"Where are they?" She turned around and started up the hill, away from the house. There it was, a little barn-like building on the hilltop. It was more out of the way than she thought. She pulled open a large door and peered inside the musty stables. "Hello?" She called.

The sound of voices stopped at her call, and there was silence for a moment. Celena was seated on a small bench along the wall, working thick polish into the leather of her saddle. Across from her, grooming a beautiful gray mare, was a tall, gangly boy with rusty-red, curly hair that must have been Misshel. He glanced up curiously, but it was Celena that answered. "Yes?"

"Oh. You're here too..." She entered, closing the large door behind her before approaching the duo. "I came to see the horses. I like horses. Polishing saddles?" She tried for a smile but failed when she was met with Celena's apathetic stare. "Can I help with anything?"

"Not if you don't know how," Celena replied, trying to sound light but coming out somewhat disdainful. "Thank you, anyway, but you're a guest, so I couldn't possibly ask." She returned to her work. "Did you have a nice chat with my brother?"

"Oh. Uh - yes, I suppose." She took a breath and sat down next to Celena as the other girl worked. "He gets upset very easily."

Celena shot the girl a sharp, questioning glance. "Well, he can hardly help it," she said. "Considering what he's been through." She wondered what exactly had taken place, and what the stranger had said.

"He's been through a lot, I can tell." She looked at Celena and gave her a small smile. "He's very nice though. For the most part. He's letting me stay until I get settled in."

"Oh. Lovely. It'll be nice to have a another girl around." She smiled, but it was a somewhat empty gesture. "Allen's always been very generous by nature. He's been wonderful to me."

Misshel cast the pair a wide-eyed look before puffing his cheeks and returning to his work.

"Yeah, and you seem like a nice person. Let's be friends then, okay?" She grinned, knowing Celena's true feelings.

Celena paused, turning to glance Ayryn blankly. "Why are you being like this?" she asked abruptly. "You barely know me. How do you know what I'm like?" There was, however, no bitterness in her voice this time. Just curious exasperation.

"I explained this to your brother too. I'm psychic. Fourth generation to be precise. I know plenty about you." She smiled. "We could practically be sisters with how alike we are. And I was actually hoping if you could teach me some sword fighting. That would really make my day!"

Celena laughed sharply, though she was a bit wary to hear that the girl might have some magic-like ability. She wasn't very comfortable around such fate-related things, understandably enough. "Sword fighting? Indeed! You know, it takes a long time to learn even the basics of holding a sword."

"How long? I bet I can learn." She lifted her chin arrogantly.

"I've been training for almost two years," Celena replied with no little amount of pride. "I'm almost as good as Allen, now." She didn't mention, however, the years of former experience she'd had as a Dragonslayer. Whether or not she remembered that ear of her life, there were times when she could tell that her body did. "But most of the first year is basics and endurance training. It's exhausting, really."

"Fine. If you don't want to." She sighed and stood, looking around from something to fidget with and smiled when she found three small round weights, all about the same size. "I can teach you to juggle." She deftly demonstrated the useless talent with the weights.

Celena's face reflected only mild interest. Misshel, however, looked enchanted. "Tha's pr'y good, Mum," he said, grinning. "Can'ye teach me?" He glanced at his mistress. "If's a'right, 'course."

"Oh, sure." She caught the weights easily and began showing Misshel the basics in juggling. "You know, Celena. Anyone can do this. Even your brother."

Celena frowned, not sure if she was being serious or not. "It's a little tedious, isn't it?" she asked, though it was amusing to watch Misshel struggle with the weights.

"It passes the time." She smiled as Misshel dropped the weights in his third attempt at the feat. "It also amuses children like you can't believe."

"I don't really have a use for amusing children," Celena said, though she was smiling now genuinely at the thought. "But it certainly is amusing Misshel."

Misshel grinned sheepishly, but kept at it. "'S harder'n it looks, Mum."

