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Sayeh was sitting on a rock outside of the tower, working on a fine golden wire. She winced as her tips pressed and intertwined these pieces with one another. Whatever she was making was small and the day's warm sun caused her to stop and sigh. Her one hand lifted to reach up to her forehead to wipe away her sweat. She was so close to getthing done soon.

Cassius sat on the bank of the lake, flicking his tail through the water. It was a hot day, and the water was nice and cool, making him feel refreshed. He sighed, lifting his crimson hues to the sky, feeling a little anxious. He was worried about Sayeh. he hadn't seen her for a while, for he'd been busy wit his paintings, and other people.

Sayeh felt too hot. She had to cool down. So she set aside the wires on the rock and headed to the lake where she spotted Cassius. She smiled and came towards him. "Good day Cassius." She bowed to him.

His head turned slightly at footsteps, but he ignored them until he heard a female voice. One that he knew. ''Good day to you to Sayeh.'' The naga stood up and turned round, bowing slightly to her. ''I trust you are well Sayeh...?'' his eyes narrowed as he thought about him, who might have hurt her.

Sayeh smiled. "I am fine, Cassius, just a little warm. How are you this fine day?"

''This water is cool. You should take a swim or something.'' he mentioned this, as he had done this morning, and found it livened his body and mind. ''I am very well also Sayeh. I apologize for my absense in seeing you. I should have at least sent a letter.''

Sayeh smiled to him. "It was for the best probably that there was some time apart seeing as Sir Aussi has grown quite fond of angering you." The feline nodded to his comment about the water. She then moved over to the banks where she stepped into the cooling water that made her shiver. "Lakes are nice like this one on a day such as this." She looked to him curiously. "May I inquire as to what you have been preoccuping your time with?"

''Hmph...'' He nodded, watching the feline intently, noting every curve, whisker and bracelet on her body. ''Yes...'' The naga looked up sharply, as she was talking to him, and he shrugged. ''Painting, reading...I have been with the compay of a friend....'' He moved his hair back from his eyes, and fixed his gaze on the feline i front of him. ''What have you been occupying yourself with?''

The feline bent to dip her fingers into the cool waters and smiled. "I'm glad to hear that you have not been alone this whole time. Your friend must be very nice." She then stared down at the water. "I've been keeping company of one new traveler in the tower but was summoned away to take care of Sir Aussi." Her violet eyes flicked up. "It would seem you have his attention, Cassius."

''Ah...I see...'' The naga murmured, hsi thoughts still drifting on other matters. His eyes flickered to her. ''I have whose? I apologize, I am not entirely myself today.''

The girl straightened up her stance and walked over to him with her violet eyes staring at him with a worry. "Please, forgive me if I am out of line, Cassius, but is something on your mind? Are you alright?"

He shook his head slowly, his eyes falling to the floor. ''I am fine, my thoughts are just...else-where.'' He fixed his eyes on her which appeared cloudy and dimmed. ''May I ask again? Whose attention do I hold?''

"You have Sir Aussi's." She then turned back to stare out at the lake. "If I am being a bother to you Cassius by interrupting your thoughts, I will leave you be." She smiled sweetly as she turned back to look at him. Her voice was kind but she really wished to know what he was thinking about.

''I enjoy your compnay Sayeh. I realize what I've been missing over these past weeks...'' Cassius murmured, narrowing his eyes slightly. He studied the curls of her hair for a few moments, before shaking his head and sitting back down on the bank, flicking his tail back through the water.

Sayeh blushed lightly under her dark fur but it didn't show. All that showed was a smile to him. Her heart was glad that he could realize what he needed but she still was uncertain what he was tlaking about. She came to sit down beside him, allowing her legs to chill in the waters. "May I ask as to what that is? If not permitted to ask such questions, Cassius, may I inquire as to your paintings?"

The naga sighed, fixig his gaze on the ripples that flew through the water and he moved his tail slightly. ''My paintings...I have been working on new things lately.'' He glanced at the feline beside him, before looking back to the lake.

Sayeh smiled and her eyes lit up with excitment. "Oh, may I see any that have continued to stay?" She remembered that he always burnt his paintings but there was still hope he had saved one for her to see. "I have been sketching randomly as well as you have asked of me. Unfortunately I left my sketches behind with.." She stopped and turned her head slightly. "With my other things." She didn't want to ruin what she was working on.

''I have...But only one. There is onyl one I have saved. Perhaps...perhaps you would like to see it? It is finished.'' The naga glanced to her again, an there was a faint smile on his lips. ''Good. Have you enjoyed your art? For their is no point in art if you do not enjoy the creating, and adore the result.''

Sayeh looked rather excited as she smiled to him. "Could I please? I would really enjoy that." She smiled to him then stared at the water as her finger twirled the surface lightly. "I have been given a release of my emotions. Though I could not say if I liked the result or not of them." She then glanced up at Cassius. "Might I make a request of you, Cassius?"

He noddes slowly, almost smiling, but still not. ''Certainly Sayeh. Feel free to do so.'' he answered to her question about a request. ''The picture is of a lotus flower.''

"A lotus flower? It sounds really nice." She stared at the ground and glanced over at him in a shy fashion. "Might I be permitted to give you a hug?" She could appear very small when she was uncertain of the result.

He thought back to when she had asked him at his own home, back in the Tower. he nodded again. ''Certainly Sayeh...''

Sayeh smiled brightly and moved over, hugging him as she sighed with relief. "I really missed you, Cassius. I'm so glad to see you are alright and were not alone all that time." Her voice was a whisper as to not embarrass him. He always had that effect on her, to cause her to act more boldly then she was.

He smiled gently, glad that she couldn't see his face. His tail flicking quickly from side to side, he murured quietly, his voice barely more than a whisper. ''I have missed you too Sayeh. Very much indeed.''

Sayeh smiled and of course, once again returned to her original spot before she bowed her head to him. "Thank you for allowing my request, Cassius. May I see that painting that you had described earlier now?" Her violet eyes watched him with an anxious excitement. She loved his work and wondered how this would look.

He nodded, standing up and looking round for where-ever he had placed his bag. It has his book of sketchings, and often his paintings in, and this was where the lotus was. Locating it, he pulled it open and took out the book. The naga sat down with the book, next to sayeh again, and began to flick through it, pausing every so often on some sketches, of birds and plants. Some looked like bizzare, strange shapes but were actually clouds. He finally found it and held it up, a small smile on his face, for this was one of his most prized pictures.

Sayeh watched as he rose and fetched a book. Her violet eyes caught sights of his other works, and shapes that were unknown to her. When he held up the picture of the lotus, the feline gasped lightly. "Cassius.. its.. lovely."

He smiled, his head bowed slightly. ''Thank-you Sayeh.'' He closed his book, before pausing, and handing it to her. ''Feel free to look, and ask me about any of the pictures.'' he lay back on the bank, his eyes closing, as he dozed,feeling slightly sleepy in the warmth.

Sayeh took the book and was carefully turning each page. But when she did find a picture she wanted to ask about, her face turned to see him sleeping. Sayeh smiled. She placed her finger there to hold the page. She would ask him later.

Opening one eye slightly, he peered at her, stretching his arms and sitting up to brush a blade of grass from his long hair. ''Any pictures you want to ask me about?'' The naga inquired, with a small yawn.

Sayeh used her fingers to flip the book back open to the pictures she had questions. First was a strange shape of what she didn't know to be a cloud. "This one. What is this of?" Her violet eyes glanced over at him.

He peered over, and smiled. ''That was a cloud I sketched from my studio window, just before a storm.'' He trached the lines of it gently, before leaning back. ''You should try drawing them. They often stay the same for a while, and always, always look so different.''

Sayeh blinked. "What an interesting shape for the sky to hold." She smiled. "I will need to try that next time I have some time." She then flipped to another strangely shaped cloud. "Is this a could as well?"

''Yes, that one was drawn in the middle of spring. It was behind a rainbow.'' he nodded at the memory, and waited again. ''May I show you a picture, Sayeh?''

Sayeh looked over to him with a curiosity and she smiled, nodding, handing back his book. "If it is acceptable, Cassius."

He began to flick through the pages at a furious pace, until stopping a painted picture. It showed a large lightning strike, cuutting thrugh the dark night sky. ''This storm, was the night of my eight-teenth birthday.'' The naga murmured, his eyes fixed on the bright white.

Sayeh's eyes grew wide and she found herself leaning in to study the detail of this portrait of the sky. "Cassius, this is incredible. How were you able to capture something so fast in such detail?" Her violet eyes couldn't be dragged away from it. "If I might inquire, when was your 18th birthday?"

''Because it burned into my mind. It was the worst storm for decades around my town.'' His crimson eyes had returned to their icey state, and he answered, almost robtiocally. ''Three years ago.''

"Ah, I see." She was hoping for a date, so that she could present him with her works on that day, but she stared at the picture as it was alive. "I would have been quite scared to see something like this."

He nodded, closing his eyes as he shut the book at the same time. He shook his head slightly, standing up and opening those scarlet hues to look at Sayeh, before putting away the book into his bag.

The look he gave her left Sayeh to stare with a blink. The feline rose up from the banks and stared up at the sky. Maybe she should present him with what she had been working on. Even though it needed a little fixing. "Cassius, since you have allowed me the privilege to view your works, may I show you something of mine that I have been working on?"

The naga nodded slowly, his eyes watching her intently again. ''...'' He picked up his bag, wary to leave it unattended. ''May I ask, what and where it is, Sayeh?''

There was that look again. She was unfamiliar with its meaning and this left her feeling quite nervous. But Sayeh answered with a calm steady voice. "It is close to the tower. It is metal I have crafted by hand. If you wish, I will go fetch it so you do not have to travel."

''I don't mind Sayeh. I'll be willing to travel if needs be.'' He waited, his eyes narrowing slightly. ''I see...It certainly sounds an interesting piece of work.''

Sayeh smiled to him and bowed her head. She began to lead him to the rock she had left in search of the cooler waters. From this rock came a glimmer of gold. She moved over to the rock, and picked up a thick piece of metal. With her fingers, she finished the weaving and held out what appeared to be a ring.

He watched her silently, as she moved to the rock, him following her. He slid back a few paces as she turned round, appearing to finish whatever she held in her hands. The naga blinked, and leant in a little to see it. ''I say...that's beautiful Sayeh.''

Sayeh's violet eyes softened at his expression. "I would hope you would like it as it is meant for you." The feline never did anything without a reasoning behind her actions. "Please, accept this as my apology for all the troubles I have caused you."

Cassius' eyes widened as he heard her speak, and he shook his head, saying no words for a few moments. ''...'' He continued to watch the ring, his eyes flicking every so often to the feline's face. ''Sayeh...You have caused me no troubles. The only thing you bring me is...''

"Disappointment." was the word she filled herself with a saddened whisper, only she meant herself to hear. She didn't realize she said it aloud. Sayeh moved towards him and with nothing more then a smile, the feline rested the ring in his hand. "I will not ask you to finish what you were saying, Cassius, until you are ready to do so. Please, accept this gift from me?"

He smiled, sadly a little as he heard what she said. Shaking his head again, he stepped forward and embraced the feline warmly. ''Happiness...'' He whispered into her ear, clasping the ring in his hand. ''I accpet. Thank-you Sayeh. thank-you...''

Sayeh was the least to say surprised deeply and she looked up at him with surprise. She slowly started to smile, tears of joy brimming in her eyes. "Thank you, Cassius. I am so happy I could give you any form of happiness." She hugged him tightly. "I have finally been able to grant my own wish for the first time. All thanks to you, Cassius."

He simply smiled, saying nothing, and continued to hug her, until pulling away slightly. Noting that she was tearful, he took a white handkerchief from his bag and wiped away her tears gently.

She sniffled lightly and couldn't help but to laugh. "I am sorry, I must be a mess. I just never thought that doing anything for myself would be possible. I was even worried I couldn't grant my first wish. I'm just a little surprised is all. And I'm so overwhelmed that you like and accept the ring." She smiled brightly to him. Relief, this is what she felt after so much anxiety.

Cassius blinked, unsure of himself suddenly. ''Sayeh...What is, or WAS your first wish?'' It puzzled him. It surely did not have anythign to do with him. He paused, studying the ring, waiting for a reply. ''I'm glad I could help you Sayeh. And you look stunning, not a mess.''

Sayeh looked up at him with a smile, and without even thinking, she moved in close and her hand came up to lightly touch the side of his face. "My first wish was to help you to find happiness, no matter what it might have been." It seemed just a forgetful moment though as her violet eyes grew wide as she realized what she had done and she pulled her hand away. "Sorry!"

His eyes widened as he heard her words, and felt her hand upon his cheek. He said nothing yet again. ''...Sayeh...'' He murmured, before looking up as she stepped away. ''It's fine...and thank-you.''

Sayeh seem stared at the ground and her hands were clasped infront of her. She then asked quietly. "But, where do I go from here now that my wish has been fulfilled? Does this mean I need to grant Sir Aussi's wish?"

His eyes narrowed and he spoke, with a hint of anger in his voice, ''Sir Aussi. Huh. More like Scum Aussi'' His eyes raised from the floor to the feline's own eyes, and he asked, quiety, ''What is Sir Aussi's wish?''

Her violet eyes looked pained as her feline ears pinned back. "His first wish is that I remain by his side to serve him, without question, and to never leave his side again." Her voice was low as if she was scared to say it.

''...'' His face was blank, and he showed no emotion. Inside though, he was churning with anger, frustation, and any others. At that moment his heart was set n freeing Sayeh from her life of servitutde to that disgusting salamander. ''Does he have any toher wishes?'' He asked slowly.

"The only other wish he has told me of," Sayeh's eyes had closed and she bowed her head. "Is to see you."

''Then I will grant him that wish.'' His eyes narrowed, his positive thoughts sinking away. ''Take me to him Sayeh. Take me. Now.'

Sayeh looked up at him her eyes were worried. Her lips openned to protest, but she silenced herself and only nodded to him. "As you wish, Cassius. My home is not far from here." With that thef eline gathered her things and led the way to her house. Her violet eyes glanced over to him with curiosity. "What will you do when you see him?"


''I do not know sayeh. Ill decide when we're there.'' The naga answered coldly, following her, the ring still clasped on his hand. He blinked, startled, and slipped it onto his index finger. He smiled slightly, then looked ahead and followed on.'

Of course, Sayeh did not see any of this as she kept her eyes on the pathway to her home. "Sir Aussi angers you because he enjoys doing so, Cassius. Please, whatever may happen between you two, may I ask you have mercy?" It had only been some time of traveling before Sayeh openned the door to the cabin and granted Cassius entrance.

He bowed his head slightly, a silent thank-you, stepping into her home. He turned to Sayeh, a look of sadness mixed with anger on his face. ''How...How can you be like this Sayeh? How can you be so forgiving? To..to him?!''

Sayeh looked up at Cassius and answered with a sad smile. "Even though he enjoys the pain of others, Sir Aussi does have a good heart underneath it all. I do not wish for anyone to suffer more then they must. Especially.." She stopped herself and shook her head. Almost slipped up on that part. The feline shut the door and led the way to his room, knocking, "Sir Aussi, it is me, Sayeh. I have returned with a guest you were hoping to see.

