Ary giggled at the quick succession of questions and tried her best to answer them. "Calm down Misa, You`ll be just fine. Yes, there are two of them, but there are also two of us. So it equals out the intimidation. They are both very handsome men though. They both seem well bred." Aralynn let out a sigh of relief. "But I am very glad to hear you are abandoning your crazy plan. Your mother would not have been pleased with us." The were getting nearer to the room where the boys were sitting. She had to tighten her hold on Misa's arm for fear of her running off. "As for your mother, she hasn't seen them yet. I had to send someone to let her know they had arrived. She should see them soon enough." They were at the room. Ary paused outside the room, pulling misa to a stop. She turned her friend to face her. "Deep breathes Misa, nothing is set in stone yet."

Misa took a deep breath. "Ok, I am ready" Her hands A bit shaky..."crap, I cant...." But she stayed still, almost frozen in place "OK" She took a deep breath, and looked at Ary" I am ready" She said again "At least there cute...and mother will most likey fall in love if there as handsome as you say they are..." She said with a small smile. "Ok, shall we go in?"

Ary smiled at her friend and gave the girls hand a squeeze. "Yes, Lets." Aralynn walked into the room and looked at the gentlemen. "May I present the lady, Misa." She looked to the doorway and waited for Misa to enter. Holding her breath a little, ary hoped Misa would come in and that she wouldn't have to track the girl down again.

Alexander and Luke stood up so suddenly, they almost knocked the lamp over. Alex reached out to steady it quickly, before they both bowed. It's a pleasure Ma'am. They both said in unison, then standing back up. Luke couldn't keep his eyes off the miss. He was so surprised at her that he didn't know what to do. It was good that Alex was here. He was much better with women than Luke. Yet, Luke also knew that most of the time Alex just pretended -since neither were around females much. Uh, I am Alexander and this here is Luke. Alex said, while Luke bowed again.

Aralynn brought her hand up to her face so no one could see her smile, though her eyes gave it away. She coughed to hide the giggle that she couldn't keep in, but Ary was glad the lamp had stayed in tack. The room was already very awkward, they didn't need a broken lamp added to this. Something needed to be done though. She smiled at the boys. "Can I offer you something to drink?" She hoped they said yes, then she could momentarily leave the room, although she knew misa would kill her for it later that night.

Misa walked into the room and smiled they were handsome! "Hello, I am Misa" She said smiling. "And you are...?" She asked wanting to know there names. She noticed Ary seemed...giggly..."Ary, Why dont you get us something to drink? Boys you like tea ? Good" She smiled, she was alot calmer then she felt, of course this little act was for her mother's sake....Her hands a bit shaky and her palms where getting clammy...oh dear god.... "Please Sit" She said sitting down herself.

Alexander's face went red when he saw the one try to not laugh. Luke almost laughed at him too. Luke agreed that tea would be fine, and Alex looked at the floor for a bit thankful that the other lady was leaving for a little while. ....So...It's a very nice day outside.. Luke tried to make conversation with the miss but he had no idea what to talk about.


((i'm sorry! I got called in to work this weekend, just got back. We had to do some extra training so I couldn't get on a computer. but I'll be on now!))

Aralynn was glad for the chance to step out of the room. It was so tense and awkward she could hardly stand it. She always got a case of giggles when things were awkward, even when just reading about them in books. It was bad when it happened in an actual situation because she felt it just made things worse. She let out a sigh as she headed for the kitchen. Normally she would just let them know what was needed, but today she felt she should get it together herself. Maybe things would lighten up without her in there.

[[ its ok, which guy is for misa?? lmao! Im lost on that part ]]

When Ary left, she felt even more weird...almost started laughing herself.."Um...well I dunno..Haven t been outside...." awkward....jeeze...how many more of these things will she have to go through??..."So..." she looked around trying to find something-anything to talk about..Misa suddenly wished Ary were here...

((lol I dunno! probably Luke I guess. since he's the one that's supposed to be courting her or whatever. ))

Alexander suddenly said something about having to use the bathroom. He hated leaving Luke but he knew that Luke needed to buck up. And Alex wanted to get out of this room. He left quickly and found himself outside on the terrace, watching a beautiful waterfall and some old people shooting clay pigeons. Luke just stared after Alex like he left him to his doom. Gulping, he looked back at Misa...uh, yeah. I didn't even stare out the carriage window on the way here. I was too nervous heh..- You know I'm not real good about these kind of things. I never really wanted to do this-Not that I don't want to be here! I just didn't really think about it much...oh crap! I totally messed that up..Why did Alex have to leave?? Luke thought.

Aralynn steadied the tray of tea as she walked through the halls towards the sitting room. However, she was really dreading going back in there. She didn't like awkward situations, they brought out the worst in her. Overly giggly is not exactly a great trait and doesn't do anything to ease the awkwardness in the room. Taking the longest route possible, she wound her way through the halls towards the sitting room. As she made her way past the terrace she noticed on of the guests out there watching the scenery. She paused and watched him briefly. She hoped that it wasn't the guy that Misa was supposed to be getting to know. She hoped he was too much of a gentleman not to leave her. Unless it was her who left him. She figured that it was just the man's friend. She tried to remember his name. Alexander? She wasn't quite sure. Ary knew she should make her way back to Misa but it was more calming just standing here. However, how would it look it he turned around and just found her staring at him? She needed to get back.

