* * * * *The two dryads sat at a picnic table next to a refreshment stand at theedge of the Sheep Meadow, a broad open space, named for its original u...e.They didn't need human food. They lived on energy they got from theirtrees, but strawberry milkshakes superseded such trivialities."So tell me, Laurel," Daphne said, taking a break. Dryads _did_ get icecream headaches. "What started you off against Ned Thaler, anyway?"Laurel looked down at her own shake. "I'd rather not say." I don't care what. I was heartened and relieved as I saw, and heard, just how nervous Jill also was. t would have really freaked me out if she’d have been cool and composed. For several long moments, Jill was incapable of giving me an answer. She just looked at me, like me slightly trembling and wondering what to say.Finally, she spoke. “Honey, yes, I guess we are having this conversation. For real. But that doesn’t mean we have to do anything that either of us is uncomfortable with. That we don’t want to do.. Jenny laughed delightedly. "I certainly won't forget now," she said. "What can I get you both to drink?" Have you got some of that German pilsner that's low on sugar. It's the only thing I drink and now I can't remember its name." Hundred lines," said Drew."You hush," said Ninette with a grin.Jenny looked questioningly at Gavin who produced a bottle from one of the coolers and held it up."That's it," exclaimed Ninette."Ninette's a very pretty name. Was one or both of your parents French?" No.. She asked, “Were there many long pauses without conversation? Did you hog the conversation?”“No. She told me about her family. They seem to be rather close knit. A couple of weeks ago, she visited her cousin out in the country. Her cousin came out here to visit for a couple of weeks,” Dan said. He actually thought it was interesting that the parents sent their kids to visit their cousins while they went on a vacation trip.“You talked about family?”“Among other things,” Dan answered with a.