| The tradition of morning and evening walks in the palace grounds became a habit, one that Lianah enjoyed more than anything else in her new home, because it promised her time with him. Terrin knew some of the most facinating stories she had ever heard, and her own stories of her village and home delighted Terrin, so long secluded from society. There seemed to be endless acres, each with its own unique sights and paths...in fact, she never seemed to walk in the same place twice. Time passed freely in the castle. Spring with its fields of violets and lilies blended into summer's joyous warmth and into the orange and red autumn, and then the air grew brisk and cool with the first winds of winter's chilling breath. Frost decorated the branches and shrubs, but yet no snow fell. "B-R-O-C-A-D-E spells brocade, as in your tunic," Lianah recited. Ever since Terrin had discovered she could not read, he had began his spirited campaign to teach her. "H-A-Z-E-L-W-O-O-D spells hazelwood." Her cheeks were pink at the tips as she recalled her embarrassment, when she had to admit she couldn't understand the strange runes on the musty pages. "Good," Terrin replied, his breath slightly freezing in the air. She smiled, grateful for his teaching and help. What she could read now was simply amazing...and there was still so much more to learn. "R-I-V-E-R spells river," she tried, when she saw the lazily moving stream winding its way through the frosted fields. Squinting, she stared at the glimmering waters. "It's so...shiny?" Terrin went with her to investigate. "Oh, yes," he said, "did you know the bottom of this little brook is covered with shards of quartz?" He grinned delightedly at her surprise. "It is! See?" Obligingly, she crept closer to the rippling stream. "Oh!" she cried, "It's so beautiful!" The sparkling facets winked back at her, dazzling her eyes. The boy, on the higher bank, was still looking intensely at the river bottom. "Do you see something in there?" he asked, his voice curious. "By that big rock over there, do you see it? Something gold-" his voice broke off in excitement. "I see it!" Lia exclaimed. A gold glimmer was clear under the surface. Terrin inched closer over the slippery bank. "Do you think you can you get it?" Determination, and her insatiable curiousity, flared. After all, what if this was that- that pureblade thing? She didn't dare mention that possibility to Terrin, even if he may be thinking the same thing...she had to get it. Reaching, she struggled to grasp the golden chain. "Almost..." Her fingertips, numb with the freezing water, brushed the edge of the precious metal. His shout warned her, but too late. "Lia, look out, its the..." Something hard struck her back, and she toppled into the water without a splash. The crystal clear liquid closed over her head, and she felt the chain slip through her fingers. Through the surface, she saw the shining bird swoop into the air and wink out of view. "Terrin!" she struggled to the surface, remembering the summer she and Johnlin had 'learned' how to swim in the millpond, and she had learned well. But the heavy fabric of her skirt entangled her legs and she was dragged down by the current. In the next moment, she lay among the brilliant crystals at the bottom of the river. Dreamily, for her head was light with lack of air, the stones shone brightly and beautifully in her eyes. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~` "Lia!" Terrin yelled, seeing her go under. Shedding his heavy coat and abandoning all caution, he sped across the slippery rocks and leapt into the chilly water. Luckily, he wasn't as heavily shod as she, and he was able to swim quickly and effectively to her at the bottom. Still concious, she stared up at him calmly and reached out a hand. Hauling her off the bottom, she managed to kick and they burst through the surface of the river with an explosion that sent showers of sparkling water everywhere. "Terrin?" she coughed, shivering. He nodded, half numb with the cold water. "Thanks." "Let's go?" Staggering to their feet, they both somehow made their way towards the castle in the distance, moving for warmth and the prospects of becoming warm inside. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Finally reaching the entrance, trembling with cold, they unbarred the heavy door and was gratified by the rush of warmed air. Slowly walking through the hall, their extremities ceased to tingle with its bone-jarring pain. "Terrin?" Lia said, her voice a sad echo in the hallway. She held out her slender palm, holding out a simple gold chain twisted negligently around a single shaft of ordinary clear crystal. "I'm sorry," she said, offering him the chain, "this was all it was." He took it numbly, feeling hopelessness chill his blood. Then there was no hope...for he had wished it to be a knife or blade of some sort. They continued to walk through the great hall, headed for their rooms. "Lia," he turned to her guiltly. She twisted around to look at him. "I'm sorry I made you fall in for just something like this." "Terrin, it's all right. The bird pushed me in, and you got soaked too, right?" She smiled, finding a slight bit of humor in the chilling dunk. "I feel bad," he insisted, and it was the truth. "It all worked out fine, and," she paused for emphasis, "I even got a souvenier!" she giggled, as she held out the hand-length shaft of clear crystal. She stopped at the edge of the marble-polished floor, looking up into his face. Her expression, framed by dripping red locks, was so positively mischievous that he had to laugh. Later, Terrin would not know what exactly had happened. All he remembered was how her face was tilted up just at the right angle, the humor gleaming in her beautiful green eyes, and how much he apprecated that she risked herself for his fruitless whim. So, the stupid fool he was, he kissed her. