Misplaced Princess

[FireyIce]

David was still somewhat impressed with how good she pulled off being in her workout clothes. Even though he had seen her in multiple pieces of clothing, from formal wear to next to nothing, even nothing a few times, though he would never admit that to her; he was still impressed with how she looked. “I hope you’re ready for this,” he told her as they began to spar.

He was also impressed that Jordan hadn’t complained or tried to give up after so long. He was also pleased with how well she was adapting to the learning. Though it was very rudimentary to him, he knew it was a big step for her. Unfortunately, today was going to be the only real easy day, he reminded himself. Though she was his ruler, he wouldn’t hold back too much as their training progressed. In honesty, a little of what he showed her today would’ve made a very small impact if she had tried to use any of the moves yesterday against the men that surrounded her.

As they stopped, he took the water from her and drank some of it. “It is good to be strong, but it is better to be wiser,” he had told her. “What I’m teaching you is how to defend yourself. Not to go looking for trouble. Sometimes the best wars are fought without any fighting,” he reminded her. He thought briefly about how here on Earth, he hardly had to use any force to stop anyone. “Dinner sounds very good,” he admitted while realizing he hadn’t ate anything all day. “If it isn’t an inconvenience, I will stay with you for the next few days,” he told Jordan as he decided to take her up on her offer.

He stood up as he finished his water, though he did like the comfort of another person against him. “Do you want me to get a few pairs of clothes for the next few days and then meet you back at your place?” he asked inquisitively. This was fairly new territory for him as he was sure it was for her as well. “That way I won’t infringe on you getting dinner started and I won’t have to make a trip later.”

He helped her up and moved some of her hair back as he awaited her answer. He figured the idea was simple enough and that nothing would happen in that short amount of time.

 

[Perplexia]

She nodded, "yeah that will be fine the market is right there on the corner and i'm down the block a short ways. I'll get a shower then start on dinner. It should give you time to shower as well if you want, or you can shower at my place." She enjoyed how he moved the hair from her face, only to have it replaced with a sudden streak of anxiety of being out of his sight. Taking a deep breath she smiled brushing off her paranoia. It was easy to be dependent on having a guardian when you knew they existed.

She gathered up her things with him and he walked her to the market. "right home i promise" she said teasing him as he checked out the surroundings on instinct.

Jordan went inside the small market and gathered the items she would need for a lasagna, salad, and french bread. As she walked in silence home she gathered her thoughts about what her new life would consist of. She was glad she had David, she wouldn't have to face it alone. It was astonishing to her how comfortable she felt around him. Perhaps it was because he'd been in her dreams for so long being her savior.

Making it home without incident she went inside and locked the door behind her. Preheating the oven she started the noodles and got a shower. Placing her wet mop of hair up she got dressed in some shorts and a over sized t' shirt and went to work making the meat and fixings for the salad. With her I pod on she danced around the kitchen as she cooked. With the lasagna pieced together she put it in the oven and cut up the bread putting the salad in the fridge.

Cooking was a relaxing thing for her. It allowed her to forget for about an hour all that was going on her life. When she heard the knock on the door she went to it asking who it was and verifying through the peephole it was him before letting him in.

"Dinner will be ready in about a half hour, did you need to get a shower here or did you get one at your place?"

 

[FireyIce]

David headed back to his place after walking Jordan to the market. “I’ll get a few things from my place and meet you at yours in about an hour,” he told her as he started to look around. With his background, he was hoping she would realize it was more on instinct than anything else. He watched as she left into the market after affirming that she was going to go straight home after the market.

Even walking, it didn’t take him that long to get back to his place. He had to admit, that he wanted to just fly back there since it did cut down on time. He knew better than to do that though. When he got in, he almost immediately got into the shower and cleaned up. One of the positive things is that the weapons he had were mystical, so there wouldn’t be any issue with having to pack them along with his armor. As he finished getting cleaned up, he put on a dress shirt and slacks while packing clothes for a few days in his suitcase.

When he headed back to Jordan’s place, there was very little to no activity around, which tended to be a good thing. Though, he did figure she would be getting a small taste of popularity shortly as he noticed two girls, around her age, watch as he walked up to her house and ring her doorbell.

“Thank you,” he said as he came inside. “I took one at my place. I didn’t want to intrude too much,” David told her honestly. “Is there anything I can do to help you?” he asked wanting to make himself helpful.

