"Would you stroll with me?" His face and voice was mild, as if he had not heard what Whitaran had said.
"Of course," Snow said slowly, and she took his hand and allowed him to lead her out the door and into the garden.
The night was dark, despite the bright moon, and the lights in the trees had stopped. As they walked through the garden, Snow tried to gather her thoughts. She had many questions, but wanted to be sure to start with the right one.
After several minutes, Snow realized that they were once more beside the spring. They stopped walking and stood before it.
"I saw you last night." Darion was speaking softly, and his voice seemed to harmonize with the night sounds around them. "I spent more time than I should have trying to determine why you are."
That – was an odd turn of phrase. "Why I am?" Snow enquired.
"It seemed so strange and unreal that someone as you are should be here, let alone have the strange sort of un-life you posses." Snow blinked again in confusion. Unlife?
"By the time I informed Navormal, well, I had very little time left to complete my duties. I apologize for my lack of hospitality."
Seeing her chance – Snow took it. "Is that why Navormal disapproved of your entrance this morning?"
Darion looked at her, thoughtfully measuring her. Finally, he answered, "Navormal disapproves of a great deal of my actions that I cannot cease. Some habits die hard." His tone did not invite further questions, but Snow could not resist.
"If you have habits that Navormal disagrees with, why do you stay here? Why do you allow him to scold you so? I have felt your power last night, at felt it again this night, as you entered dinner."
Darion smiled at her thoughtfully. He seemed pleased by her question. "Did you not hear Whitaran say that I am not to be trusted?" Snow blinked, unsure of how to respond to that question.
"He said not to believe everything you said, not that you couldn't be trusted."
Darion frowned. "that is a fine distinction."
"Nonetheless . . ." Snow prevailed.
"I am afraid that question must wait for another time." Darion said quietly, "Already it grows dark and I have work enough to do."
Before she could protest, Darion had slipped behind her and begun walking back the way they came. By the time she had turned around, he had somehow managed to vanish into the darkness, leaving not even the softest sounds of footsteps in his wake.
Snow walked back to the house alone.