Nathan was surprised, not by Abia's performance, but by the silence that came afterwards.  As if no one had expected that from her.  He stood up, getting ready to applaud, when the imp Eliza slid between his arms, with other ideas in mind.  Giving him a hug he couldn't break without hurting her.  And then the moment had passed and Abia had moved to another song, trying to cover her embarrassment with a song everyone would sing.  Watching her run and hide, he knew she couldn't be allowed to do that.  But first, he needed to extricate himself from her friend.<br/><br/>"I'm just passing through," he replied.  "Now, if you'll excuse me, I think your friend needs some encouragement."  It hadn't been lost on Nathan that this "friend" had certainly not supported Abia when needed.  Finding Abia in her corner, he sat next to her,  He paused for a moment to listen to the music coming from the stage.  "He's pretty good.  But you, you gave up a little too easily, there."