Board Thread:Off Topic/@comment-12599067-20131012002800/@comment-11457306-20131017025737

"Excuse me," she said to Makoru and the others. "I must speak with my sister for a moment,"  she turned away from them and walked over to where Peri leaned against a boulder, trying to catch her breath.

Peri saw Torene coming and stiffened. Torene waved a hand and they were encased in a shield which warded away all sound to the outside. "Peri, tell me what you have just concluded."

Peri's heart hammered in her chest and her throat tightened. "I ain't concluded nothin', Tor.  I got no idea why you're here and I don' wanna."

Torene winced at the childhood nickname. She loathed her sister's peasant speech. She did it on purpose, to differentiate herself from her sister, who spoke in very refined ways. "You will tell me or I will fry you right here in front of the others."

"No you won't." Peri's eyes blazed. "Then you wouldn't get what you want from him."

Torene smiled and Peri clapped a hand over her mouth. Dammit--how did she do that?

"Then you have figured it out," said Torene.

"There's only one reason you'd be here," growled Peri. "Only one reason you'd go after a man.  And I know you well enough to know you don' wanna.  You're only here 'cause the old lady tol' you to."

Torene leaned menacingly down into her stepsister's face. "You say one word to anyone and I will strike you dumb.  Am I making myself clear?"

Peri pressed back against the boulder, terrified. "As crystal, Sis."

Torene nodded, satisfied. She waved her hand and the shield evaporated. She turned away, smiling pleasantly.

Peri's knees buckled and she sank to the ground.