"Try using just two since your starting out." Ayryn told Misshel. "It took me a week. But then again, I was adamant. My dad could always juggle or do something useless and stupid that I couldn't. Like wiggling his ears. But, HA! I showed him! I can juggle AND wiggle my ear now."

Misshel laughed, and did as she suggested, slowly getting the hang of it. Celena continued to polish the saddle as she watched, starting to warm up a bit. Though she was still concerned about whatever had transpired between the girl and her brother, it would be easier--or more reliable--to ask him directly later.

"Oh, and Celena?" She gave Misshel the weights so that he could practice while she sat next to the pale-haired girl. "I was wondering. Do you think you need a seamstress on the premises?"

"A seamstress?" Celena repeated, a bit confused. "Well, I usually just take my things to the shop in town." She raised an eyebrow. "Can you sew well? If you're staying, I suppose you might as well earn a bit of it," she added, smiling.

"Great. Then it's settled. I'll be your personal seamstress. I design as well. If you'd like, I could sketch some of my ideas for you. I'm sure they would all look lovely on such a slim, tall figure." She smiled sincerely, hoping to gain her trust - if not her kindness.

The compliment was another added surprise, and Celena couldn't help but smirk, a bit self-conscious. "Well--all right, then, it is settled. I'll have to check with Allen, of course, but I'm sure he won't mind." She placed the saddle aside so that she could stand and offer her hand. "Friends?"

Ayryn stood as well, stumbling a bit as her foot caught the hem of her dress as it was meant to be for someone taller than herself. She quickly caught her balance and smiled bashfully as she offered her hand. "Friends." She agreed.

Celena shook her hand firmly, then returned to her spot and her work. "I suppose first off you'll want to make something for yourself," she said brightly. "We can get you the material--it's no trouble. After that we'll see what's required."

"Thank you." She said. "I'll be going back to the house then and see about picking up the clothes I left strewn about my room." She started for the door.

"Ayryn," Celena called after her to halt her. She faltered briefly. "Please, be kind to my brother," she said in a softer tone.

"What makes you think I won't?" Ayryn asked curious, turning to face her again.

"It's not that," she said quickly. "Just...he's finally getting a little better. He doesn't need to be reminded of all that." She glanced away. "He's gone through so much...I just worry about him."

"Of course, Celena. It's understandable. You're his sister and - you would do anything for him." She added in a softer tone, "Even risk your life in a duel." She left with that said, starting back towards the house in a near sprint. She desperately needed to get these blasted contact lenses out.

"Ah." She sighed in relief and she took out the bothersome little lenses from her eyes and threw them out. She reached over the dresser and paled when she forgot she didn't have her glasses waiting there for her. "Oh, no!" She shrieked, running to the wardrobe she put her clothes in, looking through her jean pockets. They weren't there. Ayryn suppressed a sob but tried her best to buck up. They had spectacles here, after all. She could just get new ones. But - she'd be blind as a bat for a while. Swallowing, she left her chambers to venture downstairs for dinner.

She could hardly see anything, not being able to recognize familiar halls or doors she had passed before. She stumbled along blindly through a corridor, her nose taunting her as the aroma of Pheasant stew filled her nostrils. "Is anyone here?" She finally called out.

Allen glanced up at the sound of her voice. "Yes?" he called, rounding the corner to find Ayryn stumbling about. "Are you all right?"

"Allen?" She squinted, trying to see him in vain. At least his voice was enough identity for her. Her arms were up, making sure she didn't collide into anything as she stumbled towards him. "I'm afraid I can't see." She laughed a bit.

"Can't see?" he repeated, confused. He touched her hand so that she could tell where he was. "What happened?"

"Okay. Big blue pillar with blonde blur is Allen. I'll remember this." She said it mostly to amuse him in her struggle to see anything and took his hand firmly. "Well, they're called contact lenses. Items you might find a bit hard to understand. But usually I wear glasses - uh, spectacles."

"Oh?" Allen frowned. He himself had never needed them, and didn't know much about acquiring any. "Um...perhaps we'll have to get you some from the city. Can you manage until then?" He frowned, regarding her relative state of helplessness.