 

[Perplexia]

Jordan was a bit embarrassed she didn't dress up more. He looked amazing. "Nope i've got it all under control" she said with a smile and pulled out a couple wine glasses. "Its sparkling cider relax" she advised with a smirk. Although wine really would have been her preference with this meal. But mr. follow the rules of this world may have had a slight coronary.

"I'm assuming i won't have much opportunity to do any cooking when we get there" she said lightly referring to their world. "The first thing we need to do is create an alliance between the immediate surrounding worlds. Much like the united states did between major countries. We also need to set up trade with those worlds. I'm sure we each have a major resource the other is need of. Probably one of the major conflicts, i'm just speculating since i don't know for sure but that's usually the reason they want something we have so they try to take it. I'll need to know who the players are, what their weakness', interests and strengths are."

The timer went off and Jordan jumped back into the role of host pulling out the lasagna and putting in the bread to be toasted. "If you would set the table the dishes are in that cupboard there" she said pointing to the one that housed the plates and salad bowels. "and the silverware is in the drawer beneath it."

Pulling out the bread she announced that dinner was ready and brought the lasagna to the table with a basket of bread and the salad.

 

[FireyIce]

“Thank you,” he told Jordan while still holding back the “your highness” part that he was use to saying. He set his stuff down and watched as she had finished working on cooking dinner. “Initially, no, you won’t. Aside from the current conflicts, you’ll probably be surrounded by people wondering what you’ll do and how you’ll lead,” he said as he sat down at the table. “That doesn’t mean that you won’t within time to do something simple like that,” he added.

David listened as she described her ideas on how to resolve some of the conflicts. He was impressed with the ideas that she was giving. Though it sounded easier, nothing ever was in matters such as this. “Part of the problem,” he started to say as he continued to watch her, “Is that the royal family hasn’t ruled in a while. Some probably won’t be willing to give up their power that easily, if that is what you seek,” he added with a hint of curiosity as he was trying to gauge what kind of leader she wanted to be. “Again, you can rule how you want, however, opposition may be there. If you reclaim the royal throne, it can be as a ruler or a figure head. That’s one of the few choices you’ll need to consider,” he chimed in to help with her insight of her soon-to-be uphill challenge.

David stood up as Jordan asked him for help with some of the dishes. “As you wish,” he said as he looked and found the plates and silverware. He set the table as normal and sat back down as Jordan brought over the food. “It looks really good,” he said. He waited until she sat down before getting some food and starting to eat. “Hopefully your body isn’t sore from earlier,” he inquired between bites as he wanted to make sure she would be ready for more training tomorrow.

 

[Perplexia]

Jordan pondered over the things he said while she ate. "There has to be some that are still loyal to the royal family and wish for some sort of order to be restored. If those that were in power were doing a good job there wouldn't be such chaos. We'll set up an advisory committee, where the leaders of sections can voice their concerns and opinions. I'll take them under advisement and act on them how i deem necessary. I will be asking a great deal from you other then just my protection. But to answer your question I intend to rule. I will have a committee set up of figureheads that can give me reports and options in how to act in some situations."

She smiled watching him eat. He seemed to be enjoying the meal and that made her happy. She loved to cook and this would probably be one of the last large meals she'd have the opportunity for.

"I'm sure i'll be a little sore tomorrow, but I will work through it." she assured him picking up a piece of toasted bread and eating it. As they finished up the meal she rose to start clearing the table and putting the leftovers away. She rinsed off their plates and bowels and placed them in the dishwasher letting the lasagna pan soak.

As she stood at the sink she day dreamed of what it would be like if they just lived in a little house together in the middle of no where. No traffic, no wars, just the two of them. As she washed the dishes he would come up behind her and wrap her in his arms turning her around to kiss her. She dropped a glass in the sink at the thought shattering it and bringing her out of her day dream. "damn it" she swore pulling a piece of glass out of her finger.

 

[FireyIce]

“Are you alright?” David asked as he heard the glass break. He saw the glass being removed from her finger, a little bit of blood coming out. “Why don’t you get that taken care of and I’ll clean up the glass,” he told her as he stood up to go to the sink. He started to pick up the glass, making sure to get all of it and throwing it away as he watched Jordan take care of her finger.

