“Not so bad for your first time I’d say,” Valafar remarked as the duo reached Elica’s door.

Though dinner had dragged on for several hours, they left earlier than Elica had expected. The only thing she remembered before Valafar whisked her away was his comment to Marcus about her having to have been tired.

“Thanks... I guess?”

“I'm serious, you did pretty well with not letting yourself stand out as a commoner,” he replied. “You should get some rest now though, you've been through a lot today,” he continued in a softer voice.

“That sounds nice,” she answered, letting the commoner slight slide, knowing he meant no harm by it. “I guess I'll see you tomorrow,” she said, her hand grabbing hold of her door's knob.

“At some point we probably will, but only tomorrow's last light knows that answer,” he said with a cheery tone.

“I suppose you're right,” she said with a slight laugh. “Goodnight, and thanks for helping me through today.”

“I’ll even give you a good night kiss if that would help you fall asleep,” he teased.

“Oh, stop, I’m a big girl, I can go to sleep on my own,” she answered in kind with a light slap to his shoulder.

“Can’t say I didn’t see that response coming, though it's still mainly my fault that you were caught up in this, so I’d like to do whatever you want so you are comfortable. For now though, I suggest you get some sleep,” he said as he turned and made his was down the hall.

“I'll try, and thank you again,” Elica called out in a hushed voiced after him as she opened her door, careful to not disturb Lord Rene in his room.

The room met her with a comforting glow that emitted from its many lamps.

“I trust dinner had no issues, miss Elica,” Krista’s cheery voice called out from her normal spot.

“Fortunately, yes,” Elica responded without missing a beat, having already assumed that Krista would be there once more.

“That's wonderful news,” she replied as she grabbed a garment that had been hanging next to her. “Now, if you are ready to retire, I have your nightgown here for you.”

“Ah, yes, thank you,” Elica replied as she looked herself over. “I suppose I can't very well go to bed in this.”

“Of course, would you like my assistance in getting ready for bed?”

“No thanks, I think I'd like to just be alone for the rest of tonight.”

“If that is your wish,” the maid said as she approached and layed the gown on the bed. “If that is all you'll be needing, I will be on my way.”

“Yes, thank you, that will be all for tonight.”

“Then I will be off,” see said as she passed Elica and opened the door. “Sleep well Miss.”

“Thank you,” Elica replied as the door shut, leaving her alone for what felt like the first time in forever.

She approached the jewelry box and took off her necklace, placing in the box gently before turning to her head dress. She lifted it carefully from her head and examined it, its small, gold, chains dangling freely from her fingers as the diamonds rested in her palm. They glinted lightly in the light as she delicately placed it into the box, careful not to let its chains twist together.

She then unwound herself from the fabric that draped around her, and carefully folding it. She placed it next to the jewelry box on her table, unsure as to where it should be kept.

After putting on the nightgown, she went about the room and snuffed out it’s lamps, letting darkness take the light’s place. A deep sigh was let out as she flopped onto the bed, its covers holding her tightly when she scurried under them.

“You know, I’ve been through a lot today, and I’m not even sure if you are aware of it,” she said suddenly into the darkness. “Who knows when I’ll be able to see you again, hopefully it is soon,” she continued with a hint of sorrow creeping into her voice.

“Anyway, I’m sure you’ll be fine, you’ve been through a lot more than me after all. Goodnight,” she finished as she gave her palm a small kiss. The memory of Aeres’ lips radiated from her palm as if she were in the moment that it were planted, soothing her mind and allowing her to fall into sleep’s embrace peacefully.