"I'm nervous, too. It's been longer for me. More like 20. But for the past 10 years, I've had an old song running through my head. It even has your na...e in it. Tonight I can throw it out, because, finally, I can be with the one I love... and I am." "Aw, that's so romantic." We kissed. I didn't want to push her, but I did want to see her in the light. I had imagined what was under her clothing for all those years. I wasn't expecting perfection. She had started losing weight and exercising in an. If she wanted to believe I was special in the sack who was I to disabuse her."I'd love to," I said.I followed her to the staff dorm and up to the second floor. She closed the door behind us. She rummaged around inside her closet and emerged with a bottle of LBV port and two glasses. One of Halliday's rules was no alcohol. Of course, it was also routinely ignored but staff did try to be discreet.She poured two generous glasses and brought it over. "Cheers." Prosit," I answered and we clinked. Carelia sipped her wine under the shade of the tavern awnings and nibbled at a bowl of green olives as her two slaves looked about them excitedly, drinking in the sights and sounds of the great market. An excursion to Kingshaven and the market was a rare treat for them and a break from the mundane domesticity of life in Carelia’s country home near Castaria. They were in holiday mood and Carelia smiled to herself at their infectious excitement. She glanced at the two beautiful girls, their eyes. "Rebecca gave me a look. "Are you sure you're up for that kind of stress?"Coleen was more direct. "What if you get bad over there? What do you think will happen to you?" If I die, then I'll die. That's what will happen. Either way, if it's my time, then I'd rather be doing something good than sitting around waiting for it."I've started this thing with Jennifer and want to see it through. The other thing is - I want to keep moving until I can't. Being busy is the best way to get through the day..