He sighed, his gaze falling to the floor as she spoke. He continued to follow her as she made her way through the house, stopping at a door he recognized. ''Hmph...'' The naga grumbled for a moment, bracing himself. He disliked violence, but when ti came to certain people...Cassius changed beyond recognition.

Aussi openned the door, as it rolled back and he smirked. "Just the naga I was hoping to see. Thank you, Sayeh." He gave her a wicked smile. "You've granted my one request. Now if only you would fulfill the other." He then turned his attention to Cassius. "Its been far too long."

Sayeh looked up at Aussi and turned her face away as she stepped to the side. That smile.

He glared at the lizard in front of him, flexing his fingers slowly. He did not give a smile, or even a comment, just that same, icey look. ''You disgusting little beast. I can't see why Leena wants you. I can't see why even sayeh forgives the way you treat her, though she explained it to me.'' The naga flicked his tail slowly, sounding so quiet and calm, it gave a sinister look to the conversation between the anthros. ''I know I wouldn't stand for it. if I was Leena, I would have kicked you out far, far long ago. Probably within the wek I first got you.''


"And yet, here I stand, now with a faithful servant to tend to me, isn't that right, Sayeh?" His eyes glanced over to her with a smirk before he turned his stare back to him. He noted the ring. "With that given to you, she is free to fulfill my wish now. But, what I want to know is how you can be so angry towards me." His arms crossed over his chest. "Surely, we could be friends."

Sayeh turned her face away her eyes winced closed. She couldn't stand to watch this or to hear him speak about her like that.

He let out a string of fast spoken latin, many of it curses. He rammed his fist into Aussi's chest, for he could not bear that irriatating little smirk any longer. ''She si not YOUR servant. She is NOT going to spend her life with YOU. I shan't allow it.'' His eyes narrowing as he caught the last remark, and he let out another foriegn curse, before speaking in english again. ''I would never be friends with someone like you. Perhaps, if you would more like Sayeh, I would.''

Aussi blinked at the language that was unknown to him and gasped as Cassius' fist collided into his chest, sending him backwards. He stumbled to get his footing once more and he laughed in a manical way. "Oh, come on, Cassius. Siir Cassiuss." He said in a mocking fashion. "Why couldn't we be friends? I'd share my servant with you." He laughed again but he was being serious at the same time.

His eyes narrowing further, until they became snake-like slits, and he hissed, again allowing a string of latin to pour from his mouth. His hands turned to hard fists, and he was almost ready to murder the creature that stood before him. He stepped forward, stretching to his full height. ''She belongs to nobody but HERSELF.'' His eyes flicked to her, before glaring back at Aussi. The naga's hand shot out on instinct, all his senses telling him to hurt the thing before him.

Aussi however was ready for an attack and was quick yo evade it. His true defense: speed. The leopard gecko glared up at him. "And its that kind of thinking that gets her hurt! SHE BELONGS TO ME AND ME ALONE! I will NOT allow her to deal with you!"

Seeing the look on Cassius' face, and his anger, Sayeh cried out. "Sir Aussi PLEASE STOP! Stop trying to get him angry! He's already angry enough! You know you don't mean those words!"

Aussi glared over at Sayeh and moved over to grasp her wrist. "QUIET!"

His eyes now glinting with pure malice, he reached out, wrenching back the lizard's hand, jerking it behind his back. ''Leave Sayeh alone. She does not belong to you. It is her choice whether to be quiet or not.'' He spoke with calmness, but one could tell from his eyes that he wished to harm severely the lizard.

Aussi glared up at Cassius as his hand was snatched. "She belongs to me and me alone! And I will do whatever I wish with her, to her and for her. Including making her silenced when she speaks unnecessary words that she doesn't know any better by!" He glared out at Sayeh. He then glared up at him. "You could have been my friend. Why have you chosen to be my enemy?"

"You made yourself my enemy the day you dared to harm Sayeh.'' The naga let go of his hand and stepped forward, a snarl on his lips. ''She does NOT. Just because of her past, and her submissive nature, you made it your purpose to destory her? To make her your own little toy?'' He glared at the lizard. ''That's disgusting. I can't think how Leena hasn't stopped this.'' He grabbed the lizardby the throat, and pressed him to the wall. Raising his hand, he unclenched it, remembering what his father had shown him.

Aussi gasped, and choked as his throat was pressed agianst and he was lifted and against the wall. He stayed motionless as he glared at him. "She is mine to keep and cherish." From the sound of his whisper, Cassius was winning the fight as he was growing weary.

Sayeh stepped forward and looked up at Cassius with her violet eyes pleading. "Please, look upon Sir Aussi." She wanted Cassius to see as she saw him now: weak and tired.

He glanced to Sayeh, and he looked back to the lizard. He saw nothing but a foolish child, wanting everything and everyone. He waited, un-sure what to so, before looking back to Aussi. He now saw him as Sayeh saw him. tired, weary...in pain. He dropped the lizard and bowed his head as he moved past Sayeh, leaving the household.

Sayeh looked back at Aussi, her eyes full of anger. "Don't ever, ever, do this again, Sir Aussi. Should you ask this of me again, I will not grant this wish." The feline then ran after Cassius calling out to him. "Please! Wait! Cassius!"

He sat on the bank, looking at his reflection. To his horror, he saw only the snarling Cassius, telling himself to kill. He sawllowed, then slashed at the water, causing ripples to fly across the surface. He hated himself. he despised bullies, yet here he was. He shook his head as he heard Sayeh calling his name. He couldn't face her. He took off the ring- The oh- so beautiful ring- and dropped it onto the bank. He then quickly left the scene, hiding in the orcahrd.

Sayeh followed the direction that Cassius had taken and came to see it led back to the lake but he wasn't there. "Cassius? CASSIUS." She sighed as her violet eyes glanced this way and that. However, a glittering object caught her gaze. There was the ring she had given him. The feline gasped, tears falling down her face. "Cassius.." Her voice shook. The feline couldn't help but to fall to her knees crying hysterically as her hands covered over her face.

He continued to hide behind the trees, trying not to cry himself as he listened to her crying. He shook his head, and covered his ears slightly. ''Good-bye Sayeh.'' He walked purposefully, back towards the Tower. He would not leave it again.

((Copied from IMs))

Rpness

He rapped on the door sharply with his knuckles, then waited, giving a faint smile to Sayeh. ''You might have to wait for a few hours before the room is ready for you, but if you're tired you're welcome to use my bed. I'll sleep else-where.''

Sayeh looked up at him and shook her head. "The floor is more then enough for me and comfortable to me. I will be fine." She smiled. "I don't mind." Sayeh couldn't wait for an answer as she openned the door and there was her stuff by the door. Her violet eyes narrowed and behind her Cassius could see her fur bristled. There in her gaze was Aussi leaning against the wall. She extended her claws and moved without a word to carefully wrap the two paintings and place them inside of her trunk.

The naga hissed angrily as his cirmson eyes fell upon the lizard. He placed his hands gently but firmly on sayeh's shoulders and followed her, ignoring the lizard should he make some sort of remark or comment. ''What would you like my to carry Sayeh?'' He asked quietly.

Aussi turned to look over at Cassius, the side of his face were clawmarks ripped through his skin had no longer bled but rather remained of Sayeh's anger. He just muttered quietly. "I don't know why she chose you over me, but take care of her please." He didn't move near them.

He raised a brow at the lizard, his eyes narrowing as he spoke. He then nodded. ''Don't worry Aussi. I will.'' He watched Sayeh as she put away the paintings, and he smiled a little.

Sayeh growled at Aussi. "Be quiet. I chose him because he is a great person and someone to be admired. Say anything more to him, and I will take care of the other side of your face." Sayeh took in a deep breath and she looked up at Cassius. "I'm sorry. Would you mind to carry this for me?" She held up a cloth bag that clinked a little as she offered it out to him. The bag and the trunk was all that could be seen that she had.

He nodded, and took it, holding it carefully, in fear that if he mishandled it...whatever was inside would break. ''Come On Sayeh. We must leave now.'' The naga wondered if he should try to help also with the trunk.

Aussi called after Sayeh as he watched her turn with him, dragging the trunk behind her. "He'll never love you like I do! He'll only abandon you again!" It sounded almost like a last attempt to get her attention..

Sayeh stopped. She had a dark look in her violet eyes. "Excuse me if you would Cassius; me and Aussi need to have a talk."

The naga nodded slowly. ''let me take your trunk. I'll walk ahead.'' He took the trunk from her grasp, feeling confused. He knew that Aussi was trying to get Sayeh to belive him, but somehow..he found himself beliving Aussi. He shook his head, and muttered angrily in Latin before walking on, pausing to leana gainst a tree and watch the little 'talk'.

Sayeh turned back around her violet eyes glaring at Aussi. "I already told you once before. I don't care how Cassius feels towards me. I trust him with my life and even if he ever did up and abandon me, I still wouldn't care." She moved over her violet eyes flashing dangerously. "But I WON'T have you doubt him! Speak ill of him again and I won't restrain myself." She started to hear Aussi protest and with a simple glare, he was quiet as she turned and walked out the door. The feline had faith in Cassius as she smiled, relaxing to see him beneath a tree. She hurried over to him. "I'm sorry for the nuisance and the wait." She bowed to him before she took her trunk once more.

Cassius smiled faintly at Sayeh as she came towards him, and he carefulyl and slowly let go fo the trunk. He lead her to the Tower, taking many nature-infested short-cuts. he shoed her birds-nests and rare-flowers, pointing out clouds and naming them. Whent hey got to the Tower, he knocked twice on the door, and listened for the sliding bolts that meant the door was opening.

Ichigo heard the rapping, and hurried to the door in the hope it was Cassius. She quickly unbolted the door and threw it open, smiling widly. She smiled and bowed a little ro Sayeh and Cassius. ''Hello.''

Sayeh bowed in response to Ichigo and smiled softly. "I found him." A slight joke between her and Ichigo.

He smiled slightly at Ichigo, and gestured towards sayeh. ''Would Sayeh be able to stay with us Ichigo?'' With-out waiting for an answer, he stepped into the Tower, and looked up to the ceiling of the entrance hall.

Ichigo smiled lightly, nodding to Sayeh. ''I see you did.'' Turning to Cassius, she smiled slowly. ''Yes, we have plenty of room I'll sort it out.'' her eyes narrowed at Cassius. ''Make sure you look after her Cassius. Now why don't you go get her something to eat or drink while I make up the room?'' She hurried off to sort out the room.'

Sayeh looked over to Ichigo and she bowed her torso to her, a sign of grattitude. Her feline ears twitched lightly at her suggestion and when she hurried off, Sayeh smiled to Cassius. "She is very nice. But, I promise to not be a bother of any kind." She began to drag the trunk inside and set it down upon entering. She had no idea where she would put it yet.

Cassius smiled. ''You are no bother.'' He looked to the door. ''I wonder...Would you like something to eat or drink Sayeh?'' He took her hand gently and pulled her to the door of the kitchen, peering in.

Sam turned round, and grinned at Cassius widely. ''Cassius? Where have you been lately?'' He noted the feline and smiled some more. ''Hello Miss.''

Sayeh blinked as she was taken by the hand and led into the kitchen. His smile always could stun her into silence. However, Sam's voice brought her back and she bowed to him deeply. "Good Day, Sir. How are you?" Her violet eyes peeked up to glance at Cassius before she glanced over to Sam.

'I'm good thank-you Miss. And you?'' He looked to the pan, where he was just boiling some eggs, then to a plate, upon which some toast and cheese sat. He picked up an iron and heated the cheese onto the toast, then offered the plate to Sayeh. ''Hungry? I'm just cooking some eggs.'''

Sayeh lifted herself to stand erect once more before her red painted lips curved into a warm smile. "Thank you for your kindness, Sir, but I am not hungry. I am grateful for the offer however." She seemed alittle uncomfortable being so unformal with this man and she bit her bottom lip lightly before glancing over to Cassius as if asking him if she was out of line.

'He smiled again. ''It's fine. Ichigo and Chance will surely eat it.'' He placed it on the table, where Chance sat playing with a small wooden toy car.'''


Cassius nodded. ''It's fine Sayeh. Don't worry. Would you like to see the back garden or anything? The re-cration rooms?'' The naga felt strange talking about his home like this, but he shook his head slightly and carried on.

Her violet eyes lit up lightly as he mentioned a garden. "I would be honored, if I might have the privilege of seeing the garden, Cassius." A sweet smile was given but now she was alittle anxious to see this.

He nodded, and took her hand again, guiding her through the kitchen, and through the tower until they came to a set of glass doors. The naga picked u a key that was by the door on a table and unlocked it, opening the doors to a beautiful gardne.

Sayeh gasped at the lovely seena nd looked up at him her tail flicking left and right in quick motions to indicate her excitment. Her violet eyes were wide as though she was a child presented to a candy store. "Cassius, may I?" She sounded eager as she sniffed at the sweet air.

''Certainly.'' He let go of her hand and stepped back, looking for something in the room. ''Aha! I kenw she had them somewhere...'' He pulled out two hammocks, and lft the room and began to set them up in the garden.

Immediately, the feline ran out into the garden, sighing in awe at the beauty and running up to several of ther flowerbeds, sniffing and admiring them. "Such beautiful colors here!" She twirled around and knelt down to pet afew flowers here and there before she returned to his side and blinked at the strange objects. Never before had she seen something like that. "Cassius, might I ask what these are?"

''Hm?'' He glanced to her, tying the ropes to a stand built particularly for hte hammocks. ''These are hammocks.'' He finished tying them.

"What might they be used for?" Her violet eyes studied them closely, before she would walk around them to investigate.

''Some people use them for sleeping, others simpkly to relax. Ichigo has them for when people wish to enjoy the sun, and do what they want, such as reading.'' He gestured to them. ''Why don't you sit down?''

Sayeh blinked afew times. She gave him a nod but seemed unsure of how exactly to sit on this as it seemed very unstable. So she slowly tried to back up to it before slowly sitting on the edge completely unaware of how it swung as shifted at the uneven weight and she slipped off the edge as it swung up her back, causing her to land on the ground with a thud, the cloth above her head, her feline ears flicking.

He shook his head and helpedher up. ''Here. Let me help you.'' The naga lifted her up gently and slowly placed her on the hammock correctly. ''You can swing it gently, if you want to sleep. People often find it relaxing.'' He gave the hammock a msall tap with his tail.

Sayeh was brushing herself off when he helped her to her feet once more but blushed slightly at how easily he just placed on her on the hammock and she was a little surprised as it began to rock left to right. She smiled brightly. "I'm sorry, I must seem foolish for not knowing these things. Thank you for your help." She seemed to enjoy the swinging and curled up on it. "Its rather comfortable."

''Yes. Ichigo also uses one for her bed, for she fis the rocking relaxing.'' He began to tie up the other one, and shook his head again slightly. ''You're not foolish. I did not know these things before I came here. Ichigo and Julian taught me these things.''

