Lidda’s next year was spent studying at Castonea Gardens. She told everyone at Sencarle that she had been awarded a position in an advanced work/study program in a research facility that could help her land a job in Provendor. When she graduated college with honors, Lidda attributed her academic success to the Novaland R & D Foundation, thereby keeping the secret of her magiton safe.

The following summer Casra and Reddge returned as promised. Lidda was knee deep in rich cultivated soil and planting a new crop of seedlings when she saw them drive up in a company van bearing the name Novaland. Most of the people at the Gardens wore normal clothing when not in ritual, even Mara, but not the Tollsuns. They stood out in sharp contrast to the modern vehicle but walking down the path they quickly blended in with the gardens. Lidda ran toward them both in delight and surprise.

Casra wore a bright yellow dress with bird designs and looked as though a ray of sunshine was following her. She looked so beautiful Lidda couldn't help but wonder how she herself would look in a costume like that.

Reddge was ahead of Casra wearing an earth toned suit and looked more handsome than ever. Remembering his abrupt departure Lidda exclaimed. "How could you leave without saying good-bye!" The words popped out before Lidda could think. She flushed with embarrassment.

Reddge took her reproach well enough but seemed to be searching for the right response before answering. "I'm sorry Lidda. Not what I'd planned. I asked Casra to explain." He was looking at the leather pouch lying against Lidda’s chest that she had instinctively grasped. "You did get my present at least."

"Yes, I did. And thank you." Feeling suddenly awkward, Lidda gave them each a big hug. "Casra left me with more questions than answers."

"Hey, you've seen me a few times since we left." Casra was clearly reminding Lidda of their visits and time together in the magiton.

With a twinge of guilt Lidda recalled that she did talk to her a lot at first but stopped when she couldn't get any real answers. "So, I have, but you only left me with questions, and I am still searching for answers." Lidda fell silent, at a loss for words.

"I'm glad you decided to come here," Reddge said. "How are you liking it so far?"

I've really been enjoying it. It's a beautiful place to study with an outstanding faculty," Lidda replied. "What have you both been up to?"

"Traveling too much and taking care of some business matters." Casra replied.

"Are you going to be able to stay a while this time?" Lidda directed the question to Casra but couldn't help glancing toward Reddge.

"We hope to stay for the summer," Casra replied.

So that was it. Just a few weeks and they would be off again. Her chest grew heavy and her hopes fell, the words filling her with disappointment. Lidda also had a feeling the Tollsuns had not revealed their true role with the organization.

"So, are you working with Novaland?" Lidda asked pointing to the van.

"Yes. Well, we sort of are Novaland. We manage a large part of the business." Reddge confided.

"I guessed as much. Everyone here knows who you are and speaks of you both like royalty." Lidda thought she saw Reddge flinch at that comment. "Casra told me a little about your goals of each getting your own Great House, is that still the case?"

"Yes, but there are other priorities as well," Reddge said. "We inherited a lot of responsibility."

"And part of that responsibility is me I suppose." Lidda was worried that she might be more an assignment than a friend.

This time Reddge stepped in close and placed his arm around her. Lidda felt a familiar warmth as his hand rested on her shoulder. "Yes Lidda. You are one of our primary concerns. I trust Mara and the rest have been treating you well enough."

"They have. Everyone has been great, and I have made some good friends," Lidda replied. Her thoughts turned briefly to Hal, and she immediately felt a twinge of guilt. "Casra, was right, this place is a lot more interesting than I expected."

After Reddge and Casra settled in, the three of them spent the evening getting reacquainted. In a few days it felt like old times almost as though nothing had changed. Lidda was falling madly in love with Reddge and hoped she was not just imagining that he cared for her as well. The Tollsuns had been back for a week and Casra had gone to the chapel for a late service. Reddge invited Lidda on a walk through the gardens. It was evening and Lidda suddenly realized this was the first time they had ever truly been alone together. Her pulse pounded as he casually took her hand. Being with Reddge felt so natural, but she was determined not to get her hopes up. He probably had no idea the effect he was having on her.

As they continued walking, she could feel one of her phantoms forming. It was different without Casra there, more primitive and animal like. Lidda supposed she was imagining things with her adrenaline surging out of control. It felt like something was stalking her in the thickets beyond the path. Ghostly images flitted across her mind. She tried to ignore them, but the apparition of a large black leopard kept invading her senses. She could almost hear its throaty breathing. Lidda was struggling against the phantom, reminding herself that she was too mature to be unnerved by her imagination. Reddge placed one arm around her waist, ignoring the fact that she was squeezing his hand so tightly as she fought against her rising panic.

"You know I have feelings for you Lidda?" He asked gently drawing her closer to him. She could feel his heart beating strong in his chest.

"I have always hoped so." Her mouth was so dry it was hard to speak and she was out of breath for no reason.

