Natesse sat on her bed, deep in thought. She had ditched her hunting clothes for one of her usual, plain dresses. After her rigorous day of training - both mentally and physically - she was ready to turn in. But she had something to deal with first.

She hopped off her bed, pulled on her shoes, and left her bedroom. Her hair flowed with every step, a shimmering curtain. Kae was out with one of her friends, and it was a Saturday night, leaving Kiera sitting at the dining table and reading a book. Natesse approached her mother.

"I'm going out. Gotta tell Nash what's been happening lately. I might be late so don't wait up," she said.

Kiera glanced up from her book and nodded.

"Stay safe. Have fun," she said semi serious. Natesse hadn't been caught doing anything bad in years. If there was one word to describe her, Kiera thought, it was sneaky.

Natesse left her house and strode determinedly through the dusk filled street towards Nash's house. A bell tinkled as she pushed open the door and was immediately greeted by the smell of blood.

"Natesse! Haven't seen you around here in awhile!" Herse boomed out across to her. Two customers in the store turned to look at her, and she approached the counter as if she owned the place. In truth, she had hung out with Nash less often the past week. She was just so anxious about the Ranger business, and she didn't want to tell Nash until she knew for sure what was going to happen.

"Where's-"

"Up in his room," Herse said with a smile, waving her up. She thanked him politely and passed the front room to the back. Nash's house had the same set up as hers, except this workroom was full of ice boxes and animals carcasses. At least they are fresh, Natesse thought. Dead animals have the worst stench.

Natesse knocked on Nash's door once. When he called her in, he looked up in surprise.

"Tess? What's up?"

"I have to talk to you about something." Gorlog, I sound so serious. She let some of her pride in herself bubble up, causing her to break out a huge smile. Nash smiled back, unsure what was going on but feeling the excitement in the air. Natesse took a deep breath.

"I met Ranger Blake!" Nash's mouth dropped open, his features quickly becoming awestruck. He stood from the chair he was sitting at next to his desk and plopped onto his bed; Natesse took the cue and sat down next to him.

"He found me in the woods last Sunday like you said, and we went to his cabin. He was impressed by me, so we met with Aelred and Aldrich and now I'm an apprentice!"

"Natesse! That's awesome!" Nash wrapped his arms around her in congratulations. The hug lasted longer than what would be deemed socially acceptable, but Nash and Natesse never cared. They were long over other people thinking they were dating; they accepted it and didn't bother trying to explain that they were just friends.

"Let's go out!" Nash suddenly said, breaking the hug to jump up and grab a coin purse. He pulled on some leather boots. He was already wearing nice black pants and a high quality, dark blue shirt. Being an only child with one adult, Herse was able to spend a lot of money on Nash. "My treat." He spun around and offered his hand, helping Natesse up unnecessarily.

"You sure? I can pay for myself." Nash rolled his eyes.

"Natesse, we've been best friends for forever. You don't have to pay me back; I'm buying you a present. Now let's go to your house so you can change."

"Change? What are you talking about?"

"You can't go to The Bass Note dressed like that." Nash's clothes were simple but expensive already, and they made him look like the handsome hero of a children's tale.

"The Bass Note? You aren't spending that much money on me!" The Bass Note was Marlite's most popular dining restaurant. They were famous for their grilled sea bass among other seafood specialties. "Besides, we'd never get a table."

By this time they were already back at Natesse's house, and the two walked into Natesse's room after a brief hello to Kiera.

"Yes we will. Olesya's father owns the place."

Natesse hunted through her limited selection of nice dresses. She kept a few that Kiera had made for her, and selected a dress; it was deep blue, matching the shade of her crystalline eyes perfectly.

"Who's Olesya again?" Nash turned to face the wall as Natesse switched dresses; she already had her corset and stockings on.

"Olesya Cartmain. She's in our grade. You know-"

"Yes I know her, but why does that mean we'll get a table? You can turn around now." Nash faced Natesse and perused her new look. Blue was a really good color for her, and the dress was stunning yet simple and understated.

"Olesya and I have been a thing for a week now. I told you, remember?"

"Sorry, I was caught up in Ranger stuff." The pair went back to the kitchen.

"We're going out to eat, mom," Natesse said, stepping forward to kiss her mom on the cheek.

"You already ate, dear."

"Well, yeah. But this is a congratulatory meal."

