* Sanriel skips a few steps as he walks, grinning foolishly. He draws a few odd looks from the afternoon traffic, but is completely oblivious. His smile grows still wider as he sees the Bluestar mansion after turning the last corner, and barely restrains from breaking into a run. He twirls his bow staff happily and hums to himself, slightly off key.

* Tarri comes out of the Bluestar's house, a small basket over one arm, humming softly. She stops to pick a small flower from the front yard and tuck it behind her ear. She steps out into the street and nearly collides with Sanriel.

<Sanriel> ::grabs Tarri quickly, gasping in surprise:: Umm.. HI!

<Tarri> Oh, excu- SAN!

<Sanriel> Are you okay? ::smiles brightly::

<Tarri> ::she beams at him:: Much better, now.

<Sanriel> ::blushes and hugs her gently:: Are you ready to go? I have a little surprise for you...

<Tarri> ::nods:: Lady Bluestar said she wouldn't need me again until sundown.

<Sanriel> ::slips a hand down into Tarri's:: I think I can probably have you back by then. ::grins a little::

<Tarri> ::squeezes San's hand a little:: Okay. Where are we going?

<Sanriel> ::laughs:: For a walk! You'll see!

<Sanriel> ::walks backwards a couple of steps, gently pulling Tarri along and grinning at her:: It'll be fun!

<Tarri> ::laughs:: Okay. ::She follows San willingly, giggling:: You're not going to blindfold me, are you?

<Sanriel> ::shakes his head and giggles:: No, I trust you.

<Tarri> ::laughs again:: Okay.

<Sanriel> ::bounces happily and moves to Tarri's side, starting to lead her along a route out of the city:: I'm so glad you got the afternoon off!

* Tarri skips a step or two. "I'm glad I was able to get a message to you in time to be able to make something of it!"

<Sanriel> ::grins faintly, looking at Tarri:: You sent a message?

<Tarri> ::looks at him with surprise:: You didn't *get* it?

* Sanriel bursts into laughter and nods

<Sanriel> I did, I did! Just teasing. ::giggle::

<Tarri> San! ::she laughs::

* Sanriel skips a couple of steps

<Tarri> ::giggles::

* Sanriel leads Tarri out of Marsember at last, waving at the guards at the city's gate as they exit and not noticing the nudges and grins they direct at the young couple.

<Sanriel> ::beams at Tarri happily:: Isn't it wonderful out? ::shades his eyes and looks up at the sky for a minute::

* Sanriel looks over at Tarri and admires for the moment how the light breeze stirs her lovely, short, blonde hair, then leans over and gives her a little kiss on the cheek before setting out once more, again humming a little off key.

<Tarri> ::flushes a little and smiles:: It is a very nice day.

<Sanriel> ::blushes a bit and nods happily:: Here, this way... ::leads Tarri between several trees on a mostly straight path deeper into the woods once they've reached the outskirts::

* Tarri looks around curiously in the woods, watching San with a slight smile.

* Sanriel again looks slightly different once they're in the woods, a bit more relaxed, a bit more at home. He looks around constantly, his walk changing automatically to be more silent and careful.

<Sanriel> ::smiles at Tarri, speaking a little more quietly:: What is it you'd most like to find out here? ::grins a little as he guides her onto an animal trail that seems to appear out of nowhere::

<Tarri> ::looks at Sanriel with amused suspicion:: Um... Besides you?

* Sanriel blushes quickly, then nods.

<Sanriel> ::a little shyly:: Yes, besides me.

* Sanriel squeezes Tarri's hand and smiles again.

<Tarri> ::frowns, thinking:: Mmmm... I don't- Oh! ::she grins:: I remember! You were going to look for strawberries!

<Sanriel> ::bounces happily, grinning:: You are *so* smart!

<Tarri> ::her eyes light up:: You found some?

<Sanriel> ::leans closer, lowering his voice mock-conspiratorially:: I found some. ::grinning::

<Tarri> ::laughs excitedly and throws her arms around his neck, planting an enthusiastic kiss on his cheek::

<Tarri> San! You're *wonderful*!

