Audra is a maiden of seventeen years old who lives happily with her family until catastrophe befalls them. Will she ever be happy again? Will she ever find anyone to love her for her, and not her money? Could it be that handsome, rich Harel - for he needs not her money, he has his own? But what about Emeric, the young former captain who is now working in his shop? Is he really just after her money, or could their be more to attentions? http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/audra/ en-us Homeschool Blogger Mon, 20 Jul 2009 07:05:00 -0500 Mon, 20 Jul 2009 07:05:00 -0500 Chapter One - Wherein Catastrophe Befalls Audra and Her Family It was a peaceful day in early fall. Audra was helping her mother in their garden, while Jelenna and Mirna, Audra's little sisters played house in the tree house their father had built them. Audra straitened up for a minute after bending over the ground weeding, and shaded her eyes with her hand as she looked out West, over the valley of fields, and onto the rolling, tree clad hills, where the setting sun was casting long rays of light. As she looked she thought happily of the book she was in the midst of.  The main character, Dragan was such a gentleman. He loved the side character, Milena so much, despite the fact that she hated him. Audra let out a long sigh. She had thought her neighbor Bronic's intentions had been true, she had thought he really loved her, at the time she could not have even dreamed money had anything to do with it. Looking back, Audra realized that she hadn't really loved Bronic anyway, she had only been flattered by his supposed love for her - she wanted to love, and to be loved so badly. But she had learned her lesson, and must reconcile herself to the fact that she should never marry, should never find someone that loved her independently from her dowry. She bent back over the weeds again and begun to ruthlessly pull them out of the ground. Venting her anger at Bronic, her anger at herself for being so taken in by him, and her anger at the other young men, on the weeds. Her mother, who was also pulling weeds, turned and sat down on their house's porch, cradaling her baby in her arms. "Your father will be back in from the fields soon, Audra, and he'll be hungry," she reminded her daughter. "I'll get supper going. What should I make?" Audra asked. "We have some chicken from last night that you can cut up and put with a salad," her mother sugested as Audra headed into the house. In the midst of the kitchen was a large wooden table, on which was a covered bowl with the left over chicken inside it. Audra went over to the windowsill and took a head of letus, some tomatos and a couple peppers off it, and began cutting them into a large bowl. When that was finished she cut up the chicken and poored it ontop of the salad. Her father was already sitting on the porch next to her mother when Audra brought the salad out, and the whole family sat on a blanket to eat. "Thank you, Audra, for getting supper ready," her father said, taking a large helping, "you've been such a help while your mother is busy with the baby." Audra only blushed as she helped Mirna get some salad on her plate. The family ate mostly in silence, since they were all very hungry after their hard days work, but they did not go right back to work after they were finished. Instead they sat around for a few minutes watching the sun set. It was a beautiful sunset that tinted the few clouds a lovely soft pink. At last, though, Audra's father stood up and offered to take the dishes back into the house. "Father, can you bring my book out, please?" Audra asked, trying to look very sweet, "I want to read it a little before bed." "Aye, I'll bring it," he said bending down and kissing her on her forehead. He entered the house as the two little girls ran off to play some more in the last rays of sunlight, and returned a moment later with Audra's book. She took the book over to her tree as soon as it was in her hands and tucked it under her arm as she clambered up the tree. "Be careful, Audra!" her mother warned, watching her as she climbed high up into the tree. "I always am, Mother!" She sat down on a branch, and, leaning on another opened her book and began to read. She could hear her little sisters playing, and her parents talking but she paid no attention to them. She was nearly through with this book and she simply must finish it tonight. She could feel her stomach knot as she neared the part when Dragan would tell Milena that he did love her, and that the evil Dijanic was lying when he told her that he didn't. It was at this exact moment, as Jelenna and Mirna's laughter floated out of the tree house, as Audra's mother and father laughed together, and as Audra turned yet another page of her book that the sound of a loud, clear horn came to their ears - the alarm - raiders were attacking. Audra's head jerked up from her book, her eyes wide, her knees shaking with fright, but her father kept his wits about him. Running to grab the baskets of food from inside he called to Audra to go and get Jelenna and Mirna and hurry within the town walls with their mother. Jelena and Mirna, though little, were well aware of what the horn meant, and were already scrambling down the lader as Audra reached the ground from her tree.. She scooped up Mirna in her arms and ran for the village as fast as possible. The quickest way to the village was through their neighbor's cattle pastures, but even that way it was a half a mile away, and as Audra opened one of the pasture gates and pushed Jelena through it she wondered how she could run all that way in time with Jelenna and Mirna. She was running through the pasture, huffing and panting and dragging Jelenna behind her - the town was but a several yards away - when suddenly, from behind a small knoll in the ground, several raiders leaped in front of her. She screamed - louder then she ever thought she could scream - and tried to turn her course to miss them but they ran after her, spreading out and fencing her in a corner of the fence that surrounded the pasture. She put Mirna down, bidding her and Jelenna run as quickly as possible into the town. The little girls ran off, screaming and crying, as they ducked through the fences, where their mother was. Audra looked desperately for an escape, as the raiders moved in. One of them closed the gate, which had been open previously. Audra looked around again, she was trapped between a fence, and four raiders. They were tall and muscular and had long, scraggly dark hair which nearly completely hid their dark eyes. One of them grabbed her arm, pulling her between them, though she resisted. "Well isn't this a pretty thing?" he sneared, "I'm taking her back to camp" he declared, "the captain said we could have whatever booty we could find, and I like this little jewel." But a sword was raised above his head at that moment, and a clean slice made an end of him. Audra fell to the ground with the weight of the dead man, and, looking behind her saw - with horror filled eyes - what the other raiders saw. Her father, bloody sword in hand. "Father, run!" she screamed, scrambling up. But it was already too late, as Audra had to see as the other two drew their swords walking strait for her father. Their swords were long, and jagged and looked like they had been carved from the very rock of the mountains, in contrast to her father's strait steel blade. But despite her father's superior weapon Audra knew he stood no chance, the men were vicious savages who would not obey the common laws of fencing. Her father pushed her behind him whispering, "run Audra, run quietly away! And don't go to the town - don't stop until you're safe in the woods."  She obeyed, running off, quietly as she beheld her father over powered by the two raiders. She wanted to scream, but she managed to hold it in. She took off running, running as fast as she could and came to the top of a hill. She looked down into the hill and wondered what she should do. The sun had set quite far by now, and the hill was nearly completely black, a raider could be lurking anywhere, unseen in the valley below her, but where else was there to run? She stood there, wavering, and as she stood wavering, she realized that the known enemy was more fearful than the chance of an enemy. Stumbling and tripping she ran down into the valley, nearly falling twice, but managing kept her balance all the same, she went with as much stealth as she could. She reached the bottom of the hill and ran through the valley, ever aiming for the creek directly West of her family's farm. She passed through the valley and climbed up the mountain a bit, finding cover in some bushes. There she stopped, waiting and listening for any pursuers. The mountain was all quiet except for the crickets and early whip poor will, and the bull frogs by the lake but far in the distance, up the hill and past her family's farm she could hear woman screaming, dogs barking and men yelling. There was a glow on the horizon, and she knew that it had gone ill with her town, for it was burning now, and her family as well, most likely. She wanted to just sit there and sob, but she knew that would be foolhardy, the raiders would surely find her then. So picking herself up, she took off running through the trees for the creek again. She didn't know directions very well, but she could follow a creek well enough. She went with all stealth she could - minding where she was stepping and so on - ever keeping her ears wide open for any sound of raiders near by, but she heard nothing but the forest animals and was soon at  the creek within. There she sat on a rock and rested for a while, refreshing herself with a drink from it. What was she to do now? All her family might have perished, but perhaps not. She could go look for them, but if she couldn't find them then she would be easy prey for the raiders. But know she must. And so, standing up slowly, she started the walk back to town. It was midnight by the time she reached it - or rather, what was left of it. She could see the smoldering ruin in light of the few fires that were still going. But nothing else. There was no one around - not even the raiders. She sank to the ground and stared. What had she been thinking? That they would all be standing by the burn buildings? She was on her own now, and what was she to do? At that moment she heard a stick break. Audra froze with fear as she listened for any following sound. She could hear someone walking and was preparing to run off when the "person" came in view. It was her little black dog, Lucija. Audra breathed a sigh of relief, beckoning her friend over to her. Her dog was nearly unscathed as Audra bent to examine her. "Oh Lucija! You can't know how happy I am to see you!" Audra whispered, hugging the little dog tight as she drifted into a sleep. