Chris turned to Louis; then looking to her left and right, purposely missing Percival and pretending not to hear the frantic voice of Percival and his flailing arms. Putting on a exaggerated puzzled expression, she said, "Did you hear something, Louis? I cannot seem to find the source of that loud and disturbing noise." Louis giggled and shook his head. "No, milady."

She could see Borus in the background at the corner of eye. No, she did not want to fence with them today; not so soon. But Percival was already speedily making his way to her side, not bothering to go around training knights but walking straight through them and disrupting their stance; Borus followed slowly taking his time and the proper route. Chris sighed inwardly; there was no way out of it, not without making it show that something was bothering her. Beside her, Louis gave her a sympathetic smile. Today Lady Chris was going to personally see to his training, but... Louis gave his shoulders a small shrug; this was not the first time something like this had happened.

"Lady Chris!" Percival said breathlessly, "I'm glad I finally caught up with you." He said, turning around to glance apologetically at the Bujitsu master who was shaking his fist at him for disrupting his training. Chris gave him and amused smile, "Yes?"

"Well, I... We thought maybe you would spare some of your time to spar with us?" Percival said, looking back for his unwilling support who was slowly coming towards them. Chris smiled at him, Percival was a charmer. He just wasn't very aware of it when it came down to it.

"Percival..." Chris shook her head and laughed. "I would be honored." She said, with a wink to Louis at Percival's delight that would be cut short. "But I would have my classes with Louis first. Why don't you spar with Borus first?"

"That suits me perfectly, my lady. Although I must admit," Percival said with a wry look of humor on his face. "That the wait will be much too long for me to be able bask in your presence."

That startled another laugh from Chris, who wrinkled her nose with distaste. "Get along with you!"

Percival bowed low, "As you wish, my lady." He then stood up with a large grin upon his face, "Let's go fetch out attire, Borus." Winking at Chris, he then tugged Borus along; who had watched with not a small amount of jealousy at Percival's easy – going manner and the flirtatious display.

Chris watched them go, a giggles still bubbling inside her. "Well! That's finished for now. Shall we proceed, Louis?"

* * *

"One, two... One, two. Very good." Chris praised as Louis parried her slow wooden sword. "Turn your body. Use your foot movements to good effect." The brown head next to her nodded, concentrating on his maneuvers.

"Do you have the feel yet?" Chris asked, "The sword's motion, the force in which you exert it?"

"I might need a little more practice, milady." Louis answered. He greatly admired Lady Chris, loved her for her gentle ways and courage. But he had never wanted to fight and hadn't the desire to learn the arts of war. His enrolment into the ranks was solely due to his father's insistence and later force. The pleasure of being put under Lady Chris' tutelage had taken out much of his resentment over his fate and he was happy for her the short amounts of time she could spare for him.

"Three, four, and five.... Alright, enough!" Chris said, wiping her brow

"Would you like to keep practicing with me, or should we call in another guard who you are not accustomed to, to practice with. It could show how you're getting along." Chris asked Louis, loose tendrils of hair plastered to her flushed face.

"I will be alright, milady. You can send in Gervais or Colin to take your place, I'm sure Percival is wilting away while waiting for you." Louis said, bent over with his hands on his knees, catching his breath.

"Very well." Chris gave directions to a nearby page who then scurried off to find either one of the two massive training captains. With a wave to Louis, she went off to search for Percival. She couldn't quite place her finger on this compulsive feeling like she just wanted to shout out her frustrations instead of bottling it all up inside her. It wouldn't do to have the Zexen Knight's think their captain was a sentimental fool. After all that she felt that she did not want to fence with Percival today, while walking towards the room, she felt a distinct urge to.

Chris did not bother to change her light training suit for formal attire, and because she was the Captain, most disciplinary aids did very well to look the other way. She approached the door and slipped inside. She leaned quietly, not announcing herself, on the far side of the room watching the two men as they circled each other on the small mat.

