Spirits of the Earth

The week prior to one of her sister's balls, and even little get-together's, was always hectic. It seemed to her that everyone was on edge and clearly out of there minds, and it was all she could do to get a little alone time away from the madness before she got roped into helping with one thing after another. Most evenings she was able to slip away, at least, if nothing more. It was such a breath of fresh air to get out of her home; it became so stuffy with all the preparations going on and it stirred up dust more than anything she'd ever known.

Under her dark cloak and hood were the simple, but finely-made clothes of her station as the High Lady's sister. Her dark, wavy hair was pulled back into a half-pony to keep out of her face as she looked out at the streets, though she was not aware of her small earrings catching the sun every few steps. She really had no reason to be out besides her own curiosity, so she tried to look as unassuming as possible as she casually strolled along in the beginning of the sunset's light.

She was happy to be relaxed for once. Everyone around her at home were particularly snappy today with their stress. It was a relief to be able to go about her business silently watching passersby as she wandered the streets. She was smiling privately at the giddy thought that she was practically invisible. There was no one to recognize her, for she would never wear such a covering at home, and if she were out with her sister she never wore the hood up. Naively, she thought that would be enough to conceal herself to her satisfaction of "invisible."

Truly, though, most people simply seemed too busy going about their own lives to care. There was shopping to be done and people to chat with, and she was there to witness all that she could before it became boring, dark, and cold. The only ones who seemed to have an inkling of her presence were the children that darted through the streets and between legs of adults if they came close to colliding with her. Simply amused, Kailinna moved herself to the edges and shadows where she hoped to have an easier time of blending in.

With the setting of the sun drawing ever closer a pair of fair-haired young men hurried about their business. One of them in particular was practically bouncing with every step he took akin to a horse at the starting gate primed and prepped to burst out at the given signal. The other was more reserved in his excitement but his wayward glances to the open window did not go unnoticed.

When at last the final customer had been served and every surface had been more or less properly cleared, the twin men firmly locked the doors and barred the windows of their father's shop before venturing out in the night while hastily donning their nightly uniforms.

While one struggled with properly knotting a belt the other hopped ahead as he attempted to jam a foot into a polished boot as together they headed for their post. The Cabello brothers prided themselves in being members of the brotherhood of the Northwatch Nightwatch of which the ranks consisted thus far only two members. It was for this reason that they took such immense pride in their duties as the "sole" night guardians of their beloved city in the heart of Northwatch.

Tonight was an especially important night given that they had gotten word of a festive occasion that was to be taking place in the High Lady's home. They had every intention of ensuring the security of the mansion's borders particularly from the inside if they could manage such an appearance.

However, as Oliver put it they did not wish to bring too much attention to themselves and detract from the presence of the guest of honor. It would be bad form to steal the limelight even if they were quite a pair of catches.

For now though they simply began to do their rounds about the borders of the city, sticking to the shadows in order to avoid the noble guards that also were patrolling although not as enthusiastically in Donovan's opinion. Bit by bit they would work their way in tighter circles until they reached the mansion itself. It paid to be thorough though. It was as they came around such a shadowed corner that they caught sight of a suspicious-looking person.

"Ho!" cried one of them stepping forward to catch the stranger's attention.

"State your purpose and business here, shadow-skulker," the other queried, moving to try and block off a retreat, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword.

Shadow-skulker? She was certainly no shadow-skulker! Even if it was getting to be quite dark. And she happened to be in the shadows. That wasn't her fault and it wasn't her concern. She was moving to continue on, thinking there was no reason for them to want to stop her, but then one of them was in her way, so she stopped for the odd stranger that seemed to want to block her progress.

Looking up at the two men, quite puzzled, the young woman gave them a perplexed look, as though they should know they were talking to the wrong person. When she glanced over her shoulder, though, it was obvious that there was no one else close enough for them to mistakenly stop her for. Recognizing that they were wearing a uniform but not that it was not consistent with the ones worn by the guards at her home, Kailinna conceded and made no move to try and step around them. "I'm just taking a walk," she told them honestly as she adjusted her cloak. "Getting some fresh air. Is there a problem?" she asked.

She was certain there shouldn't be anything of the sort, but it was strange to be stopped walking around in her own home town. Looking between them, she tried to decide if they were brothers who looked similar or twins. Though, the longer she stood there the more she thought she might be in some sort of trouble no one had told her about.

"That has yet to be determined," the one blocking her path replied. "From where do you hail? Speak quickly," he ordered further, his chin raising with the authority he did not have. Meanwhile the other crossed his arms over his chest and eyed the stranger in silence, letting his brother do all the talking as was their custom.

Donovan was meant to be the intimidating one and Oliver the bright one anyway. "We will have no mischief out of anyone tonight. It is quite an important night tonight after all. You would do well to hurry on your way."

As if realizing his mistake, Oliver hastened to add, "but not before you answer us."

Eyeing the sword she could see at Donovan's hip, she took a step back as she gave them a skeptical look. Never had she had any of the guards question her so. As if it should be obvious, Kailinna held her hands out away from her sides with palms up as to gesture at the very ground they stood upon. "Here. Northwatch is my home, sirs," she told them confidently, thinking now, perhaps, that they were new and just didn't know to recognize her.

Hoping she wouldn't get snapped at for being outside of her home at the center of town, Kai slowly lowered her hood enough to show her face but still shield the majority of her mane of hair from the chilled air. She gave the pair a small smile, looking into the eyes of each as if to say that they should have known better but that they were forgiven. "I assure you there is no mischief here. Not from me. I have no interest in upsetting anything that's going on today. I will dutifully attend and show my support, don't worry. Now if you'll excuse me."

Raising her hood again, Kai moved to step around them and continue down the road as she fully expected she was free to go now that she'd answered their question.

Two pairs of eyebrows rose in nearly perfect unison as they observed the pretty face that had been hiding beneath the shadows of the thick hood. Neither of the men had been expecting that and were momentarily flabbergasted into silence.

They nearly allowed her to walk away in their shock if it had not been for Donovan who took a step forward and knocked Oliver in the shoulder to catch his attention. A very brief nonverbal conversation occurred before they rushed to follow.

Casually each brother sidled up on either side of the woman, a brilliant smile on either of their faces. "Please, my lady," Oliver pleaded humbly. "Allow my brother-in-arms and I to escort you to where you're going. It would certainly not do to have such a lovely woman as yourself out here all alone."

"It would be our honor," the quieter one of the pair added, blushing slightly and bowing his head to try and hide it.

Glancing to each side once she noticed she'd gained some company, Kai slowed her pace as she listened to them. It was surprising that they were offering, but she supposed it was only polite of them, as guards. With a slight shake of her head she looked to each of them as she said, "I'm flattered by the thought of such an offer, but I'm sure I'll be fine. Besides, I have no destination. I really am just going for a walk, as I said, and then returning home. I have no business, no one I'm visiting.

"I wouldn't want to keep you from your post or patrol anyway," she insisted, still thinking them guards employed by her sister. "I am happy for your concern, though, thank you so much," she told them sincerely with a kind, but naive smile as she bowed her head to each. Picking up her pace, she held the skirt of her dress gently to keep it from the muddied road as she crossed to the other side of it where there was firmer ground.

"You are not keeping us," Oliver hastened to answer as his brother likewise shook his head quietly. "Perhaps if you have no destination you would not mind the company as we travel. We could even escort you home once you tire of the walk. It would be no trouble to us, would it Donovan?"

The other man shook his head once more and smiled softly. "No trouble at all fair lady. If you can spare the company we would be much obliged. It gets quite old when it is but the two of us to share words with. Another would always be welcome."

Breathing a defeated sigh, Kailinna acknowledged them with a smile once she realized they were still with her. It seemed revealing herself was a mistake and had blown her chances of having privacy while out. Still, she didn't really mind their proposal as she was sure it could hardly compare to the busy buzz of home at the moment.

"Very well, then," she finally agreed as she held out a palm to gesture at the elder twin. "Donovan, was it? And...what is your name?" she asked the other, holding out her other palm to gesture to him as well.

"You can just call me Kai," she told them as she headed for a quieter side street that would take them closer to the edges of town. "Will you be on duty for the rest of the night or are you attending the ball later?" she wondered.

Oliver's eyes widened in surprise before he paused to drop in a clumsy bow. "Forgive me Miss Kai! Oliver Cabello, Nightguard of Nightwatch at your service." He straightened then and offered her his arm, nonplussed by his twin's silent affirmation as to his name and slight amount of withdrawing. It was not uncommon for Donovan as the shier of the two of them to shadow his more exuberant brother.

"Well you see ma'am we would love to attend the ball but sadly there would be too many broken hearts following behind us and that would really cause too much attention when we are obviously not the main focus. I'm sure you understand," Oliver, continued with a wink and winning smile. "We will continue our work here less given a reason to make an appearance. Will you be working there though? I'm sure a pretty woman like you would be indispensable to our High Lady and her entourage."

Kai couldn't help but giggle slightly for Oliver's colorful personality. It was certainly refreshing. She hesitated for a moment but did oblige him and take up his offered arm as they continued walking. Awarding his explanation with an amused hum, the young woman reached up with her free hand to lower her hood for good. It simply would not do to be rude and cover her face while conversing with others.

"It's good to know some are so dedicated to their work," she admired as she scooped her hair from the hood to let it fan out across her shoulders and breathe a bit. "I will be working there, actually. The High Lady requires my assistance for all social events," Kai explained as she offered her free arm to Donovan with an expectant, encouraging smile before looking to Oliver once more. "Though I assure you that that has nothing to do with my appearance." If nothing else, it was amusing and a nice, welcome change to be in the presence of people who did not recognize her for her status and name.

"Are you two new to the guard, then?" she wondered. "I certainly haven't seen you before. And...I'm quite sure I would remember if I had."

"Ah so the lady is intelligent as well! I expected as much," Oliver cheerfully stated. "The perfect woman through and through, why the High Lady herself must be jealous of you. Say you are without a suitor and my heart shall burst at the pure perfection before me," claimed enthusiastically, clasping a hand to his heart as if too swoon. Donovan chuckled at his twin's antics but said nothing.

Their merriment came to an abrupt stop as wide-eyed they glanced at each other over the top of the woman's head. They knew they needed to tread carefully in their answering lest they get caught with their pants down and a group of soldiers at their backs.

"I would say we have been doing our job quite well then my lady if you have not seen us," Oliver quickly amended. "Our order is on the newer side and we only patrol at night. I am sure it is not odd then for you to be abed while we march to protect your dreams. There, there though," he offered, playfully patting his hand against her arm linked with his, "you can find us again come the light of day if you so desire. We promise not to disappear come the first rays of daylight."

His praises left her with slightly flushed cheeks as she averted her eyes to stare at the ground instead, though she acknowledged his silliness with a soft chuckle. "The High Lady has nothing to be jealous of. I think she is quite the image of perfection herself," she told them truthfully. Oblivious to their looks over her head, though, she was actually quite impressed with Oliver's admission.

"Only at night?" she exclaimed, snapping her head up as she lowered her free arm in silent defeat. "My, that takes dedication. Being of the nightguard exclusively is not for the faint of heart, I know. I've heard it is very taxing. I do hope you stay with it," she tried to encourage. "I've seen many promising young men moved to other areas for not being able to handle night duty.

"But many have families and wives so I can hardly blame them. If you ever tire of it you should let me know so I can speak with the commander about giving you a more favorable post," she offered innocently. "Unless, of course, the nightguard is where you wish to remain. There certainly is the good and bad of all work.

"Is it at least agreeable with you so far?" she wondered.

The twins simultaneously puffed up with pride, their heads held high as they continued to walk along beside Kailinna. Donovan winced slightly to hear her talk of addressing any issues with the captain of the guard and attempted to send his brother a warning look but it went completely unnoticed as Oliver took it all in stride.

"We actually volunteered for this post. You see it allows us to help my parents around the house and their shop. You know be the good son and nurture and care for your elders, that kind of thing. We wouldn't give this up for the world," Oliver sighed.

Donovan took his chance with Oliver's breather to add his own words to the conversation. "Thank you for the offer though we daren't complain to a lady as fine as yourself Miss. Would be bad form indeed for us to result to such base and cowardly approaches. Thank you all the same though," he said with a smile.

"How honorable," she admired with a thoughtful look about her. "And mature of you, too, to put your family before yourself. What is it that they do, exactly?" she wondered out of curiosity before she turned to look at Donovan, who had finally spoken again.

"Well, I do appreciate your kind words," she thanked him before continuing nervously. "But I assure you a complaint to me should be no different than a complaint to a friend." It was a fear of hers to be judged as someone who thought herself better than others simply for the luck of her birth when she saw herself as such a helper. She was always on guard for opportunities to show her compassion to others and be of help wherever she found herself useful, and she sincerely hoped that guards did not think her any different than any other person. "Besides, he and I are on very good terms with one another. He would never be troubled by me. But I'm happy that the work suits you and your needs," she chirped.

"Do you plan to stay in Northwatch long, then? If you're helping your," she paused and looked to Oliver and then, hesitantly, to Donovan as she decided there was no way they were not twins for she could hardly find a difference between them physically, "parents? Should I expect to see you two around more often?" she wondered with a slight blush, hoping to not give them the wrong impression about her curiosity.

Choosing his words carefully, Donovan tried to work his way around her mention of the captain of the guard again for fear of being found out later. "Well then should there be any problem I will think of you then little lady. For now though Oliver and I are quite well with naught a complaint."

Oliver nodded, his fingers toying with the hilt of his sword while deep in thought. "For now we have plans to stay. I mean we work in my parents shop, it's just a general store really but it pays the bills. One day perhaps we will travel the world. But, for now here is home and here we shall stay. So never you fear we are but a shadow away should you need us," he informed her with a wink.

"Is there anywhere in particular you're wanting to go? Traveling for pleasure instead of work would be such a wonderful thing," she admitted. "I wish you luck with your goals. It's good to see soldiers with direction and discipline. You are a rare lot," she admired as she turned her attention to the rising, full moon in the sky that cast such a bright light upon the city.

"But it seems you are the true shadow-skulkers. I've found you out," she teased, pulling ahead slightly to turn back onto the main road that would lead them straight to the fort-manor at the center of town that she called home. "Though I don't think I could say I would be disappointed if I ever ran into you again," she complimented with a blush and giggle as they drew closer and closer to the gates. "Shadows or otherwise."

Both men shrugged in response. "Guess we never really thought about it much," Donovan murmured thoughtfully. "We just want to see it all I suppose." A wistful expression clouded his face as he imagined the lands they could see when at last they decided to leave home.

Oliver on the other hand mock-swooned again, clutching his chest. "My lady you wound me! Me, a shadow-skulker? Why I have no words for the travesty such words have done to my poor fluttering heart." He groaned and winced as if truly injured.

"There is no cure, tis hopeless," he breathless whispered as if he were fading.

"Seeing it all would be nice," she agreed, an understanding smile there as she looked to Donovan. It was short-lived, though, as Oliver's words caused the beginnings of panic to stir. She hated feeling as though she'd wronged someone, and he was someone she had just met, at that! What an impression to make, she mentally scolded.

"Forgive me!" she pleaded, eyes wide with innocent worry over Oliver's display. "Really, I meant no ill by it. I was only...teasing," she explained, feeling quite guilty. "You'll be alright, won't you?" Her eyes shifted nervously between Oliver and the other guards milling about the gates that were clearly watching her closely.

"Do you need to see a nurse? A doctor?" she offered, taking him seriously as she clutched his arm more firmly.

Oliver straightened quickly, waving his hands and chuckling. "No, no my dear. I was jesting. All is well." Donovan rolled his eyes and muttered something under his breath while disguising it as a cough.

"Although perhaps to make for it you might do me a rather small favor," the boisterous twin continued unaffected while patting her arm linked with his own. Carefully and gently he extracted himself from her in order to move to stand half in front of her. "I promise nothing extravagant or strange, guard's honor," he pledged with on hand over his heart and the other raised, palm outward.

As soon as he straightened up again and began to explain that he was only joking Kai's cheeks blushed bright pink as she averted her eyes in embarrassment for taking him so seriously. She wasn't used to people joking about injury anyway. "Oh, I see," she whispered with a nervous chuckle, glancing up at him as he removed himself from her.

Stopping as he moved to be partially in her way, Kai looked between his face and outstretched hand several times before nodding her head. "Of course, I'd be happy to," she told him eagerly, not really realizing that she owed him nothing for her softheartedness. "How can I be of help?"

Beaming with delight, Oliver shyly reached forward and took Kailinna's hand in his own, holding it loosely. "Perhaps should you find yourself with a free moment tonight you would be willing to let two tired and cold night-guards in for a slight bit of refreshment and the lady's fair company?"

"Only if you're not busy," Donovan interjected, stepping forward to stand beside his brother. "We would hate to cause you any trouble. Oliver here has a way of causing trouble where he ought not."

Kai let him take her hand, though it was unexpected and caused her to blush even more for having such close contact with him again. Listening to them, though, she was eager to help and happy to realize she could provide exactly what it was they wanted. Besides, I'm definitely allowed guests in my own home. It isn't like she can keep me from having anyone over just because she's having her party, especially when it's some of the guards, she told herself mentally.

