Tempers Ball

[center]previously[/center]

Elise's suggestion caught all of them off guard, especially Issilk. While the valiant grey warrior stumbled and stammered as he tried to find his voice, Previn took control of the situation and made Issilk's decision for him.

Two it is my good man. Two rooms will suffice.

Turning to Issilk he gave the man a knowing glance, as if to say, well done my friend.

Previn settled with the innkeep and the rooms were paid in full by the coin gained from the magical purse. The Broken Shield was a simple two storied structure and their rooms, of course, were on the second floor. Previn and Nightfall were given room three and Issilk and Elise room four. Given any sort of reason these two rooms should have either been across from each other or side by side. They were neither. Room three was the first room on the south side of the hallway. Room four was at the other end of the hall and on the other side. In between there were eight rooms, four on each side, giving the inn a total of ten guest accomodations.

Issilk and Elise made their way to their room. The upper hallway was clean, that was a good sign, but when they opened the door there was a problem. There was only one bed, and it was rather small. Other than that it was a nice room. Fairly small, but with table and wash basin. The window had actual glass panes, a distinct and unexpected luxury. Coarse muslin curtains bracketed the view which was not impressive. Twas the back of the inn and it's out houses.

Feeling great warmth invading his face, Issilk turned Elise, all the while hoping the color red would not show on his grey face. Please accept my pardon milady. I had no way of knowing that there would only be bed enough for one of us. It was most certainly not my intent to make untoward forward overtures. If I had known, I would most certainly protested when Previn ordered the rooms.

The large grey man fell silent, not knowing what else to say or do. He hoped that this would not endanger any chance of further romance with Elise.

Previn and Nightfall led the way up the stairs, followed by Issilk and then Elise. As had been the case with the dining room, the upper hallway was clean, if somewhat stark and simple. Their room sat at the end of the hallway, and as Issilk opened the door to their room, he suddenly stopped short, so that Elise ended up stopping on the tips of her toes and placing a hand upon the frame of the door to avoid running into him. Issilk stood there for a long moment, before he began to slowly move to the side. As he did so, she looked to see what had surprised him in such a manner, following his gaze until her's landed upon the single bed which graced the room. The bed was not exactly roomy, but there seemed to be ample room for the both of them to be able to sleep in it. Other than that, there was a small table with a mirror and a wash basin, a glass-paned window with curtains made of coarse muslin, and a small door which she assumed led to a closet. Seeing nothing out of the ordinary, she turned towards Issilk who was still staring at the bed as if it were a snake which would bite him. It was quite beyond her understanding what was wrong with him, so she spoke.

Issilk, what in heaven's name is the matter with you?

Issilk stood there for a moment, and she could see that he was waging some sort of internal battle by the pained look upon his face. In fact, if she hadn't known better, she would have sworn that his normally grayish coloring had taken on a distinctly pinkish tinge. When he could finally force the words out, he began to apologize profusely to her! Her first instinct was to chuckle softly, for she had assumed they would be sharing a bed, and saw nothing wrong with that since they had basically shared a bed since they'd met. However, she began to see that Issilk was highly agitated by the thought of a single bed and her heart ached for him. Elise raised a single hand to quiet his protestations and apologies, and smiled softly at him. She stepped closer to him and placed her hand gently upon his cheek, cupping it. As she spoke, her voice was soft and caring.

Issilk, we have slept in the same bed since the night we met. I do not blame you for there only being one bed in this room. In fact, I rather expected something like this. I did not want to be in a room by myself, separated from you, and it would not have been fair of us to separate Nightfall and Previn just so I could have a roommate. I confess that I have come to enjoy the feeling of falling asleep in your arms at night....and I hope that you won't think me too forward for admitting it.

As Elise fell silent, a sudden horrid thought occurred to her. Perhaps Issilk didn't want to share a bed with her! If that were the case, she had no right to push herself onto him. Rather embarrassed now, she began to speak again, stumbling over her words.