"Yeah, as long as I have a cane or seeing-eye dog." she said sarcastically. "I suppose I'll be fine. I have no choice anyway. I need you, though, to help me...Isn't dinner waiting?"

"Yes, if you think you...." He shrugged, and offered her his arm. "All right, then," he said. "I'll lead you." He started down the hall with her in tow.

As she was pulled along the unfamiliar hallways, she ended up staring at the floor or closing her eyes as the passing blurs made her dizzier than she would have liked to admit. "Do you own a piano, Allen?" I wonder if they even have such things...

Allen cocked an eye. Did this girl never run out of surprises? "Yes, actually, but it's been in storage for years. I don't know if it'll still play."

"Storage?" She almost gasped, looking up at him and finding it difficult to meet his gaze. "That's no way to treat such a precious instrument...No, no. If I'm to stay for a while, then it's to be tuned at once."

"What?" He knew almost nothing about music, or pianos and tuning and whatever. And who was she anyway, to make demands like that? "I suppose you play...?"

"Uh - yes, I do. Sort of...but it wouldn't feel right not to have a piano around. Besides," she smiled awkwardly, "I want to show off for you."

Yes, certainly a mystery. Allen smiled despite himself. "If you say so. But I've no ear for music."

"What? You don't care for it?"

"It's not that." He recalled fondly all the songs his mother used to sing for him and his sister as children. "Only, I'm spectacularly tone deaf, as Celena will tell you."

"I suppose all fighters are turned away from the musical arts. A pity, really." She shook her head, dismayed.

"I've simply never had the time." They reached the kitchen, where Celena was already waiting for them. "Well, here we are." He guided her to a chair and quickly explained the situation to Celena, who nodded, mystified.

Ayryn squinted at Celena's expression. "Why do I get the feeling you're enjoying this?" She asked with an awkward grin.

Celena smiled. "Oh, I was just wondering what a strange place you must have come from," she said. "To have invisible spectacles that you've lost."

"Ha ha." She said without humor. "Invisible indeed. You put them in your eyes. You can see them if you take them out. And you can't wear them for too long or they start bothering you. That's why I took them out in the first place." She looked at the girl indignantly before looking down at the bowl served to her by Mallie. She took in the scent of the stew and nearly drooled before taking the spoon and tasting it. It was - HOT! She yelped and forced herself to swallow, reaching for a glass of wine placed in front of her and gulping it down to calm her scorched tongue.

Allen and Celena both fairly gawked at her. "Well, wherever you're from, they certainly have interesting manners as well," Celena remarked dryly.

To this Allen smirked. "But then, it took my Celena some time to learn our Asturian manners anyway," he retorted.

Ayryn, when her fit passed, smiled at Celena as if gloating. "I bet it was hard for a tomboy to learn manners in the first place."

Celena snorted indignantly, but Allen couldn't help but chuckle. "Yes, you've got a point there," he laughed. Celena made a face and devoted herself to her dinner.

Ayryn turned her gaze to Allen after she saw Celena keep quiet. "About the piano thing . . . I didn't mean to be so - bossy. Forgive me. And also the whole Millerna thing . . ." She shook her head, hoping no more needed to be said.

Allen straightened faintly, and Celena glanced between them sharply, suspicious, but he shook he made a small gesture to indicate he'd explain later. "It's all right, Ayryn. I understand. You've every right to be curious." He paused to take a sip from his stew. "Just, remember what I said," he added, not trying to sound warning or accusing, just patient.

She sighed, her hands folded in her lap as she stared down at her stew again. The spoon was still in the bowl, steam rising up and collecting on the metal. She watched it for a long time without ever noticing any conversation at this dinner table. She bit her lip, looking up at the brother and sister. Allen, struggling to hold the spoon correctly in his left hand and Celena - casting glares at her. . . "So - how was everyone's day?" She cringed as her voice broke the silence rather strangely but it was too late.

