This is a story I started LONG ago. I've been updating infrequently and have lost the gist of it. I'm re-writing the chapters I have posted to refresh myself and give it a bit of a boost, so that I can continue it without too many hang – ups.

It's always great to receive a review out of the blue. Thanks to those who did! It certainly gave me the bump I needed to get on with a story I had always intended to finish.

"All that you know has been shuffled aside as you bask in the glow of the beautiful stranger that whispers your name. Do they fill up the emptiness?"

Drifting – Sarah McLachlan

CHAPTER 1: Charmed

"Your hair, dear," said a soft voice close behind her, prompting her to stillness while strong hands made quick work of the tussled mess that lay atop her head. "Sit down properly, like a proper lady should; and try to be still for a moment," The girl inwardly sighed, she was in no mood for celebrations and certainly not in the mood for taking directions from a stranger whose perfume was making her nose twitch.

Nevertheless the young lady deeply inhaled. The name of the scent was immediately recognizable: Innocence – by a famous Galbadian designer.It was one perfume that did not suit middle – age spinsters. The hands made easy work of her dark hair, with the occasional tug and pull; the stout lady standing behind her definitely knew what she was doing as she briskly finished her work with perfection. She smiled as she looked down toward the sullen face which the lovely hair now framed.

"There now, all ready." Strong hands grabbed, and turned her around. Rinoa watched warily as shrewd eyes made their way across her face, and hands fluffed her hair. She bit her lip as a stray hair tickled her nose, and her eyes watered with the effort not to flinch or sneeze. Blue eyes leveled themselves with hers. "Are you coming down with cold? That will not do at all! Red eyes, red nose, red cheeks; heavens!" Rinoa rolled her eyes at this tirade but said nothing. She was well trained in keeping quiet.

"Oh! But you do look lovely, dear." The lady brought her face close. Rinoa had to keep from jerking back. She always, always felt uncomfortable being scrutinized by these people, yet she was used to their presence, it never bothered her very much afterwards. "Maybe a hint of shimmer, yes… lightly dusted on your hair… Please do try to smile, Rinoa dear. Gently bred ladies should always smile. Polite but impartial smiles, of course. Please try to remember."

"You do much justice to my handiwork. Turn around!" It was more of an order than a request, and Rinoa huffed as she complied. Positioned directly in front of a full length mirror, she stared at the image in the mirror, surprised and pleased at what she saw. Gone were the features that distinctively marked her as a child, mingled with a sharper, chiseled ones beginning to emerge. Her dark hair was shorter than she remembered, styled so that the ends curved past her jaw line.

"You are fortunate, Rinoa. Few girls your age are blessed with such fetching beauty at a young age. Most of them are late bloomers, some never bloom at all… You however…" She continued, much too excited now to stop her charade.

"You're lucky also, that your father called upon me to transform his riffraff daughter into a real princess…" She loves herself doesn't she? "You'll have the suitors your father wants so bad lining up… thanks to me, of course… and…"

Rinoa gave a loud, unladylike yawn. She was tired of these people, and she didn't care much for the prospect of her being baited for suitors by her father, on his own wedding day either. The ambition that drove her father was fueled by something Rinoa or her mother could never comprehend. But suitors? At fourteen? The thought almost made Rinoa laugh out loud, though the practice of being engaged at a young age was common in the upper social classes of Galbadia. Tears blurred the outer corners of her eyes. Did he not care at all for her dear, dead mother? His wife of fourteen years? And she isn't even cold in her grave yet. Caught up in her thoughts, she did not see the sudden motion behind her.

"Ouch!" Rinoa yelped as a sharp, hot, stinging sensation snapped her skin. She knew the usual thin leather strip had been bought down upon her hand, the pain it brought remained the same throughout the years. She rubbed her injured spot, glaring at the lady.

"I did not make you beautiful to have you spoil it by roadside manners! You will not yawn like that. Not now, not ever. Your father will be displeased when I tell him." Rinoa nodded, she had partially tuned out of the lecture. It was the same rules being repeated anyway. Her eyes strayed to the open window, where the opening ceremony was beginning to take place, and watched the fireworks go off; one by one – both wishing and not wishing herself there.

But the beauty of the outside could not lighten her mood or bring a smile to her face. Her mind was caught up in a turmoil of emotions ranging from a simmering rage to just plain melancholy. She lifted her chin, as if in defiance of what she was feeling but could not misplace the simple feeling that was her missing her mother. The shock of her death had not worn off and no mourning period had been set by her father. There was to be a wedding instead.


