Greyson slipped out of the dining room as soon as the meal was concluded, passing his thanks to the cooks, and wishing all a pleasant evening. Silently he walked the platforms and steps to his room. He turned on no lamp as he sank into his bed. He lay back staring at the ceiling. He closed his eyes, pondering. The faintest hints of metal sliding on metal caught his ears, but he did not stir. He didn't need to. If she had meant to be silent, he wouldn't have heard her. She allowed only her head to enter the room, the same sideways expression as from before.

"Your thoughts are loud, Grey One. It won't be easy, you know. They're a lot stronger than they look, especially him. The ground is soft, but there are rocks beneath." Grey smiled. She shook her head and smirked into the darkness. "Whatever. I'll be waiting." Steps sounded behind her. Simon.

"River, leave him alone. It looks like he wants to be left alone." She turned to him, raising her nose a little bit.

"Quite the opposite, dear brother, but as you wish." She waved her arm out dramatically, speaking in a snobbish accent. "Ah'll be in the looounge, dear, should anyone caaahll." Tossing the arm back dramatically, she huffed off to the small room beside the infirmary. Simon stood there, blankly. She hadn't had an episode since Brother Jude came aboard. He thanked, well, he was thankful for that. He didn't fully trust the priest. He stopped himself in mid-thought. How could he not trust a priest? Had the past few years been so tough? He turned around and found himself staring a cleft chin, stubbled with auburn hair.

"Gah!" Grey caught him before Simon could collide with him.

"Careful there, Simon." Simon adjusted his shirt, looking at his feet for a moment. "Your sister-"

"What about her?" Simon cut him off.

"I was merely going to say she was quite the young woman. She's got that spark, strength." Simon looked at Greyson for a moment.

"Yes, she is something. She's been through a lot. But you are right