Dark storm clouds had rolled in throughout the afternoon and come time for their party celebration, a light rain was falling, steady and unyielding. Although the event was supposed to take place with the night sky overhead, they were able to put up a tent canopy enchanted with twinkling stars. Many people were enjoying the night- the music and the dancing helped them to relieve whatever stresses and frustrations they had pent up and everyone was definitely enjoying the drinks served. Nothing quite helped bring a satisfying end to a long day like a cool glass of one's favorite adult beverage.

Charlie was casually leaning against one the support beams, just to help hold it up, or at least that's the witty joke he told whenever someone tried to get him out in the midst of the mingling crowd. Over the music, he could hear thunder rumbling in the distance and the sound of the rain tapping on the canopy.

He knew she wouldn't be here, but he couldn't keep himself from glancing around the room, hoping she had been relieved from her duty of night watch. Some time passed and no such luck. He counted down the minutes before he finally decided he'd made enough of a show and ducked out the tent and into the night.

The rain felt cool on his face, but it was coming down harder than before. By the time he got halfway across the compound, his hair was dripping, and his clothes soaked through. The sounds of the crowd faded behind him and the only clues of the gathering were the lit torches and the smells of fresh cooked foods. In his hands, he was carrying a tray of assorted foods from little sandwiches to fresh fruits to miniature cakes for dessert. He had a bottle of peach wine concealed on the inside of his cloak- it was his favorite and he hoped she would enjoy it as well.

Ahead of him, he saw a lone firelit brazier under the small Watcher's awning; a humble structure of wood beams and a tarp. There Dawn was perched on a stool, watching the surrounding pens and their occupants, along with the nearby fields and woods for any unwelcome guests.

"Hello there," Charlie called out to her as he neared, the warmth from the fire brushing against his face.

Dawn looked up, "Oh Charlie, I'm glad it's you. I half thought it might have been Nolan or one of the others and I was quickly trying to think of a kind way to tell them to go away." She laughed softly.

"Well fortunately for you, most everyone else is at the dance," he pulled up another stool, took a seat, and laid out the tray of food before her. "I thought you could do with a little reprieve."

"Oh, thank you very much. It does smell delicious," She eyed the cakes hungrily. They sat in silence for a few minutes as they made a feast of the treats Charlie had snagged. Thunder clapped occasionally and the sky would light up with strikes of lighting. Dawn cleared her throat, "Why did you leave the party? Didn't feel like dancing?"

Charlie looked in the fire, "Actually, the girl I wanted to dance with wasn't there."

"Oh," Dawn looked away and out into the darkness. "Well that's a shame. Is she ill? You could always stop by and take her something."

"I did." He looked at her, his voice soft as summer rain.

Dawn didn't look at him. "Why didn't you stay? I'm sure she would have appreciated your company."

"I am."

Dawn whipped around, frowning. The pup at her feet pricked up it's ears. "You mean… here… with me?"

He smiled gently and nodded, "Yes, with you."

It wasn't much but Charlie shared his peach wine with Dawn who discovered she liked it very much. They talked and laughed about witty jokes the other would make. And after a while, Dawn switched on a radio she kept with her on the nights when she was charged with watch duty.

"It's been charmed to play songs that fit the mood of those around it," she told Charlie as she turned up the sound. An upbeat swingin' big-band era song came crackling through the radio's speakers.

"What is this?" Charlie asked.

"I think it's a song my grandparents would play when I visited them in America. It was a popular style when they were our age." Dawn said smiling.

"How do you dance to this?" Charlie tapped his foot along to the rhythm.

"It's a swing. Come on, I'll show you. Or at least I'll try; it's been a while." She stood and offered her hand to Charlie who engulfed it in his own. She walked him through the basic steps and soon they were dancing along to the big band music, laughing whenever one of them slipped up but overall having a great time together despite the weather.