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/audra/709554/ Mon, 20 Jul 2009 07:05:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/audra/709554/ The ball lasted long into the night, and by the time Audra and her uncle left she was about to pass out right where she was. she climbed wearily into bed, and did not emerge until almost noon the next day. When at last she did awaken, she slipped on a pale blue gown, and headed down stairs. The house was quiet, her uncle was out visiting a neighbor, and several maids were at the market, so Audra had almost the whole house to herself. She wandered into the dining room, and finding the breakfast had been left out for her, quietly helped herself to some, and sad quietly down to eat it. She was just finishing up, and clearing the stuff away into the kitchen, when a knock sounded on the door. "Zora, can you get that?" she called through the house. "Yes, mam!" came the reply from upstairs. Audra pushed the swinging kitchen door open with her foot, and carried two in a large platter and several plates. She stood at the sink, her back to the kitchen door, as she washed the plates, when she heard Zora say, "Someone to see you, mam." Reaching over to her left, Audra grabbed the towel and began to dry the plate she had just washed as she turned around and took a couple steps forward. She looked up at the guest, and stumbled blindly backwards before bumping into the sink and sinking to the ground. Her face was ashy white, and she looked like she had just seen a ghost. "Emeric," she whispered, her voice barely audible. She covered her face in her hands and let out burst into tears. In half a moment the young man was kneeling at her side. "Aurdra, Audra dear, what is wrong?" he asked worriedly, looking intently at her. She couldn't answer for her sobs, and only threw her arms around Emeric's neck, sobbing still louder. Emeric was surprised by this show of emotion, and, though Audra couldn't see it, looked somewhat taken back, confused and even a little uncomfortable. But only for a moment, he smiled a little, and hugging Audra close whispered, "Audra dear, what is wrong? Please tell me." She wiped away the tears on her face, and leaning back to look at him whispered, "Oh, Emeric, I'm so sorry! I'm so wretchedly, wretchedly sorry! I was such an utter fool!" she had began to cry again, and had to stop to catch her breath, "I should never have doubted you, Emeric. There was  no cuase except my own predjudice, and I am begging you to forgive me, though I shall understand if you can't, I just want you to know that I love you, and that I have been miserable ever since I though you had been killed in battle." Her body heaved as she breathed heavilly, trying to keep back the tears. Emeric sat in shock, she could not be saying what he thought she was. It couldn't be true. It would be entirely too good. He didn't deserve it. He pulled her away from him, and, taking her hands and looking her in the eyes asked, "Audra, do you truly mean what you say?" "Yes, yes, Emeric! I don't know what I would do without you! I couldn't go on as I have these past weeks! It was simply horrible! Emeric, I am begging you, please don't leave me! Please don't ever leave me!" "I won't, Audra-"he paused, "Do you think I really could? The only thing that would get me to leave would be if you told me again that you did not love me." "Oh but Emeric, I do!" she interrupted, but he put up his hand for her to wait, and then, taking out something from his pocket, and slipping it over her finger he asked, "Audra, if you truly do not wish to be separated from me, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife? Will you marry me, dearest Audra?" She looked on him a moment, and then fresh tears burst forth and she clung to him. It was all she could do to choke out, "Yes, yes, yes, Emeric!" she gave a little laugh, and he hugged her. When Uncle Ruman returned home, he found the worlds happiest people sitting in lawn chairs out front. They were sitting and talking quietly, and Ruman couldn't catch the words, but he watched them in astonishment  for a moment, for Emeric was not facing him, and he did not yet realize who it was. Audra was smiling, smiling again for the first time since Gordana's wedding. "But what prompted you to come here, even if I was here?" Audra asked. "Well when I escaped from the Aeronans, I found Gordana again, and she told me that you had moved here, and that she thought it might be worth a chance to try again. I didn't believe her, and thought the trip would be a waste, but she convinced me to try, she said 'thinking you are dead may have changed her mind,' so I traveled here, and saught you out," he explained, looking sideways at her, "And I'm so glad I did." Uncle Ruman climbed out of the carriage there, and getting out, began to walk towards them. The young man said something, and Audra laughed, before noticing Uncle Ruman standing there. She took Emeric's hand, and pulling him up, ran off a head of him. He ran quickly too, and soon had caught her in his arms asking, "Do you think I would let you slip through my fingers again." She shrieked for help, as she struggled to get away, all the while smiling and laughing, until Uncle Ruman came up and said, "Harrold," for that was who he thought it was, "I am amazed that you could get her to laugh, I've not seen her so happy since her friend-" at that moment he cut himself off exclaiming, "Emeric!" "Yes, Uncle, who did you think it was?" Audra asked, beaming with happiness. "Why I thought Emeric was dead!" her poor confused uncle replied, "I assumed it was Harrold! What has happened to you, my boy?" "Harrold?" Emeric asked, looking down at Audra, who was still his captive. "A friend of mine," she replied, looking up at him. "Ah! Was he the young man you danced with last night?" "You saw that?!" "Yes, I came looking for you, and I saw you dancing with him. I must admit I was jealous, I thought you loved him." "Never!" she declared adamantly, "It was only yesterday that he proposed, but I turned him flat down, I knew I couldn't marry anyone but you," and she smiled for such pure joy. "Thank you for reminding me, Audra," he whispered to her, before letting her go, and standing tall before Ruman. "I know we don't know each other very well yet," he began, "but I would like to ask you for Audra's hand in marriage. I love her as I have never loved anyone before, and I feel that I must have her as my wife." Uncle Ruman looked at Audra and, taking a step toward Emeric said, "You're right, we don't know each other well, but while I was at the fort I told Audra that she was foolish not to trust you, I said that anyone with eyes could see that you loved her, and I know you'll take good care of her, and I know that she loves you," he gave a little laugh before adding, "If you had only seen her these past weeks! She was so sad," he reached out to shake Emeric's hand and said, "You have my congratulations, both of you." "Thank you sir!" Emeric declared, shaking his hand firmly. Audra quietly stepping behind Emeric, and whispering, "You can't catch me!" in his ear, took off running again, into the pasture. Emeric chased after her. Both smiling more than they ever had before, both having more of a reason than ever to smile. THE END http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/audra/681971/ Thu, 23 Apr 2009 06:36:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/audra/681971/ Three weeks later that new chapter was beginning to be settled in. Audra had unpacked all her things and put them away in her new room, an she was almost fully adjusted to the new schedule. Still it did not help the pain, though. Not a day went by that she didn't think of Emeric. Something he would have thought funny, something he once said, etc. She thought being away from the fort would help, but it didn't, not much. And that night the last thing she wanted to do was go to a ball. A ball filled with young men who weren't worth of even being compared to Emeric. She donned her ball gown, not the one she had worn before, but a new one her uncle had bought her, and together they headed off to the dance. The ball was at a near by noble's estate, and was a much more grand part than the two small ones Audra had been to while at the fort. One of the servant's took her cloak, and she stepped to the side, just watching the dance. It took all of two minutes for someone to ask her to dance. A comely lad with crooked teeth. She accepted, and when the next dance started she took her partners hand and they approached the dance floor. Nane, for that was his name, was not nearly as good a dancer as Emeric had been, Audra noted, and managed to step on her toes more than once. She left that dance sore footed and frustrated. This ball, for all it's grandure, was the single most tiedus ball she had ever attended, and could not hold a candle to the balls she had attended with Emeric and his family. As soon as she was safely away from everyone, she tried to avoid the other men, but it was useless, she had hardly been alone for a moment, when another dance was requested of her, this time by a slightly older, handsome gentleman. Again she accepted, rather from loss of a polite refusal than from a wish to dance. And once again she was led onto the dance floor. This gentleman was a much better dancer, and they glided effortlessly across the dance floor. when that dance was over another was requested from her, by the same gentleman. She again accepted, this time prompted partially from a wish to dance again. But, unfortunately for her, the dance proved to be the same one she had danced with Emeric on her birthday. Tears welled up in her eyes, and though she tried to restrain them, the slowly trickled down her cheeks. "You are upset, what is wrong?" Harrold asked. "This song reminds me of some one dear to me," she whispered. "Ah, and who might this person be?" he asked, leaning in close to her. "My good friend, Emeric," she continued. "He is a good man?" "He was the best of men!" she declared passionately. "'Was'?" Harrold asked, raising an eyebrow. "yes, he was killed in battle with the Aeronan's. It was but a moth ago, actually." "Ah, too many fine men have been killed in battle with the Aeronans! Your friend is not the first, and, sadly, he will not be the last." "You speak true, but you fail to mention than no better man ever has, or ever will fall in battle with the Aeronan's," Audra added quietly. The dance was soon ended, and the partners dispersed, but Harrold did not leave Audra's side right away. They walked over to the refreshment table, and Harrold was chivalrous enough to get Audra's drink for her, and carry it as they walked about the room talking. "So what is your family like?" he asked after telling Audra of how he and his little brothers would get into trouble when they were younger. "Oh, they passed away several months ago," Audra corrected him. "My goodness!" he exclaimed softly, "you seem to have been through much pain this year. How did they die?" he asked after a pause. "Our village was attracted by the Aeronans," Aura explained, she paused for a moment, then added, "I guess you could say that they've taken almost everyone I ever really cared for. The only ones left are my uncle, my friends Gordana and Latvia, and Lady Milta..." her voice trialled off. "I'm so sorry, Audra," Harrold said, "Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help. I can't imagine going through such pain. I've never had the sorrow of loosing any family." "You are blessed, then," Audra commented, "And let me tell you something, you should treasure every moment you have with them, and don't let a day go by without telling them what they mean to you. You'll regret it if you do..." and with that she turned her head away. "Do you speak from experience?" Harrold asked. "Yes, I should have told them what they meant to me. One of them died thinking I hated