Tempers Ball

Nightfall smiled beamingly as Previn agreed to go shopping with her, and even seemed to be looking forward to the prospect. She couldn't resist throwing her arms about his neck and giving him a huge hug. Nightfall gave a knowing grin as Previn informed her that there would be no need for her to earn any money. In many regards Previn was very old-fashioned and did not hold with the idea of a woman working...especially a woman of stature as she had once been. Nightfall didn't argue with him. If there was a need to earn money later, then perhaps she would argue. But for now she simply wanted to enjoy acting as a normal couple out on the town with him.

The two of them made their way out of their room and down the stairs into the common area of the inn. Upon seeing the innkeeper, Previn guided her over to him and inquired about changing some of their copper into silver. Upon hearing the rate which the man quoted, Nightfall squeezed his arm in warning. Leave the exchange of money to the moneylenders indeed...what the man proposed was preposterous! The exchange rate for copper to silver had always been 5 to 1. And for silver to gold, it had always been 3 to 1. However, Previn seemed to ignore her unspoken warning. He carefully counted out 25 coppers and exchanged it for one silver. Nightfall was simply grateful that Previn had only asked for one silver. If the innkeeper gouged them so terribly upon the exchange, Nightfall shuddered to think what the moneylenders would charge.

Previn deposited the silver piece into the bag from which he'd taken the coppers, and after carefully closing and securing the top of the bag, they made their way out of the inn. Nightfall leaned close once they were outside, and whispered to Previn.

You know that you were just robbed, do you not my love? He charged five times the going exchange rate. Thank goodness that we won't have to do that more than once or twice, what with the strange powers of the bag which you said that Issilk gave to you to hold.

Nightfall and Previn moved away from the inn in a direction opposite that which Issilk and Elise had taken. They enjoyed the sights and sounds of a town after so long on the road with nothing but the sounds of mother nature to keep them company. They explored the town as many other young couples were doing, stopping now and then to look over the goods of some of the myriad street vendors which seemed so proliferous in this town. Occasionally they would pause as well to look in the window of a shop, to examine the goods which they would find for sale within. As they walked, they were oblivious to the eyes which watched them thoughtfully from within the shadows of the alleys.

After about an hour of walking, they came across a dressmaker's shop which boasted ready-made gowns. Smiling, Nightfall tugged Previn into the shop and asked the proprietor if she could see some of the gowns which were already made. Nightfall explained to the woman that it was not a gown for herself, but a gown for a very dear friend of hers, instead, and that it was to be a present. Nightfall was very slender, being a Sidhe, and Elise was much larger in stature, being a human woman. Nightfall carefully described Elise's figure to the woman, and soon the woman was presenting gown after gown for Nightfall's inspection. Nightfall could tell that the woman was becoming exasperated with her, as she refused gown after gown for one reason or another. Finally, the woman stopped and thought for a moment, before hastening to the back of her shop. She returned smiling and holding a lovely gown triumphantly. The gown had been made for a merchant's daughter, who was about Elise's size. The woman had refused the gown, saying that the color would not suit her, but as Nightfall examined the gown, she thought that the color would suit Elise amazingly well.

The gown was simple, yet elegant. It was a deep, forest green velvet overskirt which covered a pale green linen underslip. The overskirt was covered with delicate embroidery of a woodland scene. As Nightfall gazed upon the gown, she saw that it would suit Elise perfectly. She selected a pair of simple shoes to go with the gown, as well as some hosiery for Elise to wear with the gown. That done, all that remained was to haggle price with the woman who had almost given up on selling this musically-voiced lady a gown. Once more, the asking price was almost triple what such a gown would bring. Still, Nightfall persisted and eventually proved victorious, managing to obtain the gown for a far more reasonable price. She asked the woman to wrap her purchases, and turned to watch Previn smiling at her indulgently. When everything had been wrapped, he stepped forward to pay for the purchase.

Elise blinked in surprise as Issilk replied to her, calling her his love. Then as the import of his words sunk in, a crimson blush rose to color her cheeks. It was a match for the pink hue which Issilk's own cheeks had taken on at uttering such words. Before she could say anything to him, he quickly spoke again, stumbling over his words as he did so. Elise gazed at him with eyes finally full of joy and awareness. She was aware that he'd always cared for her as much as she had for him, he was simply afraid to show his feelings. She also knew that he was highly embarrassed at having let his feelings slip in such a manner.

