As I strolled into the manor with Thadeus by my side, his arm slung casually around my shoulders, I couldn't help but feel a spark of joy ignite within me. It was impossible to be sad around Thadeus - his energy was infectious, a radiant warmth that seemed to seep into my very bones. We walked in perfect sync, our footsteps echoing off the sage hued grand marble floors that seemed to glow in the ambient lighting. The air was alive with the sweet scent of spring flowers, their massive bouquets arranged artfully in crystal vases that refracted the light, casting tiny rainbows across the walls. Delicate gold trim danced along the edges of the grand walls, adding a touch of opulence to the already-stunning decor. Thadeus, ever the charmer, gave me a whirlwind tour of the manor, pointing out the dining hall and the library with a flourish. But his eyes sparkled with excitement as he led me to his true passion: the theatre. The grand space unfolded before us like a treasure trove, its intricate gold trim and jade velvet curtains drawing me in like a magnet.Thadeus hopped onto the stage with the enthusiasm of a child, his arms outstretched as he proclaimed, "Life is a stage, Ace!"The words echoed through the theatre, and I couldn't help but laugh at his infectious energy. It was then that I noticed Sorelle slipping into the theatre, her presence as subtle as a whisper. But Thadeus, ever the showman, didn't miss a beat.With a dramatic flourish, he clutched at his heart and fell to one knee, his eyes locked on Sorelle as he declared, "And Sorelle is my muse!"His arm swept out, inviting her to join us, and she glided towards me with the elegance of a queen, her orange gown billowing behind her like a sunset. Her smile was like a ray of sunshine, illuminating the entire theatre and leaving me breathless.As I stood there, basking in the warm glow of Thadeus and Sorelle's energy, I couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder. Being around them was like stepping into a different world, one where joy and laughter were the only currencies that mattered. Even in the midst of all the world's problems, they had somehow managed to find a way to live in the moment, to find the beauty in the everyday.Sorelle let out a surprised gasp, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Me?" she said, dramatically clutching a hand to her chest. "I could have sworn your muse was the sound of your own voice!"Her words were laced with a playful teasing, and I couldn't help but chuckle along with her. Thadeus dramatically clutched at his heart, pretending it was stabbed with a dagger. He held the imaginary dagger aloft, his eyes closed in mock agony, and began to enact a convincing death scene. Sorelle and I tipped our heads back in a genuine laugh, the sound of our amusement echoing off the walls of the theatre. As Thadeus lay "dying" on the stage, Sorelle joyfully threw her arms around me, pulling me into a warm hug."I'm so glad you're here," she squealed, her voice barely audible over the sound of Thadeus's over-the-top theatrics. I smiled, feeling a sense of belonging wash over me. In this moment, with these two Sidhe, I felt like I was exactly where I was meant to be. Thadeus, still lying on the floor, opened one eye and caught my gaze, a mischievous glint sparkling in its depths."Don't think this means you're off the hook, Ace," he teased.Sorelle playfully rolled her eyes, releasing me from her hug. "Oh, Thadeus, you can't just collect muses like they're rare books. Besides, I think you've already found your muse. It's called your own ego. It's been inspiring you for centuries"Thadeus's face fell, and he sat up, pretending to be offended. "Well, if my ego is my muse, then you're just my muse-terpiece." His eyes lit up in amusement "A masterpiece, get it? Because you're a work of art, and I'm the artist... of my own greatness."Sorelle's eyes rolled dramatically, a wide grin still plastered on her face as bright as the sun.Thadeus's eyes flashed with inspiration, and he sprang upright, his sandy blonde hair tousled from the sudden movement. "By the gods, that's brilliant!" he exclaimed, his voice low and fervent. His gaze swept the theatre, his mind's eye painting a vivid picture of the play script that would soon take shape. He raised his hands, palms up, as if cradling the very essence of his vision. "I can see it now - a symphony of light and shadow, a dance of drama and intrigue. The Museterpiece, a Thadeus and Sorelle production!"With a fluid motion, he launched himself to his feet with a powerful leap, and bounded off the stage. Then he swept Sorelle off her feet, scooping her up and spinning her around as she let out an excited shriek. His movements were imbued with an unbridled energy that left the air vibrating in his wake. "You're a genius Sorelle!"Sorelle's laughter rang out like a symphony as Thadeus gently set