Nigel wasn't even aware that he had said anything until he was holding the blank card. As he watched, however, he saw a phone number burn into it as Arlia's eyes turned blue. Looking from the number to Arlia, it takes a moment for what had just happened to dawn on him. Grinning, he slips the card into his pocket and whispers in return, "It's safe with me, don't worry." [i]If I could, I'd lock it up in the most secure vault in the world,[/i] he thinks, realizing how much the string of numbers really meant to him. A few moments later, he finishes his dessert and asks Arlia, "By chance, are you staying here tonight? I could walk you back to your room, if that's the case." [i]Anything to prolong my time with you,[/i] he adds silently.