“I must say, I'm rather surprised,” Krista remarked after some time, setting down the utensils she had been recently demonstrating with. “You’re learning these things at a remarkable rate!”

Elica sat across from Krista at the small table in her room, her lifeless eyes following Krista’s every movement so she could mimic the actions. The lessons had been going on for some time, and all the boringly similar lessons she had had with her mother flooded back to assist in the dulling of her mind.

“I've had a little bit of practice before with my mother,” Elica responded faintly, all of her energy having already abandoned her at the start of the lessons.

“Well, it's certainly paying off. You'll almost look like a natural at tonight's dinner.”

“Great, I'd hate to disappoint the new family,” Elica replied with a slight roll of her eyes.

“Yes, I'm sure you'll do them proud,” Krista chirped, once again ignoring Elica’s actions. “Though the only family member that will be in attendance tonight will be Valafar.”

“What do you mean, I'll just be alone with Valafar? Why won't the rest of them be there,” she questioned, annoyed that she had to endure the etiquette lessons despite the meal only having Valafar as the other attendant.

“Well,” the maid paused, looking down as if she were pondering her next words. “Others will be there if that is your concern, and you know of Lord Rene's health I’m sure…”

“That's right,” she thought to herself out loud, recalling the state Rene had been in. “Then who are the oth”--

“May I enter,” Valafar's now familiar voice rung out with the knock at the door.

“Ah,” Elica let out as she stood, watching as Krista returned to her traditional spot. Elica then turned to the door before calling out to him, “You may.”

“Then excuse me,” he said as he opened the door and entered.

Elica watched as his face quickly darkened as he first looked at her. “You look gorgeous,” he said, quickly recovering his demeanor.

“Why thank you,” she said with a blush, unsure of how to respond to the compliment. “So, what brings you here? Is something the matter?”

“No, everything is fine, I was just reminded of something is all,” he said, looking to the ground with a sad smite. “Nevertheless, I brought you some gifts,” he said, lifting back his head as he presented to her an ornate box.

“Um, thank you,” she said as she delicately took the gift, careful not to disturb the gems and precious metals enlaid in the white surface. “What should I do with it,” she asked, peering around the room as he tried to find a place for it.

Valafar’s sigh drew back her attention. “Give it here,” he said, holding back out his hands to receive it.

“Okay,” she replied, cautiously handing the box back over.

“It's a jewelry box,” he said as he walked over the table and gently placed it down. “I couldn't find much that would fit you, but I got a few they should, or at least they'll do for dinner.”

“Oh, jewelry makes more sense than just a fancy box I suppose,” Elica remarked, her excitement driving her giddily to his side.

“I'll need your help Krista,” he instructed, lifting a small, delicate looking chain of gold.

“Of course, my lord,” she answered as she approached. She delicately took the small chain from his hand and held it fast, waiting for a cue.

“I'll have Krista put on the necklace as I put on this, okay,” he said, lifting another item from the box.

“What is that,” she questioned, looking over the mass of golden chains in his hand; her eyes drawn to the set of clear gems lying within that gleamed brilliantly, proudly announcing their presence.

“It's a headdress,” he said without a second thought as he opened it up with both of his hands. “These 2 rings will circle your head, and this one will go right across the top,” he said as he motioned towards the parts. “The diamonds will sit on the forehead.”

“Diamonds,” she exclaimed, the pearls were one thing, but this seemed a bit excessive for her. “I mean, very well then,” she said lowering her head to him to allow him access.