“She should make an interesting addition to the group,” said Mark.

     “Well we will see tonight,” said Greg. “We have two new ones to take a look at.’

     “One of each,” said Celeste with a smile.

     Christy and Andy did bring Charlotte Gordon out early enough so she got a bit of a glimpse of the flowers in the garden around the house.  As Christy brought her in she told Charlotte,

     “You’ll have to get Greg to invite you out for breakfast some Saturday or Sunday morning so you can really see the beautiful setting of this place.”

     Greg grinned, “I thought you said you were going to warn her about me and the dangers of being invited out here alone,” he said.

     With a smile Charlotte said, “She did but she said seeing the place in the daytime was probably worth the risk.”

     Mark said, “Oh she is going to fit in nicely with this group.”

     Joan said, “Did Christy tell you about Greg’s harem he keeps in the upstairs bedrooms?”

     Charlotte with a smile said, “No she didn’t tell me anything about that yet.”

     “Christy, you’re slipping,” said Jim. “That was usually the first thing you told any woman who was new to the group.”

     Andy with a grin at his wife said, “She was trying out a new approach.”  Christy made a face at him and then laughed.

     Charlotte looked around at the group who she had been introduced to, “It is obvious you are all good friends and have a lot of fun together.”

     About that time Tena, Dan, Dexter, Katy, Terry, Maria and Jason all came in bringing Michael.

Christy introduced Charlotte to the group and Maria introduced Michael.

     “I hear you already have been out here for breakfast so you have seen the place in all its glory,” Joan said to Michael.

     “Yes, Maria brought me out on a Saturday morning and Greg gave me a tour,” said Michael, “I told him the stories I had heard about it didn’t do it justice.”

     “In that case,” said Charlotte, “I am going to have to talk Greg into inviting me out for a Saturday morning breakfast.”

     Christina walked in at that time and with a smile at Greg said, “Breakfasts are safe, just watch out for those candlelight dinners.”

     “Christina,” said Greg trying to sound horrified.

     Christy in introduction said, “Christina is our resident Psychiatrist. With this group we felt we needed one.”  Michael began to laugh.

     “Actually I have heard about the good doctor,” he said with a broad smile.

     “All good I am sure,” said Christina pretending to preen.  This got a laugh from everyone.  They knew her as completely irreverent.  Charlotte looked at Christina for a moment then got a smile on her face.  She realized the group saw that statement as entirely out of character.  She realized all of them were successful career people.  About that time Kara, Carlton, Samantha, Connie, Vinnie and Cecil came in.  With a smile, Christina said,

     “This is our Doctoral student contingent,”   

     Greg then introduced Charlotte and Michael to them.  It was Vinnie who then said,

     “Welcome to the animal house.  Luckily Greg doesn’t have any nearby neighbors to complain.”

     “You mean someone might complain about constant loud laughter, especially in the evening?” asked Michael with a broad smile.

     Seeing a questioning look on Charlotte’s face about that doctoral comment, Kara said,

     “We Doctoral students kind of snuck in by the back door, although none of us are traditional doctoral students.  We were out and then came back.”

     “So you had careers and then decided to enhance them,” said Charlotte.

     “Actually we don’t see any of them as students,” said Joan.

     “You mean they are just members of the group,” said Michael.

     “Just like the rest of us,” said Greg. “In fact we see each other as just good friends because that is what the group is, a gathering of good friends and we try to keep it that way.”

     “And that is why it has continued,” said Mark.

     “There are few groups who have such an enjoyable place to meet,” said Michael.

     “We will admit,” said Tena, “That is quite a draw, but the fun of an evening of lighthearted sometimes nonsensical conversation is also a strong draw.”

     “There are also few groups who meet at the whim of members and are not hosted by the person providing the place of meeting,” said Jim.

     “It is an unusual group in more ways than one then,” said Charlotte.  “Christy also said it consists of a variety of career areas of the members.”

     “And that is intentional, although that is not completely ironclad, we make exceptions,” said Joan.

     “Yes we let Greg be a member,” said Vinnie with a smile at him.

     “Being married to Cecil hasn’t improved you a bit,” said Greg.

     Charlotte laughed, “Isn’t that a given.”

     “Shsh,” said Christy, “don’t let Greg know that.”

     About that time Celeste said that dinner was on the table so everyone went in and found a place.  Greg found himself seated across from Charlotte.  Greg told her,   

     “Let me know when you have a Saturday morning free.  I don’t have anything pressing at the moment that would take up a Saturday.”

     Charlotte smiled at him, “I’ll take a look at my schedule and let you know.”  Then she said, “Apparently your friends check with you before they come out otherwise you might never have time for your writing and painting.  Christy did tell me that is what you did but I had read your novels and have heard of your paintings,” she said.

     “Greg lets it be known when he is planning to be busy so we let him strictly alone until we get the all clear,” said Celeste.

     “And even Christy and Vinnie pay attention to that,” Greg said with a grin.

     It was Vinnie who said, “You don’t love me anymore,” in a pouty voice.  Charlotte smiled at that when she realized it was something the group was not surprised to hear. Obviously from the sounds of it this was a fun group.  Of course Christy had hinted at that.  Vinnie smiled as she said,

    “I stole that from Christy.”

     Both Michael and Charlotte fit themselves into the group rather easily during the evening.  Greg figured they would make good additions to the group.  It was Tena who started the group moving toward home this evening.  Greg again told Charlotte to get hold of him to let him know when she would like to come out for breakfast and a tour.  Greg had a feeling she would get back to him within a relatively short time.  Greg really didn’t have anything pushing him at the moment.  He decided he would see if he could set up a dinner date with Katy in Barton and one with Terry in Wilton.  He had better not do it in the same week. He really hadn’t gotten around to checking either of them out.  He was really slipping.  Actually he had been surprisingly busy of late. Besides, he had not felt he would have to do so in any hurry.  He hadn’t heard they were going with anyone in particular.  Neither of them had indicated any great interest in getting together with him, although both had been very friendly.  He hadn’t really thought about Samantha lately.  He knew she had started on her Doctorate.  He wasn’t ready to invite any of them out for a weekend.  He would have to check them out more thoroughly first.  Not that Katy and Terry weren’t worth having out for a weekend, it was just he didn’t know how they would react to such an invitation yet.  A few days later, Greg got a call from Charlotte setting up a breakfast a week from this coming Saturday.  Greg put it on his calendar.  He then called Katy and set up a dinner date with her on the Wednesday of that week.  He decided to wait a week before trying to set up a dinner date with Terry. The date with Katy went very well and Greg thought he might consider inviting her out for a weekend.  The Saturday that Charlotte was to come out for breakfast dawned rather gloomy, but luckily by seven it had brightened up so it was just cloudy.  It would be okay to take her out for a tour of the gardens.  She was right on time and dressed to take a stroll around the grounds.

     “You forgot to order a bright sunny day, Greg,” she said as he greeted her at the door.

     “My direct line got short circuited,” Greg said with a grin.  Then he asked, “What would you like for breakfast, you forgot to give me your order.”

     “Oh I just thought I would have to take whatever you decided to fix,” Charlotte said with a smile.

     “I thought I would make it look like I was giving you your choice,” said Greg.  Charlotte laughed.  Greg decided she was a little like Penney.  Charlotte’s choice was easy to fix and so it didn’t take long before Greg had the breakfast on the table and they sat down to enjoy it.

     “You really are a good cook,” Charlotte said. Greg smiled,

     “When one insists on living out in the country, one has to develop such abilities,” he said.

     Charlotte did ask Greg how he came to settle out here and he gave her the short version of his explanation.  When they finished breakfast, Greg took her on a tour of the gardens and then a tour of the house.

     “You do have a perfect place for both writing and painting,” Charlotte said. Then she added with a smile, “and for the group to meet.”  After a moment she continued, “That is an unusual group.  I have never heard of another like it.”

     Greg laughed, “There probably isn’t another like it, it just kind of grew.  I don’t think anyone had such a group in mind when we began to get together.”

     “You mean it just gravitated into that type of group?” Charlotte asked.

     “It started out as just a group of friends that I invited out here for dinner,” replied Greg.  “Then two of the group suggested several others of the group could actually host the dinners if I would allow them to meet out here. I thought that sounded like a great idea.  As it was a gathering of good friends it became a non-serious evening and we all decided that is what it should continue to be.  We then decided, as it was now made up of a variety of career areas, we would make that part of it also.  That is how it has continued.”

     “But you would have had to have that kind of people from the first for all to agree on those things,” said Charlotte.

     “In that we were lucky apparently, or perhaps that is just the kind of people we were all attracted to,” said Greg.

     “Well it is apparent you are all very good friends,” said Charlotte.

     Greg laughed, “I guess we had to either become very good friends or leave the group, so the ones that remained were all good friends,” said Greg. Charlotte laughed, “But you started with a group of good friends,” she said.

     “That is true, because that is who I invited to dinner out here at first and so it started with them.”

     “So those who are now invited are good friends of one of the group?” asked Charlotte.

     “Not necessarily,” said Greg, “But it is someone one or more of the group think the person would be a good addition to the group.” Then Greg decided he would gamble, “In your case, the original person who held your position was an original member of the group and Christy thought you would make a good addition to the group.  Christy is also an original member of the group.”

     Charlotte laughed, “So I had an in.  Christy is easy to completely underestimate, isn’t she. Her looks can really fool you.”

