Contrary to what Seth thought, Beren and Ursala were not downstairs. Once the ice was broken a little further between their new adoptee and older 'children' - Evie and Stavros - Ursala excused herself, saying she wasn't feeling well. All of that had taken an hour or so to accomplish and in that time, she felt Gerda's arrival. Summoning Gerda was a dual-edged sword for a lot of reasons, but she'd done it mostly for Sebastian's sake and all the rest would just have to be dealt with. However one of those reasons in particular hit Ursala hard from the moment she felt Gerda arrive...and knew she was now talking to Seth. She also picked up on that little glitch in the conversation, where Gerda realized something. There was no doubt in Ursala's mind that as soon as she had the opportunity, Gerda would confront her and Beren about it. Beren had followed after her, trying to talk to her. What was wrong? "Are you alright? Ursie, look at me. Talk to me." But she she just kept walking. She only sat down when she reached her goal - the most secluded spot on their property. Beren hung back for awhile, but then came and sat beside her. She only stared out at the lake, trying to keep from crying. Only one man she'd cared about deeply in her very long life hadn't betrayed her or smashed her heart to bits. That's why he was her king and her mate. But there was another after, who had betrayed them both and everything they tried to do - in a manner of speaking. Because of who he was something had to be done about him, but giving him the final death was more than either of them could bear. Instead they put him 'to sleep' for a very long time. Finally, Ursala spoke. "You know what's wrong love." Beren allowed as how he probably did know what was wrong. An issue that had been quietly asleep for all these years was waking up and probably should be dealt with - finally. Not dealing with it hadn't been his idea. It was Ursala's...because she was afriad of what would happen when it did come to the surface. She feared the worst of it. He'd gone along with it because deep down inside he was a little afraid of what it might bring, as well. Things were already charged around there emotionally, with all that had gone on. They were bound to get even a little more intense - because Serena harbored a bitter resentment toward Gerda due to Seth's obvious attraction to her. Serena hid it fairly well, but to Beren and Ursala whose finely-honed senses and minds could read people like open books, it was plain as day. "She'll probably leave," Ursala said, finishing Beren's thoughts. "Aye. The question is - will 'e follow or stay?" Beren reached for her arm. "You know I'm here beside you - whatever comes. You know I love you more than anything, don't you? I won't make you go through this alone. I never have an' never will. I'm right beside ya darlin'." His fingers closed around her arm and she leaned into him, finally allowing herself to cry. ***** Zoom for a better view. Are the pictures smaller now or is it just me? A little more information to tantalize you and lead you on >:) Some of you may already be catching a sort of drift here. I was going to do another pic of Seth and Gerda, but Poser crashed on me. This one was already done. Oh well. It's Friday already! Seems like this week flew by. Hope you are all well and happy. Have a beautiful day/evening dear friends! Cheers, Rayvn