Sayeh smiled as she watched him tie the other one. Actually, she was curious to see how he would climb into this hammock contraption. "Do you use these things often out in this lovely place?" Her eyes closed as she enjoyed the warmth of the day on her dark fur. Sunbathing was nice and a luxery to her.

'Not that often. I prefer my studio. But I come out here to draw my clouds, and often animals.'' He placed his back to the hammock, then placed his hands on either sides of it. He then jumped up onto it.

Sayeh smiled. "Do many animals find their way into this garden?" The feline had noticed that the small rock had stopped for her hammock and so she sat up and stared down at it trying to think of how to do this safely. She tried to jut her hip in a bellydancing fashion and this only caused it to jerk to the sidemaking her lay back down fromt he movement. The feline blinked her violet eyes as she stared at the hammock but she spoke to Cassius as she battled. "You have such a nice home. I am surprised you leave it at all with all that is here."

He shrugged in answer to her first question. ''I don't really know. Like I said before, I don't spend much time out here.'' He glanced to ehr, and swung off his own hammock, and standing next to Sayehs. ''Here.'' The naga gave the hammock another gentle push with the tip of his tail.

Sayeh looked up to Cassius when she noticed he was standing beside her hammock. She smiled softly when he swung it so easily and sbowed her head. "Thank you Cassius. I really am useless with some of the newer inventions of other lands." The feline couldn't help to lay back, enjoying the rocking and the nice sun with her red painted lips shimmering in the sunlight from her smile. However, she spoke aloud in a dreamlike fashion as the warmth was taking over her mind. "Cassius... thank you, for all that you do for me and put up from me. I know I must be tiring for those who are free."

'No. I enjoy heling and caring for you Sayeh.'' He lowered himself to the ground, still gently pushing the hammock. ''Hm...''

Her ear flicked in his direction, and her violet eye peeked open to glance at him. "Is there something on your mind Cassius?" The 'hm' invoked her feline curiosity. However, the swaying of the hammock had her paralyzed in one spot with joy.

''m? No...I'm just thinking.'' He sighed, standing up slowly. ''I'm going to ask Ichigo about the room, and I can take your things up. Stay here.'' The naga headed to the door.

Sayeh now openned up both eyes, and she sat up in the swaying hammock as she watched him leave to inquire about the room. Those violet eyes then turned to the garden around her. Slhe tried to get up swiftly before he returned. She would stay in the garden as he ordered but she wanted to be near the flowers once again. However, teh shift of her weight sent the hammock dropping her out again and she growled and mewed in protest at this thing. She got up, and moved over to the flowers looking for a certain one before she began a project while Cassius was away.

He headed up the stairs, and softly called out for ichigo. ''Ichigo! Is the room done yet? Or do you at least know which it is you'll be giving her?'' The naga moved slowly through the hallways, looking for her.

Sayeh moved fast, picking a special type of flower but for each one she picked, she whispered a quiet prayer of thanks and contrition for picking the flower and ending its life. Her hands began to weave carefully biding her time while he was gone.

Ichigo nodded to Cassius, smiling a little. ''Shal,l I fetch Sayeh?'' The young woman watched as he nodded and picked up her trunk and bag carefully. ''The room is just across from yours.'' She picked up the skirts of her skirt and ran down, to the garden to Sayeh. ''Your room is ready.'' She smiled.'

Sayeh looked up, and there in her hand were Irises, woven together to form what could have been either an armlet or bracelet, from the way it was woven it was optional as it could be tightened or loosened. Rising from her spot, the feline bowed to her deeply. "Thank you very much, Mistress Ichigo, for all the trouble you have gone through." She smiled and came to her side, to follow her to the room.

She smiled, and simpyl lead the polite feline to her room. ''Here. it's just across from Cassius' room. Ask him if you need anything.''

Sayeh followed quietly and when she looked up at the room, she glanced back with a smile. "I promise to not be a burden to neither you nor Cassius. Please, while I am here, allow me to clean or help out to earn my right to live here?" Her violet eyes watched her hoping she wouldn't be denied this request.

Cassius came out of the room, to head back into his room. A secretive smile was upon his face, but fell away when he heard her request. ''But Sayeh, you're a guest!'' Cassius gazed at the feline, looking at her eyes. ''I suppose. But not too much.''

Sayeh, upon seeing Cassius, handed over the iris bracelet to him and she laughed. "Just because I am a guest doesn't mean I need to be a lazy or rude guest who does nothing." She smiled to him and bowed her head. "Thank you so much, Cassius."

He smiled, and nodded again, before frowning. ''Due to some...uh...unexpected occurances, your room is not quite ready yet.'' The naga pressed his fingers together, before starting in shock at the paint on his hands. He quickl hid them behind his back and slowly slid towards his room after taking the bracelet. ''Thank-you Sayeh. Feel free to explore the house! I'm sure someone will gladly show you around.'' He slammed the door, and rustling could be heard, and an occasional bang and muffled foreign curse.'

Sayeh's violet eyes looked at him curiously. She blinked QUITE afew times as it seemed unlike Cassius. However, she smiled and nodded to him as he left, bowing her head. She jumped lightly when she heard a foreign curse and bang and grew worried. She stepped to knock on his door, about to ask if he was alright when she backed off and sighed. She had no right to bother him. Her gaze glanced to see if Ichi was there.

She smiled, a little embraased as she heard his language. She'd taken the rrouble to learn it when he came, so she understood what it meant. She rapped smartly on the door, and hissed angrily. ''MInd your language!'' A muffled apology came through the door, and she smiled, turning back to Sayeh. ''Forgive him. Is there anywhere you'd like to go?'''

Sayeh giggled and smiled to Ichigo. "It is quite alright. I really do not wish to put you out of your way. I was just hoping to learn the layout of your lovely home, as to not be a bother should I need the bathroom or some food."

''Oh, your room has an en-suite bathroom! I made sure of it.'' She dropped her voice a little. ''I didn't want anyone disturbing you, liek they would if you used one of the main bathrooms.'' She grinned widely, and beckoned with one of her fingers. Her nails were painted with a dark red, and were long. ''Come on. I'll show you the way to the kitchen.'' Ichigo threw one last look at the door, before whistling shrilly.'

Sayeh blinked, "Oh, Miss Ichigo, thank you so much. You are beyond generous." She was immediately at her side by the summon, her violet eyes watched the dark red nails with interest. Her ears twitched at the whistle.

The door of Cassius' room opened slightly, and crimson eyes peered out at the two. His motuh formed the words ''Go away'' at Ichigo, and she nodded, clutchign Sayeh's arm and pulling her away. When they were gone, Cassius opened the door a little wider, and began to back out of the room, carrying a large tray. On it were some bowls, different paints and brushes.

As Sayeh's arm was clutched, she let out a confused little, "Mew?" Before she was dragged off. But she wasn't dragged for long as she did her best to keep in step. "So Miss Ichigo, I know I had met some of the other anthros here before, such as Chance and Sam, but should I be aware of any others?"

She let go of the fleine and smiled apologetically. ''Sorry.'' Ichigo thought for a moment, before glancing at Sayeh. ''Have you met Tristessa and Julian?'' She beckoned with her finger again, and lead Sayeh to a room which a white door, from which tune ful humming could be heard inside.

Ichigo knocked quietly on the door and called sofly, ''Tristessa? Can I come in? There's some one with me...'' A yes could be heard, and Ichigo opened the door onto a room which was obviously from the olden days. In front of a dresser sat a young woman, brushing her hair. At first glance she would appear normal, but she certainly was not. The dresser could be seen faintly through her fame, and she gave off a glowing blue hue.

''Sayeh, meet Tristessa. Tristessa, meet Sayeh.'' Ichigo stood back, watching the two anthros intently.'

The ghost stood up, her back to them as she placed down her brush and moved her hair behind her shoulders. Turning round, she wore a look or utter despair, but it left her face a little as she smiled sadly at Sayeh. ''Good morning...''

"It is alright, Mistress Ichigo." Sayeh responded to her apology. She followed after her but she stayed behind her and waited patiently. Coming in she smiled at the old world room. Her violet eyes turned to see the woman, and although she displayed only the brightest smile to Tristessa, in her heart she felt this one was different. She bowed from the waist, her one arm under her belly the other off to the side as a performer would. "Good morning, Miss Tristessa. Thank you for granting me the chance to meet you." Her head was bowed with her body. However, she lifted her head to give her a warm smile. "I hope the day finds you well."

''And you too my dear.'' The ghost made her way over to the doors, and she brushed her fingers across the curtains wistfully. She placed her hands on the handles, and pushed down, opening the doors to reveal a magnificent view over the vineyard, the forest, and far beyond. ''A beautiful view, si it not Sayeh?'' Tristessa turned to smile at the feline.'

Sayeh returned to her standing position and watched her with curiosity. The vineyard that was revealed along with the forest from this window caused her eyes to light up. "Truly lovely, Miss Tristessa!" She smiled brightly. "You must enjoy being able to see such natural beauty at the beginning and ending of each day."

'I do. Can you feel the wind, ruffling your fur and kissing your skin?'' Tristessa could not, but she could tell the wind was there by the way it swayed the hangings from her bed. She looked to Ichigo, who was obviously trying to tell her something. ''Excuse me Sayeh? I must step outside.'' The ghost and Ichigo left the room for a moment.

Sayeh only gave a small nod, and smiled to her. However, when she excused herself along with Ichigo, the feline bowed to them respectfully, and just stood there staring out the window in a dreamy fashion.

Tristessa re-entered the room, while Ichigo left to check on Cassius. ''I see you are transfixed?'' She looked out oft he window, and noticed someone collecting the grapes. ''Shall we go see who is collecting the grapes? I think it is Julian, or Sam.'' Her voice had a slight accent to it, but no-one could place it, not even herself.

After walking through the Tower to the vineyard with Sayeh, the ghost stepped out into the sunlight, becoming a little more transparent. ''Hello?'' Who-ever it was, they were gone, and the pile of grapes were sitting on a small table. ''Cassius...'' She murmured. ''He's been down here to get himself something to eat.'' She smiled a little at Sayeh. ''Would you like one?'' She offered some grapes to sayeh. ''They should be delcious.''

Sayeh followed closely behind Tristessa and she smiled to her. "It was so lovely out here I couldn't help but to focus on its beauty." The grapes that were left on the table caused Sayeh to tilt her head and she looked at Tristessa curiously. "If Cassius is the one who picked them, they belong to him, would they not? I would feel bad for taking what he rightfully earned." "However, thank you, Miss Tristessa." She smiled brightly to her. "You've been very kind to me."


She glanced to Sayeh and shook her head. ''No. We all share the grapes here. And for you, I'm sure he wouldn't mind.'' The ghost smiled. ''Well then, is there anything you'd like to see? Anyone?''

Sayeh looked as if she was staring at the grapes. Slowly her hand reached out to take one and she sighed. "I will need to repay his kindness somehow for sharing." She then looked to her with a smile. "I wish to learn where the kitchen is if possible, Miss Tristessa."


''Certainly.'' Tristessa curtsyed slightly, then began to walk back into the Tower. ''Your room is on the first floor, correct? Near the stair-case?'' As they passed the stairs, she glanced at it, then stopped. ''As you come down here, you go that way,'' The ghost pointed to the left of the stairs, at a thick mahogany door. ''That's the kitchen.''

Sayeh followed after her and memorised where things were. As she glanced to the door she smiled and bowed her body to the ghost once more. "Thank you again, Miss Tristessa. I am now aware of you, Sir Chance, Sir Sam, Cassius, and Mistress Ichigo. Should I be aquainted with anyone else?"

Tristessa chuckled. ''Oh, you needn't be calling US Sir, Miss and Mistresses. You ca just call us by our names.'' She nodded. ''You still need to meet Julian, correct? That is if he's not at Kalinkas...''

Sayeh blushed lightly and nodded. She still was having a hard enough time remembering not to call Cassius Sir but now all these people too? It was going to be a LONG stay. She then looked at her with curiosity and her lips reformed their smile. "Is Miss Kalinka a friend of Si.. I mean.. Julian?"

''Oh he's more than a friend my dear.'' She smiled, making her way itno the kitchen. ''Sam? Do you know where Julian is?'' She nodded at his answer and moved over to a rack, with bells hanging from them. ''Ichigo had these installed so she could wake us up quickly.'' She chuckled and began to ring the one that said 'JULIAN' in fancy embossed letter.

Sayeh followed after her and bowed to Sam once more upon seeing him. She looked up at the bells with wide eyes. Ohhh she wanted to play with them! Her tail now twitched left and right and she took in a DEEP breath to calm herself down from the shiny.. enticing.. No. She scolded herself in her mind as she smiled to Tristessa. "It seems like a very nice system of summoning instead of calling."

''Yes. The voice gets lost in this Tower.'' The ghost studied the feline for a little bit. ''I'm guessing you'd like to play with them my dear? Well, so does Chance. That's why Ichigo has those installed.'' She pointed to another rack of bells. ''Chance loves to play with them. While we wait for Julian, would you like to have a go?''

Another rack, her eyes grew wide once more but she shook her head and grasped her hands behind her back as she smiled sweetly. "Thank you Miss Tristessa but I have bells to toy with in my room. Thank you for hte offer however." She HAD to keep control no matter HOW shiny those bells appeared and they dangled would make the PERFECT sound.

''Are you sure? Very well then.'' She rang the bell once more, until finally someone could be heard walking down the stairs loudly.

Sayeh moved behind Tristessa as she heard the movement. No matter how little cover she offered, it was only the proper place for her to go as she stared at the ground.

Julian opened the door, yawning widely. Stopping as he stared at Sayeh and Tristessa, he blinked and opened his mouth to comment, before shaking his head. He waited as Tristessa introduced them, before bowing and taking Sayeh's hand and kissing her fingertips lightly. ''It's an honor to meet you Sayeh. Long has Cassius talked to me about you.'' He smirked a little, but then that was his usual face now, apart from when he was with Kalinka.

Sayeh gave him a sweet smile, bowing herself and staring up at him with those violet eyes when he kissed her hand in the gentlemen's fashion. "Please, Sir Julian," then she winced and looked back to Tristessa mouthing the word 'sorry' before she looked back, "Julian. I am no one of much importance. Thank you for meeting me. I am grateful. The feline bowed her head politely. "I am sorry if you were interrupted. I was just hoping to meet all who live her." She took into account his face and made note of his appearance as she had been doing this whole time with everyone.

He blinked. ''Hm. Well, to Cassius you certainly are. The number of sketches in his room of you Sayeh.'' The bat then shook hsi head. ''I was merely writing. It doesn't matter. I am glad to be called away to meet you.''

"Oh, may I inquire as to what you were writing?" Her violet eyes blinked, curious. Half curious about his writings, another half Very curious as to what he was talking about with Cassius' sketches. However, she would not draw attention to that though she might ask him about it later.

He waved his hand in a disinterested manner. ''Oh, simply this and that. Mainly poetry. Tristessa and Ichigo have sparked my iterest.'' His red hues scanned the kitchen. ''Speaking of which, where is Cassius?''

