Hannah had a visit late that night. She had been hoping her brother would come, but not at this hour when she was already dressed for bed, brushing out her hair.

She tossed her brush on the covers, shaking her head. That idiot. Not that she didn't appreciate him coming – she knew his hours were long. But she didn't want him getting into trouble for her sake. That wouldn't be helping either of them.

The knocking sounded again, spurring her to her feet. She rustled across the tiny room, yanking the door handle and practically bumping noses with a grumpy-looking nun. "Oh," she went in surprise. "Hello."

"Hannah Iver?" the nun rasped, peering at her.

"Yes?"

"Visitor for you."

She opened her mouth, ready with a greeting, until she saw who it was standing there.

"Evening, Hannah. So good to see you again."

"Captain," she mumbled, openly surprised. Not in the least had she expected anyone other than her brother. Especially not him.

"Sorry to be by so late," he apologized, the old nun skulking away behind him. Even she couldn't help looking back at him once or twice; it wasn't everyday Magda's had visitors like him.

"Where's Rio?" Hannah asked.

"Oh, he's at the station. He should be turning in by now, along with the others." He paused, looking over her in sudden interest . "As I see you were about to do … ?"

Hannah blinked, then looked down at herself. A thin nightdress, no sleeves for the warm night, the white flesh of her arms exposed. Oh no. She doubled back, making a hasty grab for her shawl. As she tossed it over her neck, she heard the Captain toeing his way inside, even though she hadn't said he could come in.

"I hope I'm not disturbing you?" he said, eyeing her in a way she didn't like.

"As you said, Captain, I was just about to sleep." She paused, thinking for a moment. "Please don't tell me something's happened with my brother?"

"Oh, no, nothing like that."

"He's not caused some sort of trouble?"

"No."

"No? Then why are you here?"

"Can one not visit a friend?"

"Since when did we become friends?"

That made him chuckle. Which was ridiculous, since it wasn't a joke. "I haven't been to Magda's in such a long time," he told her, his voice a murmur. "We used to come here often – Stefan and I. It always made me feel better. Like … things didn't seem so bad anymore once I was in these walls."

She kept quiet, a little surprised by the seriousness of his words.

"But you know which is my favorite part about this place?"

She shook her head.

"The beach. The ships coming in and out, the waves. It's most calming."

"The beach is lovely," she admitted.

"Would you like to go down there?"

"What?"

"Have a little walk?" He held up a palm for her to take, but of course she didn't.

"It's the middle of the night."

"So? We won't be seen."

"That's not what I'm worried about."

"What are you worried about?"

She stopped for a minute, wondering just how blunt she should be. "I just don't think it appropriate."

"Really? I honestly see nothing inappropriate about it. It's only a walk."

She stared at him.

"Alright, if you're so unwilling, I shan't force you. Perhaps another time, after you've gotten more comfortable with the idea."

"I don't think so, Captain."

"You never know." He turned round, heading for the door. "Very well then. I'll leave you to yourself for now. Sleep well, Miss Hannah. Do you have any words for your brother before I go?"

"None to be passed."

He nodded. "I understand. So …goodnight?"

"Goodnight," she emphasized.

He took his cue, breezing out; his cape bunched against her arm, and she impatiently waved it off. As he turned, he seemed to want to say something, but Hannah pretended not to see and shut the door on him.

So the Captain was more persistent than she'd thought. This was starting to feel like trouble.

...

Rio was standing by the doors of the church early the next morning. He looked energetic for the hour, fidgeting and bouncing on his heels. She wondered what he could be so happy about.

"It's a good day, Hannah," Rio greeted her, bowing deeply and causing some girls nearby to giggle. "A very good day."

"Is it?" she yawned.

"I'm completely free this morning. No training, no duties, nothing at all."

"Really?" she asked, more awake now. "What good deed did you do to earn that?"

"None. It was the Captain. He let us all off."

"Let you off?"

"Mmm. He must be in a good mood, I don't know. I thought I'd take you out to see the castle. But before that – a good breakfast to get us started. What do you think?"

She didn't answer, distracted. Did the Captain's generosity have anything to do with his visiting her last night? It couldn't, could it?

