Eileen read the text twice, or was it thrice? Sure, she wasn't as bright as Clorince. Or as talented. Or having her father's trust. The tears threaten to spill over. She tried hard to catch up to Clorince to show their father she was worthy of his trust and love.

She even tried to create a potion to help her only friend, Emma. Eileen poured her heart into it. She looked through old dusty books, hoping to find something pointing in the right direction. None of the books really helped.

At one point, her father let her meet someone with a Black Spirit. A small part of her felt it was a test, such as learning what it looked like in the early stages, figuring out how to help ease the host with positions she knew, or learning different recipes to slow down the possession. However, she did have a different idea.

She roped him into helping Emma free herself from the nightmares. It worked, and when it was over, Eileen hoped he'd stay as another friend of sorts. However, she was thankful he was willing to help and didn't judge her on her plans or be hypercritical of her.

After helping relieve Emma's nightmares, the adventurer had to leave for Serendia with Lady Jarette. Eileen felt incredibly sad about this. She thought she finally had someone to do fun things with, but now she didn't know where he was. Eileen prayed to Elion for his safety.

Thinking about him tended to make Eileen's mind wander. She knew he was from Valencia from his dress and accent. The latter was quite dreamy. It didn't help that he had a deep yet gentle voice, almost like that of a double bass. Though Clorince and Emma begged to differ since they had their chosen men, they like to think about. However, Eileen doubt Clorince had a man in mind since she's very picky. Not that Eileen has a low bar for men, but there are a lot of cute men; she can't say no. But almost all of them turn out to not be her type.

"Focus, Eileen," she said to herself. "I need to finish reading this."

Eileen started to read again, though her mind returned to her favorite Valencian. Maybe he is saving the world again from dark evil and dealing with his Black Spirit. Oh, she would love to see him now, dealing with it. Maybe use her charm to get him to stay.

Meanwhile, Alustin needed something. He needed to get into the royal court of Valencia. He knew alchemy wasn't frowned upon there as it is the rest of the place. Being someone from Calpheon who studies the black stones might not go well with the people of Valencia. Yet he knew of one Valencian from an order that's respected. It would be a miracle if he could convince the young man to let him or at least one of his daughters go into the royal library. Sure, he can use his name alone to get in, but having someone from the inside may help.

Alustin breathed relief when he saw the young Valencian walking through the market to the stables. The man's horse needed to rest and chat with the stablemaster, Lorenzo. Alustin favored Lorenzo highly due to the man's honest nature and love of animals. The famed alchemist decided to catch up to the young Valencian, though his old bones wouldn't allow him to go too fast. Of course, the horse he walked beside was going fast and tended to get impatient.

Xerxes knew Alustin was following him or trying to catch up. His horse, Starlight, wasn't too happy that he was going slow. Xerxes promised her some carrots if she was willing to take it slow. Starlight thought about it. She loves carrots, and maybe she can get a good brush from a human. Xerxes knew this and pitched the idea he'd give her a longer brushing with carrots and a few sugar cubes. Starlight thought about this deal. Go slow and get all that, or get to the stable and do not get it. She chose the former. Besides, these people need to be in the presence of a beautiful horse like her. Starlight kept her head held high as she walked toward the stable. Xerxes pondered if his horse had a bigger ego than Jordine.

Alustin finally caught up with Xerxes. The older man's breathing wasn't heavy, but Xerxes knew catching up with him would cost him a bit. Xerxes didn't say anything until Alustin was able to catch his breath. Starlight was still showboating herself to the people.

A soft silence clanged in the air. Both men had been through a lot. Alustin started to see Xerxes as a son, much like Edan. The older man gave a mirthful smile. Their interaction and banter told a story. If someone heard their interactions, one could believe the two young men were brothers.

Xerxes teases Edan about marrying or already married to Orwen and how their "daughter" Yar is doing. Edan sends Yar to her "Uncle" Xerxes to ensure he doesn't get into trouble. Xerxes sends her back jacked up on sugar and caffeine, filling Yar's head with promises that Edan will give her soft, fluffy bread. Thankfully, they kept it tame, most of the time anyway.

"It's been a while," Alustin finally said. "I've heard stories on what you did."

"Oh, that," Xerxes wasn't surprised. "I have a soft spot for teasing Barhan and Manmehan. I did enjoy my time with Saya, though."

Alustin could never get over how Xerxes was blatantly casual towards the Nesser family. As far as Alustin knew, Xerxes wasn't part of the royal family, though he heard some rumors that Xerxes was Kayal. But they were just rumors with no evidence. The old alchemist pondered if it was just a Valencia thing, but something told him it wasn't. Now he wondered what Xerxes wasn't telling him. Maybe he's the son of a noble. Thanks to the Black Spirit, most of Xerxes' memories were locked.

