"Oh..." Eric said just as softly, a touch of disappointment colouring his tone. In that case, he could only assume that she was just as mundane as he was, and just as ignorant of the rose glass as himself. For a moment, disappointment and despair flared. What he would not give for some clue as to how the curse came about, and how to break it! But just as quickly, it was followed by much curiosity. He was not one to dwell on despair, especially when there were new people to talk to!<br/><br/>He took a step forward, as Alia offered to leave. For a moment, he panicked. He did not want her to go. Not while she was a fresh new face, a link to the outside world. Something new, to shake up his dull, usual life of seclusion and lessons. "No, it's fine," he said quickly. "I would be glad if you stayed." An awkward silence ensued, as he racked his brains on what he could say to further the conversation. A sudden thought occurred to him. "You're not from the castle then," he said, sounding rather awed. "You're from outside."