“I’m supposed to be completely neutral in your decisions,” he started to tell her, “But I’m glad you’re deciding on ruling. I’m sure you’ll find a lot of people trying to influence you, though,” he admitted. “I will try to find out if there are any true loyalists still to the royal family,” David told her. He walked over to Jordan to see how her finger was. He held her hand, tenderly to make sure that it didn’t run the risk of getting infected. I do want t to know, though, when you entered The Void last night, what did you think of it?” he asked as he saw her response knowing that he had indeed seen her.

 

[Perplexia]

"I'll be fine" she assured him as he took care of the broken glass. She wrapped up her finger and watched the way his back muscles moved through his shirt as he picked up and through away the glass.

"It's important to me that you approve" she said in return to his statement about being happy she decided to rule.

As he held her hand she didn't pull away. "The void reminded me of a battle field. With all the bones and armor spread as far as the eye could see. It had a dreary sadness to it. When we get the wars to seize i want to turn it into a memorial for all the lost souls that died fighting there."

Her heartbeat quickened slightly at the closeness of him. "I know its a little morbid but i enjoyed being in the silence of the void. I could feel you watching me so i wasn't afraid. Her other hand went to his chest and picked a piece of bread crumb off of it flicking it to the side. Her hand returned lightly feeling the muscles beneath his dress shirt. Her cheeks became a bit flush as she removed her hand and took a step back. Her other hand still in his. "Did you want to watch a movie?" she questioned with a light blush upon her face.

 

[FireyIce]

“There will always be souls that will be lost to The Void,” he told her. “Rest assured, a memorial wouldn’t be a symbol to many,” he stated as he remembered how many have fallen in The Void by his actions. “It is essentially the same idea as being in limbo, but never ceasing to exist,” he said making the best analogy as he could.

He could feel her touch him. David also knew that Jordan hadn’t been physical with a guy in a while so he allowed her to enjoy what she was doing. “We can watch a movie if you’d like,” he said as she suggested it. He figured it might help her fall asleep fairly quickly with the amount of energy that she exhausted today with her training. One of the issues he didn’t know how to deal with was with what seemed like her falling for him.

It didn’t take long for the silence to be broken from the notifications on her phone. Even though she was technically done with school, his presence coming over must have gathered some attention of her friends and other associates. He looked over at it, causing her to notice it as well. “Are you going to get that?” he inquired as he took the opportunity to take a few steps back.

 

[Perplexia]

His stepping back to give her the opportunity to answer her phone didn't go unnoticed. She blushed deeply as she realized she was making a fool of herself by almost literally throwing herself at him. She'd never been with a guy in a physical sense. Her dates hadn't ever worked out , she was lucky to get a second one.

Looking at her phone she swiped decline and set it down on the counter. "I'm going to bed, the spare room is next to mine I'll leave its door open for you. feel free to watch tv or movies if you want"

It took all she had not to run into her room from embarrassment. She didn't wait for a reply she just walked to her room and shut the door throwing herself on her bed. What was she thinking. She was suppose to be some sort of leader and she was throwing herself at her guardian. He was concerned because it was his job to be. The frustration and being overwhelmed finally caught up to her as she clenched her eyes and cried silently into her pillow.

 

[FireyIce]

David watched as she went to go answer her phone. It was a bit of a surprise when she declined to answer the ringing or any of the notifications that were beeping as well. “Thank you,” he said as he heard Jordan tell him where his room was. Though he wasn’t an expert in relationships, he was aware that something had suddenly changed.

As he watched Jordan walk away he wondered if everything was alright. He got his bag and started to head to his room. When he set it down he heard Jordan crying. He walked over to her room and knocked on the door. “Is everything alright?” he asked through the door. He was tempted to open it, however, he didn’t know exactly what to do.

David walked into the living room and pulled the blinds closed on the windows. There was one thing that he figured he could get away with, though it wouldn’t be a surprise if she got mad at him for the stunt he was willing to pull. He got changed into his armor and allowed his wings to expand. “Jordan, can you come help me figure this thing out?” he called towards her room. “I usually don’t watch TV so I’m not sure what I’m doing.”

 

[Perplexia]

Jordan didn't answer him when he asked if everything was ok. Instead she flipped off the door and buried her head back into the pillow. A few minutes later he was asking for her help with the tv. She scowled and wiped her eyes checking her face in the mirror before heading out to help him.

He stood in her living room all gallant with armor and wings extended. "Are we under attack?" she asked confused at his effort. She loved this look on him though. But it reminded her as she almost swooned that she was being stupid he made it clear that he wasn't interested in her as more then just her protector and trainer. It was easy for a girl to get to emotionally attached. Especially with everything that was going on and would be changing in her life.

