The sweet cream before her looked like hers but she worried about the taste, wondering if she made it too sweet or not enough. She stared at it for a few moments, remembering the desserts at the bakery. How it was all homemade and comforting, that it all seemed to melt away the days' troubles, but getting it right was all on her mind.

"It looks correct." she sighed, taking her finger along the coated rim, "Never know unless I try."

Swallowing her worry, she tasted the cream just to be shocked by it, "I did it!"

Laine smiled at the mix, dipping the cookies and fruits within it, hoping the Mistress and her guests would enjoy the small delectable treats. For days she tried to recreate some of the things within that shop, hoping to please the Mistress even more, and maybe leave from the manor once more. It wasn't that she hated the home or the ones within, but she wanted to see Heather again. There was an interesting pull to her that Laine couldn't put her finger on but something within her told her to follow her. That answers would come to her with it.

Once all was on the platter, Laine went to the parlor room, hearing the light chatter within. She knew the Mistress was flaunting with her friends, speaking of them all and what she had compared to them, but The Mistress's favorite thing to speak about was her. She always had Laine show for them all. Her skin, her hair, and eyes, even her voice. She always had her friends admire her and fawn over what she had in her personal servant, and Laine wasn't arguing with that.

With a gentle knock, she pushed open the door to see Mistress smile at her, "I told you all she'd come. And she brings treats."

"As you asked, Mistress." Laine laid the tray before them all, curtsying before them.

One by one, the Madams of the homes, took the fruit and cookies, awing over the sweet cream surrounding them. The Mistress beamed in delight as they bombarded her with questions of how and what they were indulging. Laine glances over at her, seeing her eyes pierce her with a strange intent.

"Laine, did you create this yourself?" she asked.

A small pit formed in her belly, she spoke of her adventure past Haven's walls, but not what Heather had done and given her. She didn't want to speak so freely amongst her colleagues, didn't dare to really.

"Yes Mistress, I made a few attempts until I believed it would be perfect enough for your afternoon delight treat with tea."

Mistress smiled, "Well, as we see, she had more than just beauty."

"I agree, she is exquisite in all manners." the Madam of Conrad stated, "Too bad you won't sell her."

Sell? That was a first she ever heard such a thing. No one was sold or bought within the home, all came to survive after a harsher world or was from the school within the walls, taught from the day they could walk how to be proper of people. But there was no selling, was there?

"That is too far, Ingrid." Mistress gave a firm reply, the cup laying gently on the table, "There are somethings that can be discussed and that is not one of them."

Laine felt her heart pause briefly, was it true then? That some within the home were bought and sold? She wasn't sure what to do or ask, yet she knew she wasn't interrupting the Mistress. Not when she became angry.

"Laine." her voice was short and stern, "Go back to your work, get done all you can. Afterward, I need you to go out for me. Right now, the Ladies and I must have a discussion. Thank you."

She didn't argue as she darted out of the room, there were somethings you couldn't do within the home, but angering the Mistress was one thing everyone feared. She had seen her mad before but truly angry was terrifying, only once did she see her become so, and it was brutal to the man. She never received anything of that demeanor from Mistress, yet she never dared crossed her.

Turning the corner, she was caught by her arm, making her jump as Caroline glared at her, "Laine, what did I say about running?"

"Apologies but the Madam of Conrad angered Mistress and she ordered me to leave. I do not dare attempt to dawdle when she is angry."

Caroline nodded, "Well, I do agree there. Best to never cross that path. What, pray tell, angered so deeply?"

Laine's mind ran for a brief moment, knowing that Caroline was the oldest and longest here, "May I inquire something? It pertains to the reason of Mistress's anger."

"Alright, go on."

"Are some people of the homes 'sold'? Madam If Conrad said, pet her words, 'too bad you won't sell her.' How did she mean?"

Caroline's eyes were wide, not in shock but in worry and puzzlement, "She spike of buying you? What did the Mistress day?"

That wasn't the reply she was expecting, "That it was not something to discuss in such a manner, approximately, not in fully her words but close to. Why are you not upset by it?"

The older woman sighed, "Laine, there are secrets within these walls that will not make sense to you for you were brought here at a very young age. Just know you have no worries with Mistress, she adores you."

Laine stood there, unsure of what to think or do as Caroline spoke lightly of the days' chores and such, yet it was far and in between for her. Were they all sold to Mistress and Master? Was she sold as well? What really was happening before her? She tried to gather her thoughts when something caught her eye out the window. Glancing out the pristine glass, a figure began to climb the tall wall. She watched as they swayed here and there, their rope had a firm hold on them, yet as she watched the more she realized who it was when the white hair became visible.

