This conversation had gone in directions he didn’t mean it to. Amon glanced around, and found ample opportunity to change the subject, especially now that Koh wasn’t still furious with him.

“So, you’re here for the festival?” he asked, as if he didn’t know.

She nodded a bit. “I thought it might cheer me up. The princess stuff is rather silly, I know, but the decorations are always very pretty.”

“Mmm…” The Allagan looked at her for a long moment. Then he came right out with it. “I want to make this up to you.”

“Amon… it’s… fine…” Koh shook her head.

“No, it’s not. And I’m going to make it up to you. I insist.”

She puffed her cheeks out at him, then gave in. “Okay. But let the record stand that I said you didn’t have to.”

“Very well,” Amon grinned widely, then got to his feet. “Come with me.”

Koh’s expression was a little concerned, but she did follow him, weaving between the people, and working to keep up with his long strides. Soon, they were standing within the Weaver’s Guild, and Amon was radiating a silent smugness.

“What’s all this about?” she poked him with a frown.

“You’ll see,” he responded in a sing-song tone.

A few minutes later, a deeper voice spoke. “Miss Koh?”

Koh turned to see Redolent Rose, the Guildmaster, approaching them. Her eyebrows lifted. “Yes?”

“Good. We were able to fit in just enough time for her appointment today, sir,” Rose gave a polite nod to Amon.

“Wonderful! I assume Jandelaine is on hand as well?” The Elezen grinned widely, folding his hands together.

“As requested.”

Koh’s gaze shot between them in concertation. “What’s all this about?”

“Why, I’ve been hired to oversee your fashion transformation, Miss.” Rose told her, giving her current drab robes a long looking over. “Though perhaps a tad too late, if I may be blunt.”

“Fashion transformation?” her mouth hung open as she repeated.

“None the worries! I have just the thing in mind for you. I’m sure we can have you absolutely glowing by the time you head back to the festival.”

“Amon?” Koh questioned.

The Bard shrugged. “I studied up on this cultural celebration. It’s all about celebrating and pampering the ladies, is it not? I figured you could use a little something special after all I put you through.”

“But…”

“Don’t fret,” Amon leaned down and murmured to her. “Just enjoy yourself for once.”

The cat-girl let out a long breath.

“Are you coming, Miss Koh?”

She turned quickly and called, “Yes… yes.”

“Go on,” the Elezen grinned.

“You’re impossible,” Koh huffed softly, but couldn’t hide the smile as she vanished into the back room.

When Koh emerged from the Weaver’s Guild, Amon responded with a good deal more surprise than he expected. He had every faith in Rose and Jandelaine to select what complimented the cat-girl best, but he didn’t realize what a transformation new clothes and a haircut could have.

Koh had always struck him as somewhat girlish with her long hair, large glasses and uniform scholar robes. All of that was gone now, and she shown with a maturity and confidence he’d never seen before.

Rose had chosen a lovely top of Ala Mihgan make and silky flared pants, both showcasing a brilliant warm orange. Her hair cut was short, smart and highlighted, really bringing out the shape of her new glasses.

“Wow,” he said as he got to his feet.

“Do you like it?” Koh asked, turning around to give him a good look.

“Do you?” Amon asked.

“I… was surprised,” she answered, then nodded, that shyness overcoming her once again. “But yes. I think I like it. Thank you.”

“Wonderful,” he grinned brightly, presenting her with the flower crown that he’d seen others wearing.

Koh accepted it with a sly grin. “You do know what this means, don’t you?”

“You’re a princess for the day?” The Bard answered, drumming up the cultural meaning he’d learned from researching the event.

“And… what does every princess require?”

“Other than flowers?”

“Yes.”

He mulled this over for a moment, not sure where Koh was going with this question.

Finally, she answered for him. “A seneschal, of course.”

“Oh! Oh, right. I read about that…”

Koh caught his arm and gave him an expectant look.

Amon suddenly realized what she was getting at. “Wait… me?”

“Come on. It’ll be fun.”

“Well…”

“I know where all the best food is,” she teased.

The Elezen’s eyebrows lifted and he elegantly fell in stride beside her at that sentiment. “What are we waiting for, then?”

Koh grinned widely as Amon escorted her into the rainbow of sights, smells and sounds of the festival. And for that bit of time, she felt quite special, indeed.