Rosto the Piper almost sighed as he looked up and saw Beka coming to join the group for breakfast. This was the first time she had done so since returning from Port Caynn. That pox-ridden, bum-licking place. That's where she met that cursed Dale Rowan, the stupid mumper. When Rosto had heard about Beka and Master Dale he had considered going for a visit to see ol' Pearl Skinner. He quickly forgot about it when he realised how horribly painful it would be for him when Beka found out.
He watched as she fiddled with her braid, eyes lighting up as she laughed at one of Aniki's jokes. Mithros those eyes! How they made his spine tingle in the most agreeable way. Rosto couldn't understand why people thought they were intimidating, even when Beka was angry, all he could see was a steely determination.
"Rosto!" suddenly there was a hand waving franticly in front of his face.
"Anyone in there? Or are you to busy day dreaming about our resident Bloodhound?" the hand belonged to Aniki, so did the wry sense of humour.
"Why there most certainly is Milady," Rosto said dramatically "how can a humble one such as I, be of service to the most gracious lady?" bowing his head with a Player's flair, he could hear the others laughing.
Looking up, he caught Beka's eyes. She was laughing along with the rest of the fools, but stopped abruptly when she saw Rosto's eyes. He knew what she saw; it was reflected in her own icy blue eyes. Rosto knew she was afraid of it, wouldn't let it consume her. But still he hoped, that one day she would be ready for it, ready to accept that what they both felt was a once in a life time kind of thing. And just maybe, that Beka Cooper would give this rusher a fighting chance.