A/N: New Chapter! YAY! I honestly don't care for this chapter too much... There's no action. Mostly Mogget being a butthead. And of course, Lirael and Nick. -sigh- when will they get together? Oh yeah! When I tell them to! but not yet. Soon. I promise!
Thanks for reviewing! It makes me feel all special inside! And does anyone know Sabriel and Touchstone's last name? Or if they have one? Thanks and enjoy!

Lirael paced the room slowly; attempting to grow accustomed to the pain caused by her many bruises. Nick dozed in a chair nearby and Mogget lay on the end of her bed watching. She had been instructed to rest, but Sabriel was gone, and she was far too restless. She was more than eager to begin her training with her sister, especially after her most recent encounter. On top of that, her mind was constantly flooded with Charter Marks and spells she could teach Nick.
And of course, in the back of her mind, lingered the question: Do I have feelings for Nicholas?
It was a terribly confusing question that she tried desperately to ignore. Of course, that only made it worse.

She retired from her pacing and returned to her bed, wincing.

"What exactly was the point in all of that?" Mogget inquired.

"Endurance."

She lifted her hand slightly and was about to scratch the cat behind the ears when she suddenly changed her mind and dropped it.

Mogget was most defidentally not the Dog. It pained her to realize how much she truly missed her companion.

The free-magic being-unaware of Lirael's actions- hopped onto the floor, swatting at Nick's leg. It took him a moment to fully awaken, but once he had, he was at Lirael's side.

"Are you feeling alright? Do you need anything?"

His concern made her giggle. "I'm fine, Nick, but thank you."

He relaxed.

"You were slacking," Mogget purred. "Sabriel told you to keep an eye on Lirael, and you fell asleep. Anything could have happened."

Nick looked at the ground shamefully.

"I'm so sorry, Lirael."

"It's fine!" She shot Mogget a what's-wrong-with-you- glare, before smiling at Nick. "I truly appreciate all the help you've given me."

He nodded, hardly convinced, and made his way to the door.

"I'll go find us some breakfast."

As soon as he had left the room, Lirael glared at the cat as he lethargically licked is paws.

"What?"

"That was hardly fair!" she snapped.

"It was! He should have been paying attention. Don't deny it just because you have a soft spot for the boy. Anything could have happened."

She blushed at his words but did not let it sway her too heavily.

"He was only sleeping. He has to be tired, after everything that's occurred! Besides, you were here."

Mogget jumped onto the end of her bed- out of arms reach, just in case- and stared back at her.

"But what if I wasn't? That boy has a lot to learn. There may come a time when your life depends on his ability to keep you safe."

She stared at the cat intently.

"What do you mean, Mogget?"

"Exactly what I said."

She sighed.

Stubborn feline…And then a thought occurred.

"Have… Have you…?"

"No." he interrupted. "I have not 'witnessed your future'. But you and I both know that ours is a dangerous kingdom at times and yours is a dangerous job… All the time. Nick is not used to the Old Kingdom yet. The time he spent under that Necromancers hold hardly counts. And, I have a feeling he intends to stay with you for as long as he possibly can. So he will have to grow accustomed to your job as well."

She nodded, stretching the fingers of her mechanical hand.

"I know," she whispered.

Nick returned then, carrying a tray of fruit, bread, and a pitcher of milk, as well as two cups, a bowl, and a small fish for Mogget. He set the bowl on the ground, pouring milk into it and then placed the fish next to it.

"Oooohh…" Mogget hopped down. "No hard feelings, then?"

Nick chuckled.

"I suppose not."

He then set the tray on a table that had been placed next to Lirael's bed.

"Thank you, Nick."

He smiled and she stared into his eyes for a second; the crystal blue shining behind his spectacles.

She looked away quickly and picked up an apple.

I can't do this, she thought. She didn't know how to act towards men… At least not in that way. All her life she had preferred solitude; even now she still found it difficult to hold conversations.

But, I have to get over that… I'm the Abhorsen in Waiting.

"Lirael?" Nick was still watching her.

"Yes?"

"Ughm…" He hesitated. "Would you like some milk?"

She nodded, wondering how such a simple request could leave her feeling so disappointed.

He handed her the cup and she took a sip.

Mogget was watching closely.

What's wrong with me?

A knock sounded at the door. Nick opened it and in walked a weary eyed Sabriel.

"How are you?" she asked, pulling a chair next to Lirael's bed and sitting.

"I'm fine. It only hurts when I move."

"That's to be expected," her sister smiled. "The pain should cease soon."

"I hope so."

Mogget, who had finished his meal, walked to Sabriel's side.

"Well?" He began, "Aren't you going to inform them?"

She sighed and laughed.

"I suppose I must now, mustn't I? Very well. I had hoped to surprise you but, as Mogget as brought up, I do have news."

By habit, Lirael prepared herself for the worst.

"There's been more Dead sightings, hasn't there? Now that you have saved one city, you must go to another." It suddenly hit her how stressful Sabriel's life really was; how little rest she received. It made her eager to take over the title of Abhorsen, for her sister's sake.

"No." Sabriel smiled. "Ellimere is engaged."

Lirael felt her mouth drop open.

"E-engaged?? That's wonderful! Since when?"

"The proposal was recent; A young strapping prince of Bershe named Arven."

"When is the wedding?"

"Soon, they hope. They want me to Paperwing home to help plan. You and Nick as well."

Lirael smiled. She hadn't had much of an opportunity to get to know her niece as she had Sam. And she had never witnessed a wedding…

"When do you want to leave?" She asked.

Sabriel squeezed her sister's shoulder.

"As soon as you are feeling well enough."

"Tomorrow, then. I'm sure I will be fine by tomorrow."

"Sounds exquisite!" Nick exclaimed. "I must say, your castle is quite intriguing, Mrs. Touchstone. Excellent place for research."

"Why, thank you, Nicholas." She stood and made her way to the door.

"If that is settled, I will begin packing."

Lirael nodded and turned back to Nick.

"You seem excited."

"Well, there's not exactly any castles where I'm from. Aren't you thrilled? Your niece is getting married."

"I am. I've just never attended a wedding for. I'm not sure of what to expect."

Nick eyed her curiously.

"Never?"

"Never. The Clayr –whom I lived with since I was born- never married. I don't think I will either." She admitted.

"Nonsense!" Nick said, "Why wouldn't you?"

She was silent for a moment.

Why wouldn't she?

Marriage was not a subject she had ever considered thinking about.

"I'm not sure," she replied. "I just can't imagine myself doing it."

Nick didn't say anything. He had never met a girl who hadn't planned her "dream wedding" in her mind at least once. But then again- attending a boys only boarding school- he hadn't really met many girls.

Nonetheless, Lirael was different. And as he stood next to her, it occurred to him that he really liked her.