* Sanriel walks up to the door of the Bluestar estate, his reading lesson book under one arm and two roses held in the other hand. He smiles and bounces a little as he reaches the door, then knocks loudly.

<Ingaliese> ::opens the door and nods once:: Master Tailorson.

<Sanriel> H-hello, Lady Ingaliese. I'm here to see Miss Mandeil... ::offers one of the roses to her and smiles just a little:: And I.. I brought a rose for you.

<Ingaliese> ::takes the rose and looks at it, and then Sanriel, somewhat dubiously:: Why?

<Sanriel> ::blushes and looks down:: I.. just thought it would be nice.

<Ingaliese> ::considers Sanriel for a moment, then looks at the rose again:: Hmm. Well. Miss Mandeil has taken Master Bluestar out to the garden for some sun, I believe. ::she points down the hallway to the glass doors at the far end::

<Sanriel> ::quietly:: Umm, thank you. ::presses the rose into her hand, then walks quickly around the house::

* Ingaliese watches Sanriel go, then chuckles. "Nice..."

* Sanriel picks his way around to the garden, then brightens up as he sees Tarri and heads for her, carefully staying on the paths through the area.

* Tarri is holding a small blue flower, letting Corri's tiny hand try to grasp the petals, and giggling.

<Sanriel> ::jumps and waves enthusiastically:: Hi, Tarri!

* Sanriel walks over to Tarri more quickly, smiling widely.

<Tarri> ::turns at San's voice and beams happily:: Sanriel! ::she stands up and puts Corri on her hip so she can hug him hello::

<Sanriel> ::hugs her happily:: It's always so great to see you.

<Tarri> I'm always happy to see you, too! How have you been?

<Sanriel> ::sighs happily:: I'm doing well! It's only been a couple of days.. but a couple of days too long. Oh, I brought you a flower... ::shyly offers Tarri the other rose::

<Tarri> ::smiles brightly at him as she takes the rose:: Aren't you sweet! ::she holds the rose to her face and inhales its fragrance, her eyes closed:: Mmm... Nice. ::she smiles at him:: Thank you.

<Sanriel> ::beams:: I'm glad you like it.

* Tarri kisses Sanriel's cheek. "I do. It's the prettiest flower in the garden!"

<Sanriel> Umm.. I also brought my next reading assignment. ::grins and holds up the book:: I was hoping you could help me with it a bit.

<Tarri> Oh, of course!

<Tarri> ::looks around for a minute, then points toward a large tree a little bit away:: There's a good place to sit over there...

<Sanriel> ::smiles a little:: Second prettiest... ::looks over at the tree:: That looks nice! ::offers Tarri an arm and another smile::

<Tarri> ::blushes a little at the compliment, and takes his arm with a smile::

<Sanriel> ::escorts Tarri to the tree, then gives her a clumsy bow:: Maybe Corri can help, too. ::grins and tickles him::

<Tarri> ::laughs:: Corri? Help?

<Sanriel> Sure, haven't you taut him to read, too? He could help me sound things out. ::grin::

* Tarri giggles. "You're so silly." She walks around behind the tree and emerges with a bag, from which she pulls a small, soft blanket. She spreads it on the ground and lays Corri carefully on it. She then pulls a small cloth toy from the bag and offers it to the wide-eyed infant.

<Tarri> That should keep him occupied for a bit... ::she watches Corri waving the toy around for a moment, then smiles at Sanriel.:: He had a busy morning, so maybe he'll take a nap.

<Sanriel> ::laughs:: Do you keep sitting supplies back there? ::turns to try to peer behind the tree:: Or were you expecting me? ::smiles::

<Tarri> ::laughs:: No - I was sitting here with him earlier until he got restless, and we went exploring.

<Sanriel> Awww! ::smiles down at Corri, then sets down the book and hugs Tarri tightly::

<Tarri> ::returns Sanriel's hug with a soft sigh of contentment::

* Sanriel settles down beside the book, leaving room for Tarri to sit by Corri as he leans into the tree.

