Finding Ruli on the other side of that door was a surprise, but Kire said nothing. She wasn't sure [i]what[/i] to say. But he spoke first, with a straightforward proposition that was equally surprising. She only took a moment's hesitation before she grabbed him by the shirt, pulled him in, and kissed him deeply, closing the door behind them. 


--

Ed, meanwhile, had gone back downstairs. Requesting some spiced wine, he sat by himself in the great hall. He was smoking too, pilferimg from his sister's stores. It was by mo means a habit, but especially on nights like this one--cold, and full of anxiety for the coming day--he needed a smoke or two. Briefly, he entertained going to Ysaryn's to knock on her door but thought the better of it. She needed rest.