 

[FireyIce]

David watched as she came out a few minutes later. It was evident that she had indeed been crying. He would understand why she was wondering if they were under attack. “No, we’re not under attack,” he stated as he looked at her. There was no doubt that she enjoyed looking at him. “You’re going to see something that will cheer you up,” he added as he allowed his sword to form.

Without any logical explanation that science could derive, there was a small tear in the air. Exposed was a huge shift as if it were a portal. He sheathed his sword as he held her. “We’re going on a small trip,” he let her know as they stepped through. Not only did they appear in The Void, he moved them to where they went back to Earth, slowly above the night line as he held her tighter as they continued to fly. Though the speed wasn’t as fast as Hollywood had made individuals like him out to be, they were back in their town landing on top of one of the highest buildings. “I thought you might like this view,” he said as they looked over the city.

He sat down near the edge, letting his wings rest. “I don’t know if I did something to offend you. If I did, than I’m sorry,” he told her sincerely. “If I had to guess, I’d say it’s because you’re attracted to me,” David told Jordan. “If you want to have me as your guardian and advisor, you’ll need to let me know what’s going on,” he pointed out as he looked over at her while still sitting down.

 

[Perplexia]

Jordan let out a small gasp as the tear in the air appeared. The next thing she knew they were in the void then flying through the air above her city and he landed them on top of the highest building.

Having a severe fear of heights caused her to cling tightly to him. She listened as he told her he knew she was attracted to him. This caused her to want to run, but she had no where to go.

"First, i hate heights. That's why i got stuck on the fire escape i froze." scooching back a bit from the edge her heart rate started to level out. "I can't say that you did anything wrong. It's something that i have to work out in my head. Over the past five years you have been constant in my mind, my dreams, always there to keep me safe. If i was having a bad day, i knew that when i closed my eyes you would be there for me. Even if you didn't speak other then your battle cries. You would be there to shield me against my nightmares. So i built you up in my head to be my guardian angel. I would see glimpses of you in the day, and think it was just my mind playing tricks on me. But a part of me thought you were my dream guy. Then you were here, and tangible I could touch you. I think that a part of why i never really got into guys was because I was waiting for you. But it was all part of what was built up in my head. To you i am your job, your duty, and your princess. So when you stepped back from me tonight that was my wake up call. I'm not in some fairy tale romance, you aren't here for my heart, you're simply here for my safety. So i wasn't mad at you, I was mad at myself for allowing myself to want the impossible."

She wiped her eyes again and fell silent laying back and looking up at the sky.

 

[FireyIce]

David lay down as his armor and wings faded. He looked up in the sky, “Come, lay down and relax,” he offered to Jordan. He watched as she came over. “In my free time, I have learned about the potential that the humans have,” he started out saying. “Over the course of your existence your race has managed to evolve to a huge degree doing whatever the odds. It was only so long ago that they started to head towards the stars. Look,” he said as he pointed up. “Upon millions and billions of stars, you were lucky enough to be a ruler of one of the many planets. Out of all the possibilities in the galaxy, you have a personal guardian. Nothing, Jordan, is impossible in this world, this universe, or your life.”

He continued to relax as they both looked at the stars. Though there was a slight breeze, it still felt nice. He was hoping that she wasn’t too cold. “Things change. The things that change can either be from natural change or from a forced change of circumstances,” he said as he decided to leave the cryptic message at the end of his speech. “Let me know when you’re ready to head back,” he told her as he looked in her eyes, “I promise the trip will be less painful for your phobia.”

The last five years was hard for David as he had the benefit of seeing Jordan grow up. As she grew so did his infatuation with her had. The only downside is that he had to hide his feelings, which would be the greatest challenge. He was wondering if there would be a change of circumstances as she ruled her new planet shortly.

 

[Perplexia]

Jordan listened as he talked. "I don't know what the rules are regarding royalty and non royalty? Do I have the freedom to choose? Do I have the ability to write the laws to allow me to do so? What if i didn't want to wait? What if I said that I wanted you to kiss me and touch me now? Would you do it because you wanted to or because i gave a wish?"

Jordan broke their gaze and looked back up at the stars. Why did he have to be so cryptic, why couldn't he just say that he didn't feel that way and let her resolve her feelings. Things were only going to get more complicated when they went to the planet.

