Arethin frowned at the tone with which Jack retold the story of the book to the newcomer. This was very familiar to him, this mocking voice, for he heard if often from his fellow workers. He could hear them now...oh, if they knew what he was thinking...
You find that book, Ari, you just do that. Maybe it'll cure you of your mental problems!
He scowled and folded his large arms, concentrating on Jack. Then he wiped the angry look off of his face: he wasn't upset with any of these people. Why was he scowling? Immediately he felt ashamed and tried to look pleasant and interested with Jack's retelling.
Angalos and Anuion, once the story was finished, fell into talking with Jack. Arethin added something now and then, but mainly just listened. They all seemed interested, if not completely convinced of the authenticity of this tale.
Finally, after a brief argument, Jadae announced:
"I say we go and find the book."
Arethin's heart leapt and he stared at Jadae with incredulous eyes. Surely she was joking! Though he certainly hoped not...he looked at her, tilting his head, trying to divine whether or not she was jesting. He realized that she wasn't, and his heart rate quickened.
"I agree," he said hurriedly. "I want to find the book, as well." He turned to Jadae and inclined his head, smiling gravely. How lucky he was to have met this young woman!
But he realized that once he was gone, if they did go, the talk wouldn't stop. Always knew that Ari wasn't right in the head, I did. Didn't I tell you that? Aye, since he was a lad I said that. All went wrong since he had to take care of that family--that poor woman, only with 'er youngest son, and him but a skinny tyke compared with Arethin, to care for her. Poor old woman!
Did he have the right to leave his brother the burden of caring for his mother? He shook his head to clear it of these thoughts, and waited for the others' responses.
[ January 30, 2003: Message edited by: Orual ]
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"Oh, my god! I care so little, I almost passed out!" --Dr. Cox, "Scrubs"
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