"You were here for most of it," Celena said with a shrug. "Probably the most exciting thing that's happened in a while. Oh, I forgot. Allen, Ayryn wants to stay on as our seamstress."

"Ah, that's right. We discussed this." He cocked his head. "Will you have enough to keep her busy with?" he asked pleasantly.

"Busy?" She asked, almost dreading this line of questioning.

"Well, if you're going to stay here," he continued knowingly, "you'll have to be able to provide for yourself to some extent. Of course we'll supply materials and food and housing and all that, but you'll have to earn the rest." He nodded, as if assuring himself.

"Okay. It sounds fair." She suddenly felt unsure about this seamstress business. "I promise to do my best." She blew on her stew, watching the steam dissipate with the breeze before taking a spoonful and being able to enjoy it this time.

"I know you will." Allen, too, returned to his meal, and Celena. Not long afterwards Celena questioned her brother on the studies he was doing, to which he happily replied. He'd spent quite some time reading in the study lately. But, as he said, it was interesting reading.

Ayryn heard this conversation and inquired, "What have you been reading lately?" Why don't I remember this part? she asked herself.

"Oh, nothing much," Allen said with a bit of a shrug. "A few literary classics from various countries. There's quite a collection in there, I'd never realized until now." He listed off a few titles which Ayryn didn't know.

"I . . . see. And you've been doing nothing besides that?" asked the outsider curiously. "You haven't trained at the sword at all?"

Celena buried her face in her wine glass. Allen frowned only slightly. "No, I haven't. It...seems a bit foolish. Not that Celena hasn't tried," he added.

She repressed a smile when she saw Celena's reaction. "Well, where I come from, in fencing you must train with both arms equally so you are not dependant on solely one limb. Is it not the same here?"

"Naturally, it is the same. But...I don't think my condition allows for it." He continued to eat, clearly hoping that she would change the subject.

"Perhaps you should be a little more open minded." Ayryn suggested as if commenting on the weather. "Maybe you should stop feeling sorry for yourself altogether..."

"Maybe you should let him be," Celena retorted promptly, which earned her a glance from her brother. She lifted her nose and returned to her meal.

"I understand your concern," Allen said evenly. "But these are my own affairs. I'm sure you understand."

Ayryn gazed at Celena with a menacing, almost maniacal expression. "Oh, it would drive the ladies wild if they were courted by Allen Schezar, the brilliant one-armed swordsman. Wouldn't you say, Celena?"

"I say, mind your own business." Ayryn had seemed so kind a while ago, almost considerate. Why couldn't she leave well enough alone? If she couldn't convince her own brother of these things, what chance did a strange, suspicious girl have? "It's not a joke, whatever you think. You couldn't possibly understand--"

"That's enough, Celena," Allen intervened. "She's only trying to help."

"Yeah. See? Your brother understands. Why can't you?" She grinned at Celena mockingly.

Celena snarled and slammed her silverware on the table. "Why, of all the--" She cut herself off, seething. "Ungrateful brat," she snapped, pushing out of her chair. She was out of the dining hall before Allen could stop her, fists clenched and eyes blazing.

"Ungrateful? I'm very grateful. I'm so grateful, I don't know what to do with myself!" She raised her voice, yelling at Celena's retreating form and standing in her anger. She growled. "How the hell do you even deal with a little brat like that, huh?"

Allen raised his eyes to her; when he spoke, his tone was calm but very serious. "She's my sister."

After that night of dinner, which was promptly over after Ayryn retired to her own room in haste as well, her duties were given to her. Mostly by the other staff after Mallie had been told to put the girl to work. Not only would she be the seamstress but also another maid since they only had two in the entire house. They were more in need of that sort of position than anything. At first, Ayryn was a little put off but took it all in stride until Celena gave her more tasks based on her original position. Only a few days had passed and already she was busy as a bee, sitting in front of a pile of gowns for mending. She still wore her borrowed maid's gown that was too big for her. Not even enough time to make herself a proper dress.