Elise had no wish to embarrass him further, and yet she needed to find a way to let him know that she reciprocated his feelings. Smiling gently, she stood upon the tips of her toes, to place a tender kiss upon his lips. When it was over, she spoke sofly to him.

As much as I would relish being carried within your strong arms, I do believe that I am capable of walking back to our inn my darling.

Elise wrapped her two arms around one of Issilk's massive ones, and pressed herself close to him as they began to walk slowly back to their inn. Elise no longer felt stupid for having forgotten her weapons, nor did she feel confused about Issilk any longer. They were together, and they would stay that way, she was certain of it. In fact, Elise felt far happier than she had in a very long time, and knew full well that she owed her happiness to the strong yet tender man who strode next to her.

The assassin looked at his prospective employer with something akin to incredulity. His voice, when he spoke was full of disdain as he looked at the small, twisted man who stood before him.

Let me see if I have this correct. You wish to hire me to do a job, and yet this job does not necessarily require murder? What you wish me to do is acquire a couple of females for you? Surely you do not need an assassin to get you a few women.

Torkan took another, long appraising look at the joke of a man who stood before him, and spoke again.

Ok, so perhaps you cannot gain women on your own. But surely there are enough lightskirts about that a man of your wealth can afford to hire one who will suit his...umm....tastes.

Torkan looked upon his boss with a good deal of question within his eyes. He was already referring to the person as his boss, because he already knew that he would be taking the man's job offer. Times were tough, it had been a while since his last job and money was growing scarce. Regardless of his personal tastes, he would have to take the job. He just hoped that the one who lounged upon the chair would pay him in gold, and not try to pay him with some sort of merchandise or barter.

Bleeda looked at the assassin who stood before him. The man had a good reputation for getting the job done, if you looked past the one or two failures for which the man had no doubt paid dearly. Bleda hated the thought of having to spend so much money for the acquisition of the females he needed, but the two men he'd sent after the one woman earlier had returned to report their failure.

Bleeda had punished them as their failure had demanded. In the end, they'd writhed upon the floor in front of him, screaming and begging him to put out the flames which had suddenly engulfed their clothing. Bleda had watched with dispassion, his nose wrinkling slightly at the pungent smell of burning hair and flesh. After having his servants clean the room of the manse, he had gone out and approached the assassin's guild. Of course if you asked the town officials if any such guild existed within their town limits, they would have denied it categorically, but no matter what was claimed the fact was that it did indeed exist.

After going through many inconvenient meetings, and paying a hefty bribe, Bleeda finally met with someone who told him to return home and wait....that their man would contact him. And so this is how the one named Torkan now stood before him, asking far too many questions for comfort, and displaying a most impertinent attitude. Snorting at the man's impertinence, Bleeda wriggled uncomfortably upon his thronelike chair and spoke.

Listen to me, and listen well. My reasons for obtaining these women are my own and you will never again question my motives. Do you understand? In return for obtaining two particular women, you will be paid handsomely. However, I want it made clear that these women are not to be harmed in any way. One is a warrior, and the other is rumored to be a sorceress. Both are beautiful beyond imagining. In their company are two men. Those men may be eliminated if they pose any further threat towards me obtaining these women. In fact, go ahead and eliminate them regardless, if it suits your purpose....you may consider it a present from me. All I care about is getting the women....undamaged.

My men tell me that the human warrior is in the company of a unusually large fighter who fights as one of the beserkers of old. The Sidhe sorceress is out on the town with another male, and appears to be shopping. Your job is to get them for me, and get them soon. I have a quota to meet and my deadline is rapidly approaching. Should you successfully complete this job for me, I may have further use for you in the future. Fail me and punishment from the assassin's guild will be the least of your worries, I can assure you. The innkeeper where they are staying is in my pay. Make yourself known to him as one of my employees, and he will provide you with their room numbers and the keys to their rooms. Go now, you have work to do!

Previn had not been paying attention to the dresses Nightfall had been looking at. He had been smiling and nodding, but he really didn't have a clue as to which dress she choose or how much it cost. When he stepped forward to pay and the seamstress quoted the price he was rather suprised. It was considerably more than the paltry sum which rested in his pocket. His eyes went blank a smile remained pasted on his face. Previn's mind whirled trying to think of what to say. After a moment he reached to his waist for a pouch that was not there.

But of course. Wait. Where is my money pouch? Nightfall, have you seen my money bag? You know, the brown leather one. Did I leave it in the room? I surely hope so, for the alternative would be that we have been pickpocketed.

Turning back to the seamstress he attempted to put as much sincerity in his voice as possible.

