Iyona Elras, if not entirely forthright with others, always strove at least to be honest with herself. She knew very clearly what she was, and what she was not. In matters of emotional delicacy, she had never considered herself particularly perceptive; she was largely content to keep the thoughts and feelings of others a mystery.

But it did not take the empathy of a sage to tell that something was not entirely right with Tamm Tosscobble on that night. Even as tipsy as she was, Iyona could see something unpleasant lurking behind his eyes, something bowing his shoulders. Tamm did not smile when the others smiled, or laugh when they laughed, but only acknowledged the others when absolutely necessary.

Brooding never sat well with Iyona. It made her uncomfortable, made her want to get away. On this particular man, it annoyed her more than usual.

"You ran off awful quick last time I saw you," she said abruptly, leaning in so he would know she was talking to him.

When Tamm did not answer immediately, Valandris spoke up. "They -- he and Symion -- had business in the mountains of Redridge, I believe."

Iyona frowned, hardly noticing the Symion was now every bit as solemn as Tamm. With travelers and adventurers passing through every day, news traveled quickly in Goldshire, and Iyona had heard enough about Redridge in the past week to have some idea of the cause of Tamm's mood. Her annoyance with him lessened as her embarrassment -- a sensation rather unfamiliar to her -- grew.

"I heard things got pretty bad over that way," she said softly.

Tamm nodded. His eyes met hers and this time, he did not look away. "Many men lost their lives."

It was an obvious thing to say, something that could have been written on one of the many notices posted outside town. But his tone carried such a weight that made every word painful to hear.

"Which isn't your fault," said Symion. "It's not anybody's fault."

"Just mine and Stormwind's," muttered Tamm. He took a long swig from his flask, the first he had touched it that night.

A frown found its way to Valandris' face. "I can't see what Stormwind has to do with any of--"

"Dear Lady Arinian," said Symion, cutting her off with a wave of his hand, "If you would permit my boldness in saying so, you are looking rather peaked. Some fresh air would serve you well, I think-- if you would allow me to escort you outside?"

Valandris consented, and a moment later, Tamm and Iyona were alone -- or as alone as two people could be in a crowded tavern.

"So," began Iyona, but Tamm did not look her way. She spoke again, louder. "So, Tosscobble -- sir -- I realized I never did thank you."

Tamm then glanced her way, green eyes attentive but questioning.

Iyona waved a hand vaguely in the air. "Not so much for the food -- which was nice -- but for, you know, not telling everyone about me."

Tamm stared at her a moment before saying, "Was I right to let you go, Miss Elras?"

"As long as you're asking me, yes."

"Have you stolen since then?"

A placating smile formed on Iyona's lips, along with the words, no, of course not -- but the hardness of his stare told her that lying would do no good. Instead, she shrugged and said, "Only when I need to."

"I find it hard to believe, Miss Elras, that you cannot come by honest work in this town. Light knows you have enough time on your hands."

Iyona said nothing.

Tamm turned fully to face her, his expression stern. "I would not like to see you in the Stockades," he said quietly. "You are not a hardened criminal, nor are your offenses severe, but the path you've chosen for yourself can only end badly for you."

"Then I'll not stay on it for long," Iyona said, barely loud enough for him to hear. She twisted her fingers together uncomfortably, adding after a moment, "Look, I'm sorry I was such a -- well, such a brat since we've met, especially considering how nice you've been."

To Iyona's satisfaction, Tamm actually smiled then. "'Brat' is an apt description, Miss Elras. But say no more of it."

A comfortable silence fell between them, even as the rest of the inn only grew noisier. Two familiar voices could be heard among the din, signaling the soon return of Symion and Valandris. Iyona only had a few more moments of privacy in which she could share her thoughts.

"You're a good man," she blurted, "and I can tell that if there was anything you could have done differently back there-- back in Redridge-- then you would have."

There was no time for Tamm to respond, but he did not need to. Something softened in his eyes, and in some small way, Iyona knew that she had repaid him.