* Sanriel laughs out loud, wrapping his arms around Tarri and picking her up to swing her around once, then sets her down and blushes a little.

<Tarri> ::giggles and bounces excitedly:: Where?

<Sanriel> ::smiles:: You're worth it!

<Sanriel> This way! ::leads Tarri down the trail, a bit faster than a walk, but slow enough to warn her of the little holes and branches in the way.

<Sanriel> ::

* Tarri follows Sanriel down the trail, stumbling only once or twice.

<Sanriel> They're a little ways away, but not as far as I'd thought I'd have to look. ::excitedly chattering:: It took me a long time to find them, though! I was combing the woods for days, just searching and tracking and tracing the trails and following the animals! ::quickly and unconsciously steadies Tarri each time she stumbles, and slows their pace a little::

<Tarri> ::breath catches a little:: San... You didn't have to go to *that* much effort!

<Sanriel> ::stops for a moment and gives Tarri a big smile:: For you... ::shakes his head vehemently:: It was no effort at all!

<Tarri> ::blushes:: Sanriel, you're just amazing.

<Sanriel> ::also blushes, suddenly looking down a little hesitantly:: I just want to make you happy, Tarri. I love to see you smile. ::looks up at Tarri:: Is that so amazing?

<Tarri> ::smiles gently, then steps closer to him and tentatively caresses his cheek, looking at him in wonder:: It is to me...

<Sanriel> ::turns a bit brighter red as he slides his arms around her, and whispers quietly:: I hope you just find me half as amazing as you are...

* Sanriel leans down to softly kiss Tarri.

<Tarri> O-mm.... ::she melts into his arms::

* Sanriel holds Tarri close, stretching out their shared kiss for several long minutes.

* Tarri sighs quietly as the kiss ends, then smiles at him and bounces just a little. "Strawberries, Sanriel?"

<Sanriel> ::smiles and takes a moment to catch his breath, looking a little dazed:: Oh! Right! Strawberries. ::giggles and blushes, then starts off down the path again, a little unsteadily at first::

<Tarri> ::giggles a little, following him again::

* Sanriel pauses a couple of times to look at some tracks, then continues on with smiles to Tarri. After a good long walk they come across a tiny brook, and he bounces excitedly.

<Sanriel> They're just over there!

<Tarri> ::grins at him, then raises up on her tiptoes to try to see::

<Sanriel> ::with a little grin, he sweeps Tarri off of her feet as she tries to stand taller and carries her over the little brook, setting her safely and dryly (and slightly reluctantly after giving her a loving look) on the other side:: Very close now...

<Tarri> ::she laughs and puts her arms around his neck as he picks her up, releasing him on the other side with obvious reluctance::

<Sanriel> ::takes Tarri's hand again and gives her a little smile, cheeks coloring:: I love you.

<Tarri> ::smiles, flushing:: I love you, too.

<Sanriel> ::grinning like a fool:: C'mon, it's really close now! ::urges Tarri a little further, where a strawberry patch becomes quickly visible a little ways off the path:: There! See it?

<Tarri> ::laughs:: Yes!

* Tarri runs the last few steps, then stands and stares at the patch with amazement.

<Sanriel> ::dashes right behind Tarri, stopping and putting his arms around her from behind and looking over her shoulder:: Isn't it beautiful?

<Tarri> ::leans back against Sanriel:: Oh, it's wonderful!

<Tarri> ::stares for a long moment, then gently pulls free from Sanriel's embrace to lean down and carefully lift the leaves away from the berries.:: Oh, they're *perfect*.

<Sanriel> ::sighs softly as he absorbs her scent and the sight of the ripe berries, nodding quietly, then grinning as she moves forward to inspect them:: perfect...

<Sanriel> ::smiles and shakes his head a little before settling down next to Tarri:: Just in time too, I think.

<Tarri> ::she smiles at him as he settles next to her, then gives him another impulsive hug:: Thank you!

<Sanriel> ::hugs Tarri back eagerly:: You're very welcome!