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~` It was a quick kiss, not lasting longer than a moment. But it stunned Terrin more than anything else in his life. What was he doing? The mere fact that Lianah hadn't slapped him yet was a slight consolation. Drawing back, she gave him a quick but brilliant smile before she stumbled back a bit giddily and vanished into her room. ~~~~~~~~~~~ The girl, once behind closed doors, twirled in a circle happily. "He likes me!" she whispered joyfully to herself, as she entered the steaming, perfumed bath that had appeared like magic in her chamber. By the time she came out from her washing, Lia's mind was under control once more. What if he didn't mean it... Maybe it was just the moment, she told herself. Maybe it was just an accident...If it was, she would be heartbroken. Waves of self-conciousness fell over her like rain as she opened her closet. Staring at the wide selection for a while, Lia finally fingered the gown she had placed at the far end, one she had deemed too pretty to be worn at all. Her fingertips caressed the fine cloth gently. "Well," she said to herself, not knowing she spoke aloud, "If it was just a mistake or not, i shall at least put up a fight, and look the best that i can." Determined, she took the dress out from its hidden place of honor. Dressing quickly, and even adding accessories, she was out of her room to start the dinner she planned to make as part of her campaign. ~~~~~~~~~~~~` Terrin had paced his room for an hour before he worked up the nerve to meet her for supper. Tiptoeing out to the kitchen area, he saw Lianah industriously laying out food on the small oak table...His attentions were immediately diverted from the sheer mass of food to hear appearance...she looked amazing. Could he believe his eyes? She was wearing a dress made of fine white silk, which started off the shoulder and fitted snugly around her slender waist. The golden embroideries, golden moons and stars so intricately it was almost like brocade, winked in the dim light of the wall candles. A gold circlet, inset with an emerald, was placed gently over her flame-colored hair bound in a heavy bun at the base of her creamy neck, which was adorned by a network of fine golden chain, each bearing its own oval emerald. Luckily, she didn't notice his presence for quite some time, or she would have caught him staring for a long while. As it was, she looked up and saw his eyes, wide with admiration. "I cooked," she managed to say, suddenly shy. Tearing his gaze away from his friend, Terrin glanced at the table. "Great gods, Lia! This is a feast!" He grinned at her smug expression. "I like cooking," she insisted defensively. "The more the better, don't you agree?" Her expression changed from slightly frightened to relief at the usual banter they always indulged in. Thankful for the naturally comfortable conversation, they dug into the vast array of dishes she had prepared. ~~~~~~~~~~~ "Stuffed!" Terrin groaned, feeling uncomfortably full. Lia nodded likewise. "Remind me never to do this again!" she emphasized, equally full from her meal. They cleared the dishes and washed in companionably, scrubbing the fine porcelain with fragrant soap until they shone. Lia wondered if they would take their customary walk outside tonight. As they sat on the couches, the empty silence was overbearingly nervewracking. It rang in her ears with a mocking buzz, and her mind evilly told her that he didn't love her after all... With a jump, the boy stood up and stretched. "Ready to go?" She nodded, and they grabbed their cloaks as usual and went out the door. "Which direction today?" Lia asked, scanning the darkened horizon. The moon was bright enough tonight, even if it was still early evening. She lit the lantern she had hastily snatched off the table, because it was growing darker by the moment. "Things were so much easier during summer, when it was light out for hours more and cloaks and such were never needed," he thought out loud. Considering the palace grounds, he asked her "East or West?" "Which is...?" He pointed. "East is forest, West is frozen lake." She shuddered. "Let's stay away from cold water for a while!" He grinned at her dismayed expression until she began to laugh instead of look horrified. Shivering with mock fright that wasn't entirely faked, Lia held out the gilt lantern out to the moonlit trees. "It's not that dark," the boy teased, "and theres no wild animals!" She lifted an arched brow. "And what if there is?" Holding the lantern defensively in front of her, she advanced into the gleaming shadows cautiously. With bold, strong steps, he walked faster and she trotted to catch up, her breath coming in quick white puffs in the cold air. Halting, Terrin turned back to her. "Lia, are you really afraid?" His eyes were questioning as she shrank back from a extending branch. Looking up, she nodded a bit. "I've never walked in the woods at night before." "Lets go back, then." Gesturing cheerfully with his head, he indicated the trail back. She shook her head emphatically. "No, really. It's fine, theres a first time for everything, right? What if-" she smiled slightly, "What if I need to walk in the woods at night alone, and i'm not prepared?" He smiled back, his handsome face bowed down to look at her from his