to her brother, who bowed gracefully in return.
We went our separate ways, and as I made my way down the empty hallways, I kept guessing at what Derrick wanted to tell me.
*A/N: Sorry for keeping you all waiting! But I am a STUDENT, and there are obligations u must attend to as one. But, I kept my promise, and this has been completed over a day during the March holidays. This is my longest chapter yet!
Well, romance is in the air! Something some of u guys have been pestering me about.heehee.it's kinda like a love/hate thing, but as u can probably see, Lana can't stand Kaelan-Dei as yet.
I know, I know, Kaelan-Dei and Meridanaria don't look alike. But I thought it'd be unique to have a contrast, so there!
Lastly, I'd like to thank Ms. Sherwood Smith yet again for the information on Sartor and Erev-li-Erval, otherwise known as Eidervaen (thot Erev-li- Erval sounded nicer) she has provided me with. Also, the patience in which she has employed to answer my various questions.
**A/N: I have never read "Beauty" by Ms. Smith, and have yet to get my hands on the Firebird edition of CCD, so forgive me for any mistakes regarding names and the such.
Thanks to the Reviewers:
Savannah: Thanx for the compliment! Yeah, I know the name "coughing" wasn't all that great, so I revised it a little, but all the names are still there.sorry! Keep reading! Hope u liked this chapter!
Nikki: Yup, here it is.TADAA!!!
Rosebud: Sorry for leaving you hangin' there, hope this makes up for it!
SparkleRain: Glad you liked it as much as I loved writing it! Thanx for pointing out the mistake.but am too lazy to change it.another time perhaps!
LybiLunsar: I know, she's a little Mary-Sue, but she has a fear of horses. So that makes her kinda normal too.
Yufina: No Prob.just read on!
Debbie: You think so?
Ky: Have continued with it.sorry for the long wait!
Invisible: Yeah.confused, confused.
Ling2: Thanx for the compliment again, here it is!
Behindmyeyes: U're not the only one who complained of too many characters at one go, but its too late to change it now I guess.hope u enjoy this one.sorry! And thanx for ur super long review, means u really took the time to read and analyse it.hahaz;)
Sherwood Smith: OOH.the author herself!!! Oh my, thanx again Ms. Smith!
RyleeWhitmore: Am flattered that "Heart Duel" is on your fave list. Ur story is great too.keep it going gurl!
AniHope: Cool that u like it.here's the romance, or maybe not! I am sooooooooo evil
ChocolateEclar: Aware of mary-sueness, but she's afraid of horses, as mentioned in chapter 4. Go read it if u haven't, I've edited it. Romance is kinda here!
PLEASE R/R!!!
*A/N: This chapter is dedicated to Ms. Sherwood Smith, the woman who brought CCD to life for all of us, and for providing me with information about Sartor and its royal family, etc. THANK YOU so much!!! I hope that this chapter will allow you guys to understand what Sartor is about, although some of it will be made up by me along the way.hahaz;)
Disclaimer: Little of it belongs to me, me and only ME! But most of it belongs to Ms. Smith.sad feeling, isn't it?
*~*~*
Chapter 6: Could It Be.Love?
The days passed swiftly and pleasantly, although I soon grew restless with the monotony of it all. I longed to run barefoot in the fields of Tlanth, to sing with the Hill Folk, to be.normal.
I know I'm far from special, except maybe to my family and friends. But what is true love like? I've often wondered.
Seeing Aunt Mel and Uncle Danric together made me wonder.
Could one love another so much as to see only his or her perfections, and accepting their flaws?
Could one love so deep as to sacrifice one's life for the other's?
Could one love with no restrictions, enabling them to say, "I love you" at any given time or place?
Till I meet my true love, I guess I'll never know. "M'lady, you are late!" cried Louise in an exaggerated whisper, peering at me anxiously. Her flustered look made a laugh bubble at my throat. I quickly repressed it in fear of aggravating her further.
"Don't worry, I was just thinking."
I threw off the bedcovers, stepping lightly on to the tiled floor. The marble chilled my feet. Louise hovered nearby, ready for my next command.