<Tarri> ::looks at him for a moment longer, lost in his eyes, then slowly looks down to begin picking berries and dropping them in her small basket.

<Sanriel> ::blushes as he gazes back at her, then lets out a small breath as he moves to pluck a few of the ripe strawberries as well:: So what would you like to do with these pretties?

<Tarri> ::considers a berry:: Well... It depends how many we pick, of course. I'd like to make preserves. And maybe, if we get enough, a strawberry pie...

* Sanriel licks his lips and grins

<Tarri> ::giggles::

<Sanriel> ::blushes suddenly:: I can just imagine how good your strawberry pie would be.

<Sanriel> ::grins a little:: If we get enough, huh? ::starts picking the strawberries a little faster::

<Tarri> ::laughs, watching him::

<Sanriel> ::laughs and smiles at Tarri:: What?

<Tarri> ::shakes her head, laughing:: You wouldn't love me half so much if I couldn't cook. ::she blushes a little, but grins at him to show she's teasing::

<Sanriel> ::giggles and shakes his head:: Silly Tarri! ::reaches over to catch and squeeze her hand for a moment:: At least you know you have lots of ways to lure me to you. ::small blush::

<Tarri> ::squeezes his hand in return:: You have plenty of lures for me, too. ::she blushes::

<Sanriel> ::giggles, blushing:: My favorite prey...

<Tarri> ::blushes darker and giggles, then returns to picking berries::

<Sanriel> ::absently misses and grasps branches and leaves a few times, watching Tarri instead of the picking::

<Tarri> ::glances at San sidelong and laughs:: Just the berries, San...

<Sanriel> ::blushes and looks down at the leaves in his hands:: Oops!

* Sanriel grins ruefully and at least half-watches what he's doing

<Tarri> ::giggles a little::

<Sanriel> ::smiles:: So do you think you could find this again on your own?

<Tarri> ::looks up at him:: I... I don't think so. Not right away.

<Sanriel> I'll teach you the way. It's actually pretty easy. ::smiles gently:: I bet we'll walk it enough that you'll learn on your own, though.

<Tarri> ::looks a little nervous:: Maybe... I'm not.. really good outside of roads. ::she smiles at him shyly:: And I wasn't really watching the path...

* Sanriel blushes again, but smiles even more goofily.

<Sanriel> I can teach you a little more about finding your way out here, if you like... simple things that anyone who goes in the woods should know.

<Tarri> ::hesitates a moment:: If you think I should... ::she smiles at him:: Though I'd rather just have you with me.

<Sanriel> ::catches Tarri's hand again and smiles at her devotedly:: I'll stay with you as long as you want me to, Tarri.

<Sanriel> ::softly:: I know you feel pretty safe with me, but that you're also still a little nervous out here. If you know a few little things, like how to get back to the city, I think you'll be more comfortable.

<Tarri> ::hesitates a moment longer, then nods:: All right, San.

<Sanriel> ::squeezes her hand:: It'll be okay, really. And I'd like you to feel more comfortable out here. ::blushes slightly:: I know that's a little selfish of me...

<Tarri> ::quietly:: I think it's very good of you to want to share this with me.

<Sanriel> I.. there's a lot of things I want to share with you. ::a trifle breathlessly::

<Sanriel> ::smiles a little and looks down:: I want to be a part of the things you love, too. Or at least learn them better. Like the library, and the reading. ::blushes a little::

<Sanriel> ::giggles softly:: Holding Corri, too.

<Tarri> ::looks at him with wonder in her face:: Oh, Sanriel, you're just... too good to be true. ::she smiles as she reaches up to touch his face:: You're so wonderful.

<Sanriel> ::blushes and sighs softly at the soft touch:: I'm just me... ::quietly::

<Tarri> ::shakes her head:: You say that like you think you're not special. But you are, San, and I love you for it.

<Sanriel> Oh, Tarri... ::softly, blinking rapidly tearing eyes:: as long as I'm special to you, that's all that matters.

* Tarri puts her arms around Sanriel and pulls him close. "There's nothing in the whole world as special to me as you are, Sanriel."

