A secret door? Interesting. The prospect bounced about in Amie's mind. It would be a tremendously exciting way to begin her stay. If she was fortunate, there may even be threats to her safety, and she wouldn't mind a good spar. Jaiden had effectively robbed her of a proper duel, and her gloved hand twitched at the thought of putting her sword to use. On the other hand, her luggage was still packed and sitting on the opposite side of the front door. She had not even started to move in. 

She soon discovered, to her horror, that this was a good thing. A sharp knock at the door caught her attention, and she was wondering if she should get up and answer it herself (like normal people do) when it was opened from the outside. The color drained from her face at the sight of a certain assistant who was approximately 365 days too early. His face was emotionless, and his stiff upper lip and half-closed eyes confirmed that he was now playing the part of a proper servant. He cleared his throat in an effort to gain the attention of the occupants.

"Ladies and Gentlemen," he called, bowing to everyone present. "Presenting the Lady Ingrid Jane, Baroness."

He was overshadowed almost immediately as the new Lady Jane filled the doorway. She was nearly as tall as Amie and almost as slim, but everything about her commanded attention, from her sharp features to her long, raven-colored hair to her piercing black eyes. At first glance, she looked very little like the wide-eyed, cheery Amie, but the connection was made clear the moment she spoke.

"Amethyst Jane! Your attention," she barked. The edge on her voice could have matched the blade of her daughter's sword, who felt a chill roll down her spine. She rose silently and curtsied, though the blood had returned to her cheeks and her face burned red in embarrassment.

"Your stay at the Lodge has been terminated. I will spare you the lecture for the time being," she said, emphasizing the last four words in a way that made it clear to any listeners that a very long lecture was in Amie's near future. "Your luggage has been loaded. You have two minutes to make any goodbyes you deem necessary. Starting now."

Amie took a deep breath as her mother vacated the door, aware that she had time for perhaps one individual farewell. She decided to use it on her assistant.

[color=aba000]"Winters,"[/color] she said in an icy tone.

"The Lady Ingrid made contact first. I refused to lie. All consequent decisions have been made by her," he said quickly. His face remained unconcerned, though Amie could sense a strand of regret in his voice. He may have had his way, but he was just as displeased about the methods as she, and he knew full well that Amie would give him a lecture immediately after hers. He was right, of course. He couldn't have changed Lady Ingrid's mind if lives depended on it. But he was also wrong. Winters was always wrong.

Turning to face the others, Amie's mind conflicted one final time. Should she return to her formalities, using a stiff bow and strong words? Or remain sincere (and admittedly awkward) in these last seconds? Last impressions are important, but ultimately she wondered how she wanted to be remembered. A lady, or a compatriot? She couldn't resist a chuckle. It would likely be formalities from here on out. She might as well enjoy the common dialect one last time. Raising her head with a smile, Amie waved to the group.

[color=aba000]"So long, everyone. I'm sorry I haven't been more, well, honest about who I am. I'd be more like any of you (more or less) if I had the chance. Looks like I won't be getting it here. Might not get another one. But -"[/color] A soft tap of the foot from Winters indicated that she had ten seconds remaining. Ingrid Jane had a mind like a machine, and two minutes meant [i]exactly[/i] two minutes.

She paused, then flicked her head, tossing the loose blonde strands of hair to the side. [color=aba000]"But you never know. Wish me luck." [/color] And without another word, she turned and walked calmly from the room. Winters closed the door quietly behind her.

[color=aba000]"I'll have your head for this, Winters,"[/color] she muttered as they approached the car. He sighed. 

"As you wish, Lady Jane."

[b]-END-[/b]