Forgive me...I had...I thought....I thought that you didn't mind sleeping near me. If you wish to sleep separately, we can most certainly do so. I would think that the floor in this room is no more uncomfortable than the ground upon which we slept only yesterday....and I can sleep upon the floor. This is actually your room, if anyone is to sleep upon the floor, it should be me.

As Elise finished speaking, she tore her gaze away from him with a pained look in her eyes. She cared a great deal for Issilk, and it had not been her plan to make him uncomfortable. It was true that she'd been thinking more of her own desires than his when she'd refused her own room, and now she was rapidly becoming sorry for having spoken so impulsively when they were paying for their rooms.

Nightfall was secretly pleased when her beloved took control of the situation by ordering only two rooms instead of three. She was proud of Elise for speaking her mind and making her wishes known. Perhaps Nightfall wouldn't have that much work ahead of her after all in playing the match-maker between the two. But then again, seeing the way that Issilk had become tongue-tied, she might have more work than she had originally thought.

Once Previn settled with the innkeeper, it was not hard for them to locate their rooms. There was only one set of stairs which led up....and the building had only two floors. They'd been assigned to rooms three and four. As they reached the top of the stairs, it was easy to find room three...for it was the first one on the left. Room four was another matter, being all the way down towards the end of the hall, on the opposite side, with several rooms in between them. Nightfall and Previn waited until Issilk and Elise had located their room before entering their own.

As they entered the room, they saw simple but clean accomodations...and to people who had been rather accustomed to sleeping upon the ground, the room looked divine. The bed was a bit on the small side, but Nightfall did not mind for it simply meant that she would sleep close to Previn, something she normally did anyway. There was a window on the opposite side of the room from the door, and it was covered with faded cotton drapes. A stand stood on the wall across from the bed and it bore a basin and pitcher for washing.

Nightfall set about their unpacking while Previn moved to the window to gaze out. Then suddenly she straightened up from her task of placing things into the closet and spoke to Previn.

Previn, do you suppose that the room Issilk and Elise are sharing is like this one? I mean, do you suppose there is but a single bed and that it is as small as our own? I wonder if we should check on them? I doubt that Elise is bothered by the accomodations, but I have a feeling that Issilk might be in a state near apoplexy if his reaction downstairs was any clue. You know Issilk far better than I do my love. What do you think?

Nightfall faced Previn and waited for him to reply, a twinkling sort of light in her blue eyes as she contemplated the situation....a playful sort of smile hiding at the corners of her full lips.

The view was not impressive. Just a normal street in a normal town. Hard packed dirt with rows of wooden structures on either side. Most, but not all were single story and appeared to be run of the mill shops. Something seemed odd though, and that thought tickled the back of Previn's mind as he stood staring out the window as Nightfall unpacked their meager belongings.

People! That was it. That was what seemed so very odd. There was a distinct lack of people walking the streets. There were some, to be sure, but nowhere near the number that a town this size should have. It was truly very odd. As Previn pondered this he realized that Nightfall had asked him a question. It took him a moment or two to realize what she had asked.

Ah, well, perhaps. And, if you are right, and their room is like ours then yes. Yes I do believe that he would be quite uncomfortable. You know, if he didn't like her it wouldn't bother him at all. He would insist that she take the bed and he would sleep on the floor guarding her. But, since he obviously has taken a very quick liking to her he would be...uncomfortable..., but that would be putting it mildly.

Checking on them would probably be the smart thing to do. How about you wander down to their room? Surely if it is like ours Issilk would be ready to get out of there. If it is, and he is, you could send him down to see me. Umm, you could say that I want to talk with him or something. That way, if he shows up here I can try to get him to talk, and you can talk privately with Elise and get her view of how he is reacting.

Nightfall smiled lovingly at Previn. Leave it to him to come up with good ideas! She walked slowly towards him, and when she was right in front of him, she pressed a gentle kiss to his lips. With a wink, she walked towards the door of their room, and out of it, into the hallway beyond. She glided softly towards the room in which Elise and Issilk were to stay, and hesitated a moment before raising her delicate hand to the door and knocking.

