She intrigued him like no other woman before had ever managed to. She had fire and passion enough to match her hair, and curves that just wouldn't quit. Unfortunately for him, she'd never looked twice, probably because he was almost twice her age.

He watched her a lot, and even had to stop himself sometimes lest he be found out. He was watching her now in the tavern, with Merida teaching her how to dance Ixa'taka style. His tension grew as he watched her body undulate and writhe, and could not help but imagine his own hands and body causing hers to do so.

The music stopped and she leapt from the stage with glee, flying into the arms of her long-time friend. Intense jealousy clouded his mind and pain shot through where his heart used to be, for he had lost it to her the moment he saw her bussing tables in Nasrad. He had to leave the tavern, lest he give himself away. He wanted no one's pity.

It was ironic really; she was the one woman he wanted more than any other, more than adventure and treasure, more than booze and women. The one woman he could see himself finally settling down with. The one woman he could never have.