[ The following text is in the "x-user-defined" character set. ]

    [ Your display is set for the "US-ASCII" character set.  ]

    [ Some characters may be displayed incorrectly. ]


> Tina glared at the back of Rhia's head and S'dan turned his attention
> to Sarilyn.  Her face was pale and set and her eyes were burning.
>
> "Strength, Sari.  You're not alone in this."

       Sari cast a weak smile towards S'dan and nodded...though she was
periously close to throwing up, and felt as if she was going to faint.

< snip >

> Sarilyn of Nambril stared at him with outright hostility and he bowed
> to her without trying to make physical contact.
>
> "Lady Sarilyn, I hope that you will accept my apologies for the
> actions of my erstwhile hostess, Sherri Tellari.  I know that you must
> blame us -- all of us who were present -- for her despicable act, but
> I want you to know that we would never have condoned her actions if we
> had known of them before hand.  I hope that you don't characterize me
> and my dear friend, Lady Lothar, for your travails.  I assure you we
> are not monsters to take such pleasure in the pain of others."

       Sari's head raised slightly, even as her eyes flashed fire.  "My Lord
Haedin, I'm quite certain that *Lady Lothar* is quite innocent in all of
this.  And as you are a guest of this Warren, I will keep any other opinions
to myself."

      < snip >

      After the formalities were over with, Sarilyn excused herself, and
after grabbing up her skirts, moved quickly but determinedly to a private
out of the way place, where she doubled over and threw up, bursting into
tears as she did so.  She was, in fact, still terrified of the man, and he
had a little retinue of guards and escorts...what was to prevent still more
trouble at her expense?

       Just let me make it through this mess, she thought, then maybe I'll
be stronger on account of it.  She didn't have anyone to lean on, or talk to
other than Lunath, so she wandered to lean against her dragon...and buried
her face in the soft hide, crying all over again.

Return to Xylian Posts for Apr 2001