Issilk answered the door, and from the tension she felt emanating from the room, she sensed that he could use an escape. She smiled gently at the large warrior as she entered the room. Then, casting a glance towards Elise for a brief moment, she turned her gaze to Issilk once more and began to speak.

I came down to see how your room was and to let you know, Issilk, that Previn wished to speak with you. I hope that I wasn't interrupting anything important?

Nightfall had to fight from chuckling out loud as she saw an instant flash of gratitude in Issilk's eyes. He was obviously much relieved to have an excuse to leave Elise's presence for the time being. Issilk gave Elise a nod as he quickly backed out of the room and hastened towards the room where Previn awaited him.

Smiling softly, Nightfall saw that Elise seemed a bit disconcerted about something herself. Her voice was gentle as she spoke to the beautiful young warrior.

I apologize if I interrupted anything important, Elise. However Previn and I thought that perhaps there might be trouble with the accomodations for the two of you. We were right, weren't we? Previn didn't really need to talk to Issilk about anything important you know. It was a ruse so that I could speak to you in private and Issilk could discuss any umm...difficulties....with Previn.

I'll speak plainly my dear. 'Tis quite obvious to anyone who cares to see, that the two of you are quite smitten with one another. For what it's worth, Previn and I quite approve. In fact, I came to see what assistance I could offer you in the way of capturing Issilk. You and I both know that he is very old-fashioned in his ideals. That can be as frustrating for you as it is endearing, I'm sure.

As we speak, I am sure that Previn is doing his utmost to encourage Issilk towards you. What I'd like to know, is what help I can offer to you? I do have powers other than simply healing you know my dear. Perhaps a gown to catch Issilk's eye at dinner? Or what about a pretty negligee to wear to bed tonight....something which will draw him to your bed perhaps? Oh please, you needn't look so utterly scandalized! Previn and I may not be actually wed by a priest or priestess, but as I'm sure you've noticed, we are very much like a married couple. We do know what it is like to care for someone so much that you want to spend the rest of your life with that person. So talk to me....tell me what the problem seems to be with Issilk and we'll see what we can do to solve it.

As Nightfall stood there gazing at Elise, a mischievious light flickered in her blue eyes. Elise might not know what it meant, but had Previn seen it, he definately would have known. And quite possibly, he might have felt a twinge of pity for his old friend Issilk. For when Nightfall had that look in her eye, it meant that she was determined that something should happen, and in this case, that something meant the end of Issilk's bachelorhood.

Relief given by Nightfall's arrival washed over him like a cool spring rain. Instantly he felt better. The silence that he had been experiencing with Elise had been uncomfortable and was growing worse by the second. It wasn't that he didn't like Elise, quite the contrary. He found her mesmerizingly attractive. She was simply the most beautiful woman he had ever met. Not the prettiest, though she was very pretty. No, her beauty was much deeper than physical appearence, she was a complete beauty. The way she walked, the way she spoke, hell even the way she stood there enraptured Issilk. She was intelligent, smart, quick thinking, the list could go on and on. In short, she was perfection personnified. And Issilk didn't know what to do.

Without speaking a word Issilk practically tripped over his feet in his hurry to leave the room. Previn and Nightfall's room was just a short distance down the hall, but it felt like it in a different world. The door was open so Issilk entered without knocking and found Previn standing with his back to him, looking out the window. He could practically hear his smile as Previn spoke.

So my friend. Are the accomodations to your liking?

Issilk's entrance to the room told Previn all he needed to know. It was quiet and careful. The grey warrior's tread lacked it's normal heavy confidence. Previn could not help himself. He knew he shouldn't, but this was one of those moments that could not be passed over. It was with a smirk he said, So my friend. Are the accomodations to your liking? before turning to face his friend.

My good man, don't look so suprised. It is obvious that you like her. It was with a wink that he continued. The good thing is that she likes you too. Don't look so astonished. It is written all over both your faces. When you look into each other's eyes the world comes to a halt. Don't bother denying it. Why just ths morning on our walk into town I spoke to you three times, only to have you ignore me each and every time.