Sayeh bowed her head lightly. "I believe last I had seen of him, he was in his room speaking in a language unfamiliar to me. He seemed rather busy." The feline however was beginning to worry. Though she did her best to mask with a smile. "I am sure whatever he is up to is very important to him."

He nodded his head and smiled at Sayeh. ''Would you like to see Tristessa here playing the piano? She is a master at it. And young Chance here can play the xylophone rather well.'' The bat glanced to Sam with a fanged grin. ''And Sam is the best at his little tricks.''

Sayeh couldn't help but to laugh as she was thinking that for a change, the performer would be entertained for. "I would not wish you all to be put out of your way for me." She smiled brightly. "But perhaps when there is spare time, I could hear and see these things."

All the anthros smiled at her, and Chance loudly 'sang' that they could go now. ''My cake is ready to go in the oven, and will be cooking for about an hour. We all have time now.'' Chance stood up, and skipped forward. ''I'll show you! Julian can get the instruments.'' The raccoon pulled Sayeh out of the kitchen and into the hallways, making sure he had her hand until they got to a large room, with a few comfy looking arm-chairs and a large window. It was painted in white, with pale blue and lavender. Chance let go of Sayeh's hand and flung himself into the nearest chair, scurrying out a knitted blanket and wrapping it round himsef. Tristessa, sam and Julian soon came through the door as well.

Sayeh seemed rather surprised but pleasantly so as she smiled when Chance took her hand leading her to the room, when he got a blanket for himself and Sayeh found herself a chair to sit in but only after Tristessa, Sam and Julian had entered. She looked over to Chance with a smile of antiscipation and curiosity, a look she gave all the anthros. What was in store?


Chance picked up the little sticks that Julian had given him, along with a brightly colored rainbow xylophone. He tapped them, producing a cheerful and quiet medlody. Tristessa sat nearby at a beatiful piano, and began to play some beautiful tunes. Sam picked up a msall metal box, and took out four balls, wrapped in cloth. He slowly and carefully unwrapped them, revealing china spheres, beautifully painted with exotic pictures. He began to juggle with them, and when one listend closely, they could hear the balls chinking quietly, making his own small tune amongst the music.

The sound and sight of all of these were so new and strange to Sayeh that she was in awe, leaning forward to watch the juggling, and her ears perked forward to take in the sounds that flooded the room. She couldn't find words to even begin all she saw and heard but from the sparkle in her bright violet eyes, it was obvious to see they had her full attention and had dazzled her.

The door opened, and the music slowly ground to a halt. In the doorway, stood Cassius, watching them all, his hair, skin, and clothes flecked with red paint. ''Sayeh, would you mind coming with me? I apologize for interupting your little...'' His eyes wandered over the anthros in the room, before decising on a word. ''Session.''

Sayeh was intranced with the music and sight when it stopped she blinked and glanced over to see Cassius, speckled and she rose to her feet. She gave a nod to him and smiled to the group. "Thank you all for this wonderful treat! You all were so nice to me. Thank you again." The feline bowed to them before taking Cassius' side and following him whereever he may take her. The moment they were out of ear-shot by the group, Sayeh looked up at Cassius with a worried look. "Is everything alright?"

They all smiled and bowed theirs heads as she and the naga left, then began to pack away their things. Julian took down a book and began to read it, while Sam went to check on his cooking. Tristessa read a book to Chance as he snuggled into his blanket, clutching his panda.

((Copied from IMs))

Rpness

Cassius looked to her and nodded, a weary smile on his lips. He headed up the stiars and paused outside the door. ''I hope you like it. I opened the windows, so parts of it should be dry by now...'' He opened the door of Sayeh's room, presenting to her what would be hers while she was with them.


Sayeh gasped as she slowly entered the room. She took in its beauty with her violet eyes shining, reflecting back the image of the canopy bed, the black dresser, the indian rug, and the red walls. All she could whisper was, "Oh, Cassius..."

He smiled at her reaction, and flicked a little of the dried paint from his thick dark hair. ''Enjoy. I'll give you a proper tour of this place later. We have a library downstairs, so if you want to go there, I can show you later.'' The naga turned from her and went back into the blackness of his own room, and lit a few more candles. He smiled at Sayeh as he shut the door and turned on his shower.

Sayeh was about to turn to give thanks when she saw he was leaving and shut his door. Left on her own, she explored the new room, a purr from her chest as she looked at very feature. It was more then perfect! This was amazing! Somehow, she had to thank him for his efforts but that was when she stopped and stared at the floor in thought. What more could she give him? This made her sit on the bed.

Half an hour later, the door opened and Cassius emrged, his hair slightly damp, but otherwise, he was perfect. He knocked on her door, waiting. ''Sayeh? Do you want to see the library? Or do you want something to eat?''

Sayeh came to the door and smiled to him as she openned it. "Please, Cassius, this is your home. There is no need for you knock." She giggled and smiled brightly. "May I see the library?" The feline didn't eat much and after making such a change, it would take her time to feel like eating again.

''As a guest, and a lady, I must knock. It is impolite not to do so.'' He bowed slightly to the feline. ''Certainly. I shall show you, should you ever want to go there by yourself.'' The naga beckoned with a slender finger and began to lead the way, to a smaller flight of stairs at the end of the corridor. ''This leads to the second floor. This is where Ichigo keeps the spare things, and the three libraries are.''

Sayeh was immediately beside him when he summoned her with the slightest of movements. She looked up at the smaller steps and blinked. "Three librbraries? All up there?"

''Yes. Two are rather small ones. They only keep 5,000 books. But the largest one holds over 20,000.'' He grinned slightly, before beginning to slowly make his way up the stairs. ''Come on. I'll show you them. The largest one is sometimes closed for Ichigo and Tristessa to clean the books, but the smaller ones are always open.''

Sayeh followed him carefully, seeming alittle cautious as she staring at the ground, to watch where she stepped. "Only 5,000? That is more then what I have ever seen before." Sayeh smiled.

''Yes. Most libraries contain more, at least, the large ones.'' The naga said dismissively, his hand clenched on the rail. The staircase was beginning to spiral, and he closed his eyes for a second, before they reached the second floor. ''Here we are.'' He made his way along the corridor. ''The music room...You'll often find Tristessa practising in here...The toy-room...Chance's usual favorite place...'' he continued to walk, until he came to a large dark-wood door, and he pushed them open. ''Here we are. This is the larger library.''

Sayeh was holding onto the railing as it spiraled. The girl did not enjoy climbing with twists but followed nonetheless. As they finally got there, she released a sigh of relief and paid close attention. When he openned up the library, Sayeh's jaw dropped. It was enormous with books everywhere.


He trailed his fingers along the lines of the books, until he came to a particular shelf. ''Here are the more eoxtic stories.'' He turned to her, ad walked past to another shelf. ''These are fictional animal stories. Manga is over there.'' The naga pointed to a filled bookcase, before placing his fingers to his lips, thinking deeply. ''Oh, and we also have the Viewing centre.'' Cassius placed his hand around the felines' elbow and pulled her over to a red curtain. Pulling it back with a 'swish', he revealed some stairs. ''if you go down there, there is a colection of every movie, anime, cartoon and much more besides down there.''

Sayeh moved at his touch without hesitation, going where he led. She looked down the stairs and looked back to him. "Do you do much reading in this library, Cassius?" Her ear flicked lightly.

''...'' He thought on his answer for a moment, before nodding a little. ''Sometimes. Ichigo has created a lovely place ver there if you wish to read in here. I sometimes do if I wish for a nice view of the lake, but usually I take it back to my room.'' The naga turned his gaze to a collection of white and brown velvet and leather sofas and armchairs, next to a large window with balcony. ''Your allowed to pull the chairs onto the balcony and read there if you wish.''

Sayeh looked to him with growing curiosity. "What books do you enjoy the most?" Despite him having her full attention, the feline found herself wandering closer to the books and their titles. She was curious to see how this library was composed.

''I read most Sayeh.'' He pulled a book from it's shelf and slowly sat down in the chair. ''What are yours Sayeh?'' He raised his gaze from his book for a moment.

The feline looked out a book and smiled over to him. "I enjoy reading fairytales. I know that must sound rediculous and childish of me." Her ears folded back but she came to sit down in a seat near him. "I think they tell a lot of the people who wrote them and what their homes were like to need such fairytales written."

He nodded slowly. ''I understand what you are saying.'' He peered at the book she had chosen. ''Is that such a fairytale?''

She turned the book to him to reveal the Grimm Fairytales collection. She smiled to him with a nod then glanced over to his book. "May I ask what it is you are reading?"

He nodded at the cover, a smile on his face. ''The illustrations of that book are simply marvellous.'' The naga picked up his own book, placing a finger on the page he was reading and showed the cover to Sayeh. ''Egyptain Legends, Mysteries and codes.''

Sayeh smiled and giggled. "Egypt is lots of fun. Their people are one of a kind. Have you ever been there?" Her violet eyes watched him with curiosity.

''No. But I hope to, one day.'' The naga's scarlet hues were fixed on the feline. ''I'm guessing you have from the way you speak of it.''

Sayeh smiled and nodded. "My former master was friends with an offical of Egypt." She then gasped. A perfect idea came to her. "Cassius, would you mind waiting here for me for a moment?" She jumped to her feet, setting down the book where she had been seated, tail swaying. The perfect idea.

His eyes widened as she jumped up, and he nodded. ''Sure Sayeh.'' He thought about what she said.

Sayeh smiled bowing her head in a grateful fashion before she turned and ran out of the library. She dashed out of the room, down the stiars and back into the room. From her trunk, she knelt down and grabbed out something with a twinkle in her eye. She then ran back as fast as she could, a little out of breath as she panted lightly before stepping back into the library and up to Cassius with a smile. She was hidng something behind her back. "Thank you for waiting, Cassius."

He nodded. ''It's fine Sayeh.'' He watched her intently, wondering. ''May I ask, what it is you wish to show me Sayeh?'' The naga asked.

Sayeh giggled and smiled. "I am happy I did not need to ask you, Cassius. You are getting to know me well." Her smile was warm before her hand slipped infront of her to hold out a 40lb statue of Anubis in dog-form. It was the size of a small dog. "This was a gift my former master awarded my group for our performance. It was the only time I ever mastered a dance to his liking." She held it out for Cassius to take.

He blinked, holding out his arms to take the dog. He studied it quietly, before smiling. ''This is beautiful Sayeh. Truly beautiful.''

Sayeh giggled and smiled brightly her hands clasped behind her back. She seemed very happy. "Please, keep it. It holds no value to me anymore and I would love for you to have it."

He blinked, before shaking his head. ''I couldn't...It's yours Sayeh.'' His eyes again watched her, and he placed it in his lap carefully.

Sayeh laughed and shook her head. "Its from my old life, Cassius. Please, take it as a gift from me to you." Her violet eyes were bright as she watched him.

He blinked, and nodded slowly. ''Thank-you Sayeh. Perhaps...'' He thought of something that he could return to her.

Her violet eyes grew wide and immediately she was kneeling before him and looked up at him, her hands folded together infront of her. "Oh, please, Cassius, do nothing more for me. You've already done so much that I am running out of ways to return my gratitude." She nervously laughed. "If you were to give me any more, I would have to do dances or learn a new art just to repay you for such kindness."

''You would have to do nothing more to repay me. I wish for nothing more from you.'' He placed the statue to the side carefully, standing up and pulling the feline to her feet, then embracing her warmly.

Sayeh blinked as she was pulled into a hug. She smiled, and hugged him back. "But Cassius, surely there must be more I can do for you. I will do whatever I can for you to see you smile." She couldn't help but to hold to him as she said that last part softly before realizing what she did and immediately loosened her hold on him. It was obvious from her heartbeat that she had grown fearful that she had troubled him. "Besides, Cassius, I like doing what I can to see you happy. In a way, it brings my own happiness."

''You should learn to make your own happiness.'' He said gently, still holding on to her. He leant back after a few moments, and looked around. ''Choose a book Sayeh. I would dearly like you to have one.''

Sayeh's ears fell back and her eyes grew sad hearing him say this. She now stared at the ground. "Is that your wish of me, Cassius?" From the sound of her voice she was scared of this concept. She then looked up at him and smiled softly. "May I keep the fairytale book I saw earlier?"

He nodded. ''You may keep it Sayeh.'' The naga blinked before shaking his head with a smile. ''No, it is not my wish. My wish...cannot be granted by myself.'' He sighed, before sitting back down and picking up his book and studying the statue.

Sayeh now had completely stared at him with violet eyes. She came to kneel down before the naga and she stayed there for a while. "May I ask what your wish might be, Cassius?" She was very hopeful that whatever it was, she could grant it to see him happy. However, she knew him to like his privacy. "If you do not wish to say, it is alright. I just.. want to see you happy." Her head bowed.

"'I do not wish to say Sayeh, for I am certain it would bring you discomfort and despair.'' He spoke with no emotion, and his eyes flickered along the pages of his book.

Sayeh shook her head immediately staring up at him. "Never, Cassius, for it is your wish. Whatever makes you happiest would truly make me happy, no matter what it might be. However, I will respect your wish to not speak of it now."Her violet eyes grew sad. She slowly rose to her feet.

''Is there anything I can fetch for you Sayeh? A drink, food? Perhaps you would like to return for your room and wash, or rest?'' The naga's crimson hues watched her over the top of his book.

Sayeh slowly nodded. "I should return to my room now. Thank you, for everything, Cassius." She moved over to take the book. She smiled lightly to him and bowed her head, before turning to head back to her room. As much as she wanted to just break open his mind and know what it was he wanted, she restrained herself, despite how painful it was for her to not be able to help serve his wish.

''Come. I'll take you back there.'' He gripped her wrist, firmly not not painfully as he tucked his book under his arm. ''When you hear a bell ring, it means it's time for the evenign meal. So it should ring in...'' He glanced at the clock that was in the library. ''Two hours. Would you like to attend? I can always bring you your food to your room.'' Cassius continued to hold her hand gently as they began to go down the staircase.

Sayeh seemed surprised as she looked up at him. However, just looking up at him caused her ears to fold back so she kept her eyes averted to the ground. "After all that Mistress Ichigo, and your fellow housemates have done for me, the least I could do is come to dinner. You don't need to trouble yourself so much for me, Cassius. I require very little." She smiled but stared at the ground as she walked beside him. "May I ask what it is that you think will be cooked tonight?"

He nodded. ''Very well.'' He blinked, before sniffing the air lightly. ''I don't know. I think it may be some roast beef, or chicken. Is that alright with you? Sam always cooks vegetarian alternatives.''

Sayeh couldn't help but to smile and almost glanced up at him before she stopped to stare on ahead. "I am more then happy to recieve whatever is prepared. I do not need a lot of food. Infact, I should speak with Mistress Ichigo about when I can begin helping to clean up dishes or anything else needed of me."

''Chance does that. Perhaps you could help him dry them?'' He glanced to her and said, darkly. ''I'd advise you to wear clothes that you don't care much for though.''

This caused her to blink and stare up at him with violet eyes curious. "May I inquire as to what you mean exactly?" Her gaze was fixed before slowly drifting back down and away.