"Oh, of course! I swear it wouldn't be any trouble. I'm certainly allowed guests," she assured them with a bright, innocent smile. "No, no inconvenience at all. I'd be happy to have you over. Perhaps in an hour or two? I'll need to help with getting everything going, but perhaps once that's done... Do you dance?" she blurted out excitedly, blushing again once she realized she was essentially inviting them to her sister's ball. "Either of you? Or both? We could do that, too. If you wanted to. But we don't have to at all."

Donovan's eyes nearly bulged out of their sockets to hear that his brother's offer had been accepted. Privately to himself though he questioned what Kailinna meant by being permitted to have guests. 'She must be quite important to the High Lady to be allowed such a luxury. Oli better know what he's doing.'

"Whatever time you are willing to spare us would be enough sweet lady even if it was but a moment," Oliver stated, bowing over and kissing the back of the hand clasped within his own. "We are most grateful, are we not Donovan?"

"Grateful indeed," the other muttered distractedly, also moving forward to quickly and awkwardly bow. "Would you be requiring any help Miss? We would not be opposed to assisting you should you require aid. You needn't worry about it troubling us. We offer ourselves freely, don't we Oliver?" Donovan gave Oliver a pointedly look as he finished his statement.

"Of course, of course! We would love to help you if you would like, especially in the dancing arena," Oliver added saucily with a wink and a flourish. Donovan winced and rubbed at his brow in embarrassment. Internally he quaked at the idea of dancing and treading on toes and dainty slippers with his cumbersome boots.

"Oh, that's... it's," she flustered and struggled to find her words over their bowing and the kiss placed upon her hand. "It's quite alright!" she finally insisted with a nervous chuckle. "Despite what you might think, I actually have quite a bit of free time.

"I don't think I will be needing any assistance, though I appreciate the offer. I mostly just need to make sure everything starts smoothly, that nothing was forgotten, and then I'll be free! Dancing really would be lovely," she admired. "But it's certainly not required at all," she added, noticing the way Donovan winced and feeling guilty already that her guests might not enjoy the party. "There are certainly many other things we could do while you're there."

"Oh we would be honored to dance!" Oliver exclaimed, nudging Donovan in the ribs to get him to quit his skulking. "We would not consider it a problem at all especially as the lady finds it so lovely. Although I doubt a woman with your kind heart could never be short on partners. Why you must have them lining up out the door."

Donovan straightened at the nudge while glaring at his twin from the corner of his eye. He was feeling more and more anxious as time passed especially with the milling soldiers now becoming more and more interested in the trio and his brother's exuberant antics.

"Oh, wonderful!" She smiled a bit too eagerly, her excitement getting the best of her over the possibility of having dancing partners that might actually enjoy it rather than seeing it as a chore or a necessity of getting close to her or her sister. "And you might not be surprised to hear that most prefer to line up for a chance of spending time with the High Lady," she explained as she gently withdrew her hand. "Though I'm not as cold to men as she is," she teased, giggling at the thought of the familiar look of boredom that would surely grace her elder sister's features tonight while she herself planned to be out having her fun.

Oblivious now to the guards nearby, Kailinna raised her hand in a shy wave as she took a few steps away from them and closer to the manor's doors. "So hopefully I'll be seeing you later," she told them hopefully. "I'll be sure to save some wine for you, but I really must be going."

Oliver bowed and smiled. "Of course you shall see us. We would not miss this opportunity for the world. Until our next meeting dear woman. And you do that," he added referring to the wine as he began to turn and walk away.

His brother smirked and grabbed his elbow as he passed. "Did you manage to ask where we will meet her, Sir Brilliance?"

Eyes widened in shock before sliding to look at Donovan. "I'll go fix that. Just-jus one second," he stammered, forefinger raised to his brother before he jogged back towards where he had left.

"Uh Miss? Miss, pardon me?"

Satisfied with their parting, Kailinna turned toward the main gate and the guards milling around it. She paid no mind to their smirks and mutterings as she was eager to get inside, get changed, and help her sister so that she might be free for most of the evening, but a familiar voice stopped her before she'd made it through. Turning to see Oliver there -or was it Donovan?- beckoning her, Kai's face fell as she wondered if he might turn down her invitation after all, and so publicly at that.

"Uhm, yes?" she prompted nervously, well aware of the snickering guards at her back now. "Is...something wrong?"

"Forgive me, I um made a rather small," Oliver demonstrated with the width of space between his thumb and forefinger, "error." He nervously hopped from foot to foot, eyes darting to the interested guards before settling once more on Kailinna.

"Um where would you like to meet, tonight for um what we were discussing?" Mentally he was kicking himself for how stupid he sounded.

"Oh!" she exclaimed, feeling bad that she hadn't thought to mention such an important detail or even think of it at all. "Well, perhaps just in the main ballroom would be best," she thought aloud. "I'll stay close to the northmost fireplace, so just go there so it'll be easier to find each other," she told him, nodding as she thought it was a fine enough idea.

"Is that alright with you? I'll be wearing red...or was it blue? Well, one of the two," she giggled, unable to recall which dress she was supposed to be wearing for the night.

The man scrunched his eyebrows and nodded. "Main ballroom, northmost fireplace. I got it. I won't forget. Look for the divine woman in red or blue," he chuckled with a smile. "Or even green should the mood strike you. We will be there my dear never you fear. Until we meet again." Oliver bowed before waiting to see her on her way.

"Until then," she echoed, happy as she was sure they would be coming if they wanted to know such details. The young noblewoman finally turned and scurried off through the gates to return home. The halls were no less bustling then they were when she last left them, but she paid no mind to the hoards of people milling about as she made her way up to the private wing she and her sister shared.

Without hesitation she took to the task of fussing over herself and freshening up after being outside. Noticing that the dark blue dress had been placed upon her bed, Kailinna made quick work of changing out of her dirty boots and exchanging her attire for the much nicer, more formal outfit and slippers. As she fixed up her hair she heard the familiar warning knock of her sister at the door, the High Lady apparently unaware that she had even been out. "Kai? The ladies tell me you're still in your room," she prompted as she entered, a bit puzzled as to why her younger sister was sitting at her mirror still getting ready. "Are you feeling alright? I thought you would have finished arranging the decorations by now."

"Well, they're started," she chuckled excitedly as she finished braiding her matching blue ribbons into her hair. "They'll be finished in no time at all, don't you worry."

"I'm sure, but I just need everything to be perfect," she sighed. "I'm sure you understand."

"Always. Don't worry at all, I'll go right now and make sure it'll be done and ready in time," she assured her as she rose to give her a short hug. "You just relax, you've done enough today!" she giggled, hoping to get her guard down for the evening. The High Lady had no time to respond, though, as her younger sister was off in a flash.

Kai dutifully managed the finishing touches to the main ballroom and the surrounding halls. An hour had hardly passed before all was finished and guests began to trickle inside. Soon enough the drinks began to flow and, after having a word with her finally satisfied sister, Kai took it upon herself to relax and have a bit of drink herself as she hovered halfway between Eyla's post and the fireplace she'd promised to meet her personal guests at.

Oliver practically skipped away as he approached his twin and then had them hurrying back off into the night. He whistled and pranced with his head held high as he imagined what it would be like to woo the ladies within the province leader's own home. It was an incredible high for him. Neither of the Cabello twins could ever have dreamed of such a thing coming true and here after a bit of banter they both had invitations to not only enter the mansion but to partake in the festivities. It was a dream come true.

It was only the solid cuff to his ear that brought him out of his daze and to a screeching halt. "What was that for?"

Donovan glared at his brother, his arms crossed tightly over his broad chest. "You're an idiot! How are we going to manage this? We can't dress the part. We can't speak the part. We will be surrounded by the other guards and are liable to get ourselves kicked out or worse put in the stocks. Is that what you want?"

"Oh don't be such a pansy, Donny-boy. No one will know of our little harmless fun. She's a servant girl. She'll be busy bringing things too and from the High Lady, sneak us in for a bit of fun and then sneak us back out once she is needed once more. We won't be there longer than to have a sip of wine and a look at how the other half lives. What are you afraid of?"

"Don't you think you're taking things too far? Think of our mother and father, Oli. Do you want to put them in early graves? You know mother's heart wouldn't take it."

"She's been complaining about her heart for as long as we can remember. At this rate, I'm convinced she will outlive us all."

"Oliver don't say things like that," the twin growled, slugging his brother in the shoulder. Oliver simply shrugged while declaring it had to be true.

"Besides," Oliver continued, "I think you're just scared of having to talk to women. If you don't want to go then fine. But I am!"

"Suit yourself," Donovan muttered, knowing full well he would be right there with his twin

Kai, like the good sister she was, kept a close eye upon her elder sister as the evening progressed. She was on high alert for any trouble or stress as she really couldn't have that for her. It was intended to be an enjoyable event, after all. Whenever a nobleman became too long-winded or a suitor too forward it was the younger Riordan sister that would take over, gracefully stepping in to distract and lead the problem people away to give the High Lady a break. Still, though, she kept an eye on the main doors of the ballroom for the pair of blonds she was expecting.

As the night went on and the hour or two finally turned to three she finally told herself that they weren't coming and tried to focus her attentions on more productive things. She talked, she danced, she ate, and she drank -though definitely more than she should have-. The party was still going strong, but Kailinna was losing steam. It wasn't all bad and tiresome, though. At least the worst of the men seemed to be off the hunt for her sister.

Looking slightly disheveled from her copious amounts of twirling about the room and red-cheeked from all the conversation, Kai retreated back into the small corner between the back wall and the fireplace. It was the perfect perch to still observe her sister without feeling too overbearing and gave herself a chance to rest from all of the "work" she'd done.

It took another two hours to convince Donovan that they should go together or else Oliver would be going on his own. Not to leave his brother up to his old tricks alone, Donovan finally caved into his twin's requests and had them both dressed up as best as they could be given the short notice and low funds they had.

They had each donned their finest clothes while adding the decorations of their "guard," to their sleeves. When they felt they were ready they rushed back to the High Lady's home, one excited and the other dreading rubbing elbows with the finest Northwatch had to offer.

Getting into the party was not as difficult as Donovan feared. The pair waited until a group of boisterous youths began to enter before infiltrating their group and sneaking inside undetected. With every second that passed though he was sure they would be thrown out on their ears, whether they had a verbal invitation or not. He tried his best to keep on the fringes of any passing groups while Oliver tried to immerse himself in the groups instead.

Eventually they caught sight of the beauty clothed in dark blue and neither could believe their eyes. She was so much more than beautiful, she was indescribable. It did not matter how her face flushed or how wisps of her hair had escaped her hairdo. Kailinna certainly was well-favored by the High Lady to be clothed so finely so as to nearly outshine the other woman. It was sight to see indeed.

As if in a trance Oliver approached her with the goofiest grin lighting up his face. "My lady," he hailed, bowing to her once he got close. "I hope I did not keep you waiting long."

Distracted with trying to eavesdrop on the High Lady, Kai didn't even notice Oliver's approach until he was nearly upon her. Slightly startled, she let a quick hand brush back what loosed hair framed her face as she straightened up her posture to keep herself from being seen slouching as she had been. "Oh! ...Hello!" she exclaimed, a bit embarrassed as she couldn't tell whether he was Oliver or Donovan. A quick glance around didn't afford her a glimpse of the other brother.

"No, no, not at all! I was just finally getting a moment to rest, but... Welcome!" she said excitedly, pausing to dip into a polite curtsy. "You look well," she complimented him with a giggle as her eyes swept up and down while she stepped away from the wall and closer to him. "Did one of you have to stand guard, though?" she wondered after the missing twin, her smile falling a bit with guilt for not thinking to ask the captain to excuse them from duty for the ball.

"Nay, my lady! Never you fear. My brother-in-arms in sulking by the wall over yonder," Oliver pointed out, waving towards where his twin was trying to melt into the wall and behind a potted plant. "You'll have to forgive him my dear. He is a very anti-social fellow I'm afraid. Between you and me," he said leaning closer to whisper to her. "I believe it may have something to do with an incident between himself, a girl and a rather unfortunate fox in his youth."

Oliver leaned back once more, a smile on his face. "But, I believe I have kept you waiting quite long enough. Do you have a moment to spare or has her Ladyship kept you quite busy?"

When Oliver pointed him out Kai smiled and raised a hand to wave at him and, after thinking about it for a moment, switched her movement to try to wave him over to them as she giggled for what had been said about him. "He does seem very shy, it's a bit of a shame," she admitted. "Of course, of course! I've kept busy for the most part, but I definitely have time for my guests," she assured him with a smile.

Recalling again how withdrawn Donovan had been earlier, though, Kai looked Oliver up and down once more before guessing, "It's...Oliver, right? Are you thirsty? Hungry? Any trouble out there tonight?" Stepping away to lead him across the room where the table of refreshments stood, and closer to Donovan, Kai was eager to be a good host for them.

Oliver chuckled and shook his head, letting his blonde locks dance across his forehead and brush past his ears. "We are both shy in our own ways," he commented softly, watching how his brother sent him dagger-eyes while reluctantly peeling himself from the wall he was trying to become part of.

The approaching twin arrived just in time to hear the tail-end of Kailinna's questions and promptly interrupted to answer for Oliver. "All is quiet as it should be dear lady. Never you worry, you are quite safe as is our lady," Donovan added with a nod towards where the High Lady was entertaining others.

"I do believe though that I promised you a dance, may I?" Donovan held out a hand to lead Kailinna onto the dance floor should she accept it. Oliver meanwhile was sending his brother warning looks, already miffed that his opportunity had been usurped.

Looking to Donovan as he spoke up for the both of them, Kai smiled and looked between them and her sister. "That's reassuring. Thank you both, really. I think that, sadly, many of the guard are under appreciated," she told them sincerely, smiling to each before Donovan captured her attention again.

Her eyes lit up with excitement for the opportunity to dance when it was not required as a "chore" for her like most of her conversations and dances had been until they'd joined her. "Oh, yes, of course!" she said excitedly, shooting an apologetic look to Oliver as she took Donovan's hand and began to walk towards the dance floor with him. "I'm sorry, I'll be right back." Then she continued lightheartedly to say, "Don't disappear for the night, but please do enjoy yourself. There are refreshments and plenty of young ladies that I'm sure would enjoy a dance or two."

The offering man beamed shyly with delight to see her so excited about being asked to dance. Donovan reveled in the opportunity to secretly lord this one over Oliver even as his twin was forced to plaster on an understanding smile seconds after giving him the death glare. Oliver made his noises of forgiveness as Donovan whisked Kailinna away and onto the dancefloor for the next song.

Bowing low to the woman before him, Donovan fluidly moved forward to take Kailinna into his arms as the gentle tones of the orchestra played a slow tune. With the confidence of a well-tutored dancer, he began to lead her slowly around the floor, doing his absolute best to not to crush her closely against him or let his hands wander inappropriately.

Given the number of times Oliver had tried to woo a lady with his non-existent dance skills and the number of times the twins had practiced together, Donovan at least had learned to do what his brother could not, dance.

"Do you often get the chance to dance, Kai? Or does your work keep you too busy? I'm sure serving under the High Lady can be quite taxing."

Playfully mirroring Donovan's bow, Kai was positively bubbly as he led her into the dance. Excited to have a competent partner, and one who was acting much the gentleman at that, the noblewoman did her best to show him she was just as skilled even though she was quite tired from the evening's festivities thus far.

"Honestly, no, I don't get to dance very much," she told him nervously, hoping it didn't show. Though, she did wince slightly at his wording about the work she did and hoped he didn't mean it sarcastically. "It can be, at times. I won't deny that," she said cheerfully, chuckling as knew her sister could be high maintenance at times. "But it really is rewarding. I love what I do. Seeing her happy and seeing my work making her life easier is reward enough." Glancing to where Eyla stood, Kai smiled slightly before they were moving further away again.

"And yet I get so much more out of it than her own happiness," she continued, removing her hand from his own for a moment to gesture to the grandness of the mansion, their home, before returning her hand to his. "Do you love what you do? Would you rather work in some other occupation? Have time for other things? ...I'm going to guess you have plenty of time for parties at least," she joked, glancing down pointedly at their feet before complimenting him, "You're quite the dancer."

"I am glad to hear your work is rewarding. I honestly believe that that is the best kind of work to be part of. And yes, I find my work quite rewarding, after all it gave me the chance to meet you, the finest lady a man could ever dream of meeting," Donovan praised with a warm smile.

He reveled in the knowledge that Oliver never would have been able to handle both holding a conversation as well as dancing at the same time. Toes would have been crushed several times over by now and he had yet to falter in his paces.

"Thank you, my lady, you flatter me. It is you who is quite the dancer. I am only lucky the music slow for my clumsy left feet otherwise I would shame us both as I trounced us across the floor," he told her with a chuckle. "That would be a tragedy to behold, I can assure you."

Kailinna giggled at the imagery and adjusted her positioning to stay a bit closer to him, their clothes barely brushing now. "Just as well, I much prefer slow dances," she told him. "Especially since I've had such a busy day. It's nice to unwind... I'm very glad you and...um, is it proper to call him your brother?" she asked, glancing to where they'd last left Oliver. "Anyway, I'm glad that you had the time to stop by. It isn't often that I can say I have personal guests at these sorts of things," she giggled, blushing slightly as she continued, "Let alone handsome gentlemen."

Glancing around the room at a few of the key women in attendance, though, she didn't understand his compliment, though it was well received. "Thank you, though, truly," she beamed, blushing and happy for having been called fine and hearing he was happy to have met her. "But surely you would prefer to also meet and spend time with the High Lady? Or any of the big landowner's daughters in attendance? They are all very lovely and amazing women, I would not fault you for it," she giggled, curious to know what his intentions were or even if he'd already met with anyone else.