I'll take it step by step, day by day if need be – but I will get there, he thought. He wandered the streets of Deling City, awe stricken at how different it seemed from quiet Island Balamb where he had spent most of his life. In his hand he held an old piece of cloth, a Galbadian insignia imprinted upon it – and remembered whispers of the Kramers: abandoned as a child… wrapped in Galbadian uniform…

It had been years since Squall Leonhart had enrolled in SeeD. He was into his fourteenth year. A quiet, intelligent student who excelled in almost anything he was taught. He had saved up years of his cadet allowances to allow him to buy the train ticket here. If anything, he would not miss Galbadia having a ball. After all, it could have been blood calling to blood by the way he felt driven to be there tonight. What were the chances he could find a clue to who his father was? One to many, many millions, his military mind answered. But it had been a childhood dream of his to someday see the city, to catch a glimpse of the place he might have lived.

If only… and then Sis left. Is it me? Seifer certainly dislikes me without reason.

Now, he was here. Breathing in the smell of smoke and cars and slowly walking the streets of this beautiful city. Lit up at night like a thousand candles burning bright, Deling seemed every inch the place to be. It was so much different than anything he had ever seen, he watched the fireworks explode one by one; walking as if in a trance towards those bright lights that dazzlingly lit up the whole sky, if only for a while. It was so different from the small, quiet sea – side community of Balamb.

The crowd that had gathered was massive. Most of the citizens of Galbadia had attended. After all, it wasn't everyday the General Caraway decided to host an open feast; but that they said, was only because it fell upon his wedding day. It wasn't mentioned, but quietly whispered amongst the common people, the fact that he had not held a feast on the day he wed his first wife, Julia – a young talented singer at that time. The crowd that had gathered in front of the Caraway Mansion was equally impressive. Young and old had come to pay respects to the newly wed General and Countess.

It was there, as he wandered; watching – breathtakingly beautiful displays of fire across the sky he first noticed. As he stood and 'ooh – ed' and 'aah –ed' at them along with the crowd; his attention was drawn increasingly towards the large highly decorative table upon a dais. It was laden with food, much more than the people seated at it could ever eat.

He watched them for a few moments wondering who was who, when he noticed her. In truth he did not notice her straightaway, but more of the act that she was inclined to do once every few minutes. She looked disinterested in the celebration, and he watched as her hand deftly moved pieces of food from off her plate and threw them in the direction of some large potted plants – and then set to help herself to another, to only throw it again.

She suddenly raised her head, looking into the crowd – and straight at him. And for the first time, he was stunned. They stared at each other for long moments. He was aware of the depth of the gaze, he felt lost inside – somewhat desperately – as if he was sinking to the depths of himself, not struggling with these new emotions that stirred within him. Yet, as much as he was curious of these feelings, he felt equally terrified at the thought of them, more likely – at the thought of her.

Who is she? Some long lost sister of mine?

He watched her steadily. Watched as her lips curved into a dimpled smile and watched as her face turned an alarming shade of red as she suddenly found interest in twirling her eating utensils upon her plate. He decided to get closer. He went discreetly, easing his way across the crowd, wanting a closer look. Stealthily he crept closer to the table. There were guards posted around it, more than he had seen in just one area.

He had made it – crouching and barely breathing, he parted the leafy plants only to find the chair empty. He let out his breath in a rush of disappointment. Why do I feel like I need to see her, if just to catch a glimpse? Squall shook his head, suddenly feeling like a fool. What was he doing there in the first place?

Suddenly he felt himself being pushed over. Surprised, he lost balance and fell onto his back with a thud. He started upwards, only to be pressed back down towards the ground by a very large, long haired dog; panting heavily upon him, casting drops of liquid on his person. He raised his head and stared at the dog in disgust before laying it back down with a loud thump.

Squall breathed heavily for a few moments, trying to catch his breath as much as recollect his thoughts. A guard dog? Somehow, I don't think so… The dog cocked his head suddenly and sprang off, only to be back moments later – taking a firm bite of Squall's bottom pant leg, forcing him to stand up and follow. The dog lead him somewhat slowly, as if understanding his hostage's reluctance.

Smart dog... though I'd like to know where she's taking me to. I would be more cooperative if she'd let me go! I would follow out of curiosity alone. This is definitely not a trained military dog. Dumb bitch

As if understanding Squall's statement, the dog gave a sudden whine and sat down; covering her eyes with both paws Maybe I should give this dog more credit. Squall's annoyance vanished as his cautious nature kicked in, someone was coming. He gave a great inward sigh: he would be caught a little too close to the Caraway's dining table – with a dog tagged on his leg.

