Alyxander nodded, though didn't answer for a moment. "It's not that I fear crowds, it's that I worry about how my presence may affect others." He murmured.<span style="font-style: italic">"You are brave and have a politeness that will be accepted. Kate is a good dance teacher and because of her, you will be accepted by her friends and mine."</span>Alyx sighed and nodded, glancing to the window again and seeing Kate and Reika come out of the snow house. He wondered what she had drawn.<span style="font-style: italic">"What does she fear Lad?"</span>The young man returned his gaze back to Lord Lyons and he tried to think up a way to explain this without causing too much trouble... but then again, it was a pressing situation. John was even more bitter now, he had even more reason and mind to go through with what he had said last night.<br/><br/>"Well, sir, I had run into John late last night after bringing some dishes down to the kitchen." He began quietly. "He had expressed a bit of taste for Reika... wanting to know my relations with her. I fear he may have ill intentions towards her. The poor girl has already suffered so much, if he went through with what he had said, I fear she would be scarred for life." He wondered if the man would understand his meaning, though he probably did. Little did he know, Kate had yet to tell her father, and Alyx, about last night's incident.<br/>~~~<br/>Reika followed Kate out, shivering a bit under the coat. Though it was thick, she wasn't used to being outside. Especially at this time of year. As they got inside, she pulled off her winter wear.<span style="font-style: italic">"It is getting colder and soon the lake will be ready to skate on."</span>"I have never been skating before." Reika said, grabbing one of the cookies from the tray that Ann was holding. It were warm, and warmed her up as she ate. Out of the corner of her eyes she caught John coming down the stairs, and glanced over a bit. She knew he wouldn't try anything with Kate and Ann around, but couldn't help but fear he may find his way to her and get around his sister's shield. Had Kate come in minutes later, who knows what could have happened. The thought frightened her more than anything. She turned away again, distracting herself by tucking the stray locks of golden hair that had fallen from the comb when she had put her hat on; she looked different from what she had last night. Perhaps he wouldn't recognize her?