[DL] Darlea

Darlea was delighted to see Almiron as she walked into the dining hall. He
was sitting talking with Michel. She hadn't seen him in a couple of days, so
she couldn't resist a hug. She snuck up and grabbed him from behind,
"Almiron, I haven't seen you in a couple of days.  I'm glad you're here."

She felt his body wince and she quickly let go as he turned and smiled at
her. She gasped at the bruises on his face, around his eye. "What happened?"

His face clouded for a moment before he answered, "I fell. Really it's nothing."

Her eyes narrowed and he knew she didn't believe him. But she let it drop,
knowing he must have a good reason for not being honest with her. "Have you
been to see Kyven about that?"

"It's not necessary. It's not that bad." he told her. She looked at Michel
who shrugged slightly indicating that he didn't know what happened either.

"Okay, then. I'm going to get a plate and I'll be right back. Don't move."
She ordered him.  He nodded briefly.

Darlea quickly stood and went to get her dinner, trying to keep an eye on
him as she went. She wasn't sure what had happened but she was for sure
going to keep an eye on him.

She ran into Sheltie, "So whose *he* been fighting with."

Darlea ignored her mother's tone as she always did. "I don't know if that's
what it is or not. He doesn't want to talk about it."

"Trouble follows him, doesn't it."

"Mama... please, I don't have time for this now." said Darlea, frustrated.
"I want to keep an eye on him and make sure he's okay."

"You're better off not," said Sheltie.

Darlea finished filling her plate and turned without answering. It seemed
that Almiron was their biggest point of contention. Her mothers obvious
dislike for the young man made any compromise impossible.  As she neared the
table she put on her best smile and sat down to chat with Michel and
Almiron, carefully watching every stiff move and wince he made.

--Darlea & Makayla

****
NRPG: ChrisC. & Lyn: Well, Lyn, since you brought her in, poor Almiron's
going to have a hard time getting rid of her. Now she's really worried about
him. So, ChrisC, feel free to include her in your conversation...

Kristen
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Kristen and Scott Gant
http://homepage.interaccess.com/~sgant/gant.htm
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