*~*~*
The day was warm and bright, the arrival of spring.
While instructing Louise to get me my walking gown, I hurriedly washed and cleaned myself.
The dress this time was a light green-blue colour. The perfect colour for a spring day! The silks fell gracefully like a waterfall, pooling around my feet. The bow-shaped collar was trimmed with silver lace, as were the sleeves, which fanned like wings at my sides.
"How would you like your hair today M'lady?" asked Louise, as I settled myself down at the dressing table.
"Hmm.how about braiding these two bunches which frame my face and tying them together at the back?"
"That would be nice," was all she said, as she worked her slim fingers through my hair.
The end result was perfect!
Louise had braided a silver tiara into my hair, with the centrepiece of a sword-shaped green crystal hanging in the middle of my forehead.
*~*~*
The delegation from Erev-li-Erval was to arrive today. I was supposed to be in attendance at the welcome ceremony, but managed to weasel out of it after much pleading with Aunt Mel.
I decided to spend my free time in the gardens, which was in itself a work of art.
The rattle of numerous horse carriages and the excited neighs of the horses could be heard in the distance.
The delegation had arrived.
Apparently, the diplomats arriving were here to accomplish more than just an alliance treaty. No one knew what, except the royal family. Even I was not told.
The young lords and ladies of court have tried time and again to gain information from either of the royal siblings, but both kept mum.
An accomplishment for usually talkative Derrick.
The continuous interrogation soon forced the siblings to seek refuge in their own rooms or their parents'.
With a book in hand, I made my way deeper into the heart of the maze of trees and shrubs, immersing myself in solitude and nature.
Seating myself against an oak tree next to a pond, I began to read. The book was about Erev-li-Erval, her history, culture and people. I must have fallen asleep, as the sounds of the festivities slowly faded away.
A soft neigh and the tossing of a mane awaked me.
Opening my eyes, I was greeted with the most monstrous looking thing to haunt me for the rest of my life. A horse!
The slobbering beast had its face thrust right in front of mine. I gave a yell loud enough to startle it, and slammed backwards into the tree behind me, scrambling to get up.
My eyes, which were wide with terror, soon regain their focus, and began to assess their surroundings.
Upon the great beast sat a young man. His dark brown hair was tied neatly at the nape of his neck, and his golden brown eyes bore through my emerald green ones.
His face showed no remorse under that plumed hat which was tilted at a jaunty angle. That uncaring expression fanned the fires of my anger.
How dare he!
"Excuse me, M'lady. I fear I had failed to see you from up here," he apologised in detached manner.
If that could be considered an apology.
"But you seem to blend into the surroundings," he continued, as he smiled at his own weak attempt at a joke, looking me up and down in my green-blue gown.
My cheeks burned both with anger and embarrassment.
"What kind of a gentleman are you? How dare you invade upon my privacy? How.get your horse out of my face!" I screamed both in fear and anger.
Seeing my distress, he leapt from his horse gracefully and took a step towards me, probably to calm me down.
I took a step back, and tripped over a tree root.
A strangled cry escaped from my lips, as I felt myself fall in slow motion. My hands reached out, and grabbed at the only solid body it could find. As I waited for the moment of impact, nothing happened!
I opened my eyes slowly, and what I saw shocked me.
Mystery man had my left lower arm in his firm grip. He immediately pulled me upright towards him, his free arm encircling my slender waist.
In my dazed state, and with the momentum of his tug, I hit him full on in the chest.
With my left hand, I cradled my head, which throbbed from the sudden jerks I had put it through. My head was bowed, supported by my left hand, which was sandwiched between my forehead and the crook of his neck. I took a deep breath to calm myself. Inevitably, I breathed in his scent.
He smelled like the earth, like the forests back in Tlanth, wild and musky.
He smelled like home.
Home, the very place I wished I was, the very place I sorely missed from the depths of my heart.
Yet for a moment, encircled by his strong arms, I felt as if I were safe at home.
What am I thinking? I am being taken advantaged by a stranger for goodness sake!