"Well then in that case, eat some chocolate for me. Have fun!" The two teens left with grins on their face; chocolate was very expensive and there was no way either of them was going to buy it.

Nash spent the ten minute walk through the dark streets talking about how he and Olesya became a thing. This time, he was the one making advances until she relented. They went on a date and she was smitten; Natesse rolled her eyes at this part. Nash. The unintentional player.

Olesya was different from the others though. She, unlike Alice, was popular for being a good person and not just being rich and beautiful. She was down to earth with Nash and genuinely interested in him. Natesse listened to him talk about her with a deep satisfaction; she'd been waiting for a girl to catch his eye. When they reached the restaurant, Nash held the door for Natesse as she stepped inside.

Having only been there once before when she was really little, Natesse barely remembered the place. The tables and floor were a uniform dark brown wood with hints of red. Every surface was shined to perfection. The chairs has plush blue cushions on them, and each table was set with beautiful, delicate white plates, bowls, and utensils. The cups were clear glass, and the walls were decked out with expert paintings of the ocean. The space was dimly lit, but not so much to make it stuffy or uncomfortable. Just enough to give it a relaxed, intimate feel. The center of the floor was filled with busy tables full of laughing, happy customers. The left and back walls were covered in large, comfortable booths. A door on the back wall led to the kitchen, and the right side of the restaurant featured a small stage and open space for dancing. There was currently a group of musicians setting up for the night; music started later. The whole restaurant was lively and buzzing with energy.

Natesse noticed Nash speak quietly to the head waiter, who nodded reluctantly before leaving. When he returned, he was followed by a graceful, blonde girl.

"Nash!" She said happily. They grasped hands as Nash turned to Natesse.

"Tess, this is Olesya. Leesy, this is Natesse." The two girls shook hands, Olesya's expression warm and happy, Natesse's cool and assessing.

"Pleasure to meet the famous Natesse," Olesya said kindly. Natesse quickly decided that she liked this kind, gentle girl, and allowed a small smile back.

"Nice to meet you, too." Olesya turned back to Nash with loving eyes.

"You should've told me you were stopping by! Don't worry, I'll get you two a table right away! Center of the floor or booth?" Nash and Natesse exchanged a grin before replying together,

"Booth." Of course, Natesse never liked being in the center. There was a booth in the process of being reset on the back wall, and Olesya exchanged a word with the head waiter before leading Nash and Natesse to the table. Natesse noticed a few annoyed looks from the line of customers waiting to be seated, by she shrugged them away. It's not like I'm going to make a habit out of it.

With Olesya approaching, the tables hands' speed increased considerably, and the booth was ready by the time the three reached it. Olesya smiled at them and nodded her head in thanks, and the two girls smiled back before scurrying off with their buckets of dirty dishes.

Natesse grabbed her skirt with her right hand, holding it to the side as she slid into the both left hip first. Nash exchanged some murmured words with Olesya before sliding in across from Natesse.

"Well, enjoy your meal! I'll send a waiter over right away. I've got work to do," she smiled at Natesse before wiggling her fingers at Nash and rushing away. Nash's eyes followed her across the room to the waiter's stand and back to the kitchen.

"Wow," Natesse said, breaking him out of his trance.

"What's that?"

"Oh nothing, you've just got it bad," she replied matter-of-factly. Nash grinned back at her.

"She's just so different. I mean, she actually listens to what I say."

"Wow. That is amazing. I don't know how she manages it," Natesse said with a completely straight face. Nash grimaced at her.

"Anyways, tell me all about your meeting with Aelred, Aldrich, and Blake!" Nash was too excited to hear more about the meeting to counter Natesse's sarcastic comment.

"It was awesome! The castle is even more beautiful than when I remember. Early in the day I went to the castle anonymously with Blake," she began. "Inside, we went to the keep and Aelred's study. Then.." Natesse paused for dramatic effect, leaning forward across the table. "Aldrich arrived," she whispered. Nash felt goosebumps run along his spine.

"Excuse me?" a loud voice interrupted. Natesse and Nash leaned back, turning to see a young male waiter a little older than they. "Have you the chance to look at our menu?"

Nash and Natesse looked at each other and the waiter guiltily; in truth they hadn't opened it yet.

"I can come back," he reassured them, but they both dismissed the idea.