"Hannah?"

"What?"

"Breakfast? What do you say?"

"Oh, yes, of course."

"Some of my friends are having breakfast at the Corona. They said we could join them, if you like."

"Um … does that include your Captain?"

Rio blinked, looking strangely at her. "No, why?"

"Just wondering. So who are these friends?"

"Felix and Jay. You'll like them. They're nice. Both taken unfortunately, or I'd have tried matching you up with one of them."

"Thank you so much for the thought," she mumbled.

"No harm offering."

"Rio?" they heard a voice, the both of them turning. It was Shelby, coming quickly down the stairs towards them. For a moment, Hannah thought she saw her brother stiffen at the sight of the young nun. Shelby on the other hand, looked almost shy coming up. "It's so good to see you," she said.

"Hello, Shelby," Rio answered, not quite meeting her eyes.

"It's been a while, hasn't it?"

"It has."

"How is the guard treating you? How's training?"

"Good, good. Everything is absolutely, just – good."

"Still keeping with Felix and the others?"

"Yep. They're doing well. Other than the usual homesickness."

"What about you?" Hannah wondered to her brother.

"I'm not like them."

"Why? Are you missing home, Hannah?" Shelby asked, seeming to remember she was there.

"I don't know. Maybe I am."

"What's there to miss?" her brother wanted to know.

"How could I not miss my own home?" she retorted. "Isn't that what any normal person would feel?"

Shelby raised a hand, looking between them. "The two of you are still very much newcomers to Dalen. You should give yourselves time."

"Absolutely," Rio said, glancing at his sister.

"Anyway, you shouldn't talk about that now. Rio, have you eaten? Why don't you and Hannah join us for breakfast?"

"Thank you, but not right now. Hannah and I have plans."

"Oh," Shelby went, blinking.

"I'm sure you understand."

"Of course. Next time, perhaps?"

He shrugged.

"Alright then," Shelby said quietly. "I'll see you both. Rio … "

"Hmm?"

"It was good seeing you again."

He bowed his head, doing a weak almost-smile. In front of him, Shelby walked off, probably to find her friends in the dining hall.

Hannah leaned over towards her brother. "Everything alright?"

"What do you mean?"

"I thought you and Shelby were friends."

"We are."

"You didn't seem all that happy to see her. You didn't have an argument the last time you saw her, did you?"

"No. You're imagining things. Anyway, I'm hungry. Shall we go?"

They headed out, taking the familiar road towards the Corona. Now that the initial excitement over Dalen was easing off, Hannah had other concerns in her head. Somewhere among all these buildings was the house that had hired her mother. She had never seriously thought about it before, but now that she was actually here, she couldn't help wonder. Was there a chance she could find out what actually happened?

"So what have you been up to at Magda's?" her brother's voice jarred her. "I assume you must get bored, with no cleaning to do."

"You make it sound like I live to clean."

"Don't you?"

She ignored that. "I mostly wander around or talk to Shelby."

"Ah."

"The other day I found a good mapbook in the library. But since the old woman there won't let me borrow it, I think I'm going to make a copy for myself."

"What do you need a mapbook for? You're not going anywhere."

"It's just for my own reference."

"You won't go walking around on your own?"

"No. Of course not." She wished she could though.

Rio pointed, spotting the shortcut alley they'd taken last time. They squeezed their way through, emerging onto the Corona once more.

"Rio?" Hannah said.

"Hmm?"

"Please don't tell me we're going to that same place we went to last time?"

"Oh, you mean Jono's?"

"Yes, that one."

"No, we're not going there. But I thought it wasn't bad."

"Oh, come now. At least admit it wasn't the food you liked."

He laughed at that. "Jealous maybe?"

"Right. So where are we going?"

He started walking, pointing to the shops across. "Felix's uncle runs a little place here. It's not much, but he lets us eat cheap."

She followed his lead, coming to face a kitchen-sized fish joint with too many flyers pasting the window. Rio pushed open the door, setting a small, annoying bell ringing. "After you."

Tentatively, she stepped in, standing at the end of what was basically a narrow, drafty room that smelled of salt. There were four tables, and a propped-up board serving as some kind of bar. There was nobody at the till, and only a pair of customers in a corner – young men in guards' uniform.