     Greg laughed, “It is a rude awakening to some men,” he said, “She can really put on a great act when she wants to.  She is sharp, very intelligent and very street wise.”  Then he added, “and a lot of fun.”

     “Is Christina as irreverent a Psychiatrist as she makes out?”  Charlotte asked.

     “Every bit,” said Greg.  “But she is highly respected by her colleagues.  She is as sharp as she is irreverent.” Greg added, “Just the type of Psychiatrist this group needs.”

     “Do you really need a psychiatrist?” asked Charlotte but not very seriously.

     “Christina says no, that the group serves much better and is more fun,” said Greg.

     “Do I fit?” asked Charlotte. Greg was a little surprised by the bluntness of her question.  He thought quickly.

     “I haven’t heard any contrary opinions so far, so I assume the group feels you do,” said Greg.  “Actually I don’t remember any one who had been invited out who the group vetoed.  It was the person who decided they didn’t fit.”

     “Has there been some?” asked Charlotte.

     “A few,” said Greg.  “Our record is pretty good.”

     “The others who left did so when they left the area for greener pastures?” She asked.

     “Yes,” Greg said simply.

     Charlotte thanked Greg for the breakfast and the tour and left. Greg was sure that the group would feel that Charlotte would make a good addition to the group.  Besides having her in the group, would work to Christy’s advantage, as Charlotte’s company was a client of Christy’s.

      Sunday Christy called, “Did Charlotte make it out for breakfast and a tour.”

     “Yes,” said Greg, “I think she enjoyed it. She asked if she fit.  I told her I hadn’t heard any negative comments so I was assuming the group felt she fit.”

     “Good,” said Christy, “That means she enjoyed being asked and was interested in joining the group.”

     “That would be good for you,” said Greg, “Were you kind of gambling when you decided to bring her?”

     “Kind of, but I figured it was a good gamble,” Christy told him. “The group would be impressive enough to her that I figured she would be kind of flattered even if she decided it was not for her.”

     “What she said and what she asked, I think she really liked the idea of being part of the group,” said Greg. “I think she will fit.” Then he added, “I think she sees it as a way to fit herself into a group that is knowledgeable about the area as well as the business climate.  And it is a fun group besides.”

     “That is the way I was seeing it,” said Christy.  “The next few times will tell the story.”  After a pause she said, “I feel she will work at fitting herself in.”

     “That was the same impression I was getting,” said Greg.  “I think she will make a good addition to the group.  She seems a little like Lynn, and no the red hair wasn’t figured in on that.”

     Greg heard Christy laugh at how fast he had added that last.  She said goodbye and hung up.  The thought of how Samantha was doing with her doctorate studies crossed Greg’s mind and he kind of smiled to himself at that.  He still hadn’t figured out why she had popped up in his mind.  He still hadn’t figured out where she fit.  He hadn’t quite let go of his idea that she was a student, unlike how he now saw Vinnie and Kara. She really wasn’t any younger or any less mature, he really couldn’t figure out why he still saw her that way. Besides she wasn’t the only single red-head in the group, with Katy and now Charlotte, at least he thought Charlotte was single.  At the moment, Katy would be the most interesting one to check out, although Charlotte had been easy to talk to at breakfast.  She was very outgoing, had a sense of humor and was quick with her responses.  However, he knew very little about her yet.  He knew more about Katy and Katy was a good friend of Celeste.  The next week was a quiet week for Greg.  That is until Friday morning, when he got a call from Samantha.

     “Can Connie and I come out for breakfast tomorrow morning?” Samantha asked.  “We want to discuss advisors with you.”  Greg wondered if Jeremy had suggested to Samantha that she talk to him, but he wondered how Connie came into this. He hadn’t heard that she had decided to take some courses at the University.

     “Of course,” he said after a very brief pause.  “Would eight be okay with the two of you?”

     “That would be wonderful,” Samantha answered and she hung up.  Apparently Samantha had also gotten together with Connie.

     They both came in Samantha’s car and they were right on time.  “What do you want for breakfast?  I haven’t started it yet,” Greg greeted them at the door with.  They had lingered a little to take a look at the gardens before they came to the door.

     “Oh do we get to choose?” said Samantha.

     “I thought I would make it look like that,” said Greg “and then give you what I was going to fix anyway.”  He got a laugh out of both of them over that.  He did get what they would like and it was relatively simple, in fact both agreed on one thing.  He gave them a cup of coffee and sat them down at the table in the kitchen.

     “We both thought, as you were a professor, you would have some good ideas as to what we should look for in trying to find an advisor,” said Connie.

     “Have you talked to Jeremy, Samantha?” Greg asked.

     “Yes and he gave me some suggestions, but said I should also talk to you because you would have an outside viewpoint,” answered Samantha.

     Greg laughed, “Just like Jeremy, passing the buck.  Okay give me an idea of what you think you would like in an advisor.”  Then he added, “But let’s enjoy breakfast first.”

    It didn’t take too long before he had the breakfasts ready and they took them out to the porch to enjoy them.

     After they had eaten for a while, Connie said, “I bet you really enjoy all of us calling you up and trying to talk you into letting us come out to enjoy breakfasts out here.”

     Greg laughed, “I can always say no if I don’t want to be bothered on a particular day. That is, except when your sister Vinnie, just decides to come out without letting me know.”

     Connie laughed, “Does Vinnie do that?”  Then she added, “I guess I’m not surprised.  Have you ever sent her home?”

     “Not yet,” said Greg with a grin.

     Samantha asked, “Have you ever sent anyone home?”

     “No, because there are only a couple of people who do that on a rare occasion,” said Greg.

     “Like Vinnie and Christy,” Connie said with a grin.

     “There have been a couple others,” said Greg with a small smile, but he didn’t elaborate.

     “But they are all real good friends, so they would expect you to send them home if you were busy.  Besides, they have a good idea when you might not be busy so it is safe to just drop out,” said Samantha.

     “That is true, so that is why I haven’t sent any one home yet,” said Greg.

     When they finished their breakfasts, they helped Greg clean up and then they each took a cup of coffee and sat down again.  They both gave Greg an idea what they would like to have in an advisor and Greg gave them some suggestions and they discussed these things.  It was done with a bit of humor mixed in and so it wasn’t all serious.  After a while they both thanked Greg for the breakfast and for his ideas.  Connie added, “And thanks for putting up with us.”

     With a grin Greg said, “Oh you aren’t too bad as girls go.”  Connie made a face at him and then grinned.  She is a lot like Vinnie, Greg thought. He still didn’t know where he was fitting Samantha in.  He just couldn’t eliminate his thought of her as a student.  Of course he also didn’t know why he should worry about that. It really wasn’t important.  There were three new single women to check out if he wished.  They were all successful career women.

     Greg had started a new novel and several new paintings.  He wondered how Terry was doing with her writing and Katy with her painting.  They were both teaching at the Universities. He realized he didn’t yet know much about their work.  He figured he would eventually get acquainted with the type of work they did, just so he didn’t make some stupid remark until he knew.  The next week was quiet and he didn’t even go into town, so he got a lot of work done. Greg thought it would probably be another week at least before anyone suggested another dinner meeting.  That would be okay with him.  He thought he might try for a dinner in town with Christina.  When he called he found out she was going to be out of town for the next two weeks for meetings.  She said she would call when she got back and they would set up a date for dinner then.  It just might be possible they wouldn’t have a dinner meeting until after she returned.  Not that it was necessary for Christina to be around for a meeting to be scheduled.  He wondered if Cecil and Vinnie would be two of the hosts for the next one.  He just had a hunch that they would.  Greg thought he really wouldn’t mind if the group held off that long. The Wednesday of that week, Greg got a call from Katy.

     “Do you mind if I drop out on Saturday and do a little painting in the woods,” She said.

     On the spur of the moment Greg said, “You could come out for the weekend if you wish.”  There was a small silence and then Katy laughed and said,

     “I might just do that.”

     “You could come out Friday night for dinner,” said Greg.

     “One of those candlelight dinners, Christina warned about,” then she immediately added, “I’ll be out Friday.”  Greg smiled.  Katy had more than Penney’s looks obviously. The answer had been swift and decisive and it was obvious she was seeing the invitation as he had hoped she would.  It should be an interesting weekend.  He had not known how she would react to his suggestion.  It turned out to be a good gamble.  He’d have to figure out what he would fix for dinner Friday night and bring up a bottle of wine.  Make it really a candles and wine dinner.  He wondered what she would like. He realized he didn’t know what her preferences in food were. He would have to wing it this time and hope she didn’t hate what he fixed. He’d have to do something safe and basic this time.  He wondered how she would be dressed and if she would just tell him to take her things into his bedroom as soon as she came in.  He had a hunch that is what she would do.  Of course she was planning to do some painting in the woods so she would have to have that type of clothes.  She could carry those in a small bag and be dressed in nice casual clothes when she came. He would just have to see.  He did know she had very good clothes sense.

     Katy did show up Friday evening dressed in casual, but dressy clothes and carrying a case.  With a smile she told Greg, “You might as well put it in your bedroom,that was what your intention was.” Greg smiled and obeyed, but said nothing.  She definitely had some of Penney’s character.  In fact after giving him her case and he returned, she gave him a hug and a kiss which he returned.

     “What’s for dinner?” she asked with a smile, “besides candlelight and wine.”

