Gwynn sat at a small oak table, the large book clasped in her hands belittling them. The third year page’s copper locks hung down in full strands, and she brushed them away with small fingers. The book’s leather binding sported gold lettering, reading: The Lost Battles of Tortall.

Gwynn had to admit she was tired, but the page had a lot of homework, and it needed to be done. Bringing her hands up to tired, hazel eyes, Gwynn rubbed them, and let her thoughts drift.

She was alone in the library, and although it was late, the midnight bell had not yet chimed. Gwynn was usually shy, and frequently could be found alone, or in a small group of close friends, but tonight, she wanted company.

Ecspecially a certain fellow third year page. But Gwynn forced herself not to think of the uncomfortable relationship, for her at least. She didn’t know about his feelings towards her.

How can you be thinking about this?! Gwynn scolded herself. You have loads of homework! I really must be changing.

Forcing herself back to the history novel, Gwynn read the small print, concentrating on the lecture.

Falik walked in to the library. He had come from the stables and so wore a midnight blue burnoose wrapped around his head and body against the sharp evening cold. Used to desert heat, he still found Corus weather far too cold. He had changed out of his pages uniform for the night and wore a loose blue tunic and loose dark blue breeches, cut in a style common to the Bazhir. He also wore his long coal black hair untied which made him look quite different. Falik the Bazhir, Alexander had said, rather than Falik the page.

He had almost forgot the history work for tomorrow.

"My father would have kittens!" He thought to himself.

He spied Gwynn sitting at a table with a huge volume. He waved quickly and mouthed "History?" to her. He smiled, wondering if Alexander would remember the work, or if he was just going to add to his ever growing list of punishments.

Gwynn grinned and nodded. The third year page quickly glanced at the book's page number, and turned back to Falik.

"You've not done it?" Gwynn asked, her hazel eyes twinkling.

Gwynn hadn't known Falik for very long, but she knew he was Alexander's friend, and wise enough to understand this bazhir was a trouble-maker.

I wonder what he's been up to, Gwynn thought, brushing back her shoulder-length hair. The page patted the chair-seat next to her, beckoning Falik to sit down.

Falik sat down gratefully and carefully removed the burnoose, hanging it on the back of the chair. He absently pulled a piece of straw from his hair that had stuck in there at the stables.

"No," he replied to her question, "I forgot and for once it wasn't because Alexander had dragged me in to some new variation on the word fun. I went down to the stables to arange for some special feed for my horse and to...uh," he wasn't sure if he should mention that he had discovered that Sakina's stable was a good place to get privacy to commune with The Voice, "..to do some other things that needed doing."

He rubbed his hands to try and get some warmth back in to them.

"I suppose I lost track of time."

Gwynn laughed, looking up at the tall shelves stacked with old and new books. Tall shelves were dusty, but the lower ones sparkling clean.

"I could lose track of time any day in the stables."

Gwynn's mind drifted. The third-year page smiled as she thought of her new horse, FireDancer. She hadn't had the chance to ride her much, but revelled in the thought of doing so.

The girl's mind also drifted to other things...other people...

Falik frowned slightly, Gwynn looked preoccupied.

"I'm sorry if I disturbed you from work. You'd think by the third year you had the hang of doing the mountians of homework...and yet they always manage to throw more at you. I have history to do, as well as a report on fire magic to turn in tomorrow. It looks like it's going to be a late one for me."

He thought for a second.

"Looks like Alexander is going to have to find someone else to babble at tonight." He grinned.

Alexander had just walked into the library when he heard Falik say "Looks like Alexander is going to have to find someone else to babble at tonight." He spotted Gwynn and Falik sitting next to each other and trotted towards them. He then replied with a handsomely devilish face on "Me find someone to replace such a good listener as you? NEVER EVER! I of coarse will always do my duty as your roomate and friend, and seek you wonderful ears out."

Alexander looked at Gwynn and asked "May I have the honor of joining you.” He then added with a wicked twinkle in his eyes "It seems Lord Genlith is most displeased with my missing homework. And when I explained I HAD to use it to keep a couple of baby kittens I found abandoned warm, he said he'd hear none of my lies.” Then more gloomier he finished his story, saying “He wants all the missing homework I haven't turned in and all that was assigned for this week personally turned into him."

"Talk of demons and they'll appear!" Falik joked as Alexander walked in.

He watched for Gwynn's reaction to Alexander closely as he sat down. He had a suspicion about why Gwynn had been so vague earlier and now was a good time to test it.

He smiled slightly.

"And here was me thinking I'd escaped for the night!" He replied to Alexander, laughing.

"Well I can help you with last weeks work at least." Gesturing to Gwynn he continued, "we're both going to work on the history so you can do that with us now if you like. I can't help you with the lessons you have when I'm at classes for the Gifted though. Perhaps Gwynn could?" He turned to the girl.

Gwynn felt butterflies form in her stomach, and she fought to keep a scarlet flush from her face. Suddenly the third-year squire was very concious of her looks.

Oh, stop it! Gwynn scolded herself, looking up at Alexander. Brushing back copper locks, the page forced her hazel eyes to meet Alexander's.

"Oh, hello," Gwynn murmered shyly. "Yes, it really is a lot of homework they give us. I've got most of it done, er," the page suddenly felt very tongue-tied, "don't know how I managed it."

Gwynn patted the seat on her other side, as she had done to Falik. Er, wait, what if he doesn't want to sit next to me?

The third-year trainee shot a pleading glance at Falik, hoping he could somehow help her.

Falik saw Gwynn's cheeks flush and caught the pleading look she threw him. His suspicions about her affections for Alexander had been correct.

He carried on speaking so that the girl wouldn't have to struggle for words, he knew how tongue tied he had got around people he liked.

"Actually I have an idea, how about if we get the history done tonight, you meet up with Gwynn tomorrow to go through the rest. I have promised to show some of the squires how to shoot with a Bazhir bow. You know you need to get the work done Alexander and I trust Gwynn here to make sure you do it."

He winked at Gwynn. "I only apologise that you'd be the one to put up with the babbling!"

Alexander took the seat that was offered to him with the tiniest of blushes, he only prayed that his leftover summer tan would hide it. I am being so foolish just sit by her. “Thanks for your help, the both of you.” He smiled and then moved his seat a little closer to the groups telling himself he was cold and if they sat close it would be a little warmer. "Chilly huh?"

Gwynn shot a thankful glance at Falik. The bazhir had saved her, as well as added a bonus. Turning back to Alexander, the third-year page felt scarlet light spread around her face.

Tingling warmth wound its way up Gwynn's spine as Alexander scooted closer.

"Er, yeah, it is chilly," she murmered as a draft crawled in from the cracks in the wall.

A burst of warmth shot up through Gwynn again, but that draft was still cold. The page edged a little closer to Alexander.

Falik looked from Alexander to Gwynn and was amused by what dawned on him. He likes her too! He thought to himself. I'll have to have words with him later.

Suddenly an idea occured to him.

"I've just thought...." He exclaimed suddenly, "I..um...I have the perfect book to help us with this work in my room. Lindquist's Turning Points: The Great Battles of Tortall It was mentioned in the lesson I'm sure. I'll be a few minutes."

He leaped out of his chair and headed out of the library. "Back shortly!" He called back over his shoulder.

A wicked grin spread over his face as he went out the door. Now they'll HAVE to talk. He thought.

Falik is bad! Gwynn grumbled to herself. Now she was left alone with Alexander. The butterflies in Gwynn's stomach rose, almost thrilling her.

Gwynn had to talk to Alexander. Finally she found a feeble voice in her throat. "So..." the page's voice trailed off. She wanted to talk about more that history, but what to talk about? Gwynn would have to reside to homework. At least it was talking.

"So, um, you could use some help?"

Alexander swore to take revenge on Falik. He was positive his friend and roomate knew his feelings towards Gwynn and did this on purpose. At this point Alexander was blushing so uncontrollably that he had to be a beet red or maybe tomato red. He finally spewed out “So what do you have planned for the mid-winter holidays?” At the same time she asked him a question.

Gwynn coughed, and cleared her throat at once, resulting in a choking spasm that made her face even redder than it already was. Talking about mid-winter was better than homework, but still uncomfortable.

"Yeah, er, mid-winter," Gwynn answered ackwardly, "I'll be visiting the Yamani Islands for a short while. I....I used to live there," the page added uncertainly. "Er, but other than that, nothing much. What about you?"

“My parents are renting a town house. They will be attending the Mid-Winter balls that we get to serve at. So instead of going home I will be staying here, in Corus.” Alexander had finally gotten control of himself. “I can do this, its not that hard just keep talking. Don’t babble, and don’t do anything stupid.” He repeated to himself. “I am interested in the Yamani Islands, I have only been once on holiday. I was 6 at the time. My family loves to travel, so I have seen most of Tortall and the Yamani and Copper Islands. I have also been to Galla, Tusaine, and Tyra.” Alexander almost growled at himself, he was babbling, and he didn’t want Gwynn to think he was bragging, he was merely stating facts, so to change the subject he asked “What do you think of the Yamani Islands, beautiful aren‘t they?….. Do you get to visit there often?”

Gwynn took deep breaths, under a Yamani-calm face. The third-year page was getting under control, though, as Alexander talked, her face resuming it's normal color. Alexander's staying in Corus for the holidays. At least I'll be able to see him when I'm not at the Yamani Islands.

"I love the Yamani Islands. There so pretty, and everyone's so nice there. I moved to the Yamani Islands from Northwatch when I was five. So, I was there when you visited." Gwynn laughed slightly. "Must of missed me. And yes, I visit at a regular basis. In mid-winter, and summer. I'm not visiting Northwatch becuase my parents don't want me to be in the midst of all the Scanran battles."

Gwynn shook her head to clear it, shaking back her hair as an excuse. Boy, am I babbling. This is . . .unusual.

Katherine walked to the library door, she was about to open it when she heard voices. She cracked it open and saw Alexander and Gwynn at a table talking. She pushed the door open quietly and walked in with a book in her hand. She had finished her History work, and wanted to bring it back. Though she also had to admit to herself that she wanted to find and new book to read, and to find out where her room mate was at this late hour.

She found the shelf she was looking for right by the door. She walked quietly over to the self and book her book back. She found the book she was looking for two shelves above that. When she pulled it out another book fell off the shelf.

She looked at Gwynn. "Sorry...I didn't mean to disturb you..."

Gwynn lifted her head, startled as she heard a rustle and clunk of a falling book. The page tore her eyes from Alexander, and looked towards the source of sound. Katherine stood by a book-shelf.

Gwynn's eyes widened, alarmed. She swiftly pulled away from Alexander, making sure her chair made no noise. His hand had looked so warm, perched on the table. Gwynn had wanted to place her hand upon Alexander's, but she didn't dare. Besides, how could she with this interuption.

But how could she not forgive Katherine. The library couldn't be completely empty.

"Hello, Katherine,' Gwynn said in a small voice, still wishing to be alone with Alexander.

"I'm so sorry..."She whispered glowing a bright red. "I didn't mean to disturb you..." She picked up the book that fell, and went to the other side of the library. She had to find this book before she left...

Gwynn sat on the edge of her seat, and shot a fleeting glance at Katherine. Th e page forced herself to believe there had been a rapid tempurature change and it was really hot now, so she wouldn't break to the urge to move closer to Alexander.

Gwynn glanced at Katherine once more, waiting for her to find the book. The third-year then inwardly scolded herself for being so selfish, and then had quite a change of attitude, and nearly had to hide a wicked grin.

"Hey, Katherine," Gwynn waved to get the other page's attention. "You know?" Gwynn said, lifting the book she had been reading, "I think Falik might want to use this book. If I remember correctly, he hasn't finished his history work yet, and I think this book would be very helpful. Could you bring it to him? Falik's in his room."

Gwynn winked at Alexander.

Katherine had finally found the book she was looking for. She looked at Gwynn as she called her name. She saw that Gwynn was holding up a book. Worst of all she said it needed to go to Falik...What am I going to do...

"Okay...I'll take it to him..."She whispered glowing a crimison color once more. She took the book and left the library.

Alexander smiled like a little kid in a candy store when Gwynn asked Katherine to take Falik a book so those two could be alone. Alexander started daydreaming about the double dates they could go on. They could go to the Dancing Dove or a nice little Yamani restaurant he had passed on his way through the market place. Yeah! Gwynn would like th….Alexander blushed at his silly daydreams and mentally slapped himself for doing so.

“Thanks for doing us, and Falik, the favor. I have tons of work to do and wouldn’t have had time to take the silly goose his book.” Alexander commented in a friendly manner as Katherine headed to his and Falik's room.

Not even Gwynn's Yamani's training could hide the adoring tinge in her hazel eyes. Now that Katherine was out of site, the third year leaned closer to Alexander. Her locks of copper hair fell over the table, in graceful waves, and Gwynn pushed them away. The page's hand itched to touch Alexander's, and why the harm.

Gwynn placed her small hands over Alexander's hands, smiling up at him.

"Your welcome," she whispered, her mouth close to Alexander's ear. Gwynn didn't know what else to say, all she knew that her heart was fluttering like a mad swarm of butterflies as she looked into Alexander's eyes.

Alexander felt hot, extremely hot. He didn’t know what to do. He looked at Gwynn and leaned closer to her. They weren’t even a full inch apart anymore and he thought about how he had never noticed how clear her eyes were until now. He then whispered "Thanks."

Gwynn's heart felt near to bursting. Alexander was very close. The page could see every fragment of his eyes. Alexander's very handsome . . . Gwynn thought. The page's skin prickled with mixed emotions; exitement, nervousness . . .

Gwynn took another breath. What was she to do? Gwynn had no idea. Should she make a big move? Even . . . Gwynn mentally shook her mind, clearing it to no avail.

"You're . . ." Gwynn moved even closer to Alexander. Her lips were only less than a centimeter from his cheek. Her hazel eyes twinkled. Then it happened. Gwynn's lips just barely brushed Alexander's cheek, but it was still a kiss.

Falik burst back in to the library, about to yell at them for sending Katherine to his room. He was clutching the books he had gone to get, plus the one Katherine had brought, under his arm.

"Thanks very...." he stopped mid sentance and clapped a hand to his mouth. He had come in just in time to see Gwynn kiss Alexander's cheek. He tried to smother his giggles but he was doing a poor job of it.

Alexander was about to kiss Gwynn back when he heard muffled laughing. He looked around wildly and his hand gripped Gwynn's in fright. If they where caught by Lord Genlith they would/could both be sent home. The training master had always been strict with those rules. Seeing it was only Falik he picked up a small, light book entitled A Brief History on Immortal Beast and chunked it at him with a rueful smile. If it hit Falik it wouldn't do any damage it was barely 90 pages long and very dusty.

Falik dodged aside so the book flew past him.

"I'm sorry..." he barely managed between fits of laughter. "You two are clearly...hard at work, so I'll take these back to my room and finish off there. Please, carry on." He gave them a little genteel bow and walked out the door. At this point he gave in to hysterics and gales of laughter.

Gwynn started when she heard the laughing, but at the same time her stomach felt a massive amount of butterflies; Alexander was holding her hand very tightly.

Seeing Falik, Gwynn scowled, and nodded her head curtly, smiling crookedly as Alexander through the book.

The Northwatch page turned back to Alexander, her cheeks flushed, but the clear glimmer in her hazel eyes still held its brilliance...

"Yes....at work...." What was she to do now? "Well, we don't have any good books....I'm sure you can finish the homework later...." Gwynn groaned inwardly. She really didn't want to start talking about schoolwork. Instead, Gwynn leaned closer to Alexander, almost as close as before, her copper locks gliding over the table in long waves.