Borus and Percival, the pair of them would never cease to try to get the upper hand and would never back down from challenge that went against the other either; Chris thought with a smile. However, they were very close and would never stop at anything to defend the other when dangerous times were at hand or when honor was at stake. Not that they would admit it, of course; Chris snickered, enjoying the match of two very talented swordsmen. They both looked almost done in, but neither of them would give it up.

Percival ducked under Borus' left hand swing, causing an exhaled curse under the breath from the blond haired man. Percival was the definition of speed and agility combined with a touch a finesse to his swift attacks, Chris liked to watch him more than she liked to practice with him, he was like a smooth blur of motion. He easily dodged the other man's advances and turned the tables on Borus more than a few times. Borus cursed again and attacked with renewed frustration; his thrusts with the blade becoming more inconsistent and dangerous. It was always said that Borus fought with his emotions, seeing it this way, Chris understood why.

Percival barely had time to knock the blade coming his way, and moved quickly outside Borus' tight guard. Sensing Percival's off balanced state, Borus pressed his attack feigning a combination of high and low attacks that had Percival parrying each of his blows, being forced to lose ground as well. "Do you yield, Percy?" Deliberately using Percival's hated nickname, Borus asked with a satisfied smile.

Suddenly feeling brave, Chris picked up her sword and walked silently towards them; unsure of how Borus would react to her, she decided to just pretend that everything was like before. What was I thinking before?

"That was not a fair game, Borus." Percival said, still trying to move his immobilized sword from under Borus' blade and seeing something else that made him grin.

"Oh?" Borus said, brows rising up into his hairline. "How so?"

Percival smiled at Chris, standing behind Borus on tiptoes to look at him past the curved shoulder – slightly swaying because she was imbalanced, to grin sympathetically at him. "I was distracted – very much so I'm afraid."

Borus felt elated at defeating Percival, though the victory between them swung back and forth like a pendulum, for neither could keep that victory for long before the other got back their own. He felt a light touch upon his shoulder, he would know that feel anywhere, the flat of a blade. Borus swung around to see an imposing length of steel in front of his face. Then he looked down it towards the hilt where a pair of lavender colored eyes greeted him with a look of delighted amusement. Chris then removed the point of the sword from Borus' face, stepped back and took a defensive stance. "En Garde!"

Borus' eyes widened as he realized, that she was what Percival had called a 'distraction'. Had Percival known she was there? He didn't doubt it for a second as he slowly brought his sword up. What game is she playing? They both brought the tips of their swords to their foreheads in a familiar gesture before dueling. What was not familiar though, was the intense look that resided within Borus' smoldering gaze upon her.

Percival picked himself up and made his way to a bench where he then watched the proceeding duel with growing interest. He watched Borus' eyes as they devoured his opponent, and he watched as they brought their swords together in a clash of steel, how Borus would lessen the pressure of his strikes against her, but still kept up the attack.

Borus, on the small make – do, cursed as she nimbly jumped aside form his high strike, turning it upon her own sword and almost causing the hilt to fly out of his hand. He understood now how much it was to have a bewitching lady as your opponent. It was nothing to the havoc she was wrecking upon his mind and emotions though. He barely had time to think of it as it is and then –

Chris lunged.

She thrust the point of her sword in a low line, aiming for a killing blow in the stomach. Borus barely avoided the thrust by a strong beat of his blade, knocking hers out of line. He sprung back for a moment and was unbalanced. Chris saw his hesitation and lunged forward again.

Borus laughed suddenly as he leaped away, knocking her blade aside once more. Quickly tossing his sword from right hand to left, he reached out and pulled her sword arm at the wrist, causing her, in turn, to lose balance. Chris stumbled, "Borus! You cheat!" She said indignantly, amused that he should try such a thing with her and by the familiarity of the act.

But it puzzled him; here she was, jauntily fencing with him. Her face was damp and a becoming flush of red was appearing upon her cheeks as they dueled. Wet silvery strands were loose about her face, escaping the lush knot of hair, covered by a mesh net, that lay upon her nape. His concentration was already being sorely tested as confusion concerning her actions toward him settled in.

