The Kiraha laughed once again at Feather's words as Tynan stared at her worriedly. "You're positively delightful, dear," she cooed. "Perhaps before you leave, I might have the chance to educate you a little. It must be nice to be so young. Ah, Igor," She turned to the servant who approached her, bearing drinks.

"What are you doing?" Tynan growled worriedly at Feather, taking her hand urgently as the Kiraha's attention was distracted. "Why are you aggravating her?"

"I haven't the faintest idea what you're talking about," Feather replied archly.

Tynan's eyes narrowed. "I think you do." he said softly, understanding showing in his eyes. "We'll talk about it later."

She pulled her hand from his. "There's nothing to talk about."

"Later."

Arum glared at the exchange, unable to hear what exactly was said. Mezen set fire to Tynan's hair! Blast that guy - who does he think he is playing two women?! It was then that Adam squealed with delight as Igor and the butler brought in the trays of food. Candles were lit and the dining room was cast in a gentle glow as the food was unveiled. It was a wide spread of delicately seasoned dishes.

"What a healthy appetite," Kiraha noted after a while as she watched Adam have his third helping. "You must like Araawan cuisine."

"Is it Araawan?" Adam smiled, breaking open another soft shelled crab. "It taste's terrible - so bland." He stuffed his mouth.

Kiraha stared in astonishment at the boy, then laughed. "Such honesty in the young," she smiled. "I remember Tynan used to hate Araawan dishes. He could never understand why they were so delicately seasoned, why stop at a pinch of lemongrass when more would bring out the flavour?" She raised one eyebrow at Tynan. "He was always so demanding like that." The man had the decency to blush as he ate, pretending to ignore the Kiraha's banter.

"It is bland." Feather spoke, not looking up from picking at her meal. "Even for Araawan fare." The Kiraha's smile never wavered as she turned her violet eyes on Feather. Arum shuddered as the atmosphere thickened with animosity.