He smiled shyly to hear her say she enjoyed these kinds of dances as well even as she moved them closer together. Donovan refused to accept her movement as an invitation though and therefore kept his hands in their appropriate positions joined with hers and on her shoulder-blade.

With a chuckle he nodded his head. "Aye, you may call him my brother. We were born but minutes apart under the same roof and we've never been separated since. However, I believe you go too far calling either of us ruffians gentlemen even if we are rather fetching," he declared with a wink and roguish smile.

"We are very delighted that you were able to. It is an honor to be here and to dance with someone as skilled as yourself. You cannot imagine how awkward it is to practice dancing with a partner that is also trying to lead," he laughed.

His eyes trailed off to see where his brother was making small talk with some ladies gathered by the punchbowl. No doubt Oliver was trying to showoff and by their expressions he was having mixed success. Some looked ready to swoon while others were ready to slap him. Leave it to Oliver to get himself into such a predicament.

"Honestly, meeting the High Lady would be a dream come true however I am much more content to stay here in the lovely arms of the flower before me. I have no interest in anything other than enjoying the company of my hostess who has invited me as her guest. Should you bore of me though, simply speak the word and I shall vanish from your side so that my brother or another may take my place. I take no offense at being asked to leave, Miss Kai. Truly, do not be afraid to do so should you require it."

She was pleased to know she'd guessed correctly, even though each of them was a spitting image of the other. One could never be too cautious, and she did not want to offend either of them with her fumblings. It felt like she'd just recovered before being shoved back down again.

Thoroughly embarrassed that he had taken her questions that way, Kai's cheeks and neck took up a deep red in her shame for both asking and her need to deny such a thing. "No, no, not at all!" she insisted nervously, averting her eyes from him and stumbling slightly, which only caused her to blush even more. "Oh, I'm so sorry!" she hissed in apology when she knocked her leg into his for her faltering.

"I... I-I didn't mean it like that at all! I very much enjoy your company...and seeing you again. I am not bored of you in the least, please don't think that," she pleaded shyly, feeling absolutely mortified now as she glanced to her sister and then Oliver and the ladies near him. "I am not bored, or bored of you. Um... I suppose I was just trying to say that there's no need to feel obligated to spending time with me. I would not be offended if you wanted to part and speak to or dance with other ladies. I did invite you to a party, after all, not just to visit me, but...well... I understand you've already said you have no interest. I just wanted to clarify."

Embarrassed still, Kai glanced up at him apologetically with a shy smile. She didn't want to admit how rare it was for anyone, let alone a man to show any interest in her. She was second in line should anything happen to her sister or if she had no heirs before she left their world. Even Kai thought that was fairly unlikely, and she was happy to not have the pressure that Eyla was under constantly. Unfortunately, though, it meant that more people were interested in her connections as opposed to getting to know her personally, and it left her with very few people she felt she could call her friends.

"I'm very grateful, though. Thank you," she beamed, trying not to seem overly excited over such a simple thing.

Feeling her faltering in her steps, the self-proclaimed soldier allowed his arm behind her shoulder to drop to her back in order to better support her from falling as he pulled her gently close. It was instinctive and he found himself with a matching blush. "Pardon me," he murmured as he once more straightened his posture to allow his hand to return to its proper place.

Donovan gave her hand a warm squeeze. "I enjoy your company too. I feel very fortunate for having run into you Madam Shadow-Skulker," he jested with a wink. Changing the subject he continued with a new line of questions. "Do you often get opportunities to leave here or does her Ladyship keep you quite busy?" Ideas were already blooming in his mind and he hoped to discuss them with Oliver before the night was through.

Giggling at the nickname and unaware that his question was anything more than idle conversation, Kai shrugged happily as they continued their slow dance around the room. "Leave as in leave from here? Or leave the province? I'm free to come and go as I please, of course, unless she requires my help, which really isn't all that often when I think about it. Mostly for events like these," she clarified.

"I almost always travel with her when she leaves the province as well, for whatever business she might have. It's mostly for companionship, though. And the fact that she can trust me with anything, which I'm thankful for. Gives her a friendly face to talk to, I suppose," she chuckled, shaking her head some.

"But I guess to answer your question plainly, it varies. Some days I have many things to do and some I have nothing at all and am bored to tears," she giggled, blushing some as she continued. "Why do you ask? Just curiosity?"

Mentally, he made a note of what she said concerning her occupation. It seemed she was no so much of a servant as an assistant. He and Oliver both would have to tread more carefully in the future if they wanted to continue this game they were playing, that is if Oliver would even want to continue with it. Their situation was quite dangerous enough for them as he had already pointed out to his twin several times over in the last few hours.

Donovan dragged himself back to their conversation though, lest she find him rude. "I did mean leave as in here. I was just asking because well," he trailed off and blushed, finding his feet moving a bit clumsily through the next few steps before he was able to smooth them out once more. "It would be a delight to accompany you about the city if you're ever free Kai. And willing to pass your precious time with a pair of rugged soldiers of course," Donovan added with a chuckle as he gently spun her about.

Kai was almost thankful when he himself took a few clumsy steps. She helped in correcting their dance and gave him an encouraging smile. It was good to see him make some sort of mistake as well, it helped it seem more "even" between them to her now. "I see," she sighed happily, bubbly and excited by the prospect he was proposing.

"I'm sure there will be an errand or two needing my attention. I would be happy to have your company, rugged or otherwise," she giggled, gingerly running a hand along the front of Donovan's coat. "So long as you're free, though. I wouldn't want to distract from your work," she assured him, frowning slightly at the idea of her causing trouble for them. They were barely acquainted, but they were growing on her and she was certain she didn't want to squander a potential friendship by creating problems for them. "Believe me, my time is not nearly as precious as that of this province's brave soldiers," she told him, certainly believing that to be true herself.

"You would never be a distraction, my sweet. Besides, I doubt you would be going on many errands in the dark now would you? Even if you were I can speak for my twin and I both when I say that we would feel much better knowing we had escorted you than you had gone alone. We do patrols so it is not uncommon for us to be traversing different regions of the city."

He laughed to hear her speak of a brave soldier's time. "A soldier's time is never wasted if he does his duty and I would consider it the most honorable of all duties to escort the beautiful Miss Kai to wherever she need travel to."

The music was beginning to quiet as it came near it's end and another began. Donovan found himself once more glancing about to catch sight of his aforementioned twin but was surprised when he was no longer to be found.

"Oh, you don't have to say that," Kai insisted, blushing brightly for being called beautiful. "But you're right. Unfortunately there aren't many things that need my attention in the evening," she admitted, a bit disappointed she would have very few excuses for seeing them, or anyone else for that matter.

As the music slowed and the next, more upbeat song began, though, Kai found herself looking up hesitantly to Donovan and leading them into the faster, more playful dance. "Did you want to do this one, too?" she asked, feeling a bit bad she hadn't asked before they'd gotten to that point.

Donovan wanted to clap his hands with joy. "That's excellent then," he declared. "Then you need not worry about us patrolling somewhere else in the city as we are free during the day. If you're interested that is. We would love to have such an opportunity provided we don't mess things up tonight. The night is still young after all and I have yet to step on your foot," he jested.

Before he could answer, they were brought to a stop by a tap on his shoulder. Turning he found himself face to face with his living mirror. "Pardon me," Oliver declared, dropping into his own low bow. "But I do believe it would only be fair to rescue you now Miss Kai from this oaf's fumbling steps. I would hate to have your pretty shoes ruined by his treading on them. If you'll allow me," he offered, hand extended to lead her into the dance.

Donovan stepped back to allow his twin room even as he laughed an clapped his brother on the shoulder. "Take care dear brother you do not do the same after such talk. I was just telling the lady here what a shame it would be if we so thoroughly embarrassed ourselves that she would never wish to see us again."

"A simple misstep would not send me away," she giggled, amused and very much enjoying herself with him. They'd hardly taken a few more steps, though, before they were stopped and the other twin was there. Looking between the two, she smiled nervously for her inability to find any distinguishing features that made one or the other stand out.

"If you wish," she answered, sending Donovan an apologetic look as she took Oliver's hand. "But I assure you he's done no more fumbling than I." Kai thought it unfortunate that they seemed focused on not embarrassing themselves. She was most interested in getting to know them and not how well they could keep up appearances, but she supposed it might happen in time.

"Don't worry, just relax," she told Oliver, giggling as they twirled across the room. "So, what have you been up to this evening? Charming all the ladies?" she guessed playfully.

Oliver slid into place as his brother withdrew. His steps were not quite as fluid as his brother's and he often spent his time staring at his feet. In between staring he managed to look up and laugh. "Of course! But, never you fear, you're the prettiest of them all sweet Kai. No little lady could be fairer in all of Northwatch than you."

He tripped over his own feet and nearly knocked Kai over as he fell forward mid-turn. "Sorry! Sorry!"

Kai was a bit startled for all the compliments she was receiving from them, though they were not unwanted nor unappreciated. "Well, thank you," she giggled happily, though she was quite certain he had not met her sister to be saying such a thing.

The way he struggled and tripped about was certainly quite different from his brother, and when he tripped and knocked into her she had to take a few steps back to recover without falling down. Wide-eyed for a moment, she blushed and took up his hand again as they continued on. "It's okay!" she insisted, hoping he wasn't embarrassed or anything like that. "It happens to everyone," she tried to assure him. "Are you still learning? Perhaps we could practice sometime?"

"No, no," he stated, while trying to keep up with whirling about the floor. "I've been dancing for many years now. I am afraid that your beauty blinds me in my steps. Oh Miss Kai how can you not know how you affect a man's heart? I now know why it is you serve under our High Lady," Oliver declared, beaming proudly at his revelation.

"She keeps you close so that you may not outshine for you are our province's greatest jewel. It is, isn't it? Tell me I'm wrong!"

"Oh, my beauty is it?" she laughed, thinking he was joking and wanting to keep their conversation lighthearted. Hearing him out, though, only had her blushing even brighter than before, if that was even possible. She slowed in her steps and fumbled about for a few moments as, in her eyes, it was a great compliment to receive but she feared taking him seriously. He looked quite young, after all, and Kai was certain there were plenty of hurt feelings to be had from such a bold claim anyway, whether he truly meant it or not.

"It is a nice dream, but you are very wrong, indeed!" she told him playfully, hoping to not show her skepticism to him now. "I think you are very wrong, but please forgive my bluntness.

"In my humble opinion, the High Lady is the best example of good character and looks of all of Northwatch's ladies. She is so bold and courageous, and she has no issue in sharing her thoughts on any matter. That I can promise you," she giggled nervously. "She has such passion for supporting the province and she would do anything for its people. To me, she is the jewel and....honestly, the person I strive to become some day." Smiling slightly now, she nodded and looked a bit nervous for realizing she'd just rambled off her opinions on the matter.

"Forgive me, though. I am incredibly grateful for your compliments and very much spoiled by them. I just feel there are ladies who have better accomplishments and greater beauty than I that may deserve your kindnesses more. After all, I simply serve the High Lady... But I certainly would not turn away any fun that might come my way," she hinted.

Oliver stopped where he stood as other dancers continued to move about them. "No lady has received them as well as you. It seems rugged soldiers are not as well seen by others as you. In all seriousness though, I pray you do not lose yourself in your efforts to becoming like our most admirable High Lady. The woman you are is quite precious as she stands."

Bowing over her he hand he bestowed a gentle kiss to the back of it before pulling her from the dancefloor. "I am afraid I have ruined this dance for you Kai. Can you forgive this braggart? It seems I am not capable of keeping up with all this whirling. If you would be willing though, I would not be opposed to a quiet walk out of doors with the sweetest woman there is upon my arm," he offered with a sheepish grin and an offered arm.

Kai was disappointed when he stopped their dance, but she tried not to show it. "You're very thoughtful, thank you," she praised. "There is nothing to forgive, but if it would make you feel better then you are entirely forgiven," she giggled as she took up the arm he offered her to let him lead her from the dancefloor. "A walk sounds lovely, I have to admit. I just hope it isn't too cold out there," she finished quietly as she glanced out the window.

"Do you not dance very often?" she wondered, assuming that his issue had to do with being winded and not a difference of skill. "You look so young and healthy," Kai praised. "I would think men like you would be in the prime of health."

"Never fear my dear, I can keep you warm should it be too cold," he offered gently pulling her close to his side as he began to lead them outside. "I am afraid though you are correct. As a soldier I do not earn many opportunities to dance despite my youth and virility. I can assure you nevertheless, I have never been more in my prime," Oliver boasted with a smirk.

Her mention of desiring fun earlier had greatly intrigued him and the blond was more than willing to take her up on it for all she was worth. Little did he know though their meanings were entirely different and if he was not careful he very well may earn himself a slap in the face.

"I must ask though Miss Kai, where is your sweetheart tonight? Is he working another part of the manor this evening and unable to join in the festivities?"

"Such a shame," she sighed, smiling up at him sympathetically. The young noblewoman was very comfortable walking with him. After all, what was there to fear of the guard? His question threw her for a loop, though. How was she to respond to that? Did everyone truly think her to have a sweetheart? She certainly hoped not, it wouldn't bode well for her prospects. "Oh... Um... Well, no," she fumbled nervously, clearing her throat and holding onto his arm a bit tighter.

"I suppose you've been misinformed," she told him gently as she fussed with her hair and swept it back behind her ears. "I don't have a sweetheart, you see. I guess it just isn't very practical for someone like me. It isn't for a lack of trying," she admitted hurriedly with a blush as she thought of all the handsome young men she'd taken notice of that she had never had the chance of growing close enough to to even have a chance of calling the relationship a courtship. "I just... Don't have anyone like that. ...Why?"

Thinking for a few moments, though, she realized with a bit of horror that she could possibly be spending time with a taken man. A quick glance to his hand didn't afford her a view of a ring, but how many men actually wore them anyway? Nervously, she tried to put a bit of distance between them as they continued along. "Please forgive me," she blurted out. "I didn't even think to ask the same of you before... I certainly hope you have not left your girl alone to spend time here," she told him with a concerned, furrowed brow.

Oliver's joy that she was unattached was short-lived as she began to draw away from him before he knew why. "Oh no no no! No," he chuckled shaking his head forcefully. "I am afraid I am quite unattached Miss. Nay I would not do that to either you or any lady of mine. It just seems though that no lady wishes to be mine. I blame the job, really. The ladies are always too afraid something will happen. Their poor hearts can't take it I suppose."

He sighed and shook his head sadly. "I hope you don't feel awkward now. I really have been enjoying our time together. You're a delight to talk to and you're not the only one that would be open to a bit of fun."

"Oh..." she whispered softly, feeling entirely embarrassed now for assuming that about him when it wasn't true. "No, no, not awkward at all! And I'm glad to hear that," she told him genuinely. "We should try to get together again. I'd love to get to know you better."

Reacquiring their closer positioning as she let their sides touch once more, Kai lifted her chin and tried not to let her shame ruin the moment for her. "I've actually heard that from other soldiers," she admitted with a sympathetic frown. "That it's difficult to meet women or keep their wives or sweethearts happy with their busy lives. It's a shame when so many have been nothing short of outstanding gentlemen in my experience.

"That includes you," she told him, glancing his way shyly. "Despite what you might say about yourself. Your brother, too. I would keep your hopes up, though! A soldier's lady has to be a special person all on her own, so don't give up," she encouraged.

From the corner of his eye, Oliver gave Kailinna an appraising look before offering her a knowing smile. "I'd like to get to know you better too my dear. Lucky for you though my social schedule happens to be completely open. Would you be this poor soldier's special lady?" he jested, giving the back of her hand a gentle pat.

"You're quite sweet though. I mean I can understand you saying we'll get ladies but one of us is far too shy and the other far too flirtatious. But, I'll leave it up to you to determine which is which," he chuckled with a big wink. "I'm sure you have your fair pick of suitors though."

Kai was nothing short of flustered by his joking question. "Didn't your mother ever tell you it wasn't nice to play with a lady's heart?" she sighed teasingly, desperately hoping to shrug it off without offending him, for she had no idea how he would take it.

"I'm sure there are ladies out there that will appreciate the shyness and the flirting," she giggled. "All in good time. I've never known a love to form overnight, though I'm sure many ladies would beg to differ about their own hearts.

"But for me, well... I wouldn't say I have my pick," she sighed, wishing it were true. "Truth be told, I don't have anyone. Or anyone that's shown any real interest, at least. I've just...never had a suitor," she told him truthfully, though she was blushing for admitting such a thing to someone she'd only just met.

"I promise I'm not defective," she teased, playfully giving his side a gentle nudge with her elbow. "I suppose I just haven't caught anyone's attention in that way. I'm sure he's out there, though. It's just a matter of waiting... Or perhaps I'm a fool for waiting, who knows."

Oliver gasped in shock. "Not a single suitor? Are all the good men in Northwatch blind? How can they not see how you shine with such a radiant inner light? Oh Kai I toy not with ladies' hearts but simply speak the truth. You are quite beautiful and they are blind fools not to see the perfection that stands before them as I see it."

He sighed mournfully and shook his head. "If I was but a richer man I would woo you as you deserved. Alas I am not and am quite unable to provide you with all the trinkets to show you just how special you truly are."