Suddenly Chris launched a furious attack in high line, forcing Borus to retreat across the room. He found himself backed up against a wall and waited. She lunged again, and he nimbly stepped aside, the padded point of her blade striking the wall an instant after he vacated the spot. He jumped past her, reaching at the pins that held the mesh up and pulled one out.

"Oh!" she cried, spinning around to face him. Both hands reaching up to the silver mass that was becoming undone, they fell like molten silver rushing down her back. Her expression was caught between anger and amusement. "You monster!"

Borus stood ready, a look of mock confrontation upon his face. Meanwhile, Percival had a look that changed from gaping shock to a mirthful amusement. Chris measured the distance between them and began to advance slowly. She was not wearing any padded armor, and the tight suit that she wore flattered her slender frame. If only he could read into her thoughts...

Borus always welcomed this session with her, not only was she an extremely skilled swordsman, but because she was more relaxed and playful – so unlike the intense, focused Captain she was when she was at duty. When they were dueling, these little flirtations were aplenty and it was during these times that Borus held out guarded hope that she was feeling more than friendship or that her plaintive feelings she harbored were developing into something more.

He watched her now, and he laughed at the eager mischief on her face. Then he saw the deep sensual glow in those violet eyes belying the mischief, saw the full, passionate mouth opened slightly in her own laughter, the little white teeth clipped over her bottom lip. Borus drew a short breath, lost in her spell.

Borus blinked and found himself with her sword's point at his throat. He could hear Percival cheering and clapping in the distance, so engrossed he had been with the alluring image of her. He playfully threw down his own weapon and said, "Lady, I yield!"

Chris laughed. "What were you daydreaming about, Borus?"

He gently pushed aside the tip of her sword. You... "I was thinking into one fine day into the future, when you would say those words to me."

"Keep on 'dreaming' then." Chris said. Percival came up to them, "May I shake the hand of the victor?" Chris smiled and gave him her hand, and when he bowed over it, she barely suppressed her giggle.

"Borus," Percival said, beaming. "Well fought." Borus fought down his own amusement as he realized that Chris had intervened before Percival had yielded, and a duel was not concluded before the defeated pronounced it. Therefore, Percival had not lost to him – the duel was considered unfinished and there was no victor. Himself, on the other hand, had yielded to Chris' onslaught. And in many other ways...

Chris took a quick look at Borus, to confirm to herself that he did not hold any ill thoughts about her after she refused to be seen with her hand in his. He just grinned at her and winked. Chris was relieved and also confused by his actions. Wouldn't he hate her a little? After all, she had played into his hand... and then pulled away. Didn't he feel anything for her to not feel rebuffed?

An red-faced Louis then rushed towards them. "Lady Chris!"

"What's the emergency, Louis?"

"S – Sir Salome! He's furious, madam. He gave me instructions to find you 'at once' and tell you to come to the conference room – immediately!"

Chris glanced at the large clock that hung upon the wall – goodness! It was and hour past the time Salome had allotted them. Her hands flew to her hair, she was a mess! Percival and Borus threw back their heads and laughed at her agitation. Percival thought she looked just charmingly young and carefree, without the severe tight knot of hair and he told he so. To Borus' surprise and not a small amount of envy, Chris laughed and threw a wink his way before turning around to leave saying. "Thanks, Percy. Let us be off then."

Percival wagged his eyebrows to Borus before obliging to her command and bouncing to catch up to and walk beside her. Borus crossed his arms in front of his chest and watched them leave, perfectly looking like the jealous companion. She had said 'us', Borus thought back, a frown marring his smooth forehead. You're going the wrong way about this, Borus. At least I hope that I am He felt insecurity eat up at him at the thought that she might favor Percival over him. He didn't want to think any further than that.

Beside him, Louis cleared his throat causing Borus to start. "Salome also requested your attendance, Lord Borus."