* Tarri sits carefully on the ground and smiles at Sanriel, idly brushing the rose along the line of her jaw. "So what's your assignment?"

<Sanriel> ::smiles a moment, watching Tarri play with the rose, then blushes and looks up when she speaks:: Oh! Um, yeah... ::picks up the book and thumbs through it:: We're into some other stuff now. A lot more new words, and what they mean, and we're shown a little of how to use them in the little story. ::points out the vocabulary section and ten flips to the story::

* Tarri leans close to Sanriel to look at the vocabulary, then nods and sits up to pick up Corri's dropped toy and hand it back to him. "Why don't you try reading the story for me, then? And I'll help if you run into trouble and can't puzzle it out."

<Sanriel> That sounds good. ::smiles and turns to kiss Tarri's cheek, then puts an arm around her and settles in place with a little sigh.

* Sanriel begins reading slowly, at times getting through a sentence of familiar words quickly, but other times tripping over even some of those same familiar ones, but patiently and determinedly working through.

* Tarri leans back against him, watching Corri and listening to him read, waiting patiently as he struggles through.

* Sanriel stops to ask for help a few times, especially with some of the new words, and flips back to the vocabulary section to read the definition again.

* Tarri helps Sanriel piece together the words he's having trouble with, giving him a quick kiss on the cheek as a reward for each success.

<Sanriel> ::sighs happily as he gets another kiss:: Now this is real incentive! Sure you don't want to come to class with me? I bet I'd do a lot better! ::giggles::

<Tarri> ::smiles primly:: You'd just make the other students jealous. ::she giggles and leans her head against his arm for a moment::

<Sanriel> Well that's okay. ::grins and kisses the top of her head:: Alright! Back to the reading! ::grins ruefully:: I have another section to do after this one, too. It's more about grammar. ::shakes his head, then resumes the reading::

<Tarri> ::smiles and dangles Corri's toy for him as she listens::

<Sanriel> ::grins over at the play and steals a quick kiss on Tarri's cheek:: Thank you again, by the way. It just seems to go a lot better when you're helping.

<Tarri> ::beams at him:: I like helping... I especially like helping you.

<Sanriel> ::blushes a little:: I resolve to keep needing your help, then. ::smiles::

<Tarri> ::giggles a little:: It doesn't have to be with reading, though! I'm sure we can think of something else you need my help with... ::she reaches over and brushes the rose along his cheek, grinning mischievously::

* Sanriel smiles and blushes furiously

<Sanriel> I.. I think I'll always want your help with some things... ::leans over to give her a tender kiss::

<Tarri> mmm... ::she smiles at him:: I'm glad to hear that.

<Sanriel> ::still blushing:: I'm sure we'll find other things, too... later.

<Tarri> ::blushes a little:: I'm sure we will.

* Sanriel watches Tarri for a moment longer, then returns to the reading.

<Tarri> ::Corri stops being interested in his cloth toy after a while, and Tarri gives him her finger to play with. She leans back in the grass, the rose resting in her lap, and watches Sanriel at his reading with a slight smile::

* Sanriel reads a little more slowly, glancing over at Tarri occasionally, but eventually finishes with just a little more help.

<Sanriel> ::takes a deep breath and grins:: Part one finished!

<Tarri> ::beams at him:: Very good! ::She leans forward to kiss him::

<Sanriel> mmmm... ::kisses back eagerly, dropping the book to put both arms around her, running his hands along her back and up into her hair::

* Tarri melts against Sanriel, sliding her arms around him and sighing happily into the kiss.

* Sanriel hold Tarri tightly for a long time, kissing her lovingly. He finally pulls away and catches his breath.

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

<Tarri> ::leans her head against his shoulder:: I love you, too. ::sighs again:: Mmm... I've wanted to do that since you got here.

<Sanriel> ::blushes:: me, too...

* Tarri rests in Sanriel's arms for a long moment, holding him tightly.

