'But the plate is so plain' protested the waitress, peering at it. Miniscule flecks of seaweed adorned the batter and a ramekin of soy sauce was the only accompaniment to the steamed mange tout and fried fish slices.

'It's for a special customer.'

They turned to look at the lone woman seated with a book.

'Her again. She's an odd duck.'

'She's a customer, go and take it to her' said Siuan firmly. The truth was, Moiraine was an odd duck. But she fascinated Siuan. She'd promised her a hot meal every week if Moiraine would dine when she was on shift. Siuan would cook her something different each time, challenging herself to not pack too much overwhelming flavour in. She'd spent enough time with Moiraine now to realise that she was never going to appreciate food. So each meal she made her, was made carefully and lovingly, no matter how bland it was.

And every time Moiraine received her plate, she'd glance up over from her book at the head chef and smile. At first it was slight but as the weeks went by, her smile slowly turned more effusive until one day she glanced up for longer, when she paid her bill. Siuan felt eyes on the back of her neck and turned around. Moiraine got up and boldly threaded her way to the counter. She leaned on it and gazed at her. Siuan's heart beat faster as she thought she saw a softness behind the intent expression. She had grown very fond of her odd customer and looked forward to seeing her.

'Did you enjoy your meal?'

'Always. I've never had anyone cook for me with such care.'

And not complain about it. Siuan knew how frustrating it was for a host to spend time making a meal only to find it unappreciated. By now, Siuan had learned not to berate anyone on their tastebuds. She liked Moiraine despite that little detail.

'I do appreciate you.'

Deliberately phrased, Siuan was in no doubt as to what that meant. Now that the other woman had made the next move, it gave her opportunity to kiss her sometime in the near future.

'Does that mean I can take you fishing again?' She teased.

'Is that chef speak for a date or do you mean actually fishing?'

'Why don't we arrange it and you'll find out once you get there.'

They spoke lightly, wanting to wait to liberate themselves in more a private atmosphere. Siuan went straight for it.

'Are you free tomorrow evening?'

'What's on offer tomorrow evening?'

'Meet me in the town square and I'll show you.'

'Does it involve dinner?' Dates involved dinner and Moiraine could tell this was a real date.

'Nope.'

Moiraine frowned. So it wasn't a date?

'See you at 7pm.'