"Angelo! Come out now!" Squall could hear the exasperation in the persons voice, and he or she definitely wasn't taking any pains to be quiet. "Where are the scraps of food, Angelo? I threw quite a lot. Have you eaten them all?" The footsteps alone gave Squall a pretty good idea where she was standing and moving.

A girl… could it be? Squall craned his head toward the voice, but he couldn't see much in the murky light. He suddenly had to suppress an enormous yelp as the dog decided to give another nip at his leg. He smacked the dog lightly, almost voicing his irritation. He decided to look for her again, turning slightly when suddenly he almost stopped breathing altogether as he heard a suppressed giggle. He looked around, still sitting.

A rustle of leaves and there she was, squatting in front of him and staring hard. She was partly amused by the sight of her dog seemingly guarding a very cute guy.

"Umm, hi there." She said with diffidence; amusement coloring her voice.

Squall just stared. The dog is heavy…

"Oh, I'm sorry. Angelo, get up!" She helped ease the unwilling dog off, and it gave a small whimper as if to say: I caught it, why can't I keep it? Squall stood up shaking dirt and leaves off his clothes, aware that she was watching him; and not wanting to imply how he had come with the intention of seeing her, he simply said, "This your dog?" The girl nodded. They felt uncomfortable, but neither were inclined to part.

She decided to break the ice. "My name's Rinoa, I live about here." She gestured with her hand, not at anything particular. Squall assumed she meant the city in general. Although she seemed carefree and friendly enough, Squall noticed that she was distinctively upset about something, her eyes showed multitudes of emotions. "What about you?"

"I'm from Balamb." He said, withholding his name. She had to be some important personage to have dined upon the plateau; Squall wondered what she was doing here, alone. The girl in front of him didn't seem to notice. Instead, her eyes' grew wide with surprise. Squall tried in vain to correctly guess the colour, but the dimly lit garden was not too accommodating. He supposed that he would not tire of trying.

The girl gave a small smile. "Balamb. That's a long way. I've heard that island is beautiful. Peaceful." She closed her eyes for a few moments as if trying to feel the salty island breeze in the air. Squall took this opportunity to stare at her unabashedly. She was like no girl he had seen before. Very unlike the girls among the SeeD cadets, she reminded him somewhat of Quistis. He sensed her primary strength lay within, below the smooth skin and regal bearing. Her eyes reopened slowly, and she smiled at him and said wistfully. "I would love to go there someday."

Squall felt his stomach turning with that smile. "It's home," he said simply.

"Home, yes." Rinoa repeated, with a strange note in her voice and a distant look in her eye. "You came for the wedding celebration?" Squall noticed she had said 'wedding' with a bitter note, as if disgusted at the whole idea of weddings and celebrating them. He didn't answer her directly. He had not even known that the celebration was for a wedding.

"I came to see the city." Squall answered indirectly, shifting on his feet.

Rinoa smiled. He was so uncomfortable and doing a really good job at hiding it. She sensed a certain aloofness in him. He was nice enough, she guessed. Certainly polite, but there was something else she saw. A guardedness in his eyes, the way he skipped around her questions. She looked at him seriously for a moment, then broke into a large grin; extending her hand. "Would you like a tour of Deling City, Squall?" Anything to get away from my father… and that scary woman who'll be my step – mother come morning.

Rinoa felt a sudden breeze and a sensation on her forehead. For an instant, she could almost her mother's voice. The musical – like quality of it almost shook Rinoa to the core of her being. And also warmed an inner part she thought to be frozen over. Be my carefree little girl. You'll only be that once. Words of a lifetime past. For a moment, she could almost, almost feel ghostly lips brushing her hair. She shivered involuntarily, still holding out her hand, but more determined to befriend this boy from Balamb.

She watched as he stared at her outstretched hand, watched his face turn into a kaleidoscope of expressions before he reluctantly accepted it. "This is going to be so much fun. What do you like best about Deling City so far, Squall?" Rinoa said with a large smile on her face. Squall thought it was odd how her expression just then had seemed like she was on the very verge of tears, then focus again with teasing determination helped with the impish smile on her face.

