Date:  Mon Apr 8, 2002  2:34
pm


Day 9, late morning



>         A gust of wind and a blast of dirt and dust billowed outward

>as Maxima settled to earth, her black form gleaming in the sunlight,

>the red stripes shining brightly as well.

>

>         **Maxima wants me to inform you that Xanthia will be out

>shortly and if you would please wait.**

>

>         <Inform her that I have until evening and that she does not

>need to rush.>



Xanthia got the message from DeMarco, but was already hurrying from the 

dining hall with a basket filled with goodies for a picnic lunch. She was 

eager for the escape, the news of Oldreth's departure still weighing 

heavily on her.



"Xanthia! You didn't have to hurry!" 'Tonio chuckled as Xanthia arrived, 

her cheeks glowing brightly from the jog across the green. He smoothed back 

an errant strand of the healer's red hair, causing Xanthia's cheeks to burn 

hotter still as she looked away bashfully.



"I just... I needed to get some things. Lunch!" she held the basket aloft 

proudly. "I uh... I didn't cook it, though, I stopped at the dining hall," 

she added apologetically.



'Tonio smiled, "No need for an apology. The food from the dining hall is 

quite excellent."



"Can we go now?" Xanthia pulled on 'Tonio's arm anxiously, her brows knit 

in a troubled expression.



"I assume that you've taken care of all your duties?"



"Yes... yes... Oberon's with Analise for music lessons, Alina is with 

Latnem, and Th'rin gave me the day off."



"Xanthia, you shouldn't have asked for the day off."



"I didn't. I assure you." Xanthia answered truthfully. Indeed, Th'rin had 

advised it after the way she'd taken the news about Oldreth leaving. She 

looked over at 'Tonio's doubtful countenance. "It was his idea," Xanthia 

added.



She inadvertently took out her frustration on Maxima as she cinched the 

black and red's saddle tighter, causing the young female to exhale sharply 

in pain. "Sorry!" Xanthia apologized as she flinched herself at the 

sensation, kissing the side of the giant beast before mounting up.



"Ready when you are!" Xanthia winked, suddenly exuberant.



***



**The Stables**



"Beautiful!" Xanthia exclaimed on seeing the white stallion. "What's her name?"



"*His* name," 'Tonio corrected, "Is Laroxes."



"He's yours?" Xanthia asked her eyes shimmering with renewed respect, 

reaching her hand out tentatively and stroking the gorgeous equine's side. 

She marveled at the soft texture of his coat as well as the power that was 

evident in the muscles of the impressive beast.



"Indeed," 'Tonio replied even as Laroxes gave his own commentary with a 

snort as he pawed at the ground with his hoof.



"Can I ride him?" Xanthia asked eagerly.



"Do you know how to ride?" 'Tonio asked.



"A little." Xanthia replied demurely, her eyes becoming more intense as she 

cocked her head to the side coquettishly.



"Well, perhaps we can find you a suitable mount after we eat. I am afraid 

that Laroxes might be a bit of a challenge for someone of your petite stature."



***



"What have you got there?" 'Tonio asked as Xanthia unpacked the picnic basket.



"Some salad, and chicken, chocolate cake for desert... Oh, and mead!" 

Xanthia held up the bottle as if it were a prize.



"Mead? I didn't know you drank?"



"Only," Xanthia paused as she took out her dagger and began cutting away at 

the seal which covered the top of the bottle, "on special occasions."



"Would you like some help with that?" 'Tonio asked, seeing the difficulty 

she was having.



"No, I think I've got it... Damn!" she cursed as the blade slipped, cutting 

the thumb of the hand that held the bottle. She clutched the four uninjured 

fingers of the same hand about the offended digit to staunch the bleeding.



"Let me see," 'Tonio offered.



"It's nothing, really."



"Xanthia, a healer needs her hands in good working order," he took her hand 

gently into his and unfolded her fingers. "Ah, you'll be fine," he 

announced on inspecting the wound.



He softly placed a kiss to the small wound as one would with a child and 

Xanthia felt her heart soar. She drew in a shaky breath as she withdrew her 

hand, a soft flush setting her face aglow once more. "I... I think we need 

to eat before it gets cold," Xanthia said, trying to maintain control.



The two friend enjoyed their feast as they shared pleasant conversation. 

Once they were done, Xanthia wasted no time pulling 'Tonio off  to rejoin 

the horses. "You promised me a ride after lunch!" she taunted.



A petite black mare with a white diamond on her forehead was lead out, "Ah! 

Wonderful choice!" 'Tonio announced his approval to the groom. "Xanthia, 

permit me to introduce you to your mount, Alustriel."



"Alustriel..." Xanthia intoned the name with awe, "Is she swift?"



"As swift as any noble courier should need," 'Tonio confirmed. "But she's 

also quite gentle and well mannered. The perfect mount for a lady such as 

yourself."



Xanthia blushed as he helped her mount the mare. "It sure is hot in here," 

she sighed, pushing an errant fiery lock from her brow.



"Are you feeling quite well?" 'Tonio asked with concern.



"Excellent!" Xanthia exclaimed, as the burning urge took over her. "But I 

bet you can't catch me!" she declared impishly as Maxima roared out her own 

challenge"



"Not unless your worthy!" Xanthia challenged, throwing off her blouse as 

she kicked Alustriel into motion.



At that very same moment, Maxima took to the sky.



<Prove your worth!> Maxima challenged and she performed her aerial ballet.



**********



NRPG: Um.... Tag Chris. ;>







Respectfully Submitted by



Morgan

The heart and soul of Xanthia and Maxima, Oberon, Alina, Corra, Latnem, et al.