Reika had been frightened of men every since the incident barely a year ago. Her trust was very difficult to win, especially for boys; though she knew she could trust Alyxander.Her blue eyes remained brimmed with tears and lit with fear for quite a bit of time, as she was very sensitive to this kind of occurrence. John had definitely scared her very badly. The girl held onto Kate, sobbing for a few moments, seeming inconsolable during that time. And she had plenty of reason to do so; Draco hadn't been the only one to attack and abuse her for her body. Her beauty seemed a curse to her.<span style="font-style: italic">"Your safe now. I have you. I won't allow anyone to harm you. I promise."</span>Reika nodded, sniffling, tears still streaming down her face. "T-thank you, Kate."<span style="font-style: italic">"You and I are going into town and you may have a weapon of choice to defend yourself. I will not leave you alone again.</span>Again, the girl nodded; the idea of having a weapon nearby was comforting, but would she be able to use it? She hated the idea of harming others, even in her own defense. She had only sparred with Alyx because he had been her target and if she didn't attack him she would have been killed at the end of the battle.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">"Blow your nose. Know this you are good person and what was done to you is not your fault. Your a good person and some men are bad. I did not know I could not trust my brother. I never knew him to take advantage of anyone one."</span><br/><br/>Reika blew her nose, wiping the tears away with the back of her hand. "He is the kind t-to hold grudges to enemies, e-even long past." She whispered. "I have seem m-many a man such as h-he. I could not tell h-his intentions though; h-his touch was gentle, light... h-harmless seeming. I t-though it was y-you at first." The girl put the handkerchief aside, sniffling softly. She stiffened and glanced around as she heard the click of the door locks, then calmed when she realized it was Kate's doing.<span style="font-style: italic">"No one can get in or out with out my magic. I am sorry my dear. I will not allow anyone to get close to you or allow you to be alone."</span>"I was trained a soldier, a f-fighter, Kate. I was merely s-scared this once. You n-need not worry for my safety as l-long as I am given the permission t-to defend. I w-want no harm for this f-family, even your b-brother, as none have done me w-wrong."<br/><br/>Reika soon had calmed, letting her mind be put at ease as she became tired again. As she was offered the peppermint stick, she smiled but shook her head. " 'Tis late now, and I am tired. May you help me sleep in peace?" She asked softly, laying down. "I promise I shall find my way to such dreams on my own soon enough. I hate this for you, that you are always having to watch for me. I wish not to be a burden to you, nor Alyx, nor any."