<Sanriel> ::hugs Tarri back, blinking hard as a few tears slip free to roll down his cheeks:: Gods.. I love you so much, Tarri... ::chokes up for a minute, overcome::

<Tarri> ::holds him tightly, not speaking, resting her head gently on his shoulder::

* Sanriel cries softly for a minute as they hold each other, his shaking finally subsiding as his breathing evens out and he sniffles a few times.

<Sanriel> ::takes a long, ragged breath, and speaks quietly:: I.. I'm sorry, I don't know what... ::trails off and reaches up to wipe his eyes:: what came over me.

<Tarri> ::looks at him with a little concern, resting a hand on his cheek:: Are you all right?

<Sanriel> ::nods, smiling a little:: I'm okay...

<Sanriel> ::softly, looking into Tarri's eyes as he leans his cheek into her hand:: I don't think I've ever been this okay.

<Tarri> ::smiles a little:: Me, either.

<Sanriel> ::blinks and sniffles again before sighing softly:: I never thought... ::takes a breath:: anything, any *one*, could be so.. could make me feel.. like this.

<Tarri> ::takes a deep, shaky breath, nodding slowly:: I never imagined it was possible to feel like this at all...

* Sanriel slowly reaches over to caress Tarri's cheek, running the backs of his fingers down over her chin, nodding slowly in agreement.

* Tarri closes her eyes, tipping her head back slightly and sighing softly.

* Sanriel gently repeats the caress, sighing at the feel of her, and letting his eyes wander from her face to the soft curve of her neck and back again.

* Sanriel ends his caress and smiles with a look of a amazement at Tarri.

* Tarri slowly opens her eyes again and looks at him with a soft smile.

<Sanriel> ::flushing again lightly, still smiling, then glances down and plucks another strawberry, holding it up to Tarri's mouth:: You haven't tried one, yet... ::quietly::

* Tarri grins, then carefully bites off half the berry. She smiles at him slyly as she licks the juice from the corners of her mouth.

* Sanriel 's eyes widen a little and his cheek redden a bit more, but he brings the rest of the strawberry to his own mouth and bites the other half off of the stem and chews slowly, eyes glued to Tarri.

* Tarri chews and swallows, then smiles at Sanriel. "Perfect."

<Tarri> ::glances down and picks up another berry, then holds it up for Sanriel with a slight grin::

<Sanriel> ::smiles a little shyly:: definitely perfect... ::slowly bites the offering in half, licking quickly at the dribble of juice that almost covers his chin and giggles ruefully::

* Tarri bites off the rest of the berry, smiling at him.

<Sanriel> ::wipes off his chin and smiles back:: Thank you.

* Tarri takes San's chin in one hand and looks at his face like a mother inspecting her child. "You missed a spot." She leans forward and kisses the corner of his mouth, where a small stain of juice lingers.

* Sanriel shivers and lets out a ragged breath, then turns to meet her lips fully.

* Tarri slides her arms around Sanriel as they kiss. "Mmm...."

* Sanriel moves in closer to hold Tarri, running his finger up into her hair and cupping her head gently with one hand.

<Tarri> ::After a long moment, Tarri pulls away somewhat reluctantly and rests her head on Sanriel's shoulder, sighing happily.:: Hmmmm... Strawberry-flavored. Yum...

<Sanriel> ::stroking her head slowly, sighing:: mmm.. Tarri-flavored...

<Tarri> ::giggles::

<Sanriel> ::lets out a little giggle as he continues to pet Tarri's hair:: I think this is defiantly my favorite strawberry patch now.

<Tarri> Mm, yes... ::looks up at him suspiciously:: You know of others?

<Sanriel> ::shakes his head:: Back home.. not around here.

<Sanriel> ::grins:: I can look if you want.

<Tarri> Ah.. ::She rests her head on his shoulder again:: No, I think this one is perfectly nice.

<Sanriel> ::happy sigh:: Me, too.

* Tarri sighs again, a little mournfully. "We should probably actually pick *some* strawberries..."

