Merybelle
***

>"Well, I'm happy," Toral said stepping closer, "I'm happy that Byrin is
>happy, and I'm happy that you're not."

>"Why is that?" Mery asked looking up at the smith.

>Toral took Mery into an embrace and said, "Because I think I love you Mery."

"You wh .." she began, feeling weak in his arms, as his words began to
register.

He raised an eyebrow, gently teasing her, "Do you want me to repeat it?"

Gathering herself together, she pushed him back, holding him at arms
length, "Toral?" She stared at him in shock.

"Is it that unthinkable, Mery." He asked studying her face. "You are a
beautiful woman .."

"Who's old enough to be .."

"What?" he interrupted. "You are not old."

"Toral .. I'm to old for you." she told him. Saying it made her feel all
the older. Toral was young .. his life just beginning. "I mean, you need
someone who's young and ready to settle down with you and raise a brood of
adorable little smiths." She released him and turned away.

He caught her arm and pulled her to face him, "How do you feel about me. I
mean really ~feel~ about me?"

"What difference does it make?"

"Because you enjoy my attentions." He smiled, "I know you do. I can see it
in your eyes .. I felt it when we kissed .."

"You make me feel .. like I was young again," She shook her head, "but I'm
not."

He chuckled, "You aren't old."

"I'm older then you. Much older .." She pulled her arm out of his grasp,
but he caught her hand, holding it tightly in his. She wrapped her fingers
around his hand and squeezed, bringing her other hand to gently rest on top
of it, "I'm the mother of teenaged son .. a widow .. I've lived my life."

"You still have more life to live." He insisted, urged on by her warm touch
as she squeezed his hand, "You are the most vibrant, energetic woman I
know." He pulled her closer again, moving to tentitively kiss her.

She didn't pull away, as her eyes closed and her breath caught in her
throat. He had such a warm, soft kiss .. He kissed her more firmly and she
returned it as her arms traveled up around his neck.

He pulled back and smiled, "Do you feel old now?"

She shook her head, catching her breath. It was so obviously ludicrous ..
yet it felt so right.

"What would your mother think?" she asked finally.

"My mother likes you."

"Sure, as a paying customer to your business .. but what about as an older
woman who seduces her baby and plies him with alcohol .."

Toral chuckled kissing her again as he squeezed her tightly, "Is that what
your plan is? To seduce me?"

Her eyes flashed as he suddenly hit on the thing that bothered her most of
all. "NO!  I wouldn't .."

"Shh," he soothed, "I was teasing. After all, I'm the one doing the
pursuing here. So I ask you once again, Mery. How do you feel about me?"

Once again she was faced with that question. But how could she tell him
that he made her knees quiver when ever he drew near. She stuttered, "I ..
don't know. You're witty, and good company and .. very handsome."

"Is that all?" he asked watching her closely.

"Toral, this is very awkward for me .."

"Why?"

"Because I never thought .. that you and I .. "

"Never?" he asked with a teasing glance.

She blushed, "Well, I may have thought about it .. but I never believed
that you could be interested in someone like me."

"Not someone like you .." he said. "I'm interested in you. I just want to
know if you feel the same."

"I do, but .."

He shook his head putting his hand to her lips, "No buts .. no excuses ..
no doubts. Just  feelings."

She nodded and pushed aside her lingering worries and gave herself over to
his warm kiss.

Regards,
Merybelle
***
NRPG: Hmm, what will people think :) She is about 12 or 13 years older then
him. Poor Mery is too caught up in what people think anyway.. it's time she
stopped worrying about it ;)

Kris


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       \oo/     Kristen Gant
        ~~      (AKA: Darlea & Makayla, Keldarra Warren, Courier
                      Waylene & Aura, Marrid Warren, Warrenlady
                      Meena & Vonn, Norwall Warren, Wingleader
                      Kalewyn & Sabbith, Telnor Warren, Dragonrider
                      Saul & Fayloth, Whiteriver Warren, Searcher
                      Merybelle Barmen, City of Ralengarde, Innkeeper
                      Ce'lot & Britche, Xylain Warren, Wingleader
                http://homepage.interaccess.com/~sgant/Kris/kris.htm
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