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Date Posted: 15:40:58 11/18/02 Mon
Author: CCCook
Subject: Re: Studs, Texas - Book Two - New segments
In reply to: CCCook 's message, "Re: Studs, Texas - Book Two - New segments" on 15:38:51 11/18/02 Mon

From Hywelis:

On the dot of the hour Duncan arrived at the entrance of the Texaroo Park. India was there, waiting for him, her ticket already in her hand together with a few informative leaflets and brochures.
- Hi… sorry for keeping you waiting. I didn't realize I was late. - he said.
- You aren't. I am the one who's a little early. So, what would you prefer to do? There's a guided tour starting in a few minutes. -
- It's up to you, but actually I'd rather we explored the park on our own. I like to be able to spend as much time as I feel like observing something, without being rushed ahead on account of some schedule. -
- That will be quite all right. - she decided - I have been given plenty of illustrative material at the ticket booth, and they told me there are rangers you can ask questions or help to around the park. -
Duncan went to the booth to purchase his own ticket, and they set out on their exploration.
There were a few visitors around the park, but the weekend rush had not begun yet, and so they were able to enjoy their surroundings in an atmosphere of peace and quietness. They both took in the beauty of the park, which truly re-created the environment to which the animals lived in. Creatures of various species roamed about, and Duncan and India stopped frequently to watch them, smiling at their antics, pointing out things to each other, talking and laughing softly and having a wonderful time.
After a long walk, they reached a rather woodsy area.
- According to this brochure, this is where the koalas dwell. - Duncan noted.
- Oh, I do hope I can see one up close.- India said - They are so cute. -
A member of the staff who was passing nearby carrying a few pieces of photographic equipment heard her remark.
- You'll have to be very quiet, madam, and then if you're lucky you can even manage to take one in your arms, if you'd like to. - he instructed her.
- Do you really think that would be possible? - India asked.
- Well, it has happened on occasions. A couple of them are quite friendly, and we have even managed to take visitors' pictures with them. They make a nice souvenir. - the man
explained - Shall we try and see if we can trick them into it? -
- Yes, please. - India agreed.
The man searched into a bag he had with him and took out a packet of fresh leaves. He handed them to Duncan.
- Take them, sir, and if a koala comes near us try and offer them to it. They love them. Just remember, no brusque movements and no talking. -
They waited in silence for one of the animals to make its appearance, and after a while they were rewarded: a young koala climbed down from a tree toward them and began to sniff curiously at Duncan's extended hand, very much interested in the offer of juicy leaves. Soon it began munching, and moving with extreme caution Duncan managed to take the animal in his arms as it continued to eat undisturbed. Copying her friend's careful movements, India reached out and took some of the leaves herself. When the koala finished those which Duncan was offering, it looked around for more and after some more sniffing it shifted toward India, so that both of them were holding it. India was bursting with excitement. She had never been that close to a wild animal, and it was an unique feeling and experience. Both she and Duncan were so comprised in the moment that their minds registered only marginally how close the contact of their bodies had become, and how their arms were positioned almost in a reciprocal embrace. The young koala finished the second handful of leaves and studied the two human beings for a moment. Both India and Duncan, sure that by now it had grown accustomed to their odor, took the chance to caress it for a moment, but soon the koala jumped out of their arms and climbed back up the tree, disappearing from their sight.
India and Duncan felt enthralled by what had just happened. They looked at each other smiling. Duncan turned to the ranger.
- Did you manage to take any pictures? - he inquired.
- I did. I shall have them developed immediately, so that you can take them on your way out. How many prints do you wish to take? -
- One will be fine for me. - India answered
- I'll take one as well. - Duncan added.
- You can pick them up at the gift shop when you are done touring the park. Which name shall I put on the envelopes, please? -
- Mackenzie. -
- And Aldrovandi. That's A-L-D… - India began, but Duncan interrupted her.
- I would like to offer this photo to you. -