Taking off for the overlook, she flew to the spot, needing to know if it was really him. She could hear Caroline calling for her yet she didn't give her a moment. Finally, through the doors, she looked over to the wall, seeing him near the top. The long coat covering him as the hood hid his face and hair away, only the lone tip of his ponytail. She watched him stand along the edge, looking back over his shoulder only to stop as his gaze seemed to land in her direction. Could he really see her? Know it was her from the night she set the small token of gratitude out for him?

"Laine!" Caroline's voice pulled her away, "What in heavens are you doing, child?"

Looking back, she saw him walking the wall, seemingly bored with what was around him only to disappear to the other side.

"Is that him?" she felt Caroline stand next to her.

"It is."

Caroline's eyes came before her, wonder and fear lacing them, "Is that truly the man you have been watching every night?"

"What is wrong in watching and wondering of the man that protects us?" she argued with her.

"Now you sound like one of the young ones." Caroline chided, "This is getting out of hand with you. Every night looking for him and how do you truly know he is for good? You don't know his true intent?"

Laine grew cross with the woman, "Why are you so upset about this?"

Caroline stepped back, her face struck with worry, her eyes never facing her, "There is more out there than you know."

"Then tell me." she was truly becoming aggravated with the dodging of questions, "What is so wrong with me learning."

"There are something's better left unsaid than wandering into it without a truly sound mind."

"You make it seems like everything is evil within this home and outside it. I'm aware that beyond the wall is terrifying, I've witnessed it." Laine spike before she could fully think, realizing what she let out to the woman.

"You went outside the wall!"

Laine tried to backtrack her words, stumbling over everything until it couldn't be saved, she gave a defeated sigh, "Yes. I went outside the walls under Mistress's orders to retrieve something for her. I got lost for only a moment, but Heather found me and put me back on the right track."

"Heather?"

"She's a baker out past the wall. I was lost on the street side and she helped me."

"Is that all you interacted with?"

Laine nodded to her, it wasn't a full lie. Heather really was the only person she spoke with and had with her the longest. True, there were others, but none stuck out like her.

"It would be best to never let Mistress know of that." Caroline sighed, opening the door, "The wrath that will leave her will be extreme."

"Wait, Caroline, how-" but Caroline went through the door before she could even say anymore.

Too many questions ran through her at that moment, some that seemed to lead her on a dark path. The familiar bell chimes for her, her notion that the Mistress needed her for something and then her heart began to race. She was going pass the walls and getting the Mistress's Mirage for the month, and with it, she was seeing Heather again.

The roar of the automobile spooked her as it nearly clipped her heel, the horn blaring at her as someone shouted within.

"Quite rude." she muttered to herself.

She could feel eyes upon her, some in wonder and some that left her gut twirling in fear. She kept her head low, hoping to get to the street in time before Mistress would become concerned. The scent of the area was strong with the smog of automotive and sewer, people themselves even emitted strong undesirable smells that made her nose crinkle up against it. The full gray buildings gave no plea to any sort of happiness or redemption, yet bright light signs seemed to beckon people within, and flock within they did. Turning the corner, she felt her heart skip and relax all at once. There before her was the Lion's Sweettooth, it's gorgeous emerald lettering and lion adorning the window, the familiar green door seemed even more inviting than before as she crossed the street. The sign hung up on the door, calling all its patrons to dive into its delectable treats.

She pushed the door open, the wave of the familiar cooking felt like a warm blanket. The decor changed just slightly, from the reds and greens she witnessed before was now doused in reds and pinks with light magenta and purples. Hearts and ribbons lined the walls and ceiling as she walked within. Treats and fruits lined the shelves as the drinks seemed to continue on.

"Can I help you?" a male voice called out.

Turning around, she saw a man with dark reddish-brown hair looking at her as another with dirty blonde looked over him, "Oh sorry, I wasn't expecting you both there. It's been a while since I graced this lovely shop."

They looked at her in puzzlement as a set of names were called, only for both of them to disappear to another room. Well, that was odd. She waited there a little longer, wondering where Heather was.

"Hello darling, sorry if the boys took you off a bit. Is there anything I can do for you?" another male voice came to her.

Looking back, the man smiled warmly at her. Eyes bright and happy as his clothes seemed to match, he seemed to just pour out a happy ambiance. Laine smiled at him, as she remembered Heather stating her boyfriend worked within the shop.

"I hate to be a nuisance but I'm looking for someone."

His eyes suddenly narrowed at her, his face in puzzlement as he took her in. Maybe she made a mistake in coming without really knowing who they all really were. But before she could speak, his face lit up, "Oh, wait! You're that girl she was telling me about! Hold on."

Then he was gone. Darting behind a door as the two men from earlier looked along with her just to glance at her, whispering to one another. Now her belly was flipping around within, she couldn't waste time there. Mistress would be displeased if she were late, no matter what she spoke to her it would be looked down upon.

