I looked around my cubicle to see what she had left, but I didn't find everything, and all of the papers on my desk were just as I had left them. When...I left for lunch, I passed Nell's desk and complimented her on her outfit, saying something like "it really flatters you." She looked at me oddly, then smiled and said "And you know all about flattery, don't you, Ron?" Then she flashed her winning smile at me and I walked out the door thinking about long legs under a dark green skirt.I went to. The huntsman told the elf maiden how much he admired her because of all the things he’d seen her do, and that he cared about her very much and wanted to be with her forever. The elf maiden, in turn, had grown to care deeply about the huntsman. Ever since he’d spared the deer, she’d seen the good in him and her feelings had only grown the more she’d gotten to know him. It didn’t hurt that the huntsman was also rather good-looking, even by elfin standards.’ Her father paused to run his fingers. About playing with the kids, I mean.”“Oh. That is serious.”“Yeah.” He paused and looked into her eyes, which were surprisingly calm. “And I’m not handling it well.”Beth clasped her hands together. “Do you want to tell me what happened?”“Kara and Victor were in town. He had an interview for a residency. We were celebrating and, well, we weren’t feeling any pain, if you know what I mean. In hindsight I probably shouldn’t have drunk so much.”She nodded. “We’ve all done that.”“So, we all ended up. “You know, I might be able to help,” he said, unfolding a blanket and arranging it over her knees, making sure to tuck it up around her waist. “I just want you to close your eyes and relax as best you can. I’m going to talk to you and while I do, I’d like you to count down from ten to one. Sound okay?” Mattie nodded and wriggled in her seat to get more comfortable. She sighed as she felt Simon’s hand on her leg, sliding up her thigh under the blanket. “Okay, when I start talking, you start.