Raising his hand to silence Issilk's protests Previn continued.No apologies needed or wanted good friend. I am sure on many occasions I have found myself lost in Nightfall's eyes and ignoring the world. Today though, I am sure, what has driven you to this state of discomfort is the accomadations. Most likely your room is much the same as mine. Nicely appointed, but with only one bed.

Don't be shy my man, Elise fancies you. Otherwise she would not have agreed to share a room with you. She did so rather quickly I might add. My friend, do not pass this opportunity. Elise is a special lady, and there aren't that many special ladies in this, or any other world. Go to her. If you feel uncomfortable, let her lead the action. That way you can be certain that nothing untoward happens. Things might happen, but they wouldn't be without her wishes.

Your condition, having been turned to stone, then partially back, that wouldn't be worrying you now, would it? Perhaps it could even be a help to matters, you never know.

It was at this point that Issilk left the room. Most likely because Previn was laughing so hard that he could not continue speaking. Or, perhaps, it might have been because of the slight rosy flush that could be seen overtaking his cheeks.

Elise looked up, startled as the knock sounded upon the door to their room. Issilk had been standing there, eyes wide as he gazed at her, not answering the questions she'd put to him. He jumped as the knock sounded, and opened the door to reveal Lady Nightfall. In truth, Elise didn't know whether or not she should be grateful or irritated by the interruption. Either way, she'd been getting nowhere on her own with Issilk.

She sighed softly as Nightfall said something about Previn wishing to speak with Issilk, as she saw the look of relief wash over his face. He nodded his head to her silently before practically fleeing the room, leaving her alone with Lady Nightfall. Nightfall began to speak in that soft, musical tone of hers, and Elise had had no idea what she was going to say, but nothing could have prepared her for the frankness with which Nightfall addressed her. She was not even aware of the scandalized look which had come over her face until she heard Nightfall mention it, and then she took a deep gulp of air to clear her expression.

Then, as Elise considered the words which Nightfall had spoken to her, as well as the help which she was offering to her, Elise finally began to giggle uncontrollably. When the giggles which had taken her over had finally died down enough for her to speak, Elise gazed at Nightfall with a new look of respect for the sorceress.....as well as gratitude. Finally, still slightly panting for breath from her bout of laughter, Elise spoke.

So it's that obvious is it? Nightfall, I care so very much for him. You're right, I desire nothing more than to spend the rest of my life with him. His appearance matters not to me, for he possesses the purest heart I have ever seen. He is so gentle and sweet. He really sweeps me off of my feet. And yet, I sense a good bit of confusion within him. It's like he wants to care for me as well, however I don't quite think he knows how to.

Nightfall, I am so grateful for any advice or assistance both you and Previn can render. I want so much to be the perfect woman for him! I wish I was more like you...truly! You are such a perfect lady, no matter where we are, and I am just a simple warrior. How can I hope to capture Issilk's heart?

As Elise spoke, the light of truth and hope shone so vividly in her eyes, that it was obvious to any who looked that the woman was deeply in love with Issilk. She waited, the glow of hope upon her face, for Nightfall to speak.

Nightfall gazed at Elise for a long moment, then she smiled gently at her as she walked towards the bed. Nightfall sat gracefully down upon the small bed, and patted the top of the blanket next to her, indicating that Elise should come and have a seat next to her. When Elise had done so, Nightfall spoke softly, in her musical voice.

First of all, I don't think you need to exactly worry about capturing his heart. You are already well on the road to achieving that goal. As to how to go about doing it....why, tis simple. Be yourself. It is the inner you who has called out to him. It is the very fact that you claim to be naught but a simple warrior which intrigues him so. Tell me, can you truly picture Issilk comfortable with a noblewoman, one who is afraid to get her hands dirty? I think not. Issilk loves you for who and what you are.

