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Initially bewildered at the purelytheoretically impossible without mechanical components to supplement etheric forces-, Mericlou watched as Mr Neska dictated the day's news At first, it was all fairly routine reports and weather, but as the half-hour drew to a close, one specific section began that invoked her undivided attention

It was a special report on interracial relationships

Though brief and very to the point with the tis that accompanied humans or elves that announced their romantic involvement with one of the other race: rejection and ridicule by family and friends, ostracisether

In the last few ated It was the question about whether or not elves had forged any roht there, was the crux: the point that one on today; for in those closing minutes she and Aldrec wereA disclaimer stated that their romantic involvement was unconfirmed, but a series of street intervieith people -hborhood- showed how appalled they were at such a thing

She would not have cared one whit for the report -her relationship with Aldrec was, after all, no one else's concern- had it not been for the fact that Alaeave his closing words, Aldrec broke the spell, and the ie vanished

"I recorded it earlier this afternoon," Aldrec said quietly "I guess I should tell you that this hat I had feared for a long time"

"Alaema" Mericlou said in a quiet, almost monotone voice

"Excuse me?"

"Alae several tihtening change had cohtly, and her tense fists shook Her usually soft a with disquieting flame

"Alaema … I can't believe she … why?" Mericlou said, voice and body tre

"Tulyr …?" Aldrec ventured to say And then he was nearly knocked off of his feet by Mericlou's scream

"WHY IN THE NAME OF ALL THAT IS HOLY DID SHE DO THIS?"

Her fists flailed into the air, nearly connecting with Aldrec's jaw

And then, as if all the wind and life were taken from her in that one hideous rant, Mericlou collapsed to the floor

Aldrec knelt down beside her The same as when they first met, he placed an arm around her shoulder as she sat there and simply cried They were not helpless, desperate wails, but a simple, bitter, sorrowful cry: quiet and reserved