((Matt came in before, towards the beginning... but I'm not sure if Alyxander recognizes or knows him...))<br/><br/>Reika blushed a bit at his comment, but it was barely visible; her face was flushed with exhaustion. John had been quite a force to be reckoned with. The young female was wary of his touch, but did not speak against him. Until he released her wrists, she kept hoping that he wouldn't do anything to hurt her. But if that had been his plan, wouldn't he have done something already? Besides, she doubted he would do anything to her with everyone in sight of him; especially Kate, Alyx and his father. That fact made her feel safe until he allowed her freedom from the snare of the sash.<span style="font-style: italic">"You have been well trained and sing like a lark. What can I get you? Hot cider or hot cocoa?"</span>"Cocoa, if you could please." She smiled shyly up at him, having enjoyed the dance very much. Reika still wondered why he was suddenly so attached and friendly towards her. Her singing, perhaps? That must have caught his attention... but why change so drastically? She couldn't let go of her fear that he was up to something, not yet. Not until John proved he had nothing but pure intentions.<br/><br/>Alyxander did not let his eyes leave John's expression, eyes narrowed cautiously. Every muscle in his body screamed for him to tear Reika out of the knight's grasp. To protect her. But he kept that back and away. Until John showed he was up to no good, he would not harm him; but that didn't mean he would willingly let the other male snatch Reika away against her will. And what did Reika want? Was she still afraid? He was snapped from his thoughts when the clamor from the front hall began, glancing towards the doors that led into the parlor. A letter was handed off to Sir Lyons, and the older man walked back out into the hall. A few moment later, he returned, his gaze upon Alyx.<span style="font-style: italic">"Alexander will you come in here. The rest of you continue to make merry."</span>Alyxander got to his feet and followed out into the hall, wondering what he was being called out for. When he was brought to the bearer of the letter, his eyes lit with recognition.<span style="font-style: italic">"I understand you know each other as cell mates."</span>The boy nodded. "I know him, aye. From before I was a servant of the Dark Lord."<br/><br/>((apparently he does know him))