[Encaitare]

"Minnie... I know that... well... I'm not the perfect specimen," Alli said. "After all, my waist is too thin, my legs are too long, my bosom is too ample, and my skin is just too flawless... but would you... would it be too much to ask for you to consider... to consider something?"

Wilhelmina's initial shock turned to amusement as she caught Alli's wink. She decided to play along:

"My dear, you're very lovely, but I'm afraid I'm just too old for you," she said kindly. "I could very well be your grandmother -- how could we ever be together? I'm sorry."

She admired the way Alli faked holding back tears. "I understand," she said, putting on a brave face and smiling weakly at all of them. "I think I'd like to be alone right now."

They watched her run off towards her tent. Some sat in awkward silence; others, who had gotten the joke, were chuckling to themselves. And Fléin? He had at first looked disgusted, but was that jealousy she now detected on his face?