Kailinna was a bit embarrassed with the way he kept pointing out her status as a single lady. It didn't really occur to her that he was simply shocked about it. "Well, thank you," she said, meaning it sincerely for she was not used to being showered with so many compliments. "But...I suppose they could be blind, but I can't deny that I have nothing to offer a man but myself. I have no money or resources. Just a few family heirlooms, really, but even those mostly only have value because of their history.

"But really I don't think of myself as deserving of or even wanting those sorts of things. I don't put stock in trinkets, though I suppose the occasional one might be nice. I'm not picky. I would rather find love than have meaningless baubles. I just want to find happiness," she sighed, smiling slightly at how silly she thought she must sound.

"I just want a partner that respects me and loves me and can take care of me when I need it. Maybe raise a family, if there's money enough, but I really am a simple, unpicky girl. Maybe men prefer women who are picky, who know exactly what they're looking for," she mused, frowning slightly in thought.

"You're very sweet, though," she praised, blushing slightly as she glanced over at him. "To call me special... What do you think it is men look for? Do they go for money? Status? Reputation? Beauty? What would you look for in a girl?"

He nodded his head, listening carefully to what she had to say while throwing away the comments she said about herself that he did not agree with. Oliver and Donovan both came from a hard-working family. There was not much that they would earn from their parents' passing nor would there be much for their future children when their own time came.

Yet, for all Oliver's going on about showering a woman in fashionable things, he knew it was not something he could afford. To hear that Kailinna wanted something else, something more precious from him than jewels and other material possessions was both refreshing and mind-boggling. After all, every woman he had known had always wanted something or other from him that had caused him and his twin to scrap together their earnings and winnings to try and procure.

Softly, he spoke to her, answering her question with the utmost consideration and honesty. "I cannot vouch for other men I am afraid. Although, I am sure there are those who wish all of those things in some form or another. Personally though, I look for a heart that beats in time with mine." Oliver laughed at himself and shook his head shyly. "Forgive me, I am too bold Kai. I have probably made you right uncomfortable now."

"Awww. That's so sweet," she admired, blushing and smiling as he laughed. "Oh, no. Not too bold at all. I'm not uncomfortable, I promise I would tell you if I was.

"I just... thought it was romantic," she explained, waving her free hand nervously as she looked back at the house. "Your lady will be very lucky," she praised again, sighing happily at the thought of having a partner that might only seek harmony and love in a relationship, someone that did not care about getting at her sister's wealth and property. "We should probably be heading back to the ball soon, don't you think?" she reminded him.

"Are you cold Kai? I would dare to spend but a few more moments with you in this sweet solitude if you can bear it but a bit longer. I feel I have wronged you by denying you a full dance. If you would be willing, this poor romantic at heart," he declared, clasping his free hand to his chest with a heavy thump, "would seek to rectify that here and now and finish our dance among starlight and moonlight."

He shifted enough to see her face to face, afraid of scaring her off for good but also praying that he was endearing himself to her enough to make her remember him come morning's light.

"A bit, yes," she admitted, though it was hurriedly followed with, "But I'll be alright, I can deal with it." His words had her feeling quite guilty, though. She did not wish for him to feel as if he had wronged her for not dancing for as long as his brother had. His offer to finish the dance, though, was indeed quite endearing to her, for she had already given up on the prospect of any more dancing for the night. "Oh, that would be lovely!" she exclaimed, having trouble keeping herself from blatantly squealing in her surprise and joy.

Stopping and adjusting herself as he turned to face her, though, she began to feel quite silly for wanting to dance with him in the gardens. Still, she tentatively placed her hand in his and brought the other to his shoulder. "We can take it slow," she tried to encourage him, giggling a bit. "I don't want you to trip over your feet again.

"There's no music, though," she frowned, looking out at the light coming through the windows of her home. "We could try... Well, I could sing," she offered shyly, suggesting further. "Something slow and easy?"

Oliver could not stop himself from smiling so largely or so warmly in the face of the young lady's enthusiasm. In a heartbeat his coat was swept off his shoulders and draped about Kailinna's instead. While he was delighted that she had accepted his proposal he was completely caught off guard by her question.

"You sing too? My dear woman you are indeed an invaluable jewel!" He turned the hand in his to place a soft kiss to the back of it before moving forward into her embrace. "If the lady wishes to sing this poor soldier would be most honored."

"Is it that uncommon?" she wondered, giggling and bubbly with glee as he once more placed a kiss to her hand. "You are most generous with your compliments...Oliver," she stated, very confident in remembering him correctly.

Gently holding him close as she began soft, swaying steps, Kai averted her eyes in her slight shyness as she mentally prepared herself to sing for such a captive audience. Beginning a gentle lullaby, the noblewoman gradually found her rhythm in both song and steps. She knew it would not last long, but even in the moment it seemed like forever.

He gave her a wink but did not answer. In no time at all Oliver found himself enthralled. There was truly dancing and with a beautiful woman who could sing like heavens had come down to earth. Very slowly the faux-soldier drew Kailinna closer and closer to his own body as he danced them in smaller and smaller circles.

Very softly, as if afraid to break the spell if the moment, Oliver began to hum in harmony with her lullaby. His eyes closed in happiness while rocked them both gently.

She was secretly thrilled that he not only seemed to not mind her singing but enjoyed it. It was encouraging, and she gradually sang with more confidence as silent thanks. Kai felt strangely at home in his arms and, naively, felt quite protected.

She smiled encouragingly when he started to join in, hoping he actually knew the little tune she was singing or that he had at least caught on to it. Gradually, their dance devolved into a simple swaying in place, but she didn't mind at all. It was already so much more than she could have asked for, or so she thought.

Once the song came to an end, she suddenly found herself feeling quite shy and giggly and wouldn't look at him as her cheeks blushed bright red in the darkness. "Thank you for that," she whispered, though she couldn't really get her giggle to stop between her nervousness and slight embarrassment. "Private dances are much, much better. Being without all the prying eyes."

"No," he whispered throatily. "Thank you. It was," Oliver sighed and decided to take a chance. Quickly before she could stop him, he leaned in and placed a chaste kiss to her cheek. "Perfect." Taking a respectful step back while still holding her hand, he nodded his head back to the manner.

"We should get back before they start wondering where you are Kai." Fearing that she may think ill of him though he hurried to continue. "I hope that sometime in the future we could have another private dance. I have to admit that this was my first but it was the best dance I have ever had."

Gasping for the quick, gentle kiss placed upon her cheek, Kai stood frozen in her shock, though she was not opposed to it at all and actually found it quite endearing and sweet of him. "Oh... Yes, we probably should," she answered hurriedly, looking between him and her home, though a bit regretfully that their time together seemed to be coming to an end.

"It was nice, thank you for...playing along," she smiled, nudging him playfully with her elbow as she turned to start heading back. Slipping his coat off, she held it out to him. "Here, I don't want you getting cold. I'm all warmed up now...from that and the singing, so thank you," she giggled before admitting. "You've been so kind...and sweet. I would love to dance with you again some day. I'll be sure to invite you to our next ball."

Oliver took the coat and once more placed it about her shoulders. "What kind of gentleman would I be if I let the lady I was escorting freeze in this night chill? Fear not, dear my heart is warm with affection and that is enough for me."

He smiled, secretly cheering at garnering a spoken invitation to the next High Lady's ball. "However, I must correct you on something. I was far from playing at pretend. I truly did enjoy dancing with you and spending the night with you. I would be honored if I received another invitation and I wish to extend my own that we meet again sometime without all this formality. Perhaps we could dance on a hillside somewhere," he suggested with a playful wink.

Surprised that he was placing the coat back over her own shoulders, Kai did not protest and further but merely gave him a thankful smile for she thought it reflected well upon him if nothing else. "You really are too kind. You spoil me," she blushed slightly, pulled the coat around herself more snugly.

"And I am very happy to hear that," she told him sincerely, encouraged by the fact that he would say he enjoyed something most might perceive as childish. "I would love to dance with you again. It really isn't often that I get to do such a thing for pure pleasure. Always work to be done," she reflected, sighing and shaking her head in amusement that the youngest sister rarely got her share of fun. "Perhaps we could...arrange for a picnic?" she wondered. "When the weather is nice, of course. But I know you're probably busy with your...shop, right?"

"A man's got to eat my dear! I see no reason why we cannot share a delightful picnic together. Don't you worry your pretty head over the shop. My parents mostly run it anyway and it's practically self-sufficient so honestly it wouldn't be a problem. The real concern would be of you can get away from your duties to the lady."

He chuckled to himself. "Actually I take that back. The true issue is how to keep in touch with you. I would hate to miss out on an opportunity to meet with you because you did not know where to find me or I to send for you. Forgive my boldness but I would be in absolute bliss if I could see you again in the near future. I have grown quite find of our time together however short it has been."

"Oh, I see, well it's good to know you aren't working yourselves ragged at two jobs," she giggled, thinking her early opinion of them quite silly now. "My duties are not so important that I could not set them aside for an afternoon. I would be happy to have some time away from the house... Get some fresh air, too. Would your brother be joining us?" she wondered, though she winced at the obvious communication flaw in this plan.

"Well, shall we just agree to meet somewhere? Maybe outside the west gate around noon? There's a servant's entrance there, though I'm sure you know that already," she blushed. "And we can decide where to picnic from there. How does that sound?"

Oliver pursed his lips together as he realized he could no longer work the angle of being such a hard-worker. His discontent faded as quickly as it came though and soon enough laughter bubbled passed his lips.

"It gladdens me to know that you would not be too busy for a lowly soldier such as myself. I am afraid though that one of us should probably remain in the shop to keep an eye on our parents, make sure nothing happens to them and all that. I'm sure you understand. I would be delighted to meet you at the west gate. Would tomorrow be too soon?"

"That's probably for the best," she agreed, though she regretted that she could not get to know them together for they were both such fun. "I won't fault your brother for his sense of duty," she told him sincerely, not meaning it to reflect negatively on him at all.

She was a bit surprised, if delighted, though, that he was so eager to spend more time with her so soon. "Oh! No, not too soon at all! I think that...would be lovely, actually. I'll make sure to have a basket ready. I'm sure it'll be fun," she mused, blushing with the thrill of being invited out by him. "Is there...anything in particular you'd want me to bring? Or shall I surprise you?"

"Whatever the lady chooses would be wonderful," he informed her shyly. "As long as you allow me to bring the drink, of course. Only the finest for my sweet lady." Oliver smiled warmly, feeling incredibly care-free and light-hearted in her presence. He could not wait to discuss with his twin the highlights of their time apart and compare notes.

Oliver at least had every intention of continuing with wooing the little lady in hopes of something more that might include more opportunities to visit the High Lady's manor and perhaps even meet her in person. He could only pray that Donovan felt the same, the brothers usually did after all.

"Nightguard Cabello will make sure to not leave you waiting tomorrow then my dear," he said, leading her back within the warmth of the ballroom. "I am afraid though that my brother and I must bid you our goodnights," he continued, even as Donovan moved to stand beside him.

"It was a pleasure to meet you," they said in unison, bowing to her before glancing to each other and chuckling to see them mirroring each other perfectly.

"Wonderful!" she beamed, curious about what he might bring. "Anything you want is fine with me," she assured him, returning his smile in kind. It really was so easy to be around him, though she had no idea of his intentions.

"Yes, I wouldn't stand for that," she teased, though her face changed and she stopped abruptly at the unfortunate news of their departure. "Oh... I'm sorry you must be leaving," she sighed. "I do hope you enjoyed your short time here... I'd be happy to visit with you anytime, and I do hate that I won't be seeing you tomorrow," she directed at last to Donovan with a small smile.

"But perhaps we will see each other some other time," she said hopefully before glancing around the room to locate her sister. "Shall I walk you to the door? Well...I'm sure you know your way around," she giggled, thinking the question silly. "But I can spare some time if you wish."

Donovan smiled shyly and inclined his head respectfully. "Until next time, Miss Kai. We would be honored to have your presence a moment more if you truly have nothing better to do. I speak for us both when I say we would not wish to cause you trouble should you have work to be doing right now."

The other twin nodded his head enthusiastically in agreement. "Please," Oliver said, "do not get yourself into trouble on our behalf. It would mar our outing tomorrow I think." He chuckled and winked in jest, hoping to keep things light.

"Oh, no trouble at all," she laughed, waving her hand dismissively. "I will not be missed, my duties are done for the night," she tried to assure them, not wanting them to think her desperate or silly. "But I suppose it's fine that we part here.

"I do look forward to tomorrow, make sure to pick out something nice," she directed at Oliver playfully. "I'll be sure to keep out of trouble." Blushing and having no idea the schemes that were about to unfold on her, Kailinna left to return to her sister where she would remain, at her side, for the rest of the evening until their last guests had departed and they could finally rest. Kai, though, was restless with her excitement, and blushed and giggled like anything even as she tried to keep quiet around Eyla. The High Lady was certainly aware of her baby sister's strangeness but she had no idea the cause of such sudden bubbliness for her lips were sealed.

"As the Lady commands," Oliver returned with his own playful smile before turning in unison with his twin and taking their leave. Once out in the night air, the pair continued on their way silently until they had reached their childhood hideout close to home where they exploded into conversation.

They talked over each other, finished each other's sentences, and gesticulated wildly as they recounted their time spent with the fair young woman they had danced with. Then, as quickly as they had started they stopped, succumbing to laughter and slapping each other on the back.

Donovan recovered himself first. "So you don't actually think you're going to get to go to this picnic you planned, do you?" he queried, a mischievous glint lighting up his eyes. His brother laughed and shook his head.

"Of course not, Donovan. Think you can handle it though? Looked awfully shy out on the dance floor," Oliver jibed.

"Better than you at least. Poor girl was limping when she came back from your private dance."
"She was not!"
"Was too!"
"Was not!"
"You sure about that?"

Oliver blushed and pouted, crossing his arms over his chest while his brother chuckled. They let the topic drop, talking late into the night as they planned the next day's outing and how it would be handled.

Eyla wondered about her sister for even as their final few guests took their leave the younger woman seemed positively awake and bubbly, as if they had not just spent most of the night awake at a party. Escaping to their quarters in silence, there was a bubbliness to the her that she could not place. Truthfully she had no idea what had transpired or that her baby sister had plans to meet someone the very next day, but she bid her her thanks and well wishes as she left her at her door and continued down the hall to her own.

"Good night," Kai called with a giggle and playful wave as she slipped into her own room. She was restless with excitement throughout the rest of the night but she still got a restful sleep that stretched far into the morning hours. When she finally awoke she was worried she'd overslept her planned meeting, but was relieved to see that she had a bit of time.

Not wanting to overdress, she slipped into simple clothing similar to what she'd worn upon first meeting the brothers. From the kitchen she stole a loaf of bread and a couple of meat pies that were clearly left over from breakfast, stowing them away in a small basket. Trying to keep out of sight and take the lesser-used passages in her home she set out to the gate she'd planned their meeting at, entirely oblivious that they might need something to sit on besides the grass for her last picnic had been a childhood one. As she exited, quietly shutting the door behind her, she rested her shoulders against the wall as she hurriedly fussed with her hair, thinking it unkempt as she'd forgotten to do anything with it before leaving her room. Mirrorless, she hastily rebraided a loose section of her hair before realizing she was unhappy with it and letting them all loose to let her hair sit naturally instead.

Donovan tensely waited, rocking on his heels while counting the seconds in his head before he could come around the corner and meet the sweet lady at the appointed meeting place. To keep the pretense up that he was in fact his own twin, Donovan was required to wait a specified amount of time before arriving slightly wait in order to accommodate his brother's proclivity for stretching the rules of punctuality. It was not something that bothered him too much as he knew payback was fair and Oliver was often forced to arrive extra early to things when he took Donovan's place. In the end all was fair and they were both satisfied.

He fiddled with the bottle of wine in his hand, hoping it would be good enough for a fine lady who worked among the Northwatch elite. Donovan reflected back on the argument he had had with Oliver over its acceptability given its extremely low price. In the end the absent brother had won, quoting that if it offered the words "fine" and "famous" it must be good.

Unable to contain himself any longer and praying that he had waited long enough, Donovan hurried about the corner, praying that Kai would not only be there but not be too miffed with his tardiness.

The thought of being stood up never crossed her mind as she anxiously awaited the appearance of her expected visitor. The sun shifted across the sky and noon had decidedly passed, but Kailinna would not fault a working man for a bit of lateness. Perhaps he had to take care of something? Perhaps someone of higher rank had stopped him to take care of something before they met? It could have been any manner of things that Kai would have excused away, but her eyes lit up and those thoughts melted away at the sight of him rounding the corner.

Pushing off the wall to stand up straight as she struggled with wanting to bounce over to greet him, not wanting to appear overly eager or like she'd been waiting for him for long. "Oliver!" she said excitedly, a matching smile there as she restrained herself and merely took a couple of steps closer to him as she gestured at her basket upon noticing the bottle of wine. "Let me carry that? It's so nice to see you again! I'm glad you still had some time to meet me," she admitted, having no idea she was addressing the wrong man.

"My Lady!" Donovan called back just as eagerly, easily slipping into the role of playing his brother. "On the contrary," he sidled up beside her while reaching for her basket, "allow me to carry this. No lady fair as you should be seen hauling more than a man. Why you would ruin my honor as a soldier," he cried gripping his heart in mock-pain. "But never let it be said that I could not find the time for you my dear. You are every man's dream," he added with an uncharacteristic blush and a softer tone.