Please forgive as somehow my money is missing. I shall retrace my steps and see if I can find it. Hopefully I just forgot it back in our room. If not...... Well, either way we shall return to purchase the dress. Kindly keep it wrapped, if you would.

The walk back to the inn was uneventful. At least outwardly. Elise clung to his arm as Issilk hung his head slightly. He twisted and turned his words over and over again in his mind. Replaying trying to figure out how his feelings had slipped out.

From time to time out of corner of his eyes he saw Elise gazing up at him. Her blue eyes melted his insides and filled him with desire. She was truly the most beautiful woman he had ever met. And he had made a fool of himself in front of her. For surely there was no way she could feel the same way about him as he did her. True, she was holding his arm rather tightly, but most likely that was out of pity for his verbal ineptness.

When they entered the inn the innkeep gave them an odd look. Issilk did not notice. He escorted Elise up the stairs and to the door of their room. It was there he stopped and stood in silence, not sure whether he should enter the room with her or go find his friend Previn for advice.

Nightfall watched as Previn stepped up to pay for the pouch. Her eyes narrowed dangerously as claimed to be missing a money pouch. She was not sure what he was up to, but she played his game, adding her voice to his, which was apologizing to the dressmaker and assuring her that they would be back to complete their purchase. Nightfall looped her arm through Previn's and quickly steered him out the door. Once they were out of sight of the shop, she spoke to him in a low voice.

Ok, my love, would you care to explain to me what just happened back there? I've never known you to misplace money and I highly doubt you were pick-pocketed. So if you would, explain please darling?

Nightfall couldn't be really mad at Previn. She loved him far too much for that. And while she had haggled the shopkeeper down to a realistic price for the purchase, she was not totally certain of how much money Previn had, exactly. Was it possible that the purchase came to more than they had for the time being? She would be disappointed if that were so, however, she could always come back tomorrow and complete the purchase. She gazed at him, full of curiousity, as she waited for his reply.

His heart lept, but then was tempered by guarded optimisim. Elise held out her hand to him whilst he stood indecisive in the doorway. When he took her outstretched hand into his she drew him into the room. Her eyes glowed warmly as she pushed the door shut behind him.

As tough as it was Previn ignored the questioning eyes of his beloved until they were well away from the dress makers shop. Finally when they were nearly half way back to the inn he met her gaze. She asked in a low voice what was going on, as she knew that he had not lost any money. It was in a voice barely above a whisper that he responded.

My love, we don't have enough money for the dress. At least, not now. Would it be that our remaining coppers were silver then we could afford it. As it stands now we are woefully short. That is why I begged off purchasing the dress until tommorrow. Tonight while we sleep the pouch shall make more coin and we will be able to return and make the purchase. If you would like we could even include something extra for making the seamstress wait.

Nightfall listened with great curiousity as her beloved finally explained to her that they simply did not possess the funds to purchase the gown and it's accessories. She blinked at him, before nodding her head silently. She felt rather embarrassed. Even though she'd negotiated a most fair price for her purchases, she'd forgotten how much money they had. She sighed softly, and hoped fervently that the dressmaker would keep the purchases wrapped up until they could pick them up in the morning. However, she didn't quite understand why Previn didn't just explain their situation to the woman....letting her know that they would return first thing in the morning....making up some excuse or acceptable reason how they would have the rest of the funds in the morning. Why, they could even have placed a deposit upon the purchases to entice the woman to hold them until the morning. In any case, what had been done could not be undone now.

Now that Nightfall understood what his reasoning was, she placed a gentle kiss upon his cheek and gave him a quick, hug. Their return trip to the inn was uneventful and they did not even glance at the innkeeper as he gave them a piercing look upon their return to the inn. They'd failed to notice that they were being followed as they returned to the inn, so intent upon their own thoughts as they walked.

They quickly climbed the stairs which led to their room and let themselves in. Nightfall looked at Previn with a micheivious twinkle in her eyes as she spoke to him softly.

Well my love, we have an hour or two before it will be time for Elise to come to me. What do you suggest we do to occupy ourselves in that time?

Elise's heart leapt as Issilk took her hand and allowed her to draw him into the room. She shut the door firmly behind him, making sure to draw the bolt so that they would not be interrupted. She then led him over to the bed, and upon seeing a momentary look of panic in his eyes, was afraid that he would not be seated next to her as she took a seat upon it's softness. But then her pleading look won out, and he hesitantly seated himself upon the bed next to her. Now was the moment. She would have to tell him exactly how much she cared for him. He'd already made his feelings abundantly clear to her and it was only fair that she do the same to him. Her heart was fairly pounding in her chest as she gazed into his gray eyes. Her voice trembled slightly as she spoke to him.