Certainly, I can dress you up and give you pointers, but in the end, it is only by being yourself that you will win and keep the man of your heart. Do not try to pretend to be that which you are not, for down that road you will find naught but failure. Even if you were to somehow capture him by pretending to be someone whom you aren't, I can tell you that you would not be able to keep him for very long. The truth always outs in the end my dear, never forget that.

And now, we have a bit of time before dinner. Why don't you see if you can rest a bit. After you've rested and freshened up for dinner, come to me, and I will help you dress. Perhaps tomorrow we'll be able to go shopping and we can purchase you a gown or two if you like. How's that?

Nightfall finished speaking with a fond smile at Elise. The woman's face had been very attentive as she had spoken, giving her tips and advice about love. By the time she mentioned shopping for gowns on the morrow, the young warrior's face had lit up. A warrior she might be, but she was still a woman, and shopping was in her blood. Nightfall chuckled softly at the look of anticipation upon the young woman's face. She then rose from the bed, giving her a brief hug before she went out the door and back towards the room she shared with her beloved.

Shortly after Issilk left the room Previn regained control of his laughter. As he did he wondered if his approach with his friend had been the right one, or perhaps he had made things worse. He wasn't certain, but either way he had done what he had thought was best. If he had made a mistake he would work it out with Issilk when the time came. Hopefully though, his approach had been correct and Issilk and Elise would recoginze the love that each felt for the other.

When Nightfall made her way back into the room Previn was once again standing with his back to the door, this time with his hands clasped behind him. He paused for a moment before turning to regard Nightfall with a wry grin.

So my love, did your talk with Elise go well? Mine was...interesting...to say the least.

Nightfall smiled softly as her beloved turned to face her with a wry grin. When he spoke asking if her chat with Elise had been productive, she smiled, her blue eyes sparkling. Nightfall walked closer to Previn before speaking, her voice soft and happy.

It went very well. Elise loves Issilk very much. It's just that....well, she doesn't feel as if she is the sort of woman he could love in return. I tried to explain to her that I seriously doubted that Issilk would be happy with any sort of woman but her, and that seemed to help a bit.

I instructed her to get some rest before dinner, and then told her to come to me when she had freshened up so that I could help her dress for dinner. I also said that perhaps tomorrow we could go shopping and purchase her a gown or two. She seemed happy at that thought. She may be a warrior, but like any other woman she enjoys shopping I think. Now tell me darling, what happened between you and Issilk? I didn't see him in the hallway as I returned to our room. Is anything amiss?

Nightfall gazed at Previn, anticipation lighting her eyes, as she waited for him to speak. While she did so, she was immensely grateful for the love that they shared and the fact that she and Previn had recognized the love they shared for each other without any of the troubles that seemed to plague Issilk and Elise. Their's had been a love that had arisen naturally from friendship. And when their relationship had moved to the next level, they had both recognized and welcomed the feelings they shared for each other. There had been none of this uncertainty such as Issilk and Elise were experiencing.

At least that was how Nightfall remembered it. Of course time has a way of changing how one remember's such things, and making it seem rosier than it might have actually been. Nightfall's attention once more returned to Previn as the gentle rumble of his voice filled the room.

Is something amiss? That is a very good question. I spoke with Issilk. Bantered with him like we used to such a long time ago. His response......his response was different than I had anticipated.

Obviously he likes Elise. No, strike that. Like is not the correct term. Issilk is infatuated with Elise. He realizes this, at least now, even if he didn't before our talk. What is tough is that he does not believe that Elise cares for him. I mean, and I am certain you agree, it is so very obvious that they both are falling head over heels for each other, but he just doesn't see it. I am not sure that I was able to help him see that. Most likely it is something that he will have to figure out on his own.

Pausing, Previn cocked his head to one side, his eyes twinkling. Then, in two quick strides he crossed the room and swept Nightfall into his arms. Leaning her back he drank deeply her kiss. Finally, after an all too short eternity, he set her back upon her feet and whispered.

Thank you.

Shadow then light. Shadow then light. Not quite rhythmic. It was through closed eyes that Issilk noticed this changing of light. For what seemed quite a while he did nothing as he was only being drawn slowly back from the deep recesses of his mind. It was only when he felt something hitting his foot that he opened his eyes and looked up from his seated position.

