From: cinci@tbird1.larc.nasa.gov (Debbie Taylor)
Newsgroups: alt.pub.cloven-shield,alt.dragons-inn
Subject: Re: [C&R]: Trust
Date: 7 Jan 93 14:08:21
Organization: NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton, VA
NNTP-Posting-Host: tbird1.larc.nasa.gov
In-reply-to: cinci@tbird1.larc.nasa.gov's message of 7 Jan 93 06:38:09
X-Md4-Signature: a24f9726a9bab04f9503a11f8c00b805


Chalmers and Raven took their seats at what he now considered `their' table.
The common room was already crowded but there was no sign of Jester or
Meriden.

The innkeeper, remembering Chalmers' gold coins, hurried over to take their
order.  "What can I get you, my lady, sir?"

Raven glanced once at Chalmers.  The fact that he didn't trust her really 
bothered her and she was at a loss as to what to do about it.  That it 
bothered her at all just made matters worse.  Somewhere between last night
and this afternoon, this man had gotten under her skin.  It was something
she didn't have much experience dealing with.

"My lady?"  the innkeeper interrupted he thoughts, "Your order ..." he 
prompted when she looked at him blankly.

Well at least he hasn't affected my appatite, she thought, feeling the 
pangs of hunger in her stomach.  "I'd like to start with a bowl of stew and
some hot bread and butter.  Then I'd like some of your chicken in mushroom
sause and an order of beef, very rare and whatever vegatables you are 
offering.  To drink I'll have some of your execelent ale, thanks."

"I'll have the same, except make my beef medium well and add a couple of
ham steaks to mine, ok?"

The innkeeper left the table with their considerable order for dinner.  
Chalmers couldn't see how Raven could possibly eat everything she ordered, 
but he didn't say anything.  Raven's gaze wandered around the bar, lighting
everywhere but on him.  Something's wrong, he thought to himself.  I may have
only met her last night, but I can tell that something's wrong.  What could
it be?

The innkeeper returned with their ale.  Raven thanked him politely, then 
took a long pull on hers.  She still refused to meet Chalmers' eyes.

"Raven, what's wrong?" he asked

She looked at him, for a second, he thought he saw pain in her eyes, then 
it was gone. "Nothing, why?"

"Well, you seem to be avoiding me, and that's hard to do when we're sitting
at the same table."

"Oh ..."

"So what's wrong.  If we're going to be partners we have to trust each 
other ... no secrets ..." he shrugged, "so tell me..."

"Do you trust me?"  she asked quietly

"Of course I do!  Why would you think that I didn't?"

She took out her part of the pendent, "This.  You said we needed all the 
pieces to get the money, like you thought I would take it with out your
knowing."

Chalmers stared at the pendent and then back at Raven.  "That's not it at 
all.  I wanted our money, and I expect there to be more soon, to be safe.
I trust you, but not everyone else.  If it will make you happy, I'll 
change the instructions in the morning so that it only takes two pieces."

She looked at him, a slow smile creased her lips, "No, that's alright.  Your
offer is good enough for me."

"Friends again?" Chalmers asked with a grin.

"Friends always!" Raven's smile deepened, lighting up her whole face.

:)
Newsgroups: alt.pub.cloven-shield,alt.dragons-inn