"Oh! No, you really don't have to! I! I... " Kai blushed slightly, appreciative of the gesture but also slightly embarrassed that it was being made towards her at all. "Thank you," she told him sincerely, carefully handing over the basket even though it was hard not to feel useless with nothing to carry.

Her eyes widened and cheeks darkened at the additional compliments, and she giggled and nervously played with her hair. Not really knowing what to say she whispered another few words of thanks before letting her eyes fall to stare at the ground as she stepped out to begin their short journey. "Still, I do appreciate this," she offered again, clasping her hands together at her front. "I
know most men have very busy lives and it's difficult to find time for silly little things like this.

"But at least the weather's nice today!" she chirped, raising her chin to look up to the sky and the few puffy, white clouds that graced it. "How long do we have?" she wondered. "Before you're expected back?"

Donovan smiled and gave her a wink. "As long as you need my dear. As long as you need. My brother can watch the shop without too much trouble at my absence. We do guard the city well enough at night after all. A few flirty girls and troublesome boys shouldn't be too much trouble for him. However, he does offer his apologies that he could not join us as he would have liked that very much. I will just have to lavish you with double the attention to make up for it. I just hope it will be enough," he joked good-naturedly.

"Well I just can't let you do that," she decided, trying to explain herself, "It's wasted effort to spoil someone like me like that.

"But I do hope we have a good time." Kailinna stepped out onto the main street and crossed it quickly, as if afraid of being caught even though she assumed it to be well-known among the guards that she would be out today. She took the most efficient route she knew to exit her hometown in the heart of Northwatch. The tall grass that stretched over the hills beyond was a welcome sight as she headed for a favored spot of hers.

"I'm a bit nervous to share this with you," she admitted. "I know it's so close to town but I love coming out here. Though...it's usually to watch the sunset," she laughed, climbing on practiced feet. It was a long slope at first but once over the hump she was climbing quickly again, finally nestling herself against tree at the top of a slightly taller hill that provided good shade for being so far away from the true tree line. "How's this?" she asked, a bit breathless from her climb.

"Why ever would it be a wasted effort to serve one of Kia's angels? You are far too humble my fair lady, far too humble indeed!" He murmured the last while smiling softly at her. Donovan meant every words as he was finding her to be quit sweet and likeable.

The view they came upon was breathtaking and he found himself stopping to stare in appreciation as he trudged up the slope behind her with their picnicking things. "It's perfect," he breathed, giving her a reassuring smile. "Just like you. Shall we set up in the shade then?"

A small gasp and giggle escaped her, the young woman blushing and averting her eyes to look at the tree until the color would fade. He was almost too much, too good to be true. "Yes, I'm glad you like it," she told him honestly, carefully holding her skirts as she sat down on a bed of grass, the area thankfully not dry and dirt-packed.

A sudden realization hit her, though, one she was nervous to admit as she glanced at him in embarrassment. "I forgot to bring a quilt from home, I'm sorry. We won't have anything to sit on, I hope it doesn't stain your clothes," she sighed, wincing as she shook her head as she silently scolded herself for her forgetfulness. "Or... Would you mind if I ran back to get one?"

Donovan smiled warmly. "Nothing to fear my lady. Your gallant knight-in-not-so-shining-at-the-moment-armor is here to save the day. No need to run anywhere, please allow me," he offered while sliding his cloak from his shoulders to spread out on the ground. "Please make yourself comfortable my dear."

"Oh, well... Thank you," Kai told him sincerely, her cheeks warm again at the gesture. She wasted no time in getting herself situated on it, leaving as much room as she could for him and their things as she had herself scooted into a corner. "I didn't make anything," she told him honestly as she reached for the basket of food. "Never been asked to cook before, but I promise these are good," she insisted, her voice cheery as she lifted one of the small meat pies and held it out for him after setting the other on her knee, the food balanced quite precariously. "And there's bread, too. Wasn't sure what your appetite would be like."

"Really?" he found himself asking in surprise. "Being the High Lady's assistant makes you that indispensable then? That must be reassuring to you that you'll always have position of service. Not many people are lucky enough to get that these days."

Feeling slightly embarrassed by his comment though, Donovan decided to do something very Oliver-like and instead of reaching to take the pie he leaned in close and took a small bite out of it with his teeth before sitting back and humming in appreciation.

"Thank you it's quite good. Although I must say the delivery is the best part," he told her with a roguish wink.

Kai nodded eagerly. She may have been a noblewoman by birth but she knew that her position was precarious and her life could be thrown into limbo in a second should anything ill befall her beloved High Lady. "Yes, I feel fortunate to serve her," she told him honestly, though she gasped and giggled for the way he ate from her hand. A faint blush rushed to her cheeks as she hurried to wrap the remainder of his food in a napkin and set it down for him.

Taking up her own food, she bit into it eagerly, savoring the taste as the first thing she had eaten that day, a satisfied hum rising from her throat. "You are far too sweet," she admired, her blue eyes studying him with a decided appreciation.

"What's that you got there?" she prompted, breaking her stare as she glanced down at the bottle he'd brought, though the question had her face falling again as she realized she hadn't thought to bring any sort of cups or glasses for them. "I'm sorry, I...forgot a lot of things I wanted to bring. I was just so excited to meet you again," she admitted, thinking it obvious from the relative emptiness of the basket that she hadn't brought cups. "You don't mind drinking from the bottle, do you?"

He glanced down in surprise at the bottle, having completely forgotten that he still had it in hand. "Ah this, well I won't mind drinking from it if you don't mind sharing it," Donovan said with a chuckle and a smile. "No harm between friends right?"

"None at all," Kai agreed, happily nibbling at her food as she turned her head to look out at the sight of the city just below them. The air felt cool but not too chilly, and the light breeze was welcome upon her skin. Her appetite was clear, though not so much to herself, the noblewoman quickly putting away her pie. When she had finished she reached for the bread that remained in the basket, tearing a hunk off for herself. "So... I've heard of your parents. And obviously your brother, too. Do you have any other family here? Any other siblings?" she asked.

Donovan shook his head as he swallowed a bite of pie and cleared his throat. "No, it's always been just the four of us, a quaint quartet if you will. Never too small to need extra help and never too large to escape mother's commanding gaze," he joked while offering her the bottle of wine. "And you? What's your family like, my dear lady? Surely life is not all business and politics for you."

Kai took the bottle, staring at it for a moment before lifting it to her lips to take a long drink. It was a little bitter, but she didn't mind the taste. She was almost embarrassed by his question, though, feeling almost as if he didn't believe what had happened to her parents. Or perhaps, she guessed, he was too young to really know about them. She took the inquiry as one of a curious citizen, still certain he already knew who she was. What else could it have been?

"Well, I don't remember much of my father. He died when I was very young, and my mother raised my sister and I. Or at least my sister made it to adulthood. Our mother was a kind lady from what I remember of her, but she passed away when I was twelve, almost thirteen years-old.

"I made it my mission from a young age to serve our High Lady," she told him with a fond smile. "She always looked out for me and protected me. If it had not been for her I would have been an orphan wandering the street, but she gave me purpose, sheltered me from prying eyes, and raised me as her own child. She gave me a home. She is my family now, so yes, much of my life is politics and business. But I don't mind it at all, it's what I've known for almost as long as I can remember," she told him honestly, taking another long drink from the wine before handing the strong beverage back to him, her cheeks already quite flushed from it.

"It has its perks," she giggled. "I got to wear that dress last night. And I got to meet you. I've been trained in dance and song, reading and writing. I want to learn more but I haven't really had the time to spare lately... What are your hobbies?" she asked him with genuine interest in her eyes. "Or is your work consuming you too much for them right now?"

"Fortune has smiled on you indeed and brought you good things to further yourself despite hardship. How wonderful for you," he stated honestly and without any resentment. "I'm sure you make our High Lady proud with your hard work and earnestness. You do our country honor my sweet little lady."

Donovan smiled at her, taking the bottle back and likewise taking a long drink from it. "My brother and I both manage to steal some time for ourselves and our hobbies when we can. We're a bit different in that respect though. At home we are known as Oliver the wooer and Donovan the woodworker," he told her with a playful wink and slight chuckle. "Seriously though we spend our time writing poetry or working on orders to sell in our parent's shop. Outside of the guard our lives are quite simple I'd say, nothing as exciting as working with the High Lady if you were to ask me."

"That sounds lovely, but I would hardly call wooing a hobby," she told him, waggling her brows at him playfully."It can be exciting, but sometimes for all the wrong reasons. I honestly prefer to keep my distance when I can. I'm exhausted for her half the time," she joked, sated at last as she returned the remains of her bread to the basket.

Cautious of the positioning of her dress for the breeze that swept the hilltop, Kai laid back to stare up at the tree and the sky beyond it, admiring the good weather and trying to sneak a few admiring peeks at him. She was content with the quiet and hoped he didn't take offense with her silence, but she eventually spoke up again. "When do you need to head back?" she asked gently, the question not meant to hurry him or shoo him away.

Donovan looked down at her in amusement before taking a few more sips of the wine and joining her. He interlaced his hands behind his head while staring up at the clouds above, completely oblivious to her covert glances as they enjoyed the quiet of the afternoon.

When she spoke again, he turned his head to look at her with a warm smile. "When you are ready to go back and not a moment before, my lady. Do you need to be back soon? I would hate to make you late."

"No, not soon," she told him, smiling some and turning her head to look at him properly and stop sneaking little glances. "I should probably return before it gets to be dinnertime, but even then there's no rush. I just hope that you do not bore of me before then," she admitted, blushing slightly before tilting her head to the sky once more.

"Perhaps we could take a walk about the city like I mentioned yesterday. I just had to drag you out here when I realized how nice a day it was," Kai giggled, meaning it in an entirely innocent way.

"And rightly so," he commented, rolling to lay on his side and look at her from a propped up position. "It's quite peaceful here. But, if a walk is truly what the lady desires who am I to deny her the exercise she believes she needs. Should you desire alternative methods of stretching though I am more than happy to accommodate and assist in the matter." Donovan waggled his brows and winked at her in a teasing manner. "No need to be shy now."

Kai watched him, the young woman not quite realizing what he meant by what he said even as she giggled and blushed for his winking at her. Rolling to prop herself up on her elbow, facing him with an honest and playful smile, she inquired, "Alternative? Like what? Did you want to go horse riding?" she guessed, it being the only thing she could think of as an alternative exercise.

Donovan chuckled at her oblivious innocence as to him it reminded him more of himself than the brother he was pretending to be. Nevertheless he could not help himself and continued onward with the innuendos.

"Mm, yes riding can be quite fun and energetic experience, especially when letting the woman dominate the field so to say, looking all pretty and proper atop her stallion. Though there are still plenty of other methods of doing the same thing all ending in the same exhausted but satisfied result."

Kailinna's eyes brightened, the young woman thinking she knew exactly what he was getting at when she truly had no idea. "Oh! Dancing, of course," she giggled, pushing off her elbow to sit up straight again. "I suppose the wind might object to that, huh? I do love to ride, though. Perhaps... We could do that... Next time?" she asked, her cheeks flushing bright red at the realization that she was asking to meet him again already.

"It would be an honor," he murmured, also sitting up but to bow to her from his seated position. "Are you quite rested now or did you wish to go on the walk you mentioned? Or was it dancing you were looking to do?"

"A walk would be nice," Kai agreed, eager to cover for her slip in propriety. "Perhaps I could walk you home?" she asked as she climbed to her feet, not realizing that what she was suggesting was also a bit abnormal.

Donovan tutted and wagged his finger at her. "Now, now my dear we've only just met. You can't get into these pants quite so easily on the first date after a bit of wine. You have to take me out on at least a second date before we can even kiss! Woman!" He mock-fanned himself as he sat up straight and batted his eyes in distress.

It only took a moment for her eyes to bug and the noblewoman to turn away from him in a panic as she rushed to cover her face. "Nonononono! I'm so sorry!" she begged, her voice muffled as she dropped her face to her hands with a groan. "I would never! Well, never do that not- I didn't mean- I wouldn't-" she struggled to recover and could only sigh, feeling it a lost cause and herself made the total fool in her fumblings.

"Please just ignore that I said any of that," she begged, sighing heavily as she tilted her head to give him a pleading look. "I don't want to...ruin our nice day."

He laughed loudly and deeply, offering her the warmest of smiles. "Fear thee not, my lady. I can turn a blind eye to it just this once," he continued to tease, giving her a big wink. "But only if you'll allow me the honor of walking you home to your door."

It took some time for her to realize that he had only been teasing her and by then she felt quite slow and stupid. Still, that he continued their flirting was encouraging at least. "Oh, um. Sure!" she agreed, trying not to be too eager as she finally let her hands fall from her face, a pronounced redness still flourishing at her cheeks as she did so. "Shall we go?" she asked, quickly hopping to her feet and gathering up the basket as she stepped off of his cloak, determined to feel useful this time and have something to distract herself from her fumblings.

"Of course," he replied calmly, just barely able to keep the chuckle out of his tone as he scooped up his cloak and attempted to whisk the basket away from her. "Allow me, my dear. We're going to need your arms free I'm afraid."

"What for?" she asked, perking up curiously and allowing him to take it under the pretense of some possible surprise. "There's nothing else to carry," she insisted, raising a brow at the realization and leaning forward to attempt to snatch the basket back from him.

Donovan beamed at her as if she was forgetting the most important thing ever. "Why my arm of course!" He laughed as he evaded her reach and used his arm to capture hers. "Can't have me wandering off lost now can we?" he continued to joke.

"So I'm to lead you like a lost puppy?" she laughed, grinning happily for it despite that he'd tricked her. "Alright, alright," Kai sighed, hooking their arms together and holding his forearm with her free hand as she began down the slope. "I suppose there's really no reason for me to be modest about enjoying your company," she offered with a gentle, honest smile as she teased, "Even if you are a scoundrel."

"Me?" he squeaked in shock, smacking the basket against his heart as if wounded. "Scoundrel? Why I never! You wound me dear, worse than words! How could you?" he mock-sobbed, nearly toppling them both as he lost his balance from his over-exaggerated move as he was not as used to being melodramatic as the twin he was impersonating.

"Oh goodness. And he misses the real confession," she sighed happily, shaking her head and trying to steady them again, not keen on muddying her dress if they tumbled down. "I do apologize," she told him, a gentle smile there as she tested a peck of a kiss upon his shoulder. After all, it was not really kissing if there was no meeting of lips.

Donovan's eyes widened the size of dinner plates as he bashfully stared at the spot where she had kissed him. "Um, um, well, um," he floundered, unable to maintain the role of being Oliver in the moment. "That is to say, well, umm, would you mind doing that again properly this time?"

Kai studied him curiously for a moment, the shyness something she hadn't expected though she smiled encouragingly as he recovered. "Oh," she giggled, not expecting him to ask so forwardly but pleased for it anyway. She hoped she didn't sound overly excited or inexperienced, but Kailinna had never truly kissed or been kissed before. Pausing in her steps she tugged gently at his arm to get him to turn towards her as she rose onto the balls of her feet, her ankles twisting slightly as she crunched her slippers into the grass excitedly. Rising up, she leaned in to plant a soft and shy kiss to his lips that left her cheeks burning brightly. She knew she had not been raised to be so forward with men but truthfully she had little education in the ways of courting and romance. Kai had sneaked glimpses of her peers and the people of the city sharing brief kisses before and so she did her best to mimic the curious act.

He hummed softly with pleasant surprise as she actually followed through and gave him the sweetest of pecks. His own flaming cheeks matched hers shade for shade and it was a struggle for him to control his breathing as he felt like he had run a marathon. Donovan was finding playing Oliver to be incredibly difficult now that he was faced with actually dealing with a woman in a bit more of an affectionate interaction than his usual playfulness. He wished that his twin was there to save him from his own awkwardness as he feared offending the woman beside him with his own greenness and shyness that was entirely him and not the man he was portraying.

"Thank you," he finally whispered, his voice cracking only slightly, as he licked his suddenly dry lips.

Kai slowly leaned away again, her feet settling on the ground and her cheeks even darker as they separated. That he only said "thank you" was a bit of a blow to her confidence, like she had just handed him bread or eggs that he had purchased instead of sharing her first kiss with him. "Of course," she answered softly, unsure of what else to say about it though she felt it would be wrong to express her disappointment at the lack of sparks. There were plenty within her, though, her heart racing and fluttering as she lifted her free hand to try and calm it. The young noblewoman nodded nervously, her eyes steady and staring out at the city before them as she resumed her walk once more.

"So," he asked once his brain had finally caught up with the rest of his body and he had managed to get over being kissed by a beautiful woman. "What does a lowly knight such as myself have to do to gain more of such affections from this fair lady in the future?"

"Do? Well, as I said before there isn't anything I particularly want. Just...be yourself?" she encouraged, a bit excited that he still seemed interested despite what she felt was a royal fuck-up of a kiss. "Does that mean you, um, would like to meet again sometime?" she wondered, hoping she was not being too presumptuous or forward about it. "If you had the time to spare, of course."

"Of course!" he hurried to assure her. "Especially if it meant a chance for another delightful kiss," Donovan teased her with a wink. "Oh but my poor brother will feel quite bereft I think that he missed out spending the day with you. Poor boy, but definitely lucky me I would say, for I got to spend the most wonderful afternoon with an absolute treasure."