Alexander decided that he should probably get back to Luke's side before he strangled him. Sighing, not wanting to go back inside, Alexander slowly stood up (for he was leaning against a piller) and turned around, heading for the glass door. At first he didn't notice the lady, but when he reached out for the door handle, he jumped, realising she was standing just on the other side of the glass. Collecting himself, Alex went through the door and apologized. I'm sorry. I didn't see you there! He glanced down at the tray of drinks she had. -I take it I should be going back with you huh.. He half joked but you could tell he didn't want to go back into the room a little.

Ary felt her face go a little red when Alexander walked through the door. She didn't want him to think she had been watching him and she hoped he just thought it was timing. She tried to let him not see she was a little embarassed. She cleared her throat. "Yes, I suppose it would be a good idea to head back to the room. I doubt Misa has said much since I left anyway, which would make for a terrible time for your friend." Aralynn stopped herself from saying more, afraid that she would just start babbling.

"Oh well...to be honest, I dread these things as well..." Misa blushed a little relieved that Luke felt the same way.."Not th-that I dont enjoy your company and your at least handsome--" crap...Misa, yes go and scare they poor man away....wait why do you care? "Uhm...may I ask why you are..um nervous?"[I] Now ya did it...you are making it awkward...ER.[/I]

Alexander laughed a little. He thought the lady looked a little embarressed but he was kind of glad she was there. Well, I don't think Luke would have said much either. This stuff really isn't his thing..Well, mine either but I don't get nervous talking to ladies. Their just people like me. But Luke...Well, he almost treats women like aliens. Scared as crap. He was in no hurry to get back but he wasn't sure if he was making the lady uncomfortable so he sort of turned his body a little toward the hallway in case she wanted to start walking. So, do you live here or something too?



Luke felt a little more-no, a lot more comfortable now talking to the miss. At least they had something in common. He laughed a little when she said he was handsome because well, for one, he didn't know what else to do, and two, she was far better looking than he was. -He thought. Well I can't compete with your looksLuke tried to make a joke but his truthfullness came out in his voice too much. He caughed and cleared his throat. Well, um...I've never been the guy to think much about...well, you know - Women and stuff.....So when my pa said I had to start courting......heh..I guess I've been nervous about it ever since. -I'd rather be doing something fun with Alexander than to be put in akward situations. .....What do you normally do for a past time? er, I mean, how do you have fun? -since your a girl---lady, I mean, do they let you do anything??

Aliens. A smile touched Aralynn's lips as she started walking towards the room again. But she supposed women were the ones to fear in some way. They seemed to be more socially devious and conniving. You never really know what a woman is thinking, they were taught since childhood how to mask what they were really thinking. She glanced down at the tea tray she was holding to make sure nothing was spilling. "I do live here. I'm Misa's handmaid. I help her with whatever she needs."

Misa blushed, she was starting to like him. A little. and It was very much not as awkward as before. "Of course I do things! I talk with Ary-My Handmaid AKA my Best friend! and I write! I love to explore and--" wait..this wasn't very lady like..." erm...I like to cook" LIE " and um...sing..." LIE Misa sighed..." Actually, I hate singing and cooking...which is what mother thinks men want in a woman..so I guess she is right...." Misa looked almost bummed..." Um what about you? what to you do for fun?" She was enjoying herself a bit too much, she hasent even wondered were Alex and Ary went.

[[ SO SORRY it took so long !!! ]]

((its ok. I'm really busy lately too))

Alexander looked just a little surprised. Your her maid? You seem so close to her! I thought you were family somehow or best friends. Alextried to walk alittle slower because he normally took very long strides and he wanted to keep pace with the lady. So what do you think about the whole arranged marriage thing that's going on with her? I realize it's normal but it doesn't mean you have to like it...Do maids do that too? He really had no idea how it all worked. Alexander was very cunning in the fact that he somehow got his father and mother to not set anything up for him like that. He convinced them that school was much more important and going through the trouble of courting was simply taking away from it. Alex only partially believed this, he mostly just didn't want to deal with it.



Luke looked a little confused at first when Misa corrected herself, but he smiled when he realized that she wasn't just like every other woman in the world. You like actually doing 'FUN' stuff! That's great! and - He whispered just a little, -Your mom is wrong by the way. -don't tell her I said that! I think it's great when a girl-er, woman wants to do the same things that her husband does..to a point of course. - I just love being outside. Alexander and I always find new ways to entertain ourselves. We've recently started picking a random place on the map and just travelling there for a little while before coming back. But hunting and fishing...Horseback riding...I do a lot of things...-and...well, if you promise not to tell anyone -Alex thinks I'm weird for this- but I love to cook! So you'd never have to. - er.. He suddenly realized that he implied they would get married. Of course he didn't mean anything by it, that's just how his mind worked. Luke looked down hoping she wouldn't freak out about it.

