Kel looked into Merric's eyes. He smiled at her. Wordlessly, they walked down the hall to Kel's room.

"Kel, would you like to go for a walk through the courtyards, under the stars?" Merric asked, looking
hopeful.

"Or course I would. You needn't be so formal," she said to him.

"I'm glad I could confess my love for you," he said, giving her a parting kiss. "I'll see you at nine."

"I'm glad you confessed, too," Kel whispered as he walked back down the hall. She turned and walked into
her room. Tobe was sitting on his bed, squeezing the exercise balls Alanna had given Kel. He looked up at
her.

"Lady, you're blushing," he said smugly.

"Tobe, were you listening to my conversation with Merric?" Kel asked, hands on hips.

Tobe giggled. "I'm a servant. I make it my business to listen."

Kel rolled her eyes. "I can't ever win an argument with you, can I? A word of advice, Master Tobe. Some
conversations are supposed to be kept private."

"Some people act girlier and girlier every day," Tobe said, eyes on his hands.

"Maybe so, but I AM female, so I'm not ashamed," Kel said.

"You used to be afraid of gettin' too girly," Tobe pointed out.

"Yes, well that was then, this is now. Anyway I'm leaving around nine. I'll be back around half-past ten.
I promise," she added quickly, noting the look of worry on his face. "Now, Tobe, even though you're
oh-so-manly, you must help me find something nice to wear."

Tobe wrinkled his nose. "I shoulda stayed with Alvick," he complained. "HE didn't make me pick out
dresses."

"At least I feed you properly and don't beat you," Kel snorted. "Now, do you think I should wear the
green silk, or the brown velvet?"