"The fireworks… lights," he looked at their joined hands before looking at her face. You…

Her smile grew wider. "Oh! That means I've got to show you my place." As soon as the words flew out of her mouth, Rinoa realized how her words actually sounded. She picked at an imaginary piece of dust on her sleeve, averting her face.

Squall's face reddened a little as he choked out the words, "Your place?"

Rinoa lifted shining eyes to his. "Yeah, it's great. It's got an incredible view of Deling City, especially during nights like these. You'll love it, I'm sure. Shall we go?" She turned to face him, and Squall felt himself sink into the deepest depths of himself in her gaze – and nodded.

She led him through streets and unknown alleyways, Squall took note of the secret passages that she had led him through, maybe in the future his assignment would depend on it. Just in case. She talked constantly as they walked; her chatter was lighthearted and easy to listen to for Squall. The dog called Angelo faithfully padded behind, occasionally pausing to lick his hand or demand attention from his mistress.

They reached a tall structure, a large was held up by some device, since people would be entering and leaving during the course of the celebration. He let her lead him by the hand, somewhat liking the feeling of her soft fingers touching his calloused ones. So intent was Squall at concentrating on what he was feeling, he did not notice her bending over to lift up what looked to be a cover of a man – hole. Well, not quite.

He stared at her uncomprehendingly, "Why would you want to go down there?" She knows it's a sewer right? His companion made a sound that sounded between a snort and a giggle of exasperation as she rolled her eyes toward him. "Yes, I do know it's a sewer."

Rinoa did not notice how the pair of eyes beside her widened in surprise or the small gasp that accompanied it. Squall gave his head a violent shake. Weird…

"Just follow me!" She said as she deftly jumped inside through the small hole. She looked up at him, at his shocked expression. "Come on! Trust me…" Rinoa reached her hands up towards him, urging him to follow.

Squall gave a small sigh before quickly jumping in. She flashed him a smile before taking his hand again. He surveyed his surroundings with a trained eye.

They walked through passageways that seemed identical to Squall, the same scene at every turn. I hope she knows where she's going. They were walking through square tunnels with streams of shallow, murky yellowish colored water running below them. The walls were streaked with green and the air around them was stagnant, lending a musky smell to the atmosphere. "What is this place?"

"A sewer," she answered coyly, watching his reaction to being teased. "Can't you tell?" There was only a small fraction of a lifted brow. Rinoa inwardly giggled. She couldn't explain just why she felt this free.

After a while, they came upon a stairway that looked as if it went up a very long way. He looked at her resignedly though his curiosity was budding, "Up there?"

"Yup. Quickly though, the last bout of fireworks is about to go off." She said already beginning the long flight of stairs. Squall shook his head and looked at his watch. The last train back to Balamb would be in a few hours. But strangely, he felt that a few hours was too short with her. Squall hurried after her. Just like a stamina training session, he thought.

He came up and found himself in a small room, filled with many mechanisms with a large open frame overlooking the large ornamental gate. And, she was right; he admitted to himself, the view was amazing. From where he was standing he could already see a view overlooking the most attractive and lively parts of the city. Rinoa was standing by the frame, hands placed upon the still. "Beautiful, isn't it? It's actually a room which holds the mechanisms to control the opening and closing of that large gate over there. See?" Rinoa motioned for him to come closer.

He came to stand beside her, taking in the view while trying to decide inwardly which he found more enchanting, the scenery or the girl quietly standing to his right. He cleared his throat softly before asking, "Rinoa, how did you find this place?" Rinoa turned to him and smiled; it was the first time he had used her name, and it warmed her inside like wine. "Once, when I was young… I would come here to escape punishment. Nowadays, I just visit it now and then when things get too…" Squall raised his eyebrows, waiting for her to finish. "Tough." She said, with an exasperated tone. Squall nodded. Tough was a word he understood through and through.

Rinoa looked at him. She tried her best to memorize every feature and every way his hair fell around his eyes. She would love for him to say her name again. This… connection she had felt upon meeting him, it was disturbing and comforting at the same time. She knew she did not want him to go. Ever.

What's she smiling at? Looking at those glowing eyes that were steadily locked onto his almost robbed Squall of his breath.

What could it hurt? I like him… he's leaving… and I've never lost before… Rinoa suddenly showed a packet of triple triad cards, keeping the tremble from her hands. "So," she started. "How about it? Want to try beat Deling's unbeatable champion?" She asked, smirking.

Squall was quick to reply, nodding enthusiastically, reaching into his back pocket for his ever – present cards. This was right up his street. "What if I win?"

