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“What's going on here? I wasn't aware that we were expecting guests.” Standing at the entrance to a small private dining room was a very confused Ephraim. “Eirika, you should have told me someone was coming over, we aren't prepared.”

“I would have told you had I know. But your dear friend enjoys showing up unannounced.” Eirika smiled warmly at her brother before taking another sip of her tea. “Not that I mind of course, it's rather nice to have another female to talk with.” Lifting her dishes from the table, she quietly stood up and offered her seat to Ephraim. “However, I'm more than a little bit sure you're the one she came to see, so if you'll both excuse me, I have a few things I need to tend to.”

“No you don't. You just finished telling me how you had nothing to do today.” Eirika ignored Ephraim's words as disappeared into the hall. Not wishing to investigate why she'd so blatantly lied to the both of you, Ephraim sighed and slowly walked towards the small round table. As if someone knew he'd be coming, there was an extra cup, saucer and spoon setting on the table. “I see you decided to join us today, what's the occasion?”

“Nothing really, I was bored and lonely. And you did say I was welcomed to come over anytime, as long as I sent you a letter.” Grinning sheepishly, you pulled a letter from your pocket. “I wrote it, but I kind of forgot to send it.”

Ephraim was used to this kind of forgetful behavior from you, so your confession didn't shock him in the least. In fact, it did little more than make him smile. “I suppose what's important here is that you at least thought of sending it, which is better than the last few times you've come to visit. Perhaps your memory is improving.”

“My memory's fine, I'm just scatterbrained.” You took a bite of the sweetbread Eirika had brought out and thought for a moment. “You know, we really should do something today, something fun, and different. We never even leave the castle when I come over. It can get rather dull just sitting around, drinking tea and eating cakes.”

You words amused but also confused Ephraim greatly. How was it that you could so comfortably let yourself into his home and then expect to be treated as if you were invited. If any other guest did this, he would have been rather put off. For some reason or another, he wasn't bothered in the least by you acting this way. As a matter of fact, he found it almost endearing. “I suppose you have a plan then? You did after all invite yourself over, so I'm not at all prepared to show you a good time. As a matter of fact, I do have a few things I should very much like to get done today. None of those things are exactly urgent matters, but I do try to get things done as soon as possible.”

“That's a splendid idea, why didn't I think of it?” Quickly standing from your seat, you rushed to Ephraim's side and began tugging him towards the doorway.

“Wait, what's a splendid idea?” Despite his growing confusion, Ephraim still obeyed your tugs, following you out of the dinning room and into the hall. “I honestly have no idea what you're talking about. I can think of no solution I may have given.”

“And you say my memory's bad.” You shook your head in a disappointed fashion as you sighed. “You were going to show me around the castle, teach me how things work.”

“I was?” Ephraim cocked his eyebrow at you and gave you a look that was hard to read. “I don’t recall saying anything like that at all. Are you sure you heard me correctly. Because I can't imagine why I would agree to submit myself to that kind of stress.” In truth, he didn't seem to be a fan of your idea, but he wasn't saying no either, which meant there was at least a chance. Without saying a word, you looked up at him with begging, pleading eyes, giving him the most pathetic look you could muster. “Come now, there's no need for that, if I said I was going to do something, then rest assured I will stay true to my word.”

Afraid he may change his mind if you told him the truth, you let him continue to believe your small fabrication. “Thank you, where are we going first?” You wrapped both of your arms around one of his, kissed him on the cheek and continued walking uncomfortably close to him.

“You mean to tell me you don't have any opinion on the matter? That's unlike you.” He was teasing, or at least you hoped he was. Though it was more than a little true that you could be a highly opinionated, almost pushy person, it didn't mean that you had to make every decision yourself. “Well then, if you don't care, I have a few places I think might be of interest to you.” Not quite comfortable with the way you were clinging to him, Ephraim slid his arm away from yours and offered you his hand instead.

“You're too uptight. And I do have an opinion, but as long as I get to spend time with you, I'm going to be happy no matter what we do. I might be a little bored at times, but it's still worth it.” Giving his hand a gentle, loving squeeze you looked up at him with a smile on your face.

As they often did, your words caught him off guard, embarrassed him, and turned him red. “Why must you say such very strange things?”

“Because they're true. I truly do love being with you, and your sister of course.” The tour was just beginning, but you'd already lost all interest and were focused wholly on Ephraim. “Perhaps this is off subject, but I'm going to tell you nonetheless. Outside of the people that work and live in your castle, I don't talk to many people. Quite often I'm mistaken for a thief. People don't readily associate with thieves after all.”

“Yet you won't allow me to purchase new clothes for you. This seems counter intuitive. Surely more people would be willing to socialize, and less would think badly of you if you weren't dressed in...” He cut his sentence short and looked at you out of the corner of his eye. Your clothes were ragged, torn and extremely unflattering. Ephraim cleared his throat and forced a smile onto his face. “Well, you now what you're wearing.”

“I do.” True, what you were wearing wasn't fashionable, but it was comfortable, and you'd managed to buy it with your own money.

“Right.” Not sure if he was treading on thin ice, Ephraim quickly dropped the subject. “This next room I believe will be your favorite.” As he slowly opened the door, the smell of fresh pies, cakes, breads and other sweets filled the air and made you subconsciously drool. “Looks like I was right, the kitchen is everyone’s favorite room.”

Before you were given a chance to say anything, Eirika emerged from a small group of giggling females and rushed towards the two of you, smiling excitedly. “Ephraim, I've thought of a wonderful idea. I was talking with some of the maids and they agree.”

Almost not wanting to ask, Ephraim winced and prepared for the worst. “What is it?”

Eirika took your hand in hers and happily stated her idea. “She should stay with us. We have more than enough room, and it would be wonderful if I had another girl to talk with. And I'm more than a little sure you would enjoy having her around more often.”

“I'd love that.” Excited beyond belief, you brought Eirika into a tight hug. “Thank you so much.”

“Then it's settled, we should go pick out a room for you.” Not wanting to stay long enough for Ephraim to disapprove of her idea, Eirika quickly pulled you away and out of the kitchen.

The maid's giggling became louder as you disappeared with Eirika, leaving Ephraim confused and stunned. “I'm not quite sure what just happened, but I know it can't be good.” Sitting down at the small serfs table, he dropped his head to the wooden top. “I will never get any work done, ever again.”