Paul had stood and offered Sophia a hand, then an elbow.   A short walk back to the Black Raven and a minute or so of stripping away layers of clothing, and the nobleman would be deep inside the warmth and wetness of the thankfully willing young peasant.  But ... that wasn't to be such an easy thing apparently.  Arriving within sight of the Inn, Paul saw the ruckus outside and -- slowing their pace -- moved Sophia gently over into the shadows of a smithy.  

A dozen men were spread out across the cobblestone streets, their uniforms telling Paul that they were far more than just the standard Castle Guard; and those men -- with their weapons drawn -- were on guard because in close proximity were Paul's own men and, standing obvious amongst them, his right hand man, Winston.  He couldn't know precisely what [i]had[/i] transpired inside the inn or was just [i]now[/i] happening outside of it.  But as he watched, Paul saw an obvious officer-type lead out two women -- Lady Olivia and her hand maiden -- and help them up into a horse cart that quickly arrived with another Guardsmen at the reins.  

Paul watched as the cart started away and the Guardsmen fell in behind it.  The more professional soldiers were slower to withdraw, though, as the officer and Winston had some words.  Ultimately, though, the only men left standing in the street worked for Paul, who reached over to take Sophia's elbow and -- as if nothing had happened -- asked the girl, "Shall we?"