* Sanriel cuddles contentedly with Tarri.

<Sanriel> ::gives a small sigh after a few minutes:: I should probably start part two, soon...

<Tarri> ::sighs wistfully:: I was just going to ask when you needed to have it done. ::She pulls away, somewhat reluctantly::

<Sanriel> ::grins a little ruefully:: I need to write a little about them after I get back, but there's no rush on that.

<Tarri> ::nods:: Okay... Go ahead and get your reading started, then, so we don't have to feel guilty about cuddling. ::she smiles at him::

<Sanriel> ::blushes and smiles:: Yes, dear. ::glances over at Corri:: Would you like to lay your head in my lap for this one..?

<Tarri> ::giggles at the "Yes, dear", then blushes:: Oh... That sounds nice. ::She checks on Corri, who is starting to blink sleepily, then carefully shifts so her head is resting in Sanriel's lap. She changes her position slightly so she can keep an eye on Corri, then smiles up at San.:: Very nice.

<Sanriel> ::beams happily as Tarri settles down, and begins stroking her hair and forehead gently:: Yes, definitely nice... ::smiles down at Tarri for a moment before starting his next reading assignment::

* Tarri closes her eyes with pleasure at his caresses. "That feels nice..." She leaves her eyes closed as he begins to read.

* Sanriel nods quietly and glances down at Tarri. His tender smile can almost be heard in his tone as he reads on.

<Tarri> ::sighs happily and looks back up at him after a moment::

* Sanriel smiles a bit wider when Tarri looks up and continues reading.

<Tarri> ::quietly, during a pause:: You're doing much better with this one...

<Sanriel> ::blushes and smiles:: I think it's a little simpler so I can concentrate on the grammar...

<Tarri> ::smiles at him:: It's still an improvement!

<Sanriel> ::blushes some more:: Thank you. I think it's the inspiration... ::gently runs his fingers along Tarri's face, tracing her eyes.. nose.. and lips::

<Tarri> ::closes her eyes again:: Hmm.... maybe. ::she looks at him again, catching his hand to kiss his fingers::

<Sanriel> ::sighs happily, letting the captured fingers continue their caresses::

<Sanriel> ::softly:: You are amazing, Tarri...

<Tarri> ::blushes:: So are you... I love you.

<Sanriel> And I love you... ::smiles::

<Sanriel> ::Sanriel finally finishes part two of his reading homework, then sets the book aside and continues caressing Tarri, but with both hands now::

<Tarri> ::Tarri takes a deep breath and sighs happily:: All done?

<Sanriel> ::smiles and nods:: All done.

<Sanriel> ::lengthens his petting to include Tarri's neck, gently trailing his fingers along her face, studying her features intently::

<Tarri> Oh, that feels good... ::tips her head to stretch her neck, half-closing her eyes::

<Sanriel> ::smiles happily:: Good. ::plays lightly around the rim of her left ear for a few moments before running those fingers around through her soft, lovely hair; Sanriel relaxes as he continues, the last of the tension from the reading draining out of him as he caresses his love::

<Tarri> ::Tarri makes a quiet sound of pleasure and lifts a hand to softly stroke Sanriel's face, one fingertip tracing the lines of his lips and jaw::

<Sanriel> mmmm... ::leans forward slightly and closes his eyes, parting his lips to catch and kiss her finger for a moment::

<Tarri> ::runs her finger around the edge of his jaw and lightly down his throat::

<Sanriel> ::shivers lightly:: that feels good, too...

<Sanriel> ::pulls both hands gently up either side of Tarri's neck, up over her cheeks, and then through her hair:

<Tarri> ::smiles a little bashfully:: I'm glad. I-mmmmm... ::she closes her eyes and sighs deeply::

<Sanriel> ::very gently runs a fingertip over and around each closed eye, then up over her eyebrows:: you what..? ::softly, smiling::

<Tarri> ::laughs slightly breathlessly:: I like making you feel good. ::she opens her eyes and smiles at him::

<Sanriel> ::blushes and smiles as he meets her eyes:: You always do, dearest Tarri...

