Placing emotion to one side, Kalais went over the set of facts, again. He had her name; Aura, and an eidetic image; silver hair, deep black pupils, delicate features, absolutely gorgeous. Liked trees; apple. Wearing Cappella's necklace. Described herself as 'New'.

Returning emotions to the mix gave the problem. The moment she had arrived at Lupercal there was something about her which did not quite add up. She claimed to be on a visit, yet her reaction towards him told another story, as though the encounter had been somewhat planned. He had offered to show her around. She readily agreed. They walked down from the planetary transfer link to the garden plot where he was working and she seemed quite happy at that point, although acting a tad weird. Alright, so the comment about kissing her was probably not the best move he could have made and did set the mood back slightly. Also something about that necklace. Sat on the wall and talked plants, trees. She had smiled, beautifully. Then it happened. It was only meant as a friendly gesture, a present. It was as though she had guessed his intension, or strangely, that she knew exactly what he was about to do. He hadn't even managed to conjure the sapling. Eyes filling with tears, she gave the brush of a kiss, "It is not time," and had fled through the link before he could stop her. What?

Kalais found himself back at the plot of earth. He had not touched it now for two days, only returning in the hope she would reappear. The early sun cast deep shadows. He waited a quarter hour, until the space flooded with light. It helped. Several trays of seedlings lay to one side, together with his tools. Usually a pleasure to complete, this planting had turned into a chore. Even so, it worked as a distraction and saw him to lunchtime. Walking back to the house, he knew one overriding fact; this girl had disturbed him to his soul. That briefest kiss had transmitted something he could not even begin to fathom. What was he missing? How could she have this effect on him? He felt exhausted, both from lack of sleep and from the constant turning of events in his mind. Who was she?

Lafotis, as head of their Earth outpost and presiding over the Arts, could spot an issue of the heart at a hundred paces. Of all the team, Kalais had more than most. With his shock of golden hair, rugged good looks and cheeky personality, he was always centre of female attention. It was a situation the lad mostly enjoyed. For those slightly more difficult cases, Lafotis was there to offer timely advice. This, he could tell, was one such occasion. He already had two glasses of wine poured before Kalais entered the house.

"My dear chap, I hope you don't mind me saying this, but you do look a little frayed round the edges this morning. I think you should tell me all about her."

Kalais gave a wry smile, followed Lafotis into the library and began to explain all.

Renowned for having his finger on the pulse of Olympus life, Lafotis still had no knowledge of the girl. Although, if she was, as claimed, 'new', he might not be right up to date with all of the news. The latest overriding gossip was about the huge meteor storm over Olympus city. "Apparently the sky was aflame with it. From what I heard, some were actually trying to knock the things out of the air. But fear not, all is well. Most landed in the ocean, while the others, I take it, were deflected. At least that's the official line. Some odd remarks have slipped out, which lead me to believe there was more to it, but who can really say. Sometimes, I do feel very far from the action. Still, there's a job to be done here. I'm sure we'll hear more at length. So, my boy, back to your affairs. The quandary, if you don't mind me saying, is why she was wearing Cappella's necklace. I find that quite intriguing. Do you think the dear girl is playing a prank on you?"

Kalais had mulled this one over and rejected it. Even as a starting point, Aura had been sincere. Also, Cappella would never give up her necklace for something so trivial. Arielle had handed it down to her in a defining moment when her influence and power was finally recognised. As a potent symbol, Cappella was rarely parted from it.

Lafotis pounced on the fact. "That's the point from which you should start. Why not ask Cappella herself? Then, you can bring me all the latest."

The advice was a breakthrough and gave some resolve. Kalais finished his wine then stood. "Makes sense." He glanced at the wall clock. "Nearly twelve. I'll go ... what time is it there right now?"

Lafotis did a quick mental calculation. "About two in the morning."

"That's fine, I'll have a kip this afternoon then leave after dinner. Puts me there ... late-morning, Olympus time."