JESSE:

Io, is that you?

IO:
Hello Jesse.

Jesse:

Wow! I barely recognized you. You look great.

IO:
Thank you Jesse. I went shopping with Fin and Daprima
and then again with Daprima and Karanthir.

JESSE:
What have ya done to your hair?

IO:

It was Karanthir’s idea, and Daprima agreed. 

JESSE:

I like it. You’re a whole new you.

IO:

And, I am getting a life. I’m going to the
Elvin realm, with Quinn, to work with his father. 

JESSE:

Quinn, huh?

IO:

Is that OK?

JESSE:

Sure.… You like him, don’t ya?

IO:
He is my friend.

JESSE:
Is that all?

IO:

Yes, I mean, what do you mean?

JESSE:
I don’t know. You tell me.

IO:
Tell you what?

JESSE:
Hey, I’m just calling it the way I see it. You get
all happy when his name is mentioned.

IO:
Oh, now I see what you mean. It’s like how
you look when Tahariel is near.

JESSE:
Huh? No it isn’t.

IO:
It isn’t?

JESSE:
No, you’re right. Every time she walks in the room
my face lights up - God I hate that!

IO:
Have you told her how you feel?

JESSE:
No. She hates me.

IO:
No one could hate you Jesse.
You’re … well, you’re perfect.

JESSE:
I am, ain’t I?

IO:
Yes Jesse, you just need to show her that. 

JESSE:
You’re right. Maybe I’ll do just that.

Meanwhile in the hall …

MEZ:
… Io’s all excited about this trip of yours.

QUINN: 

Aye.

MEZ:
Did you know Jesse thinks Io has a crush
on you? And I’m beginning to think so too.

QUINN: 

What? Ya mean he …?  Aw no, he’s got it all wrong.
We’re just mates, ya know - best lads an’ all.

MEZ:
You better tell him that before you leave.

QUINN: 

Aye - right. 

Later in Io’s room …

QUINN:
… All packed?

IO:
Yes Quinn.

QUINN:
Gr-date.

IO:
Would you like to sit down, Quinn?

QUINN:
Aw no, I prefer tah stand - but you can sit. 

IO:

Is there something I can do for you, Quinn?

QUINN:
Aye, I’m ‘ere tah make certain we’re OK.

IO;

We are OK, Quinn. 

QUINN:

I’m not so sure. 

IO:

I don’t understand.

QUINN:
Right. I’m gonna speak plainly ‘cuz I want to be sure yer
understanding me. Yer a gr-date friend, one of me best new mates,
but I’m not interested in ya in a romantic fashion. Ya get me?

IO:
Yes Quinn.

QUINN:
I hope yer not disappointed.

IO:
A little, but can I still come with you to the Elvin realm?

QUINN:
Aye.

IO:
Thank you Quinn.