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"Because the language is not only shared a family," Aldrec explained, "but with those they love You are my tulyr, Mericlou My little flower"

"'Little flower …'" Mericlou tasted the words as she leaned her head gently upon his chest "I like that"

"I iine you should," Aldrec said "Your naht?

"Yes, it does"

For however negative the words you use to describe your foriven you a beautiful na flowers start out se?"

"I'd like that," Mericlou replied

With eyes closed, Mericlou listened in one ear to the sound of her love's heartbeat … and to the shrill chirping of crickets and low quacking of nearby faest ti each other, and cherishing this night that would sooner or later have to end

Suddenly, Mericlou felt so hit her cheek

It happened again … …And then again on her forehead

She opened her eyes, and thenat whatever had landed there She then brought it into her field of vision to see

It was a tear

She tilted her head upwards, towards Aldrec's face

Though his expression was tender and loving as he looked doards her, two streams of tears lined the side of his face, and dripped down the edge of his chin

Another tear hit her on the nose And before she could wipe it off, he did "I'," Mericlou said, reaching up to wipe the tears away from his chin "Why?"

"It was just ahis head "Don't worry about it"

"Aldrec, you never cry," Mericlou replied flatly "Please tell ? I don't want to see you sad"

"I don't wish to see you sad either," Aldrec said, touching his hand to her cheek "But it's okay, really It's a private htened into a whisper as she said it, and the words flooded her with a fiery warmth "And I know you love me Please, I think you wouldn't need to keep secrets from me anymore"