them. If I had only thought to tell them sooner, just a few hours would have sufficed, they could have at least died safe in the knowledge of my love." "A lot of stuff happens that wouldn't if we had only known a few hours sooner. But there's no reason to dwell on the past, it's done, and wishing won't chance it." "My brain knows you speak true, but my heart can't help wishing, can't help sorrowing." "Well I never said it would be easy, or that it would stop hurting," Harrold pointed out, "but come, let's speak of jollier things! do you like to ride?" "yes!" Audra exclaimed, trying to drag her thoughts from Emeric, "i often ride, and I enjoy it very much. Why do you ask?" "Well, because I know of a beautiful lake in one of the fields a little West," Harrold explained, "and I thought I might show you tomorrow, if you so wish it." "Oh yes! That would be fun!" Audra agreed, "shall I bring a picnic lunch?" "yes! Do! It will be a great pleasure, to look at the water as we eat!" "Then I shall! And I shall look forward to it!" Audra confided. But at that moment her uncle called her away, saying that it was best that they should head home, for it was getting late, and he hated to keep her out so late. Audra thanked Harrold for a wonderful time, and quickly ran after her uncle. Audra thought of the ball as the carriage rolled along the small road home. She began to realize that she could have a good friend in Harrold. It was nice, she had been rather lonely as of late. Harrold could not replace Emeric, no one ever could, but she still enjoyed his company, and was glad when he called on her the next day. They went riding together, As they had planned, and he told her of the time he and his brothers had played a prank on a sprite. "This little beast came everyday right before lunch, and would sneak several cookies, or a piece of pie, anything sweet. We got blamed for it every time, and went without desert after dinner every night for a week. Then Nane saw the little monster taking a piece of mother cherry pie. He told her, but she didn't believe him, and we got blamed, again. So we decided to catch the sprite in the act. "We convinced our mother to let us bake a pie. To make up for the ones that were lost, we said, and then we sat it one the window sill to cool, and waited. When the sprite came to take the pie, my other brother, Camden, dropped a net over him from the balcony above. We tied it up and showed our mother. She was so very sorry for not believing us that she made a whole chocolate cake for us, and that sprite didn't dare mess with us again!" he declared proudly. "I'm sure he wasn't too happy about his treatment," Audra commented. "No, not at all. Now what about you, have you ever had any sprite trouble?" "No, I can't say that I have, though I have seen a nymph before, several, actually, as they were bringing Spring," she said smiling a little. "No! You didn't! I've never heard of anything like it!" he declared, looking shocked. "Oh but I did!" And she went on to tell him of the eppisode she and Emeric had witnessed that early Spring day. "Well! I must say that that is remarkable!" he declared, then, looking up a head said, "oh! Here it is! We can picknick under that tree!" They dismounted their horses, tying them to a nearby tree, and unfolding the blanket, spread out their lunch. It was delicious, and proof that Uncle Ruman's cook was indeed the best in town. when they had finished they started back home, slowly. They didn't return until almost night, and Harrold was obliged to stay to supper. Again he commented on the cooks superior skills as he finished off his bowl of soup, before hurrying home, "for," he said, "mother would not want him to be out late, she worried for him so." And so, with a fond farewell, he departed from them for the night. So things went for several weeks, Audra often taking rides with Harrold as they laughed and talked together. She enjoyed his company, but thought of him as only a friend. No one could take Emeric's place in her heart. She knew that. She could never love anyone as she had loved him. Perhaps that was why she had become more at ease around young men, becuase she no longer was looking for her future husband. She knew he was gone forever. But perhaps that is why it startled her so much when, one day, as she and Harrold sat in the tree near the pond they had picnicked by, he took her and and, looking deep into her eyes asked, "Audra, please, answer me just one question. Do you love me? Will you marry me?" She was taken aback at first, and it was a good minute before she could find her voice, "Harrold- I, I don't know what to say!" "Say yes!" he urged, "say you'll be my wife!" "I can't," she chocked out. "Is there someone else?" he asked. "There was, and my heat forever belongs to him, despite where he is," she replied softly. He jerked his head up and looked at her. Emeric? He asked. "Yes," she replied with a bit of a smile. "Then he was a lucky man, to have your love." "He never knew it. I was blinded by my prejudice, and I refused him when he asked for my hand. By the time I realized my mistake, it was too late." She looked down sadly, and Harrold said, "I'll always be here if you need anything, Audra." "Thank you," she replied. Harrold looked up at the sky and then said, "We'd better be getting back if we want to get back in time for the ball. Audra nodded and they started back. The ball was just as lovely as the last one, and even a little more fun, since Audra had a friend from the very beginning this time. They danced half of the dances together, and Audra was glad to see how carefree Harrold was. Obviously he wasn't too disappointed. # From across the room a young man was standing, shrouded in shadows. Why had he come here, he wondered. It was a waste, she would never love him, he had been foolish to think she would. She wanted someone rich, someone who could prove they loved her. But his heart ached so. He had been determined to ask her, but now his heart almost failed him. "I have to try," he said softly, "How can I go without her?" But as he looked at Audra and Harrold, he knew her heart was elsewhere occupied. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/audra/681941/ Wed, 22 Apr 2009 23:54:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/audra/681941/ The rest of the week passed slowly for Audra. There didn't seem to be anything that didn't remind her of Emeric. While riding with Gordana she saw the spot in the woods where they had seen the nymphs, while walking through town she saw the place he asked her to the first ball, and while in the cottage she saw the place he had asked that fatal question. She wanted to get away, to run away. It was one day towards the end of the week that she came up to Uncle Ruman and told him that she wanted to accept his offer of a place to stay, and go home with him. "You do?" he asked, surprised. "Yes," she replied quietly, "I can't stand it here any longer! Gordana has many memories of all these places, so, though they may remind her of Emeric, they remind her of other things as well. I haven't got that, they all remind me of Emeric, and, though I want to remember him, I can't stand it here. It's as if I could see him walking up to me one of these days. Please, Uncle, please take me away!" He looked up at her over his glasses and said, "of course I will, my dear. I love you, and I'd do anything for you, but why don't you ask Gordana if she wants to come with us, now that she's an orphan, she may welcome the place to stay." "I'll ask, but I'm sure she'll either stay with Lady Milta or her sister." "Well why don't you ask at least?" "I will," and with that Audra left to talk to Gordana. It took not a moment to find her, she was in her room, and evidently going through her things, for they were spread all across the room. "Gordana? Can I talk to you?" Audra asked, peering into the room. "Yes, of course, Audra, I'm never too busy for you. What is it you want to talk about?" "I'm going to live with my uncle when he returns to his home," Audra began, "I need to get away from here, and he's offered to let me live with him, and we were wondering if you wanted to return with us as well." "Oh, thank you, Audra, you are a true friend, but I am going to Lativia, and I'll live with her, but thank you for thinking of me! Perhaps I can visit you sometime? Or you can visit me?" Audra gave a little smile, "Yes, I would like that, perhaps this Summer?" "Yes." Audra then quietly left the room, and went across the hall to her own room, where she began packing as well, for she knew she had only a few days before her uncle left. Within a few minutes after this conversation a knock sounded at the door. Audra could hear Uncle Ruman get the door, and Gintras's voice as he entered the house. She then heard Gintras in the hall, "I was wondering if you'd like to take a walk," he asked Gordana, then he paused, "what are you doing?" "Packing," Gordana replied, "I'm going to live with my sister, and I'm leaving at the end of the week, so I must have this done before then." "Will you visit often?" "I don't know." There was silence and then Gintras asked, "Are you sure you don't want to take a walk?" Gordana paused for a moment and then said, "You know, I'd love a walk." She then peeked her head into Audra's room, and said, "I'm going for a walk with Gintras, we shouldn't be too long," and grabbing her cloak, both ran out the door. It seemed that Gordana had mistaken about the ammount of time they would be gone, for they didn't return for over three hours. When they did, Gintras didn't come in again, but went directly home, and Audra noticed a glow about Gordana. "Gordana, are you ok? Did something happen?" she asked, unable to explain this odd behavior from Gordana. "Yes," she replied, grinning. "'Yes' you're ok or 'yes' something happened?" Audra asked. "Both," Gordana replied, still grinning, "and you'll never guess what happened!" "What?" "Gintras proposed to me!" Gordana squealed, "he said he'd loved me for months, but he didn't have the courage to ask, but when he realized that I was leaving, he realized that it was now or never, and so he proposed and I accepted! I'm going to be married to him, Audra!" she exclaimed excitedly. "Oh Gordana! I'm so happy for you!" Audra exclaimed, smiling a real smile for the first time since she had got the news about Emeric. She took Gordana's hand and spun her around quickly. "When is the wedding?" she asked happily. "We just want a small little thing soon, before you leave." "Oh Gordana! I don't want you to hurry up with your wedding just on my account!" Audra exclaimed, "I'm sure I can get back for it! What about Lativia?" "Latvia won't be able to come back for months, and we don't want to wait that long, seeing what happened to Emeric, it worries me. Fifty men died in that skirmish, one of those could easily have been Gintras instead. No, we just want a quick little thing, I don't mind rushing it,  I like it. I never was one for elegance, and I am not patient, you know that!" she laughed. "Yes, I guess so, I'm glad I'll get to be there," Audra agreed. # The girls went shopping for a gown for Gordana the next day. "Nothing too fancy, and nothing white," she instructed, "Otherwise I'll never wear it again." It took a while of hunting to find something that suited her, for someone who "did not care about clothes" she certainly was picky! This one was too fancy, that on had too much lace, cream was too close to white. The faults of the dresses continued until on endlessly as they wandered about the town, admiring the different shops. eventually Audra held up a simple, pale pink silk with brown lace around the neck line and cuffs. "Oh it's perfect!" Gordana breathed, "I absolutely adore it!" "I'm glad!" Audra declared, "I was beginning to think we'd never find anything to suit you!" they purchased the gown, and then headed over to Lady Milta's house to finalize some other arrangements. The wedding was just a week later, Audra and her uncle had postponed there trip until after the wedding, and would be leaving at the same time as the bride and groom. The wedding was lovely, and Gordana looked like an angel in pink. She was positively glowing, and her cheeks were nearly the color of her gown. The hall had been decorated beautifully with white streamers and table clothes and plates and dishes, most of which came from Lady Milta. And the meal was delicious, for Audra had been coaching Gordana the previous week. Audra was happy for them both, but the day was also hard for her, knowing what she could never have. More than once she had to wipe a tear from her eye, and it was not always from joy. She was relieved when the wedding was over, when she and her uncle were able to climb into his carriage and drive away, but even that was hard.  