     “Oh a little of this and a little of that,” Greg said with a grin.  He had the table set up and the dinner preparations started.  She sat and watched him work.  It wasn’t too long before the dinner was ready and they sat down to eat.  They lingered over the dinner, and then cleared the table, retired to fireplace room before going together to Greg’s bedroom.  In the morning Katy gave Greg a smile and said, “I’ll fix breakfast before I head out to do some painting.”  Then she slipped out of bed and headed for the shower.  Greg watched her in admiration, it had been a wonderful evening and night.  It was promising to be a great weekend.  Perhaps it was a good thing that Greta Jansson decided to take off for greener pastures although it was traumatic at the time.  Katy was definitely worth checking out further.  He waited for her to get out of the shower and then head for the kitchen to fix breakfast for them, then he got out of bed and showered.  They had breakfast and then Katy took her equipment and went out to do some painting and Greg went to his office and started to do some writing.  The rest of the weekend was just as enjoyable and Sunday evening Katy got her things and left after she gave Greg a long kiss and a thanks.  Geg watched her drive out of the yard, got himself a drink, and then went to sit in the fireplace room.  He decided he would have to try for a dinner in town with Katy in the not too distant future.  He decided Katy might just be worth pursuing, or at least try to date fairly regularly.  He still couldn’t make up his mind about Samantha. He still couldn’t get away from thinking of her as a student.  However, he still did plan on checking out Terry.  Katy was a painter and Terry a writer.  He wondered what Terry’s reaction would be to an invitation to a weekend at Eagle’s Aerie.  He thought he would probably have to wait to see if an appropriate turn to a conversation would furnish him an opportunity to make that offer.  Perhaps, if Terry suggested coming out to look at a possible area, as a setting for a story, or a setting for a scene in a story.  He would have to see if the opportunity arose to suggest such an idea.  He smiled to himself at that thought.  He realized he didn’t know if Terry would ever use such a setting in a story.

     “Well enough of this dreaming,” Greg said to himself, “I had better get started on some writing again.”  He then headed for his office.  He had just settled down at his computer when the phone rang, it was Vinnie.

     “Cecil and I were thinking of hosting a dinner.  How is a week from Friday look on your calendar?” she asked.

     “It looks fine,” said Greg, “Have you got two others?”

     “We haven’t tried yet, but I’m sure we can now that we have a date,” said Vinnie.  “I’ll let you know who we get.”

      Greg was glad Vinnie had called.  He was ready for another dinner of the group. He did wonder who they would get to join them.  It also caused him to wonder how Connie was doing.  He hadn’t really heard anything about her lately.  He wondered if she had started on her Masters program in computers yet.  Two days later Vinnie called and said Jason and Maria had agreed to join them as hosts.  That didn’t surprise Greg as Vinnie and Maria had become very good friends.  Then he idly wondered if anyone would call or come out for breakfast this Saturday.  He didn’t have anything that would prevent him from having a breakfast for someone.  The following day he did get a call, it was Tena.

    “Is the breakfast spot open for Saturday?” she asked. Then without waiting for an answer, continued, “If it is I would like to come out.”

     “Breakfast will be ready at eight,” replied Greg and he heard Tena laugh.  “I’ll be there,” she said and then she hung up.  Greg thought, she is getting as bad as Christy and Vinnie.  She didn’t give him any reason why she wanted to come out.  He had a strong suspicion what it might be that prompted that request to have breakfast Saturday morning.  He had been expecting that there could be another wedding in the group.  Tena and Dan had been quite close for a while now.  He expected that he might be the first one to officially know about it and expected a request to use the gardens for pictures.  Tena was there on Saturday before eight.

     “Can I help,” she greeted Greg with as she came in the door.  She didn’t wait for an answer, but went and grabbed an apron and looked to see what she could do.  Greg just smiled.  Neither of them said anything as they prepared the breakfast.  Then after they sat down to eat it Greg with a smile asked, “Okay to what do I owe the pleasure of having breakfast with you?”

     With a smile Tena said, “I’m glad to hear you consider it a pleasure.” Then she continued, “Dan proposed last night.”

     “And?” asked Greg.  Tena laughed.

     “I said yes.  I just wanted to give you advanced warning we would like to take pictures in your gardens,” said Tena.

     “You knew you’d get a yes to that,” said Greg.  “By the way congratulations.  Oh and when is the wedding or haven’t you gotten that far yet.”

     “We have just started thinking about that,” said Tena.  “We want to do a little coordinating first and then we will start checking out dates.”  Then she got a grin on her face, “Dan has been checking to see if he could buy the house he is renting.  We would be neighbors.”

    Greg got a big grin on his face as he said, “Well there goes the neighborhood.” Tena made a face at him and then laughed.  Then he said, “Do you want me to put in a good word to Frank and Edna?”

     Tena thought for a moment then said, “That might help.  Dan didn’t really know whether they would want to sell that place.”

     “I got the impression they really liked having Dan there in that house, so they might be willing to sell now,” Greg said somewhat thoughtfully.

     “You mean you really wouldn’t mind having us as neighbors?” asked Tena with a broad smile.

     Greg pretended to think for a moment, then he said, “Well Dan has proved a good neighbor so I guess I could put up with you also.”  Tena made a face at him.  Actually Tena had been spending a lot of time at that house for quite some time now.  Tena also came with Dan when he worked on his experiments in Greg’s garden. Tena did tell him what they were thinking as to the possible dates.  As she said, they really had no reason to be in a big hurry.  They sat down to enjoy the breakfast while looking out at the gardens.  As they were eating Tena said,

     “Oh by the way I have finished my doctoral dissertation.  I might let you have a look at it and see what you think.”

     “You trust me?  I don’t have any experience in your field,” said Greg.

     “But you should have a good idea what a doctoral dissertation should cover,” said Tena.  “and how it should be presented.” She added.

     “Oh, I guess I could do that,” said Greg with a grin.  “When do you think Dan might want to talk to Frank and Edna about the property?”

     “I think he was planning to talk to them in the next few days,” Tena said.

     “Maybe I will let Dan sound them out because I have a hunch they will then talk to me,” Greg said, “Then I can put in a good word while giving them my best opinion as a friend of theirs.”

     “You think sneaky and I like it,” said Tena with a smile.  “I’ll tell Dan that and have him talk to Frank and Edna.”  Then she thought for a moment, “Should I go with him?”

     Greg thought on that for a few moments and then said, “No, I think I would let him talk to them first.  They have always dealt with him and it has been a good relationship from all I have heard.  No sense in introducing a new person at this time.”

     “Oh I have met them,” said Tena.

     “But they are used to dealing with him alone,” said Greg.

     They finished their breakfast and cleaned up and then Tena, thanked Greg for breakfast and left.  The days before the Friday of the dinner were very quiet and Greg stayed at home and got a lot of writing and painting done so he was ready for a break by the time that Friday came.  The day was rather cloudy, but it cleared by sunset and there was a beautiful sunset which Greg got out and enjoyed.  Vinnie and Cecil came out relatively early so they actually caught the end of it.  Jason and Marie came shortly after and they got to work immediately.  There would be a full house this evening, as everyone indicated they would be coming.  Greg wondered if Tena and Dan would announce their forthcoming wedding tonight.  It would be the perfect time to do so.  Surprisingly Jim and Joan were the first to arrive followed almost immediately by Mark and Celeste.  The rest of the group soon arrived and went into the fireplace room to talk until the hosts announced that the dinner was ready.  Tena and Dan did announce their forthcoming wedding and everyone congratulated them.  Connie mentioned that she had decided to try to go for her Doctorate in her spare time, which brought a laugh at the way she said it.  Vinnie looked at her as if she was crazy, but there was pride in her eyes for her younger sister. Someone asked Kara how she was coming and she said she was now working on her Doctoral Dissertation.  Greg thought back when he had first met Kara and how he thought she deserved to get some help in her search for the funds to help her complete her education.  What came about still surprised him.  Only one of the women who first helped make it possible was still around.  Kara had actually reached the point where she had gotten some research funds, with the help of Jeremy and her advisor.  Greg did not try for any dates with Terry or Katy and decided he would not for at least the next two weeks.  In fact he was planning for a quiet two weeks during which he planned to work on his writing and painting and also get out into the woods.  He didn’t think he would have any calls for a breakfast from anyone during that time.  At least he couldn’t think of anyone in the group that would have any excuse.  Of course, he knew there were a few that wouldn’t let that bother them.  He did have a quiet two weeks and only left the house several times to go into the Rose Café for breakfast to get out of the house.  It was Kara who called on Friday afternoon the second week and asked if she could come out for breakfast on Saturday morning. He decided he wanted some company now and said yes and asked what she would want for breakfast.  She laughed and gave him her order.  He wasn’t sure why she might want to come out, but it wasn’t important anyway, he had liked Kara from the first time he met her as a waitress in Rose café.  He did have a hunch it might have to do with her dissertation.  It was promising to be a pleasant Saturday.  He would be familiar with her subject so he could possibly give her a point or two.  She did come out right on time and she had a brief case with her.

     “I see you ordered a perfect day,” Kara said as she came in.

     With a smile Greg said, “Oh I thought you ordered it. I was sure my line had been torn down.”  Kara laughed.  He had already started the breakfast anticipating she would be right on time.  It was soon ready and they took it out to the porch so they could see the gardens as they ate.