Standing before him, swaying back and forth in front of the sun was a man. Or, more correctly a boy. He looked to be about fifteen or so, straggly beard and unkempt hair. It was obvious by the way he carried himself that he thought he was important. His dirty brown jerkin was torn at the left shoulder and his breeks, which looked as though they had never been washed, were of an indeterminate color. In his hands he held a pitchfork. It was with the blunt end that he had poked Issilk.

'Ey there. 'Bout time you woke up. Now, don't be stupid. Just gives us yer money and we won'ts has ta hurt ya.

Leaning his head back against the wall behind him Issilk slit his eyes so sun wouldn't be quite so blinding to him. At each side of the periphery of his vision he could see someone standing. As they were smaller than the boy standing before him they likely were younger. When Issilk did not immediately respond the youth in front of him jabbed the pitchfork down at his foot, neatly putting a tine on either side.

Are ye deaf or stupid? I says give us yer money or we'll put a hurtin on ya. Don't ye be testin me now, the next one shain't gonna miss.

With that the boy raised the pitchfork to throat level and held it a foot away from Issilk. After a long moment with no response he jammed it forward with all of his might. Quicker than he could have imagined Issilk grabbed it right at the base of the shaft and gave it a quick twist to the left. The boy almost tumbled to the ground before his mind registered that he should let go. They grey warrior was on his feet in an instant, and as the unkempt youth stumbled backwards he took the pitchfork and swept the youngster from his feet.

One of the other two youths shrieked and they both ran from the ally as fast as their legs could carry them. When their leader looked up at Issilk his eyes were full of fear. Gone was the bully from before. He looked for all intents and purposes to be a scared young child.

Don't kill me! Please mister! Don't kill me!

Looking down at the youngster Issilk broke the head off of the pitch fork and cast it aside. Grabbing the young man by his shirt at the neck he proceeded to use the shaft to whip him. It was a rather sound thrashing that Issilk gave, but by no means did he put much of his strength into it. For if he had the boy would be dead. As it were young man would find it difficult to walk for quite some time. Perhaps in few months after his bones healed he would be back running the streets, but until then random travelers would be safe from this tough.

The words Previn uttered to Nightfall brought a troubled look to her face. She grew pensive and thoughtful as he continued to speak. She was worried that Issilk might not ever realize on his own how much Elise loved him. Nightfall had become bent upon doing a bit of matchmaking between Elise and Issilk and she wasn't about to leave something as important as their future to the off chance that he might eventually realize that Elise was deeply in love with him. No, that would not do at all. She would give Issilk this day and night to deal with the conversation which he'd already had with Previn, as well as his own feelings. Tomorrow......tomorrow she'd have her own little chat with him....assuming it would still be necessary.

Lost as she was in her thoughts, Nightfall failed to notice the lascivious gleam which entered into her beloved's eyes. She uttered a small yelp which was quickly followed by a giggle as he swept her into his arms and proceeded to kiss her most thoroughly. Her arms crept about his neck as they kissed and when it ended, she found herself leaning against him somewhat breathlessly. Her eyes bore a somewhat dazed look until Previn whispered to her and then the dazed look was quickly replaced by a look of confusion. Her voice trembled with the remnant of her passion as she spoke.

Thank you.....for what my love??

Elise layed down on the bed after Nightfall left her room, but she quickly found that she was far too nervous to sleep. The conversation she'd had with Nightfall kept replaying itself in her mind. She knew that the lovely sorceress had given her sound advice, but that did little to allay her fears. As Elise lay there and her mind kept swimming in circles, she began to feel the need to get out of the small room. She needed to walk, and perhaps the fresh air would help her cleanse her mind and ease her troubled spirit.

Elise rose gracefully from the bed, her natural warrior's grace showing through in each of her movements all of the time. She exited the room and headed down the narrow stairway to the main room of the inn. Without bothering to stop or say anything to those who ran the establishment, Elise headed out of the door and into the crowded, somewhat dirty streets of the town.