''Chance tends to get a little...'' Cassius paused musing for the right word. ''Over exicted.'' he finished. ''Last time...Ichigo sprained her ankle from slipping on the wet floor.'' He continued to glance at her. ''Chance has learnt not to do that, but he still tends to throw it around. You may get severely soaked.''

Sayeh smiled once again. "Oh that is alright. I do not mind being wet to help others," which was a lie almost, "and if I get hurt, that is alright as well as long as I have helped in some way."

''I doubt you will get hurt, but you may suffer a cold if you do not dry yourself properly.'' He watched her for a moment, as they stopped outside the doors that were the bedrooms. ''I'll make sure Sam makes you up some warm milk, and I'll get a warm towel and shower ready for you. Or perhaps you would prfer a bath?'' He then realized, as she was a cat, she probably would dislike water.

Sayeh laughed and smiled to him. Without thinking, she came to step infront of him, her hand reaching out to place itself over his upper arm, a warm expression on her face, with violet eyes showing her care. "Cassius, I do not wish to be of any worry or concern. Please, do not let me get in the way. Never." She smiled before her hand moved away and she turned to stare at the door of her room. "I will be alright. All I wish is to be of help. I do not wish to trouble you nor to trouble Sir Sam. Please, I do ask however that you not tell Miss Tristessa I am still using titles." She glanced over her shoulder with a smile and a giggle. "She would not like knowing I have ignored her request."

His eyes widened. ''You are...ignoring her request?'' A smirk came upon his lips, for he thought about it. When he had first met her, Sayeh would have done anything for anyone. And now...Still smiling, he waved his hand. ''It does not matter. Ichigo instructed me to care for you, and care I will. You will discomfort no-one.'' The naga opened the door of the feline's room. ''Go on in. I'll collect you in an hour. We can go to the Gardens for a while longer.'''

The smirk caused Sayeh to laugh. She then blinked and could only give him a nod before she came into her room, her violet eyes watching with a curious look. One of question. Her red lips had parted to ask something of him but she thought better of it and only smiled. "In an hour then." She bowed to him deeply. Once the door was shut, she would place the book in the trunk and go to the bathroom to bathe and wash up. It was then that she came to find a nice evening outfit to wear and spent the hour brushing out her hair and reassembling herself.

((Copied from IMs))

Rpness

He sighed, waiting again. Hoping not to be rude, he knocked on the door gently. ''Sayeh? Almost ready?'' His tail flicked and his eyes narrowed as he heard a bell begin to ring.

Sayeh immediately came out, dressed like usually as she nearly ran into Cassius, stopping short of inches from his face. She seemed so dishoveled. But quickly a smile was on her face. "I'm sorry for making you wait!"

Cassius nodded, still slightly suspicious about the entire Egypt thing. ''Hurry. The bell has just rung.'' He turned away and began to make his way down the hall to the staircase.

Sayeh ran after Cassius, following him and she sighed. Exhaustion was on her as her sleep was restless. "So Cassius, when would you like to go? And how would you like to go? The Offical said he will pay for any expenses or send horses or camels or train tickets."

''You decide Sayeh. I am sure it wold be better for you to decide.'' He answered, his hand on the oak banister as he carefully walked down them, and turned to go down the hall. ''Sam will be cooking bacon, eggs and mushrooms I think. He usually prepares that after a big dinner.'' he pushed open the door and smiled a little at Sayeh.

Sayeh however was not smiling as she stared at the ground. "I see. I still need to help clean up the dishes from before." From her darkened eyes' stare it was obvious her mind now was other places. "Are you sure there is not a time you would prefer going?" She couldn't help but continue in this manner, unaware of any other things around her.

''I'm sure Sayeh. And I'm sure you could help Chance clean up this breakfasts.'' He replied and pulled out a chair. ''Take a seat Sayeh.'' He began to pull out glasses and plates from a cupboard. ''What would you like? Tea? Coffee? Milk?'' His crimson hues were fixed on her as he set up the table for the food.

Sayeh did as she was told without blinking as she stared at the ground. Only when he asked something did she turn her gaze up to him with a smile. "May I please request for some milk?" Her thoughts buzzed. "How soon do you wish to leave Cassius? The Offical spoke of us leaving at the soonest of four days time. Is that soon enough or too soon for you?"

''It's fine Sayeh. I'd be happy to.'' The naga pulled open the fridge and pulled out a carton. Making his way back to the table and began to pur it into a glass. ''So I should start packing, correct? '' He pushed the glass over to her when it was 3/4 full.

Sayeh's hand reached out to take the glass and she smiled to him. "If that is acceptable enough for you, then I would recommend it. But I do think there is something we should discuss about once we are there." She took a sip as if prolonging telling Cassius.

His eyes flickered and fixed on hers. ''You may tell me now.'' He blinked. ''Unless, it's something that doesn't need to be told just yet?'' Cassius blinked as Sam walked over, smiling a little and began to hand out the food. ''Bread and butter Sayeh?'' he asked as he pushed some bacon, egg and mushrooms onto her plate.

Sayeh smiled up to Sam and gave him a nod. "Thank you so much for your kindness Sam." She then spoke softly to Cassius. "I think it would be a matter best spoken about in private, as you might not wish for others to hear of it." Her voice was low as it could be for just the naga to hear. She took a bite of her food, but unlike any other time before, she was without joy of her food as she ate.

Sam blinked and nodded. ''Okay.'' he walked into the pantry to fetch the bread.

Cassius nodded, his face neutral. ''Fine. After breakfast, we will go upstairs and you can tell me while I pack.'' He raised his glass and took a sip of the fragrant scent that rose from his tea. ''Enjoy your food Sayeh. Sam would be hurt if you did not.''

Sam returned, with two loaves/. ''I didn't know which one you liked. Would you like white, or brown? Or would you rather have some rolls.'' The spaniel placed the bread on a sideboard as he opened the fridge to get the butter.

Sayeh gasped at Cassius' words and looked over to Sam. "I like all kinds of bread. The brown more so then the whtie. This food is wonderful, thank you so much!" She smiled as best as she could, and heartily ate it. She had to think of something to begin her studies. Or how to talk to Cassius about the delicate matter at hand.

Sam noded, smiling some more. ''I am glad you like it.'' He began to cut the brown bread evenly, then spread the butter. ''Here you go Sayeh. I'll leave the butter here in case you want some more. And I'll leave the bread.'' He left the white on the sideboard and walked to the door. ''I need to go wake the others.''

Cassius watched them both, his eyes narrowed slightly as he took slow and gentle sips of his tea.

Sayeh was quick to eat, and she was up to grab some slices of bread and butter them with a vigor of false joy. She smiled to Cassius. "Would you care for some bread?" Her tail was swaying lightly with her anxiety.

His eyes were fixed on her. ''No thank-you Sayeh.'' The naga reached for a green apple in a bowl in the middle of the table and took a bite out of it. Whe he'd finished his bite, he slowly said ''You don't HAVE to you know. Everyone else here will. He'll be a little concerned more likely.'' He tried to tell her not to worry about it, in his own way. ''Is the milk alright? The food?''

Sayeh looked up at him with a sad expression and nodded slowly to him. "Everything is delicious. Thank you." Her head bowed to him as she carefully put back the bread and the butter, having finished her meal. She immediately was quick to scoop up her plates and look for a sink to wash them in.

''Through that door.'' He told her, leaning back and pushing his fingers together as he coughed slightly. ''The door over there.'' The naga pointed to the door that was to the left of the table.

Sayeh looked down at the ground her face was reddening under her fur as she nodded and entered the doorway to clean up after herself. How was she going to explain things to him? Would he understand and still accept her? Maybe she would.. tears were threatening her as she felt herself choke up. No! She had to have faith in Cassius. He would never kick her out because of this.

He stood up, finishing his tea then walking to the door. ''Sayeh? I'm going to have a shower. I'll see you in a an hour. Don't be afraid to come into my room, I don't mind.'' He opened the door that led to the staircase then went to his room to have his shower. He passed Chance on the way, who was busy pulling on a pair of pink rubber gloves.

Sayeh only nodded to him quietly as she was already getting started. She took in a deep breath to silence her inner self. When Chance would come in, she would smile as brightly as possible to him, bowing.

Chance ran in and threw himself at the sink. ''Ya need to wear these pretty kitty.'' He giggled, handing her a pair of lilac gloves. ''You'll get ya pretty clothes wet!'' He plunged his hands in and began to scrub at one of the plates.

Sayeh giggled and smiled to him. "Thank you Chance! They're very nice gloves. I like yours too! Say Chance, you wouldn't happen to know anyone who is good at playing the drums would you?" She immediately helped by drying or scrubbing or whatever Chance was not doing at the time.

''Um...No. Ichigo does, but I don't think she's who you're looking for...Oh! The new guy does. I heard him last night.'' He smiled, passing her the plate to dry. ''The towels to dry the stuff are under the sink.

She took the plate and grabbed the towel from under the sink. "Oh what's his name? Could you introduce me to him later, Chance? And this has to be our secret." She winked a playful violet eye to him.

He nodded and grinned more widely. ''I like secrets! They're fun!'' The raccoon giggled and splashed his hands in the water excitedly. ''His name's Nate, and hes a bunny.''

Sayeh laughed but tried to back away from the splashing. "Thank you Chance! Is he a nice bunny?" She smiled enjoying his childish fancies. She was quick to finish the work.

''I don't know. He's friendly, but he's usually outside. He likes flowers. But I don't think he's like me...'' he paused, thinking, then handing a few glasses to her.

Sayeh pouted. "Aw, well he should! You're very nice, Chance." She nodded with a smile. She cleaned as quickly as she recieved.

''No, I mean, I don't think he's gay. He showed me how to made daisy chains.'' He smiled. ''Thank-you sayeh. Your really nice and pretty too.''
Cassius finished his shower and sat in his room, lighting the candles. He narrowed his eyes at his relfection; He hated the way he looked. Did he look thinner? e could swear he did. And there were lines on his face, where there hadn't been before. Sighing, he shook his head. ''Just stress...They'll be gone when everything calms down...''

Sayeh laughed and smiled brightly to him. "Well thank you Chance. I think you're cute." She cleaned everything that he handed her and she bowed to him when they finished. "Thank you Chance for letting me help you. If you ever need help again, please let me know. Might I come find you later to have you introduce me to Sir Nate?" She asked curiously.

''I can take you to see him now! He's in the lounge. There's a documentary on about rare flowers that he's taping. He won't mind.'' Chance pulled off the gloves and grabbed hold of Sayeh's wrists. ''C'mon.'' He pulled her through the halls to the lunge, where a young looking blonde boy sat on the sofa, his eyes fixed on the screen, a book in his lap. ''Hello Chance.''

Sayeh followed after Chance and blinked as she then came into view of the new housemate. SHe bowed to him politely. "Good day Sir." She would not address him until given a name

The boy turned his head and smiled a little. ''Hello there. What's your name? I'm Nathienel, but everyone calls me Nate.''

He paused the documentary and moved across to make room for Chance and Sayeh, but Chance was leaving to go dress Ames.

''Have fun Sayeh! Nate's nice...I think.'' He smiled, gigglingas he ran back to his room.

Sayeh blinked as Chance ran away and smiled after him. She turned to look at Nate with a smile. "Pleasure to meet you Sir Nate. I am Sayeh. I heard you play drums?" She looked at him wiht a curious nature

''Yes. I play a vareity of drums.'' He closed his book and placed it on a frail looking table. ''Sit down. I don't bite you know.'' He smiled again, flicking his ears from his face.

Sayeh did as she was told, bowing her head. "Thank you Sir Nate. I was wondering if you are able to play tribal drums? And keep a secret?" She looked at him with pleading eyes.

''Of course I can keep a secret. I dont have loose lips.'' The rabbit pulled his knees to his chest. ''Uh...I don't believe I've played those. I've played the steel drum.''

Sayeh smiled to him. "Its really simple. Just a simple beat to hit along the surface. Think you would do that for me as a request? I hate to request anything but I need to practice."

''Sure. Are you planning to practise now?'' He cracked his fingers as he stretched his arms. ''I'm willing to play whenever you are my friend.''

Sayeh smiled. "Now I must return to Cassius as it has been about an hour. However, please go into my room and fetch the drums from my trunk at your choice of time." She rose up and bowed her head. "Feel free to practice in my room and I will return when I can practice." She bowed her head, hoping that he wuold accept this arrangement.

''Sure.'' He picked his book back up. ''Mind if I come there in about an hour?'' The rabbit pressed play on the remote and began to watch his documentary again. ''Have fun.''

"Thank you very much for this Sir Nate. This is our secret if you would." Sayeh then turned and hurried off to Cassius' room, where she would knock on his door gently. Even though he gave permission she would show him the same gratitude he gave her.

''Come in.'' A sleepy sounding voice called. Cassius lay on his bed, his eyes closed as he yawned. ''Has it been an hour already? Time sure goes past quickly.'' He pulled himself out of the bed slowly and began to pull a suitcase from under his bd and place it on the sheets. ''So, what is it you want to tell me?''

Sayeh sighed lightly as she smiled to him gently. "Cassius, in Egypt and its surrounding lands, I am still nothing more then a servant girl, tossed out on the streets. Once we are in the Offical's court, he will wish to know your relationship with me. I had mentioned in the letter you were my caregiver but he will question you personally. There is a reason for this that I am worried about."

He nodded. ''And you fear that I will not be able to answer his questions?'' The naga made his way to the cupboards and drawers, collecting items and clothing and putting them carefully into the case. ''Saeyh, I will do my best if it makes you happy.''

She knelt down on the ground and bowed her head in shame. "He will ask if you are my new master. Once you say no, he will offer to buy me from you or try to stake his claim over me. Please, do not get angry with him should these things occur."

''Then I will say Yes. And if he does not belive me, I will continue to say yes Sayeh.'' Cassius replied calmly, though he was churning inside. Thought ran through his mind, mainly worrying ones, but he refused to let them show. ''Don't worry about it Sayeh.'' He pushed some books into place, thinking about Aussi and what he'd done.

Sayeh looked up at him in surprise and her eyes already had tears. "You do not mind claiming me as your servant? I thought you disliked that issue? And how I will behave will be unusual to you but is necessary to convince him I am your servant. Are you certain these are things you wish to do?" She trembled lightly, scared of how he might respond.

He nodded. ''If it makes you happy, and feeling safe, I will do whatever it takes.'' he continued his things, until stopping to look at her. ''is this it? If so, you should go and pack I think.'' He had a secretive look about him all of a sudden, and his eyes seemed to have glazed over.

Sayeh, without warning, jumped to her feet and couldn't stop herself from hugging him tightly, tears of joy flowing down her face. "Thank you so much Cassius for all you will have to endure because of me. But I promise Egypt will be worth it all!" She seemed so relieved as she hugged him tightly.

He nodded and hugged her back. ''I'm sure it will be. Particularly with you there...'' The naga added, smiling. ''Tell me, where in Egypt? I really don't know much of it.'' He admitted, looking slightly embarrased,

Sayeh looked up at him with a smile, and couldn't help but to giggle lightly and without a second thought, she kissed his cheek. "We will be right outside of Cairo and have a lovely view of the nile. You will learn vast parts of the land and its culture." She was happily purring as she nuzzled his chest. She was relieved.