     “Have you seen Connie lately,” Greg asked her.

     “Oh I see her rather regularly.  We get together with Samantha for coffee or sometimes a meal and just gab,” said Kara. “Sometimes Tena meets with us also.”

     “The Doctoral Club,” said Greg with a grin.

     Kara laughed and then said, “Something like that.”

     They were silent for a while as they ate, the Kara said, “I thought I would run my ideas of how I should do my doctoral dissertation past you and see if you had any ideas how to improve it.  I think I have all the research done for it, and now it’s just a matter of putting together the presentation of it.”

     Greg grinned as he said, “You don’t want to hear anything like, you need to do a little more research here.”

     “Don’t you dare,” said Kara, realizing he was teasing her.  Greg laughed.  Kara gave him an idea of she thought of putting together and Greg listened as he watched her.  He occasionally jotted down a note.  She had a good handle on what she wanted to do and he could find nothing really wrong with her ideas how she should present it.  He gave her a few minor suggestions as to how she might improve the presentation to emphasize her main points.

     “Sounds like you really have it well in hand, Kara,” Greg said.  “I don’t think you should have any trouble with it.  They might have a few minor questions to show you that they have been listening,” Greg added with a grin.  Kara laughed at how Greg had said the last.

      “Are Doctoral dissertation presentations usually so boring?” asked Kara.

     “Frankly, sometimes they are, at least in how they are presented,” answered Greg.

     “Maybe I should try to spice mine up a little,” said Kara with a smile.

     Greg laughed, “Not too much, you want to look serious about your research, however you could take a look at it with the idea of trying to make it seem more interesting and not so dry.”

     Kara looked at him for a moment and then said, “I see what you mean.  I’ll take a look at it from that standpoint.”  Then she started to gather up her material and prepared to leave.  “Thank you for the wonderful breakfast and allowing me to bend your ear.”  Then she gave him a smile and went out to her car.  Greg watched her as she drove off.  She had come a long way from the somewhat desperate young woman who was trying to find a way to complete her education after a disastrous marriage and divorce.  This time she had found the right man and she would have her doctorate. Greg found he was really happy he had a part in giving her that chance.  As he was thinking about this he wondered if they would wait until she had her doctorate before they announced their engagement.  Which brought up Connie and he wondered if she had acquired a boyfriend.  He hadn’t heard anything from Vinnie.

     Greg got busy and didn’t even think about trying for a date with either Terry or Katy.  When he did he found that both of them were out of town for at least several days.  He decided to put that on hold for a while longer.  He wondered if anyone would come up with an idea for a dinner soon.  Having gotten in several weeks of good work, he was ready for another dinner.  It was Christy who called and said she and Andy wanted to host a dinner and the Jeremy and Dexter agreed to join them. 

     “We thought we would have it the week after next Friday, if that date is okay with you,” Christy said.

     With a grin Greg said, “Do I have a choice”.

     “No,” said Christy, “You’re just supposed to say yes.” 

     Greg laughed, “That’s fine, I was just wondering if someone was going to suggest a dinner.  I felt I was ready for one.  I’ve had several quiet weeks and got a lot of work done so could take a break.”

     “You work?” said Christy sounding surprised and then Greg heard her laugh.

      “You should talk, all public relations people do is play at working,” said Greg. He heard Christy laugh.  Then she said,

     “I’ll let you know how many will be coming.”

     Greg figured this would give him another uninterrupted period of over a week to work on his novel and his painting.  He didn’t think he would have any more calls for a breakfast.  He actually was almost ready to send this novel to the publisher.  He wanted to take a look at something in the beginning and a place at the ending he wasn’t completely satisfied with.  Actually they were only very small things and wouldn’t really alter anything.  He figured he could get this done and get it off to the publisher before the dinner.  He would be really ready for the dinner then, He had a sketch of a painting but hadn’t gone any further on that.  He wanted to think about that one more anyway.  The next week did prove very quiet and he got caught up on his reading.  Jeremy had clued him in on several scientific articles to read.  He heard that Vinnie had finished the first draft of her novel and apparently she was happy with it so far.  This thought reminded him that he should check out what Terry had been writing and get an idea of Katy’s type of painting so he didn’t put his foot in his mouth.  He had an idea but he thought he should try to become more familiar with their styles.  Discussing what they were doing at the dinner was not allowed.  He could check with Celeste regarding Katy’s style of painting.  She might tease him a little.  He wondered what Vinnie knew about Terry’s writing. The Friday of the dinner was actually a beautiful day and Greg got out into the woods in the morning.  Both Christy and Dexter arrived early and took a look at the gardens first.  Andy had a meeting with a client so couldn’t come out with Christy.  Jeremy did come a short time later so they sat and had a cup of coffee with Greg before they started the meal.  Dexter actually was a very good cook so he and Christy started the meal and Jeremy and Greg set up the table.  Again there would be a full house.  Connie came early, and stopped to view the gardens.  When she came in with a broad grin she said,

     “I thought I would let you all know I now have a boyfriend.  He’s a computer geek at the University.”  Everyone laughed at the way she said it.

     “Has Vinnie given her approval yet?” asked Greg with a grin and Connie made a face at him, but then she said,

     “Yes, she has already met him and Cecil knows him.”

     With a grin Christy asked, “Do the doctoral contingent approve of him?”  Connie laughed at the way she categorized the younger members who were technically students.

     Connie replied, “Kara and Tena gave a thumbs up.”

     It wasn’t long before the rest came flowing in and started to question what they could expect since Christy was helping prepare the meal.  Christy putting on a pouty face said,

     “Boy this is the last time I ever volunteer to be a host.”

     Charlotte kind of smiled at this.  She was becoming more used to Christy having been working with her since she took over the top job at the software company and she was one of Christy’s clients.  Katy gave Greg a smile when she came in and Christina caught it and gave Greg a raise of the eyebrows and then a broad grin.  Greg made a face at her that Joan happened to catch and she gave Greg a smile.  They all then began to find a place at the table.  Greg ended up seated between Katy and Terry.  Connie, Samantha and Kara sat across from him.  Greg looked over at Connie and asked,

     “Have you started your doctoral program yet?”  She grinned at him and replied,

     “Yes and I have an advisor, and no he is not my new boyfriend.”   Everyone laughed at the way Connie said that.  “I even have an idea for my research and it comes from my work so I might even make some points with the company.”

     Cecil with a smile at Connie said, “Now that is what I call real planning.”  Connie laughed.

     It was Dexter who said, “Trust Cecil to see that.”

     “Might you have subtly suggested that Cecil?” asked Christy with a broad grin.

      Cecil laughed, “No Connie thought that up all by herself.”  The way he said that made Connie make a face at him.  Apparently all the doctoral contingent had advisors in place now which was brought out by brief questioning. The upcoming wedding did get a brief discussion with the usual teasing.  Greg did set up a date in Barton with both Katy and Christina.  He decided to try for a date with Terry the following week.  He decided he would wait to get a better idea of what Charlotte was like before trying for one with her.  Besides it might be better to wait until he saw how the dates with Katy and Terry worked out.  Adding Charlotte might tend to really confuse things besides giving Christina something to tease him about.  As he thought about it, he decided to put checking out Charlotte on hold for a while.  Trying to figure out two new women were really all he had better try to handle.  Besides he wanted to keep time for Christina.  He kind of smiled when that thought hit him. He did realize that it was Katy who interested him the most.  It was Connie who got the group moving to leave that evening. 

     Except for the dates with Katy and Christina, the week was quiet and rather lazy.  He actually did little real work on either his writing or painting.  He did catch up on his reading and no one dropped out for breakfast or called.  He did appreciate that and decided he really was interested in Katy.  Of course, he had no idea yet exactly how she viewed him.  The next week was quiet also, except for the date with Terry.  Terry did hint that she might like to come out some time to discuss writing. Greg did kind of indicate he would be interested but left it at that. Greg himself was surprised at his reaction to this.  The next two weeks were quiet and Terry did not follow up on coming out and no one called or dropped out for breakfast.

Below is another section of my fantasy novel "Jaascin"

Jaascin assumed that she was like a lady-in-waiting, possibly a daughter of a minor noble. Kind of a friend and companion for the Princess, but of much lower rank.

Then she added, “I am very glad you came. The princess is a very close friend. I have missed her very much. It is very painful to see her as she is.” She added, “The young women who attended you were surprised to see scars that would indicate you are also a swordsman.”

Jaascin looked at her for a moment as if in deep thought. Although she carried herself with much more confidence and poise than the young women who drew his bath, he still thought she must be a type of companion for the princess. This really was of little consequence to Jaascin. He treated everyone the same.

In a very serious tone he told her, “I cannot guarantee that what I am doing will cure her. I can promise I will do my best. It was also painful to me to see someone like her in that condition. But to explain the scars, I have of necessity learned to use many weapons. However, I am not a professional man of arms.” Then he added with a smile and in a light, humorous tone, “That is not to say I have not fought a few battles and survived.”

The young woman smiled at Jaascin’s light dismissal of the scars. “I am sure you will do every thing you can do to bring her back to us.” With that pronouncement she indicated Jaascin should follow her. She did not seem surprised he knew how to defend himself.

She led him through the halls to a large room where a table was set. A place was indicated, for him, near the head of the table. Instead of bowing to the Prince and Princess and leaving the room, the young woman sat down beside him. Jaascin had a look of surprise on his face. He had apparently misjudged the status of this young woman.