"Hmm? Oh... is it important?" Borus said, walking out of the small room and out into the large corridor. Louis grinned; he could tell that Borus was just asking because it seemed the thing to do but his thoughts were miles from what Salome might want. He might not want to act the part of a enamored knight, but his actions screamed it out loud.

"A messenger has just come from Vinay del Zexay. Whatever his message, it has caused Salome some great deal of anger, my lord." Louis answered. "It angered him some more when none of the knights returned to continue the short meeting after the given time."

It takes a lot to anger Salome, Borus thought. As if reading his thoughts, Louis said, "Salome does not anger easily, my lord. You should have seen his face when he stormed out of that room, unfortunately I was passing by."

Borus chuckled, "You must be very courageous then to have survived it." Louis grinned up at him, "I believe so, my lord."

* * *

After the initial shock of seeing Chris with her hair tumbling down to her waist, with grime upon her training suit and soft shoes, Salome had surprisingly but wryly complimented her for her bravery for coming in attired as such and the youthful appearance that it brought up. Salome had quite forgotten how young his captain actually was. Chris had blushed becomingly and profusely apologized for her appearance as well as her late arrival.

Percival, sitting on a couch beside her looked at her as he had looked at her a thousand times before. He adored her, that much was true and true again for almost all the knight population, he thought as he gazed at her but he often wondered if she could feel for anyone, lest of all him. The color brought about by recent exercise and teasing brightened her face, erasing the smooth ivory skin he was so accustomed to. And it took a great deal of discipline to not reach over and bury his hands in the masses of soft hair that fell down her back. He was spared that as Borus strode in the room, giving him an odd look before sitting down. Percival had no doubts that Borus had a fair idea of what he was thinking. The man had a sixth sense about anything and everything about Chris.

There, Percival concluded, was the real competition.

Chris, suddenly restless, got up from her seat and walked over to the large paned windows that overlooked the courtyard. Borus watched as she did so, not knowing what to think anymore.

She stared out the window for long moments, wondering when the characteristic 'impulsive' was ever associated with her. It was now – with her behaviour concerning Borus. So engrossed in dissecting her actions, she failed notice even when Roland and Leo announced themselves and then gaped at her for a long while before taking a seat.

Salome cleared his throat, for the second time round.

Chris whirled around to find the five of them looking expectantly at her. "Oh! Why didn't' any of you tell me instead of glowering at me in that ferocious fashion?" Or is it my hair?

Salome smiled at her, "Shall we begin?"

"Yes, yes." Chris said, hurriedly sitting down.

"What's the emergency, Salome?" Percival asked, raking a hand through his hair.

Salome glanced quickly at Chris and continued, "There have been raids on Zexen merchants, mostly those dealing with the Grasslands. The merchants themselves were not harmed, but stocks they were bringing in their wagons stolen. It seems that in Vinay del Zexay, the more prosperous merchants are not receiving their stock, and therefore cannot trade internationally without delay. The council – made up of wealthy merchants themselves, feel that this could be a threat to the steady flow of Zexen Federation income if not looked into immediately."

Chris looked at Leo with raised eyebrows; his look of surprised disgust matched hers. Were the knights to become wagon guardsmen then?

"However, that is not the disturbing news yet, seeing the look upon your faces." Salome said, noticing the others' expressions. "There is more," Salome added, flicking his eyes over the scroll. "Women traveling with their husbands, or spinsters with their merchant brothers, sisters... were not left alone."

Chris frowned. "What do you mean?"

"They were taken by the raiders, along with the marketable goods." Salome finished off as if he had a bitter taste in his mouth. "No demands of ransom were made. The women were never seen again, though searches have been made. Most of the search parties consisted of Zexen infantry; even Kidd up from Orange Castle has been hired as a private investigator and is often seen out and about."