Kai felt a bit bad, hoping she was not excluding who she thought was Donovan with the lack of an additional meeting. "Well, I am very sorry about that. Surely he would have asked if he had an...interest," she said, feeling a bit of comfort in thinking she had given each an equal chance at time with her. One potential suitor was more than enough, she thought. "You are too kind, though, really," she giggled, blushing brightly again for his compliment. "But I did like it. You are very sweet and I enjoy your company. And I...would like to see you again, too."

Donovan tsked and sighed sadly. "Poor, poor shy Donovan. I know he liked you so much too. I'd give the poor man a chance if I were you, my brother or not he certainly deserves that much especially from a girl as sweet and adorable as you my dear. Nevertheless, I am delighted that you enjoyed yourself enough to warrant further outings though I believe you did all the work. You picked the best spot and brought the best food along with the sweetest company one could ask for. I don't know how we could ever top this my lady. I really don't."

She was a bit surprised he would encourage such a meeting between herself and his own brother. The man was either very confident or very caring for his own blood's prospects. She smiled kindly, not taking offense at all that he suggested she meet another man. "Perhaps you are right," she agreed before insisting, "But it certainly does not need to be topped. I will have very fond memories of this day and I would not wish to replace them." She winked playfully, though she immediately felt a bit shy for doing so as she held his arm a bit more snugly. "It would be nice to make more."

"It would be quite nice indeed and many more I certainly hope we shall make," he said to her as they came up upon where they had met earlier in the day. "Sadly I must now bid you good day until we meet again. But perhaps we may make plans to meet again before we are forced to part?"

"Certainly," she smiled, reaching to take her basket once and for all as they stopped at the side entry. "I am free most evenings. Eyla usually needs my company during the day," she explained, blushing slightly in embarrassment for addressing her sister so informally with him. "I also would not mind if you, or your brother certainly, would like to, um, simply call upon me at my door," she offered, assuming that they, as guards, would know the layout of the manor quite well. "Or my window, if the mood struck you," she giggled shyly. "I am usually there if I am at home and unoccupied."

"Ah now the window is certainly more my style, however I do believe my dear brother Donovan would prefer to schedule in advance. He is such a shy man after all. I fear he would become utterly tongue-tied if he tried to meet you at your own door. Even I am not that cruel. I pray we meet soon though my dear for I enjoy your presence immensely."

"Then I suppose I will have reason to visit at your shop. I can hardly schedule something with a man who is not here," she giggled, having no idea that the real Donovan was before her. "I look forward to it. Until next time!" she bid him, shyly waving as she separated from him at last and snuck back inside of her home hoping and praying that Eyla had not actually needed her that day.

Donovan smiled and waved her off, surprised that his heart had not beat its way right out of his chest with the way it was pounding against his ribcage. He waited until she was safely within and he was sure she would not come back out before heading on his way home, not even realizing that he had failed to inform Kailinna of the location of his family's shop.

Once home he eagerly shared his day with his twin who pretended to have several heart-attacks over Donovan's slips in character but was otherwise quite pleased with how the day seemed to have turned out. It would not be long they felt, before they were seeing the young servant girl on a more regular basis.

Kai was quite embarrassed once she realized she did not quite remember the last name the brothers shared and had forgotten to ask whereabouts their shop was located. Asking around casually, nobody seemed to know who she was talking about and it made her wonder just how many blonde brothers her sister employed in her guard. Perhaps they are just very, very new and nobody can put the names to faces yet, she reasoned to herself.

She was kept busy and thus was very tired after her day's work and often did not have the energy to go looking. Occasionally she walked the streets again in the evenings hoping to bump into one or both, though she hated to admit she could not quite tell them apart physically. She was certain that when she did see them again she would not know what to call each by name.

It was very late one night at the end of two weeks since her last meeting with Oliver that she finally got a promising lead on the street. An elderly woman seemed to know who she was referring to and the family name "Cabello" sparked her remembrance. She got directions and repeated them to herself under her breath all the way home, certain it was far too late to go to them.

The next evening, once she was released for the day an hour or so before dusk, Kai raced back out into the city clutching her written version of the directions as she darted through the streets. At last she came upon the little shop and stopped. The young woman was quite excited to at last have found where they were supposed to be but she was fearful as well that perhaps it had been too long, that they had given up and moved on to other ladies in their time apart. She hoped it was not the case but was perfectly willing to be turned away, so she stepped inside. Slipping through the door quietly and carefully shutting it behind herself, she tried not let it bang or rattle the door frame. "Hello?" she called cautiously, hoping she would be welcome even though she was not really a customer, though a few items did catch her eye as she stepped further into the store.

"One moment please if you will," Donovan called out from a heavy stack of bolts of fabric he was carrying in from the back room. It was steeped so high that he did not see who was at the door right away. "Cabello, get in here we have customers!" he bellowed after his twin, using their surname as was their fashion when they were in a silly or irritated mood.

It was only as he rounded the counter that he caught sight of Kailinna out of the corner of his eye and became suddenly started. With a cry of surprise he bobbled the fabrics before dropping them all to the floor and staring at her in complete fright.

"Uh, uh, uh, hi?"

She watched curiously as he came around the counter, uncertain which brother he was though she didn't really have time to wonder about it as she was startled by the sound and sight of the fabrics clattering to the floor. For a moment she stood frozen, eyes wide in surprise, but soon she was flying across the room and on her knees to begin gathering up what he had dropped.

"I'm so sorry," she apologized sincerely, feeling it was her fault for frightening him, bringing non-business into their establishment. She felt a tug in her chest at the realization that it might also be that he didn't remember her and didn't know who she was. "I-I'm Kai. From before. Uh, the ball a few weeks ago," she introduced herself again, apologizing again, "I'm sorry, let me help you." She lifted what she could, trying to set them on the counter as her cheeks turned a dark shade of red.

What are you doing here? You aren't supposed to go to your suitors. If they even count as that anymore. Kailinna was doubting herself but outwardly she tried to put on a friendly face for him.

"No, no, no really it's fine fine fair lady. You don't need to help. One such as you shouldn't sully her hands with our work," Donovan hurried to say, trying not to stutter as he shooed her off. "Cabello!" he now roared after his brother.

"I'm coming, I'm coming, keep your pants on you big ninny!" Oliver called back as he strolled in through the door. "What's got you all bothe-why hello beautiful," the newly arrived twin purred with a playful wink. "Didn't think we'd be seeing you so soon. What bring you to our neck of the woods, so to say?"

It was endearing how he struggled with her yet still hollered for his brother. Kai realized then that he must have been Donovan and Oliver confirmed that for her as he finally came upon them. With a nervous laugh she pushed herself up and stuffed her directions into her pocket as she cast a regretful look at the rest of what was on the floor.

"Hello," she greeted quietly, folding her hands nervously in front of herself. "I had a bit of time today and I thought I might drop in for a visit." Kai pushed her hair back behind her ears, her hands not occupied enough with her nervousness around them. "If you are too busy I can come back some other time, though," she offered, gesturing at the fabrics Donovan had been carrying.

"I just thought it had been a while since I had seen you," she admitted, though now she feared it was much too soon for them judging by Oliver's choice of words and how she knew she had offered for them to visit her when they could already.

"Never too busy for the prettiest face the world has ever seen," Oliver readily declared, lightly kicking his brother to get him to stop rolling his eyes. "Is there something I can get you my dear? Some refreshment? Or was there something you were looking to buy for our next outing?"

"I didn't have anything in mind," she told him truthfully. "I wouldn't mind a little tour if you could spare the time. I've never been here before, but," she cast a guilty look to the bolts of fabric, "I've already made quite a mess of things. My apologies." Kai bowed her head, hoping he was not just being kind about it.

Donovan hurriedly put the fabric away before hurriedly nudging past his brother with a mumbled apology to disappear into the back room. Oliver just shrugged at Kailinna and smiled sheepishly. "Don't mind him. He's always a bit overly-devoted to work. I on the other hand would be more than happy to show you around, small as the place may be. Is there anything in particular you're in need of and I can entice you with?"

Kai was a bit disappointed to see that Donovan seemed to lack interest in showing her around. After all, she had mostly come to see him for she did not think Oliver too shy to call upon her if he wished to see her again. She followed him with her eyes until he'd disappeared and then brought her attention to Oliver. "Not that I can think of," she answered, feeling a bit shy for having come into his shop with no intention to buy anything. "But if you can convince me I would not mind parting with a bit of coin for a trinket," she added, not wanting him to think her unwilling to spend anything there.

Oliver smiled broadly while moving quickly to take her arm with his. "Allow me then my dear! Right this way!" He skipped her around the shop showing off fabrics and trinkets alike however at the end he came to a wall of hand-carved figurines that Oliver hoped would peak Kailinna's interest.

"And these were made by none other than the man currently skulking with shelving behind you," he whispered into her ear while pointing with his head towards Donovan who had been passing curious glances towards the pair once he had reappeared from the backroom. "If you have questions he is definitely the man to ask."

She allowed him to whisk her away and quite enjoyed looking around the place. She didn't notice the eyes upon them nor Donovan returning to the storefront until he was pointed out to her. A quick glance over her shoulder proved that Oliver was correct, but she politely refrained from staring and only flashed him an understanding smile before turning her attention to the little carvings.

The craftsmanship pleasantly surprised her. She never would have guessed a merchant's son so talented out of the blue. "These are beautiful," she admired, reaching out to tentatively brush her hand against one of his pieces, a small bird that looked as if it had been plucked right off of its perch and encased in wood. "Is this...a swallow?" she asked, struggling to recognize the bird she was certain she'd seen countless numbers of in her short lifetime. Kai half-turned to face Donovan once she'd gotten ahold of it, shyly holding it out to him in gesture. "It's very beautiful, how long does it take you to make one of these?"

Donovan nodded his head solemnly as he slowly moved forward to answer her and Oliver withdrew a bit to let them have their space. "It depends on the size," he admitted sheepishly. "The bigger things take a few weeks but the smaller ones can be done in a day or two if I have the time to focus on them. Do you really like it?"

Kai had no idea she was speaking with the very same man she'd been out with a few weeks before, but even though Donovan was truly a man of fewer words she found him comfortingly familiar. "Yes, it's very beautiful," she insisted, nodding eagerly as she turned the small carving over in her palm, studying its features. "I think it's amazing that you can craft something like this at all. Truly," she told him, hoping he would take the sincere compliment well. "It's one thing to draw, quite another to give something like this life."

She turned to face the wall again, carefully replacing the bird on the shelf as she scanned the other carvings near it, trying to decide which she liked best. "Which one is your favorite?" she inquired distractedly.

He blushed darkly, lowering his head in a fashion that might have been familiar to her if she remembered her outing with a sometimes bashful Cabello brother. Donovan stared at her wistfully, wanting so much to hold her hand or earn another kiss from her sweet lips. When she asked his favorite, his lips answered before his brain had even had a chance to think clearly.

"You," he breathed warmly, not yet realizing his slip.

Having no idea he watched her with such a familiar admiration Kai was taken aback to hear his answer. She froze, her hand outstretched and hovering nervously as she thought about the implications of what he'd said. He was certainly the shier of the two brothers but she had been under the impression that their limited interaction, or so she'd thought, meant he was not as interested as his more expressive twin.

"Me?" she asked, wanting to clarify as she scanned the carvings on display again. There were certainly none that bore her likeness. "Do you mean you're working on one of me?" She afforded him the privacy to recover, choosing not to face him in case he'd made a mistake. It was just as much for herself, though, as she tried to calm her nerves. She'd never been the subject of art before but she was not too innocent to realize that a man would not put such effort into something if he did not like her at least a little.

Donovan's eyes nearly fell out of his head as he realized what had slipped even has his brother snickered behind him causing the shy man to blush feverishly. "I mean the one I'm working on," he mumbled into his chest, scuffing his boot into the ground. "It's not finished yet. Please don't be offended Miss! I'm not crazy or anything I swear."

He looked like he was about to cry as he fumbled for words to try and assure her he was not unhinged for having been working on something in her likeness. "You're just so very sweet and pretty. I'll um...just go now though. I'm sure you'd rather talk to Oli anyway," he added dejectedly before turning to try and leave.

The awkward moment behind them, Kai could only laugh as he tried to recover. She was quite shocked to hear him say something so sweet with it all and she turned to face him with quite the sheepish look of her own. By how flustered he looked she knew he meant it, but her face fell with uncertainty as he tried to leave. "Wait! It's not a matter of preference," she tried to assure him, nervously trying to phrase her words in a gentle manner as she reached to grasp his arm.

"I'd really hoped I would get a chance to talk to you today," she admitted. "I spent a whole afternoon with Oliver. I really enjoyed it, please don't misunderstand, but I was hoping I could persuade you to, um, spend some time with me, too. If you wanted to, of course, and only if you could spare the time. You both seem like very busy men, but I would love a chance to get to know you a bit better."

"Get to know, me?" he squeaked out, stumbling in his paces as he hurried to turn back around and face her. "You wanted to talk to me? Not Oliver but..." his voice trailed off as he stared at her dumbfounded and beginning to realize just how much like a broken record he was sounding. "Well that's...unexpected...in a good way...very good. Um...I need to uh, yeah...could you give me a jus-just a moment please," Donovan sheepishly asked, holding up a finger as he practically fled to the other side of the room to talk to his brother. He could barely contain his excitement as he conferenced with the laughing Oliver who all but slapped him to get him back to the girl even as Donovan gave a shout of "me!"

Kai was a little surprised by his reaction. Had no one ever expressed interest in him before? She thought that would be quite sad if it were true, for he was just as endearing as his brother. She nodded and let him slip away, watching with uncertainty as he consulted with his twin. Was it enough for a "yes"? Or was he simply excited for the idea?

She felt quite guilty having asked in Oliver's presence and wondered briefly if they were having a laugh about her having the gall to ask.

Oliver thumped his brother upside again before loudly telling him to get back to Kailinna before she changed her mind. Blushing heavily, Donovan did just that, looking ever so much like a young boy instead of the grown man he was.

"Forgive me my childish behavior, I would be honored to spend whatever time you have with you, sweet woman. I was unprepared for your request after your picnic with my brother. I only hope I can live up to your expectations after such a fine afternoon."

Though she was relieved that he'd returned to her Kai was a bit surprised by what he'd said. She truly had enjoyed her time with the believed Oliver, but she felt a bit bad that it seemed quite likely that he had never told his shier twin about his encouragement.

She smiled kindly and bowed her head respectfully. "I have no expectations," she tried to assure him. "Truly. I'm sure we could have just as lovely a time together." His adorable bashfulness was infectious, though, and Kai found herself blushing right along with him for discussing such a topic so openly. She wasn't even sure what the correct way of handling such a situation was or if it was even acceptable for her to be pursuing them, but in her heart she felt it was right.

"When might you, um, be available for such an outing?"

"The better question is when are you able Miss?" he shyly responded.

"Is now okay, because he can totally do now!" Oliver shouted form the other end of the shop, looking extremely eager as he gave Kailinna a big wink and his brother a thumbs up. Donovan could only groan as he hid his face in his hand.

Her eyes widened and she laughed nervously for Oliver's forwardness. She was certain her cheeks couldn't be flaming any brighter, though, so she had that at least. "Uh, right now? I mean yes, I'm free, but I wouldn't want to interrupt anything." She gestured across the store at the counter where he'd dropped the fabrics when she'd arrived. "You were working when I came here and I don't want to interfere with that, I can certainly wait."

Donovan opened his mouth to answer but was cut off by Oliver. "He can go, he just needs his coat. Give us a moment won't you?" The exuberant twin rushed in, dragging the shy man away so that they could hurriedly switch places and Oliver could at last get his date out with Kailinna. It took the pair a few moments but soon enough, Oliver posing as Donovan came out looking thoroughly flushed.

"Sorry about him. I hope this is still alright with you," he spoke softly, looking extremely concerned.

"Of course!" she called after them, watching them with her eyes and trying hard not to look or sound too excited. In the short moment of privacy they afforded her she let a happy grin curve her lips as she hugged herself in her excitement. She swayed side-to-side and bit back a happy giggle, trying to force herself back into the perfect image of a lady before they returned. Wandering back to the counter, her head was turned and she was staring with a look of longing at the wall of little carvings when Oliver returned as Donovan.

Turning towards that soft voice she waved her hand dismissively and approached him. "No, please don't be. I'm very happy it turned out this way. The days I do not see you have been quite dull," she admitted, winking playfully though she knew it was far from ladylike. "You are very memorable. In the best way."

"Truly?" he asked with a slightly uncharacteristic smirk. "How ever did I leave such an impression on the most beautiful woman in the world?" Oliver continued to whisper as he shyly met her gaze for a moment before dropping his eyes back to the floor. "Is there somewhere in particular you wish to go or something you wish to do?"

Kai nodded shyly, his outward bashfulness making her very self-aware of her own excited anxiousness. "The real question is how could you not?" she giggled, quick to cover her smile with a chewed lip and averted gaze in a mimic of his own reaction. "I must admit you are very charming. Both yourself and your brother, truthfully. So well-spoken, excellent dancers, and you...a gifted artist," she answered thoughtfully.

"But where to go... Would you perhaps like to sit at the fountain in the square for a while?" she asked nervously. "I would not be against walking the city, either, if you've errands to run. I would happily accompany you instead," she insisted.

Oliver shook his head, letting his fringe cover his face as it gently brushed his cheeks. "No, no, no. You my dear are the one who should decide. I'd follow you to the ends of the earth if you but asked it of me," he told her, blushing bashfully and tucking his chin into his shoulder. "The choice is yours."

