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"I'll go and get ready!" said Alissa running down the hall, where she bumped into Winston, "Eeeohh, Helleoh little girl!" he drawled reaching out to feel her curling hair, Alissa cringed under his uninvited touch. Winston for his part handled her as though he were appraising livestock for purchase.

Randy paused to watch from where he stood, a low growl forming in his chest. He did not like that Winston one bit, particularly not after learning his intentions.

Finally Winston removed his hands from Alissa's person leaving the little girl feeling inexplicably dirty and upset. She threw an almost questioning glance at Randy as though he might have an answer before scurrying to her room.

Randy gave a displeased snort as he returned his attention to the lunch he'd been packing. It was bound to be difficult not to tell her what Winston had in mind, but the last thing he wanted to do was upset her--especially over what was potentially nothing.

"She loves meh! The soft little thing!" Winston cooed to no one in particular as he passed Randy.

Randy's ears flattened slightly and he sped up his packing, very nearly squashing a few food items without realizing it.

Alissa returned to Randy with a change of clothes and she'd taken the time to wash her hair, more to make herself feel better about Winston having touched it.

"I believe we are all ready, then." Randy motioned for her to follow him out the door in a hurry, lest Winston catch them and have something else to say first.

Alissa seemed to relax once they were away, "Is your friend nice?" she asked.

"Oh, yes," Randy replied as he sent a mental flash to said friend to announce their visit. "I am sure he will be pleased to see us."

Alissa beamed, "I'll be pleased to see him to if he can help me with my studies!"

Randy led her through town until at last they reached a house which was set away from the rest of the nearby buildings. He knocked on the door and it was answered by a man of similar structure, only a few inches shorter than Randy and nearly as broad. He greeted them both with a smile.
"Randy! Good morning," he said in the same accent, though his voice was notably less deep than Randy's. "Who've we got here?" He stepped aside and motioned for Randy and Alissa to come into the house.

"My name is Alissa Summerville," said Alissa holding out a hand for him to shake.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Summerville," he said, giving her hand a brief shake. "I am Dr. Anson, but you may call me Gilbert." He paused and frowned. "But not Gil."

"I'll call you Gilbert if you call me Alissa," said Alissa with a soft smile.

"We have a deal," said Gilbert. "What brings you in today?" He already knew the answer, just as he'd already known who Alissa was, but it would have seemed strange not to ask.
"I thought you might be able to help Alissa with her studies," Randy explained; "we are in need of some information regarding the French monarchy."