His eyes widened and he flushed for a moment as he felt her lips brush his cheek, and he smiled a little more, hugging her more warmly. ''Great. I can't wait Sayeh.'' He looked around his room. ''What else to pack...''

Sayeh then turned bright red as she realized her position and immediately released him, bowing in apology. "Might I suggest you pack cool clothing? It is very warm during the day and the night air is cool. Please, excuse me as I must prepare for Egypt." The feline turned to walk back out his bedroom door. She had to prepare her dance.

He nodded. ''Very well. I will take heed and begin again.'' He turned to inspect the contents of his wardrobe. ''Sure. I'll see you for lunch Sayeh. It won't be a big affiar, just a small picnic in the garden.'' He watched her walk out, thinking deeply as he picked out his clothing.

((Copied from IMs))

Rpness

''I see...Still, I'm sure the 'official' will be quite pleased.'' The rabbit smiled again, cocking his head to the side as he kept the beat quickly. As he watched her, he wondered how she had ment Cassius, and what the particular naga was doing at that moment.

The naga was in his room, working on something for sayeh. He'd only done it a couple of times before, so he was rather out of practice, which was why he was practicing now. He swore as his hand slipped and he grazed his hand, but continued on.

With each chime, her movements were more fluid and smooth as her dance improved. Her happiness made her twirl and get more into the dance but as it came to an end she sighed happily. "The Offical is the one I was worried about. But as long as Cassius is there, I am sure I have nothing to fear." She took off her finger symbols and bowed to Nate deeply. "Thank you so much for your help."

He nodded. ''Your welcome Sayeh...'' His grey eyes were fixed on her questioninly as he stood up and stretched. ''Why,..Why would you be worried about this official? Will he hurt you?''

A hand came to rest on her face as she straightened up. HEr violet eyes look deeply into Nate's eyes as she whispered quietly. "Would you keep a secret for me? Only then will I tell you why the Offical is worrisome."

'''I'm keeping this secret aren't I?'' His smile was gone, and he was looking confused and concerned. He didn't kow this feline, but he already was thinking of her as a friend.

Sayeh came to kneel down infront of him as her violet eyes stared at the ground. "I was a very bad concubine to my former master. And so all that I could do to just stay in his harem was be sold out to his aquaintances such as the Offical as company for the evening. When my former master was thinking of getting rid of me, the Offical wished to buy me. My former master knew of his cruelty to his own harem and refused. The Offical never did like to be rejected." She stare da tthe ground. "With my exile of the old harem, he will ask terrible things of Cassius for the Offical can be terribly blunt. I worry for Cassius." Her eyes closed. "That is why I am hoping this dance will be enough for the Offical to try and deter his questions."

His eyes were widened as she told her story, and he swallowed. ''That's...a disturbing story. I hope your time in...where-ever you are going is well.'' He smiled and picked up the drums. ''Are we finished fr today?'' He pondered asking what qquestions he would ask Cassius, but he deicded against it, thinking that it was not his buisness.

Sayeh smiled sadly to Nate. "It is not disturbing as it is my fault for not being a better servant to my former master. Even though there are many things in my past which I could have chosen to not go through, without living that life, I would not be here today and know such kind people as yourself and Cassius." Her smile brightened and she nodded, standing up. "We are finished. Please feel free to keep the drums to practice with or play them as you wish. I have no talent for them myself."

He nodded. ''I guess...'' He unlocked the door, shaking his head. ''They're yours Sayeh. The only thing I ask is, may I sometimes take them to play while you are here?'' He paused in the door, watching her.

Sayeh smiled to him as she picked up her vails and chimes. "Please take them whenever you wish, Sir Nate." The feline flicked her tail as she acted like it was nothing. "I will leave them by my door. You are more then welcomed to enter and take them. If I do not see them there, then I will know they are safe with you." She headed towards the door after fetching the drums as well.

''Thank-you Miss Sayeh.'' He held the door open for her, and when she had walked through, locked the door and proceeded to the stairs. ''Careful of the steps Miss sayeh.'' The rabbit murmured as he stepped onto one that rotted and broke under his light touch.

Sayeh looked scared at the step and so she was against one side of the stairway as she first checked to make sure Nate was alright as she headed towards her room.

When they reached the feline's room, he placed the drums by the door and smiled, bowing to her. ''See you at supper Sayeh.'' The rabbit walked away, to check on the garden that Ichigo had given him when he got here. Sayeh set down the few items into her room before quickly washing her face, stomach that was visible and arms with a cloth. She then walked over to Cassius' room and knocked lightly.

A clattering could be heard, and Cassius voice could be heard, yelling at whoever it was to not open the door. ''Don't come in!'' Rustling could be hear,d as if smeone was throwing sheets around, until the door finally opened. Cassius smiled at Sayeh. ''Sorry. I was just a little startled.'' His hands were blistered, with scratches on them and a tall, shape could be seen behind him, covered with sheets.

Sayeh blinked and she looked at his hands. The feline pouted and looked up into his crimson eyes. "Cassius, is everything alright? I am sorry for startling you." Her tail now swayed behind her.

Cassius nodded. ''I'm fine. I'm just a little...'' His eyes swiviled to the side, to the shape behind him, but then he fixed his gaze back on her and nodded again. ''I'm fine, I'm just a little busy. Don't worry.''

Sayeh looked down at the ground as she spoke softly. "I hope I am not disturbing too much, Cassius. I was hoping if I might tend to your hands if just a moment?" She glanced up to stare at his hands with deepest concern.

He smiled softly, but shook his head. ''That certainly very kind of you Sayeh, but there's simply no point. Until I get a little better at what I'm doing, my hands will continue to be like this.'' He moved away from the door to sit on his bed, flexing his fingers.

Sayeh's gaze lifted to watch him curiously. She would never enter his room without his permission. "Then, after what you are doing is completed, might I tend to your hands after this?" There was a hopeful tone in her voice.

''Certainly. But they will continue to be like this. But for now, let me show you what caused this.'' The naga stood up, swaying slightly and moved over to the tall shape that was covered up. ''Come in, come in. et me show you it.'' He smiled a little at her, and waited until she moved towards him, then gently pulled away the sheets, revealing a full sized marble statue of Sayeh.

Sayeh came in at his beckon, shutting the door behind her. However, she moved forward only afew steps as she watched him. When he pulled back the sheet, she looked up at it with gaping mouth her eyes wide, her ears came back in a submissive manner. "Is that me?" Now she moved to stand next to Cassius as she stared up at it. Only the greatest artists she had known could sculpt in this stone.

He smiled sadly. ''There are many flaws. For see here...'' He pointed to the torso, where a few cracks could be seen. He looked almost ashamed as he pointed out two more. ''I'm sorry. I have only done this a few times before, years ago.'' The naga sighed, flicking his tail and bowing slightly. ''I apologize Sayeh.''

Sayeh stepped to Cassius, & with her hand covered by a hanging vail, she lifted up the bowing naga to smile, her violet eyes staring into his crimson sea. "Cassius, this is amazing. Only the most respected, talented artists can work with such a difficult stone. I am so honored & humbled to be remembered through stone. I do not see any flaws at all, because it is perfect to me." She hugged him.

He smiled, hugging her back. ''It's just like you then Sayeh. Perfect.'' The naga flushed slightly when he realized what he said, but he continued to hug her. ''I'm glad you like it. Ichigo was furious because I ruined two blocks of it, because I didn't think they were good enough.'' The naga kissed her cheek gently. ''Perfect.''

That turned her DEEPLY dark all over her face as she looked up at him. Tears were forming in her violet eyes. Here he thought she was perfect? Even though she hid away her past from him? A gulp from the feline as she trembled lightly. "Cassius.." Her voice shook lightly as she moved back from him to stare at the ground. "Even though I am a former concubine who had to perform her task for her former master.. you still think I am perfect?" Her eyes closed tightly. "Even though you know what the duties of a concubine are?" It was hard for her to hear.

''Even though Sayeh, you're perfect. I only wish I could be perfect with you.'' He smiled and brushed away her tears a slender finger, still hugging her tightly. ''I don't judje anyone by their past except myself. You are completely, utterly perfect.'' The naga was about to say more, but he bit his lip and held it back, for he didn't want to say ti and hurt her, for he knew it would.

Sayeh looked up at him with tears held back in her violet eyes making them look like oceans of purple. She hugged him tightly and nuzzled his shoulder. "Cassius, you are perfect in my eyes. Even if you can not see it, Cassius, I think you are perfect. You make me want more from life, and I cannot imagine living without you. Its because of this that.." She stopped herself and she folded back her ears. "Please forgive me, Cassius, I speak too much. All I ask is that you know that you are truly precious to me."

He paused, his crimson eyes focused on her. He'd leant back, so that he could see into her violet eyes. ''Thank-you Sayeh. Thank-you.'' He closed his eyes and kissed her lips gently, then let go of her. ''I apologize. I shouldn't be doing this.'' He smiled sadly at her, and sighed. ''I wish...'' He turned away. ''I'll move the statue into your room later. I have to make an adjustment.'' The naga locked the door of the bathroom after he went into it, weeping silently.

The kiss had left her completely still her eyes wide as she gasped. "Cassius.." She whispered after he moved away. After regaining her composure, she looked up at him sadly when he went to the bathroom. She made a decision. She came to the door and called through in a meek voice. "Would you please visit with me when you deliver it to my room, Cassius?"

No answer could be heard, but Cassius had nodded, biting his lip till it bled. He waited for the feline to leave, sighing again. He pulled back his sleeve to look at the scar tat was in his wrist. Biting his lip again, he cracked his fingers together and slowly and quietly unlocked the door. He had some thinking to do. After an hour of thinking, he knew what the adjustment was. Picking up his tools, he knelt down, ignoring the blood dripping from his lip and began to etch away at the base of the marble. ''Sayeh; The Only Girl I Ever Loved.'' was written. he then carefully began to shift it out, not knowing that the blood was flaling faster as he pushed the heavy block.

Sayeh pouted at the no response but hurried off to her room. Before he could come, she searched out for Ichigo. "Mistress Ichigo?" she called quietly in the hallways of the tower as she hurried. She left a note for Cassius on her bed if he arrived before she did asking for him to wait for her return. She needed Ichi's help with this plan

Ichigo was sat in the dining room, embroidering a pair of gloves for Chance. She stood up and turned, hurrying towards Sayeh when she heard her name being called. ''Yes, Sayeh? Is something wrong?''

Sayeh looked at Ichigo with a smile. "Everything is fine, Mistress Ichigo, but I was wondering if you had something that played music? I believe Leena called it a stereo or something like that. I could be wrong though." She prayed to the gods.

''Hm...Yes...I do belive we have.'' She took Sayeh's hand and pulled her through hallways, rooms and up and down flights of stairs until coming to a large room, with speakers in the corners, and a large stereo at one end of the room. ''The large space in the middle is for singing and dancing.'' Ichigo smiled at Sayeh. ''Do you need any help with anything?''

Sayeh looked up at Ichigo with a smile but it was obvious from the way she stared that she was really nervous about something. "Would I be permitted to borrow this room for just a little bit?" She had to ensure that it would be secure.

''Sure. Do you want the key?''She pulled a large ring of keys from a belt tied round her waist, smiling at the feline. She counted through the keys until she came to a small, yet rather shiny one and placed it in Sayeh's hand. ''Here.''

Sayeh took it and bowed deeply. "Thank you very much. Could you please show me how to work th is machine as I am not familiar with it?" She had to learn it quickly. She felt she was running out time.

''Sure Sayeh. You get a CD, like this...''Ichigo ran her fingers along a rack of Cds until she came to one, and pulled it out. Taking the disc, she pressed a button on the stereo. ''You press this button, and then when it opens, you put the CD in carefully, like this, and then you press that same button to close it. Got that?'' She did as she said, slowly and carefully, watching the feline.

Sayeh watched and nodded to her when she asked if she had it. "Thank you so much Mistress Ichigo. I am truly grateful." She bowed deeply.

''You press that button to play the song and whatever, and these buttons to skip forward songs, and the other button to go back to a song.'' She smiled and walked out of the room, hopeful that Sayeh would know what to do and be alright. She didn't care to ask why and who this was for, in case it was meant to be a secret. Ichigo wasn't the bets at keeping secrets.

When left to her own devices, Sayeh immediately ran back following the path slowly before heading back to her room to see if Cassius had arrived by this point or not.

Cassius had positioned the statue by the window, where he was sure Sayeh would enjoy viewing it. He hoped. turning away, he finally realized the blood and wiped his mouth carefully with his hand, wincing at the pain. He hadn't realized his teeth cut deep. Shrugging, he turned away from the window and headed back to his own room, not noticing the note on the bed.

Sayeh was just about to enter her room when she gasped, seeing Cassius coming out. "Cassius!" She immediately saw the blood on his lip and her eyes grew sad. Her hand reached out, covered in a vail to touch his face as she inspected the cut. "May I ask as to what happened?"

''Nothing. I just bit it a little too much.'' His crimson eyes flickered to the side, as he placed is hands on her shoulders to move her aside gently. ''I must go change. Supper will be soon. And I have blood on my shirt.'' He smiled at her, wincing slightly again as the lip cracked, sending fresh pain through them

Sayeh stopped him, and without a second thought, she kissed the wounded lip before looking up at him curiously. "Cassius, there is something.." She turned her face as she felt really nervous suddenly. "There is something that I wish to show you. Only you. After supper, will you come with me, please?" She seemed very nervous.

''...!'' He blinked as she kissed him, and his eyes widened a little, before he nodded. ''Certainly.'' He made his way to hgis door, before turning back to smile at the feline. ''I hope to see you at supper.''

Sayeh smiled to him sweetly and bowed her head. "I will be there as long as you are." She ran into her room as she shut the door and quickly pulled out an outfit that had not seen the light of day for a LONG time. From behind her door, chiming could be heard faintly as she practiced something until dinner was ready.

He paused outside her door a few hours later, singing quietly to himself as he listened to the chiming. Wondering what it was, he knocked on the soor quietly, then waited, feeling hungry.

In that whole time, she watched the statue curiously, staring until she twirled around it and noticed the writing. Her eyes grew wide and she held her breath. "I must get this right for him now." Her chiming continued on and own. When she heard the knock she stopped and hid away her finger symbols. She openned the door and smiled to Cassius, panting a little. "Good evening Cassius, is it time for dinner already?" Her hair was tossled and she looked spent.

''Um, yes. But you seem tired sayeh. I'll bring you some supper up here.'' The naga turned away and briskly hurried away to collect some food before the others devoured it all. When he collected a fair amount, he took it back to Sayeh's room, wondering all the while what the chiming noises were, and why she sounded and looked so disheveled.

Upon his return, she had brushed back her hair, and had a few pillows scattered on the ground. She looked more relaxed now when he came back as she was sitting indian style on the pillow. "Thank you very much Cassius, I am sorry to be such a bother." She stared at the ground.

''I don't mind Sayeh.'' He knelt down carrying the tray with one hand and placing it in front of her. Handing her a fork, he left the room then returned with a book, sitting down on one of the pillows and holding the book in his lap as he wondered what to sya.