She felt foolish. In one night she managed to throw herself at him, throw a tantrum, and spill her heart out. In response she received a cryptic message.

 

[FireyIce]

David looked over at Jordan as she asked her questions. “I cannot tell you the answers,” he stated, “Only you will be able to determine how you want to rule. You had to take a civics class and learn the different forms of government,” he pointed out to her.

After a while of lying back down and looking up at the stars, David asked, “Are you ready to head back?” He figured she was probably a little bit tired from all that she has done in the last few days. “I promise the trip back will be a lot simpler,” he promised. He did look over at Jordan and saw her face. It looked so lovely and he could tell that she was probably concern about how everything was going to go after her graduation.

 

[Perplexia]

Jordan frowned at him. Again he failed to answer her questions. It was probably for the best. Training, and then ruling, this was her life now. She might as well let go of her crush on him for the time being. It obviously wasn't going to get her anywhere. He probably had some mythical warrior chic waiting for him anyway. She had spent a life time of being part of the background. It was silly to think that anything would change.

"yes i'm ready" she responded looking back up to the stars. She was tired, and needed rest for him to kick her butt the next day in training. Slowly she rose and waited for him to lead her the simple way.

 

[FireyIce]

As David stood up, he walked over and helped Jordan up as well. The best way to explain this is basically my mind’s eye allows me to teleport to places that I’ve been too. He moved his hand with ease, causing another tear in space. As he held Jordan’s hand, no sooner than they entered, they were back in her bedroom.

“See, no problem, right?” he asked as they weren’t flying or doing anything involving heights. “If it makes you feel better, your kingdom isn’t on a cloud,” he said in a joking manner as he headed to the door and opened it. David knew he would need just as much rest during the day as she did. “What time did you want to start tomorrow?” he inquired with a sense of curiousness. It was, however, her early summer break.

 

[Perplexia]

Jordan watched in wonder as he opened a tear in space for them to walk through. As they entered her bedroom she wondered when he'd been in there. Shaking her head she let it go.

She smiled at the cloud comment"Two is fine" she advised figure they'd just keep the same time they had before. It allowed them to both sleep in a little.

She was going to ask him if he wanted to stay in the room with her but figured it was just a waste of breath so she let it go.

When he left the room she got undressed and slipped into a t' shirt. Crawling into bed she closed her eyes and found herself falling asleep rather quickly. Maybe that was her problem. Perhaps she was just over tired and overwhelmed.

Her dream landed her back into the void where a dusty wind blew across the plains. The field was fresh with crimson blood and the smell of death. "This has to stop" she found herself saying out loud to the void.

Armor appeared around her bearing an emblem she'd never seen before. A staff with blades on each end, appeared in her hand. Several knelt recognizing her for who she was.

 

[FireyIce]

David felt the tear in the space shortly after getting cleaned up. “Well, one of these days I’ll hopefully get a day off,” he mentioned to himself as he went back into The Void. The same view was similar to what Jordan was experiencing. Blood and carnage had just recently come through the place. He had gone to check on something that he was taking back to Earth. As he secured what he was looking for he came back shortly after Jordan had appeared.

The only downside of being cut off from most of the planet was that he had to view everyone as a threat. Once he saw the knights approaching her, he started to fly towards her. He had his duty to guard her with his life. Once he saw that the staff had appeared in her hand, he was shocked. Though it was a very good sign of the fact people still knew what the royal family looked like, the downside meant there might be a greater threat looming.

In a quick blink, he had landed in front of Jordan, his body shielding her. Almost instantly, a lance appeared in his arms. “You shall move away from her!” he shouted with the sound of thunder in his voice. As he noticed only a few of the knights had shown the amount of respect they were obliged to, he noted some had not. “Grab on to my waist!” he told her. As soon as he felt her arms around his body, he moved quickly in a circle, his lance beheading several of the people that he viewed as opposition.

“You remaining knights stand,” he said with a still commanding tone. There was no doubt he had added to the crimson that fed part of The Void. “If you are loyal to the royal family, you will report to me and let me know what has transpired in the last few years. You will not mention any of what you saw, just that you came back with less people than you started with, understood?” he asked as he continued to flay his spear, making sure he still viewed them as a potential threat.

