Welcome to Gaia! ::

Sentelle gazed absently at the horizon. Last time the setting sun had stained the sky with scarlet she had returned home to find that Shadow had died. A faint smile tugged at the corners of her mouth as she recalled the manner in which the little gray cat had earned his name. “You always did like to follow me around.” she mused to herself.

“What?” A familiar voice questioned from behind.

“Shadow,” Sentelle started, “I was thinking about Shadow. Last time the sun…” Sentelle trailed off with a sigh as she threw her arms around Avery in a warm embrace.

“After five years you still miss that little stalker?” Avery jested.

“Only when I think about him.” Sentelle smiled at Avery. Releasing him from the hug she turned and entered The Golden Goblet. With a brief glance around Sentelle chose a table and waited for Avery to come with the drinks. Nigh unto a month had passed since last she and Avery had visited over drinks. Studies and training had kept them both very busy of late. She was glad for the chance to visit with him again.

“For the Lady,” Avery said as he placed a golden goblet in front of Sentelle. Sampling the wine Sentelle nodded and Avery seated himself. Sentelle lazily traced the brim of her cup with a finger as she told Avery about her lessons. Looking up from her goblet and over at Avery Sentelle was surprised to find his honeyed brown eyes settled intently on her. Avery blushed and flagged down a serving girl. “Another glass of black mead.” he requested.

Avery in turn told Sentelle of his studies and the conversation shifted from studies to home. As Sentelle continued to sip at her wine Avery had downed another three glasses in addition to his first. “Sentelle,” he said placing his empty cup on the table, “there’s something I’ve been wanting to tell you.”

Sentelle smiled. “Avery, we’ve been friends our whole lives, since when do you…”

Avery nervously blurted out: “Sentelle, I love you.”

Sentelle giggled, “I think you’ve had to much to drink tonight my friend.”

“I know I have, that’s the only way I could bring myself to say it. I’ve wanted to for so long now. Sentelle…”

Sentelle stood up. “Avery…” she looked at him with concern and confusion.

“Sentelle, I’ve seen the way that you look at Nayadin, I know you don’t return my feelings, but I had to tell you.”

As Sentelle turned to leave Avery caught her wrist, a plea in his eyes.

“Let me go Avery.”

Avery did as he was asked and Sentelle left.

Two months without… Sentelle dropped her books. Avery, I need to find Avery. Her heart raced and her mind reeled. It’s not possible. I can’t be… She stopped and shook her head. Avery? Why was my first thought of Avery? Sentelle took in a deep breath and exhaled slowly. Gathering her books she raced back to her room.

Discarding her books upon entering her room she searched for her wax and a square of parchment. “I have to return home for a time Sentelle. If you need me place a message bearing your personal signet in this case. Close the lid and say the words ‘Inay dou Ivrea’ I will meet you at Lake _____¹ there by the elm.” Sentelle removed her ring and pressed it to the hot wax on the parchment. Almost before the wax was cooled she placed the paper in the box, closed the lid and spoke: “Inay dou Ivrea.”

Sentelle paced anxiously along the lake shore. What if Avery didn’t get my message? What if he can’t come? What if he doesn’t want to come? That last thought made her queasy.



“Sentelle, I don’t want you to have to do this alone. We can go into town and we can buy some rings. No one need know about the baby’s…”

“I can’t do that Avery.” She cut him off, “I can’t live that lie.”

“Then Marry me Sentelle,” Avery dropped on one knee as he pulled a diamond ring from one of his hidden pockets. “Marry me for real.”

Sentelle stepped back. “What!?” she gasped in astonishment. A nervous giggle escaped.

“I mean it Sentelle” Avery’s eyes plead his sincerity. “Give me all your tears, all your fears and heartache. Let me show you the roses where you have been shown only the thorns. I need you Sentelle.” His voice caressed her name with all the tenderness of a lover.

“You promise to show me the roses?” She smiled.

“I promise life won’t be all roses, but yes.”

“You promise to show me the roses? Sentelle repeated.

Avery smiled, “Yes, I promise to show you the roses.”

Sentelle returned Avery’s smile but her expression quickly darkened. “Avery, I’m not sure I’m ready to…” her face reddened, “to…” Sentelle sighed, “to love you as more than a friend.” She rushed on; “I appreciate your concern for me now, and through everything we’ve gone through together but I can’t Avery.” Tears fell down her cheeks as she let herself fall on Avery in an embrace of reckless trust. “I can’t.” She strained.

“Sentelle,” Avery lifted her face to his. “Be it in ruse, in name, or in completion please,” he paused briefly, “let me be yours.”

“All right,” she conceded, “but I am not able be yours until I am past this.” Sentelle ran her hand gently over her womb, “and all the scars Nayadin has marked me with that I have been too afraid to face. If you can accept that…”