A/N: The disclaimer still applies.

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After introducing Evvy to the maid who would help her with her things, Sandy realized that Pasco's lesson time was over for the day.

"Pasco, you can go back to the studios. And please tell Aunt that Master Briar and Evvy are here."

"May I…speak with you, Lady Sandry?" he asked quietly.

"Of course," she stepped outside and closed the door behind her. "What can I do?"

"Well, Lady…it's Evvy. You know—you were telling the little monster that you wanted Master Briar to have someone to look after him?"

"Yes…"

"I think—Evvy wants to apply for the job. But—she doesn't know how. And I thought—maybe—you could help her out—put the right clothes on her, and things."

His teacher stared at him, surprised. "Of course…I know just what to do. I'm so glad…but—Pasco, how did you know…?" She studied him for a moment. "Oh. Oh, Pasco, I am sorry, I—"

"It doesn't matter. Just—do what you can for Evvy, all right?"

"I will."

Pasco turned and took off, embarrassed by the truth she had glimpsed. Sandry stared after him with lingering regret, then recollected that there was at least one problem she could solve.

"Well, let's get you unpacked, Evvy, and then we can see what needs to be done for you."

"What, Pahani? What do you mean?"

"Well, I want to go over your wardrobe, of course. I'm sure you must know by now what Dedicate Lark and I have magic with. And I want to see that you have everything you need. And, of course, we'll get Lark here in the next day or so to help us make some decisions and advise me on your ball gown…"

"Ball?" she squeaked. "Me?"

"Of course. Now that you and Briar are home, I want to welcome you properly. Daja wouldn't let me do her alone, but she can't object now. You will tell Lark I'd like to see her in a few days, won't you, Rosie?"

"Yes. In fact, I'll go and tell her now."

"Thank you." Sandry hugged the older woman tightly once more. "Oh, how I've missed you."

"Don't go getting all soft on me," Rosethorn said gruffly. "I missed you too, you know."

"Give my best to Lark and Frostpine."

"I will."

"Dredre, show Dedicate Rosethorn out and then come back here to help us finish with Mistress Evvy's unpacking, please."

"Yes, milady."

"Now, Evvy, let me see what you have in the way of skirts and blouses, and then I'll leave you to unpack and get dressed for dinner. You and Master Briar will sit at the head table with Mistress Daja, His Grace, and the rest of the family."

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"Is the eighteenth all right with you, Uncle?"

"Yes, my dear. I think it will be good for you to plan a big event—you haven't had much to do lately."

"Good. Now, I must fly. I promised to meet with Lark and figure out Evvy's wardrobe."

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"Let's see now…she needs new everyday, of course…but we can work that out later. What I want to start with is her gown."

"All right. What color, do you think?"

"Green. It will show off her hair and skin well, and emeralds will bring out those eyes."

"Yes…what fabric were you thinking of?"

"Well…Jaming, will you go to the third crate in the north woven room's stores and bring it to me, please?

"You see, Evvy, I have a simply gorgeous fabric that I think will be just right for the effect we want."

"Why…why are you worrying so much, Pahani Sandry? It doesn't really matter, does it?"

"But, Evvy, you're the guest of honor. Besides, how else are you going to get Pahan Briar's attention, if you're not spectacularly accoutred?"

"Sandry," Lark protested vehemently.

"Oh, but Lark," she turned from where she had been making Evvy blush, "I really do think that that's the best possible thing for him. And she loves him—don't you?" turning back.

Evvy, by this time, was not only furiously red but also looking anywhere but at the two mages in front of her. "Ye-e-es."

"See?" Sandry triumphed, spinning once again to face Lark.

Lark was trying, unsuccessfully, to keep from smiling at the easy arrangements.

"So, for now, Evvy, we'll leave you in your old clothes, and it'll just be normal, and then, at the ball…he won't know what's hit him."

"Here it is, m'lady," Jaming came back into the room, a box under one arm.

"What is this, Sandry?" Lark asked curiously.

"Well…it's something I wove specially…for when I'm in love. But I can spare enough for Evvy."

"What is it?" Evvy, too, was curious. She began to open the catch on the box.

"Satin."

"And…" Lark prodded.

"Well…there's charm, glamour, and just the tiniest hint of allurement built in."

Lark began to laugh.

"It's perfectly respectable…and, after all, everybody needs a little help to catch the eye at first.

"We'll dye it green, that pretty summer green that you get from aschndal lichens, and Jaming can do your hair—I can make do with Harana, easily enough—and you can wear emeralds…"

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There you are!

I know it isn't terribly exciting yet, but the next chapter is where I intend to become so, and the actual action (NOT ACTION-ADVENTURE-BAD-MOVIE type, just non-romance-plot) in…probably ch. 4. Bear w/ me.

Blayze: Will this do? Don't expect every update so quickly, but in this case, all this is already written in my head, and so is the next chapter, and probably the one after that, so they'll be fairly punctual for a while yet.

Luv ya,

Yours 'til ice screams,

El