"Look, it's Rio," one of them called, leaning away from the table to look at them.

The other man turned, beaming as they walked up. "Well, hello. This must be Hannah. Nice to meet you."

"Uh, hello," she said, a little meekly.

"I'm Felix. This is Jay. Have you had your breakfast yet?"

"No," she said, she and her brother taking a seat. "I heard this place belongs to your uncle?"

"That's right. He's in the back, taking a nap. He, uh, does that a lot these days. As you can see, business is awful slow. But order whatever you like. I'll go and tell Ed and he'll cook it up for you."

"There's only about three choices," Jay said dryly. "And trust me, after awhile, you can't even tell the difference."

"Hey, don't complain about free food."

"Discounted."

"Even so. You complain too much."

"Hannah does that too," Rio commented. "That's how I can tolerate him so well."

Hannah pulled back her arm, punching her brother hard.

"Ouch!"

"I see how you got to be so good at sparring too," Felix mused, rubbing his skinny chin.

"No," Hannah answered. "That's his own achievement. Rio always liked getting into fights."

"That's not true," he protested.

"Yes, it is."

"I've never actually been in a real fight."

"What about John Trent?"

"He wasn't very good."

"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't realize you had standards."

Felix laughed. "It's true – she's nothing like you, Rio. She actually has some wit."

"Ah, shut up," Rio answered.

"Alright, alright, how about I go get you some food to cheer you up?"

"I think it's the trout's turn today."

"And for you, Hannah?"

"The same, I suppose."

"Coming right up." He got to his feet, bumping the entire table with his long legs. As he walked away, Jay pulled out a stack of playing cards. "What do you say, Rio? Shall we pick up from yesterday?"

"No, thank you."

"Come on. Give me a chance."

Rio cleared his throat, looking at his sister. "He owes me twenty gold just from last night."

"You've been betting your money? Before your pay is even in?"

He shrugged. "I was having a run of luck. Thought I might as well make the most of it."

"How about you, Hannah?" Jay tried. "Perhaps it runs in the family."

"No," her brother insisted. "Jay, enough with the cards. The Captain almost caught you last night."

"What do you mean?" Hannah asked.

"We're not supposed to play cards at the station."

"But you still went and played?"

"It was only for awhile."

"I thought you were serious about becoming a guard."

"I am."

"Seems more like you're fooling around – with your time and your yet-to-be-seen money."

Jay frowned, shaking his head. "It's not like that."

"Oh, really?"

"Rio's one of the best drafters this year. Almost never gets in trouble."

"I find that so hard to believe."

"Well, it's true," Rio told her, with a little bit of an edge. "Things are different now, Hannah. You have to stop treating me like a child."

She kept quiet, listening as Felix's footsteps padded back to the table. She supposed it wouldn't do any good to argue with her brother on this rare day of freedom from training and duties. Especially since they were in the company of his friends. She was careful from that moment on then not to say anything testy, and afterwards, she and Rio left to pay a visit to the castle.

"How different their lives must be," Rio sighed, as the two of them stood by the moat, gazing on the old walls. "To never have to worry about money. "

"Or chores."

"A thousand servants to serve your every whim – " He tucked in his chin, suddenly looking upset. He pressed a hand to his eye, and Hannah thought he wanted to cry.

"You alright, Rio?"

"Fine," he said, wheezing in a breath.

"I'm sure she's alright."

"I didn't say anything."

"But didn't you ever … consider it?"

"Consider what?"

"Finding her?

He laughed, a little coldly. "How?"

"I don't know. But maybe if you're here long enough, you might learn something."

"I don't have the time for anything like that, even if I wanted to." He cocked his head slightly. "But you could."

"Me?"

"Don't you want to know what happened to her?"

"Yes, but ... "

"Then stay. Look for her. Maybe you'd find something."

"I do want to find her," Hannah admitted slowly. "But there's a part of me that's afraid. Who knows if she's even ... " Alive.

Rio stared into the water below, not saying anything for a minute. "I've already let her go."

Hannah lowered her eyes, sad to hear it. He can't mean that, she thought.

"Still, I wish you would stay."

