Alyxander did what he could to help Matt, and no matter how tiring or difficult it was, he refused to give up on his friend. Even when Matt began to relapse for longer periods of time into his past, his friend stayed by his side, coaxing him back to reality. Things didn't seem good, but now was not the time to give up because times were tough. Not at the peril of a life. Finally, after longs days and weeks passed by, Matt began to progress and heal, and eventually his fever broke. Alyxander was overjoyed, and even though he was exhausted from all he had done to help his colleague, he was happier than ever. Reika was glad to see her friend happy again, and could sense the burden of Matt's sickness easing away as the Winter solstice grew near. The timing could not have been more perfect.<br/><br/>On the day that they were going into town, both Alyx and Reika were bundled up and grinning. "You should have combed your hair. 'Tis worse than a bird's nest." "As if yours isn't the same. I at least tried to comb my hair. What is your excuse?" They playfully teased each other as they sat in the carriage with Kate, heading off into the shops. Alyxander glanced over towards Kate. "Shall the ball be pushed back this year, or is it not being hosted atal?"<span style="font-style: italic">'Not that I was looking forward to it.' </span>" 'Twould be such a shame if the season was without such occasion."