"There is no reason to be frightened," he reassured her.

She could hardly think for the cloud of emotion pouring over her. Reddge nestled her in his arms and planted a kiss on her lips. This couldn't really be happening. He led her to a garden bench and wrapped her closely in his embrace.

"I know this is sudden, Lidda," Reddge said. "But I can't deny my feelings for you any longer. My only hope is that you care as much for me."

They could hear the ritual starting by the chapel. Soft drumming had begun, and the volume was building. The flutes were chiming in. A soft glow was growing from the ceremonial fire in an outdoor pavilion. It was a magical evening that she never wanted to end.

Lidda forced herself to give a rational answer. "I'm sure that I do. But if this is going to work, you must quit keeping secrets from me, Reddge. No more riddles."

"I promise I won't. I do need ask you for one thing first," Reddge said. There was a mischievous smile playing across his face.

Lidda paused, wondering what was so important she must grant his request in advance. Reddge released her from his embrace and knelt before her. Taking both her hands in his asked, "I want you permission to court you, even though there are things beyond my control which will limit our time together."

Overjoyed, Lidda suppressed her first inclination to say yes and decided to negotiate on her own behalf. "I'll need to know what those things are."

"Understood. If it were up to me I would ask Father Pen for a formal betrothal tonight," Reddge said brushing his lips across her hands. "But it wouldn't be fair to you on such short notice."

"A bethrothal?" Lidda's mind was racing faster than her heart at the words. She couldn't bring herself to ask the most important question of all. If Widhbo wasn't from this planet, she suspected the people who gave him to her weren't either. "I don't know what to say."

Lidda could see a shadow flit across Reddge's face.

"I'm not rejecting your courtship," she added. "Just overwhelmed at the moment."

"I understand." Reddge said. His faced showed relief. "I'll give you all the time you need, but I couldn't wait any longer to let you know how I feel."

"I've been in love with you since the day we met. I just didn't realize how much until you left so abruptly last summer."

"I've missed you terribly too. I didn't mean to upset you, Lidda." Reddge said. He moved back to his seat, put his arm around her, and leaned back against the bench. "Let's just enjoy our time together for a while. I'm not familiar with your family's customs. Perhaps I should meet your folks first?"

"They'd like that. If I'm being honest, I'm not sure how it would turn out with my dad," Lidda said recalling her father's reservations about her friends.

"He doesn't approve of us, Casra and I?"

"He's always been a little suspicious of strangers," Lidda explained. "I believe it's the Ring he isn't comfortable with actually."

"It makes perfect sense. And he's protective of his beautiful daughter. He sounds like a wonderful father," Reddge said.

"He is. My parents are both wonderful. Mom is probably just as protective, but they need to get used to the idea that I have to grow up someday."

"I'd like to get to know them better."

"Mom has already asked me to invite you both over. You left before I had the chance," Lidda said. She was convinced she loved him, and she needed to give him an answer before the end of summer, before Reddge changed his mind and moved on.

As if reading her mind, Reddge stated, "I won't change my mind Lidda, not ever. I love you."

"All I ask is the truth Reddge. All this guessing drives me mad. I don't want to feel that I must pry every detail out you. I want the hard truth."

"And you shall. It's complicated, but I will tell you everything. I promise," Reddge said. "I can't promise you a safe or certain future, but I will give you all my love and protection."

"I need to be able to trust you completely. No secrets, no erasing,"

Reddge tousled her hair as they headed toward the drumming and the fire circle. "What erasing my beloved?"

"Well first Casra, or her 'copy', told me that if I didn't pass the test, Widhbo would have erased all my memories of him. Then when I asked Widhbo where he came from, he said he didn't know for certain and that some of his memories could have been erased. He and Mara told both me he wasn't from this planet."

"Ok, that's all true."

Lidda could hardly believe they were casually discussing extra-terrestrials in the garden. She recalled one of her first conversations with Reddge and how he reacted when they discussed the possibility of finding alien life from another planet. In fact, he had said 'It might be looking for you'.

"What is your truth Reddge? How old are you really?"

He paused slightly. "My body, or my mind?"

She silently gasped. Lidda knew she shouldn't ask such a question if she didn't want to know the answer. "Whichever is older."

Reddge smiled. "And if I told you I lost count of the years?"

"That will do for now."

Her heart was pounding. She felt scared, & happy at the same time. Lidda thought of Widhbo's aversion to endless time and cold space. She realized that she was in love with someone who may have called it home. Lidda was through asking questions for the moment. The evening shadows danced across Reddge's face. He was hauntingly handsome in the darkness. As they grew closer to the pavilion, the firelight caught his eyes which glowed golden. She briefly thought back to the phantom and of the leopard in her prayer chamber. But at that moment, she just wanted to get lost in his arms and feel the very human warmth of his alien body against hers. She wasn't sure who or what she was in love with, and she didn't really care.