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Nyxione: I'm glad you like it. I did notice a redundancy of lately but forgot to change it when I was going over it in editing before submitting.

Ch 14-Understanding

Narrator:

It seems that Terra just doesn't know when to quit. She seems to be the only one causing trouble. Richard is even getting sick of her behavior. Nothing is going very well with them.

Xxxx

Richard didn't know what to do. He just found out that Victor and Karen weren't talking to Terra. Garfield was acting more defensive than usual. Kori wasn't that outgoing lately. The only one who had changed for the better would have to be Roy. He wasn't so aggressive towards Raven anymore. He didn't know what had happened to create all these changes. None of these problems had ever occurred before. This just didn't make sense. Richard assumed it was all pint up emotion they had for each other.

"All this thinking is giving me a headache."

Letting out a deep sigh Richard layed on his bed. When did his life become so complicated? He didn't need to worry about his friend's behavior when he had problems of his own. His mother was constantly trying to get him to propose to Raven with Alfred's help. His father is making him take on more responsibility in relation to the kingdom and he had to make sure that Raven didn't sneak out of the kingdom. There was just too much going on. He really needed to take a break. Richard slowly drifted off to sleep.

Xxxx

Diana paced back and forth in her room. Bruce and Alfred watched her. They learned not to mess with her when she got like this. It was best to just let her be Diana was running out of time and she knew it. She could feel that Raven was getting ready to leave. Richard needed to propose to her before that time came. She did all she could to delay Raven from leaving. Diana needed a new tactic. There had to be some way to speed things along quickly. She didn't understand why Richard was being so hesitant. There was obvious attraction between the two. They had to be the most stubborn people that she met, which made them perfect for each other.

"Have you two thought of anything yet?" Diana asked.

"No," Alfred replied.

"Diana…shouldn't we just let things come naturally. We shouldn't rush things," Bruce said.

"If we did that then nothing will happen. Raven will be leaving soon and Richard has to propose before that happens."

"How do you know she's leaving?"

"I just do. Now stop making stupid distractions and help me figure out a plan."

Bruce just sighed. He didn't know how he got roped into this. Now he understood Alfred's mannerisms. It took a lot of patience to deal with Diana. He didn't know where any of this came from. He was just lucky that Richard didn't inherit any of this. One Diana was enough than having two.

"What if we plan a secret date for the two?" Bruce suggested.

"That's too obvious," Diana replied.

"How 'bout planning a romantic picnic for the two?" Alfred asked.

"Too plain."

They spent an hour cooped up in the room coming up with ideas. Diana was being extremely picky about this. She wanted everything to be perfect. There couldn't be any screw ups. Richard needed to propose to Raven soon before something happens. Diana had a feeling that something bad would happen to the kingdom that would leave it in destruction if Richard didn't propose.

"Why aren't you guys helping out? Must I do everything myself," Diana lashed out in frustration.

"We're doing the best we can," Bruce replied.

"You aren't trying hard enough. Do you want the kingdom to crumble?"

Bruce thought that his wife was starting to blow things out of proportion. The kingdom wouldn't suffer if Richard didn't have a bride right now. But there was no talking to her. It would be utterly pointless to talk reason.

"Everything must be perfect. And I think I know the perfect thing."

Xxxx

Raven peaked outside of her door. She made sure that the coast was clear before stepping out of her room. This would be her only chance to get out of here before anyone found out. She had made the decision to leave today. There couldn't be any more delays. So far there wasn't anyone around.

"Going somewhere," a voice behind her said.

Whirling around she came face to face with Richard. She didn't know how he had snuck up on her.

"Don't do that?"

"Sorry. Where are you going?"

"I wanted to meditate in the garden."

"Why don't I believe you?"

"Believe what you want."

"Then you don't mind if I join you then."

Raven slightly hesitated at that. She didn't expect for him to say that. "Of course not."

"Good. Where too?"

Raven led them out back and towards the stables. This was the only way for him not to get suspicious. It wouldn't look good if she led him outside the castle grounds. The stables were the first thing that came to her mind. A nice horse ride seemed like a good idea.

"You wanted to go horseback riding?"

"Yes."

"Then it's a good thing that I'm joining you then."

Raven smiled slightly at the corny line he just gave. Richard could be dorky at times, but that was what made him attractive.

"Which horse do you want?" Richard asked.

"Doesn't matter," Raven replied.

Richard went over to a white mare and got her set up. He then went over to prepare his own horse. Once that was done he led the horses outside the stables.

"Where would you like to go?"

"I don't know. Somewhere away from the castle."

"We could ride into the forest."

Raven agreed with him and silently followed his directions. The ride was very pleasant. Though now she had to figure out another way to leave this place. She didn't know why it was so hard. It was like this unknown force was keeping her here.

Richard needed this to get his mind off of things. It was getting unbearable to stay in the castle now. Everyone was keeping to themselves and things had become strange. He didn't know why his friends were acting this way. To him it was completely childish.

Xxxx

Diana smiled from the hiding place she was in. The good thing was that she didn't need to do anything. This was much better than what she was planning on doing. Maybe Richard would propose, but knowing him he wouldn't be thinking about it. She'd convince him later about the proposal. He'd need help in saying the right words anyways.

Xxxx

Narrator:

Diana just loves to play matchmaker doesn't she. Though her thoughts and fears couldn't be closer to the truth. Well…I'm tired. We'll continue with the story tomorrow.