When he set down the tray and the fork and had left, she frowned as she poked at the food a little. However, Sayeh was relieved when he came back and smiled to him, glancing to see what book it was that he was reading as she ate quietly. After a few moments she looked up at him in an inquisitive expression. "Have you already eaten, Cassius?"

''No Sayeh, I'm not hungry tonight.'' His gaze was still fixed on the floor as he shook his head. ''You told me you like fairy tales, correct Sayeh?''

"Yes, Cassius." She smiled but frowned a little. "You will not eat anything, nothing at all? Not even a small piece?" She looked very worried.

''No. When I'm not hungry, I cannot eat anything.'' The naga turned to her, and held out the book. It was made of dark leather, with bright gold, fancy lettering. ''This was my most prized book when I was younger. I wish you to have it.''He opened it to show her the illustrations, which were truly beautiful, everyone drawn and colored in detail.

Sayeh gasped and set down her fork as she leaned in close to the book her violet eyes taking in the beauty of the drawings and appreciating such beautiful craftmenship. "Are you sure, Cassius? This is such a beautiful book and the pictures are lovely."

''I truly wish you to have it. I know you would love to ahve it.'' He smiled, closing the book and placed it in the feline's lap carefully. ''I'm going to have a sleep.'' He left the room, with a quiet Good-night and went to his room. He didn't go to sleep however, he simply stayed awake in the darkness, unknowing of what he was to do next.

Sayeh looked up at him and frowned, her head turned away as her hand rested on the book. She whispered softly. "I will wait for you tomorrow then. Goodnight Cassius." She would try her best to wait to show him what she had instore as she knew the statue took so much out of him. However, after she finished her meal, returning the tray, she had returned to her room, and the chiming took up once more.

((Copied from IMs))

Rpness

Nate nodded, continuing to watch her and play the beat. ''If you insist. Thank-you.'' He smiled; watching her dance didn't do the same thing it did at first, and he was thank-ful, although it amazed him how good she was.

Sayeh dropped the vail to the floor and whispered quietly to Nate if he would pickup the beat as she started to move into the chiming. "Sir Nate, might I ask a question of you?" She couldn't help her natural feline curiosity.

He nodded, speeding up slightly, but still keeping it perfectly. The rabbit titled his head slightly, and nodded, waiting for the question. ''Certainly. Feel free to.''

"If you do not mind me speaking so freely, Sir Nate, I have noticed you are new to this place. Might I inquire as to what brought you here? I am sorry if my question is out of line." Her eyes closed as she moved in time to his rhythim.

''Um...I guess I don't really know. I never really fit in where I used to live...So one day, I packed my bags, snuck on a train, and just went where it took me. I got off someplace, and I was near a shopping centre. Ichigo was coming out, and I helped her with some stuff. We got talking, and she just decided to look after me. I'm grateful to her.'' Nate smiled at the feline as he told his small, un-eventful story.

Sayeh's one eye peeked out with a shy violet glance to him before she twirled and the dance came to an end. "I see. Thank you, Sir Nate." She bowed deeply, as a performer might. "I am very glad to have met you, as you are a rather talented drummer." She stood up and stretched. "I believe that I am prepared. While I am in Egypt, you may keep the drums if you would like." She smiled to him.

''Thank-you. I will keep your room clean for your return, and I'll look after these drums. It's my pleasure to help you Sayeh. I'm happy I could help.'' he stood up, kissing her hand, then flushing a little.

Sayeh's faint blush was hidden away by her dark fur and she lightly laughed at such irony to be shown this respect. She smiled to him. "Might I offer you a hug, Sir Nate?" To her, she didn't understand him but he was very nice. However, she would always ask permission first.

''Certainly. May I ask permission to return the hug Miss- I mean, Sayeh?'' Nate smiled still blushing slightly at Sayeh as he stepped forward to hug her.

Sayeh laughed and smiled nodding happily before she came to him, hugging him happily. "You are a good person Sir Nate. I truly hope you find a place here for you." The feline always wished the best for others and Nate was kind.

''Thank-you again Sayeh. I hope you and Cassius will be very happy together.'' He murmured, hugging her ahppily.

Sayeh smiled up to Nate and released him. "As long as I am beside him I will always be happy. I just hope to bring him the same happiness, no matter what comes his way." She sighed as she looked at the ground. "I just hope that this trip to Egypt is a good one, Sir Nate," She turned away to towards the door as her eyes filled with worry. "I am truly worried what will happen." She glanced over her shoulder to look at him. "Might I consider you a friend, Sir Nate?"

''Only if I can consider you a friend Sayeh.'' The rabbit smiled and patted her shoulder reassuringly. ''I'm sure it will be fine. I shall pray for you every night.''

Sayeh smiled brightly to him and nodded. It was nice to have a friend. She then sighed and looked back at Nate with her violet eyes still uncertain. She took a deep breath and calmed herself. She moved to pick up her things from the room and waited for Nate to unlock the door. "I hope no one minds Cassius being away for so long. I would hate to take him from anyone who needs him here or wants him with them." The thought had occured to her that maybe he had other friends and responsibilities and she had been rather selfish to keep him as long as she had.

''Ichigo will be happy to see him on holiday. Shes been pleased that he's been a lot less gloomy lately.'' he unlocked the door, picking up the drums and smiling at her. ''He isn't realy the friendly type. You have to really talk to him.''

Sayeh blinked and looked up at Nate curiously. "He seems very friendly to me. He is truly a good person who I think enjoys to be around others, as long as they can accept him as he can accept them." Such faith in the naga, she held dear to. She made her way out the door. "I better ask Cassius if he wants to postpone the trip incase there are others he wants to see."

''There aren't, I'm sure...'' The rabbit began, but he watched her leave and sighed. He followed her, wondering whether to protest, instead calling out a warning about the step. ''Be careful!''

Sayeh was just about to step down on that faulty step when she stopped at his warning and jumped back from it. "Oh, thank you for reminding me, Sir Nate." She glanced back to him curiously. "If you do not mind me asking, what were you going to say?"

''It' nothing Sayeh.'' he squeezed past her so he could help her down from the step, and he held out a hand as he waited. ''Truly, it was of no importance.''

Sayeh blinked and tilted her head curiously. She took his hand, her own surrounded by the vail. "I believe in every word being of importance, but I respect if you do not wish to say." She smiled and stepped down past the step with his help, being careful, as her tail straightened out behind her to help her balance when she stood beside him. "Thank you." She bowed her head to him.

''Your quite welcome Sayeh, but truly, it is nothing of importance.'' He made his way down the stairs, thinking a little. On the hallway, he left the drums by her doorway in the room, and made his way to the main stair-case, unfortunately, being ran into and knocked over by ichigo. A hasty exchange of sorries, he went to check his head, while Ichigo ran to show Cassius something of great importance it seemed.

Sayeh was going to her room when she noticed Ichigo hurry past to Cassius' room. Violet eyes blinking, she would turn to her own room, and set everything down on her bed, to be sorted later. She came to stand outside of Cassius' room, leaning against the wall beside his doorway, waiting patiently. She wanted to inquire about his time with others but not interrupt Ichi.

Ichigo walked out, grinning, and walked straight into Sayeh. ''Oh! I'm sorry Sayeh. I didn't see you there. Go on in; Cassius is finishing packing.''

Sayeh nearly fell over as she blinked looking up at Ichigo with a smile. "It is alright, Mistress Ichigo. Thank you very much." She bowed her head to her. She moved over to the doorway, knocking politely on his door. She would never go in uninvited.

''Come in!'' Cassius was moving every where in his room, collecting clothes and books, drawing materiels and much else. He blinked at her as she came in, before muttering a hasty hello and continuing what he was doing.

Sayeh smiled. "I'm sorry to be a bother as you're packing, Cassius, but I was just curious to something. Might I ask you a question?"

''Certainly. Ask away sayeh.'' Cassius paused, looking down at a sketch-book before packing it into the large case. He grabbed a small pile of hard-back books, and tucked them in, before stopping to pick something up from in front of the candles n his desk. It was in a small black box, and he placed it in Sayeh's hand. ''Before you ask, please, take this.''

Inside the box was a ring.

Sayeh openned the box, blinking a little before he could hear her breath taken away her violet eyes wide as she looked down upon the ring. "Cassius.." She whispered quietly. "This.. is truly.. incredible.." Her eyes inspected it with such care as she looked into the box with amazement.

''I placed the order a few days ago, and Ichigo went to collect it for me today. I'm glad you like it.'' The naga muttered, as he turned away, disappearing into the back room to collect some black pens.

When she came back to reality, Sayeh followed after him. She covered her hand with her vails, and stood infront of him with a sweet smile. She took his hand into hers, intertwining her fingers with his with the vails slipping between them. Always a barrier between them. She looked up at him with her eyes still shining from the look of the gem. "Cassius, thank you so much, its lovely." She kissed his lips softly and quickly then stood off to the side to keep out of his way, her hand slipping away.

He picked up the ring, smiling a little and slipped it onto her finger, before turning away and picking up a small bag.''There are some books and art thngs in here. I packed it for you.'' The naga handed it to her, kissing her cheek softly.

Sayeh dark fur couldn't hide her blush this time from when he slipped on the ring and even moreso when he kissed her cheek. She smiled brightly to him. "Thank you Cassius, I appreciate all this very much." She lost herself staring at him before she remembered why she had come. She looked at the ground. "I was wondering Cassius, if you wanted to postpone the trip to see some of your friends before we left?" She bowed her head in shame. "I've been terribly selfish, keeping you here and I just only realized this recently. I am sorry."

''I have no friends except one, and he will not mind I am sure. You have no reason to feel ashhamed. You are certainly not selfish.'' The naga smiled, embracing her lightly, before letting go. ''Are you ready? I was thinking we should go on a walk or something before we go.''

Sayeh looked up at him surprised when he mentioned only one other and was certain he wouldn't mind. She smiled and nodded to him. "Being that in those lands, I am nothing more then a servant, I can only bring with me a few items so I am packed. A walk sounds very nice; where would we go?" Her violet eyes stared up at him.

''I don't know. Would you like to go to the fields? Ichigo planted flowers and vegetables when she got here.'' he shut his case, locking it securely and looked in his wardrobe, before pulling out the cloak that Sayeh had given him, and putting it on. ''It's chilly out. I'll get you one of tristessa's old cloaks. She's kept them in good codition.'' The naga disappeared for a few minutes, before coming back with a grey fur cloak, with purple silk on the inside. ''Here. I'll take you to the jasmine fields.''

Sayeh looked at the cloak with eyes full of curiosity. It was lovely and upon being handed the cloak, she would put it on and look up at him curiously. "Cassius, how far does your home stretch?" Thinking back, she had no idea as to how far it went. However, one thing was reminded. She needed to brace Cassius. So, without a word, she took his arm, placing his ontop of hers, her fingers interwoven.

Sayeh blinked at him curiously. She then smiled and placed a gentle hand cloaked in cloth on the upper arm of the hand she held to, a gentle carress. "It is nothing to apologize for, Cassius. May I see the fields now?" She had to get him used to contact. Would he notice?

''Certainly.'' He smiled, holding open the door and waiting for the feline to go through it. When she had, he shut it and locked it, then took her hand and began to lead her to the main staircase, out through the front door and round the back of the Tower and though the vineyard to the fields.

Sayeh took hold of his hand much as she had before, in a very specific manner. She followed him at every movement and she smiled when they came upon the fields. "Cassius, your home is enchanting. I am surprised you ever left it once. Though I am glad you do." She smiled over to him gently.

He smiled back at her, before shrugging. ''Everyone needs a change once in a while I suppose. Though it is nice. I am very lucky and grateful to Ichigo.'' The naga stopped, and carefully pulled one of the flowers from theground, and brshed it off carefully. he then placed it in the feline's hair, and hugged her a little. ''it's almost as beautiful as you...'' he murmured.

Sayeh blushed once more, only a darkening on her cheeks was visible. She hugged him tightly before staring into his eyes. Her violet eyes reflected back his image. "Cassius, you are much too kind to me. I request that you might remember that no matter what may occur in Egypt, I belong solely to you and you alone and nothing, nor no one can change that ever." Her hand, covered in vails, reached up to brush his cheek with a simple caress before she would turn to look down at the flowers in admiration. "I was wondering: when we go to Egypt, would you please help me to find a gift everyone here might enjoy?"

He blinked, nodding. ''I will Sayeh. Whatever happens, I will.'' he kissed her cheek, smiling softly. ''Certainly, I will help you. I know what everyone here enjoys.'' He pulled her though the field gently, pointing out different flowers and insects. ''There's a royal blue butterfly. And there's a tiger butterfly...'' He murmured, wishing hed brought his sketch pad.

Sayeh's blush only deepened when she recieved his kiss and she followed after him admiring everything he would point out. She then asked curiously. "Maybe we should bring something back for your friend. I still feel bad for dragging you away to Egypt without his permission to do so." Even though she was much more free these days, it was obvious that her old harem days still shackled her thoughts.

''I'm working on something for him. So one day when we get back, I will have to go and find him and continue.'' The naga hummed an old lullaby, not really concentrating on anything. He yawned, looking up at the blue sky above him. ''...Sayeh, did you like the ring? I can get you another one if you don't. You don't have to pretend.''

Sayeh's violet eyes widdened and she took both of his hands, in such a rush she had forgotten to cover them with vails and dropped down to her knees, looking up at him with both her feline ears pinned back, "Cassius, the ring is more then I could ever ask for or even wish for! I love it and nothing you could ever give me will ever be to my disliking, for it comes from you. I," She blushed deeplyand bowed her head to hide away her face. "I enjoy all I can recieve from you more then I can express, because it comes from you Cassius."

He blinked, pulling to her feet when she had finished speaking. ''....'' He paused, watching her, his crimson eyes gazing into hers, as he hugged her warmly. ''I am glad Sayeh.'' Was all he said as he continued to hug her. ''Tell me when you get tired, and we will begin back to the Tower.''

Sayeh had lost her restraints that she had been taught as she clung to him tightly. "Please forgive my actions, Cassius, and my loose tongue. I was out of place and promise to not do so again." She nuzzled against his neck but came to realize what she was doing physically was NOT what she was saying and immediately removed herself from him, scared and embarrassed, staring at the ground, blushing. "I am sorry. You have had a long day. Surely you must be tired, Cassius. Please, let us go back to the tower."

He flushed slightly as he felt her nuzzling his neck, and he smiled. ''I'm not tired. I wouldn't mind if you made me walk 500 miles. I simply wouldn't care as long as I was with you.'' The naga held her hand, brushing a few strands of hair from her dark face. ''if you are tired, then we shall go back now.''

Sayeh looked up at him her entire face as dark as it could have gone. Her hand squeezed his gently as tears now fell from her eyes and she bowed her head in shame. "Cassius, I am truly sorry. I have been completely out of line but I promise I will not embarrass you when we get to Egypt. I will be either your servant or your concubine or whatever it is you wish of me to be to the Offical."