"If you win, you get to kiss me…" Rinoa stated simply, carefully picking out her cards while watching her companion discreetly. Squall could feel his face redden. He actually wanted to win this game, not that he had ever lost before… but the stakes had not felt so high.

"We'll play with all the rules, you mind?" Squall quickly shook his head. He would not lose.

"Okay then…" Rinoa flipped her cards over, revealing her cards to Squall as he did the same.

Thirty minutes later, after several draws they were still at it. There were no outward signs of one winning or the other losing. Beads of sweat covered both contestants forehead while they concentrated on the task before them. The combos that were flipped were skillfully countered and they played on, tirelessly. Squall was surprised at her skill, no one he had ever encountered had ever had a counter – flip to his combos, he stared at her while she thought out her next move. She's… amazing. Better than Quistis even.

Rinoa giggled, she saw a glitch in one of his traps and saw a way to turn it against him. She felt his eyes on her and she felt herself grow warm under his gaze. She placed her card, watching him think over his next move. He didn't take long as placed the card she knew he would and she watched as a majority of the cards placed turned over. He sat back, slightly smirking.

"Watch… and learn." She said, as she put down her card triumphantly looking delightfully as his cards turned; and later laughing at his face as he dejectedly looked down, shamefaced with a small smile tugging the corner of his lips.

"Winner takes all, remember?" She teased, half serious and half not. They were playing with the 'diff' rule, so it was only fair. Squall wordlessly shuffled the cards he was playing with and handed them over.

Rinoa turned them over in her hand. She had not thought he actually would just give them up like that, but she looked them over anyway. Impressive, she thought. There was one which immediately caught her eye. It was a player card. The resemblance was striking; the shape of the eyes if not their colour, the breadth of the forehead, the fine light brown hair. She was so beautiful, Rinoa thought. Just like him.

"But… this looks kind of rare. Are you sure? No rematch?" Rinoa blurted, her eyes wide. She turned the card in her hand. "Where did you get this?"

Squall shrugged and nonchalantly said, "I've had it ever since I can remember."

Rinoa was both elated at getting a new rare card and worried if she had upset him. She just felt like she wanted him around, always. Wouldn't the people of Deling City laugh over a Caraway daughter playing a common game like Triple Triad – and with a boy from a small town like Balamb too, almost giggling at the thought. Let me have this moment, if just for a while. Mother, you would not mind, would you?

"Squall…" Rinoa said slowly, deliberately. Her eyes lit up as his met hers and he gave her a confused small lopsided smile, not picking up her tone. "You don't want to know what I get for winning?" Squall shook his head, not exactly sure what she had in mind. "You won my cards," he said uncertainly. Rinoa shook her head slowly, looking every inch the innocent seductress.

"Well… if I win, I get to kiss you…"

Squall looked downwards, suddenly finding great interest in the dust at his feet, his face felt hot and suddenly he felt nervous about looking at her eyes. Whatever… He felt a small finger tilt his chin up and he found himself looking into her eyes, wandering downwards towards her lips. Rinoa smiled, her eyes never left his as she drew herself nearer, wanting to kiss this boy more than anything else right now, and she felt her heart tremble as they sat; their noses barely touching.

Squall leaned in and closed the gap. This was right, they were right, he thought. He had not expected her lips to be so warm and soft, touching and clinging to his own. The scent of her hair intoxicated him, he pulled her closer, placing a tentative hand upon the small of her back.

Rinoa opened her eyes. She gazed at his face while he kissed her, taking in every detail and locking it deep within her heart. She felt a calm descend upon her as she relished in the simple pleasure of his lips moving upon hers. She closed her eyes, losing herself in the moment. First kisses aren't so bad… this is great. I will remember this forever. "Yes, forever." Rinoa murmured against his lips before settling back into the kiss.

Squall had never felt like this before, she filled his senses completely and it was a heady feeling to have this girl in his arms. She touched his face before they parted, sending queer feelings to flutter inside Squall.

"Will you come back here?" Rinoa asked, her lips barely inches away from his own.

Squall looked down at her. He had blown his entire cadet savings for a return ticket. It would take years to collect that amount again. Yet… he wanted to stay here, with her; to freeze time and be able to stay with her, forever. He had come searching for a relation, a blood tie… family, but he had found something else instead. A something worth more than words could ever describe, and ties stronger than any family bond.