The Prince and his wife greeted him warmly and introduced him to the others around the table. The mage was also there. The young woman was introduced as a niece of the Prince. The young woman smiled at Jaascin, as he looked confusedly apologetic. He knew she caught his look of surprise when she sat down beside him. She knew he assumed she was a kind of lady-in-waiting to the Princess, not a cousin.

“We are very happy that you were found and brought to us. We had exhausted all our other ideas. We were at our wit’s end. We were almost giving up hope,” the Princess told Jaascin.

“We are not sure that we have effected a cure yet, although the signs are promising,” Jaascin said, sounding hopeful, yet not too hopeful. He really did not know, if what he was doing, would produce a cure. He could not remember how long it might take. “As I said, it might take several weeks.”

“You will leave us special instructions as to what we might do, when you leave?” the Prince asked.

Jaascin looked very surprised. “Unless you are planning to drive me out, I am not planning to leave until I am sure I have been successful,” he said very positively. Actually he had no intention of leaving before he was sure the woman was cured. He wanted to know if what he was doing really worked. It had not occurred to him to worry about his fate if he could not cure the princess. He was concentrating on doing everything he could to bring about a cure.

The mage looked at Jaascin with a smile. “You are willing to risk the possibility of failure while you are still in our power?’

Jaascin looked at him. Thought for a moment. Then he answered lightly with a smile, “As I believe I said before, I have been in far greater danger before. I am still alive, although possibly scarred. I do not believe in leaving something half done, if there is anyway I can avoid that.” Then Jaascin changed to a more serious and a thoughtful tone. “There is something we need to consider. It has been said in many learned circles, that in cases such as this, the first person seen by the person awaking from such a state, becomes the object of strong affection.”

The mother of the young woman looked startled. “Do you mean that the first person our daughter sees when she regains consciousness may be the person she falls in love with?”

“I am not absolutely sure of the phenomenon. I believe it has been documented in several cases,” Jaascin said. “It may be something that should be kept in mind as your daughter’s recovery progresses.”

The Prince looked at Jaascin and said, “You knew you could have said nothing. Then made sure our daughter would see you first. That would have easily been accomplished without anyone suspecting anything.”

Jaascin shrugged and smiled, “Although it would have been wonderful to have a beautiful, highborn, Elven princess fall in love with me,” Jaascin admitted, “it would be an awful thing to do to her. Not only am I not an Elf, but by my own admission, my background is questionable.” Then he added, “Someone obviously as beautiful as your daughter is deserving of a far better fate.”

Everyone laughed at the light tone in which Jaascin said that.

The mother of the young woman looked at Jaascin with a smile. “It seems that you are not only a learned man, but a man of high honor.”

“In this matter, I will admit to a sense of honor,” Jaascin replied with another slight shrug and a smile.

The young woman sitting next to him, with a smile on her face leaned over and softly said, “In other things you would not wish to promise being a man of high honor?”

Jaascin smiled at her and said nothing. He did not think it an appropriate time to consider her meaning in this. She was, he had to admit, a very attractive and charming woman. One whom it was proving very pleasant, to be around. However, he was not sure of her standing, except that she was a niece of the Prince and Princess.

“You have not set a price on your services, even knowing this thing you are doing is of utmost importance to us,” the Prince said.

“I have not yet accomplished that which you desire. Until that time, my services are of no great worth. Should I accomplish that which I also hope to accomplish, my wishes are relatively simple and I am sure can be easily met,” Jaascin assured the Prince making it sound like he did not consider that of great importance. Jaascin was sure that the Prince and Princess would place a very high value on the curing of their daughter.

The mage looked at Jaascin. “If that is true, then you are truly a learned man.”

Jaascin smiled across at the mage, “It is very kind of you to attribute great knowledge to me. I do not claim to be a true learned man. It is true I have sat at the feet of some great scholars and wise men. I have accumulated some knowledge. However, I have much to learn. That is why I travel. This way, in time, I may accumulate great knowledge.” Then still with a smile he added, “However, I am aware that with this type of life, I will never accumulate great wealth.”

The young woman looked at Jaascin with a speculative glance, “It would seem that wealth is not of great importance to you.”

Jaascin smiled back at her, “That would not be an entirely valid assumption. Wealth, I am aware, can bring the finer things. I actually like, fine things and fine living. That is an enigma I have yet to solve.”

The Princess looked at Jaascin with a look of understanding, “So you will enjoy the finer things when you can. Then you will put up with more simple fare when you must. But the pursuit of knowledge is still of greater importance.”

“My Lady,” said Jaascin, with a bow in her direction, “I often feel that I am the enigma.” Then he added lightly, “but that is something I have never seen it necessary to worry about. I also feel that life is to be enjoyed whenever that is possible.”

The Princess laughed lightly. “At least you are proving to be an interesting and charming enigma.”

The dinner was enjoyable to Jaascin. Not only was the food wonderful, and the company and conversation very enjoyable, but he had a very attractive woman by his side. She had been very charming throughout the whole evening.

She walked beside him as they left the room. As they reached the hall, Jaascin turned to her and with a bow in a very apologetic tone said, “I must offer my most humble apologies. You must have thought me awful to have made such a mistake to assume you were somewhat like a servant.”

With a very sweet but beguiling smile, the young woman said, “I am not sure that I am going to accept your apology.” She did not seem at all angry at him for this mistaken assumption. She seemed to treat it lightly with humor, as if she were really amused at his mistake.

“You mean you have a much greater penance in mind you will require of me?” Jaascin asked.

“I think it would be only fitting. However, I have not yet decided on what that penance may be.” Then she added with a very lovely smile, “but I will devote much serious thought to that problem and try to come up with an appropriate penance I will require of you.”

Jaascin just shook his head. “My fate seems to hang on the whim of a very beautiful and charming lady.” However he did not seem overly worried, or fearful of that prospect. She did not sound as if she intended to make trouble for him, rather that she was gently tweaking him.

The two of them walked to the room where the daughter lay. As they entered, they caught a small movement by the figure on the bed.

“She has been moving a little every few minutes for the past hour,” the woman seated by the bedside said. “She whimpers with each movement. It is just a whimper, not a cry of pain.”

“That is a very good sign,” Jaascin commented, becoming the serious healer again. “She may quit for a while and then the movements may begin again.”

“Will she be able to sit up in a few days?” the young woman asked hopefully.

Jaascin turned to her with a serious look on his face. “I’m afraid progress will not be that fast. She will gain movement only slowly for a while. Then it will slowly increase so that the progress will be readily noticeable,” Jaascin told her. “Let us not be rushing this. It will be best for her if the progress is relatively slow but sure.” He was not chiding her only pointing out that she needed to be patient.

“I’m sorry,” said the woman penitently, “I am just so anxious to see her as she was before.”

“You particularly will have to show great patience,” Jaascin told her very seriously. “She will need your support and encouragement once she gets to a certain point. She will want to do things before she is ready to do them. You must counsel her patience.” The young woman nodded her understanding. They left the room and started walking toward Jaascin’s room.

As they continued on their way the young woman, whom Jaascin had learned was called Cyrellai, with a mischievous smile on her face said, “The maidens, who will be attending you while you are here, have been chosen for their beauty.”

Jaascin smiled at her obvious meaning. “Nevertheless, I have no intention of seducing these young ladies. I would deem it unfair.” He was aware that they were possibly chosen for their beauty, but he thought it best he not look on them as subjects for conquest. He had not forgotten, his reason for coming was really to gain permission to traverse the forest to its northern boundaries. He did not want to do anything that would endanger that purpose.

“In this case, it would not be looked upon as seduction. In addition, some might class you as somewhat handsome. Besides, they all willing volunteered to attend you,” Cyrellai told him, still with that mischievous smile on her face.

“Are you saying that it would be considered part of their responsibility, or that I would be held blameless.”

“No I would not say that would be part of their responsibility, but that is a possibility they should have recognized when they volunteered,” Cyrellai replied watching Jaascin as she spoke.

Jaascin smiled, “Although it would undoubtedly be very enjoyable, I still do not consider it honorable. I still see it as taking an unfair advantage.” He thought his best plan was to appear to be a very honorable man. He thought that would be to his greatest advantage. He was a guest in their land. He did not want to give into temptation and thereby cause problems for himself. Here in the forest, there was no place to which he could run.

“You mean because they have been given the responsibility to attend you and would therefore be vulnerable.”

Jaascin nodded his head and then continued, “Answer me honestly. Would they deem it possible to reject my advances, or would they expect to suffer what I asked of them.”

“You ask hard questions, Jaascin. In honesty, I must say they would not think they had the right to reject you. However, I must add they would most likely not see it as suffering.”

Jaascin laughed. “It seems you attribute great attraction to me. I have never deemed that so, as far as attractive young women were concerned.”

Cyrellai cocked her head at him. “Have you ever thought to inquire of an attractive young woman. I have found you, charming, attractive and intriguing.”

Jaascin looked at her with a smile on his face. He decided to test her out and try to determine her line of thinking in this conversation. “Careful young lady. I would not consider it taking an unfair advantage to try to seduce you. You are far too intelligent. Of course I am assuming that you have taken me under your wing because you wanted to do so, not because someone required you to do so.”

