Her fingers curled around the mug with the same delicate dedication that had characterized her interaction with the tree decorations. While it was all certainly very graceful, it was undeniably unnatural. She was trying to inhabit the dress; she was an actress trying to fill a costume. None of this was a particularly horrible notion. After all, the gown was gorgeous and she was very much indebted to Archie for singling it out for her. And she was, she admitted to herself, finding a peaceful time of it in spite of the nagging concern in the back of her mind.

Is he okay? Has he been left somewhere -- broken and tired? Maybe I should knock off early, go grab the compass. Patrol.

She raised the drink to her lips and turned away from the assorted beverages. And it was exactly then that she lifted her eyes and snagged her gaze on him. The very him of her thoughts -- right there, in the doorway.

Her face lit up.