"I can't."

"Of course you can! Hannah, I'll be honest with you. I plan to buy a place for myself here, as soon as I've saved up enough money. The Captain says he knows of some cheap rents. I could have a house for us in a few weeks if all goes well."

"We have a home, back in Chell."

"You know I can't go back there."

"But I have to."

"Why? So you can be alone? So the Averys can take you in? Live with Kurt and Melanie and Fadden? Is that what you want?"

"Of course not."

"Then what are you holding on to, sister? I don't understand."

She swallowed, surprised by his tone. What was she holding onto? How could he ask her such a thing? That home, that land – were her parents'. They had come from faraway Irey, leaving behind Da's family, to build their life there, build a family. It was the home of her childhood, and Rio's. How could he so easily forget it all? "What would Ma and Da think?"

"Ma and Da are gone, Hannah. It's time to start our own life."

"So that life must be here?" she challenged him.

He stared up at her, not backing down. "Yes, because this is the only place where I can actually do well. This is where I know I can take care of the both of us. Don't you see? You've cared for me long enough. Let me be the one to do it from now on. Let me now take care of you."

She drew back, affected despite herself. She'd never heard him sound so sure, so insistent, and so grown up. What was he? About sixteen now, still shorter than her, yet his eyes blazed with hope for her to trust him.

She bit her lip, feeling torn. "I don't know, Rio. I don't like the idea of staying in Magda's for so long."

"I know. But we don't have much choice there."

She kept quiet, still overwhelmed by the whole idea.

"Well. Looks like it'll be dark soon. We both need to be getting back. Come on, I'll walk you."

They trotted back to the tower together, Hannah quiet as she pondered over the argument between her and her brother. One minute, she could see all the sense and logic in Rio's plan, but the next, she became sentimental and afraid, and refused to go along with it. How she wished she had someone like her Ma to advise her ... but that didn't make sense. It was because of her Ma's going that they were in this situation. The realization made her angry, then sad.

What if she were alive? What if she was waiting for them? Perhaps she was desperate to come home, but something was stopping her. Perhaps the family was cruel and did not want her to write anymore.

Could it be? If such a thing were possible ... Hannah and Rio were the only ones who could help her. If they could just find her.

The sky was a deep, sullen blue by the time brother and sister made it to Magda's. They stopped at the door, Rio giving her a strained smile. "So, I'll try to see you soon."

"Alright."

She waited, expecting him to ask her for a decision. But he didn't. "Goodnight." He turned away, starting down the path. Hannah watched him, studying his back, the fair curls growing long over his collar. "Rio!" she called, and he glanced back at her.

"Will you tell me something honestly?"

"What is it?"

"Did you miss Chell at all when you first came here? For the first week?"

He gazed at her for a moment, then did a nod. "A little."

"Do you still?"

"No." He did a lopsided smile. "But I suppose it would take longer to pass with you. Much longer."

She shrugged. "Right."

"But you could adapt here, if you really wanted to. I know you can." He tipped his head to her, taking off again.

Hannah gazed at him, a little surprised. How strange to hear anything encouraging from her brother. Was it possible, she wondered? Could she really place her life, all of her trust, in him?

...

The next morning, Hannah was in her room when she saw a familiar figure approaching Magda's. A cheery old man, dragging along a mule with cart, inside which she knew were bags of sugar and salt. It was Sid, one of the peddlers. Her Ma had always liked him; he was friendly, and gave them good prices.

Though the breakfast bell had gone, she ignored it, running down the steps to meet with him. Some of the nuns were buying bags from him and counting out money. She waited until they had gone then stepped up. "Hello, Sid," she greeted.

"Why, Miss Hannah!" he said in surprise. "I didn't expect to see you here. I missed you in Chell; I was there only a day ago. What are you doing here in Dalen?"

She explained to him about Rio, and he nodded, looking very wise as he fingered his beard. "The city holds much romance for young men, I am sure."

"How about Chell? Is everyone doing well?"

"Oh, yes, yes. Lots of news, you know."

"Like what? Did you see Kaye?"

"The Hillers girl? Oh, yes, she's quite well. From what I hear, she's likely to be married soon."