Pauline sat in her office it had been near three years since everything had happened, Halt had left for a mission and returned only to be whisked away again and again. Not that it mattered when he had returned he spoke to her as he would any other acquaintance or business person of the castle the equivalent of Sir Rodney. They were almost cold with each other now both of them avoiding putting any feeling into anything. They were civil but lacked compassion hey worked well but it stopped at that. No more mistakes Pauline justified. She had shut down her emotions in that department it was easier that way. Suitors had tried to collect her but she had brushed them off one by one. There were whispers of her and Halt but nothing definitive so her position stayed intact. She rubbed her temples it was the holidays there was no need to think about such things. She set down her quill and looked at the water clock on the mantle it was late. She closed the file she was tending and put her quill back in its ink. She moved to the washroom to clean up and change then headed down to the Yuletide party.
Once she arrived she was greeted but the Baron and lady Sandra and then sir Rodney who noticed her slightly pained look. "Are you alright?" He asked. Pauline smiled at her friend "I am thank you. How are you doing?" Rodney smiled lightly "I am well the new recruits were happy to go home for the holidays and I am happy to be rid of them for a while." Pauline smiled "they are good boys" she said. Rodney smile "aye that they are they will be happy to not have to do foot patrols now that Halt is back." Pauline kept her features relaxed "I wasn't aware he had returned." Rodney nodded "two days ago looked a little rougher than usual but at lest he was in one piece this time." Pauline nodded "that's good," she added plainly. "Perhaps he will break old habits and come to the party this year" he said. Pauline just looked at him as if to ask if he were serious. "You are probably right" he said at her look with a chuckle "well enjoy the evening milady there are spirits to be had and I best not keep them waiting" he said with a light bow. She curtseyed to him simply then moved off to join some other friends. The festivities were jolly and light full of holiday cheer. It was good for Pauline's spirit around this time to have happiness around her. As things began to wind down Pauline was appreciating the warm creeping feeling brought to her by the wine she would not drink excess by any means but on such s chilly evening the drink was helpful.
She was leaving when Lady Sandra caught up to her "Pauline would you mind doing me a favor?" She said. Pauline looked at the woman "of course what can I do for you?" She asked with a soft smile. "Would you mind taking this to the Ranger Halt?" Sandra said. Pauline started to open her mouth shaking her head in the negative when Sandra stopped her. "He missed the festivities once more this year and I thought it best to send him a meal since he only just arrived home" Sandra said offering Pauline the basket. Pauline's argument was silenced and she let out a sigh "very well, I will take it to him" she said accepting the basket. "Thank you. Have a good evening" Sandra said gently with a smile before returning to her husband as Pauline left the room.
"Are you sure that was wise dear?" The Baron said having witnessed the scene. Only he, his wife, and Crowley knew about Halt and Pauline. They had no idea the extent of their involvement but were aware of something having happened between the two. The Baron had noticed the avoided eye contact between the two as well as Halt's added gruffness and Pauline's shortness when speaking to him. "They need to sort this out sooner or later dear" Sandra said patting her husbands chest. "Yes but I would rather not have a murder on my hands for the holidays" the Baron added absently. "It's the holidays everything will be fine. What's the worst that can happen?" Sandra said. The couple paused as if thinking it over "I ink I'd rather not know" he Baron said softly. Sandra just shook her head at her husband, they would be fine... She hoped.