After pricking her finger for the third time, she through down a lavender satin gown and stormed out of her room for a break. Late afternoon sun streamed through hallway windows. It wasn't a bit comforting. She needed someone to talk to and she knew just the right someone too. A small, coquettish smile crossed her lips as she made her way downstairs to the study where she first met Allen. It was likely he'd be in there now and she knocked just in case.

"Come in," Allen called absently, replacing a worn text in its place on the shelf. It was as more difficult task than it ought to have been, without an arm to steady the already present books. He managed well enough and turned to face the door, curious.

The knob turned and the door opened ever so slightly, just enough to poke her head through. "Sir Allen?" She wasn't used to calling him master though he was the master of the household. Her pride simply wouldn't allow it.

"Oh, it's you." Allen selected another book and returned to his desk, setting the work aside. He gestured for her to sit nearby. "How have you been? Celena tells me she's been keeping you rather busy."

She entered, closing the door behind her as she went and sat where he had indicated. "Yes, well - that's putting it mildly." There were certainly a lot of books in here, most of them covered in dust. When was the last time someone bothered to clean this place. "You sure do read a lot. Maybe you should get out more."

"There is still a lot to read," he replied evasively. This was not the first time they had bantered about this topic, and it certainly wouldn't be the last, but there were times when he almost enjoyed the dance.

"I'm sure there is. But your skin is awfully pale. Really, you should go outside a little more often. My mother used to tell me the same when I stayed indoors all the time. It does a world of good, honestly."

Allen smiled faintly. "Yes, I believe you. Perhaps I will." His fingertips drifted vaguely over the cover of his book. "Is there something you needed?"

Ayryn blushed and turned away her gaze, hoping her smile wasn't too obvious. "No, not really. Just - company, I suppose."

She was almost charming at times, when she wasn't hassling him like an overbearing aunt. His smile deepened despite himself. "Well then, I suppose I can oblige that much. The work isn't too much for you, is it? I know Celena's been in a bit of a...a mood, lately."

"You have an incredible talent for understatement." She grinned, standing again and waiting for him to do the same.

Allen regarded her curiously. "Leaving so soon?" he asked with an upturned, smug eyebrow.

"I was hoping you would copy my movements."

"Oh?" Allen rose to his feet, and straightened his posture. "Now what?"

"If you don't want to go outside for nice walk, I'll be perfectly happy staying indoors instead." She managed a smile. "I know I'm only a servant here but you honestly look like you could use a friend."

Perhaps she knew him better than he'd liked admit... Allen shrugged. "I suppose it would be nice to get out for a bit. Around the fields, perhaps." She would probably suggest to visit town, but he already knew his answer to that.

Ayryn examined his face and seemed to know what he was thinking; if she did, she didn't let on. "Aye, Sir Allen. That sounds right pleasant." With a smile, she held out her hand to him.

Allen folded her arm under his, smiling faintly as he led her out of the study. The season was so fair this time of year, it really would be a nice change to get outside for a bit. He wondered briefly what Celena would think if she saw them together again like this--she had been quite vocal, to her brother at least, about exactly how she cared for their newest guest. Allen, however, welcomed the distraction, despite how trying it felt at times.

They walked among the tall grass again like they had the first day she arrived not too long ago. So different from cities filled with paved streets and cars and human messing with nature in every way. "Allen? You're twenty two, right?"

"That's right," he said, and if he wondered of her age, he did not ask. Older than his sister, obviously, but by how much? And why did it matter?

"Well, don't you want to know how old I am?" She almost sounded dismayed when he didn't promptly ask the question in turn. They reached the hill and she sat under the tree, enjoying the shade and waiting for his answer.

"Oh, yes of course." He smiled down at her, and took a seat. "How old are you, then?"

"Well, try not to sound too interested." she turned up her nose but all in good humor. "I'm nineteen."

"Ahh..." Perhaps a little younger than he'd thought, but it was a good age. "At that age, I was at the Fort Castello. Seems like a long time ago, now," he murmured nostalgically. It had been some time since he'd seen his crew...