Rinoa averted her eyes, her voice unsteady. "Perhaps I incorrectly phrased what I meant." Her hands brushed through his hair, feeling the silkiness of the strands as she rubbed them between her fingers. "What I meant was, please come back." And with a strangled whisper Squall barely heard, she said as if speaking to herself, "Don't go away."

Squall was quite content to just breathe the air that surrounded her, running his fingers down the contours of her face. But he couldn't lie to her, his life was elsewhere. "I don't think I'll be able to. For a long while…" Squall struggled to continue, "You can't imagine how much… you mean to me right now." Rinoa gave a watery smile. She knew he had to leave. Balamb… is so far away. "I understand. I feel the same… it's like I've always known you. I want you to have this though – to remember me by."

Rinoa drew away from him and shook her hair back, revealing two, small platinum studs; rounded to perfection and they glinted in the shadowy light. "But I'm only giving you one side, I want to keep the other." She took it from her ear with ease and placed it in his hand. She did not want him to leave without a reminder of her. "You should go, the last train leaves in 15 minutes."

Squall reluctantly stood up. He placed the stud inside his left breast pocket and nodded to her. "You still have my card. I'll come back someday… even if it is to win it back from you." He said with a trace of humor in his voice, then turned around and walked away. Funny, he thought, how he could remember the way out as easy as ABC. He did not look back.

She stared at his figure retreating in the dark and reached a hand up to her right ear, where the remaining stud was left. She did not want to see him go, but she had no right to make him stay. She stared in the direction that he had left for a long time, as if wanting to preserve the last presence of him. This should not mean so much to me… "Damn, I didn't even catch his name." She whispered. But inside – deep down, there was this feeling of inevitability between them. Like loadstones drawn to the other.

"But it does… matter. It matters very much." She said aloud, kicking imaginary trash at her feet. "We will meet again." Youth and innocence deluded her of how strong their bond would be. But fate would not pave their way with flowers.


The shimmering image vanished. Leaving two people silenced, standing and staring still into the place where the image had been. One looked impossibly angry while the other simply smiled and placed a comforting arm upon her companion. She leaned over and laughingly whispered in his ear. "You wanted to know what she was doing…"

"Rinoa…" The man breathed out. His daughter! Doing that with some boy she barely knew! Her absence from table of honor was duly noticed by her newly appointed step – mother who did not hesitate to tell her husband. Sweat beaded out from under his ceremonial jacket and under his brow and his face was turning an alarming shade of red. "Who is this scum? Show him to me now!"

An image appeared as they both saw a boy, sitting alone at the train station, looking intently at something in his hand. He then slipped it into his pocket only to bring it out and study it intently again. General Caraway's voice boomed across the room in recognition. "That's Deling City's train station! Guards! Stop the last train!"

"Edea… deal with Rinoa, please. There must be something you can do, something you can say to put some sense into her." He was not called a General for no reason. When he spoke to her like that, it was an order. Nothing less. "As her step – mother it is now your duty. Also make it very clear that no such behavior like that will be tolerated; in or out of this house." Edea shot a look of scorn at her newly wed husband and swept out of the room with the regal grace of a queen. He waited for her to leave the room before turning to the assembled guards that had flooded the room.

Edea's brows snapped together with barely concealed anger. This was not going at all as planned. She could sense he had stubborn nature as well as a strong mind. It would take a long time to weaken him and have him eating from her hand. She needed his influence and the sheer number of men he commanded for her ultimate plan to succeed. It was that opportunity that made her steel her way to his hand in marriage. The idea of it was enough to stir the lusts in her blood.

"I'm his wife! Who does he think I am to be ordered around? If he wants this problem solved. I will solve it… but it will suit me. I will do it my way!" Edea hissed, storming her way to Rinoa's bedroom, no longer keeping up pretences as a genteel lady to the guards that littered the hallway. Her steps were now predatory, her breathing hitched in anticipation of what she would do. Her hand raised to knock but stopped before any noise was made. "If it goes my way… Rinoa will be gone and unaware of her threat as a sorceress to me. Her mother was a soft one, no wonder the battle of wills destroyed her. This one, however is still a threat nevertheless." Her lips curved in a malicious way, calculating evil contorting it and lending a demonic look to her beautiful face. "And… I could receive a knight in return. Though it will take time for him to be fully trained and tuned perfectly."

Letting out a frustrated sigh, that she even had to be polite to this repulsive, spoilt girl made her patience run out. She opened the door noisily and strode over to the bed roughly pulling the covers off. She gave a great yell of anger when she realized Rinoa simply was not there.