greater height. "As long as its fine with you...and right now, you're not alone." Butterflys took flight inside her chest, forcing her heart to pound quickly. "I'm glad, you know," she managed to say, her head light. "I'm glad too, then," he replied somewhat shyly, as he caught a glimse of her chafing her hands together for warmth. "Need gloves?" She nodded. "But both our pairs got soaked from the dunking today." Turning to her, Terrin held out his hand. "Here." Scarcely believing what he was doing, he took her slender palm in his when she offered it, clasping his fingers warmly around hers. A flush rose to his face, and even her cheekbones were rosier than usual... "So." he said awkwardly, keeping his grip on her hand loose in case she wished to remove it from contact. Blushing, but not taking her green eyes off of his, neither side gave any indication or releasing or drawing away from the other's hands' warmth. Facing each other, they stood silently in the woods for a moment before walking on, still with their hands clasped tightly together. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ After that evening, to Lianah's slight dismay, Terrin did not seem show the slightest bit of romantic interest in her. That was fine, though sometimes she wondered if that night was just a simple dream. "But," she told herself, "I have the crystal shard to prove it." Patting her pocket, Lia carried the momento around with her, for memory's sake. Sometimes, when she peered into the clear stone, she could remember Terrin's warm hand around hers as they walked through the woods. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The moomlight pierced cruelly through the fine velvet curtains in Terrin's room. The boy sat in a chair, facing the glowing hourglass, staring at the shimmering sapphires. The handful left in the top chamber gleamed at him mockingly, their tiny winking eyes saying, "Your time is almost up." He shuddered, trying to count the small seedlike gems. Around two, maybe three month's worth before he would be transformed. "What of Lia?" he said softly, remembering the purity of her soul. "And will I, a monster, a Beast, end up killing her, taking her life?" One more sapphire fell, its slight weight making no sound at all in the silent room. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ It was the end of winter now, Lianah noted. The snow had all but stopped falling, and the sun was beginning to shine bright. And she hadn't seen the bird since that eerie day by the river of crystal. Somehow, its lack of presence worried her more than reassuring her fears. Standing, she stretched. Peering down at the papers, she glared at the product of three seasons of learning. Could she...? There was only one way to know. Walking swiftly over to the bookshelf, she extracted one heavy volume, the first one she had ever touched in the huge library upon her first visit. Opening the Odyssey, her green eyes scanned the page hesitantly. The words bounced into her mind as if by magic, unfolding one by one into the epic story. "Terrin!" she cried joyfully. The boy, across the room, nearly fell off the heavy bookladder he balanced on. Precariously, he teetered for a moment before regaining his footing and climbed down. "Lia? What's wrong?" "I can read!" she exclaimed. "I can read this book, understand the words!" "That's wonderful!" He scanned the cover of the book, holding the leather binding carefully. "The Odyssey?" he asked, his voice humorous. Scowling at him, she thwacked his arm. "I was curious! And I am going to read it!" she said stubbornly. "Even if it's long and boring." "I won't stop you," he grinned, and felt his heartbeat quicken at the gleaming reflections in her emerald eyes. But the flecks of gold slowly turned to blue sapphire specks, dropping slowly within a glass confinement. One month, he told himself. Only one month. Who cares now? If I don't try soon, if I don't tell her, it will soon be too late. "Lia, today we are going to celebrate!" he told her, and was pleased by the entirely happy look on her face. "Shall i cook again?" she said slyly, remembering the adverse affects of her previous feast. Shaking his head, the boy grinned. "My turn," he told her. "And wear something nice. I'm going to try and plan something special." He was rewarded by a curious smile and her anticipating eyes. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Terrin!" she exclaimed as they entered the room. "Its lovely!" Her green eyes took in the deep blue and white marble floor, the blue silken hangings and velvet couches. "So...so splendid!" She sighed in appreciation. "Look up," the boy said, pointing at the ceiling. Silver chandeliers twirled above, styled like clusters of stars. Lianah stood, transfixed. "Its beautiful!" she cried, her voice echoing off the distant walls and high roof. "Just like staring into the sky!" She twirled in an impromptu step, her red hair swirling loose around her knees. He grinned at her obvious delight. "I thought it would be more special that the kitchen," he commented shyly. She smiled and nodded, still indulging in the beauty of the chamber. She spun around repeatedly, her gleaming green skirts fanning out around her ankles. "Care to dance, Terrin?" she laughed. He turned pale and shook his head. "Why not?" "I dont know how!" he explained. "Or maybe I learned once, but forgot..." He shrugged. "Anyhow, I would step on your feet." Lia stood there, her hands on her hips. Determined, she dragged him into the center of the room. "Its not that hard," she exclaimed. "Here. Hands here, arms there. Theres a waltz rhythm. One-two-three, one-two-three." Experimentally, he moved his feet. "One-two-three?" he asked desperately. His hand tangled in her hair. "Damn!" "It's easier with music," Lia giggled as they botched through the dance. "Just imagine." She hummed a melody softly. Terrin bit his lip and complied. After half an hour of whispered advice and experimental steps, he was able to twirl her across the floor, though not with ease. "Ah, there we have it!" he exclaimed, delighted at success. She giggled. He wiped his face. "That was hard." Grinning, she shook her head. "Wasn't that fun?" she asked, gathering her hair up again. Terrin groaned. "Things like that make me glad I lived alone with a bird." He paused, palms sweating. "Then again, I would know how to do this." He took her hand in his with a deep breath. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Lianah felt her heart flutter in her chest. "Do what?" she asked, trying to steady her voice. Terrin sighed. "Try to...I don't know! All I could think of was this beautiful room...and the rest I have no idea what to do." His hands made some kind of gesture, small but frantic, their motions futile in his small moment of torment. "Lianah, I like you a lot." Realization stung her nerves, shocking them back to reality for a second. "Ah," she said, the exclaimation a small, bland word, echoing through the hall until it was a mocking laugh. "Ah?" he repeated, a desperate twinge in his voice. Eyes opened wild and wide, his hands shook around hers, clasped tightly between both of his. "What does that mean?" She stared at his hair, his eyes, now shining with fear, his lower lip, bitten with worry. A laugh began at the bottom of her stomach, tickling until it finally bubbled up as a tiny giggle. "Lia!" "Sorry!" she replied, eyes shining as she returned to earth. With a joy that sang directly from her heart to his, she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him. ~~~~~~~~~~~ The late evening saw the two, fully fed and satisfied, in front of the fire as usual. But this time, instead of companionably sitting on seperate chairs, the two were curled together on a single couch, each utterly absorbed with the other. "Lia," Terrin said wonderingly, her fiery hair spilling liberally over his hands, "What did I ever deserve in life to have you?" Twisting the shining locks into a contained roll, she smiled at him. "I was just asking myself the same," she told him, hugging the boy around the waist. ~~~~~~~~~~~ The rest of the month flew by like the cool breeze that emerged along with spring flowers. The light days found Lia and Terrin exploring the surrounding fields and forest with fervor, skipping through the tall grass and wild blooms. During the chilly, frigid nights, they curled up on the couch with a book, though reading wasn't always the main occupation. Terrin sat in front of his table, Lia in her room yet. The early morning sun glinted on the mass of sapphires in the bottom chamber...and the two left on the top. "Should I just throw myself off the roof?" he murmured. "Or poison? There's several around in this musty old palace..." He could hear her light step in the hallway, coming closer to his door. "Terrin?" Her joyful voice was brightening, lighting the shadows in his mind. "I'm ready, love." Throwing an opaque scarf over the large hourglass, the boy stood up and moved towards the door, determined to forget his fate for at least one more day. ~~~~~~~~~ They stood on the roof, above Terrin's balcony. "It's lovely up here," Lianah sighed, her breath coming in white puffs. "The sky is so clear! Every star like a diamond." Slipping his arm around her waist, Terrin smiled. "Isn't it?" The fields and crystal river was part of the extensive patchwork below them, the glittering water and dewy meadows shimmering in the moonlight. Lia shivered. "Let's go back," she said, fingers entwined with his. Pulling on his hand slightly, she hugged him once more before they started down the steep stone steps to his balcony. "Cold," he said, and grinned at her expression of mirth. "Well, you were, too." "We could wrap you up like an old woman," she teased. Picking up the blue scarf off some...some small table or other, she wrapped it around his head with a flourish. His face paled. "What?" she asked, green eyes concerned. "Oh, nothing." Terrin gripped her by the waist and led her out to the hallway. "Would you like some warm cider?" "Terrin!" Taking a quick backwards glance through the doorway, her keen eyes caught sight of the one remaining sapphire. "Oh!" Fingers fluttering in distress, she stumbled to her knees. "Only one?" Lia whispered. He stopped, shedding the blue scarf. Expression miserable, he held out his hands. "I'm sorry. I didn't wish to tell you, it would have been better..." "But," she exclaimed, surprisingly close to tears, "You would have been gone in the morning!" Clinging to his hands, she held them to her face. "Gone, without a goodbye?" Terrin knelt by her. "It would be safer. I would have taken my life instead. Instead of being a thing, like it." "Alone?" she said quietly. He nodded. His voice was as timid and haltingly uttered as a small child. "Do you think...would you wait with me? Til morning, so I won't be alone?" He bit his lip. "Of course." She laughed slightly. "Do you know I've almost forgotton about that blasted fowl?" He managed a smile. "Thanks." Extending his hand, the girl smiled carefully and hugged him tightly, keeping the tears that threatened to spill pooled behind her eyes. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ |