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"Not in the least," Aethos protested good-naturedly. "It's not about the surprise, it's about watching Alassëa in action. That and it's amusing when her opponents realize that if they win at all, it's not going to be an easy victory."

Caranthir had been listening with curiosity that only grew the more the conversation went on.

"She's that good, eh?" he asked softly, joining the group.

"Interesting," Caranthir murmured. "I've heard the theory behind it, of course, but I must admit it's a skill that has - for the most part - escaped me. I need my eyes to any real fighting."

He smiled. "But I think I may know the man to challenge her. I can speak with him this afternoon, when we return to the palace. Perhaps set up a spar for tomorrow?"

Aethos grinned, his eyes sparkling mischievously. "We can ask Alassëa when it works for her," he replied.

It wasn't much longer for the measurements, and then the tailor showed Alassëa different types of materials so that she could feel them and see which materials she preferred.

After that, it was Aerin who finished the order by choosing colours and patterns, which left Alassëa to rejoin the others.

"I'm sorry to have kept you all waiting," she apologized; but the others immediately protested. Getting measured was after all a requirement when one needed clothes.

Alassëa shook her head, but she was laughing. "Men," she muttered.

"I'll have you know, I take offense to that," Aethos said indignantly.

Caranthir laughed. "Why? She's right. You notice it's not the women trying to set her up to fight." He grinned at Alassëa. "What do you say, one demonstration for us? To satisfy our curiosity?"

"As you wish, your Majesty," Alassëa agreed, bowing her head respectfully.

"Florist, once Aein's finished with the tailor," Caranthir replied.

"I don't want to be rude, but unfortunately, Mylar and I must leave," Sheena apologized. "We're expected at his parents' home for dinner tonight. But if we may, we'll see you tomorrow for that spar."

"You're most welcome," Caranthir grinned. "We'll come here to the city, then. Actually, we'll need space ... just outside the city, southern gate."

"We look forward to seeing you then," Mylar smiled, bowing. He and Sheena bid everyone a good day and headed out.

It also meant that River and the rest of her family had arrived, as had Aranxia, Jess, and Leyenda and her family. They'd all already been shown to their rooms, and as Aranxia had had the idea of asking for a map of the palace so that she could find her way around, maps had been drawn up for those who wanted one.

Dinner was as chatty as lunch had been, and after dinner everyone spread out to do their own thing before bed. Andarien took the opportunity to let Ponydash and Eon out of their Pokeballs in the corridor just outside the dining room.

"Oh, they're allowed out indoors?" River asked, pausing as she and Jess were passing by.

Andarien looked up from where he was kneeling and nodded. "Yeah, Queen Aerin says it's okay because there's no stables for Ponydash, and the place is pretty much fireproof because the people here are all firecasters."

"But if they're allowed out, why were they in their Pokeballs?" Jess asked curiously.

Eon shook himself when he appeared out of hi pokeball, and when Ai began to lick him he let out a contented mewl and lay down to let her continue. Ponydash pranced on the spot, clearly brimming with energy.

"What happened to Ai?" Aranxia asked, blinking at the Espeon.