She was leaving the town that contained so many happy memories. "It's a new chapter in my life," she thought sadly, "just as coming here was one as well." http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/audra/681939/ Wed, 22 Apr 2009 23:52:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/audra/681939/ Audra ran out of the cottage and across town as fast as she could. Joy swelled through her body, yet it was mixed with fear. What if Uncle Ruman was wrong? What if Emeric couldn't forgive her? She wouldn't blame him, she had been just terrible to him! Still, she had to try, if for no other reason, then for the fact that Emeric deserved to know. She reached the soldiers camp in good time, and running up to one of the soldiers, inquired after Emeric. "Captain Emeric isn't here," the man told him, "he and his company are working outside the fort today, and they shouldn't be back till supper time." "Oh." Audra's heat sank as she walked away, she would have to wait until he returned, there was nothing for it. She wanted to be there the second he returned so she could tell him. She hung around the camp all day. Not actually in it, but around it, and in the shops around it, waiting for Emeric to return. The minutes seemed to drag on endlessly, and the sun seemed to be taking it's sweet time as it grew steadily brighter, and higher over head. Audra groaned, and if willing the day to move faster could do anything, it would have. At long last, after hours of waiting, she at last saw the men returning. She ran up to them, and, finding Henrickas right away, inquired as to where Emeric was. Henrickas seemed to pause a minute, and then, turnining his face away slowly, replied, "He's not here, Audra. We were attacked by the Aeronan's. He fell defending the retreat." Audra's eyes widened, and she slowly sat down in a daze. "What?" she asked, her voice distant and shaky. "I know, I'll miss him too." Audra buried her face in her hands and began sobbing. Audra quickly jumped up and ran off before Henrikas could stop her. She had never even gotten to tell him that she loved him, that she believed him. Now he would never know. He had died thinking she believed him to be a lier who carred for nothing but her money. Back ata the cottage Gordana saw her run in, teary eyed and still crying and asked what was wrong, but Audra just brushed past her as she swept up the stairs into her room. Up stairs Audra flung herself on her bed and began to sob. She had been such a fool, and now it was costing her. Uncle Ruman quickly followed Audra upstairs, and, coming in the room, also asked what was wrong. "Did he not forgive you, Audra?" "Oh no, Uncle! So much worse than that!" she sobbed, hugging him tight. "Well what is it?" "His- his company were working outside of the fort- the fort today, and they were attacked by- by Aeronan's!" she tried to explain between tears, "and Henrickas said- said- he was killed uncle! He was killed defending the retreat! And I never got to tell him!" and the tears started to poor all anew. "Oh my dear!" Uncle Ruman exclaimed, "maybe he and you just weren't meant to be. Maybe there's someone else for you." "No! Don't say that!" Audra cried, "there never could be anyone for me but Emeric! I love him and him alone! No one else could have his compassion, his laugh, his sense of humor!" She sat in her room for most of the day. Gordana, too, when Henrickas told her the news. She sat in her own room for a while, then quietly came over to Audra's room, and, putting a hand on Audra's shoulder asked, "Did  you love my brother very much?" Audra turned and looked at Gordana. Her hair was tussled and tangled, her face was red and tear streaked, and her eyes puffy from crying. "Yes," she said softly, "but I never got to tel him that," looking down ashamedly. Gordana sat on the bed next to Audra, wrapping her in a hug, "I don't think you needed to," she tried to comfort Audra, "I know I knew, or at least, greatly suspected it, and if I did, then I'm sure he did, too." Audra pulled away from her and looked down as she replied, "No, Gordana, he didn't know. I was acting stupid, and he never knew." Gordana looked curiously at Audra, who was compelled to tell the whole story. If she lost Gordana's good favor because of it, then so be it, it would be no more than she deserved. When she finished Gordana just hugged her again and said, "Oh, Audra, you must not think Emeric was mad at you. I knew him well, and he often confided in me.  He told me that you were the most wonderful, beautiful girl he had ever met. I know how much he loved you, and I don't think he blamed you, he didn't have it in him, I think he was sorry you refused. He would have forgiven you, I know it." Audra smiled and squeezed Gordana tighter. "Thank you, Gordana," she whispered, but she still felt horrible. The funeral was two days later. Most people Emeric had met for longer than two minutes came. He had been a wonderful man, and everyone wanted to say goodbye, despite the fact that the body had been lost on the battle field. The funeral took place in the cemetery, around the head stone that had been erected in his honor, and Audra could hardly stop from crying during it, she and Gordana held hands the whole time, and tried to comfort one another. Lativia hadn't been able to make it. When the seramony was done, everyone began to leave, slowly, but not Audra. She sat by the headstone just staring at it, tears sliding down her cheeks. Here eyes were puffy and read by this time, but no more tears would come. She wished they would, but it was if she had already cried all of hers. She reached out and traced the letters on it, they read: Emeric Devoted brother and Friend and then the date of his birth and death. "Oh Emeric," she whispered quietly, the tears coming quicker, "if only you knew how I felt, if only you could see what I was feeling right now, then you would know how I loved you." Lady Milta came up behind her and put a hand on her shoulder. "How are holding up," she asked Audra. "Not very well," Audra replied, "it's hard to hold up when I know he died thinking I believed him a lier- oh! There aren't any words strong enough for what I thought him! But that's what he thought I believed him to be! And I never got to tell him any different! I never got to tell him how I loved him! And now he's gone forever! I'll never get to go riding with him again, or skating, or laugh with him, or dance with him, ever again! He's gone, and I can't follow him! After everything he's done for me, I was so foolish!" "Audra, stop beating yourself up, please!" the widdow exclaimed, hugging Audra again, "you couldn't have known! You were hurt, and so you didn't trust him, no one could blame you!" "Yes they could! All I had to do was open my eyes and look to tell that Emeric wasn't the same as the other young men I'd known! But did I? No! I was too foolish! Too- Oh Emeric!" and she began to sob again. She stood there, wrapped in the Widow Milta's arms, sobbing, and Milta wispered soothinglly to her and tried to comfort her. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/audra/681219/ Tue, 21 Apr 2009 05:40:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/audra/681219/ Audra awoke early the next morning, and snuck out to the market. She wanted to get some ingredients to make Uncle Ruman a fine breakfast. The sun was still just rising, as she walked along the street on her way her home. Behind her she could hear two voices, she looked causally around, and could see two gruff me, obviously drunk, walking behind here, an looking at her. She began to walk quicker, but still they kept up with her. She started a little faster, and faster, and faster. Soon she was running down the road, as they ran behind her, shouting as they did so. "cut her off, get her!" she could hear one say. She looked behind her, and, in the fleeting moment, tripped and fell to the ground with a cry, sure they would grab her at any second. # Emeric could hear the yelling as he made his way to the stables, he looked just in time to see a frightened Audra run past pursued by two gruff looking men. Emeric lost no time, but took off running behind them. He saw Audra fall, and as the men reached down to pick her up cried out, "Stop! Let her go!" Both the men and Audra turned toward him, and he saw a look of reliefe cross Audra's face. "And what are you going to do if we don't?" the first man asked, drawing a long dagger. Emeric drew his sword as he answered coldly, "if you don't you'll have to answer to me and my blade." "We'll see how hard that is!" the man cried, charging Emeric with his long dagger. With one sweep of his blade Emeric had dis armed his opponent, and with another he had him pinned to the ground, his blade pressed upon his throat. "You there!" he called to the other, who had just draged Audra to her feet, "let her go!" The man let go of Audra suddenly, and she fell to the ground with a thud. "Hey!" Emeric cried, "one more move like that may just cost you! Now get over here!" The man obediently stood by Emeric, who removed his sword from the others throat. "Get out of here and I catch you bothering her again, so help me I'll teach you a lesson!: Emeric said sternly, glaring at the two men, who both ran off quickly. Emeric then ran other to Audra. "Are you alright?" he asked, reaching down to help her up, "I think so," she replied, attempting to stand and realizing that she could not as she fell to the ground again. "Audra! What's wrong?" Emeric asked, bending down over her. "It's my foot, I think I've twisted it," she explained, her voice pinched with pain. "Here, let me help you, put your arm around my neck," Emeric offered. Audra accordingly did so, but while trying to stand again, she suddenly found her feet swept up from under her as Emeric picked her gently up. "Emeric! What are you doing? I can walk! I just need a little help!" she exclaimed, surprised by being so picked up. "No, I won't have that, you could injure yourself more," Emeric firmly declared, "no, you are to be carried all the way home, and I won't hear a word of complaint, either!" "Oh, Emeric, just put me down!" she implored, "I feel so conspicuous like this, and I must be very heavy! I can walk, really!" "Breaking rules already? Tut, tut, tut! Now that isn't very good!" he sighed, "I said no complaining, and anyway, you can't win, so you might as well enjoy yourself!" "'Enjoy myself'?" Audra echoed, "how is that even possible??" "I don't know, but it is." "Oh? And how do you know?" "Because I am right now," he answered softly, and Audra looked quickly away. They walked on in silence after that, until they came to the cottage. Emeric knocked with his foot, although Audra assured him she could walk into the house. Gordana answered the door, giving a little gasp when she saw Emeric carrying Audra, and Ruman too, wanted at once to know what had happened. Emeric gently laid Audra down on the couch, and Gordan took a look at her foot. "It's not sprained, or broken," she declared, "only twisted so it hurts." She gently twisted Audra's foot back, and thought it hurt immensely, Audra said nothing, but only squeezed the couch's arm rest. Emeric took her hand, and asked quietly, "Audra, are you alright?" She gave a little nod, and at that moment the ankle gave a little pop, and felt much better. "There, now you rest while Gordana and I get breakfast," Emeric instructed, heading into the kitchen with Gordana. The breakfast was delicious! There was bread and butter, and eggs and bacon, and Emeric brought Audra's plate out to her so she wouldn't have to get up, even though she insisted she was fine.  