Percival looked at Borus, wondering if breeding would tell. For all Percival knew of merchants and their sons was that they were good at being very loud and making money, but had a tendency to be very cowardly with their actions following their words. Borus had proved many times over that he was more than a spoilt, rich son of a wealthy merchant, but his actions at Karaya told Percival that something darker lurked beneath his cool exterior and articulate speech.

Borus, on the other hand, was thinking how on earth these men did not manage to protect their women. He was sure had they retaliated somehow, they would have been injured to some extent. It was like they had let them go without any sort of fight. If that had been Chris...

"Chris, the council expects you to give chase to these bandits; chose who you will to accompany you. You have been ordered to seek out any information firstly at Orange Castle, since it is a booming centre for commerce now." Salome said, with a note of surprise at the last portion of the missive.

Chris looked at her hands, "If it is the will of the council I will go." She said, not bothering to conceal her distaste.

"This is hardly an assignment to hand over to the Captain of the Zexen Knights." Borus said, mirroring her thoughts. Percival nodded his agreement.

"It is our duty to the Zexen people... to protect them. It will be my pleasure." Chris said, standing up.

Salome walked slowly towards her. "Chris, there is one more thing I did not mention. The goods that have been stolen were mainly weaponry and armor, with the occasional loot for food and rare objects."

"You think this a threat to Zexen?" Chris asked.

"Well, apparently the council sees it as such." Salome said with a shrug. "Think of it this way, it could be nothing or it could mean everything. It is better that we know."

"How many men do you suggest for this chore?" Roland asked.

"I will take Leo and Borus. Louis will come as my support." Chris said decisively. "We will make this plain and simple. I shall play the damsel accompanying two drunken merchants traveling homeward bound." She stood up and strode to the door.

Borus nodded and Leo grinned at the thought of Lady Chris being anyone's damsel. Louis bowed to the company. "I will make preparations for the horses and goods. When do you plan to leave, milady?"

"Wait," Roland said suddenly. "Who is to supervise the new garrison at Orange Castle if Borus goes?" Chris' eyebrows rose in surprised accusation at this statement and she looked at Salome. Salome's silence confirmed that he had known about it. Why wasn't she told about it?

"Oh, is that where Borus has been going these past few weeks?" Chris asked with a bored drawl to her voice, anger making her eyes glint. Salome looked hard at Roland, almost kicking himself for forgetting to relay the message from the council to him, before addressing her. "Chris..." He began, before she cut him.

"That's 'Captain' or 'Lady Chris' to you!" Chris retorted sharply, her foot tapping impatiently upon the floor. "Why wasn't I told of this?"

Salome looked stunned, "I beg your pardon. As I was about to explain – "

"Get to the point, Salome."

"The council made a private request. For me." Borus said quietly, keeping his eyes upon his upturned palms, avoiding her eyes. Chris' eyes snapped to him, looking at him with none of the warmth that was apparent during their duel.

"Alright then, since we're all talking in circles; why you?"

Borus looked up at her then, his eyes clouded over and he swallowed, "I – I don't know..."

Percival kept silent, watching the barbs fly between his comrades. He partly knew the reason why Borus had been chosen, but it was a small one to be sure. He had not known until he had caught Borus being excused for ordinary duty and had confronted him. The council had specifically wanted Borus for this job, and they had ordered him to be discreet about it, so far Percival had kept his word and not breathed a word about it to anyone. How Roland knew about it, he couldn't guess. But the way he had nonchalantly asked about it made Percival wonder if he had known it was an undercover operation. Percival made it a point to question it later.

Chris gave a snort of disgust. "Fine. Why is there need of a garrison at Orange Castle?" When she saw that no one was answering her questions, she threw up her hands in defeat. "I give up. Louis, get the preparations done as soon as possible. Suddenly this castle is too shrouded in mystery to understand, let alone live in."

"Yes, right away." Louis said, scurrying to get up and out the door.

"Thank you, Louis. We will be leaving in the evening, to reach Vinay del Zexay on the light of the second day. If that will be all, Salome?" Chris asked sarcastically, somehow Salome did not seem to hear it.