<Sanriel> ::laughs and kisses Tarri's forehead lightly:: I suppose.

<Tarri> ::grins at him:: If we pick *fast*, maybe we can find a nice spot to sit and cuddle for a while before you have to take me back...

<Sanriel> ::grins wider and nods:: Okay! ::wastes another moment gazing at Tarri before attacking the strawberry patch with a vengeance::

* Tarri giggles and begins picking berries fairly quickly.

<Tarri> ::The basket, being fairly small, fills rapidly...::

<Sanriel> ::grins as he tops off the basket:: I think we're done!

* Tarri eyes the basket critically, picking out a few leaves gathered in the enthusiastic rush. "It should be enough for the preserves, at least. We'll have to come back later with a bigger basket, though." She smiles at him.

<Sanriel> ::enthusiastically:: Okay!

<Tarri> ::stands, picking up the basket:: Well, then... Where shall we go?

<Sanriel> ::looks around for a moment, then grins:: There's a little clearing over this way. It's got a place I like to rest sometimes. ::takes Tarri's hand and blushes a little bit, then smiles:: C'mon! ::he leads her further away from the little animal trail::

* Tarri follows Sanriel, giggling.

<Sanriel> ::after a few minutes, they break into a lovely little clearing; San takes Tarri over to an old, bent tree with a little gap at the base that looks fairly smooth and dry:: It's not very big... ::blushes a little and sinks down into the gap, leaving room for Tarri to sit in very close::

* Tarri sits next to him as close as she can, snuggling in close to him.

* Sanriel happily puts an arm around Tarri, snuggling in close together with her. He relaxes easily into the cradle of the tree, which is as smooth as it looked, and even more happily into Tarri herself.

* Tarri leans back against Sanriel, sighing happily. "This is a nice spot."

<Sanriel> ::makes a contented noise and nods, smiling:: Sometimes, if you sit quietly for long enough and the wind's right, you can see a deer or two come to eat some of the grass.

<Sanriel> ::quietly:: I've seen a couple of pretty does come here... not as pretty as you, though. ::small giggle::

<Tarri> ::giggles:: You're so sweet, San...

<Sanriel> ::blushes a little:: you deserve sweet, Tarri..

* Sanriel takes Tarri's hand with his free one, threading his fingers between hers.

<Tarri> Oh... ::hugs him a little tighter:: Maybe so. But I don't know what I ever did to deserve *you*... It must have been something awfully good.

<Sanriel> ::breath catches for a moment, and hugs Tarri tighter:: Maybe... maybe we just.. were lucky enough to find what we needed.

<Tarri> ::nods slowly:: Maybe.

<Sanriel> ::grins a little:: Maybe after all the tricks you're played, you had to get stuck with someone else that's done the same.

<Tarri> ::giggles:: Maybe. ::she looks up at him, grinning::

<Sanriel> ::grins and kisses her quickly::

<Tarri> Hmmm. ::she smiles:: And here Mama always said I'd be *punished* for all those tricks...

<Sanriel> ::giggles:: Nah. You just needed a *partner*.

<Tarri> ::breath catches for a moment:: Oh... ::she searches his face:: I think I'd like being your partner.

<Sanriel> ::becoming more serious, and extremely earnest:: There's no one I'd rather have...

<Tarri> ::blushes and looks down:: Th-thank you.

* Sanriel brings up her hand to kiss gently, several times.

<Tarri> ::looks back up at him, still a little flushed::

* Sanriel gives Tarri an adoring smile, his own cheeks a bit rosy.

* Sanriel presses Tarri's hand to his cheek and closes his eyes, sighing happily.

<Tarri> ::whispering:: Oh, Sanriel... ::She pulls his hand to her own face and gently rubs her cheek against the back of his hand.::

<Sanriel> ::leans forward to kiss her hair, his breath softly stirring her hair:: wonderful Tarri...

<Tarri> ::kisses his hand and smiles at him:: Amazing Sanriel...

<Sanriel> ::sighs softly:: I love you.

<Tarri> I love you, too.