Elise walked with no particular destination or direction in mind. She allowed her feet to lead her where they would. And as she walked, her mind continued it's cyclic dance around her dilemma. She was far too preoccupied to notice the figure that slid from the shadows which hovered about the buildings as the sun moved lower in the sky. The figure began to follow her, keeping to the shadows, pausing when she paused and walking again when she began to walk. Had she not been so deep in her thoughts she would have noticed the man and dealt with him appropriately. However, this was not the case this time.

Elise walked and it was with a fair amount of surprise that she realized she'd allowed herself to enter a dark, deserted alley with the only exit being the way she'd entered. As she turned to retrace her footsteps, she finally noticed the dark figure which stood between her and the entrance to the alley. Now Elise was not so preoccupied that she didn't realize that she'd foolishly allowed herself to get into a very dangerous situation and as her heartbeat increased with her realization of the potential danger she'd placed herself in, she tried to tell herself that she was being foolish. After all, who'd dare to threaten or harm her when she was in the midst of a town? Perhaps it was someone who'd simply taken a wrong turn, as she'd done.

Elise made to walk around the figure when the figure moved silently and placed itself directly in her path again. Once more, Elise stepped to the side to try and walk past the figure and once more it moved to place itself directly into her path. There could be no mistake now, whoever had entered this alleyway behind her had done so purposely. Her heart leapt into her throat as she realized how very foolish she'd been to leave the safety of the inn and go walking around by herself. She struggled to get control of her fear and act as the warrior she was. Elise drew herself up to her full height, and faced the shadowed figure before her. In a voice which sounded far braver than she felt, she spoke.

Who are you and why have you followed me? What do you want? If it's money you seek, I have none.

The figure simply stood there silently, watching her, and refused to answer. Slowly, it began to walk towards her. As it did so, another shadowy figure entered the alley behind the first. It walked up beside the first one and also stood there silently watching her. Elise was outnumbered, but wouldn't have been so afraid had she thought to bring her weapon with her. However she'd anticipated no trouble and her weapons were ensconced in her room at the inn, where they would do her little good.

She began to slowly step backwards, away from the figures who stood before her. As she did so, she spoke again, but this time, she couldn't keep her voice from trembling slightly.

What do you want?! Why won't you answer me? I....I came here with friends! They'll come looking for me! Just......let me pass....and I promise I won't mention a word of this to the authorities!

Gazing deep into her pefect azure eyes Previn lost himself for what felt like a blissful eternity before responding.

Thank you for everything. Thank you for nothing. Thank you for being you. Thank you for being easy to love. Thank you for constantly suprising me Thank you for allowing me to be me. And thank you for helping me be the man I am and the man I shall become.

Kissing her deeply Previn pulled Nightfall into a tight embrace.

In my eyes and in my heart you are perfection. An Angel upon the earth. Thank you for being. With you I am complete. I don't think I tell you the depth of my love and adoration often enough. You give me strength and I can only hope that Issilk and Elise can find even a small portion of the bliss that I know evertime I look into your eyes.

Nightfall waited for what surely seemed an eternity before Previn finally answered her breathless question. And when he finally did, she couldn't stop the blush that rose high upon her cheeks as she listened to the sweet, and heartfelt words which he spoke to her.

Previn paused long enough in his speech to once more leave Nightfall breathless with the most passionate of kisses. He then continued, and continued to praise her and express the true depth of his affection for her. Nightfall had no idea what brought about this facet of Previn, but she was quite sure she liked it. Perhaps she should set her hand to match-making more often she thought....a thought which was quickly followed by a playful giggle. Seeing the look of confusion in his eyes, she quickly grew serious once more. Her melodic voice was slightly husky as she spoke.

I love you with all that I am and with all that I have. You are the other half of me. Nothing will ever change that. As for Issilk and Elise, I know that once they get past their fears they will surely find the same bliss which you and I share. Love can be a very scary thing especially for those who have been hurt in the past. We will help them as best we can, but ultimately everything is up to them.