She was touched by his concern for her. Men who had expressed interest in her before she met the twins had only been interested in what she could do for them or provide for them. "I would never ask such a thing, that is far too greedy," she chided gently, pondering her decision as she stopped in the street. "On such short notice I think a walk would be lovely," she finally offered. "And then we could stop for a rest once we tire of that, if you have the time, or I could return you home to your family." She giggled at the implication, feeling almost as if she were the suitor courting him. With the matter fairly settled Kai offered him her hand to hold before they set out.

"That sounds quite pleasant," he murmured softly, smiling softly as he stared at their joined hands. Nervously he gave her hand a light squeeze with his own as if afraid she would recoil from him or he would crush her much smaller one. "We should head out of here before my brother decides to do something else embarrassing."

"Of course," she laughed, stepping out to walk with him side-by-side. "I think your brother deserves a bit of credit, though. He gave me the courage to try talking to you again, and I'm very glad that I did." Kai smiled gently, giving his hand a gentle squeeze as they continued along. She found her eyes wandering a bit as they walked along, taking in the appearance of the buildings around them for the benefit of future visits.

"What has he said about me?" she asked gently, blushing and hoping he was not getting the wrong impression. "I mean, because you are so close. At least it appears that way. I just do not wish to bore you and tell you things you've already heard," she explained.

Oliver's surprise was genuine. He had not known that Donovan had spoken on "his" behalf and was actually amused that the shy man seemed to like the young woman enough to want to see her as "himself."

"You could never bore me, dear. He only told me how poetically precious you are. You have stolen my brother's heart Kailinna. I have never seen him quite so smitten," he teased her with a fond smile.

"Oh dear," she sighed, though her tone was gentle as she fretted with how to navigate such dangerous waters with their familial tie. "Now that I did not know, but I'm humbled. We have not met for another outing since that day so, truthfully, I've been a bit uncertain about his feelings. I suppose we all have busy lives, though," she dismissed.

"I'm very sorry, though, I'm sure you don't want to hear about any of that. You're just so very easy to talk to, but that isn't an excuse. Please forgive my rudeness," she apologized, worried he would get the wrong impression about his brother being mentioned so often and take him as her preference.

Truthfully, Kai was fond of each of the brothers and did not want either relationship's potential to suffer simply for their closeness. "I'm surprised I never met you before, though. As I told your brother, I grew up here. I've worked under the High Lady for quite a while now. It's so funny how you can be so close and yet never know someone. But perhaps it's best that we met recently," she mused, humming happily as she gave their joined hands a gentle swing.

"Then please, talk away," the man urged genuinely. "It does not bother me to talk about it, really. I'm sorry though neither of us have been able to see you sooner. I'm sure Oliver was more than pleased to see you." The man still holding her hand looked away, blushing. "I know I am," he whispered softly, as if afraid of rejection as he knew the real Donovan would be.

He took the new vein of conversation in stride though and nodded his head. "I suppose you just don't get enough opportunities to travel our way and with us working the shifts at night I guess we just kept missing each other until it was impossible not to. If that makes sense."

She noted what he'd said, but she was still worried about offending him with such talk so she let the issue lie. "I'm sure that's all it was," she agreed. "But so unfortunate to miss so much time with you." Kai got quiet, settling into a comfortable silence with him as they strolled along. She thought about all of the things she wanted to ask him or talk to him about but she was worried about overwhelming the shy man.

"So, Donovan," she began again, her voice gentle. "I think it's only fair I bring you a treat next time I see you, since Oliver got to partake. What sorts of things do you like? Do you have a sweet tooth?" Kai guessed, the question playfully accusatory.

He enjoyed the companionable silence, letting their hands swing slightly as they went. Oliver therefore jumped slightly in surprise when she spoke again and found himself stuttering out of embarrassment at being caught daydreaming.

"Sweet tooth? Uh, uh, well yeah! Uh, that is a little. I-know that Oliver has the bigger craving for sweets in the family. But, I'm sure anything from you is a treat all on its own."

"Ah, does he? I'll keep that in mind. I'll admit, I'm not skilled in any cooking, but there's always lovely food at home. Anything you favor? There are these tarts sometimes, they're some of my favorites, but I'm sure I could request they be made if you wanted to share them sometime. With me," she offered, feeling a bit shy in offering something that wasn't homemade.

"Perhaps those then. If they come so highly recommended then I see no reason not to share your favorites. Although, really Miss there is no need for such trouble over me. I would be happy with whatever you deigned to share with me."

Kai was pleased that he was willing to try, but she worried that he was not being assertive enough with his own wants. "No, please, Donovan, don't just settle for what I want. It was merely a suggestion. Is there anything you like in particular? I would be more than willing to try something new if it was with you," she admitted, giving his hand a gentle squeeze.

Oliver blushed and bit his lip in thought, already knowing what his twin would say in his position. "No, I want what you want, whatever meets your fancy as it would make me happy to see you smile. I'm not settling I'm just making it simple?" He chuckled softly, returning her squeeze with one of his own.

She studied him with an accusatory quirk to her brow before relaxing and believing him to be genuine. Her expression quickly shifted to one of fondness as she moved a little closer to let their arms brush a bit more as they walked. "That's very sweet of you, thank you. Seems to be something you and your brother have in common. He said something similar. Are you sure you aren't comparing notes?" she teased.

"Well," he chuckled, tilting his head with a boyish grin, "we are twins. Is it so hard to believe that we would be so alike in our desires? We both find the same woman incredibly sweet and charming, stealing our hearts with a single look. You..." Oliver trailed off and sighed, realizing he had nearly slipped out of character. "You are too precious for words. I don't deserve your time," he finished softly.

Kai was utterly flattered, especially to hear such things from a man she'd known to be quite shy in her presence. She gave an encouraging smile as she turned her chin up to watch a small flock of birds crossing above their heads, flying with the wind in a way she thought was quite intelligent. "You are no less deserving than anyone else, I won't hear any of that," she scolded playfully. "I must admit, I've never known any two men more forward with their affections than yourself and your brother. At least, not towards myself. Please forgive me if I do not receive them well. It is simply a matter of inexperience, I really do appreciate them. And really, how could I not?" she sighed happily.

"You are so very sweet and kind and considerate. I know it is silly of me to say so early, but I feel so fortunate that you haven't been... 'snapped up', as it were. Truthfully, I've never known a man to be so nice to me without his eyes on the High Lady.

"I do ask a favor, though. If you plan on seeking her eventually instead I really would encourage you to go after her immediately. She appreciates the direct in my experience and I... Well, I would rather lose what might have been instead of lose what was."

Oliver gasped, his mouth falling open as his expression turned from shock to hurt. Spontaneously, he tugged on Kailinna's hand and pulled her into his chest to give her a hug. "Forgive me for my forwardness as I know not what else to do," he whispered. "Neither I nor my brother would toy with any woman in such a horrid way. Please believe me when I say you are adored." The man truly meant it too. What had begun as a game was so much more now. Oliver who already knew from Donovan's outing that the other man was falling in love with Kailinna was in turn himself falling in love with her it seemed.

She wasn't sure why, but the hug made her feel so much better. Mindful of how and where they touched her hidden cheeks were bright red, but she slipped her arms around him anyway to hold him for what brief time they had. It was comforting. She felt safe, felt a genuine care emanating from him and his words sounded so sincere she was tearing up with happiness.

It was then she realized that it was not a misfortune to have them as suitors, but a blessing. "I certainly hope not, but there are some heartless people in this world," she explained quietly, nuzzling cautiously against his chest, relishing in the warmth of him for a moment longer before trying to pull away and put distance between them. Perhaps they did not realize the extent of her relationship with the High Lady, but many others did and she feared word getting out to her that she was showing such affections out in the open in the middle of town to some mystery man.

"Thank you," she expressed sincerely, bowing her head to him slightly before lifting it to meet his eyes. "You are such a sweet man, I'm sorry I even suggested it. I just had to ask, seeing as this is something I would like to continue," Kai explained, gesturing between them with a shy, but happy smile. She reached out again with a gentle, cautious hand to take his up again.

"Really?" he squeaked, his voice cracking unintentionally which only served to make him blush further and avoid meeting her gaze. For a moment Oliver actually understood the embarrassment that his twin felt on a regular basis while talking with women and he was sure that Donovan would get a kick out of learning that his normally self-assured brother was floundering with a beautiful woman in his arms.

"You want to continue this?"

"Well, yes," she faltered, lowering her hand and trying not to show her dejection at misunderstanding his surprise. "Unless you would rather not, of course. I would not be offended at all, I swear it. But, yes... If you'd like to, of course. I find your company very enjoyable," Kai praised, her smile nervous but hopeful that he might accept her affections. "And I realize that I actually was...missing you. In our time apart," she admitted.

He widened his eyes even further as his let his mouth fall open. "You missed...me," Oliver added the last word in a shocked whisper as if he could not believe his ears. "I-I-I...wow," he finally breathed, offering in turn his own shy and nervous smile. "Just...wow. Uh! I missed you too! Really, I know that sounds dumb but...well I did." Oliver groaned and dug his boot into the dirt, trying to focus on anything but her as his overly shy brother had often done when faced with an interested woman.

Kai blushed for his fumblings and even brighter to hear that her feelings had been returned. "It isn't. Really. I'm a little surprised, though. I thought I might not have, um, left a good impression with you. Or even a favorable one. I thought it even less likely that you might...think of me at all, truthfully. But I'm glad that you did." Her eyes were full of happiness and a particular brightness as she looked at him then, though she tried not to stare as she feared making him uncomfortable for it after seeing how shy he seemed about so many things.

She noticed his boot digging into the dirt and looked down instead, silently wondering what it might mean from him. Impatience? Anxiousness? Awkwardness? She didn't want to press him, but hoping it was not something negative about herself and he had been truthful with her she rubbed gently at his arm in what she hoped was a reassuring manner. "I'm sorry, I know that was very forward of me," she admitted, the color of her cheeks unmoving. "I just...would hate to miss an opportunity if I didn't say something at all."

"I am..gladdened that you did. I just...I wish," Oliver groaned lightly, squeezing his eyes shut as he shook his head in feigned embarrassment. "I wish I had my brother's gift with words," he finally whispered, his voice sounding slightly strained as he did. "You deserve much better than what I can say, than what I can give." At last he raised his head to look at her, letting insecurity to display openly on his face as he struggled with a weak smile. "You...are the kindest woman I have ever met. I mean that."

Kai wasn't really in agreement with his believed insecurities, but she smiled at him kindly nonetheless, not wanting to lack compassion when he seemed to be opening up to her. "You are very sweet, but I assure you you have your own gifts," she encouraged, gently squeezing his hand. "The world is not built upon pretty words or by the work of one type of person. You are special for your own reasons, Donovan. I'm just happy that you see enough in me to be so close," she admitted, a bit of her own insecurity showing even as she moved to lead him along to continue their walk.

Unable to maintain complete bashfulness, Oliver eagerly linked their arms a bit closer while moving them at a sedate pace. "Perhaps I can show my skills some time," he teased, forgetting himself for a moment before blushing and facing forward again so as to not give away his intentional innuendo.

Not understanding that he was teasing her, Kai's eyes sparked with interest and curiosity as she moved along with him. "Oh? And what might those be?" she questioned him, a stern look training her features before she relaxed into a genuine smile. "Or is it a surprise?"

Oliver wondered how she could be so sweet and innocent before reflecting on his own twin brother who he was meant to be pretending to be. The two certainly got along well, though he wondered how Donovan had managed not to blush his way awkwardly through the picnic without him.

"A surprise," he finally mumbled out as if shyly, mentally cursing himself instead for not being permitted at the moment to make a more suggestive comment as he would normally.

"Ahhh," she breathed, a thoughtful, curious look still shining as she studied him. "Well surprises can be good! I only hope you don't forget about it and keep me waiting forever," Kai teased, daring another quick but encouraging squeeze of his hand.

"But enough of that! How are you?" she asked genuinely. "What have you been up to since last we met?"

He shrugged as if shy all the while wondering how he was going to survive the little walk pretending to be his twin. He longed to be himself in that moment, bold and full of innuendo instead of the shy and reserved man that was Donovan.

"Just the normal things I suppose milady. Help the family during the day, serve our fine country at night. If it is not too bold of me to say it is you who is the shining ray highlighting the best day I've had since last we met."

Kai lowered her head at his compliments, as if it might hide the genuine smile and slight color to her cheeks from him. She ran an anxious hand along the skirt of her dress and fiddled with a seam, not realizing that she was silent for a long moment in her contemplation. "You are far too kind, I worry you've not had enough adventure for a man your age to think so highly of me," she teased.

"But normal isn't bad at all. Your normal sounds quite lovely compared to mine. Forgive me if I've asked this before, but how long have you served in the guard?" she asked, finally lifting her eyes to him again. "And...if I may be so forward in asking, what sorts of things do you like outside of your duties to family and country? Your whittling certainly counts... I suppose I should not think you have much idle time considering the substantial commitments of your work. Oh, forget I even asked." She did not hide from him, but her face was flushed with embarrassment over assuming things and potentially putting him in an uncomfortable position.

Oliver smiled warmly, trying not to laugh at her adorable fumbling. He found it overall endearing but knew saying so was likely not to win him any points with her or Donovan later when his twin found out.

"You needn't worry so much. My brother and I still find time here and there for ourselves. He is a master wordsmith and I am the craftsman. I like to do a lot of things with my hands I suppose." He looked off to the side recognizing himself the innuendo that had he not been masquerading as Donovan he would have jumped on immediately. It took great self control not to do so. "I like to build and make things. Not very exciting but I'm just the," Oliver shrugged noncommittally, "the slower of us two. Oliver's the more brilliant one."

Relieved that she hadn't offended him like she'd thought Kai relaxed back into their easy conversation. It wasn't surprising to hear that he liked to build, but she hadn't missed the innuendo that had her cheeks turning a bit more flush. She doubted it was made on purpose, though, because he didn't seem to notice. "I doubt slower is the right word," she corrected him, frowning slightly as she drew a bit closer to him. "Everyone likes different things and building is perfectly fine and a wonderful talent to have," she praised, hoping he might understand that it didn't make her see him as any lesser for it. "Can I ask what sorts of things you build?" she wondered. "Or is that a secret?"

"Oh just about anything," Oliver declared quite proudly, forgetting that he was supposed to be the shyer, more humble Donovan instead of his usually proud self. Oliver loved what his brother did and wished his twin would be more outgoing about it rather than so reserved. "I prefer to work with wood but I build anything from small figurines and things for children or homes to furniture. There's this rocking chair my brother is helping me make for our mom but shh, can't tell her that," he told her in a mock-whisper with a wink. "She's always wanted one," he added quietly with a softness in his voice of fondness.

"Well that's just adorable," she admired. She wondered what the woman, their mother, was like. To ask such a thing would be to admit an interest in the family, though, a thought that left her a little flustered and shy. She was young and they were young. Kai should have just been content to get to know them in the moment to enjoy the whims of courtship. Youth held so much uncertainty, or at least her sister had been trying to teach her so.

"Don't worry, I wouldn't dare say a word," she added after a pause, her tone decidedly distracted as she tried to recover. "If you've ever a spare moment I think I'd like to trouble you for a...personal little carving. Oh I would pay for your time and resources of course, though," she added quickly, hoping he would not take offense to someone of her station asking for such a thing, especially when she did not mean for it to be free.

He smiled in return at her words. It might not have been him that was actually making the gift for their mother, Oliver was more the hands-off one in such projects, but her words warmed him nonetheless. He would have to be sure to pass them onto Donovan, the true artist. Her desire for a personal item though certainly peaked his interest. Had he been portraying himself he would have been teasing her left and right. Unfortunately he did not have such privileges at the moment and needed to remain boringly humble and shy.

"A personal carving? Is there um something in particular you'd be wanting milady? Someone you wish to give it to perhaps? A gentleman friend perhaps?" he dared to be so bold to ask a question he knew Donovan would never have the balls to ask in the same situation.

Truthfully the young woman could hardly remember the specific mannerisms of each twin from their initial encounters besides that Donovan had been the superior dance partner and a good bit more shy than his brother, but she gasped and blushed fiercely for the forwardness of the question anyway. "Forgive me, I- I didn't mean it as a gift for anyone else," Kai tried to explain hurriedly, embarrassed that he might have assumed so.

"I'm sorry, I'd assumed your brother might have explained, but... Forgive me, I really should have made it clear to each of you. This is my wrongdoing," she apologized sincerely, feeling awful that she'd depended upon who she assumed was his brother to relay information that was entirely hers to give. It was not fair to assume they might have talked of her in such detail simply because they lived and worked together.

"Truly I do not have any...'gentlemen friends,' as you say," Kai corrected him sheepishly. "But I would accept anything you wish to make, anything at all. Interest and passion would create the best art anyway, wouldn't they?

"Besides... I trust your judgment after what I saw of your work earlier," she praised shyly, the color of her cheeks remaining in a way she had not yet noticed. "So you can surprise me, if you would prefer."

"Forgive me, forgive me," Oliver hurried to beg, stumbling over his words and blushing just for extra measure. "I didn't mean to imply anything. I just uh, was uh, asking," he trailed off to muttering in the end, unable to look her in the eyes even as he internally cheered over such news. "It just helps to know whom a carving is for as each is special and unique. Would you be wanting something on the small side or bigger? I would hate to disappoint you with a surprise that was not befitting such a lovely lady."