''I don't want you to be any of those things. I wish you to be my equal.'' He sighed, knowing that she couldn't. ''You have acted fine Sayeh. Do not worry.'' He held her hand and began to guide her back towards the Tower. ''What will make the Official belive us more?''

Sayeh's tears continued to fall as she did not look up. "In those lands, I am nothing more then a servant. I cannot be free unless I am forsaken and then I am up for auction once more. If you say you are my master as you had planned before, then he will ask if I am your servant or your concubine. If you do not wish to say any of those things, then I am merely your escort and nothing more." She was confused to say the least and now scared and starting to tremble. Had he rejected the dance she had given him? Did he not wish for her to belong to him any longer?

These thoughts choked her throat and she could not look up at him or speak any longer. Slowly she found her voice again but it was soft and quiet as her head was tilted to allow her blue hair to fall across her face to hide away her expressions. "It does not matter he will trust your word either way, Cassius. What you say though will make a difference on how I am treated."

He watched her, his eyes blank, his face betraying no emotion. ''i want you to be treated well while we are there. Could you tell me...'' his crimson eyes fixed on her violet hues and he embraced her warmly once again.

With his embrace, Sayeh could not help but cling to him as she rested her head on his shoulder. She whispered quietly. "Now that I have devoted myself only to you, I am obligated to tell you anything you wish of me that I might know or heard of. What is it you wish to know exactly?"

Cassius nodded, thinking for a minute, before picking her up carefully and lifting her over the wooden gate. he then let himself through and smiled at her, still deep in thought. ''Tell me, for I wish to know...What should I say to ensure that this Official treats you well?''

Sayeh was a little surprised when she was lifted and she landed gracefully on the other side thanks to the Naga. She wiped her face away. "There is no guarentee of anything. Should you say that I merely an escort, he will capture me into slavery. If you say I am your servant he will request to purchase a night with me. Should you say I am your concubine, well," She looked down at the ground. "I am uncertain as to what he would say."

''Fine then. Escort is out of the question. If I was to say servant then refused his request, what would he be likely to do?'' The naga's eyes were fixed on the floor as he led the way back to the Tower.

Sayeh followed after him. "He would place us into seperate rooms for the evening and," Her eyes drifted off to the side. "That would be the end of his requests.." She didn't want to say what she was most fearful of happening.

Cassius grunted, thinking deeply. ''Hmph...I'll have to make sure he doesn't touch you. I wouldn't want anything to happen while we are there.'' Reaching the Tower, he held open the door, before fixing his eyes on her own violet hues. ''And if I were to say you were my wife?''

Sayeh's eyes grew wide and she had to fight her jaw from dropping as she moved passed him. She stampered a little as her entire face darkeend ten shades. "U-uhhh... w-well.. Uhuh uhm.. I-I would be called your first wife as you can have many and then he would not be permitted to touch me legally and doing such would lead to actions against him by the court system."

''Perfect. We'll travel then as such.'' He shut the door and locked it, hanging the key on one of the hooks by the door. ''Would you like anything to eat or drink after our travelling through the fields?''

Sayeh's jaw NOW dropped and she looked like she was in a haze, her face so flushed and darkened. She was completely immobile for afew minutes, completely silent. Slowly a tiny voice in her head reminded her of the fact that this was only for pretend and she slwoly came back into a sad reality. She realized how much she would enjoy the title, even if for pretend for a little while. "Cassius, you are far too kind. I do not understand how you do not have thousands of friends with how sweet you truly are." She smiled to him gently before she looked at the ground. "Might I have a glass of water?"

''Hmph. I prefer to keep to myself.'' He began to make his way to the kitchen, thinking about how differently things could have been if he hadn't talked to Sayeh that stormy day. ''I am glad...'' He muttered, filling a glass with water.

Sayeh came after him and looked at him curiously. "Cassius, I cannot remember if I ever asked this, but are you able to fly?" Her violet eyes glanced to his red wings. Her tail flicked with curiosity.

''Hmph? I'm not sure. Flying...It's not really something I enjoy. I have a fear of heights.'' The naga glanced to his wings as well as he passed her drink, and he grabbed an apple from a bowl. ''Can i get you anything to eat?''

Sayeh gave a slow not as he handed her the drink. "Thank you." She looked at the water in the container. "Then I will make sure that upon our arrival that we are placed in a ground level room. Usually, one of your statue is placed in a third level room with a balcony to stare out over Egypt."

''Thank-you Sayeh.'' The naga smiled, biting into the apple and placing it on the side-board to pour himself some water.

Sayeh looked at him with a shy gaze. "May I ask if you get uncomfortable with rather blunt speech and lude questions?" She was hoping Cassius would be alright through the Egyptian trip.

''Hmph? I guess it would depend. What kind of questions?'' The naga sipped his water, moving some of his thick hair from his eyes as he waited for the felien's reply.

Sayeh stared into his eyes. "Well, the Offical could ask about certain.. things.." She blushed. "He can be very nosey about one's personal lifestyle and nighttime events." She had to look away.

One of his eye brows lifted a little as he heard her statement, and he mulled it over while he drunk his water slowly. ''So, we'll ahve to lie a little more.''

Sayeh blushed a little more as she fiddled now with her fingers after setting down her glass. "It is likely, Cassius, he will ask questions pertaining to you alone depending on what your answers are to his first string. He is very nosey and observant of others. I just felt you should be alerted to this ahead of time. Also, in those lands, I will have to address you as Master. Is that acceptable?"

''I will do my best Sayeh. Perhaps you could fill me in on how I should behave, what I should say?'' he blinked, taking his glass to the tap to re-fill it. ''Would you like some more water sayeh? Or something else?'' The naga nodded. ''Certainly.''

Sayeh blushed as she turned to stare up at the ceiling. "I have never had the honor of being a.. a personal servant to a master. So I am uncertain as to the proper instructions I could give." She closed her eyes. Thoughts came to her as she openned her eyes once more. She smiled. She figured something out! Coming over to Cassius, she took his one hand and kissed the back of it, kneeling before him before looking up at him. "Think of yourself as I think of you." She smiled warmly. "The greatest man I have ever known who only deserves the best from life. Allow only me to get things for you as I am yours alone and only answer to you." It was the best way she could describe it. Relinquishing his hand, Sayeh smiled up at him. "No more water thank you, dear Cassius. I will need to sleep soundly to be up early enough. Would you care for me to wake you when we must leave?"

Cassius nodded. ''So I act arrogant? Should be easy enough.'' He took the glass from beside her and finished his own before carefully placing them in the sink. ''Wake me when you wake up. I wish ot be ready far before we must actually leave.''

Sayeh rose and bowed her head to him. She then smiled to him sweetly. "May I ask for permission to enter your room to wake you then, Cassius?" Otherwise she would have to send in her hawk and she did not want her hawk dead

''Certainly. Are you going to your room now?'' Cassius stretched slightly, opening the door for Sayeh. ''I may go on a last tour and say good-bye to everyone. And see if their's anything I may need.''

"Do you wish for company to escort you through your tour or would you care to be alone for this?" Her violet eyes watched him curiously. Would she herself be ready to behave like a first wife? Her heart still was not done racing from just the mere thought of it. Only her sanity of remembering it was a lie did she keep from fainting.

''I do not mind. But I must go soon, for it is getting to be evening.'' The naga stood at the bottom of the stair-case, looking up. He knew where most would be right now.

Sayeh smiled and followed after him as she glanced over at his gaze. She couldn't help but to wonder what it was he was thinking of. He did not like heights so she had to imagine going upstairs was not exactly a thrill for him. However, she would be there, watching and observing.

''I'll come to your room if you wish. To say good-night.'' The naga began to climb the stair-case, looking back at the feline' and into her violet eyes. Was it the height or the eyes that made him feel dizzy? He couldn't tell.

Sayeh smiled to him and bowed her head. "As you wish, dear Cassius. Would you like to ride horseback to the train station tomorrow? I could arrange it for you if you desire that instead of walking." Whenever she looked up she felt as though he looked very regal so as she acended the stairs after him, she was watching him more then she meant to.

''I truly do not mind Sayeh. Which-ever is your desire.'' The naga rubbed one of his eyes as he got to the first floor and began to walk along to Tristessa's room.

Sayeh followed after him and thought for a moment. "I must assume that if you are to be the guest of the Offical, I will get a horse for you." She smiled. A thought had come to her as she asked softly. "Cassius, do you have a land you come from or a surname?" Hey, if she was going to be dreaming of being a wife and acting the role, it was a little necessary to know this kind of thing.

''Um...I came from Italy. Where I came from, in one of the villages they spoke Latin. Surname...I've forgotten.'' He fingered the scar on his wrist, which was hidden beneath his sleeves and knocked on Tristessa's door. An hour later, he returned. ''I promised her I'd bring back some Egyptian music for her.''

Sayeh smiled as she thought of what kind of land Italy must of been. She bowed her head as he entered the room and she was left there, standing in the hallway for an hour to her own thoughts. By the time he had returned, she was still exactly as he had left her, except her eyes were glazed over with thoughts. She came back around halfway through his sentence and smiled to him with a nod.

"May I ask who it is you must visit next?" Her voice was soft as if she was barely out of her thoughts.

''Chance. And Ames of course.'' He chuckled softly as he thought of the young raccoon with his plushie, skipping around the house. ''They'll be in Chance's room.'' The naga smiled at the feline. ''Tristessa hoped that we enjoy ou stay, and she told me to look after you.''

Sayeh blushed lightly as she was now more then back to reality as she smiled. "Miss Tristessa is very kind. I will make sure to find ssome instruments to bring back for her." Sayeh joined Cassius at his side. "I was thinking of making a gift for Ames. Would that be alright, Cassius?"

''I'm sure Chance would love it. But I'm not so sure about Ames. he's pretty grumpy.'' Cassius sighed, thinking about the panda.

Sayeh smiled up at the naga and then nodded to him. She found it cute that he took such consideration for the panda plush. "Cassius, I know you have others to visit, but might I retire to my room now? I just realized that I must pack one more item and it might take me time."

''Certainly. I'll get you some lunch and bring it up later.'' The naga turned away and began to glide off, towards the rest of the household. ''Sayeh. Remember to rest. I wouldn't want you getting ill.''

Sayeh looked back at him curiously and smiled to him softly. "I promise to not be ill and to rest if I might request the same wish from you." The feline then bowed her head and hurried to her room as she had to make sure Cassius didn't see the item.

Cassius nodded as he watched the feline hurry away, wondering slightly what she was packing. He made the rest of his travels around the house quickly, writing down what he had to get for everyone. ''Hmph...I better go and get the lunch.'' As he made his way to the kitchen, he pondered what to make. A few sandwiches? Yes. With a plate of cold ham, some tuna sandwiches, and some salad. And wine of course.

Sayeh was in her room and had the tiny red clothed bag that she had brought before. She packed the few items of clothing she had, the vails and chimes, and carefully, a small wrapped item taken from deep in her trunk. She carefully placed it inside of the bag before revealing it to herself. Would Cassius like it? She hoped, for it was going to make her bag feel very heavy. Recovering it, she hid it away and closed the bag. She came over to her window and whistled. Her hawk flew over. "Please wake me before dawn tomorrow." A simple instruction the bird listened to before flying off. Sayeh then started cleaning up her room.

Carrying a tray carefully, the naga rapped the door of Sayeh's room with his tail, breathing out heavily. He peered at the food on the plate, hoping Sayeh would like it all. Ham sandwiches, tuna sandwiches, warm bacon sadnwiches, a plate of cold ham, some salad and wine. ''Sayeh? I've brought your lunch for you.''

Sayeh nearly tripped over her trunk as she hopped away from it carrying a featherduster. Her long blue hair was pulled up into a ponytail as she hopped on one foot over to the door, openning it. "Sorry to make you wait, Cassius. Please, come in." She smiled brightly before noticing she still had her featherduster, and hiding it behind her back.

Cassius blinked slightly, his red hues narrowing as he peered at her, wondering what was behidn her. He quickly remembered the food however, and smiled a little. ''Lunch, my dear Sayeh, is served.'' He slowlyy slid into the room, careful not to nudge Sayeh in the doorway or jolt the things on the tray.

Sayeh smiled brightly, "Thank you so much, Cassius." She bowed down her torso, revealing the featherduster behind her back. Totally unaware, Sayeh stood up again, and shut the door behind him. She turned and looked over to Cassius. "Cassius, you are so kind as to bring lunch to me. Will you be comfortable enough to accept my servitude in the land of Egypt?" It was something she was curious about.

''I will ceratianly try my hardest Sayeh.'' The naga said, placing the tray on the window ledge and looking out at the clouds in the sky. ''A storm is coming.'' He muttered, before turning away and picking up one of the sandwiches and pressing it into Sayeh's hand. ''Eat.''

Sayeh set down her featherduster and and blinked when she was given a sandwich. A soft smile came across her red painted lips as she bowed her head "Thank you." She took bite of the sandwich and beamed after swallowing. "It is very good. Did you make them?" Her violet eyes watched him. Would he eat with her? She came to sit down on her nice bed. "A storm?" She sounded a little nervous at the idea.

''Yes. I tend to make my own food here, except at supper, when we eat together.'' Cassius took a sandwich and began to eat it slowly, swallowing before askign the feline a question. ''Must we eat at the official's table, often?'' He needed to know as much as he could, for fear he might slip up while there.

Her worries of the storm disappeared and she smiled lightly. "It is custom for us to eat at the offical's table at the times he summons. However, upon arriving at the table you can request to eat in private." Her ears flicked back as she wondered what would happen to her if Cassius decided to leave at any point without her. She then smiled to him. "Beyond the first day, the last day, and the meals that will be the only time you will have audience with him unless you wish to speak with him personally."

''I see. Thank-you Sayeh. Is there anything else you can tell me to help me understand what I should do, or will I pick it up as I go along?'' Cassius finished the sandwich, and, with his red hues stil fixed on Sayeh's violet ones, he grabbed a bowl and spooned in some salad, then began to eat it slowly.

Sayeh took another bite of her sandwich and looked at Cassius. "If you do not mind my asking, has a harem ever been as fortunate to belong to you before?"

His red eyes widening slightly, he shook his head. ''N-no, Sayeh...Why?''

Sayeh looked at him innocently. "Harems make up most of the upper societies of those lands. Upon entering Egypt, with the status I had reported to the Offical, you will be seen as the same class as them. To claim me as your first wife," this statement made Sayeh blush so brightly as she looked at the ground, "it means you have a harem but have chosen one out of them all to favor. It would explain to him why you did not bring a harem with you on this trip and only me. However, even being a first wife is seen as a servant out in those lands and I must act accordingly."

''I see. I will keep that in mind.'' The naga swallowed, a little un-nerved by what he'd just heard, before reaching for the wine and sipping it slowly. ''Wine Sayeh?''

Sayeh saw his nervousness and smiled to him gently. "Please do not be concerned, Cassius. As a lord from another land, with a first wife, you will only be required to act above others, give the Offical respect, and allow me to be your servant in his eyes." She then glanced to Cassius and gave a nod. "Yes, thank you." Her eyes drifted over to the window nervous of the storm he mentioned earlier.