"Laine?!"

Footsteps echoed the area of the door as the familiar face emerged from it, "Heather?"

"My god, you came back!" Heather ran to her, wrapping her arms around her shoulders, "It's so good to see you!"

That was shocking. Not only was the woman hugging her but her tone was completely different from before. But she couldn't help herself to wrap her own arms around her, enjoying the embrace from her as the men seemed to speak with one another.

"I didn't think you'd return." Heather pulled away, "How've you been?"

"Quite well, actually. I needed to run an errand for the Mistress again. I cannot dawdle for too long. She will become worried, but I made it true that I would stop and see you. Although I must say, you seemed to have gained a new tone to yourself. Not only in voice but in features as well."

Laine looked at Heather, seeing the shimmering gloss in her hair as her cheeks gave off a rosy tint. She seemed fuller as well, more feminine than before.

"Oh well, 'it's the season of love." Heather smiled, "Plus I'm now eating for two."

That was peculiar, "Eating for two?"

Heather laughed, "Maybe you haven't heard that little saying. I'm pregnant."

Her eyes went wide, "Wait, you're with child? A baby? Really?"

"Yes, that I am. Ollie and I are over the moon and so are a lot of patrons as well. And it seems you are as well."

"I am. When I saw you before, you never mentioned a baby."

"Well, I found out not too long ago. But enough of me, I'm just really happy you came to visit again."

"As am I." Laine smiled as something crossed her mind, "Heather, I know you said you knew of people, ones that help the city, yes?"

"Pretty much. What are you looking for? Do you want me to walk you back to Haven?"

"No, I'm just curious if you may know him."

"A him?" Heather gave a small smile, "Now I'm curious, talk woman."

Quickly she spoke of the man as he came around the homes, patrolling the streets of Haven and outside of it as it seemed. She left no stone unturned as she spoke, she wanted to know it all. Everything she could think of she gave to Heather, even his looks. Only hoping that the woman could at least have an idea of who and what he was doing.

"You're saying he climbs the wall and walks Haven District. Doesn't harm anyone but just seems to see what he can find. White hair in a ponytail and magenta-red eyes. Always has a coat or such on and you mostly see him in the shadows. I got all that correct, right?"

"Quite really. I am not one to wonder of people but he makes me quite curious about himself."

Heather touched her chin as the dark-haired one leaned over the counter, "Sounds like Gillen."

"Gillen?"

"Yes." Heather nodded, "Allen has that point, everything sounds just like him."

"So you know of him?" Laine felt a small glint of hope filled her.

"Yea, we know him." Allen smiled her way as the dirty blonde one joined him.

"He's a bit of a wandering rebel if you had to give him a title." the other spoke, "Although he isn't what he seems to you."

"How do you mean?"

"James." Heather chided him, "Why don't both of you go and fit up the presentation I had you both working on earlier."

Groans of protest left them yet they did as she commanded, nodding to whom Laine presumed was Ollie as he followed quickly behind. Heather tugged her arm, leading her outside of the shop. Laine followed quickly as she darted down the alley, out of sight of most people and wandering eyes.

"Well, as the boys put, we know Gillen, but we do not know his reasoning for going over to Haven." Heather sighed.

"But the one boy, James I think you called him, said he is not what he seems. What did he mean by that?"

Heather gave her a mournful look, "Look, not everything is as beautiful as you think it is nor easy. This world here, it's tough. Much tougher than it seems. And Gillen is just as tough if not more."

Her mind when into a strange frenzy of questions as doubts as he crossed her mind. Everything she believed didn't seem to be what she thought from the start, that everything she knew was wrong. Including the truth within the home, "I do not understand."

"Laine." Heather held her shoulders within her hands, forcing her to look at her, "He's not always what you think. Am I saying he's going to murder people within Haven, of course not. But he is a soldier with past. He has seen many things and will act upon his knowledge, so for him being there, something is setting him off. whatever it is, it would be best to stay clear of it until he is done."

"So his doing may not be malice?" she tried to find the silver lining.

"No darling, it might not but I would not go and get your hopes too high." Heather replied, "But I am curious."

"About what?"

"Have you seen him, face to face?"

She paused only for a moment, "It was not fully face-to-face however we did have a moment of looking at one another to even see full features one night. I wasn't sure what he was doing but left things out for him, more of gratitude if he was helping."

"I see. Well, the next time you do, and it's much closer and you are able to come back here, tell me what you feel when he is fully before you."

Laine nodded, "I shall."

"Good, well, as much as I hate to see you leave, it would be best for you to hurry back before you're in trouble." Heather nodded to her, "You sure you don't need me to walk you back to the wall?"

She smiled at her, "I would love the company but I would feel rather foolish and guilty making you walk there, especially now with you carrying a child."