Cyrellai cocked her head to the other side as she looked at Jaascin with an egnimatic smile. “You are correct that I am with you because I wanted to be with you. I am interested to learn what manner of man you are, and what makes you tick. You are proving to be like no other man I have ever known. Therefore you are intriguing.”

“I will be happy to be of whatever assistance I can be in your research,” Jaascin told her. He would let her know that he found her very attractive, but that her wishes would be paramount.

Cyrellai left him at his door. “I shall see you tomorrow,” she told him, and continued down the corridor of the palace.

Jaascin watch her go. She was a very attractive and charming young woman. His stay here might prove very enjoyable. Then he opened the door and entered his room. His bath was ready for him and night attire was laid out on his bed. He was really being treated like a royal guest. He might have trouble carrying through his promise regarding these attractive young women who bathed him. He immediately put that thought out of his mind. He did not wish to do anything that might possibly spoil his stay in the Elven forest. Things were going far too well so far.

The next morning he awoke early. He again took a book out of his bags and began to read. Sometime later, there was a knock on his door. He said, “Come in.”

The door opened and Cyrellai came in with the maidens following her in. She smiled at Jaascin. “I hope you had a restful sleep.” The maidens began drawing his bath.

“I had a most wonderful sleep, and most wonderful dreams,” Jaascin answered.

“Good,” said Cyrellai, “I will leave you to your bath. I will return shortly after I am informed it is over. I will then take you to breakfast. We will be dining with some younger members of the court, this morning. However the Prince and Princess would like you to join them again for dinner tonight.” It was apparent they were making sure his stay here would be as enjoyable as possible. He saw nothing wrong in that. He would enjoy this to its fullest. He did not think it would last beyond the time it took to cure the Princess. He figured they would give him what he requested and then send him on his way.

As promised, Cyrellai returned to take him to breakfast. He had another splendid outfit laid out for him this morning. His old clothes had been returned, cleaned and folded. His boots looked much better than they had for quite a while.

This time she waited outside of his door. He had a strong desire to take her in his arms and kiss her. He resisted. Things were going very well. He did not want to do anything to upset any one in the palace. He had not yet figured her out. Instead he offered her his arm which she took with a lovely smile.

They made a stop on the way to look in on the patient. She seemed a little more relaxed than the night before. The cure was still working as expected. This afternoon, Jaascin would again repeat the treatment of the first day. He remembered that was what the mystic had done. He was trying to do everything exactly as he remembered it being done before. He now remembered the cure that time was successful. He was hoping it would prove successful this time also.

As they left the room, Jaascin looked over at this very attractive young woman at his side. “You know you are spoiling me completely. I get the impression that you are treating me as you would a member of your nobility.”

Cyrellai gave him a sly smile. “Much better,” she replied.

Jaascin laughed. “You mean a member of nobility would not get such an attractive guide to watch over him.”

Cyrellai just smiled and continued to steer him through the corridors of the palace. It was obvious she was at home here and very confident in her place. She came to an airy room whose large windows looked out on a beautiful garden. A number of young people were already gathered around the table.

Cyrellai introduced him as Sir Jaascin Wanilain. She said he was a very learned scholar, mage and healer from the East. The young people looked him over with interest. The young women were especially interested. Jaascin realized that Cyrellai was a little older than most of them. They treated her with great respect, and it seemed that she was well liked. Jaascin found he was not surprised at this. He also got the impression that Cyrellai was a rank above most if not all of them. Her parents were obviously powerful Elven nobles, possibly another Prince and Princess.

During the breakfast, Jaascin was asked many questions about the lands he had seen in his travels. Jaascin was able to weave some wonderful, although entirely believable tales about his travels and what he had seen. He also spun some interesting tales about the scholars at whose feet he sat. Some were known to the Elves. Cyrellai sat eating, listening and watching Jaascin. She realized he seemed completely relaxed, yet she got the feeling that he didn’t miss a thing that was going on.

After breakfast, they took their leave of the group. Cyrellai asked Jaascin if he would like to wander through the gardens. Jaascin immediately agreed. He was happy to find it would only be the two of them.

As they began to wander the garden paths, Jaascin turned to Cyrellai. “It seems my penance has grown even greater.”

Cyrellai looked at him questioningly.

Jaascin continued, “It was obvious that you enjoy an even higher rank than most if not all of those young people. I now get the impression that your father is at least equal in rank to the Prince. I seemed to have again been presumptive in my facetious remark that I would not feel it would be unfair to try to seduce you.”

Cyrellai had a dangerously beguiling smile on her face. “I don’t think for a moment that you meant that remark to be facetious. I think you meant every word of it. And to answer your question, my father is the Prince of the northern area of our land. To some that would make him somewhat more powerful. However the Prince and my father are very, very good friends.”

Jaascin rolled his eyes skyward in horror.

Cyrellai began to laugh. “Does that mean that you hoped to travel through our lands to the north?”

“I was hoping to get permission to do that. I want to reach the lands of the Kingdom to the north of your lands,” Jaascin admitted. “I am seeking a friend who went that way several years ago.”

“Was that going to be one of your requests you said could easily be met? What were the others?” Cyrellai asked looking intently at Jaascin now.

“I was hoping to acquire two of your vaunted Elven horses so I would be able to change off horses and use the others to carry my possessions.”

“Are you not planning to ask for some gold and jewels?” asked Cyrellai.

“I had hoped to be offered a small amount of gold so I could afford to stay at some of the better inns as I traveled,” Jaascin admitted. Then he added with a smile, “I’m getting accustomed to fine accommodations and fine food. It would be nice if I were able to continue to enjoy that for a while after I leave this forest.”

Cyrellai looked at him interestedly, “I am sure the life of the Princess would command much more in reward than a small amount of gold.”

Jaascin spread his hands, “I would be more than willing to leave that up to the Prince. I am not greedy.” Then Jaascin smiled, “Especially after how I am being spoiled during my stay here.”

“You really are not at all demanding. In fact you are not even taking advantage of all the possibilities.” Cyrellai said with a sly smile.

“If you mean the young ladies who attend me, I have already given my reasons.”

“I wasn’t only referring to them,” replied Cyrellai raising her eyebrows at Jaascin.

“Careful, young lady, I already warned you once. You are very attractive and very charming. I may not be able to resist much longer. Especially if you continue to be my guide.”

Cyrellai smiled thoughtfully and then changed the direction of the conversation. “Those were wonderful fables you spun about your travels and the exotic places you have visited.”

“You are not sure you believe my tales?” Jaascin asked, trying to sound hurt by her doubting his truthfulness.

“Oh, I am sure there was some truth in all of them. However I would not be willing to accept them all at face value,” was Cyrellai’s reply.

“You wound me deeply,” said Jaascin trying to sound deeply wounded but not succeeding very well. Cyrellai laughed rather delightedly, then leaned over and kissed him on the cheek.

She looked sideways at him, raised her eyebrows and said, “I am beginning to like you. However, that does not mean any less of a penance will be demanded of you.”

“I am awaiting my fate, beautiful lady.”

Cyrellai laughed, “You know you do have the manners of a noble. As far as your background is concerned, I am not sure I want to demand the truth from you. I suspect I may rather accept what tale you might want to spin.”

“I do not and never have, claimed to be of noble birth. Nor do I claim to you that all my past actions have been above reproach. The rest you will have to take on faith. One other thing I will swear, and that is that I will never knowingly do anything that will in anyway harm you.”

Cyrellai looked at him thoughtfully. “I never had any doubt of that. I do think that you are really more honorable than you are willing to claim.” Then she got a sly smile on her face, “As far as seduction is concerned, how do you know I might not be the seducer.”

Jaascin looked at her, “You are a very surprising young woman. I am never quite sure how I should take you. I would say you definitely are not a traditional type Elven princess. At least as far my experience goes. Which is non-existent, as far as Elven princesses are concerned. I will say I am enjoying your company very much.”

“In other words, that I am not typical and am surprising does nothing to decrease your enjoyment of my company.”

“On the contrary,” Jaascin replied, “rather it increases it.”

Cyrellai took Jaascin on a complete tour of the gardens. They then returned to the room where the young woman was laying. The mage was there.

“It seems she is continuing to slowly relax and become less rigid,” the mage said to Jaascin.

“Good. Everything seems to be progressing as it should,” Jaascin told the mage. He continued to be very thoughtful in any of his discussions of the young lady’s condition. He knew it gave him a more serious mien and would make him look more knowledgeable.

“Later today I will repeat the treatment I first used. That will continue the progress and possibly slightly increase the speed of her recovery.” Then turning to the woman seated beside the bed Jaascin said, “Get word to me the minute she begins to open her eyes. We must make sure her eyes are protected for several days after that.” He said it not as an order but as a request.

Then the mage asked with a smile, “And when will it be that we should have the right person available for her to see.” Apparently the Prince had told the mage what Jaascin had said regarding this.

Jaascin smiled then thoughtfully replied, “The morning of the third day after she first opens her eyes. That should begin the critical time. Hopefully that person will be patient. I would not presume to predict the exact time of the phenomena, if it truly does occur. If it is to occur, however, it will be sometime that morning.” The mage nodded his head in understanding. He did not question Jaascin’s knowledge of the situation. Jaascin had indicated that this would be a necessary precaution in case this phenomenon was really true.

