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Deiter Leafblade · 08-02-2006, 09:24 PM

”You like Altair very much, don’t you, Robyn?”

Glancing up at her father, her emerald-green eyes admonished him. As if she had to verify such a fact! Papa could be so muddle-headed sometimes.

“How much do you like him, then?” Her father’s eyes, a shade darker than hers, glittered just as brilliantly. “Enough to marry him and be his wife?”

Marry? Wife? The very words strangled her breath, just as they brought a rush of colour to her cheeks. “You’re not being fair, Papa. I’m only ten, you know.”

“Precisely.” That was all he had had to say. Too late did she discover she had fallen for another of his winding paths; their lengths varied with what the occasion required, but he always got back to the point and made it look so simple that she felt foolish. “You are only ten, Robyn, but you show such favouritism for a boy you’re not sure you want to marry and be a wife to.” Yet he had enough mercy to give her a friendly nudge. “Aren’t you giving up your chances too soon? And those poor boys who tried so hard to pass you love-notes, send you flowers and offer you candy?” He coughed slightly. “Yes, I’ve noticed these intrigues going on for a while, my daughter. If you didn’t know before, I’m sure you do now. You’re quite an attractive young lady, even if I say so myself.”

“What are you trying to get at, Papa?” She was studying her fingers diligently. Did he want her to ignore Altair? How could she say such a thing to Altair? He seemed so dominant in her life, even when he was not physically around. Their hearts connected indescribably, and each day spent without his company was an ordeal.

“I think you should give yourself, and Altair, some time.” Lord Gerald’s expression was serious now, as he gently tilted his daughter’s chin. “If you’re not sure you want to be his wife - and that’s assuming we, your parents, have no objections - you shouldn’t waste his time, and yours unnecessarily.” Sympathy radiated in those radiant eyes as he caught the expression that flitted across her face momentarily. “I’m not asking you to totally avoid him, of course. Friendship should always be encouraged.” That was Papa; so understanding and always treating her as an equal. He would have been the perfect husband if he were her age. “But try to give yourselves some space, Robyn. Feelings keep us alive, but an excess of them without further thought is dangerous.”

As he got up, he patted her shoulder reassuringly and left the room, she turned to the window and peered out at the pouring rain. Did life have to be so complicated? Was it not good enough to know she wanted to be with Altair forever? Did wanting to be with him forever mean she wished to be his wife? The thought sent another flush to her cheeks, though a delicious thrill was gurgling somewhere inside. Maybe she was just shy and did not want to admit a decision subconsciously formed since some time ago. Or was she just being selfish, that she did not want to share Altair – and perhaps have to give him up totally, if he should wed a possessive wife – with another woman?

The rain continued to fall, ignoring the torrent of questions left unanswered in her troubled heart. But with the typical exuberance of youth, she shoved her confusion aside and turned to her texts on hunting instead. Yes, Papa was right. She was so young, and there was plenty of time. When she and Altair were both grown, her suspicions would probably be confirmed. She only hoped that Altair would wait for her…

Somewhere, an audience was applauding because the spectators were enjoying the unfolding of a long forgotten tale. The protagonists had grown up and only last night, found each other. The male lead had shown that he liked the leading lady still, and in a way beyond that of friendship. It was not time yet for the curtains to fall, but the scene was still heavenly; so heavenly that the audience did not want to leave, to be interrupted.

But there was another call to answer, and its tone was urgent. It reminded Robyn that Papa was still in danger and she had to return to him. Reluctantly, she let go of her happy state and arose, only to find Altair in a serious mood, staring into space. She waited until the moment passed, then got up and placed her hand on his shoulder gently, murmuring the words of the cure wound spell, followed by the remaining cure light wound ones.

Great relief surged through her as she found him restored to his full health now, and impulsively, she wrapped her arms around his back. Altair. Was the strong emotion she had always felt for him, love? Would this emotion which she suspected he returned, enough to see them through the trials ahead?

Releasing her hold, she patted him gently on the arm. “It’s time to move on.” Another wave of regret, uncertainty and affection washed over her.

