After heaving a great sigh, I turned to Lani. She leaned over, and gave me a small kiss on the forehead. "This probably won't take long. Please do not worry; you won't be required to do anything dangerous, since you are new to the empire." Normally I would have been pissed about someone implying that I was weak, however, I just couldn't bring myself to be upset with Lani.

She exited the room, leaving me to pack my very few possessions. Damn everything, I thought in my head. All I wanted to do was be with Lani. Why must there be so many interruptions? If only I could escape all of my duties..that would be excellent.

Suddenly, a derisive knock came upon the door. "What is it?!" I shouted, throwing down the bag I was packing things into on the bed. "I just thought you might need some help", Folken said, entering the room. As usual, he had that annoying smile on his face. "No," I growled, "I do not need help from someone like you."

Instead of leaving, as I had thought he would, Folken sat down on my bed. "I congratulate you." He said, quietly. I raised an eyebrow. "What for?". "You..Lani. She's a really wonderful girl; you're a very lucky guy, Dilandau."

Although I knew I was for having her, I didn't want to seem soft to Folken. "Yeah. Right. Leave, you're distracting me." "Alright.." Folken said, getting off my bed, and heading toward the door. He turned suddenly, "However, if you need any help, my room is across the hall. Just ask."

Why is he being so nice to me? I pondered. He must want something, that sneaky little jerk. Well, he better just not try anything with Lani. I'd kill him if he so much as touched her. I shook my head, riding the thoughts of Folken and Lani, and continued to pack.