Yay! I'm so happy with myself! I finally got free of this really bad writer's block that was affecting how i wrote, and now all the ideas for my story are flowing back in!

(does happy dance) Now, let's with the next chapter!

Part Thirty-nine:

Richard and Erik talked for quite awhile, both getting used to one another's presence. Before, there had been an uncomfortable era around them when Lark was not present to calm things. He had found, surprisingly enough, that his host was clever and a pleasure to talk to, he understood him. Or at least was able to keep up with his intellect; one thing Lark couldn't possibly do. "I wonder what Rachel and Lark are up to," Richard mused to himself as their conversation dwindled to a comfortable silence. Erik glanced towards the door of the parlor and shrugged. "Such a pleasant girl," his host continued, "it really was a shock when I found her without her family. What a tragedy…" His guest suddenly sat poker straight in his chair.

"May I ask about the…tragedy?" Erik asked quickly, Lark had never told him and she always had gone glassy-eyed whenever her family or past was mentioned. The dead, haunted look that he tried to have her avoid; it always gave him a chill. Richard frowned slightly, pondering. Erik sat tensely in his chair, hands gripping the arms of the seat. The host finally shook his head. "No, I am sorry sir, but I feel that Lark is the only one who can tell you. I would rather not betray her trust." Erik nodded tiredly; of course he wouldn't want to tell him, Lark had probably begged him not to mention it. Richard noticed his acquaintance's discomfort and hastened to reassure him.

"Do not worry too much about it, Monsieur," he said, "I myself barely know anything about what has happened in Lark's life." Erik just frowned, but he felt a little better after his host spoke. "It is just that Lark," Richard continued slowly, "has never been one to burden those she loves with her own problems. She would keep it to herself." He sadly watched the flames in the fireplace. "That's probably why I didn't know of her family's deaths." Erik, unsure of what to reply to this, said nothing. Suddenly the parlor door was swung open and Lark sailed in with Rachel trailing behind; both wearing large smiles.

"Dinner is ready, everybody!" sang out Rachel, clapping her hands together. "Yes! Come on! Come on!" Lark agreed, giggling. Flouncing over to where Erik sat, she seized his hands and tried to pull him up but had no success. Instead, she pulled on his arm so hard she ended up sprawling head over heels. "WAHH!" Lark's familiar, almost signature, cry of surprise came from her throat as she landed onto Erik's lap. He immediately shot out of his seat, dumping the startled girl onto the floor. "Ouch!" Lark looked up from the floor at Erik with alarm and bafflement. He was breathing a little harder and was watching the girl with his own shock; she had scared him for Erik had not seen her come up to him.

He then glared at her, gold eyes sparking irritably. "Don't ever do that to me, again!" he hissed. Lark made a face and reached for his hand, and seizing it, the girl heaved herself up. Erik stooped only a small bit as she put her weight down on his hand, but he pulled her up. Rachel stifled a small stream of laughter that fought to be released, pressing her hand over her mouth eyes sparkling. Richard just stood in front of the fireplace watching the scene amused.

Erik heard Rachel's stifled laughter and, whirling around, threw a withering glance her way but Rachel just smiled at him. The hard lump reappeared in his throat but he managed to get around it by turning back towards Lark. The girl dusted herself off and looked thoughtfully at Erik. "You know," she started slowly, "I figured out something." He looked warily at the girl. "What?" Lark smiled slowly. "Oh, nothing."

"What?" he demanded. Lark peered innocently at him. "I forgot," Rachel couldn't hold in her laughter much longer; she burst into sniggers, laughing not unkindly. Richard just looked back and forth between the girl and Erik wearing a look of bafflement. Erik glared at her, "You did not," he snapped. Rachel cut between them. "Let's go then, Lark!" she said cheerfully, pulling the girl gently along beside her. Lark laughed and grabbed Erik's hand, tugging him behind them. "It's dinnertime, brother!" called Rachel over her shoulder, with Lark arguing happily with a very irritated Erik, "Come on! Let's get going!" Richard nodded and followed the group out into the halls.

Again, sorry for the late post, hopefully i am back on schedule so i can update regularly again! XD