The crystal sphere caught the sunlight as it rolled down the slope and the springtime rays reflected back tiny prisms of color on the little girl's face and white dress. Emma Dyani Jonas giggled with joy and toddled after it.
Kylie sat upon the front porch swing and watched her daughter. A worn tenderness gathered about the young woman's eyes, finding a quiet, maternal pleasure in Emma's innocent pursuit. And to think the magic had yet to be invoked upon the sphere; Emma would be thrilled when she learned the ball would return to her if she beckoned it. Bandit and Brave were right there alongside the girl, the Sresar Vale moorhounds puppies no longer - their shoulders met the height of Emma's lithe shoulders. They energetically took turns nudging the magical sphere with their noses, pushing it further along. Down along the entrance to the grove, Kylie saw the movement of the carriage and her smile widened as she stood to call Emma. Within a few moments, the child would be enthusiastically chanting "Da-da" like an irresistible ritual lyric. "Happy first year, my sweet daughter," Kylie murmured as she swung the child up into her arms to go and greet the man they both cherished. Emma's portrait: http://islesofmyst.com/char/emma.html -- To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Archives & Other DMI Lists: http://islesofmyst.com/lists.php3
