Two days after their visit to the crumbled stone remains, Castor had invited Matilda to walk to the creek in the woods, on foot, without horses. An odd request as ever, since they rarely went into the woods without their beloved horses, Matilda was eager to find out what he wanted. She had been overjoyed when Castor procured an entire bag full of limes and a single loaf of rosemary sea salt bread – two of Matilda's very favorite things.

“Thanks for the limes, Cas,” Matilda held one delicately in her hand and admired its green flesh against the clear creek water as it babbled over smooth, round stones.

“I thought you'd appreciate them.” he smiled warmly and Matilda studied his face for a moment as he looked at her. He always kept himself clean shaven, but she could notice some small amounts of stubble beginning to shadow his face. He even looked more tired than usual. But unwilling to cause him to feel self conscious, she turned back to the fruit in her hand.

“So... you still haven't told me what the occasion is -”

“Maybe,” he started slowly, “There isn't one.”

“Uh-huh.” Matilda chided. “Limes aren't exactly cheap.”

Castor just shrugged, his eyes closed, listening to the sound of the babbling water. “No reason.”

Right. “Fine....”

“Alright,” he began, placing a hand in the grass between them and turning to look at her. Matilda noticed how his hand had brushed hers as he had turned. “I did want to ask you if you'd join me for dinner tomorrow evening?”

Matilda beamed at him. “Certainly! What should we bring -”

“Nope,” he interrupted. “This is just for us.”

Matilda eyed his face for a moment, searching for any hint. Nothing. “Really?” she pressed, smiling slightly, her head at an angle as the quizzically studied him.

He just nodded. “Would you?”

“Of course,” Matilda replied, turning to look back at the creek. She had never had a formal dinner meeting with Castor before, and she found she was already giddy beyond words.

“It's just for us.” He tilted his head toward her and looked at her from the tops of his eyes, “This is going to be special.”