Issilk, there's something I must tell you. I'm very grateful for everything you and your friends have done for me. But I want you to know that I am not mistaking gratitude for anything else. What I feel, I feel and I am sure of what it is. Surely you must realize that I've come to care for you very much. What you said to me in the alley....I....I want you to know that I feel the same way about you. I was foolish for a while. I was afraid that you did not care for me in the same way that I have come to care for you. What I'm trying to tell you is.....that I love you. I love you with all of my heart and I wish to spend the rest of my life with you.

Once Elise had begun to speak, the words began to come out more rapidly until they fairly tumbled out over themselves. She'd made her feelings crystal clear to him. And now she could do nothing but wait to see how he would accept the news which she'd revealed unto him. She studied the floor as she waited for his reply, determined that he would not see the fierce longing to be with him that surely glowed within her eyes. There was longing mixed with fear....fear that he would not accept that which she'd said. She knew she was in love with him, for she'd felt gratitude before, and this went beyond that....so very far beyond that, that it almost made her soul ache.

She understood. Of course this shouldn't have been a suprise to Previn as it seemed that Nightfall always understood him. When they were younger there were times that it seeme that no one in the world understood him. Not his parents, nor hers. Not his teachers, not his friends, no one. No one except Nightfall. Somehow she always understood and trusted him. This was among the many things that Previn was grateful.

A couple of hours, hmmm. Well, I think we can figure out something to do.

Drawing Nightfall close he tilted her head back with a gentle lift on her chin with a callused finger. His lips parted slightly as they met hers in an ever more passionate kiss.

The gray man gaped. His jaw hung slack before closing and opening again several times. His eyes widened and stared at the beautiful woman who stood before him. Her words lept towards him, lifting his soul and exalting his spirit. She professed her love for him. She said she wished to spend the rest of her life with him. Issilk was confused. Her words were exactly what he had dreamed of hearing her lips say, but they couldn't be true could they? This couldn't be real. It had to be a dream. There was no way a woman like Elise could love an ugly misfortunate man like himself. Still though, when he finally found his voice, he only found three words available to him.

I love you.

Utter bliss soaked his soul. He was with his beloved and nothing in the world could have been more perfect. The scent of her hair, the taste of her lips, the feel of her skin. She was a goddess to him and with every fiber of his being he was thankful that he was fortunate enough that when he fell in love with her she fell in love with him. It was in her embrace that he fell into a carefree sleep. Sometime later he woke with Nightfall whispering in his ear.

Time stopped. When it did Issilk felt truly alive for the first time in his life. The world ceased to exist except for Elise and the sweetness of her kiss. They broke their embrace, just for a moment, both breathless. Issilk parted his lips to speak and found his words silenced with the renewed contact of her lips. All was right in his world.

When Nightfall finally woke, the sun was hanging quite low in the sky. They would have to rise now, if they were to get ready for dinner. She was fairly surprised that Elise hadn't come knocking upon their door yet, and wondered how all was fairing with the woman. Perhaps she too had fallen asleep and not yet awakened. Nightfall leaned over and spoke softly to Previn.

Previn.....wake up love. We need to rise now, if we are to dine downstairs. I will dress and go check on Issilk and Elise. She was to come to me to get ready for supper. I am surprised she has not knocked upon our door yet. I am going to see if she fell asleep as well. While I am gone love, please rise and dress yourself for supper.

Nightfall dropped a soft kiss upon his cheek, and then slid gracefully from the bed. She hastily cleaned herself up and then dressed, while Previn watched her with veiled eyes from the bed. She did not need to look at him to know that he was watching her every movement....she could feel his eyes burning trails across her body. Self-consciously, she moved to the bureau and began to pull a brush through her long hair. When she was satisfied that she looked presentable, she quietly left the room to walk down to the room in which Issilk and Elise had been assigned. She stopped in front of their door, and knocked. Hearing some sounds come from the room, Nightfall decided to knock again, louder, and then waited patiently for someone to answer the door.

Elise felt hot and cold at the same time. She was afraid because she'd never lain with a man in the carnal sense, but she knew that she wanted nothing more in the world than to join with Issilk. Her heart was pounding for his kiss was more than she thought it could be, and when it ended, she found herself wanting more of it. He opened his mouth to speak to her, and found that she quickly silenced him with another hungry kiss.

