Disclaimer: I am neither the author nor the publisher and therefore I own nada.

A/N: I hope that everyone is having a fantastic holiday and are all gorging yourselves silly on fabulous Christmas goodies right now! This drabble focuses more on the secondary characters in my Eveline/Niko arc but Kore and Keith actually have very substantial parts in my actual story that I have planned. I introduce Keith in this drabble: he is the heir of a duke and also studying to be a mage as well as Kore's love interest. Kore is Eveline's best friend and calls her "Evey"; she also has important connection. I hope that you guys all enjoy this drabble and get some awesome presents under the tree tomorrow! Merry Christmas everyone!

Prompt: Observer

Kore glances in barely concealed amusement at the two figures hunched over their work on the grass nearby. She flicks her pale blond hair away from her face; her mouth quirks in delight as she turns her sparkling eyes onto her companion. Keith smiles and begins combing out her silky hair with his fingers. She leans against his chest and enjoys the warmth of sunshine on her face.

"We should get working on our project as well," Keith reminds her without any real conviction.

Kore smiles lazily. "I am working on a project."

Keith lifts a brow quizzically. "Oh? Pray enlighten your humble servant."

"You should be a hairdresser, Keith, not a mage. My project," she continues over his indignant protests, "is observing Niko and Evey working on their project while trying to hide their growing attraction to each other."

"Attraction? My dear sweet Kore, Niklaren fa Chemain has never crushed on anyone to my knowledge." Keith assumed a smug air. "And he tells everything to his best friend.

"Some things are observed and not confided. And there's a first for everything: male hairdressers for example. Just look at them." Kore gestured to the two students working diligently. Eveline is sprawled on the grass, idly twirling her golden curls as she scribbles away with a quill. Niko is leaning against a tree, his brilliant eyes veiled as he experimented with a golden flymae.

"Well, they seem suited for each other. She's beautiful and he's handsome. She's intelligent and he's brilliant. She's got style and he's got wealth. She's polite and he's genteel. They're both highborn and skilled at double-edged talk. I would be hardpressed to find a better suited couple. Except for us, of course," he adds, stroking her pale hair, and musing how very strange life can be. She nods her assent.

Kore smiles devilishly. "I remember that she told me on her first day here that she wasn't about to fall for Niko like all the others. I really liked her from the moment I met her, and I didn't want her breaking her heart over Niko like all the other females at this Academy, so I even gave her a friendly warning and told her straight off that he never pays attention to any girl. I guess I was wrong. Big time."

Keith kisses her fingertips. "Don't be sad, my love, you were wrong about me as well, thank Mithros."

She looks up at him and smiles pertly. "Yes, and I am glad that I was." She laces her fingers through his, relaxing as she turns back to the other couple in time to see Eveline reaching out her hand as if to touch the preoccupied Niko's fingers, then dropping it quickly. Her amusement rises as Niko glances down at the blushing Eveline who has quickly begun scribbling away again and gently sets the golden flymae down beside her. Kore closes her eyes and enjoys the sunshine, the happiness of knowing that the man she loves loves her in return, and the sweetness of triumph. Nothing can prevent her from gloating over just how amusing it is that it is a pretty and feisty Tortallan girl who has finally won over the heart of her stoic and utterly oblique older brother - except -

"Ouch. Tangle."