"May I ask you a favor?" Alustin asked.

"You want to get into the library and archives of the royal family," Xerxes correctly guessed. "Or at least get one of your daughters in. I can ask Saya since she's more level-headed than the others."

"I thought you'd be asking the king."

"Why? Saya knows how to get the king to agree. Besides, she has more sense than her other brothers."

"What about Kay…."

"Nobody has seen that bastard in years," Xerxes said. He didn't want to tell Alustin the truth in a very public space.

"I don't think you should call him that."

"No, I can. Everyone in Valencia knows he's a royal bastard."

"People outside of Valencia might not know that fact."

They kept walking toward the stable. Xerxes asked if Alustin wanted to go with the Secret Gaurd or have his daughters go in his stead. Alustin chose both since it would make sense. The old alchemist decided Eileen would go since it would be a good experience. And it helped she had been there once when they were investigating the Mangus.

Alustin learned that Eileen does better when she gets on the field, learning by doing. She wasn't Clorince, who could read anything and do it with ease. Like the Mangus, Eileen proved her abilities and talents by doing. That and Xerxes was there. Thanks to Xerxes, Eileen enthusiastically told Alustin how she solved a lot about the Mangus. Something about the young man helped Eileen focus on a task.

"You need to come over for dinner," Alustin told Xerxes. "Ask Eileen about her work and studies."

"Okay, is there a reason?"

"I told you that you have a positive impact on Eileen. The improvements she made to herself when you got involved are quite remarkable."

"I guess I get a free meal," Xerxes said.

They finally reached the stables. Lorenzo instructed the new stablehands on what not to do. Xerxes smiled and mentioned that one would be kicked by the end of the day. Alustin agreed. There's always one who doesn't pay attention. They waited until the stablemaster finished. The three of them exchanged warm welcomes.

"I've already asked Clorince for some potions," Lorenzo mentioned. "I'm sure one of my new stablehands will do something foolish and test one of the horses."

"I won't be surprised," Xerxes said. "I'm sure it will be Starlight."

Xerxes handed over his horse to Lorenzo. The stablemaster is the only human who can touch or do anything to Starlight. The beautiful black horse knew her self-worth and wouldn't let some pleb touch her. Both men knew her inflated ego and how to use it against the horse.

"You spoil her too much."

Starlight snorted. She wasn't spoiled!

"I know," Xerxes said under his breath.

Xerxes felt little claws on his leg. He knew what it was. Those little claws made their way up to his shoulder. A tiny smokey grey kitten popped up and decided to fight his collar. The fight was epic until the kitten nearly fell off, but Xerxes caught it.

"I guess your stable cat had kittens."

"Six kittens," Lorenzo said as he watched the kitten trying to fight Xerxes' hand. "I just need to find them good homes. The one that's in your hands is the runt. I'm happy that she's healthy."

"I guess I take her off your hands," Xerxes said. "In Aalism, cats bring luck and protection."

The little kitten still showed off her fantastic fighting skills against Xerxes' hand. After ten seconds of this fight, the kitten rolled up a ball and started to purr. The little ball of fluff was tired from her victorious fight. Starlight sniffed the little fluffy ball. The horse approved of the kitten.

"I would take my leave," Alustin said. "I need to discuss important matters with my daughters."

Alustin turned toward Clorince's stall but paused heavily before moving as though he was in deep thought or an internal debate. It took him a few more moments before turning to the stable master.

"I'm sure my girls would like to see the kittens. I don't mind if they bring each a kitten home."

With that, Alustin went to see Clorince in her stall. Xerxes knew why, but Lorance didn't. Lorenzo wondered about the subject but knew it wasn't his place to ask. He looked over at Xerxes, hoping for an answer.

Xerxes smiled. "Alustin wanted to know if I could get him or his daughter into a library."

Lorenzo gave a soft sigh with a smile. Part of him hoped Clorince would say yes, but he won't see her for quite some time. He would miss her, but it was for the best. Lorenzo took Starlight's reigns and gently coaxed her into a stall. Of course, he and Xerxes used carrots and sugar cubes to get her in. Lorenzo brushed Starlight. He knew her ego demanded he go above and beyond.

"I see you later, Lorenzo," Xerxes said. "And thank you for the kitten."

"You can pay me later," Lorenzo responded. "Both housing your spoiled horse and for the kitten."

Xerxes cracked a smile and left. He decided to see Eileen and how she was doing. Maybe do what Alustin asked him and talk about Eileen's work. The Hashashin enjoyed spending time with Eileen as friends. Eileen made him feel at ease and more like himself. Only a handful of people outside the family can make him feel this way. And, of course, he knew Eileen would love to see his new kitten.

A/N: I would love to have some feedback on what you guys think. Please R and R