Claudia had been sitting in front of her mirror, getting ready for the evening. She had also shared a room in the back of the tavern; where John had become her surrogate father. She was humming to herself as Gaston had walked down the hallway. He had stopped when he had gazed at her from behind. Her hair was long and lustrous; and she had fair skin. He stood there, lost in a daze-wishing he could remember what it was that had brought him back. There was something about it that did not quite fit. This mysteriously beautiful woman was ignoring him. She then turned to face him, and her blue eyes met his with defiance. "You are wasting your time," she said, look at me all you want. she thought angrily, look like all of the rest of them do! She tossed her hair aside with frustration. He gave her an intrigued gaze in return. "Are you put off by men who admire you?" Gaston asked her aloud. "No more than usual," she added sarcastically. "Forgive me, Madam, you do not even know me, so that does not give you the right to be put off by my presence" he added cleverly. "Well played" she joked, and turned away.
Claudia had joined the others downstairs a few moments later. "You are looking stunning," John smiled "as usual," he added. Claudia only smiled. She had grown used to the idea of men paying her complements. She was considered, after Princess Belle as one of the most beautiful young ladies in the village. Gaston had come down the stairs late. "You missed breakfast" John's wife said. He was only smiling at Claudia. She found those eyes of his, despite his curiosity and intrigue about her- very stunning-along with the rest of his physical form. He was, despite his modesty, a very handsome gentleman. His tall form had come with a gentleness that Claudia had never before seen in men of this type. It seemed odd for him to be so kind and serene in persona. She had expected a far great deal more from him-most men of this nature had overbearing personalities and far too much self-confidence and self- possessiveness in their behaviors. "I'll prepare you something" Claudia offered, in her soft sultry voice. "I'd be very appreciative" he replied. He watched her closely as she baked the bread. She had put the plate in front of him, and he marveled again at her striking figure. "You have beautiful hands" he commented. "You would think that you had not worked a day in your life" he smiled. "I would had rather have had it that way" she said playfully. "But, everyone works around here, and I'm sure John will expect you to-since you have no other means of paying your room and board" she added. "By all means" he said. "I'm sure the young man can chop fire wood and go hunting along with me" John smiled. Hunting -how did that sound familiar? Gaston wondered to himself. "I would gladly do what I could to help" he said, and then felt bizarre saying it. He felt something strange in his own demeanor. Whether it was due to his nervousness around unfamiliar people; or his amnesia, he was secretly growing frightened of rediscovering himself. What if what he had discovered was unpleasant? How would the others react?

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