Gamba and Esta paused, dripping, by the study. The Study Guard was nearby, but he studiously looked straight ahead.
"Aren't you going to walk me all the way to Elder Tura's alcove?"
"Yes, " Gamba replied, "But I'm going to kiss you here, not there."
She smiled, and returned his kiss, and the ones that followed it; Gamba was tempted to hold her all night. He finally let go of her, and they walked towards Elder Tura's alcove.
He said goodnight to her ouside the alcove, wondering why it was so quiet within. As he walked away, he heard the ring of steel. He thought, Tuka, be careful; you shouldn't be sharpening blades here.
Then he heard Tuka's voice, and he jumped and turned; Tuka was angry, and voices were hushing him.
The selection.
Who was it?
He saw the guards on their way out of the main cave, and then he saw who they were escorting.
It was Esta.
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...down to the water to see the elves dance and sing upon the midsummer's eve.
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