-Chapter Six-

Casavir entered his room at the Sunken Flagon and was surprised to see Lana sitting on his bed. She looked slightly embarrassed, a little smile flickering across his lips. He had never seen her look shy before. He approached Lana, curiosity on his face as she looked nervously up at him.

Her lips turned up in a little half smile as she said, "I'm sorry to be in here uninvited but I wanted to catch you alone. I, uh, got you a present." He hadn't noticed the soft suede wrapped bundle on his bed behind her until she shifted it onto her lap. Casavir smiled and sat next to her. She blushed as his hands brushed her thighs when he removed the package from her lap. He had never seen her blush before and found it oddly enchanting.

He carefully unwrapped the gift, it was heavier then it appeared. Surprise crossed his features and he looked to her inquiringly. She again blushed at his curious expression. "It's a Holy Avenger. I knew you had admired my longswords and thought this was the perfect thing for you. I, um, thought maybe we could train together. I worry sometimes that just bludgeoning things with your hammer isn't always… well…"and she trailed off. She looked embarrassed, afraid she was offending him.

"It is beautiful and I think that is a fine idea. Thank you, Lana. Um…" he replied, touched by her gift. He lifted it from his lap to admire the longsword. The leather scabbard was hand tooled with intricate designs embossed onto it. The hilt was beautifully carved and gleamed golden. Casavir unsheathed it, amazed at how light it felt in his hand. The blade radiated like a ray of sunshine as he drew it out. Casavir hefted the blade in his hand, astounded at the perfect balance. He was stunned at how flawless the sword felt in his grip. It was a work of art and must have cost her a fortune.

She interrupted him before he could say more, "Oh, don't worry. I had it made just for you. I didn't lift it or anything 'untoward'." She snorted. "It wouldn't do to be in the middle of a battle and have your enemy say 'Hey, that's my sword!'"

He chuckled. "No my lady, that is not it. I trust you but thank you for clearing that up." Casavir smiled, looking into her eyes. I could stay like this for an eternity, he thought. "What I meant to say is thank you. No one has given me such a fine gift as this. I will gladly wield it and accept your offer of training. It would be my honor."

She lingered, returning his gaze. Say something you fool, she's waiting for you to say something. Words escaped him. Lana smiled and rose from his bed. She started to leave, but turned and said, "If you would like to start training with that, we can tomorrow morning." She looked expectantly at him.

He nodded and replied, "I look forward to it. First thing in the morning?" Stupid! You are so stupid! She's here, alone in your room and that's all you can say. "Thank you again Lana," was all he could utter.

She nodded, exiting the room. She glanced back over her shoulder before shutting the door but said nothing. He could have kicked himself for losing such an opportunity. She was waiting for more and I let her go. Such a buffoon.

Casavir woke the next morning and smiled, looking at his new blade propped on the chair. He sat staring at his sword, thinking, Maybe I can think of more to say today. He looked forward to the time alone training with her.