Rowyn and I continue to stand watch, we find the two ladies still deep in discussion.

It is peaceful here in this corner of the marketplace, and there is probably no need for both of us to be here. I turn to Rowyn. "If you want to get your gear and get settled, I'll continue on guard here."

Rowyn nods her agreement, but before she takes her leave, Morgause pops her head out of the tent and beckons me inside.

Missionaria is standing there with her huge bundle of boards. Her humor seems restored, but she does seem...a bit tipsy. Looking at the glasses on the table and the flushed faces of both ladies, it is all I can do to surpress a smile. Tipsy, indeed.

"Aelwid, would you please escort Missionaria home?" Morgause asks. "I would rather that she not walk the streets alone right now."

Given the condition of both of them, I can see why see might say that. Well, it suits me. Missionaria is a likely lass. Not hard duty at all.

I give Missionaria my best smile. "Are you ready, m'lady?"

She looks up at me, regarding me with a cautious look, then smiles in return. "Yes, I am ready, thank you." I can see that she is surreptitiously clutching the table to steady herself.

Taking the boards from her, I offer her my other arm which she clings to gratefully.

Outside, I look down and offer to get a mount if she'd prefer to ride. Missionaria shakes her head. "It's not far, and I'd like to walk if you don't mind. Perhaps," she says ruefully, "it will help clear this head of mine."

The streets are less crowded now. The dinner hour is coming on and people return to their homes to light the lamps and heat up the evening meal. As we walk, I can see that she is looking less wobbly--her grip on my arm is lighter now.

Within a few minutes we have reached the entrance to her home. Like most of the established shopkeepers here she lives behind and above her shop, Roman-style. Her apprentices are restoring order to the tables and shelves, preparing to shut down for the night. A prosperous-looking place.

"Would you care to come in for a meal, Aelwid? We all dine together, and there's plenty." She smiles with genuine gratitude, a hint of something else in her demeanor - shyness? "Please, let me repay you in some small measure for your assistance."

I look into those twilight eyes again. How can I say no?