> "It will be."  The conviction in his voice made her look up.  Derry smiled
> faintly.  "It hurt, Trinale -- badly -- that you would assume that I was
> involved in what happened, especially since I wasn't in the dining hall
> when it happened.  It hurt that you thought I was questioning you.  But
> it's not enough to make me stop loving you.  I don't think there's much you
> could do that would do that, beloved."  He kissed her lightly on the
> forehead.  "It will be okay."
> 
> "Will it?"
> 
> "I think so."

Trinale looked into his eyes and saw the love there. She knew he loved her
unconditionally, but she still felt the need to explain. She took him by
the hand and led him over to the couch.

"Derry, I am sorry I assumed you were part of the crowd who let K'leev
beat up on Saul. I was just so angry.....and frightened. Saul is like a
father to me. When Dad couldn't be there, Saul was. Hes always been one of
my rocks, and to see him hurt terrified me." Trinale looked into his eyes,
tears welling up in them. "I feel like I need to be so strong. Deanna was
strong and everyone looked up to her, now its me they look to, and I can't
let them see me weak, or they won't respect me. So instead I hide my
feelings. When I hurt, or I am lonely, or unsure of myself, I can't let
everyone see it. So instead it comes out anger. I shouldn't have done that
to you."

Derry pulled her into his arms. "I understand." He kissed her forehead.
"It will be alright." He then looked at her slightly puzzled. "Why did you
think I was questioning your decision?"

Trinale gave a short laugh. "Because thats what I was doing when you said
what you did. I was wondering if K'leev would appeal to the Dragonlady and
if she would back me up."

"I am sure she would, Trinale." Derry said "You made the right decision."

"I just hope the children are alright. If I had only...." Trinale's voice
trailed off.

Derry stood, pulling her to her feet. "Come on. Lets go to sleep. It'll be
a busy day tomorrow."

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Trinale and Merissa stood together and watched as the searchers took to
the air. Trinale softly whispered "May she bless your search...."

She then turned to Merissa. "Now, we have work to do."

Merissa looked at her puzzled.

"We need to let the nobles be aware of the situation, K'leev being
banished and the kidnapping. Also telling them to be watchful for young
boys or girls pulling scams." She looked at her appealingly. "Could you
make the rounds and do that? I hate dealing with the nobles in a situation
like this."

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NRPG: Tag, Merissa! Don't forget you need an escort :)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Trinale was sitting at her desk composing letters to the Dragonlady and
the Warrenladies regarding the situation. She didn't think K'leev would go
to a warren, but anything was worth a try. She was interrupted by a call
from Fayloth.

(Trinale, could you come see my rider? Hes not real happy right now)
Fayloth told the story of what had happened that morning. 

Trinale chuckled out loud, picturing Saul's face when he realized what had
happened.

(Of course, Fayloth. On my way) She quickly signed the last letter and
then headed for the kitchen before heading over to see Saul. She picked
out all his favorites and tucked in a bottle of wine. She saw a red
tablecloth hanging in the kitchen and got an idea.

Soon she was standing at Sauls door, the red tablecloth wrapped around her
like a cape and hood. She had remembered a story Saul had once read to
her. "Little Red riding Hood", he had called it. She knocked on the door
and without waiting for an answer, she poked her head in. "Can Little red
riding Hood brave the wolf's den?"

------------------------------------------------------------------------

NRPG: Tag, Kris!


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                      Kat Robertson: catwoman@indy.net

                       http://www.indy.net/~catwoman