But I enjoyed it!
My common sense soon returned to me, and I lifted my heavy head with a groan, beginning to protest at his audacity. But before a word could be uttered, Derrick approached leading a young lady unknown to me.
The girl was pretty, with flaming red hair, a contrast to her pale skin. A sprinkle of freckles dusted he petite nose, and she was dressed in a gauzy purple gown, which bordered on the opulent, although it fit her every curve. But what drew me to her were her eyes.
They were a deep violet!
Mystery man released me from his embrace, as a pale flush tinted his tanned cheeks. I was too absorbed in looking at the newcomer, that I forgot to be embarrassed at being caught in an intimate embrace with a stranger.
"Lana! There you are!" exclaimed Derrick with what sounded like false cheerfulness.
"I see you have already met Crown Prince Kaelen-Dei Landis," he continued.
Crown Prince? What the.
"You mean.this rude ruffian is a Crown Prince?" I asked, disbelieving, with my finger pointed at Mystery man.
"Ruffian, brother?" asked the lady with a forced laugh, although her amusement was apparent in her expressive eyes. "What have you done this time?"
Brother?
I was getting confused.
"Who are these people, Derrick?" I asked in frustration.
Derrick cleared his throat at my outburst.
"Lady Tylana, may I introduce you to His Royal Highness The Crown Prince Kaelan-Dei Landis, and his sister Her Royal Highness The Princess Meridanaria Landis of; children to King Rel and Queen Yustnesveas of Erev- li-Erval."
Erev-li-Erval? The delegation!
The Crown Prince and Princess both bowed and curtsied respectively.
"Your Highnesses, my cousin the esteemed Lady Tylana Astiar of Tlanth."
Esteemed?
I curtsied mechanically, extending my hand distastefully for that lousy excuse of a Crown Prince.
His eyes met mine as he straightened. Was that remorse?
If it was, I'll never know, for they soon resumed their glassy stare.
"Would you two like to join us in our stroll?" asked Derrick.
We both agreed, and Crown Prince Kaelan-Dei went to retrieve his chestnut mare, which had sidled away, and was munching on a bunch of grass.
We two ladies were sandwiched between the men. Unluckily for me, the Crown Prince was on my right, his gloved hand nearly brushing mine, as his horse trotted obediently beside him.
The stroll was mainly silent throughout, punctuated with light conversation about their trip and their first impression of Athanarel. This gave me an opportunity to observe the Crown Prince.
He had since removed his hat, making it easier to make out his features.
He was about Derrick's age, seventeen to eighteen thereabouts, with a high forehead and a pointed chin. His hair was the colour of rich chocolate. His deep-set eyes were a shade lighter, like golden honey, framed by long curling lashes, partially hidden under straight eyebrows. He was slim, yet muscular, about half a head taller than I.
The expression he had on now, made him look thoughtful. His jaw was tense, and his eyebrows knitted in a slight frown, as if deep in thought. A dimple was apparent in his left cheek, his gloved hands now clasped behind his back.
Dressed in a long off-white tunic shirt, belted with a deep maroon silk sash, worn under an open knee-length vest of a lighter shade, the collar, cuffs and hem of the vest were trimmed with gold thread. His slim frame filled the tunic and vest perfectly. His matching trousers were tucked loosely into his black weave knee-high boot tops.
(A/N: Black weave is a waxy plant harvested along riversides and in marshes. It looks like snakeskin and can only be found in black.)
All in all, he was handsome.
Handsome? Now, where did that come from?
I shook my head slightly to clear it of my foolish thoughts.
"So, what is the whole secrecy about the alliance treaty?" I asked, breaking the silence.
This brought the three of them out of their own personal reverie. Derrick and the Princess had seemed troubled, heads both bent in worry.
What is going on?
At my questioning, the Crown Prince arched his eyebrow and asked, "You mean you don't know?"
"Know what?" I asked yet again.
At this, Derrick looked stricken.
"My sister is betrothed to your cousin." He replied simply, glancing quickly at the couple beside us.
