* 58 * 1/13/13

Nearly an hour passed in the already late night. Most of the group had already headed to bed, but Bishop, Casavir, Khelgar, and Neeshka stayed awake to listen to Lily and Bevil as they caught up with each other.

"So now you're head of recruitment, huh?" Lily asked.

"Yeah. While you were gone, these guys," he gestured toward the still-awake teammates, "voted me in, even without knowing what you do about me. Fancy that!" he said happily.

"I'm sure they gathered how trustworthy and dependable you are without ever hearing my recommendation," Lily agreed with her tone almost saccharine. Bishop made a face, immensely regretting his simple "Yeah, sure" from earlier when asked whether he thought Bevil was up to snuff.

"Aye, I could tell by lookin' at ya. It's good to hear our Leader agrees, though." Khelgar laughed. The dwarf would hardly say it, but he wasn't there to lavish accolades on Bevil; he wanted to get an inkling as to how close Bevil and Lily were. That kind of thing normally didn't interest him, but he felt like he had a personal role in it now given all that he'd seen between certain party members and the elf.

In all the time they stood there, Bishop hadn't once said a word. He was playing purveyor, analyzing what the two said to each other. Casavir did the same now and then, but each time stopped himself just after realizing it, ashamed that he was trying to get into Lily's business so much.

Neeshka changed the subject to something that interested her far more. "So, how long have you two been together?"

All four men's sets of eyes grew wide simultaneously.

"What?" Lily asked with a laugh, but it was too nervous to be genuine. Bishop stared at her suspiciously.

"Oh, you know. How long have you been friends?" Neeshka elaborated, completely clueless as to the impression she gave off with her initial question.

"Well..." she spouted, relieved. "Bevil?" Lily offered. She had done a lot of the talking tonight and her voice almost felt hoarse from laughing; she had missed Bevil.

"Ever since we were kids, really. We were even together when West Harbor was attacked," Bevil explained, a slight tinge of sadness in his voice. Casavir positively winced at the word "together".

Khelgar sighed. He'd had enough for now; this was getting to be just too much. "Well, I'm off to sleep. G'night." He retreated to his room amongst fairly disinterested waves from his preoccupied companions.

"I should be getting to bed too. It's been a...long day," Lily finished nondescriptly. "It's really good to see you again, Bevil! Where will you be if I need you?"

Bishop's ears were fully attuned.

"Yeah, that's fine; I'm getting pretty tired myself. It's been a long journey here. By daylight I'm next to the main gate leading to the fields outside."

"Then I'll probably see you tomorrow on our way to find the Wendersnaven!" Lily replied spiritedly. She gave him a hug, and Bevil closed his eyes and looked very happy to the companions still present. When he opened them again, however, he was looking straight into the bitter face of Bishop...who had a giant "Go to Bed, Now" stuck there. Bevil quickly released Lily and scurried off. Neeshka departed too.

Only the two men were left.

Casavir, looking hurt, solemnly said good night to his Leader.

For once, Bishop and Casavir had spent an hour in a room together without glaring daggers at each other. This new male addition perhaps made them feel allied in wishing for his removal.

A few moments later, Lily started following the paladin. "Ah-ah!" said Bishop, immediately grabbing her arm.

Or not.

Lily whirled around to face the ranger. "What?" she demanded.

"What are you following the holy pain-in-the-ass for?" Bishop asked, exasperated. This night was insane.

To this, Lily laughed, like he was just joking. "Does it really matter?"

Bishop balked. "It..." He saw the honestly inquiring look in Lily's eye. "...It doesn't, really," he lied, trying to keep a clandestine expression on his face behind his scowl.

Lily raised a brow, then wordlessly continued following Casavir, breaking free from the ranger's grip. Bishop seethed as he turned on his heel and stomped back off to the inn.