"Yes. Thank you for your prompt arrival." Salome said absently. Chris turned back, only to see him engrossed in his other papers and the rest of the knights grinning. "He means, thank you for coming wearing such flattering attire. It saps away anger like a breeze." Percival said, with a wink.

"P – Percival!" Salome stuttered, looking thoroughly flustered. Chris rolled her eyes and exited the room.

* * *

Chris strolled, making her rounds in the Brass Castle courtyard. Dressed in her usual armor with her hair once again tightly in place, she passed one Percival – laughingly engaging three ladies with heroic tales, making them swoon with his presence alone. Percival was good – looking, Chris admitted to herself; with windblown dark brown hair and mischievous air about him. But there was a certain roguishness to his character that shied her away from his attempts, a look that would flare in his eyes when they were close to each other that she did not quite feel comfortable with, that made her feel a little weak in the knees and vulnerable to her inner wants.

"Why would the council order me about for something so trivial?" Chris muttered to herself. Unless they had wanted her out of the way for something they knew she would protest against or to plant the seed of doubt and distrust amongst threats or newly founded enemies. This was done subtly and under the noses of their competitors, so that they would profit in the end. The council would even consider the slavery of the Zexen people under the Harmonian finger if it profited them enough. Her trails of thoughts were interrupted by a very hard shove from behind.

"Oomph!" Chris whirled around to see who had bumped into her and saw a small girl who was held by the hand by a large red – faced woman, who she assumed was her mother.

"Heavens! It's Lady Chris! Belle, apologize this instant." The woman chided; the child however looked at Chris with large eyes and didn't seem at all affected by her mother's agitation. She held in her hand a funny looking hammer which Chris could not discern was weapon or toy. "If you hadn't been so intent fussing over that rubbish barrel and scrap metal..." She droned on and the child named Belle just grinned up at Chris and offered her hand. Chris shook it with sham solemnity and winked at the young girl who didn't seem too awed by her presence. Chris liked the feeling of someone treating her as an ordinary person than a living legend.

They strolled off after the woman offered a stuttering apology and left holding the girls arm this time. The girl turned around in the strong grip and waved to her, Chris smiled and waved back. She continued walking, not really knowing where she was going and just letting her legs take her wherever they went. She stopped short when she reached the door to the Bujitsu room. Trust me to lead myself here...

It was where Borus spent most of his time while at Brass Castle.

Later that afternoon, she stood next to Louis in the stables, helping him brush down and attire the horses.

"You wouldn't believe what I found at the supply shop, Lady Chris!" Louis exclaimed, jumping down from a footstool and coming towards her. Chris couldn't think what in the world he could find in a supply shop that would cause him to be this excited, so she looked on expectantly with an amused smile tugging at her lips.

"This!" Louis announced, and the item he held up caused Chris to burst out into laughter. He was holding a rather limp looking wig. The hairs upon it were black and ridiculously curly; and it had a long fringe that would surely get into her eyes. What a peasant she would look like wearing it!

"You really can't expect me to wear that tomorrow, Louis." Chris said laughingly.

"But – milady! You'll have to dress the part if the plan is go work. And I have these for Leo." The item he held up this time, made Chris dissolve into mirth again. She couldn't begin to imagine the look Leo might have on his face if he had seen the dirty purple colored arm warmers that Louis was waving in her face.

"That's not all..." Louis added, making Chris groan in mock anticipation. "I got this gown from a nice old lady down in the keep; she said she had no more use for it."

"Yes, I can see why." Chris said dryly, looking at the abominably ugly piece of brown cloth Louis was holding up against his body – making Chris suddenly feel like another bout of laughter at the comical picture Louis made.

"Are those the 'preparations' you've been making?" Chris asked with mock severity.

"I finished making the 'other' preparations a long time ago. So I thought..."

"That you needed to find costumes for our play?" Chris added helpingly. "Louis! You're a treasure. When you present those repulsive arm warmers to Leo, say it is on my command." Chris added, suddenly feeling very carefree.