Relieved but feeling a little foolish for blurting out so much to him Kai could only nod in understanding as the heat cooled. Focusing on his other questions she chewed her lip a bit in thought, reflecting back on what she remembered from the shop.

"Small. Small, I think," she finally answered. It was as much to hide from Eyla as it was to be able to keep such a thing close. "I did like your bird. If you aren't sure maybe something like that? A hummingbird with a flower for something a little different?" She smiled encouragingly, hoping he would not feel obligated to do anything too elaborate.

Oliver nodded his head, feeling quite pleased with himself as he retained the knowledge to share later with his twin who would do the actual carving. "That sounds lovely. You like hummingbirds then do you milady? Have you seen very many of them then? I've heard tell they're very fond of pretty things, pretty people," he added the second one more softly, his head lowered and cheeks aflame. Oliver would have liked to say more but knew Donovan would kill him later for the transgressions of his character that he had already made. "I will certainly do my best to give you the perfect carving. The wood is in good hands!" Donovan was definitely going to kill him later for the outing.

"Oh, only a handful of times. It's a bit cold for them here," she pointed out, frowning a little as she tried to remember the last time she'd seen one in the summertime. It had been so small and delicate-looking but endlessly beautiful with its shimmering feathers of bright green.

Kai smiled knowingly for the way he blushed, her own cheeks still feeling so warm for his roundabout compliment. "Thank you, truly. It's not very often I can say I know the artist personally. And I'm very happy to know this one." Feeling a bit bold the noblewoman leaned closer to press the briefest kiss to his cheek before turning away entirely.

She wasn't sorry, but her heart gave the most confusing thumping she'd ever felt in her life. Even with how pleased she was she'd had the courage she also felt the most terrible guilt as a few flashing memories came to mind of the kiss she'd shared with his more energetic brother. "Forgive me," she finally sighed, peeking at him out of the corner of her eye. "That was a little forward of me, Mister Cabello."

Oliver was moments away from responded to her when he was suddenly silenced by the barest and sweetest of pecks to his cheek. He was completely stunned and flabbergasted. The wannabe soldier had always been the first one to make a move on a lady in his life. Never had he been so upstaged and it actually made him blush just as it would his twin. There was no need to act now, he truly was feeling a bit bashful.

"There is nothing to forgive, sweet lady. Your humble servant is honored with such a favor," he breathed, bowing slightly before her. "But please just Oliver and Donovan. We're already too alike without having the same name," Oliver continued, giving her a wink and playful chuckle. "May I be the forward one now and escort you home?"

Kai made a bit of a face. She definitely didn't want him to think of himself as a servant. He already was so much more than that even if he did technically work for the House.

"You may, Donovan," she corrected herself with a pleased smile, so sure she had him pinned correctly by what few mannerisms she'd remembered between them both. "I do apologize again for just...springing this on you. Perhaps we could schedule something properly when you're next free?" With a shy smile she also added, "Please extend the same offer to your brother. I really would love to see you both again soon."

With a short bow, Oliver offered her his arm before moving in close to begin leading her slowly back home. "On the contrary, we were quite pleased with your sweet and lovely appearance in our humble little store. You are more than welcome to visit any time you like. I'm sure our parents would be happy with your patronage," he joked with a playful wink. "I speak for both of us when I say this. You never need worrying about scheduling things. We understand your time is more limited than ours and we will always make time for you."

Kai took up his arm happily, leaning in close as they walked along. She was careful to guide their journey so that she might spend as much time with him as possible, not really wanting to return home so suddenly.

"Oh nonsense. I'm not juggling two different jobs, I promise I'm more than capable of being accommodating." More than anything, though, she was worried she might not see them much between their busy lives if she did not assert herself somehow. "But...I'll come by as often as I'm able. It is just rare for me to get more than a few moments away here and there." That was a bit of a lie, but she really didn't want Eyla's suspicion if she suddenly started distancing herself out of the blue.

"Ah but is not the sweet lady the humble servant of our great and wise High Lady? I believe out of all of us you have the more trying position with the least amount of flexibility. Nevertheless we are eternally grateful for whatever time you find yourself able to spare on our unworthy souls. You are truly a treat to spend time with, if that isn't too bold of me to say," Oliver mumbled looking off to the side self-consciously. "You are far too kind to my brother and me. I hope you understand that."

Kai frowned at that, hating that he referenced them as unworthy or lesser in any way. It was a habit she was going to have to break them of if she was going to be around them very much. "Not unworthy," she muttered, hanging her head slightly in defeat as she had no idea how to sway him other than saying it simply wasn't so.

"I'm no more kind to you than you are to me. It's been far too long since anyone has given me any sort of...special attention," she admitted, cheeks warming again as she knew it was probably a little too forward for someone of her position.

As the fortified house came into clearer view, though, she was careful not to approach the front gates with her guest and instead led him around to the servant's entrance at the side where she'd met his brother before. "If you ever have the need you can meet me here," she explained gently, pointing up towards a window a few floors up and a few rooms to the left. "And that's my room, so... If I'm there and you call for me I'm sure I'd hear it. Or mention to someone hanging around here that you're looking for me... That would be fine, too." She shook her head, certain she was rambling far too much for him and released him with a gentle pat to his arm.

"Thank you." She bowed her head to him. "I really enjoyed seeing you today."

Oliver listened quietly all the while completely disagreeing with her. He found it hard to believe that someone as sweet and attractive as her was not getting any special attention. But then if what she said was true then he truly pitied her. For a moment the twin wondered if it was possible that working for the High Lady meant that her ladies were left overshadowed and therefore not as eagerly attended to. His roguish heart had a moment of glee knowing that he would soon be fixing that problem for at least one lady in the near future.

"Your room eh," he asked, looking up to where she pointed with a hand shielding his eyes from the sun. Already Oliver was imagining ways to serenade her in the night or sneak her out for moonlit trysts. "Looks like it'd have a nice view," he commented though hoping that he sounded enough like Donovan to not pass as out of character.

"I-we enjoyed seeing you today too. I hope to see you soon. And um no need to thank me. I'm the grateful one." Oliver flushed and dug the toe of his boot into the ground shyly, cringing at his own show of awkwardness as much as he did when he saw Donovan display the same.

"Very nice," she agreed, smiling warmly. She wrung her hands slowly, not quite ready to part ways even though they'd already more or less said their goodbyes.

"But I thank you all the same," she insisted gently. "And I'd love to see you more often. That is, of course, if your schedule allows for it. You are both very welcome here."

With a sigh Kai tilted her head to look towards the windows she knew to be part of her sister's suite. She felt a little guilty inviting them, but the prospect of having closer friends or even a suitor was far too much excitement for the young noblewoman to contain and worth the risk in her mind.

"I suppose this is goodbye for now." She offered a shy smile and leaned closer to press a quick kiss to his cheek. "Until next we meet. Safe journey, Donovan," she bid him.

The man grinned like a loon at the chaste kiss before quickly dropping his head to hide his excitement from her. Donovan would have been more shocked and as such Oliver fought to create a slight bumbling stutter into his voice. "M-m-my thanks, milady! Until next time indeed. Have a lovely morning! I mean evening! I mean day. I'll just be um going then. Goodbye!" Oliver gave a nervous wave of his hand before bowing a bit awkwardly and dashing back towards home.

Kai giggled quietly, watching him fondly until he was no longer in sight and she was getting quiet grumblings for standing around the door but not going through it.

Mumbling her apologies to their staff she turned quickly and rushed upstairs. Her mind whirled with excuses she hoped she wouldn't need to use as she reached the main floor and hurried to the stairs that would take her up to the wing shared between herself and the High Lady. Ideally she would be "found" quiet and unassuming in her bedroom when her sister might need her assistance next.

As she rounded the final banister, though, her foot slipped on the last step and she found herself stumbling quite gracelessly. She recovered quickly but it was already too late, the noise alerting Eyla and the door to her study flinging open as Kai was rushing past.

The young woman froze, eyes widening with guilt for a moment as she turned to face her elder sister who was looking at her with concern. "Are you alright? Sounded like you tripped," she mumbled, looking Kai up and down and raising a brow pointedly at the sight of her scuffed slipper.

Kai nodded eagerly, struggling to look put-together and unsuspicious as she smoothed out her skirts. "Just a little, I'm alright. Wandering mind," she giggled, tapping her head and smiling like it should have been expected of her. "Sorry to disturb you."

Eyla shrugged, though Kai noticed how her posture slumped a little. Upon further inspection she realized how tired she looked, the normal sharpness in her eyes seeming a bit dulled. The High Lady was quick to mask it, though, a carefree smile on her face as she reached out to smooth back an out of place strand of her sister's hair. "You never disturb me, Kai. I was just worried you'd fallen on your way in. You've been gone nearly half the day."

Eyla frowned slightly at that, Kai wincing that it was a fact she couldn't hide and something she'd known probably for much of the time she'd been away. "Yeah, just some shopping in town," she offered innocently, knowing it wasn't a complete lie.

"I was going to rest for a little and then...maybe I could join you for dinner downstairs?" Kai offered.

Eyla rolled her eyes at the odd formality her sister was taking with her. It was clear there was something she was keeping from her but she thought too much of her sister to suspect there was anything less than innocent going on. "It would be my honor, Lady Riordan," she teased, pulling her sister in close for a moment and dropping a quick peck atop her head before releasing her, pushing her gently back towards the hall.

"Freshen up first, you smell like...wood shavings," Eyla chastised gently, wrinkling her nose a bit. Kai made an affirmative squeak as she hurried to hide away in her rooms for a bit, silently thanking the Gods that was all her sister could smell on her.

There was a definite spring in Oliver's step as he whistled his way home. She was such a delightful woman to spend time with and it had his heart soaring in ways no other woman had ever done before. For a moment he wondered if his twin felt the same but quickly brushed the thought aside. Of course, Donovan did. They were twins in everything, love interest would be no different.

He returned to find his brother sweeping once more. "She likes your wood," Oliver purred with a waggle of his brows that made Donovan blush and roll his eyes. "Don't be crass," the other man muttered, giving his pile of dust a rather vicious swipe. "She's a lady and deserves better than your lewd suggestions, Oliver."

"Alright, alright, keep your trousers on," the lazier blonde said as he threw himself into a chair and reclined across the arms of it. "She wants you to make a wood carving. Says she likes hummingbirds. I'm sure you'll think of something though," he added with a wave of his hand.

Mention of carving gave Donovan pause though as ideas already began to bloom in his head. Unconsciously a smile began to light up his face as he thrust the broom into his brother's lap. "Do some work for once. There's a lady who needs a gift from us and I don't see you working on it." Oliver groaned but got up, an answering smile also forming on his own lips as he got to work and thought of the woman who had put it there.

After a week of being stuck with the bulk of Eyla's work Kai was exhausted. Her sister claimed illness serious enough for bed rest most days, but Kai didn't see anything wrong with her. Still, she cared for her and the success of the province and their household too much to complain even though it was weighing on her.

Once her sister returned to her normal duties Kai was able to get some much-needed rest at last with a free day the High Lady had bestowed upon her as thanks, sleeping well into the morning and only waking for the persistent light shining in her eyes from her window.

Rolling away and tugging her blanket over her head she froze as she noticed something unfamiliar beside her bed. A small statue but- She instantly recognized it as herself from the side facing her.

She blinked rapidly, sitting up in a hurry and grabbing it by its base to set it on her lap to study. The craftsmanship and detail were immaculate, like a still view of their night of dancing. She'd known Donovan was talented from his work in the shop but this was another level of ability to capture a moment so clearly that she never would have expected of anyone.

Happy tears welled in her eyes as she gingerly lifted it up in her hands, turning it this way and that to see the details and color from every angle before replacing it on the table with care.

Though still a bit groggy from sleep she raced to throw on clothes, grab her coinpurse, and hurry downstairs and out the door with mussed, wispy hair. She got quite a few looks from staff and townsfolk alike as she raced down the road towards the Cabello's shop with puffy eyes and wild hair.

Her knocks at their door were hurried but she didn't wait for an answer, bursting inside with a joyful, laughing call of "Donovan? Are you here?"

Oliver had been the one to deliver the parcel in the wee hours of the evening before racing off back for home. He would have liked to have given it in person but Donovan was having none of it. The shier twin wanted it to be a surprise and to leave it at that. Given that Donovan had slaved over making the vision come to life, Oliver was not about to argue with his twin on this matter.

As such he was asleep when their lady interest came a'calling, leaving Donovan to work the shop in his twin's slumbering absence. The knocking and tinkling of the front bell had Donovan looking up from his counter cleaning in time to see the joyful woman come bursting into the room.

"I'm here," he called out to her, already blushing to see her so soon and happy. "Is there something you're needing sweet lady? You're here quite early this morning. I hope all is well with you and your kin," he continued as he moved to greet her, standing at last in front of her with a slightly worried crease marring his features as he looked her over.

When Kai saw him at last her smile only brightened. She noticed the way he kept his distance, though, the concern clear upon his face as he approached.

"No, nothing like that! Everything is well," she rushed to assure him, bouncing excitedly on her heels for a moment before she surged forward to wrap him up in a hug, her cheek pressed against his own so she could speak into his ear. "I wanted to say thank you. Personally. Um, for the statue. It's so beautiful and detailed and...I'm sure that took you quite some time to make."

Donovan softly gasped in surprise at her sudden embrace. In a heartbeat he was beet red and all but shivering at the feel of her warm breath puffing against the shell of his ear. The poor man did not know what to do other than gently hug her back and stutter through his words as his brain melted to mush.

"W-w-well you're welcome my lady. I'm glad you like it," he whispered back to her. "It doesn't hold a candle to the real thing but I'm happy it's a passable imitation of the beauty that you are. Thank you forgiving my impertinence to attempt such a thing."

Kai puffed a short breath of laughter, squeezing him close in another warm hug. "Don't be silly, I'm so glad you did, really," she tried to assure him, brushing a soft kiss to his cheek as she leaned away to rest flat on her feet once more.

With a timid smile she reached into the pocket of her dress and pulled out a mostly-full coin purse. Not even bothering to count it she tried to press the bag into his hand. "Please take this. For my appreciation of your art and...for your time," she insisted, thinking it might have been a great burden to focus so much effort on a personalized piece.

He blushed darker at her kiss, feeling the heat of her lips sear him to his very core. Donovan was about ready to stutter his way through a flustered denial when she pulled out a coin purse and began pleading with him to accept payment. That sobered him up quickly and had him placing steady hands on her shoulders to draw her away from him so he could look her in the eye.

"My lady it as a gift. I would take great offense if you tried to pay me for it. Please allow me to have attempted to share something beautiful with the woman that inspired me to make it. I know it does nothing to match your own shining light but I tried my best and would love it if you kept it. Paying for it would simply undermine the care and attention that was placed into its making out of the good and care of my heart. Please, allow me this small pleasure in life my lady."

Her eyes widened, his rejection unexpected. Her cheeks flushed warmly, not having seen her offer as an offense until he'd said so. "I'm sorry," she muttered with a wince, quickly returning the purse to her pocket and smoothing out the lines of her dress. "I didn't- I thought- I love it, really. I just...thought it might have been too much work to do for nothing."

Kai tilted her head up at him with an apologetic smile, hoping he could forgive her for not understanding. "I meant no offense. If it is to be a gift it is the best gift I have ever received. I love it and I will cherish it dearly," she promised, stepping closer to circle her arms around him again, hoping she could soothe whatever hurt she might have caused by being rude. "You made me look more beautiful than I could ever be, so thank you."

Again she stood up on her toes, leaning in to press a kiss to his jaw that made her blush darkly. She probably shouldn't have been so forward with him but she wanted to show him affection, unaware of how much he was beginning to worm his way into her heart.

Donovan smiled fondly if a bit nervously down at her for all her fussing. "All the work was worth it for the repayment of your joy and your smile, my lady," he murmured softly down at her. He could not help the besotted grin that tugged at his lips and lit his eyes up with pure delight.

His breath seized in his chest at her embrace but his arms engulfed her easily if on instinct alone. She was warm and soft against him and in that moment Donovan wanted nothing more than to make time stop so that the embrace could last forever. He squeezed her gently back in response.

"It pales in comparison to your true beauty but I am happy all the same you can look past the flaws of my work and enjoy it." He could say no more though as she leaned up and kissed him sweetly. Donovan's own cheeks flamed crimson in response although he continued to hold her close, still unwilling to let the moment end. Instead he embraced her once more, this time with confidence and care before laughing softly and giving her a gentle twirl off her feet. "I am so thrilled that you like it. I was worried it would not please you. You are too beautiful and sweet to not get the best. You honour me greatly by accepting my humble work so warmly. Thank you, my lady. Truly thank you!"

Kai gave a small squeak as her feet left the ground, clinging to him tightly as she was spun. Her heart lurched once he'd set her down again, eyes searching his face with a surprised sort of wonder. Gods, she was in trouble with this man.

"It's the best I've ever seen, it's absolutely stunning!" she insisted, settling her hands at his sides and not yet willing to break away from the tether of contact since he didn't seem eager to leave her either. "I'm sure all the lords and ladies of the province would be very happy to have your work in their homes if they could only know your talent."

She let out a soft sigh of amazement, shaking her head with a smile, "I know I will display it always, it's truly something special."