[ 08-02-2006, 10:14 PM: Message edited by: Deiter Leafblade ]

08-02-2006, 09:24 PM	#226
Deiter Leafblade Emerald Dragon Join Date: October 1, 2001 Location: Somewhere Age: 38 Posts: 934	”You like Altair very much, don’t you, Robyn?” Glancing up at her father, her emerald-green eyes admonished him. As if she had to verify such a fact! Papa could be so muddle-headed sometimes. “How much do you like him, then?” Her father’s eyes, a shade darker than hers, glittered just as brilliantly. “Enough to marry him and be his wife?” Marry? Wife? The very words strangled her breath, just as they brought a rush of colour to her cheeks. “You’re not being fair, Papa. I’m only ten, you know.” “Precisely.” That was all he had had to say. Too late did she discover she had fallen for another of his winding paths; their lengths varied with what the occasion required, but he always got back to the point and made it look so simple that she felt foolish. “You are only ten, Robyn, but you show such favouritism for a boy you’re not sure you want to marry and be a wife to.” Yet he had enough mercy to give her a friendly nudge. “Aren’t you giving up your chances too soon? And those poor boys who tried so hard to pass you love-notes, send you flowers and offer you candy?” He coughed slightly. “Yes, I’ve noticed these intrigues going on for a while, my daughter. If you didn’t know before, I’m sure you do now. You’re quite an attractive young lady, even if I say so myself.” “What are you trying to get at, Papa?” She was studying her fingers diligently. Did he want her to ignore Altair? How could she say such a thing to Altair? He seemed so dominant in her life, even when he was not physically around. Their hearts connected indescribably, and each day spent without his company was an ordeal. “I think you should give yourself, and Altair, some time.” Lord Gerald’s expression was serious now, as he gently tilted his daughter’s chin. “If you’re not sure you want to be his wife - and that’s assuming we, your parents, have no objections - you shouldn’t waste his time, and yours unnecessarily.” Sympathy radiated in those radiant eyes as he caught the expression that flitted across her face momentarily. “I’m not asking you to totally avoid him, of course. Friendship should always be encouraged.” That was Papa; so understanding and always treating her as an equal. He would have been the perfect husband if he were her age. “But try to give yourselves some space, Robyn. Feelings keep us alive, but an excess of them without further thought is dangerous.” As he got up, he patted her shoulder reassuringly and left the room, she turned to the window and peered out at the pouring rain. Did life have to be so complicated? Was it not good enough to know she wanted to be with Altair forever? Did wanting to be with him forever mean she wished to be his wife? The thought sent another flush to her cheeks, though a delicious thrill was gurgling somewhere inside. Maybe she was just shy and did not want to admit a decision subconsciously formed since some time ago. Or was she just being selfish, that she did not want to share Altair – and perhaps have to give him up totally, if he should wed a possessive wife – with another woman? The rain continued to fall, ignoring the torrent of questions left unanswered in her troubled heart. But with the typical exuberance of youth, she shoved her confusion aside and turned to her texts on hunting instead. Yes, Papa was right. She was so young, and there was plenty of time. When she and Altair were both grown, her suspicions would probably be confirmed. She only hoped that Altair would wait for her… Somewhere, an audience was applauding because the spectators were enjoying the unfolding of a long forgotten tale. The protagonists had grown up and only last night, found each other. The male lead had shown that he liked the leading lady still, and in a way beyond that of friendship. It was not time yet for the curtains to fall, but the scene was still heavenly; so heavenly that the audience did not want to leave, to be interrupted. But there was another call to answer, and its tone was urgent. It reminded Robyn that Papa was still in danger and she had to return to him. Reluctantly, she let go of her happy state and arose, only to find Altair in a serious mood, staring into space. She waited until the moment passed, then got up and placed her hand on his shoulder gently, murmuring the words of the cure wound spell, followed by the remaining cure light wound ones. Great relief surged through her as she found him restored to his full health now, and impulsively, she wrapped her arms around his back. Altair. Was the strong emotion she had always felt for him, love? Would this emotion which she suspected he returned, enough to see them through the trials ahead? Releasing her hold, she patted him gently on the arm. “It’s time to move on.” Another wave of regret, uncertainty and affection washed over her. [ 08-02-2006, 10:14 PM: Message edited by: Deiter Leafblade ]