“As for you, my lady, I believe it is time for you to wake up,” he said as he moved his free hand to her face. He figured the last thing she would be seeing would be a burst of light from his hand before going back to Earth and waking up. He knew there would be answers to questions that she was going to have. He figured that most will not be pleasant.

 

[Perplexia]

Jordan let out a gasp as the light flashed her awake and she sat straight up in her bed. Getting out of bed she walked into Davids room in search of him.

"Why did you wake me?" she half demanded. "What was the weapon i had, and the armor and the emblem was of my family i'm assuming. Why did you command them not to speak of seeing me?"

She stopped asking questions for a moment realizing she just through a lot at him. "I felt the power surging through me. I felt the bloodline in my veins. There was something in me that told me if i just held up my hand i could push them away if they came to close. Why did you feel the need to rescue me?"

She indeed had a lot of questions surging through her mind. looking down she realized she was just in her t'shirt. She looked back up at him. There were more pressing things at the moment, and given his non interest in her what she wore would be of little consequence."

Her adrenline was still racing through her.

 

[FireyIce]

Just as quickly as David made Jordan wake up, he finished up his conversation before heading back to Earth. As evident by his hunch, he could hear Jordan making her way to his room from hers. He stood there, firm as she came in. David allowed her questions to be asked before deciding to answer them.

“Your highness,” he started, though he knew she wouldn’t like hearing that, “I woke you for your safety. Need I remind you that I am your personal bodyguard? Those ‘Knights’ were from the House of Kell. They may as well be spies showing respect. That is a house that buys loyalty to others,” he told her as he looked at her directly.

He walked over to his suitcase and pulled out a scroll. He opened it up and revealed a list of the royal family. “This is where your house is,” he told her, “As of right now, you don’t exist, and you don’t have a house. Those fools only decided to pay lip service. As far as the choice I gave, there are going to be three possible outcomes. They will either tell their current ‘masters’ everything and me nothing, which is bad for us. The other option is they tell them nothing and us everything which would be good for us. The last option, which is the most likely, they tell no one and find the next group who will pay for their loyalty.”

After telling her about the group, he formed his sword. “It appears, in The Void, you’re starting to get your powers. Why I interfered why I did,” he explained, “was because I’m still your Justicar, your royal bodyguard. Having power, the ability to form weapons, is different than using them. You can use a weapon, your power; however, it isn’t mastered yet. That’s why I interfered.”

He stepped closer to Jordan as his armor and sword disappeared. She could see the many scars on his body. Front, side and back. “Trust me when I say that I did what was in the best interest for you,” he added as he leaned forward and kissed her gently on the lips. After a moment, he broke the kiss and looked at her. “And trust me when I say that I will go against your word if it means doing what I need to in order to save, serve and protect you,” he added as he could still feel the adrenaline course through her body.

 

[Perplexia]

There was nothing he said that she could argue with. Which normally would have frustrated her, especially the Your highness comment, if it hadn't been for the kiss he placed on her lips.

"You're right. I let the surge of power racing through me give me false confidence. I don't even know what the weapon is that formed much less how to use it. Nor would i know how to control that hand power thing if thats what it ended up being. I could have shot flowers out of my wrist for all I know."

She signed a moment her fingers tracing over one of his many scars. "I also don't know my knights from another houses i'm a pretty useless princess without you. I've had a life of watching movies and fairytales. How am I suppose to do this? The only person I know i can trust is you and even you confuse me."

 

[FireyIce]

David couldn’t help but let out a light chuckle as she mentioned shooting flowers out of her wrist. He looked at her as she felt some of his scars. “The difference,” he stated, “Is that you didn’t grow up on Xygedo. You grew up here, on Earth. There’s nothing wrong with that,” David mentioned to Jordan.

“This is a rare opportunity for you though, Jordan,” he said as he moved her hair away from her face. “I don’t know the last time someone could just, in essence, recreate a new house from nothing. But you will have that chance. You can rule as you see fit, how you see fit. It just requires people that only you can trust,” he mentioned.

“Tomorrow, after we train we will learn,” he told her sternly. “You will need to learn how the people of your home planet behave, act, what is and isn’t appropriate,” he added. “We will also need to decide what you will call yourself. If you want to change your name at all,” he pointed out.

He could not deny his feelings for her. The thought of being with her, the natural connection, if there was one, had become somewhat of a burden. He had to decide what to do about this situation. He leaned in again and gave her another small kiss. “Since you’re up,” he stated, “Perhaps we should train some,” he suggested.