"We'll have an apple cider," Nash said briskly. Natesse looked at him, surprised. Apple cider was one of their most expensive drinks behind the liquors.

"What do you want to eat?" the waiter said, writing down their order. Nash looked at Natesse expectantly, causing their waiter to, also.

"Ummm... How about the scallops?"

"Excellent choice. Chef MacTier will work on them right away." As soon as he left, Nash turned to Natesse again.

"What happened when Aldrich arrived?" Natesse laughed lightly at the engrossed look on his face.

"Well, he didn't just arrive. I mean, I was announced and shown in. Aldrich just... appeared." Nash's face held a look of awe.

"Then, Aldrich led the meeting. He said he couldn't believe I was as good as Blake said I was, so we went outside of the castle. There was a whole archer troop at the archery targets training, but Aldrich interrupted their practice. He gave me a bow and had me shoot three arrows in ten seconds." By now, they were leaning in again.

"Did you do it?" Nash finally asked.

Natesse snorted, feigning offense. "Of course. I shot in five seconds. Aldrich was impressed, and he assigned me to Blake." Natesse leaned back as their waiter reappeared. He set their scallops on the table, opened the cider and poured them both large glasses. Then he set the bottle on the table. When he was gone, Nash asked,

"That's crazy, Natesse. I mean, I knew you were good obviously. You always hit your prey in the eye and all. But weren't you nervous? I mean, what was Aldrich like?"

"Well I was scared down to my boots, but I knew it was crucial. Aldrich was... taciturn. Serious, intimidating, sharp hair cut, the whole nine meters. I was freaking. But enough about Rangers, how has the blacksmithing been going?" Natesse took a large swallow of her cold cider. The crisp apple flavor was exquisite. She felt refreshed, and popped a scallop into her mouth. It was savory and rich, cooked to perfection. Nash copied her actions, both of them drinking more cider before Nash replied.

"It's amazing. I turned in my formal application Monday, and he accepted on the spot."

"Nash! That's awesome!" Nash beamed at her, and she took another gulp of cider.

"I know! I mean, he told me he wanted me, but I was shocked. The next two days he taught me all about the tools, and Thursday I actually watched him make a sword. It was incredible." Natesse watched Nash's eyes light up as he moved his hands around, describing the sword making process. She loved seeing him like this; so happy and carefree. Often, he would be cold and closed off. Those were the days when he was thinking of his mom. Natesse always stayed with him, though, comforting him the way only a best friend can.

Suddenly, while Nash described the sword-shining process, loud music filled the room. They both started and looked to the stage across the room. Sure enough, the musicians had finished setting up and started to play. While she watched the musicians tap their feet and play a lively tune, Natesse felt herself being watched. Her eyes flitted around the crowded restaurant when they finally laid to rest on a familiar, brown eyed face staring at her.

Her breath caught, and she immediately jerked her head back at her table, her mind working into overdrive. It was Drake she saw, and she so did not want to.

"Sorry to interrupt," Olesya's voice said loudly over the music. Natesse looked up blankly, not at all offended. "Nash, would you like to dance?" The floor was already crowded from eager people rushing to take part in the weekend-night tradition. Natesse noticed Nash's excitement at the prospect, but he still looked to her. After all, they had come together. But Natesse simply smiled happily and nodded. The two walked blissfully over to the floor and started dancing energetically. Natesse laughed amicably as she watched Nash dance; in truth he was one of the best dancers in their grade, and she knew his dancing made the other girls' hearts throb longingly.

Natesse reached out and plopped the last scallop into her mouth, taking her time to chew delicately. She pushed the nagging feeling of Drake's eyes on her out of her mind and leaned back, closing her eyes serenely. But Drake filled her head anyways, and she recalled when she had spotted him.

Drake was sitting at the largest table in the center of the floor, of course, surrounded by strong, beautiful, muscular guys. They were the richest merchants' boys and the best Battleschool students. Natesse, just like every other girl, thought they were all handsome, and unbeknownst to her, they also thought she was beautiful. But she was no noble's child, and she had always been quiet in class. So they never gave her the time of day. And she was all too okay with that, annoyed by their conceited nature and stuck up auras. She smoothed out her features, aware that her forehead had crinkled at the annoying thoughts of the boys clouding her brain. She sighed and opened her eyes, reaching to take another sip of cider, when she jumped in fright.

