(BEST VIEWED FULL SIZE!) Her past few weeks with Galen were among the happiest Aranée had ever known. But the snow was beginning to melt and trees were beginning to bud, signaling the impending return of warmer weather. And with the change came a nervous restlessness within her, a chafing - a strong desire to return to her homelands and to gain access to the crumbling fortress. Galen, always perceptive to her moods, suggested they take a trip to the river to assess when it might be passable. He suggested a particular high overlook and falls that would allow a good view of a vast expanse of the river, and she readily agreed. They stood arm-in-arm as she wistfully viewed the roaring cascade. "It will be four to six weeks before we can even attempt to ford this." Galen nodded in thoughtful agreement. "Yes, agreed. But why so glum? We now have a timeframe for Lord Jobil's expedition." She perked up. "Yes, I hadn't thought of that. I can use this time to raise a party and provision it." Galen laughed. "I'm afraid that will not be necessary. Since your deal with Lord Jobil was first made public, there has been no end of volunteers from among his soldiers and palace guard. Jobil says if he granted every request he would be left with maybe two-dozen slackers to guard his lands - and he was only slightly exaggerating! In fact, he has already selected five of his very best to go with us. One of them is an excellent planner and is already well along in his efforts." She looked at him in genuine amazement. "Really? I had no idea." She considered this and then settled into a crestfallen expression. "So, the time will pass ever so slowly - there is little for me to do but wait." In apparent non sequitur, Galen gestured at the scenery. "Aranée, don't you think it is beautiful up here?" Taken aback at the abrupt change of topic, she looked around her at the rugged granite vista, the thundering cataract, and rainbow-laden mist. "Why, yes, it is really quite lovely here, breathtaking even." A small playful smile flickered on his face. "Would you say it is even 'memorable'?" An eyebrow raised in growing puzzlement and suspicion, she slowly replied. "Why, yes I think it could be. Galen, just what are you up to?" Galen responded with an embrace and a kiss on her forehead. As he held her, he said in a soft voice, "Then it is perfect. I sincerely hope we have a great deal to plan for... many, many thoughts to occupy us in the coming weeks." He took a deep breath. "We haven't known each other long, yet it is as if we have known each other forever." He gently held her inquiring face in his hands and looked deeply into her eyes. "Aranée D'mere, will you do me the great honor... of marrying me?" --- TO BE CONTINUED! View episodes in sequence for the entire story. I could have turned this out much quicker using Daz Studio, but I don't think it would have turned out as well. What took me so long on this one was using Carrara's terrain building tools. No postwork on this scene except the logo! And so, I continue the C7 learning curve... PLEASE leave your comments or criticisms - your words keep me going! Image and story © 2010 by Larry Hodge