Daniel looked around the door frame and saw Valla's back. She was headed towards a bed in the corner of a large room. There was a small wooden table with two chairs and what looked like a rocking chair in front of a fireplace in the other corner. In the seat of the rocking chair was a brightly colored flowered cushion. The polished cherry wood chair didn't look as if it was something usually found on Hak'tyl though it seemed at home in the room. There was a braided rug under the chair that looked as if it belonged in a cabin straight out of 'Little House on the Prairie'. Daniel thought he detected the decorating hand of Caro Lam.

Daniel was shocked to discover that he couldn't find any better words to describe his feelings. He felt an electric charge when she turned towards him and their eyes met. He felt light headed and as if he'd been slugged in the stomach by a swarm of butterflies.

Vala showed no expression on her face. She nodded at him and asked "Can I help you with something Daniel?"

Vala knew in a moment that all was lost. He hadn't answered her immediately. What he did was put his hands in his pockets, cock his head to one side and grin at her.