A/N: Okay, my computers' acting up, but once again Stone Warrior has saved my butt by lending me his laptop. *Yay!*

I'm sorry about the wait. I documented the last chapter but forgot to post. Sorry.

Chapter 8- Hidden Talents

Trista noticed Piccolo's absence immediately. It was strange not to have his cold eyes following her every move, but she got use to it rather quickly.

Later that night, little Laci, the owner's daughter went to get a glass of water. It was then that she heard it. A beautiful sound, soft, and hauntingly tragic seeped into her ears. Laci followed the sound's hypnotic tones until she found its owner-

Trista.

She was cleaning tables in the otherwise empty room and singing. Her voice was barely above a whisper. It was so soft that Laci feared that if she even breathed to heavily, it would break. Laci had to get real close before she could make out the lyrics.

But Trista was unaware of the youth. Her eyes and voice filled with longing as she sang:

If all that's gone came back

And all that's dead could once again grow

If only it was so

These are the loneliest words I know

"That's lovely." Laci whispered.

Trista twirled around, startled by her presence. When she calmed down, she asked her what she was talking about.

"Your singing," Laci whispered again. "It's lovely."

Trista only stared at the child. She hadn't noticed she was singing.*

"People use to say that all the time when I was younger, but I don't like music."

"Why?" Laci asked, suddenly sad.

"Just because you're good at something doesn't mean you have to like to do it Laci." Trista said, continuing her work.

"Now go back to bed before your mother notices your gone." She said, giving the child a gentle scoot to hurry her along.

When she was sure the child was gone, she sat down, her face in her hands.

"I did like singing." She confessed to the night.

"...Once."

Flashback:

Trista sat under the shade of a large Oak, reading a book that doesn't exist anymore and singing a lovely native song. It was one of those rare moments when she had no lessons. She snickered as she thought of her brother and sister still having lessons on such a beautiful day. That was the cool thing about being the next Time Guardian, she didn't have to take government management lessons. Maybe there was something to this 'neglected child' thing.

As she sang, a servant came out and heard her. Thinking it was divine they told her father, who really didn't care. He had even reprimanded her for singing in the palace, saying it had ruined his concentration. But when the nobles found out... he was suddenly 'so proud of his gifted daughter.' She couldn't believe it. She was allowed to sing for everyone else, but not for her own personal enjoyment? She decided it was best never to sing again than to be her father's political prop. And as time went by she slowly grew to dislike music.

End Flashback

After taking some deep breaths, Trista finished her chores and went straight to bed.

* Plenty of people sing without realizing it. I use to do it all the time, until it was banned under penalty of death. :(

** Tiffy it was done to create a certain mood by the placing of the words, not because I'm not paying your advice attention. ("...Once")

A/N: I'm sorry readers, but recently I've become backslidden in my faith (Bible reading, private religious studies...). I am sorry to announce.... But I think it best if I spent some time away from the things that have been distracting me. *Heart breaking (really).* I'm sorry. Its not you guys...It's me. I have to get closer to my Heavenly Father. *Wipes away a tear.* I'm sorry... *Author runs away, unable to face her faithful

readers.*