"You know, the drawings aren't ruined," Orion said, trying to think of a reason why they weren't. He was making this up as he went. "Because everything gets messy at some point. And if you try to protect that sketchbook from getting messy by no using it, then it'd be pretty useless.So it's better to use it- I'm not making any sense again, am I?" he said, laughing nervously. A'ine would have come up with something to say.

(I find it hilarious picturing the teacher listening in on Orion and Jora. XD)

"That's a compliment- what you're mom said," Ember said. "Honestly, I was jealous of her at first, stupid huh?But I want to get to know her better," she said. She left out the fact that she was still slightly jealous of Jora as it was rather stupid. She knew her troubles were nothing compared to Jora's.

Jora shook her head. "They are... Quit trying to put a good face on it." She said blankly reaching up to wipe off a tear. She looked at her sketchbook again and felt like throwing it away. It wasn't making her feel better like it usually did. Now it was a constant reminder of how badly she always messed things up. Last night was awful, she ruined it for Orion too. And A'ine,,,, and Ember.... and Alderic. She just was making everyone's life stink and she couldn't do anything about it.

(Should I bring him into this? *Rubs hands together evilly*)

Alderic shrugged. "Everyone's jealous at some point for different reasons." He leaned closer to her his smile wide. "I was always jealous of my sister's because they never accidentally set the tent on fire." He's smile widened again to an unbelievable width. "Of course when you're jealous of someone there's always the thing that makes you stop being jealous. My sister's never got as many applause as I did." He said winking at her.

Orion sighed. He was making her cry again. Here I go again, making things worse. Stop while your ahead! Of course, Orion ignored his inner conscious. "Do you mind if I look at it?" he asked Jora tentatively.

(Yes please! Orion's at a loss. I kinda lost control of him. I swear it's like he has become real and I have no control over him whatsoever. That probably sounded rather strange. XD)

"Yeah, but siblings are different," Ember said, sighing. She winced. Her sister had been jealous of Ember's freedom when they were younger, since Ember was a good six years older. She let her hair hide her face, not wanting Alderic to see her down in the dumps. She knew he was trying to make her lighten up, and she was grateful to him, but it was hard to get her to cheer up.

(Aaaaand now I've lost control of Ember too. They've grown up so fast! *wipes away imaginary tear* XD)

Jora bit her lip thinking. She really didn't think that he would ask. She looked down at her book and touched the pages keeping the book closed. She didn't know if she didn't want him to look or not.

Master Alexander walked to the back when he noticed the two had stopped talking. "What are you fretting about, my dear girl?" He asked after seeing Jora's face. She looked upset at best. She shook her head and handed the sketch book to him. He flipped through a few of the pages and was amazed by the work put into the drawings. "Why are you upset? These are masterpieces, dear girl." He continued for a bit more when she remained silent.

Alderic sigh frustrated. "Man! You're making me jealous of A'ine now! She can make you smile easily, and I'm the circus nut. You aren't even happyish." He said almost with a laugh.

"That's what I've been saying," Orion said, surprised Jora had given up her sketchbook so easily. He hoped the teacher could reassure Hora. He certainly seemed a much better take than him.

"It's hard to cheer me up," Ember said. "You've done it more times than most. Actually more times than anyone except two people," she added, feeling sort of happy that he wanted to be able to make her smile.

Alexander nodded at the boy and saw the first page with the pink stains on it. "Oh, dear. Come now child, your work is not ruined." He handed her the book with a smile. "They are just worn with time. Just as they are around the world. It shows some history, I am sure whomever spilled that on your book will now be a close friend." He gave a reassuring smile to her and looked at Orion. "You were correct in saying that, young Orion. She is quiet skilled."

Jora didn't believe Master Alexander. Her drawings weren't that wonderful. They were less beautiful then others she had seen. She felt like they were as ugly as she was, everyone at her village had said so.

Alderic frowned, his eyes still smiling, and snapped his fingers. "Shoot! I'm losing my touch!" He smiled at her. "Did you know, that not only is it a saying, it's a fact, that everyone looks better when they smile?" He asked trying to see her face behind her hair.

(Sorry it took so long!)

Orion looked at Jora worriedly. "You don't believe is, do you?" He said. Those stupid village kids! You can't just go around ruining people's self esteem.

"Then I probably don't look that good most of the time," snapped Ember. She regretted snapping a few seconds after. She wasn't mad at Alderic. He just happened to be there. And he was still trying to make her smile, which most people have up on after she refused to talk.

Jora sighed. She didn't want to talk about it to anyone. She just wanted to go sleep somewhere. She wwas tired and exasperated. She was done with trying to pretend that anyone here didn't think she was a mistake. She wondered how her parents were able to do it ever.

Alexander looked at Orion gesturing with his hand for him to continue talking to Jora.

Alderic froze. "Damn! I'm so sorry Ember! I didn't mean it like that!" He quickly apologized feeling awful for letting his motor mouth run away from him again. "My thoughts get away from me and they drag my mouth with them." He said feeling lame for trying to make excuses. "Man that was pathetic..." He muttered to himself rubbing the back of his neck.

Orion felt utterly helpless... Again. "Jora, if you're still upset about last night, no one cares. I mean, well they were worried and all, but they're not scared, and I we still want to be friends..." He trailed off, cursing himself for not being able to speak well. For everything he said, he want good at it. He wished that A'ine was here now more than ever. Or his sister.

Ember actually smiled at his flustered reaction. "No... I'm sorry, I didn't mean to snap," she said. She mustered the cottage to look up so he could see he had succeeded in making her smile, although it disappeared rather weight and she does her head back down again.