<Sanriel> ::smiles:: I don't know if I could ever get tired of saying that... or hearing it. ::blushes::

<Tarri> ::smiles a little bashfully:: Me, either...

* Tarri looks around a bit, then shifts her position so she's lying in the grass, her head resting on Sanriel's lap. "Hmm.... Nice." She smiles up at him impishly.

<Sanriel> ::smiles and shifts to accomodate her, then begins gently petting her hair and looking down into her eyes:: comfy?

<Tarri> ::closes her eyes:: Very. ::she sighs softly:: That feels nice, too.

<Sanriel> ::chuckles a little:: I saw my parents like this sometimes... ::still gently stoking Tarri's hair, sometimes running a finger or two lightly through::

<Tarri> Mmm. ::quietly:: Papa used to sometimes put his head in Mama's lap when he'd had a hard day. Sometimes she'd read to him while he rested.

<Sanriel> ::giggles a little:: That sounds nice...

<Sanriel> Think you could read from down there to me..? ::a little shyly::

<Tarri> ::giggles:: Maybe. But maybe I should make you read to me. ::she looks at him with mock-solemnity:: For the practice, of course.

<Sanriel> ::laughs:: Of course. ::looks down into Tarri's eyes:: I would love to do that for you... but I'm not very good, still...

<Sanriel> ::grins a little:: It might take me a very long time.

<Tarri> ::grins:: I'm willing to wait as long as necessary. ::trying to be serious:: For your own good, of course. ::the seriousness breaks, and she giggles::

* Sanriel manages to maintain a slightly serious expression for a moment longer than Tarri before breaking down into giggling.

<Sanriel> ::calms a bit and grins:: I think I could get to love reading with incentive like that.

<Tarri> ::reaches up to touch his face gently:: I want to do whatever I can to help you. And I like to see you happy...

<Sanriel> ::quietly:: you do.. everything about you does...

<Tarri> ::blushes and smiles:: I'm... I'm glad.

* Sanriel quietly continues petting Tarri's hair, smiling faintly.

<Tarri> ::strokes his cheek softly, then lets her hand drop to rest on his chest:: I wish I'd thought to bring a book.

<Sanriel> ::softly:: it's okay... I'm happy just looking at you...

<Tarri> ::blushes::

<Tarri> ::quietly:: I like looking at you, too... And I like the way you touch me... ::smiles:: And the look in your eyes right now.

<Sanriel> ::blushes, still speaking quietly:: what look...?

<Tarri> ::grins and touches his face again:: That look, there. The one you get whenever I tell you how wonderful you are.

<Sanriel> ::smiles and closes his eyes for a moment, sighing at the touch:: I.. ::almost whispering:: I *believe* you.

<Tarri> Good. Because I mean every word.

<Sanriel> ::shakes his head slightly, smiling:: I know... I know.

<Sanriel> And.. you know how much you mean to me, right? Like nothing else Tarri... like nothing else matters at all...

<Tarri> ::breathes a little faster, blushing, and looks into his eyes:: I... I know, Sanriel... I believe you.

<Sanriel> ::nods slowly, very serious:: I've never meant anything more. I love you, Tarri. I love you so much. ::resumes gently stroker her hair, his face flushed but smiling::

* Tarri sits up and leans forward to kiss Sanriel briefly. "I love you, too, San... More than I ever dreamed possible."

<Sanriel> ::returns the kiss happily, and smiles:: It's too good to be a dream, that's for sure.

* Tarri just looks at Sanriel for a long moment, her gaze full of love.

* Sanriel stares back at Tarri, his mouth slightly open as if he were going to say something now forgotten, lost in and returning her loving look.

* Tarri smiles and leans against Sanriel's chest, resting her head on his shoulder.

* Sanriel leans back a little and cradles Tarri against him, unable to stop smiling.

<Sanriel> ::very softly:: ohh.. look. ::slowly points to the far side of the clearing, where a lovely young doe stands looking directly at them::

<Tarri> ::looks up slowly:: Oh. She's pretty.

<Sanriel> ::smiles and idly caresses Tarri's arm:: isn't she? Maybe she's hungry...