After that he left to return to camp, Gordana left to take a ride with Brananmeir, and Audra was left alone with her uncle. "Audra, I want to talk to you," her uncle explained, sitting down next to her. "Yes?" she asked, looking up at him. "I want you to come live with me, Audra," he explained, "You could come back with me at the end of this week, and then perhaps we could get your dowry all set up, perhaps even add to it a bit?" he suggested with a tell tale smile. But Audra was not so amused. "No!" she cried, standing up quickly, "I don't want to go home with you! I like it here, I have friends here. And I don't want the dowry, either! Please take it back!" "What?" Uncle Ruman asked in surprise, "You don't want it? Why not?" "Because! It's caused nothing but trouble!" she cried, "Have you any idea how many young men have professed to love me only so they can get my dowry? And now, because I'm so untrusting, I've refused the only man who I think has ever loved me for me!" Audra gasped at what she had just said, and quickly turned around. "What? You mean Emeric?" he uncle asked in disbelief. Audra only nodded. "Well if you think he loves you, then why did you refuse him?" her uncle asked, clearly confused. "I think so, but how can I be sure?" she asked, her voice cold, without even looking at her uncle. "'How can you be sure?'" Ruman echoed, "By the way he looks at you, the way he cares for you, the little attentions he pays you!" "All of the young men have paid me attentions!" she snapped, looking back angrily. "Yes, yes, yes, I'm sure of that, but did there attentions equal Emerics? Did they look at you with the same loving look? Or take such care about your comfort down to the littlest detail? Were they so distraught when you refused them? Did all of their actions equal Emerics?" Audra looked down sorrowfully, "No, not quite," was her quiet answer. "Audra, my girl, I love you, and I don't mean to be harsh, but use your eyes! Emerics behavior to you is not something acted! It's true and genuine! Think of how he cared for you today! It wasn't just helping you home, or just carrying you home, or simply asking how you were feeling. It was how he carried you, how he looked at you while he did it, how worried he looked, and the tone of his voice when he asked you if you were alright! That wasn't faked! None of it. And even I could see that." Audra swallowed, before whispering, "Oh, Uncle, I've been such a fool, such an utter, utter fool!" She burried her face in her hands and began to sob. Ruman sat next to her and put his arms about her, "Audra," he said, "If you now believe him, go tell him that." "Do you think it will do any good?" she asked miserably, "I've already rejected him! And I practically outright accused him of lying to get my money!" "Audra, he loves you! He'll forgive you, I know. He'll be so glad that you trust him now, he'll forgive you for what you said before." "You're right, I have to go tell him how sorry I am! How utterly sorry I am!" and with that she jumped up and ran out of the cottage. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/audra/680771/ Sun, 19 Apr 2009 22:29:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/audra/680771/ A letter came for Audra the next day. Curious to who it could be, she opened it, and sat down upon the couch to read. "My dear niece," The letter began, "I'm so glad to learn that you are well, when I heard that your town had burned I assumed you and your whole family had perished. "Imagine my surprise, then, when I one of my servants who was at the fort for business told me that he had seen you, and that you were staying with the sister of a  respectable captain in the Ilonan army. "I now plan to travel to you, since I long to see you, and talk to you again. With good conditions I should be there within three weeks. Until then, ~ Your dear uncle" Audra stared at the page for a moment, then went to tell Gordana. She found Gordan outside, just come back from a ride with Emeric. She glanced at Emeric, then quickly turned to Gordana. "You'll never guess!" she declared happily, "my uncle is coming to see me!" "He is? Oh that is wonderful!" Gordana exclaimed, "when will he be here?" "In but three weeks, if the weather is good!" "That's very good news, Audra, I but you will be excited to see him," Emeric noted casually. "Yes, very," Audra replied quietly. She looked at Emeric for a moment, their eyes met, and then he quickly excused himself from the small group. He could hardly stand to be near Audra, now. Knowing he he had no chance of ever knowing her as his wife, it was too much for him. He almost hoped Audra's uncle would take her to live with him, his grief would be easier. But would it really? If she left, he'd never see her again. # Audra was glad of Emeric's hasty retreat. She always felt so nervous around him now, and she didn't like it. She missed the day they were easy and comfortable around each other. It took not quite three weeks for Uncle Ruman to arrive. His carriage was pulled by several fine white horses. He stepped out of the carriage, and Audra ran up to him and gave him a hug. "Oh I'm so glad you're here, uncle!" she declared, hugging him tight. They entered into the house, where they sat down and, for a several minutes talked happily. It was not long later that Gordana and Emeric entered the cottage. "Oh! Uncle, these are my friends, Gordana, and her brother, Emeric." "Ah! So at last we are able to meet!" Ruman exclaimed, reaching out and shaking Emeric and Gordan's hands in turn, "I want to thank both of you for taking such good care of my niece, heaven knows what she'd have done without you!" "No thanks needed, Sir, it was our pleasure, she's a wonderful girl," Emeric replied, giving a sad glance at Aurda. The dinner was a lively one, with Audra talking nearly non-stop about everything that had happened to her, explaining how she had met Emeric, and come to live with Gordana and Lativia, where Lativia was, and how Emeric had rescued her from the panthers, though she left out the bit about the proposal. # They had a good time all of that week, and soon lady Milta's ball was upon them. They walked down the road to her house, and upon entering it beheld how beautifully it had been decorated. Silken streamers had been draped across the room, giving the house a very gay feel, and all the best china had been brought out, as well. The musicians were playing a lively tune, and Audra was very glad to start the first dance with her uncle. Nearby she could see Gordana dancing with Gintras, and Emric was dancing with Eveline. The dance was wonderul, and in what felt like but a few sweeping motions, it was over. Audra went to find Gordana, who was somewhere on the other side of the room. But as she crossed it, she heard someone start singing, and turning, beheld Emeric carrying a cake, with Lady Milta following behind him. Both were singing a birthday song, and soon everyone in the room was singing as well. Uncle Ruman's voice was undoubtedly the loudest as he sang happy birthday, and Audra was glad to hear his grand, booming voice. She then blew out the candles and immediately after asked, "how did you know?" :I have my sources," lady Milta coyly replied, and Audra could only grin as the cake was cut and served. # "Well, were you surprised?" Gordana asked, bouncing over the where Audra stood, eating her cake. "Yes," Audra admitted, "I still can't figure out how she knew, I'm sure my uncle couldn't have told her." "Well don't look at me, I have no idea how she found out either, they never told me." "'They'?" Audra echoed. "Oh yes! Emeric was in on it from the very beginning, though I only found out this morning!" Gordana declared. As the musician's started the music again, Emeric appeared, evidently with a mind to dance with his sister, but she was 'promised to dance the next dance with Gintras,' she ademently declared, "no, no, you'd better dance with Audra instead!" Audra opened her mouth to protest, but not wanting to arouse suspicion about what had occurred, she quickly closed her mouth. "I would not object if she has the desire," Emeric said quietly. "Yes, I don't mind," Audra lied, speaking under her breath. "Oh good! You both dance so well together!" Gordana exclaimed happily before running off to find her partner. Emeric took Audra's hand and lead her to the dance floor. "You needn't dance if you don't want to," he whispered to her, "really, you needn't, I won't mind, and I can handle Gordana." Audra shook her head no, and took her place in the dance. As luck would have it this was one of the ony slow dances of the evening, and Audra was hand in hand with Emeric the whole time. Oh she couldn't stand it! He looked at her with such a horrid look! Not angry, she could have endured that, but something else, something softer, that she didn't understand, and it made her feel so guilty! She looked to the floor and continued dancing. Gordana was right, they did make a good couple on the dance floor. They moved in perfect sync, neither faster than the other. And as Emeric spun her around, Audra felt a whir of emotion, of excitement. The music ran in her ear, and before too long she realized that she was looking at him again, and there was a faint sign of joy on his face as they danced. And then, as she twirled out and back into his arms, the joy left his face, and was again replaced with that horrible, soft look. He mumbled something, and looked quickly down again as the music began to fade. "I'm sorry," he said, letting go of her and walking out of the room. Audra stood there for a moment, stunned, then went quietly back to the group, and began talking to her friends again. # It was dark by now, an owl hooted in the distance as Emeric walked out of Lady Milta's house. Angrily he picked up a rock, sending it flying into a tree, and then walked quickly on.  