<Tarri> ::smiles wider:: Good. ::She sits up and puts her arms around his neck:: I love you.

<Sanriel> ::rests his hands on her sides and smiles back:: I love you, too. ::looks in her eyes for a long moment::

<Tarri> ::meets his gaze with a soft smile:: I never get tired of hearing that.

<Sanriel> ::leans closer, sliding his arms around her and putting his lips near her ear:: I hope not, 'cause you're going to hear it a lot...

<Sanriel> ::whispers "I love you" into Tarri ears over and over, holding her tight::

<Tarri> ::shivers a little and tightens her hold on Sanriel, finally giggling a little at the repetition:: Silly. I love you, too.

<Sanriel> ::giggles softly and kisses her ear::

<Tarri> ::shivers again and sighs, laying her head on his shoulder::

<Tarri> ::quietly:: How long until school is out for the summer? Or do the reading lessons continue all summer?

<Sanriel> ::blinks in a bit of surprise at the reaction, then smiles:: We've got a little while, though it's close. As for the reading lessons... ::small chuckle:: I think Gloss will probably give me some more to practice with, even if I don't ask her, but nothing I couldn't do with your help.

<Tarri> Hmm. ::she grins at him:: More time to spend together, then.

<Sanriel> ::blushes and nods happily:: Uh-huh!

<Tarri> ::grins and snuggles closer:: That will be nice.

<Sanriel> mmm-hmmm...

<Sanriel> ::lets his hands wander over Tarri's back slowly::

<Tarri> mmm... ::looks up at Sanriel for a moment, then gently kisses him::

<Sanriel> ::returns the kiss, sighing happily::

<Sanriel> mmm... So when we go visit your home, soon... how are we going there? I can probably walk you if we get directions. ::smiles:: But I bet your dad wouldn't be too happy with that.

<Tarri> ::giggles:: It would take too long, too. I only get a couple of weeks. Lady Bluestar said she would provide a carriage.

<Sanriel> Oh! ::giggle:: Yeah, I guess it would take a bit too long to walk, wouldn't it? ::slightly wistful::

<Sanriel> But.. I've never ridden on a carriage before. That sounds kind of neat. But bumpy.

<Tarri> ::gives him a quick squeeze:: Maybe some day we can walk it. I'm sure there's lots of things you could show me along the way.

<Sanriel> There are lots of things I'd love to show you whenever we are able, Tarri. ::kisses her cheek softly:: But there's no rush.

<Tarri> ::giggles:: Yes, carriages are pretty bumpy... But it's only three days, so that's good.

<Tarri> ::smiles:: Of course not. I'm happy just to be with you.

<Sanriel> ::blushes and smiles happily:: Good! Because I am, too!

<Sanriel> ::squeezes Tarri tight for a moment:: Wow, just three days to get there? That's nice, we'll be able to visit for at least a week, then.

<Tarri> ::shifts to check on Corri, who is now sound asleep, and then snuggles close:: Yeah, it will be nice to spend some time with Papa.

<Sanriel> ::tenses for just a moment, then takes a deep breath:: I know how much you miss him sometimes.

<Tarri> ::glances up:: What's wrong, San?

<Sanriel> ::grins ruefully and shakes his head:: Just still a little nervous about meeting your dad is all.

<Tarri> Oh! ::she hugs him tightly:: I keep forgetting you've never met him... I'm sure he'll like you, Sanriel. I just know it!

<Sanriel> ::hugs back and smiles, sighing:: I know.. I just can't help but worry a bit. I really want him to like me.

<Tarri> ::smiles reassuringly:: How could he not?

<Sanriel> ::grins a little:: I don't know, that's what I'm worried about.

<Tarri> ::looks a little concerned, and lightly touches his face:: You don't... you don't have to go, San. If you're really worried...