her on her feet, and she steadied herself with grace. For a fleeting instant, Thadeus observed her as she regained her balance, his eyes shining bright with adoration. They were absolutely adorable.Sorelle intertwined her arm with mine, guiding me out of the room and into the dimly lit hall "Why don't we let Ace rest before you regale her with the grand tale of your theatrical genius? We wouldn't want her to get a headache from excessive brilliance."Thadeus let out a low, rumbling laugh as he sauntered beside us, casually linking my other arm. "Ah, you're right Sorelle, as always. My brilliance is not for the faint of heart. I wouldn't want to be responsible for any spontaneous combustion of minds."As they led me to my room, they regaled me with tales of the manor's inner workings. "Breakfast is served daily in the dining hall at 9am," Thadeus informed, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Lunch is at 2pm, and dinner at 7pm. And let me tell you, our chefs are the best in the land. You'll be spoiled for choice."I felt a flutter in my chest at the prospect of indulging in such culinary delights. Thadeus continued, his voice low and husky, "Kiah, Valen, and Zane train every morning after breakfast. They cross the ManPuri border daily to train, it's only a short walk away. They gain a lot of ManPuri spending power by training on their land." He shot me a sly grin. "You're welcome to join them, if you're feeling brave."Sorelle chuckled, her eyes sparkling with mirth. "And if physical exertion isn't your thing, I spend the afternoons in the library, writing textbooks on the human lands. I'd love to have you join me - I'm sure you could teach me a thing or two."I felt a flush rise to my cheeks as I shook my head. "I don't know if I'd be much help, I don't remember much about my past."But Sorelle's smile was undeterred. "Nonsense, my dear. Sometimes, all it takes is being in the same environment as your subject to learn something new. You'd be surprised."Thadeus' eyes sparkled with enthusiasm, "And, of course, I have my daily theatre studies. Acting classes, improv practice, body language studies, script writing, production management, you name it!" He shot me a sly grin. "Acting can be a very cathartic experience, and I'd be happy to have you join, Ace. Sometimes, losing oneself in a role can be incredibly liberating. And who knows, you might just discover a hidden talent."We approached my room as Sorelle's slender hand grasped the door handle, a soft creak signaling the entrance to my new sanctuary. The room unfolded before me like a haven, its cozy warmth and inviting scents enveloping me in a soothing embrace. I felt a wave of gratitude crash over me, washing away the tension of the journey.Sorelle's eyes, bright with kindness, met mine as she smiled, her voice a gentle melody. "I'm sure this is all a lot to take in, especially after a long journey. We can have dinner delivered to your room for tonight, so you can rest and relax."My words tumbled forth in a rush of heartfelt thanks, "That would be...amazing, thank you." The weight of her consideration was a palpable thing, a wave of relief that eased the knots in my shoulders.Sorelle's smile deepened, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "Consider it done, then." Her words were a promise, a vow to shield me from the social demands of the first day.Thadius's sly amusement cut through the warmth of the moment. "Zane will be...disappointed." His gaze met mine, a spark of suggestion dancing in their depths.Sorelle's response was swift. "Zane will get over it." Her eyes met mine, and I saw a flicker of understanding there, a sense of solidarity. "We'll see you at breakfast, then."And with that, they turned to leave, the door clicking softly behind them. A wave of relief and solitude washed over me. I took a deep breath, letting my gaze wander to the room that was now mine to claim. And claim it, I did, my heart drinking in the radiance that surrounded me. The bed, a haven of plush pillows and sumptuous fabrics, beckoned me with its intricate floral patterns in shades of green that seemed to dance in the fading light. The windows towered above me like sentinels, framing a breathtaking view of the gardens, where spring flowers swayed in the gentle breeze while the sunset painted the sky gold and pink. A sitting area, a vanity, and a desk, all adorned with lavish bouquets of fresh blooms, filling the room with the scent of spring, comfort, and tranquility. My eyes wandered to the private bathroom, where a tub so grand it could have been a pool awaited me, promising a sanctuary of relaxation and rejuvenation. I let out a grateful sigh, feeling the weight of my exhaustion settle upon me, as I collapsed onto the bed, my shoes and clothes still intact. Sleep claimed me in an instant, wrapping me in its gentle arms and carrying me away on a tide of dreams.