Everything was going swimmingly, until Luna looked at her. Under the older Aes Sedai's scrutiny, Ilia had to force herself not to squirm. There was something about it. Something that told Ilia that Luna knew more than she was letting on. Ilia's suspicions...and confusion deepened as Luna removed an or from her pouch. Ilia brought her hand to touch the identical one at her neck, as of to make sure it was still there.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">"The third lesson you have learned, my sweet innocent young Aes Sedai sister... is beware of gifts,"</span><br/><br/>Luna's whisper echoed from the orb at her neck and Ilia ripped her hands away from it.<span style="font-style: italic">What under the light?</span>She had been listening since- Ilia thought back to the garden and their argument. She had heard, through the orb, Shadow speak. Yes. For most of their argument, Ilia had been holding onto the orb. Light but this woman was clever! Ilia hoped that she could grow to be just as clever.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">"The fourth one... if you have a good warder...which I believe you do, do not so readily dismiss his instincts," </span><br/><br/>Ilia, though surprised, beamed as if the compliment was for her. Of course, she could join in the praise of her future warder. It was always nice to hear the approval of others on your selection. Until Luna pitched him up and hung him by his feet! Ilia could only sit and watch, mouth agape. She gasped at the mention of the black Ajah, a shiver running up her spine, but she also took time to admire the strength of Shadow's core muscles. After realizing that Luna was mocking him for his comments to her from yesterday, Ilia his a smile behind her hand. It wouldn't do to humiliate Shadow anymore than he already was.<br/><br/>Ilia listened as Luna explained the Sa-angreal to her and made a note to get a locket for it. It would be a waste of a chain just to keep it in a pouch and she was afraid of losing it if it wasn't around her neck.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">"You two make such a wonderful couple! I am so glad Shadow passed the test," </span><br/><br/>For some unknown reason, that one comment stuck with Ilia, even after Luna left and Shadow was berated through the orb. Still thinking on it, Ilia slowly took the necklace off as gave Shadow a long, but preoccupied, stare. A couple. She had called them a couple. Sure, some greens married their warders. What was she thinking? She barely knew Shadow. Even though it felt like she'd already known him for eternity. Standing, Ilia made her way towards the young man and stopped before him. She wanted to kiss him. Even if he hadn't been entirely correct about his suspicions, he was correct in having them. She stared into his big, beautiful, dark eyes and then, for reasons unknown to herself, she slid her arms around his waist and hugged him. It wasn't a kiss, but Ilia couldn't buck up the courage just yet.<br/><br/>"Do you think...that someday you could tell me your real name? " She didn't know why that was important to her. It just was, and if he chose not to ever tell her, that was ok.