Kyra woke about mid-day, sunlight streaming in through one of the barred windows in the Apprentice Quarters. She was the only person left in there, Irving thought she needed extra rest and some alone time from the stressful journey to the Tower.

He had also discovered that she was A LOT more educated in magic than she looked, he introduced the basic Manual of Spell-craft, just to find out she already knew it inside and out.

Well when you live in the middle of nowhere with your Mother and Dog, you gotta lot of time on your hands.

She sat on the edge of her bed and rubbed her palms to her eyes. That was SO much better than that sodding cart. She stood up, stretched, and walked towards the vanity's.

There was a hot bucket of water and folded clothing next to a basin, including a note from Irving:

Sleep as long as you need child, I understand that you've had a lot to take in these past few days. Clean up and meet me in my office, we will discuss your training schedule and a tour of the circle. -Irving

Sweet old man, She thought.

She removed her filthy pants and tunic and folded them. She found a wash cloth in a drawer of the vanity and she began to wipe the dirt and mud from her body, as she looked in the mirror, she conformed her suspicion that there was indeed a bruise near her chin.

Why that flamin' blighter, I'll singe off Caroll's eyebrows.

Once she was done grooming, she slipped on what she thought was a shirt, but was actually a robe left for her, Dear Maker! She thought, now they got me in a dress! I'm definitely taking with Irving about this.

Begrudgingly, she turned back to the mirror and brushed her hair with a comb from atop the cabinet, she decided to leave it down, it was just past her shoulder, with bangs just above her eyebrows, it clashed great with the colors of the robe.

Once she finished, she slipped on her leather shoes left near her bed, and walked out into the hall. She didn't really know where to go, but she blindly decided to turn left and just begin to wonder, she past a few miscellaneous Mages but they they didn't say anything, just smiled at her.

She'd never met new people before, let alone other Mages, her palms sweated she was nervous. But she kept her posture and kept walking, the company was easier to get used to than you'd think, a nice change infact. Her mind wondered, This isn't AT ALL how mother described the Circle to me, people are treating me like I've been here forever, and they seem content as well. Why would she lie about it to me? Is she afraid that I'd like it here?There's people like me here! Did she really think she could just shelter me away forever like that? Poisoning the mind of a child with lies so she would never have to be alone?

Her blood was boiling at the moment, but she did come to see a familiar face that calmed her quite a bit, Cullen was near posted near a door about 10 feet away from her. He was conversing with another girl, and two other people stood behind her, A male Mage and.. a priest?

There's a chantry here? She thought.

That's when she noticed how pink his cheeks were, and he was stuttering again. Then she heard something about her being distracting. Ohohohoho, he's sweet on this girl isn't he? She smirked.

The Mage turned around and her companions followed, No wonder he likes her, shes beautiful! She had a beautifully rounded face, the same flaming red hair, short with multiple dreads hanging around her face, and the brightest blue eyes.

She smiled very sweetly as she walked past, "Hey there." she said kindly. "H-hi." is all Kyra could manage. Once out of sight she mentally slapped herself.

Quit gawking at the pretty girls and let get on with our day! She walked over to Cullen, slightly turned the other way, "Idiot!" she heard him scold himself in a whisper.

She smugly turned her back to him leaning on his, he probably didn't feel it through the Armor. She grinned, "Dose she know?"

"Huh?" He turned around and she turned again to face him. "OH, its you. And.. dose who know what?" he asked a bit confused.

"That pretty Mage girl, she know you're head over heels for her?" he blushed, "Oh... its that noticeable?" Her smile increased.

"Well dose she?". He hesitated., "I... I'm not sure, well if you can tell already I'm sure she can. But oh well, how was your rest? I see that bruise has gotten a bit more noticeable." Her smile disappeared. "Is it that bad?" she asked, feeling around for it on her face.

"Hmm.. follow me a moment." he turned and walked into the door behind him, hesitantly she followed. He was rummaging through a cabinet. "Just take a seat over there.", she scanned the room and the was a big plush chair beside a wooden table covered in books.

She sat there patently for a few moments, although a little confused. He walked over holding a small tin, he placed it on the table and started to take off his gauntlets.

"Uhh, what are you doing Cullen...?" "Hold on, you'll see." she eyed him suspiciously. He took off the top of the tin reveling a cream colored salve. He got a bit on two of his fingers and knelt down beside her.

When he saw she didn't move away he slowly moved his hand behind her hair and rubbed the salve around the bruise. It smelt like mint, and his soft fingers felt nice on her skin. She closed her eyes and breathed deeply as he worked the salve around.

Wow, she thought, first unexpected kindness, now he's taking care of me? I sure didn't think I'd be making friends at all, or this quick at least.

A few minutes had past and she opened her eyes, not feelings Cullen's fingers, and low and behold, he was fingering around a strand of her hair. "W-what are you doing?" she asked a little slowly.

"Oh sorry." he blushed, "I just love Red Hair." She gave a little smile, "I've noticed, I envy her dreads as well." His blush increased, knowing the intent of her joke.

"Look," she began. "I'm sorry that I was so... rude to you on the way here. I was just scared and I-." he held up his hand to stop her. "No need to apologize, I understand. You we're being torn away from your life, trust me I didn't want to do it. But I serve the Maker and will... do as I'm commanded."

"I understand. T-thankyou... Cullen." she hesitated from doing it, but couldn't help herself, she was young after all.

She wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him. Oh sod, he's not going to return it you idiot! Let go. She began to pull away, but before she could, Cullen returned the favor.