Unaware of what she was doing, she pushed him back to the bed and leaned over him as their kiss continued. Somehow, amid passionate kisses, they managed to shed their clothing. Issilk was the most considerate of lovers, or at least it seemed to her that he was. He took his time, worshipping her form, and making sure that she was more than ready when their two bodies became one. When he finally possessed her, her eyes widened at the brief moment of pain, but then Issilk was kissing her and whispering to her and the pain was quickly forgotten.

The two of them reached their peak together, and for Elise the world exploded into myriad bright colors swimming before her closed eyes. Issilk laid down beside her and drew her into his strong arms, holding her closely as they both drifted off to sleep....their hunger satiated for the moment.

Some time later, Elise woke, and was availing herself of the wash basin to cleanse herself, when she heard someone knocking on the door. She threw her clothing on hurriedly and was about to answer the door when the knock sounded again. She was still somewhat dishevelled looking when she opened the door to Nightfall. Nightfall's eyes widened in brief surprise as she took in Elise's appearance. But then a slight smile danced upon her lips as she spoke.

Elise, I had come to see if you were ready to get dressed for supper. I can see that you won't be needing my help any more. Please inform Issilk that Previn and I will be going down to supper soon. If we don't hurry, we will miss the meal which will be served downstairs. Knock on our door when you are ready.

Elise blushed crimson upon hearing Nightfall's words, but she soon realized that Nightfall had handled the situation as tactfully as possible. She watched the lovely Sidhe walk back to her room and closed the door softly. When she turned back towards the bed, she saw that Issilk was now awake. She smiled at him, full of love as she moved to sit down on the bed next to him. When Elise spoke, it was in a voice full of tenderness.

You heard?

He was sleeping and Nightfall was mumbling something. Well, to be honest, she wasn't mumbling she was speaking in a clear, if low, voice. To his sleep filled mind though, it came across as disjointed words making no sense. Even after she placed a sweet light kiss upon his cheek he lay there unmoving. As his beloved took the time to brush her hair he started to realize that there was a waking world and that perhaps, just perhaps, he should join it.

After she finished brushing her hair Nightfall took her leave, quietly closing the door behind her as she stepped into the hall. It was only then that her prior words, the ones that she had seemed to mumble, began to take hold in his mind. He lay there for what seemed to be quite a long while turning them over in his mind, allowing them to find their own paths towards a coherent meaning. When their meaning finally made sense Previn sat bolt upright. His very thoughts were "aw hell! I had better hurry up and get ready!"

With the quickness that only someone who had lived the life of an adventuring fool could attain Previn was out of bed and fully dressed by the time his lady love returned to the room.

Ummm, no. Sure didn't.

It was with a smirk on his stony face and a twinkle in his eye that he replied to Elise's question. He just couldn't help himself. He felt more alive than he had in years and his heart lept just for being near her. Reaching up with a heavy grey arm Issilk pulled Elise down to him and kissed her gently yet ever more passionately. Her hair fell forward like a canopy around their two faces. When they finally paused for to catch a breath Issilk spoke.

We could get ready and go down to dinner, Or............

By the time that Nightfall had let herself quietly back into the room she was sharing with Previn, she was pleasantly surprised to find that he was ready to dine. He must have noticed the pleased smile she'd been wearing, because he gave her a quizzical look when she faced him. Her eyes were sparkling with happiness for their friends as she spoke.

Well, my darling, I do believe that we will be dining by ourselves this night. It seems that Issilk and Elise are.....rather indisposed for the evening. I imagine that they'll beg the innkeeper for a cold supper later. Come my darling, let us head downstairs and dine. I am fairly ravenous myself.

Nightfall knew that the full meaning of her words had not been lost upon Previn, for a smile which equalled her own broke out upon his own handsome face. He placed a gentle kiss upon her lips and then opened the door so that they could go downstairs.

When they reached the dining area, which was also the main area of the inn, they found that they had it to themselves. It was past the supper hour and the regular customers had already dined and gone, while those who sought drink and entertainment had already left to find more exciting surroundings.

A serving girl came up to them and nervously enquired as to whether or not they cared to sup. At a nod from them both, she glanced towards the kitchen and then back towards them. Nervously, she tried to whisper something to them about better food elsewhere, but the innkeeper chose that moment to shout for her to get moving and get them food. Nightfall was so elated by what she'd found out from visiting Elise, that she didn't give the woman's behavior a second thought.