"They're all right." She said as if reading his mind. "They were worried for you but they're all going about their lives and waiting if their commander ever needed them again. They have a lot of respect for you, despite what you might think." She dared herself touch his hair, stroking it very gently.

"You are so mysterious," Allen murmured, shaking his head slightly so that his hair fell over her fingers. "But thank you. I'm glad to hear they are well."

"Yes. . .," she pulled her hand back, gazing intently at the ground. "I'm sorry for any trouble I've caused you, Allen. I never intended to be a burden on you or your sister. Although, lately I've been tempted to accidentally leave a pin in her dress..."

Allen couldn't help but chuckle. "You two are too alike. I'm not surprised you haven't been able to get along, to tell the truth. But you're no burden to us, Aryrn. We've a small family, and I do welcome the company."

With those words, Ayryn gained more confidence than before. She took his hand gently into her own. "I've always enjoyed your company, personally. Will you - could you take me into town? I've yet to go and I'm sure you could show me all the interesting things they have there."

Though Allen's pleasant expression did not falter, the sincerity behind it did, if only briefly. "I haven't been into town for some time..." he murmured, though obviously she knew this as well as he. "I don't know if I'd be a proper guide for you."

"I don't how that's possible. You're the most gallant of knights. I'll need a proper escort, after all." She winked.

"Yes, but..." Still he hesitated, unsure. "We're sure to get plenty of attention, to say the least..."

"Poppycock." She sniffed, "If you're worried about that, wear a cape or cloak of some sort. There's no one else here to take me and I'm in dire need of a new dress." She indicated several stains and rips from stepping on the hem constantly.

Allen frowned. "No--no, if I'm going to go, I'll go. I'll go as myself." He climbed to his feet, hesitated, his eyes skipping over the hills to where the outline of the palace stood out against rolling green. "But...if we go, Celena will want to come. It being...my first trip back."

Ayryn stood as well, but didn't hide her frown when he mentioned Celena. "For goodness sake, does she have to come as well?"

"Yes, she does," Allen insisted. "She's my sister, after all. It's important to me." He offered his arm. "Shall we?"

"Yes." She said softly, beaten. After Celena was found and their carriage arranged, Ayryn took her first ride into the city of Palas. It was the grandest city in Asturia; it had to be since it was the capital. There were people everywhere and Ayryn watched wide-eyed from the windows, Celena regarding her curiously the whole way.

The younger girl didn't know where Ayryn was really from, being that it was secret except to Allen and Ayryn. Needless to say, Celena found the other girl's behavior strange. When the carriage went no further, since they had reached a pedestrian only street, all three young people exited to walk about the bustling market place.

"How exciting! My goodness, look at all the vendors! Oh, look! There's a dress-maker!" She pointed enthusiastically.

Allen chuckled at her enthusiasm, though already he was becoming keenly aware of the stares he was drawing. Though enough time had passed that nearly everyone knew and had lost the fascination in his accident, most had yet to lay eyes on Asturia's fallen hero. They took the opportunity now, and their half-hidden gestures and curious eyes were already making him wish he hadn't come. But Celena kept a tight hold on his hand, nudged him gently to urge him on.

Ayryn was walking along Allen's right side and she briefly looked up at his face to see how he was holding up. He was obviously getting self-conscious and she wished she could take his hand as well, had there been one on her side. But if there was, she wouldn't need to because that's whole reason behind his feelings. She shook her head and settled with laying an assuring hand on his shoulder. "We're almost there."

Allen's shoulders lifted subtly, startled by the contact. He forced himself to settle quickly. "I'm all right," he said, nodding as if to assure himself. He noted with some ill ease that the crowds were parting somewhat about them. "It's fine."

The shorter girl suppressed the urge to heave a large sigh of relief when they entered the small shop off to the side. The room was full of bolts of different colored cloth, lace, ribbons, dress forms with lovely made dresses on them. It was Ayryn's kind of shop. "There. We're okay now. Don't worry." She told Allen.

"I'm not worried," he retorted, a bit too sharply, and quickly checked himself. It did feel good to be out. If only he could ignore everything else...