Derrick had managed to compose himself, and threw me an embarrassed smile. The Princess just looked at me shyly from under lowered lashes, but I sensed a deep sadness within those violet eyes.
"Betrothed?" I asked.
What is wrong with me? (A/N: she keeps repeating the question)
"Yeah, I mean yes. Betrothed," answered Derrick, who seemed quite surprised at hearing this himself.
"It is a.marriage alliance," continued the Princess, almost bitterly.
What is wrong with them?
"Well then, congratulations!" I said happily, turning to envelop the princess in a hug.
She gasped in surprise, before relaxing and returning the favour, although she seemed to cling on to me as if for support.
Reluctantly, she stepped back. Tears were brimming her eyes, but she quickly blinked them away.
I soon realised the reason for her tears.
She is sent here as an ambassador from her Kingdom, away from her family and friends. She has to learn to love a stranger, embrace his customs and way of life, forsaking her own happiness. And she was only a year or less older than I!
The Crown Prince must have seen his sister's tears, for he suggested that we return to the residence in search of some much needed rest.
As I turned from the group to head to my own rooms, Derrick tapped me lightly on the arm. I turned, a questioning look in my eyes.
"You will join us at the engagement ball later tonight?" he asked.
I nodded and turned to leave, when he whispered urgently into my ear.
"Meet me at the library in an hour!"
I was puzzled at his request, but said nothing. Instead, I smiled at the Princess who nodded her head in acknowledgement; and curtsied to her brother, who bowed gracefully in return.
We went our separate ways, and as I made my way down the empty hallways, I kept guessing at what Derrick wanted to tell me.
*A/N: Sorry for keeping you all waiting! But I am a STUDENT, and there are obligations u must attend to as one. But, I kept my promise, and this has been completed over a day during the March holidays. This is my longest chapter yet!
Well, romance is in the air! Something some of u guys have been pestering me about.heehee.it's kinda like a love/hate thing, but as u can probably see, Lana can't stand Kaelan-Dei as yet.
I know, I know, Kaelan-Dei and Meridanaria don't look alike. But I thought it'd be unique to have a contrast, so there!
Lastly, I'd like to thank Ms. Sherwood Smith yet again for the information on Sartor and Erev-li-Erval, otherwise known as Eidervaen (thot Erev-li- Erval sounded nicer) she has provided me with. Also, the patience in which she has employed to answer my various questions.
**A/N: I have never read "Beauty" by Ms. Smith, and have yet to get my hands on the Firebird edition of CCD, so forgive me for any mistakes regarding names and the such.
Thanks to the Reviewers:
Savannah: Thanx for the compliment! Yeah, I know the name "coughing" wasn't all that great, so I revised it a little, but all the names are still there.sorry! Keep reading! Hope u liked this chapter!
Nikki: Yup, here it is.TADAA!!!
Rosebud: Sorry for leaving you hangin' there, hope this makes up for it!
SparkleRain: Glad you liked it as much as I loved writing it! Thanx for pointing out the mistake.but am too lazy to change it.another time perhaps!
LybiLunsar: I know, she's a little Mary-Sue, but she has a fear of horses. So that makes her kinda normal too.
Yufina: No Prob.just read on!
Debbie: You think so?
Ky: Have continued with it.sorry for the long wait!
Invisible: Yeah.confused, confused.
Ling2: Thanx for the compliment again, here it is!
Behindmyeyes: U're not the only one who complained of too many characters at one go, but its too late to change it now I guess.hope u enjoy this one.sorry! And thanx for ur super long review, means u really took the time to read and analyse it.hahaz;)
Sherwood Smith: OOH.the author herself!!! Oh my, thanx again Ms. Smith!
RyleeWhitmore: Am flattered that "Heart Duel" is on your fave list. Ur story is great too.keep it going gurl!
AniHope: Cool that u like it.here's the romance, or maybe not! I am sooooooooo evil
ChocolateEclar: Aware of mary-sueness, but she's afraid of horses, as mentioned in chapter 4. Go read it if u haven't, I've edited it. Romance is kinda here!
PLEASE R/R!!!