India was uncertain - Well, I… thank you. - she said at last.
They thanked the ranger for his time and said goodbye, then resumed their walk.
- That was just incredible. I am so happy we managed to hold that little koala. - India remarked.
- You do love animals a lot. - Duncan noted.
- Yes, I do. I have adopted a kitten recently. Dancing Willow gave her to me. I named her Florence, because her fur is completely white, and that reminded me… -
- Dare I guess? - Duncan interrupted her playfully - It reminded you of a nurse's uniform and you named her after Florence Nightingale, didn't you? -
- Well, yes, that's how things went… but how do you know? -
- It was not a hard guess, considering your devotion to your profession. -
India gave a small laugh. - Good that you call it devotion. - she joked - Dancing Willow didn't put it so mildly at that time… she called me "one obsessed lady", as I recall. -
Duncan looked at her intently for a moment. She was even more beautiful when she laughed. It had warmed his heart to hear her do so. He felt an urge to take her hand and hold it in his, but he somehow knew that it would be wrong, that it would kill the moment, that the other, ice-cold look would resurface, freezing the warmth of her eyes, and he did not want that to happen. Whatever it was that he was beginning to feel, it would have to take the adequate time before he could let it come out in the open.
They walked a few more hundred yards in silence and then reached a tastefully structured refreshment point.
- I would like to stop for a snack. - India announced, and Duncan nodded his agreement.
They went through the menu and India marveled at an entry in the dessert section.
- Roo cookies… I wonder what they might be! - she said, amused by the definition.
- They are kangaroo-shaped sugar cookies, Madam. - the waitress who was taking their order explained.
- How lovely… I'll buy some to have for breakfast. Make that two bags, please. - India ordered.
They soon were provided with their sandwiches and India's roo cookies. This time she insisted on paying, since Duncan had already offered her the pictures, and he did not argue about it.
They were ready to leave the refreshment point when Duncan spotted a young Native American lady he was acquainted with.
- Do you mind if we have a word with her before going on? - he asked India.
- Please go ahead. - she agreed.
Duncan waved to the woman and they walked up to her.
- Hi, Rachel. - he greeted her
- Hi, Duncan. - she answered - Enjoying Stud's latest attraction, aren't you? -
- Yes, it is a beautiful place. Rachel, may I introduce Miss India Aldrovandi? India, this is Miss Rachel Stands-in-the-Wood Connors. -
- How do you do, Miss Connors. -
- Pleased to meet you. And Rachel will be just fine. -
- Rachel, I wanted to tell you that I have received your e-mail with the definitive dates of the classes, and that it is all right with me. I have already found a number of people who would like to attend. - Duncan said, then turned to India - Rachel is going to hold a course about Native American jewelry at the Center. She is a gemmologist, as well as the owner of that little shop near the Catholic Church, The Mine. -
- That must be very interesting. - India commented.
- It is a fascinating subject, even if I do say so myself. The first part of the course shall be historically and theoretically oriented. We'll discuss the history and the significance of jewels in various tribes, the materials which were used and so on, and then in the second part the participants can try and design a piece of jewelry for themselves. I'll provide the tools which are required in order to create it and of course I'll assist with the actual realization of the piece. - Rachel explained.
- It sounds fascinating indeed. - India said. She was intrigued by the project. It was a field she knew nothing about, and when an opportunity of learning something new came her way, she rarely let it pass by. - I am wondering if there is still a possibility to enroll for the classes. - she inquired.
- Of course. - Duncan answered - As I said, I have a list of interested people, but we have not reached the maximum number of participants which Rachel indicated. I could forward the dates and times to you and you could see if they are compatible with your own schedule. -
- Yes, please do. - India said.
- I hope you can take part in it. - Rachel added - I'll leave you to your walk now. See you at the Center. -
India and Duncan said goodbye to her, and she went on to sit at a table with a group of young people, while the two friends set out to continue their own exploration of the park.

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