Ary felt her face flush a little, but kept her head held high hoping he wouldn't sense any change in her mood. Being called a maid made her feel like a servant, she had been part of their family for so long now, Misa never made her feel like hired help. "Well, I am her handmaid, Like a lady in waiting, but we've grown up with each other so we're also best friends." She paused for a moment, wondering how to tactfully speak her mind. "Well, I know Misa is a little shook up about the whole thing, she really doesn't like being told what to do. I believe in making your own choices, especially in marriage. And lucky for me, I'm no one of high standing so I don't have to worry about an arranged marriage." She didn't really like talking about herself. Especially on this subject. "How about you? Do you have an arrangement waiting for you?"

Misa's heart flew! "Your SO lucky! I wish I could do all those things! Of course, I know how to horse back ride...But fishing and camping and traveling! wow! Thats so amazing!" She couldn't help it any longer, sorry mum. She blushed a bit. Did he just imply that ...he would marry her? Of course, if he liked her, he could. Misa wouldn't mind so much though...Misa giggled. "Well, I love to eat so we.." Oh she just..also implied....oh what the heck? He seems...nice. "Your really lucky....you get to live life! And choose who to marry...Not like me...if the man likes me...I am his." She said. " I know, That sounds bad, but thats how it is. Or if Mum likes Him, then yeah. But I like you so I wouldn't mind...." STOP MISA. Oh crap...what have I said????? "Um..erm...Um..." Misa just blushed.

Alexander nodded as Ary talked. He thought to himself that he would never want to be in either of the ladie's situations. Well, normally yes. I would have to but I've been lucky enough to be able to pursuad my parent's into letting me do things on my own time. -So your pretty much family here huh? I think you have the best seat in the house! You don't have to get married to a stranger but you can still live in a grand house. -oh and I do completely agree with your beliefs on the matter of marriage..I don't think I will ever make my children go through that.. Alex decided it was best to leave that subject of conversation because he was pretty sure they were both getting a little weirded out by talking to almost total strangers about it. So what do you do for fun?


Luke's face burned red when Misa talked. He realized she didnt' always think before she said things. Which wasn't a bad thing at all he thought. She always said what she believed and that was good. I would never make you marry me without your consent whether your mother demanded it or not. I don't think I would ever be able to live with that. Luke finally got the courage to look her in the eyes. I would love to keep seeing you though! And get a little more used to each other....you know? -You could always come do stuff with me and Alexander! I know he wouldn't mind and then you could get out of boring stuff here at the house! Luke almost jumped up at the idea but decided it better to stay seating lest he knock something else over in the process.

Aralynn was relieved to have a change in subject, something she didn't mind talking about. "I'm not going to lie, Misa has gotten me interesting in some very unladylike activities." She smiled at some of the memories she had of her and Misa getting themselves into trouble. "She likes exploring, So we've had many trips to the local ponds and surrounding forests. We've had to keep our adventures secret the past couple years. Misa's mother forbade us from continuing the explorations when we came home covered in mud. Misa's mother believes in ladylike activities. But when I do have time to myself, I enjoy reading. I can get so lost in a good book." She smiled as she glanced over at him, looking to see if she was boring him. "What do you enjoy doing?"

Alexander smiled. Well your around good company if you like getting in trouble. Or trying not to. Luke and I have pretty much pledged our lives to doing fun but stupid things. He laughed a little. They really weren't that bad, they just liked to have fun. If you like books you should see my father's library. It's enormous! Our house actually was built around the library. But me? Of course I like to travel and learn new things. I like to ave fun of course but there's times where I just want to relax. He looked over at Ary and smiled, pretty sure that she would understand.

Ary wished they had a big library here. But the family wasn't really interested in reading and only had a small one for show. And Aralynn had read most of the books in there. The interesting ones anyway. "Wow, a house built around a library. Your father really must like books. I would love to see what kinds of things you guys have in there." She smiled brightly at the thought of new books and all the different things his Library would probably hold.. She turned her attention back to Alexander, not wanting to look silly when she couldn't come up with a reply for having gotten lost on thoughts of books. "Traveling sounds like fun. I haven't really been many places, but it seems like a good way to learn new things. Where have you gone so far?" She knew the room was just around the corner, But she didn't want to go back in. Alexander was easy to talk to, but she still had a tray of tea to get rid of before it went cold.

Misa blushed hard, but didnt seem to care, she liked Luke, he was fun and interesting and didnt care that she was...well misa. "So even if you liked me, and was like mad in love with me , you wouldn't marry me unless It was mutual?" Misa liked this about him, he was honest and not a stalker. "Wow, Um" She blushed he really wanted to see her again? and keep seeing her??? This was amazing! Of course she felt the same way but how to respond without sounding to..um excited? "Id love to see you again! And go explore with you and Alexander, that sounds amazing" She tried, but she could not contain the feeling. Her face gave away everything, and the worst part is that Ary will be the first, if not only one to notice and give her grief. Misa smiled to herself. Thinking of all the times she has gotten in trouble for being her self, her mother telling her no guy would ever love her because of this, yet here is luke totally OK with Misa. Irony works in crazy ways. She was definitely going to write this one out. "When can I see you again after tonight of course?" Ary was not going to believe this!