"Hey, I'm in the early stages, I'll only complain when I'm the size of a house."

Laine laughed at her, "You'll never be like that. Take care, my friend, and thank you for telling me of him."

Hours after returning and helping the Mistress ease into her night and her dose of Mirage, Laine gathered the same things as before. The small slices of bread, the sweet fruits, and the sharp cheeses all along with a small piece of chocolate or two, it all laid within the basket as she draped the heavy blanket over it, wondering if he'll come and take the things within again.

She heard Heather and the boys speak of him again. Gillen. Such a strange and fascinating name, yet it fit him perfectly. She wondered of his years as a soldier and what he had seen, hearing Master's stories of wars and battles, yet pondered on how they made him to the man he is now. So many questions yet very little to have answers too.

The door opened and closed with a quiet creak, the cold chill running down her back as she looked over the night before her. Setting down the basket and blanket, she hoped it was alright for him, that she wasn't doing this out of vain. The stars glittered in the night sky, twinkling and sparkling against the inky blackness. It was soothing, knowing they were an extra light with the full moon that evening. The large white orb above her illuminated the homes before her, giving her a full view of what was there and yet hidden in the shadows. No doubt he was hidden somewhere within the large area, yet she wondered if he'd ever come close to her.

"Guten Abend."

Laine spun around, unsure of what she'd find, yet no one was there, "Hello?"

"Was machst du?" it replied

"I don't understand." she spun around again, "Where are you?"

Suddenly something landed behind her, making her jump. She saw the large figure on the overlook with her, black nearly covering every inch of it until it stood up. She knew that form, knew that stance anywhere as she watched out for him every night. It was him. Her White Knight.

"You came." she finally got out as he stood before her.

He looked at her, tilting his head slightly only to land on the basket and blanket, "This is your doing?"

She shook her head, breaking her thoughts and wonderment, "Yes. I have been setting it out for you since I first saw you protecting our homes. I thought of you as a diligent man and serving the people with protection. I truly do not know what you are doing yet I am grateful. It is why I leave this out here. I fear you do not get a chance to eat properly nor have a moment to keep warm on these cold nights."

He looked at her again, those magenta-red eyes glared right into her, yet something seemed off with it. Almost like it was meant to happen. He came closer, the scent of heavy woods and spices lifted off of him like a freshly made meal, rich and vibrant. His skin as pale as her own yet seemed even whiter in the moonlight but his head was hidden behind the hood.

"May I ask you to remove your hood?"

"Why?" his W's oddly sounding like V's.

"For I would like to fully see you, as you truly see me."

With little hesitation, he pushed back the fabric to reveal the rest of him. His white hair stood out as much as his eyes and skin, how it flowed down his head and rested gently on his shoulders. His face fuller and more precise to her mind, and with it a scar she never noticed before on his right cheek.

"Happy?"

She wasn't sure if she could speak or even move as he stood before her. Every question and thought she had earlier was gone from her being. He snatched it away with his very presence. He scoffed lightly, moving to look within the basket. Finally, she came to, hoping he was pleased with what he had before him. A chill overcame her, making her shiver for only a moment. Blast her in her thinking that she wouldn't be that cold. Well, she didn't think that she'd see him either.

Warmth wrapped around her neck only for her to realize he was placing something around her, "What are you doing?"

"You are cold." he replied, backing away for only a moment, "I won't leave you out here in the cold."

"Yet you walk it every evening like so."

"Yet you leave me food and a blanket every evening as well."

Laine nodded, "Aright, you have that, but why though? I do not know you or what you are doing here or why? Why this for a stranger you do not even know you can trust?"

He paused as he looked over the overlook, "Because if you were to kill me, I would've known by now. That, and you are too innocent to do anything so vile. I trust you for you trust me, a silly choice in my opinion but you do, so I trust you."

"But why?"

Those magenta-red eyes looked at her, deep and longing, "Because my mind and body are telling me to."

He stood upon the overlooks edge, basket in hand as he threw the hood back over his head. Dear lord, he was going to jump down! "Wait! Gillen, wait!"

"You know my name?"

She looked up at him, "Yes, you know of Heather, the one that runs the bakery shop in the city. I have stopped there when the Mistress sends me out the walls for Mirage. I asked her if she had knowledge of you and she did. But for the greater good, you cannot jump down this side."

He gave a small grin, "Watch me."

"Please, I do not wish to see you hurt."

"I won't get hurt."

"But what about this?" she held up the scarf he wrapped around her, feeling it unfold and nearly cover her shoulders, I cannot keep this for it is yours."

"Keep it for now."

"Why do you say that?" her heard began to run wild.

A small glint of truth sparkled in his eyes, "For maybe I would like to see you again."