The Devil's Den was in full swing as the door opened. As the door creaked the light of the silver moon streamed in. From behind the bar, the bartender glared weakly at the figure in the door. In the door stood the traveling shopkeeper, Anna bow raised in hand.

With a cry of triumph, she skipped to the bar. With every step, the man behind the counter prepared before her approach. Sliding onto the stool at the bar she grinned. With a quiet tinkling, she pulled a pouch from her hip. His feline eyes watched as she dangled the pouch in front of his face.

His large clawed hand swiped at the jingling object. With a laugh, the merchant archer jumped on the bar. Sitting cross-legged on the bar she smiled winking flirtatiously. With a huff, he poured a drink placing it in front of her. As she reached for it he caught her arm glaring into her eye.

"Are you finally going to pay your tab, Anna?" He asked voice a vicious growl

"C'mon Byron we can make a deal can't we?" She implored eyes locked on the beverage

"Do you remember what happened last time " we made a deal with" Anna?" He asked

The redhead threw her head back in glee. She did indeed remember the last deal they made. She had a night of fun and slipped out with some of his gold. Her heart sunk as she saw sadness in his eyes.

"What's on your mind big cat?" She inquired quietly

"When you raiding did you find a fancy-looking ring?" He whispered glancing at her

"You mean this one?" She replied

Slowly she lifted a silver chain from her blouse. A ring made of braided gold and silver hung from the chain. A purple gem was set between the twisted metal cut in a diamond shape. Taken by surprise Byron stared at the ring.

"You didn't sell it?" He whispered joy in his voice

"Nope, you had it for a reason and I wanted to know why." She said smiling

"Well ya see, I can explain." Blurted out

He turned away hiding his face in his hands. At last sipping from her drink she studied the ring. It was beautiful a well-made piece made by a master. Down the rest of her drink, she slid across the bar. Stopping in front of him she took the chain from her neck.

"Here you might want this back, besides you gotta give to its rightful owner." She mumbled

Slowly he turned and she placed the necklace in his hand. Smiling sadly she folded his hand around it. As she turned to jump off the bar he caught her arm. Slowly she turned back to him finding him smiling.

"Its rightful owner already had it." He said

She blushed as he dropped the necklace around her neck. Her eyes slowly fell on the ring now dangling there. She couldn't help but smile at this news. She hadn't been this happy since her first sale. Shifting to a crouched position she turned leap from the counter.

"Leaving already?" He questioned leaning on the counter

"Oh trust me big cat I'll be back I'm just going to tell my sisters." She proclaimed

Turn she kissed his cheek before springing from the bar. As she jumped the small pouch she'd been teasing him with tinkled to the counter. With a small smile of victory, he swiped the pouch. Turning his gaze to the window he watched as Anna sped down the busy street.

It was well past closing when he heard the door. From his place at one of the tables, he watched Anna enter. He smiled sleepily as the merchant made her way to him. She looked just as tired as he was as joined him.

"Sorry, I'm late they needed me." She frowned resting her head on her hand

"I'm used to being up late." He yawned out

Slowly he stood rounding the table gently touching her hand. She gripped his hand turning to him. Understanding his silent invitation she stood. Once on her feet, she fell against him.

"Looks like I'm falling for you again." She said laughing at herself

He chuckled scooping her up in his arm. Slowly he crossed the bar to a set of stairs. Making his way to the upper floor he turned right. With a heavy nudge of his foot, the door swung in.

"I haven't seen this room in a while." She yawned

"Don't get any ideas." He remarked

With a yawn, he placed her on the bed. As she made herself comfortable he slid in. Stretching out he pulled the tiny merchant against him. With a tired giggle, she placed her head against his chest. The rhythmic beat of his heart slowly lulled her to sleep.