After checking the young woman, Jaascin and Cyrellai left the room. They headed in the direction of Jaascin’s room. As they walked down the corridor, Cyrellai turned to Jaascin and in an innocent voice asked, “And who do you see when you awake in the morning?”

“A vision of a beautiful although wayward Elven princess,” Jaascin immediately answered with a smile. He knew that was the answer she wished to hear.

He got a lovely smile in return. “And who might that be, I wonder,” Cyrellai mused.

Cyrellai left him at the door to his room and continued down the palace corridor. Jaascin thoughtfully watched her for a moment, then entered his room. He found another of his books, seated himself in a chair beside a window and began to read. After a lunch, which was to be served to him in his room, Cyrellai promised to take him for a ride out into the forest. They would return in time for Jaascin to treat the patient again and then they were to join the Prince and his family for dinner.

Chapter Two

The ride was a very pleasant one through a beautiful forest. Jaascin carefully noted where they went and asked questions of Cyrellai as they rode. He not only filed away in his mind, what he saw, but also her answers to his questions. He might need this information in the future. He marveled at the beauty of this forest. He had been in many forests in his years of wandering. He had never seen any so beautiful or so peaceful. Even in the shade, there was a silvery light that seemed to dispel any deep shadows. He vaguely remembered being in an Elven Forest before. He was so young at that time, he remembered very little of its beauty.

To Cyrellai, he seemed perfectly relaxed and just enjoying the ride. They saw many animals and beautiful birds during their ride. They returned in time for Jaascin to treat the young woman again. Cyrellai assisted him along with the mage and the girl’s mother.

Jaascin returned to his room for a short time after which Cyrellai came to take him to have dinner with the Prince and Princess. Jaascin inwardly smiled at how he was being treated. He had never been treated quite like this before.

Jaascin was again seated near the head of the table with Cyrellai beside him. Jaascin was asked about some of the countries he had visited. His descriptions were detailed discussions of the customs of the country and something about the people who lived there. Jaascin enjoyed doing this and was an expert at playing to his audience. He had become a great storyteller.

During the dinner, when there was a lull in the conversation, Jaascin leaned over to Cyrellai and quietly said, “I could grow used to this.”

Cyrellai looked at Jaascin and quietly asked, “You mean dining with the Prince?”

“No,” answered Jaascin, with a shake of his head, “I mean dining with you beside me.” Cyrellai just gave him a lovely smile but said nothing. Jaascin wasn’t sure how she interpreted that statement, although she seemed obviously pleased.

The next morning, Jaascin and Cyrellai again had breakfast with the younger members of the court. They then spent the morning wandering through the city. It was fascinating to Jaascin to see how this Elven city, was different from, yet similar to other cities he had visited. It looked like it had been just fresh washed with rain, but no water stood in puddles. Everywhere grew the beautiful silvery trees and flowers. It was a wonderfully cheerful sight.

They stopped at an inn to have lunch. It was one Cyrellai was very familiar with. Several friends of Cyrellai were also dining there. She again introduced Jaascin as Sir Jaascin Wanilain, a learned scholar, mage and healer from the east. She said it, of course, as if he was a very important scholar, mage and healer. He was looked over with great interest. Stories of this mysterious man had circulated through the city. However, she saw to it that they dined alone.

After they returned and Jaascin looked in on the patient, Jaascin retired to his room. He had been reading for several hours when there was a knock on his door. An Elf informed him that the young woman had briefly opened her eyes. It was a very slow movement.

Jaascin immediately went to the room. He checked her over and then sat down beside the bed. A little while later, her eyes flickered open a fraction again, then slowly closed. Jaascin turned to the Elf standing there and asked him something. The Elf’s reply seemed to satisfy Jaascin and he said something to him. The Elf immediately left the room.

Jaascin then noticed the Cyrellai was standing in the room. She smiled at him. He smiled back.

“I have asked for some light cloth with which we can protect her eyes. I was told they have some almost transparent cloth that might do. If that is true, it would be perfect. We could then protect her eyes, yet be able to observe how far and how quickly she can open them.”

“Then the morning of the second day we must have the right person to greet her when she opens her eyes that morning,” Cyrellai questioned.

“And have that person in position all morning to be absolutely sure,” Jaascin added. He was still not positive, if that phenomenon would occur, or exactly when, if it did. However, he felt it best not to take a chance in case it proved to be true. Besides the Prince and Princess thought highly of him because he was insisting that this should be done.

“Tonight I will make sure that everything will be ready,” Cyrellai told him.

The cloth was brought into the room and Jaascin inspected it. It would serve very well. He cut several pieces from the cloth, then removing the covering from the table, created sorcerer’s fire in the dish on the table. He took four of the pieces of cloth and waved them over the fire. The flame seemed to rise to just touch the cloth. This made the cloth even more transparent as well as a better protection for the young woman’s eyes. He handed them to the woman seated beside the bed and gave her very specific instructions. When Jaascin looked up, he noticed the mother was standing watching and listening to him.

“She is making progress?” she asked.

“She seems to be making good progress,” agreed Jaascin, sounding cautiously hopeful. “This is as it should be. I am becoming very hopeful.”

“We would like you to know that we would be very pleased to have you stay with us for a while after our daughter is cured,” she told Jaascin. Jaascin was momentarily surprised, but pleased at this. He would then be able to enjoy this luxury for a while longer.

Jaascin smiled his thanks. “I will think on your very kind invitation,” Jaascin told her. Jaascin thought he might take her up on that invitation. He really was not in a great hurry to continue his trek northward. He had never lived in this kind of luxury before. He found he rather enjoyed it. He really did not know exactly where he was going. He only had a general idea of where his friend might be. He was sure he would not enjoy this type of luxury after he left the forest.

After checking on the young woman again, Jaascin left the room. Cyrellai followed him out. She started walking with him back toward his room.

“I would be pleased if you stayed for a while.”

“Are you sure that would be in your best interests. I would not have a patient to command my attention. I might easily become overly attentive to you.”

“That would cause no problem for me, that I can think of,” Cyrellia assured him. “We are not talking about a long time. Then we can bid each other a fond goodbye. You will be allowed to return when your wanderings bring you back this way.”

“You are saying that I will be allowed to return and enter your land.”

“I know that privilege will be provided to you when you leave,” Cyrellia stated.

“Are you also saying that you would welcome my return?”

“I am sure that is a very good possibility,” she answered with a smile.

Jaascin returned to his room to do some more reading from the books he had brought with him. He was trying to refresh his memories on the arts of the sorcerers, mages and healers. If used right, he knew he could use these powers so he could continue to travel in relative comfort most of the time. He was sure he would have the money to stay at the better Inns when he left the forest. He also would have the clothes to make him look like he might be a noble. It might also bring him into contact with other women as interesting as Cyrellai.

As he walked through the corridors of the palace, it was obvious the mood had changed in the palace. When he first came, the Elven music heard throughout the corridors had been dark and sad. Now it was beginning to resume its beautiful silvery peal, like tiny bells floating airily through the corridors. Jaascin marveled at this music. It seemed to come from everywhere.

That evening Cyrellai was going to take him on a tour of this Elven city at night. They planned to dine at an inn where Cyrellai said all kinds of interesting people gathered.

It proved to be a very interesting evening. One, that provided Jaascin with much very valuable information. He was becoming fluent in the Elven language. Cyrellai noted he had the facility to direct the conversation. She marveled at how easily he seemed to do this. He was able to do this without anyone suspecting what he was doing.

They did not get back into the palace until very, very late. He did not wake up until later in the morning. He was served breakfast in his room. He went to check on his patient. He was told that she had again started to open her eyes this morning. She was becoming much less rigid and had even begun to move her fingers. Jaascin examined the young woman and observed her for a while. He also talked to the women who had been with her.

He then left the room. He decided to walk out in the garden to think. Cyrellai kept impinging on his thoughts. If only she weren’t an Elf and a Princess. For someone like her, he might just consider settling down. She was an unusual person. He did not remember encountering anyone quite like her before in his travels. Of course he had never been in quite this same situation before.

As he started to walk into the garden, a voice startled him out of his reverie. “Are you fleeing from me?”

He turned to see Cyrellai coming toward him. She was in a beautiful flowing gown. Jaascin realized she was not just attractive, she was actually very beautiful. She had a very lovely smile on her lips.

With a bow to her, Jaascin said, “You are especially attractive this morning.” Then he added in answer to her question, “I could never flee from you. You keep cropping up in my thoughts.”

“Is that good or bad?”

“I have never thought of it in that way. I do not find myself unhappy about that situation. You are very easy to look at and very enjoyable to be with.”

Cyrellai smiled at Jaascin as she came up to him, “You have the talents of a very good diplomat, the knowledge of a scholar, and the charm of a courtier. You could be very dangerous. Especially if you are also good with those swords and daggers you carry in your baggage.”

Jaascin eyes showed alarm and he became very serious, “Never, ever touch them. They are cursed. The jewels in the handles are very beautiful, but very deadly. No one can use them but me. They were given to me by a very, very powerful sorcerer. He warned me that anyone else who touched them could die a horrible death.”

Cyrellia was apologetic. “I did not see them. The mage told me you had them. He also told me that no one was to touch them. He knew, they had an energy of their own. He also said, you had given him a friendly warning that anyone touching them would be badly hurt. He said you did not want that to happen.”

