It was almost unbearable in the heat of the close confines of those pressed within, the heavy clouds of incense adding to her misery and boredom. She ...emoved the cape to expose blonde tendrils that hung down her back, threaded with filaments of golden wire and scarlet yarn. Glancing around for some diversion, she seemed quite bored with the whole spectacle that was supposed to be paying homage to the Priest-Kings that apparently lived in the Sardar. But Karina was more apt to believe in the. Hell, the rest was easy, as one has only to use their utensils to eat the Enchiladas, Spanish rice and Refried Beans. ~~~~~~ ‘So,’ I asked Arewyn, once we were finished eating, ‘How did you like your first taste of Mexican food?’ ‘Twas wonderful, Michael,’ she smiled, ‘Ya never cease to bring a smile inta m’heart, m’love.’ ‘Me, too, Daddy,’ Izzy smiled, happy tears beginning to fill her eyes as she hopped up from her seat, only to gently throw her arms around my neck, hugging me, ‘And we love. Soonshe had most of it done except the bangs, and when she twirled them aroundthe small rollers he thought he would explode in his girdle. After she hadfinished another girl ran a cold creamy substance around his hairline withher finger, wrapped a length of cotton around his hairline over it, and hethen smelled the sweet smell of perm solution when Paris began to squirt theliquid onto each rolled up curl. He sensed he could actually feel itworking. She finished off the second bottle, replaced. It's been three days since she and Elizabeth found the brother and sister near death in the greeting anteroom. Three days, and still no sign of Whit!How she longed to feel the strength of his arms around her, the warmth of his kisses, and the fierceness of his lovemaking—but now she feared it may never happen again. The synchronization of Crossroads with Earth had come and gone—and yet again there was no signal from Whit's portal. It was clearly gone and what hope she had was quickly receding.