So you say...

  "So, Thal, when are we going to talk about the elephant in the room?"

  Thalion spun quickly around to face his best friend, Eldrin Sylvaris, easily identified in spite of his mask by his deep green eyes.

  "What are you talking about, El?"

  "You know. Lyrielle.  Over there, busy as a bee dancing with Kaelthas, who looks as happy as a dog with two tails about it.  Don't tell me you hadn't noticed them.  You haven't taken your eyes off her since you came in."

  "Where do you come up with these weird phrases?"

  "Oh, um, well, you know.  That book I found.  Beyond the forest's edge.  Near the humans."

  "What?!  Are you crazy, El?  You know we are forbidden to go beyond the trees!  What if the Elders caught you?"

  "Suddenly you are chicken hearted, now?  Mr. Brave as a lion for Lyri, but secretly terrified to have a real adventure?"

  "That's not the same thing.  You know that if one of us was caught by a human, it could mean the end of all of us.  Lyri does need someone who will protect her from Kael.  He's a wolf in sheep's clothing, and a dangerous!"

  "Ha! Guess I'm rubbing off on you now, Thal!"

  "I'm serious, El.  It's too dangerous for you to venture out that far."

  Eldrin glanced over Thalion's shoulder and whispered loudly before disappearing into the crowd behind him.

  "Incoming!"

For all your Midsummer's ball gowns,
visit Cinderella's Formals
on the corner of Oak and Pine!

  Thal turned to see Kael and Lyri approaching him, but it was too late for him to disappear.  Lyri's eyes were smiling at him even though he couldn't see the smile on her face, and he knew if he left now he'd have to answer to her later about why.

  "Well, well, well.  If it isn't my old pal Thal."  Kael threw an arm around Thal's shoulders in more of a bear hug than a friend hug, and Thal knew that it wasn't meant as a friendly greeting.

  "Hello, Kael.  Lyri."

  "My best girl, Lyri, here was just telling me I should hang out with you more often, Thal.  Seems you might have some character traits she wants to rub off on me.  What do you say to that, buddy?"

  Thalion stood quietly, unsure of how to respond.  If he said what he really wanted to say, he'd likely get punched in the face if not immediately then the next time Kael found him alone in the forest.  But if he said nothing, then he had a feeling that Lyri would be disappointed in him.

  "Cat got your tongue, Thal?"

  Thal slowly turned his head to meet Kael's stare.  So, there it was.  Kael's threat.  He knew El had been leaving the forest, and was threatening to turn him in to the Elders if Thal didn't play along with whatever game this was.

  "Not at all, Kael.  I've just been watching the two of you having a whale of a time out there on the dance floor.  But I don't usually give dance lessons to guys, especially someone as in need of them like yourself.  It's a good thing my mask covered my tears because I was laughing so hard watching you move like you had ants in your pants.  I tell you what I will do, tho.  I see Elder Elowen Sableleaf over there in the corner waiting for someone to ask her to dance.  Why don't I escort Lyri to get some punch, and you can ask Miss Elowen to dance so she can show you how it should be done?"

  With that he quickly grabbed Lyri's hand and pulled her into the crowd by the refreshment tables, leaving Kael standing flabbergasted on the edge of the dancefloor.  He knew he'd have to be extra careful now to avoid Kael in the near, and far, future because he had just guaranteed himself a punch in the face.  But it was so worth it to see the shock in Kael's eyes.

~*~*~

Joining again this week for the fun of Words for Wednesday, found this month on Elephant's Child's blog.