Celena squeezed his hand reassuringly. "There certainly are some wonderful fabrics here."

"Oh, yes!" She agreed, silently thanking Celena for the change in subject. "I could make some very lovely gowns with these." She indicated pastel colored cloths and sheer materials. "Do you like embroidered ribbon, Celena? I love putting some on the cuffs of sleeves. Makes for very nice trimmings."

"Yes, it's lovely." Celena moved away from her brother reluctantly, and plucked at a roll of bright, lacey pink. "Maybe I'll hire you to make Allen a new suit," she laughed, winking.

"You've just read my mind." She told the other girl with a wide smile. She approached Allen. "What do you think of a nice black suit? With a long coat coming down to the knees and embroidered with gold at the collar and cuffs?"

Allen pursed his lips, trying to imagine what such an outfit would look like on him. "Black?" he echoed. He rarely wore anything save blue... "I'd look somewhat...roguish, wouldn't you say?" The thought seemed to please him very much.

"Roguish, my dear fellow," said Ayryn in a mock posh accent, "Drives ladies absolutely mad! You'll have them gathered at your feet!" She winked at him.

"He already does," Celena muttered, hands on her hips. She was smiling, though. "Fawning on him like cats in heat."

Allen frowned at her description. "I don't think it's all that bad," he said, straightening.

"Uh - so, about my own dress..." she started nervously to intervene. "Do I get to choose one already made?"

"Whichever you like," Allen said, brightening.

"Really? Oh, this lavender one is very nice. Although," she stopped to think, "It's really not fit for a seamstress and maid...Perhaps something else. . ."

"Well, you might as well get something nice," he said with a shrug. "You never know...you might need it sometime." Celena glanced at him curiously, and he shrugged again.

"Thank you, Sir Allen." She went over to Celena, letting Allen roam about the other end of the shop. "Celena - your brother. He's so uncomfortable and sad. Do you think there's something we could do to cheer him up?"

Celena folded her arms, though she knew Ayryn was right. "I don't know," she admitted, glancing away. "I'm amazed you got him this far. If only there was somewhere we could take him....somewhere without many people."

"In Palas?" She asked.

"Somewhere--anywhere. Maybe..." She glanced about in vain. "Maybe down by the sea?"

"What's down by the sea? Sand and ocean. Is there a nice restaurant?"

"I'm sure we could find one." Allen glanced back in their direction, and she waved him over. "What do you think about lunch down at the beach?" she asked, smiling. "Down at Yyana's. It's been a while, hasn't it?"

Allen smiled faintly. "Yes, it has." Yyana's was a small seaside cafe, quaint in its own way and somewhat secluded from the rest of town. "That would be fine. As soon as Ayryn chooses a dress, that is."

"Oh - right." She pointed to the lavender gown. "This one will suit be just fine." Arrangements were then made with the shop keeper to have several bolts of cloth, spools of ribbon and thread delivered to the Schezar estate. The dress was taken off the form and Ayryn promptly wore it, proudly displaying the material. She was lucky that it was just her size.

Having endured more stares through the crowds, Allen and his two female companions went down to the south side of Palas where the docks were. Down on the beach, they continued on a wooden walkway that led to the out-of-place cafe. "Well, it's certainly a nice view at least."

Allen nodded. "Our mother took us here as children. To keep us out of trouble." He smirked at the thought, and shared a conspirative chuckled with his sister. "By the way, the dress looks wonderful on you."

Ayryn blushed profusely. "Thank you, Allen." Their lunch was spent wonderfully. Conversation between Celena and Ayryn mostly taken up about future gowns. It was a lovely outing by the seaside and Ayryn was saddened to go back home; at least, what was her new home.

She couldn't sleep that night, laying in the feather mattress and thinking about how Allen had looked at her. It was still early in the night and she had to see him again. Carefully holding a candle, she padded over to his room just down the hall and knocked softly. She hoped he wasn't yet asleep.