* Sanriel watches the doe (and Tarri watching the doe) as it stops staring at her and begins eating some of the grass at the edge of the clearing.

<Tarri> ::shivers a little at San's caress, but keeps watching the doe::

* Sanriel smiles a little

* Tarri glances at Sanriel and catches him looking at her. She smiles. "What are you thinking?"

<Sanriel> ::blushes a little and shakes his head:: nature... ::smiles:: you fit well with nature...

<Tarri> ::laughs slightly, blushing::

<Sanriel> ::softer:: the most wonderfully beautiful things I've seen... everything I've loved the most.. and felt the closest to.

<Tarri> ::eyes soften:: Oh... ::smiles a little:: I've always been a 'town' girl, though...

<Sanriel> ::blushes:: I know... but right now... ::glances over at the doe munching contentedly::

<Sanriel> ::hugs Tarri closer:: right now everything feels so *right*

<Tarri> ::leans against him again:: You know... When I was trying to snare Val, it was partly because I... I wanted to make sure I could stay in the town. I didn't want to live on a farm, away from everyone, and Val would've... ::sighs softly:: But that thought doesn't bother me any more. With you... ::she shifts a little, blushing:: I'd go anywhere with you, San, and I wouldn't mind if it was the middle of a city, or the middle of a forest, or the middle of a field. As long as you were there with me.

<Tarri> ...middle of a forest, or the middle of a field. As long as you were there with me.

<Sanriel> ::hugs Tarri tightly:: Oh Tarri, I... I could be happy anywhere if you were with me...

<Sanriel> even reading.. in a city... ::smiles::

<Tarri> ::giggles a little, then shakes her head:: I've *seen* the difference in you when we're out here. I could never take you away from this.

<Sanriel> ::blushes again:: I could, though... ::breathes:: For you, I could.

<Tarri> ::hugs him tightly:: Oh, San... I believe you, but... I would never ask you to. I.... I couldn't hurt you like that. ::she smiles up at him:: Besides, I like it out here, too, when you're with me.

<Sanriel> Tarri.. you are... ::sighs happily:: so unbelievably sweet... I... ::sighs again:: I *love* having you out here with me.

<Tarri> ::smiles:: I love being with you, San, wherever we are.

<Sanriel> then.. I will always go with you, and always take you with me.

<Sanriel> well... ::blush:: except to *home*.. I don't think the Bluestars would approve. ::small giggle::

<Tarri> ::giggles:: No, probably not. And Val would probably be a little disconcerted if you took me back to the school with you.

<Sanriel> ::bursts out into giggles, startling the doe into running off, then looks sheepish:: Yeah, I think he'd be more than a little surprised.

* Tarri giggles.

<Sanriel> ::giggles again:: Oh, but wouldn't you like to see the look on his face?

<Tarri> ::laughs:: It *would* be pretty funny!

<Sanriel> ::grins, a little gleam in his eye:: should we?

<Tarri> ::giggles mischievously:: Maybe...

<Sanriel> It's a thought, anyway! Especially if we showed up with a couple of boxes. ::grinning even wider::

<Tarri> ::giggles somewhat hysterically::

<Tarri> Oh, but we should wait and find out how their trip went, first.

<Sanriel> ::shakes his head, subsiding a bit:: That's true. I want to hear all about that!

<Tarri> ::nods:: I hope Val's dad liked Gloss... He could be a bit... ::she sighs:: Well. They should be getting home soon.

<Sanriel> I sure hope so! I just want to hear about how much of a splash she made and how much everyone loves her now that they're met her. ::grins::

<Tarri> ::nods:: We may have to get Val to tell us most of it.

<Tarri> ::more quietly:: And I want to hear how Papa's doing...

<Sanriel> ::hugs Tarri reassuringly:: I'm sure he's fine.. that he just misses you.

<Tarri> I hope so...

<Sanriel> ::kisses her forehead:: He is.. he is.

<Tarri> ::tentatively:: I'm... supposed to get a couple of weeks off to go visit him in a month or so... Did you really mean it when you said you'd come with me?