Speaking of Elise, do you think we have enough money left to purchase her a gown? I promised her that I would help her get ready for supper since she expressed an interest in showing Issilk her ladylike side.

Enough money? Hmmm. Let's see what we have.

Turning from Nightfall Previn pulled the bag that Issilk had given him. Dumping it's contents onto the bed he counted the coins. Eighty seven coppers were all that were there.

Well my love, will that be enough? I must confess that purchasing a dress is not something that I have ever done. If it isn't enough perhaps we would be able to trade some of the coppers for silver. If so we can place one of the silver coins in the bag and by morning have a bag full of them.

Nightfall watched as Previn pulled forth the sack that Issilk had given to him. She remained silent as he dumped it's contents out onto the bed and proceeded to count it. There were only 87 coppers. Previn had brought up a good point as well. She hadn't purchased a dress in so long, she had no idea what the cost of a new gown of reasonable make would cost. She thought about it for a long moment, and then she spoke.

Honestly, I don't know how much a new gown will cost in this town. We could go and explore the town a bit before supper to see how much the dressmakers charge for one that is premade. If we don't have enough, perhaps I could find a way to earn us more money tonight somehow. I could always entertain in a tavern with my singing or even with my powers. What do you think my darling?

The more Nightfall thought about it, the more she desired to earn some money. She hadn't given Previn anything for so very long....the thought of buying a present for him appealed to her very much. She smiled winningly at him as she waited eagerly for his reply.

Just past one of the brigands shoulder she could see someone start sprinting into the alley. As the figure approached the brigands and her, it didn't seem to slow. Elise waited until just before the figure impacted with the two directly in front of her before running to the side of the alley. The two who'd been threatening her had begun to turn at the last moment, the sound of footsteps running on the cobblestones finally alerting them to impending danger.

It was then that Elise realized the person who'd come to her rescue was Issilk. She quickly moved so that she stood a pace behind him and off to one side. They faced the brigands together. Faced with far more even odds now, they had no interest in anything but getting away as fast as they could. Issilk looked as if he was going to go after them, but Elise placed a restraining hand upon his shoulder and whispered pleadingly to him.

Please...I'm alright. Let them go. They...they probably just sought to rob me. Please, let's go back to the inn.

Elise gazed imploringly at Issilk...her blue eyes still wide with fright. She'd lost her desire to do any more exploring in the town, and wanted nothing more than to return to the safe confines of their room.

Yes, and I cannot believe I am saying this, let's go shopping. It will be fun to walk about a town arm in arm acting like a normal couple. It has been far too long since we have been able to do so. As for earning money, there is no need. If the coppers are not enough we will exchange some of them for a silver coin. By placing it in this magical bag that Issilk gave me we shall have a pouchful of silver by morning. I don't confess to comprehend how it works, but from what Issilk has told me and after seeing it multiply Elise's copper coin I believe in it.

Hand in hand they Nightfall and Previn made their way down the stairs and into the common room. Seeing the proprietor Previn made his way over the the man.

Excuse me good sir, but might I trouble you to exchange some copper coins for a silver? What is the exchange rate by the way?

The man paused for a moment before replying. Uh, well sure, I can do so. It is not normally something I do, rather I leave it for the money lenders, but for you good fellow, I shall do so. The exchange rate is twenty...I mean twenty five coppers per silver. How many coins shall we be exchanging?

Carefully counting out twenty five coins Previn handed them to the inn keep.

Just one silver will be all please. I don't want to trouble you too much.

Yes my love. I mean...uh...umm...uh...

Despite his grey complexion a flush of pink rose to engulf first his cheeks then his whole face. Clearly this was not what he had thought to say, rather the words had lept unbidden to his lips. And now, now the large warrior was in a quandry. His feelings had been tossed out into the open and he was vulnerable. Issilk was not used to feeling vulnerable and it made him very uneasy.

I mean, can you walk or would you rather carry me? Uh, that wasn't right. Hold on. I meant to say can you walk or would you rather I carry you?