The large grin that Louis gave Chris caused her to shake her head in amusement. "Of course, milady. There are other garments..." He trailed off with a laugh.

Louis admired Chris above anyone else he had ever met. He studied her now, dirtying her hands and helping him with a task that was beneath her station. He recalled the small commotion in the meeting room and couldn't help but feel sympathy for her. She must have felt no small amount of betrayal, for sure. Louis looked down on his light armor and smudged tunic beneath it, and sighed. He was just an apprentice knight after all, but he felt the need for Chris to know that she could count on him, no matter what.

"Lady Chris?"

"Hmm?"

"I have some trouble deciding where my loyalties lie." Louis admitted. Chris turned around at him, startled by his serious tone and the gravity of the question. It was actually close to treason, when she repeated the question in her mind.

"What do you mean?"

"I feel no obligation to the council, my lady," Louis whispered, shuffling his feet.

Chris sobered immediately. "Then you should keep these thoughts to yourself, Louis. It may be dangerous for you to voice them out. You could be branded a traitor and expelled." Am I a traitor then?

"No, I mean..." Louis searched for the words. "I was with you during the border clash, two years past. I have no faith in the council anymore. I dislike their power over the Zexen Knights. They do not deserve it, if anything."

Chris looked at him steadily, her eyes searching his troubled ones. "What do you have faith in then?"

Large brown eyes lifted to hers and looked steadily at them. "I have much faith in you, my lady. Not the knights, nor the council. You are a true representation of what Zexen should be."

"And what should Zexen be?"

"Goodness and truth, something like that... and with their every breath and task, it should be done for Zexen and the people. Not for personal gain or wealth." Louis said thoughtfully, thinking of the guild of greedy merchants who ran the council.

Chris felt very much touched by his words. And humbled beyond words, "Thank you, Louis." She said softly, absently brushing down a horse's coat and wondering what prompted Louis to say such a thing. Rhythmically, the movement of her hand worked through the horse's smooth coat. She thought of the ridiculous mission that had been commissioned to her and the funny wardrobe the Louis had provided for it. What would it be like to actually be a commoner? She had felt some of it during her time with Nash out in the Grasslands and had enjoyed it immensely. The freedom to explore and wonder at the gargantuan hollow of the Lizard Clan and not have them look upon her as enemy or with suspicion, the lovely feel of the breeze when standing in between grapevines during her time at Chisha Village. She closed her eyes and envisioned herself in those places, wishing all the while she could be free of her obligations in Zexen and felt a wave of sadness wash over her as thoughts of her father drifted into her mind. In the end, he had chosen the life of a Karayan warrior...

"Do they sell lots of wigs at the supply shop?" Chris asked suddenly, her mind whirling with an idea too impetuous to give thought to.

"They have many, my lady." Louis said, confused.

"Do they have wigs that are the same colour as my hair?" Chris prompted further.

"Y – Yes."

"The same length?" Chris asked; her eyes alight with excitement as she thought out her impulsive plan. Could someone take her place? Her personal maid at Brass castle would jump at an opportunity to gaze upon any of the men in her regimen, especially Borus as she had once mentioned to Chris' immense disapproval. Yes, she was sure Sherry would agree. Chris was also doubly sure of Sherry's loyalty to her.

Louis in turn watched Chris as her stokes became less focused and her brow creased in thought. What was strange, he thought, was the way her eyes positively glowed. "What do you have in mind, Lady Chris?"

Chris turned to him, blinking. "I – I was just thinking of the ride ahead." She lied badly.

"What's that got to do with wigs the same colour and length as your hair?" Louis asked, determined to get to the reason why Chris looked like a woman reborn.

"Something or everything... would you like to go for a trip?" Chris said evasively, phrasing Salome's words from that morning. She barely heard Louis' sigh of resignation as she contemplated her intention.

"Lady Chris, I would accompany you to the Grasslands and beyond."