<Sanriel> The only thing that could stop me is you, Tarri.. I'm a little scared, but I *do* want to go with you... anywhere.

<Tarri> ::looks at Sanriel with wide eyes for a long moment, then pulls him into a fierce embrace:: I want you with me, San... I do, oh, I do! I just... I want you to be happy.

<Sanriel> Oh, Tarri... ::takes a deep breath:: I would be miserable if I couldn't go with you... *you* make me happy.

<Tarri> ::continues hugging him tightly:: My brave, amazing San...

<Sanriel> ::blushes and holds her just as tightly:: no more than you, my precious Tarri...

<Tarri> ::shakes her head, but doesn't say anything. After a long moment, she relaxes a little and lets out an almost nervous giggle:: Someday, maybe, I'll get a chance to meet *your* parents, and I'll find out what it's like.

<Sanriel> ::sighs happily:: definitely.. I know they'd really want to meet you...

<Tarri> ::blushes and whispers:: I'd like to meet them.

<Sanriel> and you *definitely* don't have to worry about my parents... maybe all of my jealous friends once they see you with me, though. ::small giggle::

<Tarri> ::laughs:: I think you're exaggerating. I'm sure your friends have seen pretty girls before.

<Sanriel> none as pretty as you, though!

<Tarri> ::blushes and kisses his cheek:: I think you're biased.

<Sanriel> ::grins suddenly:: Biased! I leaned that word!

<Sanriel> ::blushes and nods:: And yeah, I probably am a little... but you're still prettier than anyone back home...

<Tarri> ::giggles and hugs him:: I'm sure they all know you deserve someone who makes you happy... ::she blushes again and looks down:: I'm just glad that turned out to be me.

<Sanriel> Me, too. ::gently kisses her forehead::

<Tarri> ::looks up at him shyly and smiles, then snuggles close:: I love you so much...

<Sanriel> I think those words are still the most wonderful think I've every heard... ::snuggles comfortably:: I love you too. ::happy sigh::

<Sanriel> ::Sanriel gives Tarri a little kiss::

<Tarri> ::Tarri pulls Sanriel closer for a bigger kiss::

<Sanriel> mmmm.. ::holds her close and sighs happily, lost in their kiss::

<Tarri> ::slides her arms around him, tracing slow spirals and loops on his back with her fingers::

<Sanriel> ::shivers in delight at the feel::

<Tarri> ::smiles and pulls back a little to look into Sanriel's face, one hand lightly caressing his cheek::

<Sanriel> ohh, that's nice... ::makes another noise of pleasure and smiles, enjoying the feel of Tarri in his arms and her light caresses::

<Tarri> ::smiles a little wider and caresses his cheek again:: I like making you feel good.

<Sanriel> oh sweetheart.. you always, always do... ::smiles and turns to kiss her hand lightly::

<Tarri> Mm - you know what I mean.

<Sanriel> :smiles and blushes a little:: well it's still true, Tarri. ::kisses her lightly again::

<Tarri> ::returns the kiss gently, leaning into his embrace::

<Sanriel> ::bends to put an arm under Tarri's legs and picks her up, then grins:: Where would you like to go, dearest Princess?

<Tarri> ::laughs and puts her arms around his neck:: Anywhere, my sweet Prince, as long as it's with you.

<Sanriel> ::blushes and smiles happily, cradling Tarri close:: my sweet Princess... ::kisses her again, holding her close and firmly::

<Tarri> ::runs her fingers into his hair and shivers slightly::

<Sanriel> ::pulls back a little and meets Tarri's eyes, staring there for long moments::

<Tarri> ::meets Sanriel's gaze earnestly, a faint smile on her lips::

<Sanriel> ::softly, tenderly:: I love you. ::still staring into her eyes, smiling a little himself, now::

<Tarri> ::whispering:: I love you, too.

