travelers , and the occasional townsfolk who might stop in for mead , ale or company were safely home in front of their own hearths at an early hour .
It was on just such an evening , when the tavern had cleared , and Lisle was finishing up , that the door opened , ushering in a cold , harsh wind . Along with the wind , strode a dark stranger .
“ Good evening , Madame ,” he said , removing his hat . “ Is it too late for a drink , and perhaps some respite from a cold night ?” Lisle , looked at the fine cloak , and polished boots , her guest obviously a gentleman of means , and thought of the near empty cash till .
“ No , sir ” she said pulling a glass down from the shelf . “ It ’ s not to late , and I wouldn ’ t mind a bit of company myself .”
They sat and chatted for hours , as if they were old friends . He spoke of his travels and the many lands he had seen . She spoke of the villagers and shared local gossip . From time to time , Lisle would catch herself staring at a particular feature of the stranger while he spoke , and after a little while , realized that she found him to be quite handsome . The hour had indeed grown quite late and without realizing it ; Lisle had risen , crossed the room to the front door , secured the bolt for the night and begun to extinguish the candles around the room . Taking up the last glowing candelabra , she ascended the stairs to the rooms above , silently he followed . At the end of the hall she came at last to a stop before her own door . There were no other guests staying in the inn that evening . They were alone .
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