| (previous page) subject. By all outward appearances one could scarce detect they were even acquainted. I had wondered then about the level of their relationship, had they shared any intimacy? I doubted she would allow him any opportunity. A shame, she had no notion what she was missing. Not that I'd any more experience on that matter, a kiss here, a caress there... Mayhaps if I'd been more like her this story would have been different. So hard to see what might have been woven when you are looking at life's tapestry completed. "Do you think Geren has returned from the villiage yet?" I asked her. "You are really inquiring if Tijer came home with him." Lapis smirked. "And why shouldn't I wonder, he is a good friend." I said, a bit defensively, I admit, then, "I shall race you home!" And with that I took off like a horse without a cart. "Maly! Slow down before you fall and injure yourself!" I heard as I dashed down the path towards home. Home. How one word could convey such a quandry of emotions I still cannot understand. Memories of walks by the lake at sunset, learning to ride my first horse, watching intently as father practiced his craft, the smell of cook's fresh baked bread all flood my mind. Mixed in are memories of heated sometimes violent arguments, the fire burning everything in sight, horses shrieking and bolting in panic, fear that we would starve during the year of famine, and the breaking of my heart as I watched my older brother leave, Mayfield no longer his home. I had a tear in my eye as my fingers touched the rough wood of the kitchen door, the sound of my mother's voice caused me to pause... "What are we going to do with those girls?" Then my father, "Oh, calm yourself Tarrin. They are young, let them enjoy life while they can. Soon Lapis will be gone, a married woman, and I imagine Maly not that long after." "How will we marry her? If she would wear decent attire and act like a lady of the Realm, it would be an easier matter..." "Come now Tarrin..." I opened the door as my father continued, "see now, there they are. Where is Lapis, I thought you were out together?" he questioned me. (cont.) |
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| Oh Maly! Chapter 1 Trials |
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