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[color=a187be][i]Ashkevron Residence in Askavi[/i][/color][/center]

[b]"Artemis, lovely name.  I think it suits you,"[/b] she said softly and with all the warmth of glowing embers.  [b]"I would be pleased to have your company.  Some say too many cooks in the kitchen and all that, but I think a restorative brew could use good and happy energy from those with good intentions."[/b]  She spoke this as she had joined Mikhail at the door.

[i][color=6ecff6]"It's rare to meet someone who would treat a complete stranger so well and with the kindness you do, Fatima, But I don't know if my presence will be... tolerated for much longer."[/color][/i] he said, and there was a hint of unease in his voice. She frowned sympathetically but did not speak just yet.  He had more to say and she listened intently.

[i][color=6ecff6]"About myself..."[/color][/i]  Some hesitation.  Fatima thought that perhaps it would take some time for this man to open up to her.  It saddened her to know that he had covered himself completely in ice.  What life he must have lived before she found him.  She swore to herself that she would give him reason to wake up with a smile every day.  [i][color=6ecff6]"Almost everything that there is to be known about myself isn't exactly... pleasant to hear. But if you are ok with a superficial explanation, there are still a few good things."[/color][/i]

His smiled warmed away the sadness that had crept into her expression.  She returned the smile, white teeth flashing momentarily.  Her good feelings were dampened by one of the Eyrien brothers.  Belar corrected Mikhail with,  [i]"[u]Lady[/u] Fatima."[/i]  The young woman wrinkled her nose at Belar but said nothing.  There was only so much propriety she could fight in one day and everyone was feeling a bit off what with so many strangers in the house.  Not to mention their protector down for the count.  How she wished Lucivar would wake.  He would make her feel so much better.  Not the three Eyrien men though, it might cause more tension so perhaps it was for the best he kept to himself.  She prayed that he hadn't abandoned her.  He very well could have stolen away in the night.  But something inside of her told her he had not.  For now, she had Mikhail though, and she squeezed his hand kindly as she returned her attention to him.  Fatima was sure he would keep her safe.

[b]"I think, in this day and age everyone has a sad, ugly story to tell.  I don't mind it at all, I want to hear all about you.  And if you would prefer to talk about it in private I am happy to oblige.  I just want to get to know all of my..." [/b] She paused, unsure about how he would handle knowing he was a part of her court.  Perhaps not yet.  He knew something was happening, as she did.  But maybe he wasn't ready just yet.  [b]"All of my friends,"[/b] she finally finished.  [b]"And I'd be pleased to tell you about myself too... Are you coming Artemis?"[/b]  She began to walk toward the kitchen, threading her arm through Mikhail's as was the proper way to walk, her hand resting lightly at the crook of his elbow.  [b]"It has been such a busy morning, have you eaten yet?"[/b]