She couldn't help it, he was getting to her. Melody felt giddy and light headed, but the iron core of her will finally came forward. [i]"Stop this. You're letting him tug you along like he owns you. Just because that's not what he means by it doesn't mean you should just follow his every command! Snap out of it and get back in control."[/i]

At the top of the stairs, she gently pulled her hand from his and stepped down, raising a barrier around her soul. It wasn't like an iron wall, meant to keep people out, it was just a clear and present boundary. "I'll walk, thank you," She said without her earlier giddiness. She stayed in front until they reached the bottom, then let him lead the way.

"Also," She added, "I'd prefer to start training before tomorrow's classes. There's no point in being part of the advanced class if we don't have anything to show for it. I assume you have at least some kind of open area at your house?" Her words were impersonal, but not cold. It was the kind of tone you used with a friend when there was business to be done. [i]"There will be time for more pleasantries later,"[/i] She told herself, [i]"After I'm back in my right mindset."[/i]