Qiao did not want the General to think they were taking this less than seriously, and that was hard enough with Malark strumming on his lute.Himo rose...from her lotus position in a graceful motion without using her hands. She always moved fluidly, even for an elf. “General Grodan, hero of the battle of Raven Rock,” Himo said formally, nodding towards him.He grunted non-committedly as Marlark’s lute quieted. “Listen up, I don’t have time to repeat myself,” the older man said. “The horde has split. I don’t have a girlfriend. And I only live a few floors up, so delivery is no problem.’ Ryan nodded. ‘Thanks, but it’s awkward on steps with this right now. Maybe another time.’ ‘Maybe.’ Brody smiled, pleased he hadn’t been shut down outright. ‘It was nice meeting you, Ryan. You need any help with groceries again, let me know.’ ‘I’ll do that.’ * * * Later that night, Ryan lay on the couch, reading and listening to some music, her ankle propped up on a pillow. She had turned on iTunes and set it. Take care, I love you.’ I kissed her quickly and walked through the gate to the boarding ramp. We had been married now for five years and, I knew that this would be the last time that we would go through this parting. What Sylvie was not aware of was that I knew, deep inside me, that she would not be waiting for my return. Ours had all the hallmarks of a happy marriage, we had a lot of friends, some had been friends from before we married, and some had become friends from work contacts since. He didn't say anythingmore, but I reckon we might get an answer or two in the near future,if we're lucky." They definitely owe us that," Buffy remarked, "and then some."She was predictably interested in seeing more of the apartment, and Iaccompanied her to the living room. Speechless for the moment, shespent a good while examining and taking in the surroundings, much likeI had. She walked around unhurriedly, touched the chairs and the tablewith her fingers to verify that they were solid.