Date:  Wed Apr 10, 2002  3:59
pm


Afternoon, Day 9



>         Tilting his head, he kissed the side of Xanthia's neck,

>getting another sigh from the flame-haired lady.  Although he was

>still bathing in the afterglow, `Tonio couldn't help but wonder what

>would happen next.



Xanthia's eyes fluttered open as she roused from her nap, the afternoon sun 

bathing her face in it's warmth. Feeling warm lips on her neck, she had no 

trouble remembering who she was with and why.



"'Tonio..." she moaned and arched her back, pressing closer to the knight 

as she moved his hand from her waist to her breast. "Make love to me..."



****



The crimson DeMarco and iridescent black and red Maxima landed on the 

green, waiting as their disheveled riders dismounted. Maxima seemed to 

practically purr with delight as she cast her eyes on DeMarco.



'Tonio lent Xanthia a hand as she dismounted. A fresh blush still colored 

her face causing her ice blue eyes to appear dramatically more brilliant in 

comparison. She tipped her head up toward the gallant rider. "I enjoyed 

this afternoon," she purred.



'Tonio caressed her cheek gently, "As did I, milady." He planted a soft 

kiss on her forehead.



Xanthia trembled as she drew in a slow breath, still relishing the 

afterglow. Her face then clouded over momentarily. "I need to go tend to 

Alina. She's calling for me," she said excusing herself, the disappointment 

on her face quite evident.



"Til later, then."



"Til later," Xanthia acknowledged dreamily. She seemed to practically float 

up the stairs as she went up to the apartment she shared with Th'rin and 

Merissa.



***



"Good afternoon," Merissa greeted her. "Was wondering where you went off to."



"'Tonio..." Xanthia murmured, "I was with 'Tonio. We went..." She paused, 

not wanting to say too much about her whereabouts as she didn't want to 

give away 'Tonio's secret. "We went on a picnic."



"And did you enjoy your outing?" Merissa asked.



"It was wonderful! And guess what?" Xanthia beamed.



"Well?" Merissa asked.



"Maxima rose to mate, and DeMarco won! Of course, there was no competition, 

but..." she flushed brightly, and hugged herself with satisfaction as a 

smug grin spread across her face. "Oh, Merissa, 'Tonio truly *is* worthy!"



"Worthy of what?" Th'rin asked as he entered the room, dandling Alina in 

his arms.



NRPG: Any reactions? ;>



****









Respectfully submitted by,



Morgan

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