What was he going to do? He thought miserably as he sank down onto the ground, and just sat there. A laugh sounded through the stillness, and he looked up. He could still see the lights from the party shining into the night. What was he going to do? He couldn't go on like this. Dancing with Audra had been fun, for a little while, but to have her there, so close, and know that he could never have her as his wife, it was the worse kind of torment in the world. What was worse, he wondered, having her so near him, and know that he had no chance of winning her heart, or would it be worse to have her leave with her uncle, and never see her again? He didn't know. Both seemed to terrible to think of. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/audra/680770/ Sun, 19 Apr 2009 22:26:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/audra/680770/ Audra did not tell Gordana what had passed between Emeric and herself. She thought it best that it stay between the two of them and Lady Milta. But Gordana still noticed a change in Audra. She seemed not herself, more melancholy. Audra felt more melencholy. She felt depressed. Emeric's words kept echoing in her head. She wanted to take her mind off it, wanted to call up Emeric and go do something, take a ride, anything. But she knew that would not help. They could never be such good friends after this. They would either be married, or become former friends. She could not stay trapped in the cottage, she needed to be outside, in nature, to get her mind off the day before. She headed into the stables, and quietly got down one of the saddles, which she placed gently on Capeca, a beautiful bay stallion that she had taken a special liking to. She fastened all the tack on Cepeca, and then mounting the graceful animal, trotted out of the stables and onto the road. She had already settled on following the forest path over to the river to see how high it was for the rain they had had the night before, and she was quickly upon the path heading toward it.     The woods were damp and a thick fog hung over them and in between the trees, the little sparrows were all twittering and chirping to each other as the leaves shook and rustled with every dripping rain drop that landed on them, the only other sound was the sound of Cepeca's's hooves smacking in the muddy path. Audra bounced in her seat in time with her steeds stepping, and her mind wandered to her old village, the friends and companions she had had there, as she realized that she loved none of them better than Lativia and Gordana, excepting her family of course.     The stream was a bit higher for the rain, but there was little difference, and no reason to linger. Still, if the ride had cheered a bit, which it had, it was still a productive trip.  She turned her horse and headed back through the trees, and again she kicked Cepeca and urged him into a gallop. The wind blew her hair, and Cepeca's mane and tail out behind them and Audra could feel her cape fluttering in the breeze, she closed her eyes as the galloped, trusting to Cepeca to guide her, until she felt him make another turn on the road, and quickly reined him in to a walk, allowing him to rest for a bit. It was no short distance he had just run.     As the horse trotted slowly under the arch of trees, Audra heard a noise, like a low growl. She turned and looked back, but saw nothing. It must have been my imagination, she thought confusedly, as the noise rang in her ears. But not a moment later something dark leapt onto Cepeca's back, directly behind Audra. Cepeca reared up, whinnying loudly, and Audra screamed as she was thrown off his back. She struggled to her feet as she watched wide eyed in horror as the panther clambered onto the poor horse, who made one last desperate attempt to rid himself of the beast, by running off into the forest a few yards, leaving Audra alone. She was about to run to the village, when she saw something dark drop onto one of the lower branches of the tree from up above: another panther. She could clearly make out two shining yellow eyes from within the branches of the tree, and she stood transfixed, unable to move.     The cat slowly reached down the trunk with his front feet before leaping gracefully to the ground, hardly making a sound on the dead leaves. Audra hardly moved, but looked around frantically for some escape. She couldn't climb a tree, that would only be the death of her, the cat would follow her, and she'd be helpless to do anything from there. The cat was laid low on the ground now, even it's tail barely moving, and Audra knew it would pounce at any moment. It was at that moment that a cry echoed from the woods as a young man leapt in front of her, his sword drawn. The cat moved back a bit, but two other cats of the same size then came down from the tree and backed the first up. "Audra," Emeric hissed to her, "I want you to run, run quickly to town." For a moment Audra stood there, too confused to know what he was asking of her, how had he gotten there and what was he doing there? She stood in this state of shock until Emeric suddenly turned his head to look at her and said, "Audra! Run! Now!" then she came to her senses and went tarring off through the trees towards town, thoughts whirled through her mind, what was Emeric doing? Was it possible, he was risking his life to save her? She stopped for a moment, unsure. It couldn't be possible, he couldn't be, he could not be so noble, and yet be deceiving her in such a manner! But at that moment she heard his voice call out into the woods, "Henrikas! Gintaras, come help me with these!" and she heard their voices, and more blades directly after that.     Within a few moments she heard all the cat noises stop, and so crept back to where the men were. "It's a good thing we found these, they'd have made a horrible mess up at the fort if they had been allowed to mature," Gintaras was saying. "Yes, thank you for coming to my aid," Emeric said, laying a hand on either of his friends, "I knew you would, I can always depend on you two." "Yes, well you got the fun part, that was a pretty little lass you saved there," Henrikas joked. "Yes, I know I did," Emeric laughed, "she is a pretty maid, but what I love more about her is the million little virtues that she brings with her." Audra gasped, and clamped a hand over her mouth, so it was true, he was just like everybody else, she had had good reason to doubt! All he wanted was her money, and nothing else! "the million little virtues that she brings with her" he had said, all he wanted was her dowry. And she had been right about him saving her too, "I knew you would," he had said. He knew his life wasn't in any danger, because he knew that his friends would come to his aid. All he had ever said to her was a lie, she thought sadly as she ran through the forest back to the cottage, everything, the flowers, the dances, everything, he only wanted her money like everyone else.     Emeric had heard her gasp and now turned his quickly to see what had made the sound. No sooner had he looked toward her then she took off running through the woods towards the cottage again. "Frightful lass, isn't she?" Henrikas asked. "No!" Emeric cried, throwing his head back in despair, "what must she think of me now?" "What do you mean?" Gintras asked, coming closer. "She's very mistrusting of young men," Emeric wearily explained, "she's already refused my offer of marriage, and now how much worse will she think of me? I can't even imagine it. But it's my own fault, I should have shown more descression when talking where she might be, but I thought she had gone to town!" "Well, sometimes there are those that just can't trust," Gintras pointed out, "sometimes no matter what one does they still won't trust one, and sometimes one just have to accept that." "But I can't!" Emeric cried, turning towards Gintras, "if she won't learn to trust me I don't know what I'll do!" "But why?" "Because I love her, and if she doesn't trust me I just-" Emeric sighed and sat wearily down against a tree, "The truth is I don't even know what I'll do if she never trusts me, it would be too terrible to even think of. Even now the hope that she will learn is the only thing keeping me going." "I know this is hard,," Henrikas said, sitting down next to him, "that is a problem, but if you really love her, and if you're really willing to put the time into it, to wait for her, I mean, then I know you can get through to her, you're an honorable young man, you'll make her see that." Emeric gave a faint smile at these words, and said, "thanks, I hope your right." They then dragged the dead leopards off the road, and headed back to town. # As soon as they reached the outer wall of the fort Emeric left his friends to go find Audra. He wanted to explain what had happened. He found her on Gordana's tree swing, sitting silently. She looked up when he approached, and gave a little smile, but didn't say anything. "Audra? Can I talk to you for a minute?" Emeric asked, standing a few feet away. "Of course," Audra replied, in a tone that implied he need not ask. "I wanted to explain what you heard back there," he began, "I know it sounded bad, but I did not mean what you think I meant. I was not speaking of your dowry, I was speaking of-" he stopped suddenly, he could tell by the way she was fidgeting that she was uncomfortable. He must learn to quit all this romance! It did not help is cause one bit! "I was speaking of something different," he ended instead of 'I was speaking of your good virtues," as he was going to say at first. "Audra, can't we just be good friends again?" he asked, "I've missed you. If you won't except my proposal, then can't we just forget about and go on being friends as we were before?" Audra gave a little smile, "Yes, I'd like that," she answered. Emeric smiled. "Would you like me to give you a push?" he asked, referring to the way in which she was sitting still on the swing. "Yes please!" she cried excitedly, glad that Emeric was his old self again. Emeric was still pushing Audra, and talking gaily a few minutes later when Gordana appeared, walking slowly with a book in her hand. "My! I never thought I'd see you so involved in a book, Gordana!" Emeric exclaimed, looking disbelievingly at her. Gordana had always been an active one, preferring sports to mental activities, and the sight of her reading while walking, instead of running about surprised both Emeric and Audra. "Well this is a very good book," Gordana argued, "it is every bit as good as Anto told me it was!" "What is it about?" Audra asked. "It's about the Nymphian Wars," Gordana explained, holding up the book, "but really, the reason I came was to see if Audra might like to take a walk with me?" Audra was surprised at this request, Gordana had never singled her out so, before, but then, her sister was gone now. "I'd love to!" she declared, and Emeric stopped the swing, letting her down. They walked through town a bit, at first in silence, but at last Audra risked a question. "Gordana, is there any special reson for your asking me on a walk?" she asked. Gordana was quiet for a moment before answering. "Well, a little," she admitted, "I just missed my sister, and thought that maybe you and I could get closer, if you don't mind, that is..." her voice trailed off. 'Of course I don't mind!" Audra exclaimed, hugging Gordana, "and I know how you feel. You and Lativia helped me so much, you two are like sisters to me, now!" "And you're like a sister to us!" Gordana declared happily. They walked on a ways further, and were just stopping to look at some pretty jewelry at a road side stand when Anto came up before them. "Oh! Audra, Gordana! This is a pleasant surprise!" he exclaimed. "Oh! Anto!" Gordana exclaimed, clearly surprised, and caught off guard by his approach, "what are you up to?" she asked, giving a little smile. "Oh, just heading to the book store to get another book." "That reminds me! I started that book you recommended and I love it so far! I have never enjoyed any other book so much!" "Oh then you like it? I am glad! I thought you would!" he exclaimed happily, "and what are you two up too?" he asked. "Oh, just we were just doing a little shopping," Audra explained. "Ah! Then I shall let you get on your way!" Anto declared, tipping his hat. "Oh no need for that!" Gordana laughed, "we were just about to head home, if you wish to talk more you may walk with us," she offered. "Why, thank you!" Anto exclaimed, "I shall be glad to accompany you home!" They headed off, walking along the busy path as they chatted gaily. # Emeric could see them coming along as he chopped wood outside the cottage for the two girls. Anto and Audra were chatting merrily, but Gordana was silent, which was odd, for Gordana was rarely silent. "Hullo there!" he greeted them, cheerily. Gordana left the small group and ran up to give Emeric a hug while Audra and Anto followed slowly behind. "My, from the looks of it you are quiet," Emeric remarked. "Well I have nothing to add to the conversation," Gordana admitted, "they are speaking of Bronko, it seems that Anto had an aunt who lived there, and he was often with her." "Ah, yes, I had forgotten that." Gordana noticed a solemn look pass across her brothers face as he said this, but it was gone a moment later as the others approached. "I hear you are speaking of Bronko!" Emeric began. "Oh yes, it seems that Anto had an aunt living there, Lady Vinna, and he often visited her," Audra explained. "Oh well that explains it! You two have much in common!" "Yes, oh, Anto, won't you stay to dinner?" Audra asked, "I would dearly love to continue our conversation, that is, unless you have somewhere else you need to be?" "No, no, I am off duty tonight, and I have no family here in the fort, I would be glad to stay to dinner!" Anto agreed heartily. Audra hurried into the kitchen to begin the meal, and Anto followed her in, offering his services like the gentleman he was, of which Audra was very happy. The night was a fun one, Audra and Anto talked quickly and almost nonstop about all their favorite old haunts, making sure to include and Emeric and Gordana, who joined in when they could. All in all it was an enjoyable night for everyone. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/audra/673069/ Fri, 27 Mar 2009 05:51:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/audra/673069/  After the wedding, it was tradition that the couple should have several days undisturbed, but as soon as this time was done Lativia came to visit the cottage. "It feels so weird not to live here," she remarked, looking around at all the familiar objects. "I know, it feels weird not to have you here," Gordana agreed, hugging Lativia, "and it's lucky we have Audra, for if she did not cook, this place would most assuredly be burnt to the ground by now!" "Yes!" Lativia laughed, "that's one thing I always worried about when I eventually moved out, but now it's alright," she looked over at Audra, her face a little melancholy, "I'm going to miss both of you," she sighed, "but Rateric has been stationed in Fort Calja for the Spring and Sumer, and we must go, you know." "Yes, we understand perfectly!" Audra cried, wrapping Lativia in a tight hug. "But I'll still miss you all, and Emeric," Lativia continued, wiping a tear from her eye. "I know, but we can write!" Audra sugjested, "and you can visit later!" "Yes!" Gordana agreed, "it's not as if we'll never see you or hear from you again!" But still, the time for Lativia to leave came much too quickly for any of them. Lativia had to leave well before dawn, and the day she left it was snowing again, which was unusual for that time of year, but not unheard of, and as Rateric prepared to hand Lativia into the wagon, small flurries were floating down, and landing on everything. There were many tears shed by the three girls as they hugged, and bid each other good bye. And then, just like that, Lativia was gone. She wasn't anywhere in Fort Franjo anymore. The thought sorrowed Audra as she sat in the warm cottage several minutes later. Lativia was her best friend now that her sisters and mother were gone, and now she was gone too. A small tear slipped down her cheek at the thought. "I'm going out for a ride," Gordana declared a moment later. "Are you going with Emeric?" "No, I'm sure he's busy," and with that Gordana took her cloak, and left the small cottage. Audra sat for a moment by the window with her kitten, letting her musings wander before she picked up her book again and began to read. Within a short time the door opened. Audra looked up, expecting to see Gordana, but instead of Gordana she beheld Emeric. "Audra, is Gordana here?" he asked. "no," she replied, "she went for a ride, she thought you would be busy." "Oh. Do you know when she'll be back?" "Before mid day." "Oh. I wanted to talk to her about something," he hesitated, "about a question. A question I have long wanted to ask you...." his voice trailed off, as he sat in the chair opposite to Audra. Audra was taken aback. This was so unexpected, she has a feeling she knew what he was going to ask, and she didn't  want him to.   He turned to her and taking her hands said, "Audra, I have to ask you, despite your reply, I have to tell you," he he paused a moment before going on. "I love you, Audra. I love you so, so much," he insisted, his voice was urgent and he spoke quickly as if to get it out before he lost his nerve, "I know that you think no one but your family has ever really loved you, but that's not true. I loved you. I have for several weeks already, and were you to become a pauper tomorrow I would not wish theses words unsaid. Nay, in fact I would only rejoice all the more, for then their sincerity could not be doubted. Please say you'll be my wife, Audra. I don't know what I would do without you! I neither need nor want your dowry, I can provide for us, and for our family, and I'll do everything in my power to make you happy. Just please say you'll marry me, Audra!"     She looked up at him, he was looking intently at her, and she saw the pleading in his eyes. Oh how she wanted to believe this was the real him! "I want to believe you, Emeric," she said sorrowfully, "I love you, but-" here she struggled to speak, "I just- I've been hurt before by men who I thought were good, upright men. They were all good actors, and all seemed to have good intentions. I can't be taken in like that again." He just kept looking at her, and he looked so disapointed, she quickly looked down again. "Audra," he faltered, "you can't mean that. You don't believe me?" "I am sorry, Emeric," she said, struggling not to cry right there, "I do want to believe you, but I can't be taken in again! Not again!" "But I'm not like that, Audra!" Emeric exclaimed, tipping her head up so she had to look at him, "Don't you know that by now, Audra?" he asked, "Can't you tell that I truly love you?" "No!" she cried, tears filling her eyes, "I want to believe you are, but I can't know! If  you only could have seen Bronic you would know!" She looked down again, tears streaming down her cheeks as she choked back a sob that rose in her throat. Emeric looked at her one last time, then got up and left.     He stood outside for a moment, emotions overwhelming him. He began to run down the road until he reached the camp, where he quickly found Henrickas. "What's wrong with you?" Henrickas asked, "You look like someone punched you." "Oh Henrickas!" Emeric exclaimed, sitting down on a bench near by. "What is is?" "She rufused me." "Who?" "Audra." "What?!" Henrickas asked in shock, "You asked her to mary you and she refused?" "Yes," Emeric replied in a tone of melencholy as he rested his head in his hands, "She doesn't trust me. Bronic hurt her too hard, and I don't know what I'm going to do! I've never loved anyone like I love her." "Well from what you've told me of Bronic, I don't entirely blame her," Henrickas admitted. "I don't either!" Emeric was quick to assure his friend, "But what am I supposed to do? How can I go on without her?" "I don't know. You just have to hope that she'll come to trust you, I guess." Emeric groaned, "This is agony!" he cried out, "I've never felt such sorrow before. What can I do without her?" # The sound of the door closing echoed in her ears as Audra laid down upon the chair sobbing, and within a few moments there was a nock on the door. She got slowly up, and opened the door to find Lady Milta standing just outside. "Why, Audra, dear, what is wrong?" the kindly old lady asked, beholding Audra's face, streaked with tears. "Oh Lady Milta!" Audra cried, hugging her, "Please come in and I'll tell you all about it! I need someone to talk to!" They entered the cottage, and Milta bade Audra sit at one of the chairs in the kitchen, while she got her a glass of warm milk. "There now, dear, not tell me all about it," she said, handing Audra the glass of milk. "Well Emeric came over earlier," Audra admitted, stroking her kitten as she spoke, "he- he proposed," she faultered. "Proposed?! To you?" "Yes- oh it was terrible!" she cried, new tears slipping down her cheeks, "he told me he is very in love with me, and wanted me to mary him, and I- I so wanted to believe him, but I just can't!" she choked out. "Why can't you?" Milta asked, clearly surprised, as she handed Audra her handkerchief. "Because, I've been hurt before. A young man once asked me to mary him, he too told me that he was desperately in love with me, he was a good actor, I thoroughly believed him. But as soon as my parents bade us wait to be married, he went on a business trip to town, got engaged to another girl with a large dowry, and didn't come back until after she had passed away, and he had exsausted his funds. I'm just so worried that Emeric is the same! No one has ever loved me just for me, besides my family that is, I just can't believe it!" Again she began to sob, and Lady Milta held her in her arms as she did so, waiting patiently until she calmed down. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/audra/672591/ Wed, 25 Mar 2009 19:24:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/audra/672591/ Audra was sitting by the open window again the next day, her kitten asleep in her lap staring out into the grey rainy day, and as she listened to the soft puttering of the rain on the dried leaves below she felt a peace that she hadn't felt in quite a while. Emeric had been so attentive and chivalrous that night, but in a different way than Bronic, more sincere, and she dared to hope that he did love her for her. She heard a soft noise outside her window, and as she noticed the kitten looking intently out it, she struck her head out and beheld Emeric standing in the rain below, looking up at her window. "Emeric what do you want?" she asked confused. "Only to see if you would wish to take a walk," he replied, "I don't know about you, but I am fond of walks in the rain." "Yes, I am as well," Audra replied, "But I have a slight cough from last night, and so Lativia will not allow me to step from the house, perhaps another time," she sighed. "Yes, another time! The very next time it rains! And now, I must be getting off, for, if you cannot take a walk with me, I shall have some stuff to do!" and with that he left, leaving her very confused. She gave a little laugh and closed the shutters. Emeric was such a kind young man she thought, settling back back down with her book, the kitten laying on her lap as she left, back to the world of Nightshade with Rienhardt and Capitola. # A knock sounded on the door what seemed only a few minutes later to Audra, who was absorbed in her book, when in reality it over an hour later. "May I com in?" Lativia asked, peering into the room. "Yes," Audra replied, laying the book down for a moment. "I have something for you," Lativia answered, handing Audra a bouquet of flowers, the first of the Spring blooms. "They're from Emeric," she explained as Audra buried her face in them and breathed deeply. "Oh they smell so wonderful!" she cried, "I just can't make him out!" "What do you mean?" Lativia asked, sitting on the bed besides Audra, "How can you not make him out?" "What I mean," Audra began slowly, "is that I can't tell if he really loves me for myself, or for my money." "Why ever on earth do you think he only loves you for your money?" "Because no one who's ever courted me or favored me has ever really liked me, only wanted my money. No one but my family has even really loved me." "Well I do!" Lativia exclaimed, "And so does Gordana and I think you should give Emeric a chance, he is a good man and I don't believe he'd marry for money, much less purposely lead you on for it! But now, that's not why I came to talk to you. I came to talk to you because I want to ask you something." "Yes?" Audra asked, tipping her head to one side and looking curiously at Lativia. "Rateric and I are have begun to plan our wedding," Lativia explained, "we want to be married early this Spring, since he has to return to his main base soon, and I was wondering if you would be one of my bride's maids. Gordana has already agreed to be one as well. Please?" Audra was speechless, she barely knew Lativia, and yet she wanted her to be her bride's maid. "I, I don't know what to say," she faltered, "I've barely known you and yet you want me to be in your wedding?" "Yes," Lativia replied, "Please say yes, Audra, I would love it so much. Am I not entitled to have my way on my wedding day?" Audra gave a little laugh and hugged Lativia. "Yes! Yes you are and yes I will!" she laughed. Ever after that Lativia and Rateric worked night and day planning their wedding. They were to be married in the hall where the ball had taken place, on the first day of Spring. Lativia was busy sewing her gown, and the groom's suit, and the groom's men's suits and the bride's maid's gowns, and writing invitations. And Audra agreed to helped her with the cooking when it was time, which seemed to come much too quickly, since they had decided on a relatively quick wedding. Lativia barely had time to finish her sewing before it was time to decorate the hall. This everyone helped with, and had a grand time, too. Emeric hug the streamers while Audra and Lativia laid the table clothes on the tables, and Gordana ran about the room helping with this or that, or just dancing around, as she saw fit. At one point, she was spinning around quickly and accidentally pulled a large portion of the streamers down. But somehow, they managed to make the hall look presentable against all odds, and went back home to finish some cooking and baking before the wedding, which had now managed to fully sneak up on them, being the next day. # Lativia could not sleep that night, but tossed and turned in her bed all night. Her stomach hurt, her covers were to warm, and though her body was exhausted, her mind was wide awake. Tomorrow was the day she had been dreaming of for over a year, now as it loomed before her, she was frightened. Was she really ready to be a wife? To keep house raise her children? Could they do it together? She knew the answer was yes, and did not second guess her decision, but the questions, and the needless worry, insisted on staying well into the morning. # The next day Lativia awoke early. She had never really gotten to sleep, but had dozed off and on all night. She got up and went to finish some of the preparations, making sure all the baking and cooking was done. She then went to get dressed, as did Audra and Gordana. Lativia's gown was a white silk with lacy accents. It had a dropped waist, and a long train. Audra and Gordana had matching gowns. Both were pink with a dropped waist, and caped sleeves. Audra helped Lativia and Gordana do their hair, and Lativia in turn helped Audra with her hair. It was then just about time for the wedding, and they loaded into the wagon that Emeric brought around to save them the long dusty walk in their new gowns. It took but a moment to get to the hall, and they then waited in the back room for the ceremony to start. Lativia was a nervous wreck, and did not stop wringing her hands for one moment until it was time for the ceremony. Emeric was the one to give her away, since their father could not, and it was he who led Lativia into the great hall, and motioned for her to sit by Rateric. She was just beautiful, her cheeks were pink, her eyes sparkling, and she wore a huge smile as she sat gracefully down next to Rateric. He too, looked very good. He sat at the end of the table, next to the priest, just watching Lativa, with a wide grin on his face. Then the meal ceremony began. It started with several servants carrying in a large venison roast, which Rateric had caught, and Lativia prepared. Rateric hunting the animal signified his vow to care for, and provide for Lativia, while her preparing it signified her duty to care for Rateric and their children. They then must eat the roast with a pair of forks that were joined together by a short chain, which signified their vow to be faithful to each other. After this was completed, the priest proclaimed them husband and wife, the guests could then eat, and Lativia and Rateric could eat with normal silverware. the meal then over, the crowd carried the happy couple to their home, where they were left alone for the rest of the day, while the celebration continued without them. # It was noisy and loud at the great hall, and Audra was uncomfortable again. She wished only to escape, to go somewhere quiet and peaceful. She was, therefore, indescribably happy when Emeric approached her and suggested they sneak out for a walk. Of course Audra gladly consented, and after splitting up and slipping outside, they headed off. # There was a sound in the woods, something different, that hadn't been there before. Birds. The several birds were singing together, high in the tree tops. Audra couldn't see them, but she could hear them. It made her soul glad, to hear the birds again. Spring was coming! "Do you hear that?" Emeric asked, looking sideways at Audra. "Yes," she exclaimed happily, "It's been so long since I hear a bird singing!" "No, not the birds," Emeric argued, "there's another sound, it sounds like a person singing, but it sounds different at the same time, do you hear it?" Audra paused for several seconds, listening for the sound. Yes, she did hear something different, it sounded like someone humming, but who ever it was had an absolutely breath taking voice! "Let's see what it is!" Emeric suggested, heading off the path and into the underbrush. Audra followed close behind him and they headed along, and he moved the branches away, so she might pass through unscathed. Within minutes they came to the edge of a clearing, and there, within the spaces of the tree, were four maidens of exceptional beauty. One, a fair maiden with long, flowing golden hair was bending down to the ground, summoning flowers up out of the earth. Another, with brown hair was gently touching each branch of each tree, and where ever she touched, leaves grew, spreading a ways up the tree before it stopped. And a third, with long, strait red hair, was calling the birds out of the tress. All wore long, flowing gowns in gay colors, which fluttered in a nonexistant breeze, and all were humming softly, yet growing louder. "Nymphs!" Emric whispered softly to Audra, but she did not reply, she was transfixed. She could not take her eyes from the beautiful nymphs. Their humming grew to soft singing, which still grew louder, and then, from out of the trees, leapt another nymph. Her long, curly black hair flowed behind her as she jumped and skipped in the clearing, playing a violin in a light hearted tune. Everywhere her feet touched the grass began to grow, and small weeds sprung up. All the birds in the forest seemed to sing with her, and where ever her music floated, the Spring spread. The squirrels hopped about her, and the other nymphs sang louder. Audra couldn't understand the language the nymphs spoke, but she new they were calling on the spring. Insects began to buzz about. Frogs began to croak, all of nature began to awaken as the nymphs played and sang, with the other animals accompanying them. It was all Audra could do not to jump up and dance and sing with them, but she knew that if she did, the nymphs would vanish into thin air, and so she held her tongue. Then, just as the music was at it's climax, what seemed only seconds later, it stopped. It did not slowly die down, but stopped suddenly. The birds, the animals and everything else went back to it's normal way, but the last notes of song lingered in the forest. Not heard but by those who had heard the whole song. Audra sat for a second, stunned by what she had just seen. Sightings of nymphs was rare, she could count all the people she knew who had seen them on one hand. And as far as she knew, no one had ever seen them bring Spring. It was commonly known that Spring began in several clearings in several forests all across the world by the nymphs, but no one had seen them do it, until now. "Do you think they knew were hear?" Audra whispered to Emeric. Somehow, she still could not bring herself to speak out loud. "I don't know," Emeric whispered back, apparently feeling the same as Audra, "they are smart creatures, and I cannot imagine us being able to sneak upon them, but the, they were absorbed in their work, and I can easier believe that we snuck up on them than that they purposely let us see them. No one has ever seen them bring Spring." "I know," Audra whispered back, "but it was amazing. I've never seen anything anywhere near like it, and I'll never forget it as long as I live!" "Nor shall I." Still they sat for a while longer, reliving the beautiful sight in their mind, before Emeric said, "Come, we must be getting back to the celebration before we are missed." And with that they got quietly up, and tiptoed out of the awakening forest. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/audra/671984/ Tue, 24 Mar 2009 05:37:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/audra/671984/