Drake was standing next to her table, just as tall and strong and handsome as she remembered.

"Mind if I join you?" He asked. Natesse just stared at him, so he sat down anyways.

"I've been meaning to talk to you, but now, here you are. And here I am, stuck in a position I've never been in before." He paused, his face contemplating.

"And what's that?" Natesse finally blurted out, annoyed that he had elicited a response from her.

"I just want to apologize for the way I treated you. I mean, usually people are always so in awe of me that I've never had to explain myself before. But I actually offended you, didn't I?" Natesse just stared back challengingly. Drake sighed. "I've never actually wanted to apologize to someone, either. It's weird to me... Actually caring... That's what I'm doing by the way, apologizing." He seemed to be fumbling over his words, and while Natesse's face was stonily blank, she was laughing on the inside. "So... Yeah. I'm sorry."

"Is that all you came over here to say?"

"Well... I mean... Was that not good enough? I don't do this often. Never, really. I just..." Natesse couldn't help it, a small giggle escaped her lips and she fought to hide her smile. Drakes eyes narrowed, and he too laughed until they were both laughing with each other.

"On your knees would be a nice touch," Natesse said sarcastically. Drake grimaced.

"Never going to live that down, am I? I really was joking. You should know, being so sarcastic yourself."

"Actually, you should probably offer chocolate while you do it," Natesse added, remembering what Kiera had said while ignoring Drake's response.

"Do they serve that here?"

"I don't know. Probably?" Drake waved down a waiter and asked briskly, his voice full of authority. The waiter agreed that they do, indeed, serve chocolate in several types: white, dark, milk, with raspberry and with blackberry. The flavors meant nothing to Natesse, who had only tried it once and who knew what kind that had been?

"One plate of milk chocolate," Drake said. The waiter nodded and went instantly back to the kitchen. The teenagers eyed each other from across the table, deep blue eyes and dark brown ones. Natesse was shocked that he had just ordered chocolate as if it costed nothing. What it must be like to get everything you could every want. She quickly counted how many deer she'd have to sell to buy a plate of chocolate like that. Not even worth it.

"You know, you could be nicer," Natesse said, breaking the silence but not breaking eye contact. Let him look away first.

Drake's expression turned to surprise.

"I was formal, wasn't I?" Natesse's brows furrowed.

"Well, yes. But that's different from being nice."

"Right because you're so nice, miss 'next time watch where you're going.'" Natesse rolled her eyes and crossed her arms over her chest, looking away from their table. She glanced back to Drake's table in the middle of the floor and was surprised to see them all staring at her. She looked away quickly, still annoyed, and chose to stare at a random table with a couple, sitting and eating in peace.

"That color really is beautiful on you," Drake said suddenly, causing Natesse to look back at him. It was the same shade of blue as the dress she wore on Presentation Day. She sighed in annoyance as he very obviously stared at her.

"Are you done here, or what?" She said rudely.

"Well I have to wait for the chocolate. And then I was hoping we could dance."

"Dance? There's no way in hell I'm dancing with you." Drake narrowed his eyes angrily and Natesse wondered if she had gone to far.

"Fine," he retorted. The two glowered, staring anywhere but at each other. When the waiter returned with a plate covered in chunks of delicious looking chocolate, he retreated hastily.

"Guess you should take your chocolate and leave," Natesse said without turning. She wished Nash would return so they could just go.

"Nonsense, it's yours," he replied stiffly. Natesse sighed and turned, grabbed a chunk, and ate it in one bite. Drake smiled wryly. Natesse closed her eyes so she wouldn't have to see his smirk, causing her to visibly relax as the warm, rich chocolate melted in her mouth. So much better than I remember.

"How much do I owe you?" She said, opening her eyes to find that Drake's had softened.

"Are you kidding?"

"No. I'm paying you for it." Drake thought about it for a second. His eyes brightened as if a light bulb had turned on in his head.

"How about I eat a piece, and then you dance with me." Natesse glared at him, reaching forward and grabbing another piece as she did so.

"No. Now how much does it cost?" Natesse's mouth fell open when Drake told her the cost.

"In gold crowns," he said pointedly. "So, you can either pay that, or dance with me." He smiled, knowing he had won, and Natesse grimaced in defeat. She knew he was a jerk.

"How about I just don't pay at all?"

"Too late. I decided I want compensation for my generous gift."

