Chatter and food and people clustered in the large room as dusk settled into night. It was nostalgic to see the wooden tables and familiar faces, although she was already forgotten or remained unknown to most.

"Hey, why are you two late? Something happen?"

She and Ezarel sat down with only an exchange of glances, and Nevra snickered.

"Rekindling lost love, right? I'm so jealous."

"Since when did you become my mother?Actually, I had to fill out a report of the time I was gone." The memory caused her to shudder; at least Yhkar and Kero were there. She took the cup of mead and took a swig. "Thanks for still remembering what I like."

"Of course! I can never forget my favorite member."

"Nevra, you know your flattery isn't going to work."

"It won't stop him from trying," the elf said. "Besides, he still has girls from my guard flocking toward him."

"Poor you."

"I didn't ask for your sympathy, dear. Even then, your high-maintenance is already more than enough."

"Hey, why do you hang out with this guy anyway?" She took another sip.

Valkyon let out a cough while the vampire burst into a fit of laughter. The woman rolled her eyes.

"I think we should be the ones asking why you hang out with him," Valkyon said.

"Well, who would resist someone blessed by the Oracle? Not everyone can be so divine." The elf smiled. "I'm so generous to even grace her with my presence."

She let out a 'pfft' as amusement danced in her eyes, and she shrugged.

"I dunno. Entertainment value? He gave me a nice ring? Then again, I was the one who told him about that...Perhaps I'm just too good to be chewed on by a bloodsucker, and his pride was on the line with all the girls that keep running away."

After some more playful bantering, she discussed her past activity; however, the woman spared them the specifics. Laughter and commentary ensued, but she always touched her cheek when she grinned. It was nice to smile in a natural way, almost too nice. When the group split up for the night, Ezarel escorted her back to her room. She slowed her pace as they passed by different doors.

"Is something wrong?" He continued to walk ahead.

"No. Everything...just feels different? I'm not sure how to describe it. It's like how I first came here, y'know."

She stopped in front of the door to his room and gazed at it. Her attention snapped back to him when he cleared his throat.

"Your room is over there if you recall."

"Why can't I sleep in your room? I've been in there only a few times."

"You would break something the moment you set foot," he said.

The woman crossed her arms. "Can I at least get a hug?"

"Come closer then."

She approached him, but when she stopped to be embraced, the elf flicked her forehead.

"Gullible as always." He chuckled.

"I hate you."

"I'll always love you more."

"Shut up...and good night."

"Of course. It'd be nice if you slept well."

She threw herself onto her bed once she shut the door. Drowsiness had yet to settle, and time ticked and ticked. Twisting and turning was for naught. The woman got off her bed, found her parrying dagger and sword, then left the room. She wandered around until she found herself near the gates. With her weapons in hand, the woman started to practice. If only her ability with magic surpassed basic spells. She continued to hit an invisible target but stopped as her arms began to tire. The woman headed back to her room to put away her weapons. She stared at the bed and sighed. Maybe...Once she nodded to herself, she left the room and stood in front of Ezarel's door. She softly knocked and waited. Nothing. Knocked again. Nothing. As she started to leave in dismay, the door opened. The elf narrowed his eyes and muttered something in another language when she gave him a sheepish smile.

"I should have slammed the door. What is it?"

"Can't sleep."

"Even after training or..."

She shook her head.

"And you expect me to do something at this hour? Cute."

"I'll just-"

"You already bothered."

Before she could respond, he walked back to the bed. She stood for a few moments prior to entering the room. The door shut with a click, and he lay on his side of the bed. When she did the same, Ezarel tossed part of the blanket over her.

"Talk." He let out a yawn.

"Um, about what?"

"Anything."

She stared at the ceiling as she shuffled through memories.

"Well..."