Allen glanced up curiously at the knocking on his door. He was seated at his window, watching the moon's slow progress across the sky. He already knew who it was, somehow. "Come in," he called, letting his hair fall across his face.

Straightening her nightgown, she opened the door and entered. Without a word, she closed it and joined him by the window. "Good evening, Sir Allen."

"It's a little bit past evening," he replied with a smile. "Is there something on your mind?"

"I couldn't sleep. And - I still wanted to speak with you." She turned her gaze on him, admiring the handsome sight he made and couldn't help but reach out to touch the magnificent golden locks.

Allen lifted his head slightly, wondering what exactly it was about his hair that seemed to fascinate her. Not that he minded. It had been a long time since anyone had touched him that way.... "About today, you mean," he said quietly, watching the moon reflected in her eyes.

"Today?" she whispered, as if not understanding for a moment. "Oh. Right. Today." She took a step back, to distance herself. Maybe she was getting to close. "Yes, I - I had a grand time, today." She stuck her candle in an empty holder on the dresser.

"That's not what I meant." Allen turned his gaze back to the window. "I know you were trying to help. And I'm very grateful."

"I'm glad to help at all." She said truthfully, kneeling by his side. She couldn't stand to be away from him for too long. What was it about him that seemed to draw her towards him? She wanted to take his hand but realized she knelt on his right side, where there wasn't one to take. So she touched his knee instead. "If you ever need help with anything, don't hesitate to ask me." She looked up at him with a hopeful gaze.

He frowned slightly, but in his candle-lit features even that expression was charming. "Thank you, Ayryn. Though I wish I knew why you had such concern in me."

"I just do. I can feel the things you feel sometimes and it makes me feel partly responsible for what happened to you." She gave him a small smile. "Is it wrong of me to like you?"

Allen started to answer, then realized there was no way to without sounding either self-pitying or too conceited. He chuckled and shook his head. "How am I supposed to reply to that?"

Ayryn withdrew her hand and sat back on her legs, gazing at her joined hands in her lap. For a long time, she didn't say anything. She was afraid to speak to him all of a sudden. "Allen?" she began in a whisper, "Is it wrong of me to love you?"

Her words captured him. Allen raised his gaze to her once more, suddenly unsure. What had she just said? "Ayryn," he murmured, hoping the rest would come to him once his voice was in motion. But no further sounds came, not for some time. At last he managed to say, "We hardly know each other."

She shook her head, not daring to look at him. "I know - all about you. But you're right. You know nothing of me. I'm sorry. So terribly sorry." She managed to stand without too much trouble and tried to get to the door. Some part of her hoped he would stop her from leaving, but the other part just couldn't wait to escape.

"Ayryn, wait." Allen pushed out of his chair and pursued, stopping just behind her. "It's...well, I'm just a little startled." It was the truth. "But, I would like to know more about you." He fell awkwardly silent, wondering at the strange anxiety in him. This girl was affecting him oddly.

"What would you like to know? There's not much, I assure you." she turned and looked up at him. There were tears threatening to spill there but she couldn't let them; not in front of him.

"Well, I'm not sure," he admitted with a bit of embarrassment. "Just...I've only known you for a few days, it seems." He set his hand on her shoulder--she looked suddenly unsteady, unlike her usual self.

Automatically, the girl leaned into his hand, enjoying the touch. "It has been only a few days. I'm sorry, Sir Allen. I wish you could know me like I know you. This must be a great inconvenience, I'm sure." It seemed as if with those words she would have left but she didn't move. She truly felt - something for him. It must have been love.

Allen chuckled. "Hardly an inconvenience. But the hour is late." He squeezed her shoulder slightly. "I think we would both do well with some rest. But you'll come see me tomorrow after the afternoon meal, won't you? In the study?"

"Oh. Of course. Yes." She said immediately and tried to smile. "A goodnight to you, then."

"And to you as well. Take care." On a brief impulse he took her hand and kissed it, softly. He then recoiled a bit, awaiting her departure.

The kiss on her hand made her smile and she glanced back once with it before leaving his room.