<Sanriel> ::easily:: Of course!

<Tarri> What about school?

<Sanriel> ::smiles a little:: Our luck is really amazing, you know... We have a summer break.

<Sanriel> ::smiles wide:: I'll be happy to come with you. I'd love to see where you grew up.

<Tarri> Really? I'd... I'd like to have you with me. ::She shivers a little:: For more than one reason. And I'd like you to meet Papa, and Mina... ::she smiles at him again:: I could show you that tree...

<Sanriel> ::squeezes Tarri again, voice lower:: It would be great to meet your dad, and Mina. Maybe she has some more stories... ::giggle:: And maybe we could take a turn in that tree?

<Tarri> ::softly:: That's what I was thinking... Though this tree is pretty nice, too.

<Sanriel> ::reaches up to caress Tarri's cheek tenderly:: We can compare once we're there.

<Tarri> ::smiles at him, nodding:: I'll... ::she looks slightly dubious:: I guess I'll tell Papa, then, in my next letter, to expect you to be with me...

<Sanriel> Do.. umm.. do you think he'll mind?

<Tarri> ::whispering:: I don't know... He can be a little... overprotective, sometimes. Especially when it comes to, um... guys. He might be upset if we're travelling together without a chaperone. Or maybe the carriage driver counts.... I don't know.

<Sanriel> ::squeezes Tarri again:: I can understand some, I think... I feel pretty protective of you, too. ::small sigh, blushing a little:: I'll do whatever I can to make him happy with me. Except leave you alone... no one could make me do that, Tarri.

<Tarri> ::sighs a little, relieved:: I'm glad to know that. I won't let him say no. And I'm sure once he meets you, he'll love you.

<Sanriel> ::smiles and nods:: I'm a pretty nice guy, I think. ::little giggle::

<Tarri> ::hugs him tight:: Better than just "pretty" nice!

<Sanriel> mmm... thank you...

<Tarri> ::sighs happily:: I love you.

<Sanriel> And I love you! ::kisses the top of her head::

<Tarri> ::shivers a little, giggling:: It's been almost a year and a half since I brought anyone home to meet Papa. I bet he thought he'd never have to do *that* again.

<Sanriel> ::laughs:: Why? What does he do? ::a little nervously:: I've never been brought to a father before... I mean, like this.

<Tarri> ::looks at him a little shyly:: I don't really know, either. He always makes me go make tea or something...

<Sanriel> ::swallows and takes a steadying breath:: I'm.. I'm sure it can't be anything too bad. Right?

<Tarri> ::gently strokes his cheek:: It can't be but *so* bad, San. No one's ever run screaming. And really... What's the worst he could do? He can't forbid me to see someone anymore.

<Sanriel> ::relaxes a little:: You're right... ::deep breath:: You're right. I'm just a little nervous, I think. I.. I want him to like me, and to be happy for us.

<Sanriel> He couldn't keep me away from you. ::firmly:: But I would hate it if he felt like he had to try.

<Tarri> ::leans forward to kiss his cheek:: We'll just have to wait and see, San. But try to relax. I'm sure he'll love you.

<Sanriel> ::nods and smiles slowly:: You should know, he's your father. And everything has gone so right so far. ::relaxes again:: And you're his daughter; he should know how smart you are, and trust your decisions.

<Tarri> ::smiles slightly:: Well... He also knows how much trouble I can get into if I'm left to my own devices... Which is why I have to tell him about you - about us - right away. I don't want him to think I'm trying to hide anything from him... ::she sighs::

<Sanriel> mmm... ::rocks he sympathetically:: Maybe this is a little of the punishment for the tricks as a child...

<Tarri> ::smiles a little:: Maybe. ::she looks up at him:: But I still wouldn't trade it for anything.

<Sanriel> ::looks down and matches the smile:: I know. It was just too much fun!

<Tarri> ::giggles and sighs, finally relaxing:: I love you, Sanriel.

<Sanriel> dear Tarri, I love you, too. ::snuggles comfortably::