"Well, I know that your vineyard produces the finest wine on the island. I know this because I have indulged in it often enough," I admit with a laugh. "You are truly blessed by the gods of the vine."

"Thank you, Priestess, but I am sure you must know more about me than that simple fact," he says lightheartedly.

"Alas, I fear I know little else, other than looking at you, I would not take you for a winemaker. Is it true you were once a mighty warrior? I had heard that about you. You certainly look as if you still are one."

I give his powerful arm a squeeze. It is rock solid and it looks as though the rest of his body is much the same. He stops walking and turns to look at me directly. I cannot supress the blush rising in my cheeks as I am sure he has caught me sizing him up.

"It is true that I once was a warrior but I am retired and content with the life I lead now, for the most part. And what about you?" he asks me out of the blue and starts walking again. "Are you content serving the goddess of your island?"

"For the most part," I repeat his own retort lightly. "It affords me a great deal of freedom which I do enjoy."

"And yet, you are not permitted to marry or bear children. Has that ever bothered you?"

"It used to on rare occasion. However, the rewards of serving our goddess and the freedom it affords me far outweigh the costs of such small sacrifices. Just because we are not permitted to marry or have children does not mean we are cut off entirely from enjoying the pleasures of the company of men."

"Is that so? Interesting."

An interesting silence ensues as we continue our walk towards the villa.