"Fine." Natesse glared at Drake as he ate a piece of chocolate quickly before standing smoothly. Natesse drained her second glass of cider before grabbing his offered hand and rising to her feet. The cool drink trickled down her throat soothingly. His hand was sturdy, large, and rough, no doubt from sword practice. Natesse's was small yet similarly uneven, calloused where her skin has become attune to her bow's grip. They fit well together, Natesse studiously ignored.

Drake wasted no time whisking her away to the dance floor, where another lively song had just started up. The patrons cheered appreciatively at the local favorite, and Drake joined the throng, pulling Natesse along until they were in the middle. Natesse glanced around for Nash but couldn't find him amongst the crowd.

Drake released her hand and turned to face her. Then, he started to move.

Natesse's jaw almost dropped, but she held in her emotions. He had rhythm, and he looked attractive as he danced along with the music, his smile lighting up his face. Natesse smiled, too, crankiness overcome by the loud music and people letting go all around her. She knew she was a good dancer, largely in part to her agility. and she too started to move to the music.

Natesse surrendered herself to the beat and brought out all of her best moves, knowing she was gaining the attention of several people around her as they looked at her and her dance partner. The two were in their own world and didn't realize people watching the prince dancing with a dark haired beauty. Drake's smile widened at Natesse's dancing, but she didn't notice. She was feeling the beat, and she and Drake were moving with each other as if they'd been dance partners their whole lives, stepping in rhythm to the lively tune.

Another song struck up, seamlessly branching from the previous one, and the two laughed, enjoying themselves. The musicians were skilled. When a slow song was played next, Drake's hand found her waist as the other reached for her hand. Natesse was surprised but having too much fun to think properly, so she put her left hand on his shoulder and placed her right in his hand.

They began to dance.

They moved with the fluidity of seasoned dance partners, causing the other dancers to make a wide circle around them and watch with awe. They smiled at each other as they twirled, swirled, and flittered around the floor. Suddenly, Drake placed both hands on her waist and lifted Natesse into the air, spinning in a circle as she gasped. He held her firmly, and she grasped his forearms for support as the crowd cheered before he set her back down and they were off again. When the song ended, Drake grasped Natesse's left hand with his right and bowed as Natesse curtsied to much applause.

Suddenly, her attention turned to movement on the other side of the floor. She saw Nash dancing with Olesya, but his hair was obviously messy and his eyes were bright. Nash Sperrick! Sneaking out to kiss Olesya? You two barely know each other! she thought disapprovingly, but she was too giddy to really care. Her focus turned back to Drake, who didn't seem to notice her temporary distraction. They continued to dance for several more songs, and she was surprised at how much fun she was having.

"Do you want to go sit down?" he asked suddenly, leaning towards her and shouting above the noise. She nodded, and the two returned to Natesse's table, tired from all the dancing. Natesse sat down and grabbed the glass of cider the waiter had refilled for her, drinking thirstily. Drake stood next to the booth.

"What's up?" Natesse asked curiously.

"I should probably be going. Thanks for the dance," he said with an over the top bow. Natesse laughed.

"Feel compensated for the chocolate?"

"Oh definitely," he replied, winking mysteriously. He gave her some crowns. "For the chocolate," he explained, seeing her confusion. Then he turned and left, retreating to his table. Natesse realized his friends were staring at them. She jerked her head back to her table at the sight of their grins and winks.

When the waiter returned, Natesse asked for the tab and if she could take the plate of chocolate with her. He seemed hesitant, but Olesya and Nash chose that moment to show up. Olesya agreed enthusiastically that of course Natesse should take the whole plate, and it was settled. Nash counted out the money for the meal, and Natesse threw in the crowns for the chocolate. Olesya and Nash said their goodbyes as Natesse headed for the door, staring blatantly forward as she passed Drake's table.

Natesse and Nash headed home briskly, hugging themselves against the cold. Natesse asked about Nash's tryst, but he was very secretive and elusive in his responses. When he asked about Drake, whom he said he saw approach Natesse and walk to the dance space with, Natesse responded elusively as well. On the inside she was torn between happiness and confusion.

Talking to Drake had been aggravating and complicated. But when they danced... There was an inexplicable spark. She sighed, frustrated. While she lay in bed that night, staring at her ceiling, a thought struck her.

Sword training.