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Alissa gave him a sheepish look, "Mother wants me to read up on the family history of the French Monarchy," she said, "But it's really boring....and I don't know that I'd ever go to France, and even if I did why would I need to know all this?"

Randy smiled. "I couldn't tell you," he answered truthfully, "but it doesn't hurt to learn. What makes it so boring?"

"Well, it's nothing but names and dates, this king was born one hundred years ago, he got married at 25, he had three children, then he caught typhus and died at age 47, that's all it says about any of them, it's just a list of men who are only important because they were kings, none of them are really extraordinary, or heroic," said Alissa.

"I understand the sentiment," said Randy. "I haven't studied the matter extensively, myself. I much prefer learning about people as... people, as opposed to titles."

"That's how I feel, I wanted to learn about Kind Arthur, but Mama insists he's only a legend, but I think maybe he was real, or at least inspired by someone real, so many people believe in him. Besides, even if he is a legend, legends are important, they say a lot about the people who grew up with them and the countries they come from," said Alissa.

"That they do; you are a very bright young lady, aren't you?" mused Randy. "I could get you some more personal information if you think it would help," he offered.

Alissa beamed, "I think that would help, it will be easier to remember who was who if I have something interesting to tell them apart with,"

"I've got a friend who is a historian and should have just what you're looking for," said Randy.

"Do I still have to read this book today?" Alissa asked, picking up the tome with a sigh.

"Will your mother want to know what you've learned by the end of the day?" Randy questioned.

"No, she doesn't really care, she's going to be away for the next two days," said Alissa with a sigh, "Now that you're here she'll be home even less than before,"

"Well, that is unfortunate... but so long as she isn't here, why don't we try my approach to the subject?" Randy suggested. "You can put that book away for the day and tomorrow we'll go out and speak with that friend of mine. I'm sure he can tell you all sorts of fascinating things."

Alissa nodded, "Sounds good! But if I'm not going to study today what should we do?" she furrowed her brow, "D..do you maybe want to come outside and see the garden with me?"

"I'd love to," Randy replied. "Shall we?"

Alissa stood and took his large hand in her much smaller ones, "Come on then!" she lead him to the garden, which was expansive and full of colorful flowers, a stone fountain stood in the middle where a stream of water poured from a jug held by a sculpted angel.

"This is lovely," Randy remarked as he took a look about the garden. "You have a very interesting variety of plant life."