Day 10
Afternoon
Queenrider's Apartment

<SNIP FROM MORGIE'S POST>
> "But I'd like to talk about us." Xanthia stated.
>
> She walked up to Merissa and gave her a hug and a soft kiss on the lips,
an
> action she wasn't even expecting from herself. She looked up into the
> queenrider's eyes as they parted lips. "I have grown to love you. And I
> never stopped loving Th'rin."
>
> "And I love the both of you," Th'rin confessed. "And think we make a good
> family."
>
> "I would like that very much." Xanthia nodded. "But I don't want to do
> anything to upset you, and neither does Th'rin. Maybe we could meet with
> Latnem and discuss the details and rules of our relationships?"
>
> "So, what do you think?" Th'rin asked.

<END SNIP>

Xanthia stepped back, giving Merissa space and a moment to answer.

Merissa looked at the expectant faces before her. Th'rin who craved the
love of family, perhaps to fill the vacancy of the lack of his father's
love, and Xanthia, so child-like and yet a woman with incredible passion,
whose birthing of Alina had touched a place within Merissa so deeply. They
loved her... Merissa. They loved her! Merissa felt her heart swell to
bursting, and she dissolved into tears, covering her face with her hands.

"Merissa...?" Th'rin moved toward her.

"I'm sorry! Oh, I've hurt you!" Xanthia cried, "I'm sorry, sorry, sorry!"
She began to wring her hands in distress.

Merissa brought her hands down quickly. "What? No! Xanthia, you haven't!"
She moved forward slowly and embraced the other woman, rocking her slightly
and stroking her hair. "Xanthia, you are a part of my family and are in my
heart already. You are like the sister I've always wanted -- and yet more.
That you also love me -- it was just... overwhelming."

"So... you agree? We can all be a family?" Th'rin asked, his held his
breath, not sure if he'd understood Merissa or not.

"Yes... Th'rin. I'd like us to try." Merissa nodded.

With and explosion of joy, Th'rin let out a whoop, and dashed forward,
gathering both women into his embrace. The three came together laughing.
"You've made me the happiest man alive... both of you! And Oberon and Alina
can grow up as brother and sister! And just wait until the apartment is
full of little ones!"

Merissa raised an eyebrow and just smiled. But her smile suddenly faded.

<Firefly informs me that Lord Fowler and his party have arrived in the
Warren.> Chrysthal relayed. She already sounded bored. Merissa sighed.

"What's wrong?" Xanthia felt the change.

"Chrysthal just told me that J'red's father has... arrived."

Th'rin and Xanthia both exclaimed, "Oh!"

Th'rin nodded, "It wasn't unexpected; you invited him after all."

Merissa's dark eyes held a haunted look, "I know.... I just am not looking
forward to what is about to happen -- and what we're about to put Lorelei
through. This could destroy her!"

"Have Latnem keep an eye on her," Xanthia piped in.

"Right!" Th'rin agreed, "He'll know if it's getting to be too much for her.
Maybe you could arrange a signal of some sort?"

Merissa smiled in relief. "Yes... I'll go talk to Latnem."

"And tell him about us!" Xanthia smiled.

****
Medical Center

Latnem popped his head in the doorway to his office and peered at the
Warrenlady, "You wanted to see me?"

Merissa smiled, "I don't have much time... I've a meeting in my office in a
few moments with Arri and the Wingleaders."

"Oh." Latnem stated, non-committaly.

Merissa went on, "This has to do with Lord Fowler's visit. He's here about
Lorelei."

Latnem nodded, concern showing in his eyes, yet his demeanor remained
professional.

"I came to ask you to watch Lorelei. I know this will hurt her, but I don't
want this to ... harm... her."

"I see."

"If you notice her becoming.... unduly distressed... can you signal me
somehow? And I'll call for a break?"

Latnem smiled, and nodded. "Of course. I'll stretch and yawn... how will
that do?"

Merissa smiled, "Perfectly... oh and Latnem...." Merissa hesitated.
"About Xanthia and Th'rin.... and me. We've reached an... understanding."

"Understanding?" Latnem again looked concerned.

"We've decided to try and be a family."

"Ah..." Latnem smiled.

"We'll probably need your... professional help... in ironing out the roles
in this new family. But I'm willing to give it a try. Th'rin and Xanthia
seemed so happy," Merissa's eyes misted over as she thought of the group
hug they had shared earlier and a smile curled the corner of her lips.

"And you, Merissa... if you don't mind my saying so.... you look happy,
too."
***

Respectfully submitted by:
Arlene Jacobs
AKA
Merissa, Warrenlady, rider of Chrysthal, of Whiteriver Warren