<Sanriel> ::bright smile blossoming on his face, he leans to kiss Tarri earnestly, still cradling her against him steadily::

<Tarri> mmMMmm... ::tightens her hold on him, returning the kiss with passion::

<Sanriel> ::shakes a little before finally pulling slowly away, and takes a deep breath:: wow... like I said... ::blushes a little::

<Tarri> ::giggles and blushes:: Good. I hope I *always* make you feel that way.

<Sanriel> you mean making my heart race? My breath come fast? Making my knees weak? ::blushes and giggles a little::

<Tarri> ::grins:: At least. ::she giggles and kisses the tip of his nose:: If your knees are weak, shouldn't you put me down? Or are we going somewhere?

<Sanriel> ::smiles:: At least, yes. ::giggles as she kisses the tip of his nose, then looks around a little:: I.. haven't decided where to take you, yet. I did have a thought, but.. ::blush:: you made me forget.

<Tarri> ::tries to look contrite, and almost succeeds::

<Sanriel> ::laughs:: You... you're just too wonderful.

<Sanriel> ::carries Tarri off to a quiet, secluded place and smiles around in satisfaction:: How's this look?

<Tarri> ::looks around for only an instant, then fixes her gaze on him:: It looks wonderful.

<Sanriel> ::blushes lightly again::

<Sanriel> ::slowly and carefully settles down, holding Tarri tight the whole way, then sets her gently in his lap and wraps his arms around her::

<Tarri> ::shifts slightly, then leans into Sanriel's arms, resting her head on his shoulder, sighing contentedly::

<Sanriel> ::runs one hand lightly along her arm, dropping the other slowly to her lap, then to hold her leg gently::

<Tarri> ::whispers:: I love to feel your arms around me... to feel your strength surrounding me. ::she shivers very slightly at his caress::

<Sanriel> oh, my love... ::catches his breath and kisses her hair softly:: I love feeling you with me.. against me.. ::blushes a little:: I wish I could always just hold you.. touch you.. feel you touching me... gods, I love you so, soo much.

<Sanriel> ::rests his cheek on Tarri's head and sighs happily::

<Tarri> ::Tarri hugs Sanriel tightly to her, speechless::

<Tarri> ::After a long moment, she takes a deep, shuddering breath:: I love you, Sanriel. More than... more than anything. More than everything.

<Sanriel> ::shivers and puts his arms around her again, pulling her tight and seeking her lips again::

<Tarri> ::kisses Sanriel with fervent emotion, holding him tight::

<Sanriel> ::continues kissing Tarri lovingly for what seems like hours... long, delightful hours::

<Sanriel> ::finally pulls away, shaking a little and catching his breath, he runs a hand up to softly caress her face and run through her hair, a tender expression on his face::

<Tarri> ::Tarri doesn't notice the passing time any more than Sanriel, intent on kissing and touching. When he pulls away, she gasps for breath and looks at him with wonder and love::

<Sanriel> ::softly:: sometimes.. sometimes it really does seem like a fairy-tail...

<Tarri> ::flushes a little, nodding:: Sometimes... ::she smiles:: A wonderful one.

<Sanriel> ::traces a delicate eyebrow:: my sweet dream come true...

<Tarri> ::blushes harder, lifting her hand to capture his.:: I don't want to be a dream... You might wake up. ::she smiles::

<Sanriel> ::blushes a little and twines his fingers with hers:: I would never want to wake up if it would mean losing you, Tarri...

<Sanriel> ::brings he hand to his mouth and kisses it softly:: You mean so *much* to me.

<Tarri> Oh, San... ::She looks at him with wide, tear-filled eyes::

<Sanriel> ::voice quavering a little:: Tarri... ::tenderly kisses her eyelids::

<Tarri> ::whispers:: You're everything to me. I love you.

<Sanriel> ::between kisses:: I.. ::kiss:: love.. ::kiss:: you... ::kiss::

<Tarri> ::gently pulls San into a close, tender embrace, her face nuzzled against his neck::

<Sanriel> ::holds her tight, softly sighing in sheer bliss::