The cool chill of spring rain gave her the warning she needed. She had to hurry and finish all the Mistress's desires before dark fell. Pulling the last piece of the clothing, she ran inside, hoping all would be ok if Mistress caught her running within the home. Once again, she dawdle off, thinking of the bakery and the woman within, and him.

Since that evening months ago, she found herself looking for him constantly, wondering if he was protecting them from the evil that laid outside the wall. She saw what laid out there, knew it was quite dark and mischievous out there but with him roaming the area, she felt a little better than before.

"Laine," she heard Catherine chide her, "Do not run, rushing to something will only lead to issues for you and those around you."

"I know, but I was not expecting the coming storm." she nodded to the window.

The older woman glanced outside, seeing the darkening clouds look closer, "Well, I guess you are correct, but do not make a habit of it."

"I would never. Only if the times call for it." she smiled at her.

Caroline shook her head at her, giving a small smile, "How you have grown. No longer a little girl but a soon full bloom lady."

"Mistress says the same." Laine smiled, "She said she grows fonder of me each day with my beauty and kindness."

"You have so much of it, you really do not know how lucky you are."

"Oh, I have my ideas."

"Yes, speaking of ideas." Caroline pulled her aside, looking down the halls, "Tell me why you constantly look out the windows, what do you search for?"

Laine paused, was it wise to speak of what she saw? Would Caroline tell the Master and mistress of the home and have him removed? She worried of what would come to her for even thinking of him.

"I'll tell not a soul." Caroline assured her.

Finally, she spoke, "I do not know who he is or what he's doing but I feel a comfort with him, like he is protecting us and making sure nothing from the other side gets to us."

"Wait, he? A man?"

Laine tried to hide herself from the woman's gaze, "Yes."

"Laine." her worries tone came out, "Mistress would be displeased if she was to find you with a man."

"I do not plan to speak, I just like to see him walk around. He reminds me of a Knight, the one's Master would speak of when he went into the old parlor."

"Does he know you see him?"

She couldn't tell her anymore, it was already too much that she had spoken about, "No."

Caroline sighed, "Well, I hope so. For all of our sake. When one gets punished, we all do."

Then, the woman walked off, leaving her in the hall with basket in hand, hoping that she wouldn't repeat what she had given to her to the Mistress. Turning back on her heels, Laine made he way to the laundry area, placing what was left and damp on the ropes and cords above, making sure not a hair was out-of-place until a bell rang through the home. Her bell.

Running out of the room, she quickly made her way to the Mistress's chamber, knowing what was next for the day. She held her head high, her posture proper and sweet, her dress was pristine along with her violet cloak. She had to be presentable to the Mistress, always wanted to make her smile. She stood before the doors, combing her fingers through her hair and brushed anything off that stood out and with two wraps to the door, she waited for her.

"Come in, Laine."

Pushing open the doors, she was greeted with the sweet aroma of flowers and sweets, the bright room gave way to her Mistress's life. The canvases and easels, the piano not far from the door, her extravagant amount of books, everything within was truly the Mistress.

"Hello, finish everything for the day?" The Mistress asked.

"Close but unfortunately due to the impending storm that is coming, I have just the guests sheets and light clothes that are finishing to dry."

"Ah the rain, mind opening one of the windows for the moment. I do love the smell of an incoming storm, so natural."

Doing as told, Laine opened the large bay window, feeling the gentle breeze float in, the light rumble of thunder in the distance giving her proof that the storm was coming in. Making her way to the chair next to her Mistress, Laine waited for her command and words, knowing that she'd need an extra hand with the Mirage.

"Don't you just love the storms?" The Mistress said, "So powerful and yet calming. I've always loved them."

"They are very interesting. I do find them intriguing during times."

"How so?"

"Well, when you have a heavy fall of rain and within it, the sun attempts to shine through, and when it does, we get blessed with a rainbow." Laine explained, "But even then, it can be complex, when both the rainbow and lightning mix, both amazing and scary."

She felt the Mistress touch her hand, "This is why I enjoy having you, Laine. Your mind is so youthful and innocent, just like your beauty."

"Thank you Mistress."

The Mistress pulled out the familiar vial, along with two syringes, "Well, that I have you here, I also have to make sure your health is well too. I already gathered the girls and boys before you."

Laine piped out an oh as she laid her arm to her, waiting for the tiny sting. Within seconds, the Mistress took what she needed from her, placing the needle on the table and readied hers.

"If you mind, once I have mine, lay the quilt over me. Last time I was quite chilled." The Mistress gave order, "We'll keep that as a notion from now on."

"Yes, Mistress."

Laine laid the needle to her skin, waiting on her command to inject the liquid. She always wondered what the liquid within was, why she needed to be alone for a bit afterwards and why it had to be done so secretively, but she knew better than to ask. With a nod, Laine injected the Mistress, watching as it emptied and she seemed to relax within her large chair.

"Thank you Laine, once you clean up, make sure no one disturbs me."

"Yes, Mistress."

Laine placed the blanket over her and closed the window, drawing the blinds to a close as she cleaned and tidied quickly and quietly just to leave moments later. A heavy sigh left her, wondering if everything she was doing was wrong or right. There were so many things she wondered upon that it nearly made her head hurt. Walking the halls, she spoke to everyone to let the Mistress rest, to be quiet until last call for night. She double checked her clothes, finding them dry and placing them away, she checked everything with Caroline, from doors and windows security, the young ones in bed and ready for the morrow, the home spotless as usual. Everything was perfect, up to Mistress's wants.

Laine pauses near the pantry, wondering if she should do something for the man. She had seen him before so many times, walking the roofs and no doubt her own, why shouldn't she? Quietly as possible, she gathered small portions of food and a heavy blanket from the hall closet and make her way up to the roofs lookout. The brisk night air hit her, taking her breath away for only a moment. She looked around, seeing silence and darkness on the streets, many in their beds deep in slumber.

Placing the items down, she hoped he would see it as a thank you for what he was doing for them. She looked over the homes again, the Master and Mistress's the largest in the area, she saw over so many, except the wall.

A thud caught her attention, taking her sight to the garden shed behind the home. Peering through the darkness she could see the outline of someone against the exterior of the building as they dropped down. She waited on bated breath, hoping she was right. Magenta-red eyes came to view as his white hair draped over his shoulder, his slender features nearly breathtaking. He came.

Laine nodded down to him, making her way back inside. Her heart raced, thrummed heavily against her chest as he crossed her mind again. There was something about him that she needed answers for, and if it took her gaining his trust little by little, she would get those answers directly from him.