"Would you care for some sleep now?" he asked.

"Indeed. That sounds really good right about now." I tossed the damp cloth on a nearby table and approached the edge of the bed where he had pulled back the covers. I slipped between the soft white cotton and appreciated the density of the bed. It was firm enough to support me but soft enough for a good night's rest.

My companion left my side and went over to the table to retrieve the used towel and then disappeared into the other room to attend to the vestiges of the bath, I supposed. I propped myself up on the multitude of pillows that I found along the headboard. The light in the other room went out and a moment later he appeared in the doorway. He paused as if hesitant for the first time all evening.

"Are you going to join me or just stand there sentinel all night?" My comment broke his conflict.

He stepped forward, smirking at me, "As you wish." He strode about the room in his unhurried grace and turned off all but one of the lights, leaving the one glowing dimly by the door of the room. I saw nothing but a brief silhouette as he came over to the bed, flipping open the covers and joining me.

I reached out into the dark and eventually my fingers brushed against warm smooth skin. He stayed silent as I scooted closer to him and arranged us to my liking. We were on our sides facing each other. My head was tucked up near his collar bone, resting on his arm as if it were a pillow. His other arm was draped across my waist, fingers gently curving around to my back. My arms were tucked between us, pressing lightly against his chest, and our legs were tangled slightly. We settled into position very quickly, his bodily warmth enveloping me pleasantly.

"Is there anything else that you require?" he asked softly.

"No. I just like the companionship." I understood what he was asking, but that wasn't what I wanted. "Makes those other nights not as bad when I get to look forward to moments like this."

He hummed in agreement. Silence fell between us again. The slow rhythm of his breathing began to lull me into sleep. His hand absently came up from my waist to stroke the back of my hair. I sighed happily and snuggled it a little closer to him. Under the scents of flowers and mint from the bath he had another personal scent that reminded me of summer days spent in fresh air and golden sun. I smiled as I breathed it in deeply.

"Is there anything else that you want?" he asked even softer, not wanting to disturb me but needed to be reassured.

"No," I replied simply.

I could feel my body becoming limp and heavy from the fatigue of the day and the relaxation of the evening. Sleep welcomed me into it's deep embrace as I thought I heard the whispered words, "As my dreams wish, I would travel..."


Morning came gently. My dreams slowly released me back to consciousness after showing me the gleaming shores and tropical waters of my next destination. My surroundings were nice, soft, and warm as I became aware of the bed again. I twisted my body slightly to wake up my muscles and I brushed against cotton and skin. I opened my eyes and was greeted by a soft almost-smile that caressed fine lips and was even captured in two orbs of golden amber. I grinned back at him and I see his smile sharpen a little.

"Good morning."

"Good morning indeed! What a magnificent way to wake up!"

"I hope you slept well."

"Very much so. Universes better than trying to catch some winks of a train. Those blasted rails have no sense of rhythm. Always waking me with a rough turn right as I get to good dream."

"Did you have good dreams last night?"

"Wonderful ones. It appears as if I am to travel next to a sunny paradise! Adventure awaits me on white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters."

"Sounds like quite the expedition planned."

"Planned? Oh no, I don't plan. Where's the fun in that? I'm just going to to point myself east and hope I end up there."

He raised an eyebrow at me. "That is how you travel?"

"Yessiree! I've gotten into several pickles that way but it's so very liberating."

"Fascinating." The smile brightened up another couple of notches.

"Say, how about if your dream man doesn't appear before I swing by here next, would you come travel with me?" And just like that, the warmth of his smile faded and he slipped behind a carefully mask.

"If you pass through this area again, I will consider it." He rolled away from me and climbed out of the bed. "Would you care for some breakfast before you depart?" He pulled the edges of his robes back up over his shoulders.

"Do you have any more fruit from dinner?" I asked in between yawning.

"Certainly. I will have it brought from the kitchen." He moved to the door, opening it briefly and then disappearing from view. I finished stretching and rose from the bed. I walked over to where my clothes were neatly folded. I shimmied into my pants before untying and shedding the robe. I slipped my shirt on and was shrugging into my jacket as the chamber door opened again.

He carried the tray over to the table where we had played chess. On it was a variety of fruits already sliced and ready to be eaten. They looked appealing as ever, but I noticed that none were carved as they had been last night. I grabbed a couple pieces before I retrieved my shoes, sitting down on the creaky leather chair to put them on.

"I hope you had an enjoyable stay here."

"The best I've had. Even ranks up there with some of the escapades I've had a old ruins filled to the brim with skulls."

"I will take that as high praise. I shall take these to be wrapped and available for when you are ready to leave," he declared, picking up the two drawings he had done for me.

"Wait!" I intercepted him in the middle of the room. "Erm..." I stuck out my hand. "Thank you." He had to shuffle the drawings into one arm, resting them on his hip. "It has been a real pleasure meeting you. I hope my dreams set a path back here."

He gripped my hand tight and murmured something that sounded like hope soon.

"Sorry, I didn't quite catch that."

"I hope your dreams take you where you need to be." He released my hand and continued out of the room.

I returned to finish my breakfast, then gathered my things and went to the compound's master to pay for my stay. I set out for my next adventure with the morning sun at my back.