Jaascin relaxed. “I am sorry I reacted so strongly. I did not want you hurt.” He was about to go on, but changed his mind. He decided to say more at the moment would be a mistake. She was an Elven Princess and he would be gone as soon as the young woman was cured and he could get the things he needed to continue on his trek.

Luckily, Cyrellai changed the subject. “I have arranged so that the right person will be there for the Princess to see when she opens her eyes in the morning.” Then a thought struck her, “How will we know she has seen him?”

Jaascin was in serious thought for a few minutes. He tried to remember what he had heard about other times this phenomenon had reportedly occurred.

“She will try to utter his name. It will be a slow struggle for her. It will be the first words she will speak.” He said this all slowly, hesitating between each sentence, as if bringing it up from the depths of his mind.

Cyrellai looked intently at Jaascin as he spoke. How does he know these things she thought. He has been right each time so far. He is a very intriguing and very mysterious man. But he does not act mysterious. And he claims not to be. He seems not to know how much knowledge and power he has. Or he claims not to know. The Elves that first saw him said he did not claim to be either a healer or a sorcerer. He just said he might be able to help without claiming any special powers. But he had the powers of both a sorcerer and a healer. The mage was sure Jaascin has both great knowledge and great power. He did not think Jaascin realized what great power he really had. The mage did not think that was important to Jaascin. This made Jaascin even more intriguing to Cyrellai. She knew of no other man like him. Most men wanted everyone to know if they had great power.

Cyrellai slipped her arm through Jaascin’s. Then she gently steered him into a bower in the center of the park and to a bench almost entirely surrounded by a tall hedge. She sat down and patted the place beside her.

“My aunt thinks you are part elf. In your stories, you briefly mentioned your father, but never your mother.”

Jaascin was silent for a minute before answering.

“I never knew my mother. She died when I was born, according to my father. He never told me anything about her.” Jaascin told her. There was a note of sorrow in his voice. “He never mentioned anything about any other family. It was only the two of us. He died when I was about ten. I was on my own from then on.”

“And that is why you wander?”

Jaascin’s face lit up in a small smile. “That is one of my best excuses,” he said. Cyrellai smiled. He refused to be pinned down. She wondered what secrets there were in his past. What beautiful and exotic women had he made love with? Although he professed to be only a common wanderer, he had the natural charm of a courtier. He had the polished manners of a very educated noble. Although he looked rough-hewn when he first came, he had the instinctive manners of a gentleman.

Her aunt was right in her evaluation. He was a very honorable man. But he had the wariness of a man who faced great danger. She wondered if he was dangerous to know, and if so how dangerous. Cyrellai was becoming very intrigued with this mystery man. Even in his stories about his travels, he had revealed practically nothing about himself. That he had traveled widely, she was sure was true. That he sat at the feet of great scholars, and learned much from them, she was sure was also true. That he was highly intelligent and a very good student was obvious. He had proven that in the short time he had been here attending the Princess.

They sat and talked about the Princess lying on the bed upstairs. Cyrellai told Jaascin some things about her. She also told him about her people, the Elves, and their land, which many, felt was enchanted. Jaascin knew some of this. There was apparently a King. The Princes, like Cyrellai’s father had responsibility over certain areas of the forest. They were a very prosperous and well-ruled people.

They joined a group of young people for lunch and then they returned to look in on the patient. Jaascin told the persons in the room that he was now sure that tomorrow morning she would begin to recognize people and try to speak. This news raised everyone’s hopes. It would be a big step in her recovery. Everyone now was sure that she would be completely cured.

When Jaascin and Cyrellai left the room, Cyrellai asked, “How do you know this. You do speak as if you know this is true.”

“I do know it,” Jaascin answered positively. “I cannot explain how I know it, but I am positive I am right. You will have to trust me.”

Cyrellai smiled, “I do trust you, but I don’t know why. I cannot bring myself not to trust you.”

Jaascin got very serious. “That is very dangerous. You know very little about me. All you know is that I have somehow been able to begin to cure a good friend, to whom you are obviously very close. You could be thinking with your heart and not your mind.”

“And if you feel it could be dangerous, why are you warning me?”

“Because I have begun to like you very much. I do not want you to get hurt in any way.”

Cyrellai looked intently at Jaascin. Then with a smile she said, “We will continue this discussion later.” Then she turned and walked away. Jaascin watched her go and then continued on to his room.

He found one of his books and began studying it. One of the sons of the Prince came to take him to dinner. Cyrellai was not present. Jaascin wondered if he had done something to offend her. He did not think he had. He didn’t remember her being anything but friendly. He realized he missed her. After dinner, he returned to his room to again read from his books. Later the young women came as usual and drew his bath. They quickly dried him and then disappeared.

He turned toward the bed. Cyrellai was standing in front of him with a beguiling smile on her face. She let the garment she was wearing slip off of her and down to the floor. She was nude. Jaascin could not take his eyes off of her. She was beautiful.

“Your father will have my head,” was all he could say. Then he added with a smile, “But I will die happy.”

Cyrellai laughed as she moved into his arms and kissed him.

“You need not worry about that. I told my aunt I was going to seduce you. She just laughed and said I wondered when you would decide to do that.”

“Your father may not see it in the same light. He may feel I have destroyed your good name.”

Cyrellai shook her head. “We elves live for a very long time. We are allowed a trial or two to make sure we are compatible. I have not yet exercised that right.”

“But I am not an Elf,” Jaascin said.

“The mage said you are attuned to the Elven magic in our forest. Only someone with Elven blood in him would be able to do that. You speak the language like one of us, and your eyes are Elven. My aunt is positive.” Then with a beguiling smile she asked. “Are we going to stand around here all night discussing this. We can talk about this again in the morning.”

As they slipped into bed, Jaascin accused her, “You are not going to allow me to seduce you.”

As Cyrellai slipped into his arms and kissed him passionately, she said softly, “You already have.”

They slept late the next morning. Jaascin was reluctant to wake her. As he was looking at her she opened her eyes, smiled at him and said, “I am going to accompany you north to my parent’s house. I am going to introduce you to them before I allow you to go on your way. My mother and father will welcome you with open arms.”

“You mean with his hands around my neck.”

Cyrellai laughed as she slid out of bed. She reached back for his hand and pulled him out of bed and then led him to the bath. Jaasin looked horrified. The young women had been in to draw the bath while Cyrellai was in bed with him. Cyrellai laughed again.

“I wanted to establish my claim on you. What better way than to have your attendants see me in bed with you. Now come on. We will want to have breakfast before we look in on your patient. That will give her time to wake and look fondly upon her betrothed.”

Jaascin looked at her in disbelief. She seemed determined to have everyone know she spent the night with him. He then said, “Aren’t you betrothed also?”

Cyrellai smiled. “No,” she answered positively, “I have yet to find the one with whom I want to spend the rest of the my life.”

Jaascin smiled back at her. “When you do, please send me word so I will not return here and seek you out.”

“Oh I intend to keep you as my lover. I am entitled to have one, especially seeing as I will probably outlive you by many years.”

“I can see the bounty he will put on my head, if he thinks I will return to claim you for a while.”

“No Elf would ever do that because of who you are. He would be disgraced and banned from the forest. Especially as you will be guaranteed safe passage and hospitality for as long as you live. You forget, you saved a Princess from a fate worse than death.”

“And condemned another Princess to a fate worse than death.”

Cyrellai laughed. “You refuse to see it as we Elves do. You have done nothing wrong. I have done nothing wrong.”

They finished their bath. Then Jaascin noticed that new clothes had been laid out for Cyrellai also. He threw up his hands in helpless surrender. Cyrellai laughed rather delightedly at his actions. After dressing, Cyrellai led him toward the room where the Prince and his family would be eating.

As they came into the room, her aunt smiled at the two of them and said, “I hope you slept well. It is well that we looked in on our daughter briefly before we came to have breakfast. The two of you might have missed breakfast.”

Cyrellai smiled and said, “Then he would have had to put up with just me to plague him at breakfast.”

“A fate worse than death?” questioned the Prince with a smile.

“I am sure I could think of much worse fates than that,” said Jaascin keeping a solemn face and trying to sound thoughtful yet not totally sure.

“Your penance grows by leaps and bounds,” said Cyrellai with a toss of her head.

The Princess looked questioningly at them. It was Jaascin who enlightened her.

“I made some very wrong assumptions about Cyrellai when I first came. Cyrellai unfortunately was quick to realize this. I abjectly apologized, but she refused to accept my apologies, contending rather that she would inform me of the penance required at a later date. She has seen fit to merely continue to hint at dire penance’s to be required of me.”

“Cyrellai,” admonished her aunt but with a broad smile, “How could you treat him like that.”

“Well in the meantime I do give him the pleasure of my company,” Cyrellai protested.

Then her aunt, changing the direction of the conversation, looked at Jaascin and said, “You were right to warn us to make sure our daughter saw the right person when she awoke this morning. She slowly smiled when she saw her betrothed at the foot of the bed when she awoke. As you said, she tried hard to say his name, succeeding after a short time and quite a bit of effort. After that, the words seem to come more easily although still very slowly.”

“We don’t know how to adequately thank you for giving our daughter back to us,” the Prince added. “The King has said we should be sure and reward you adequately.”

Jaascin became thoughtful. “We have not yet totally cured your daughter, although I am now confident that it is only a matter of time. My requirements, as I have told Cyrellai, are relatively simple. First I would like