After a long day, Crystabella returned to the High Priest for a few tasks. With the first complete, she wandered through the palace grounds to the stronghold. The healing magics there would help her to return to the Temple that much faster.

As she sat, taking note of her inventory and what supplies she would need, both Ursah and Lyan did inquire how she was. The music continued its quiet tones as it had throughout the day, so she freely replied that she was feeling well.

Not long after, Ursah entered the stronghold bearing a gift. The blade was long and dark, it's edge sharped so well that it looked like a shiny ribbon. The Matron then gave it to Crysta who was simply amazed. No one had every given her something like that. Her whispered words were lost even to her beneath the music until Ursah commented that it would serve Crysta well in the dance. The former bard could only agree, sending a quiet word of thanks to the Matron as she left.

Coupling it with a newly acquired flaming dagger, Crysta hoped that the music might change just a little so she could try them out together. Nothing changed. The melody continued it's soft dulcet tones. She had the feeling it was waiting for something.

After a brief rest, Crystabella returned to the temple. Both the Master and Matron were there, also waiting in turn for the Priest to assign tasks. As she awaited hers, she perused the mail that had grown, and hoped that she could concentrate enough to remember what was important and what could be tossed away.

Many had been sorted out when she heard a familiar voice. Phinas. He had greeted Ursah and Lyan inquiring of their day. At an appropriate moment, she whispered as unobtrusively as she could manage, "Greetings friend Phinas".

From that moment, the music changed, but not to the dance. It was light, etheriel music, almost spiritual. It's change confused Crysta a moment, but as it seemed to approve of Phinas, she found herself accepting an invitation to dinner. Only then to feel disappointed when he claimed to have an errand before they would dine. But his return was faster than she had surmised, their being seated at Crysta's only a short walk away.

Crysta found herself a little unsure. She knew all about courtly manners and how a lady should act, but being seated along with another person was something she had not done in a long time. It was then the waiter came over to the table bearing a loosely wrapped package of white paper. Phinas did had it to her and inside were a dozen lavender roses, their scent filled the air around her making her smile.

"They are beautiful!"

His comment in return had been in kind, or had it been more? It seemed more genuine that some of the so-called gentlemen that used similar lines to woo their intended. She had thanked him, looking down at the flowers. Perhaps he too felt the awkwardness of the moment as he suggested they eat, explaining he had taken the liberty of placing the order before hand. A mere look brought the waiter who immediately left, returning with the food. Both dishes were hot and smelled delightful. They each savored their food and the moment.

It was not long after that, he excused himself, saying he needed to spell up someone who was training, giving Crysta a moment of doubt if he truely wished to dine with her. As if on cue, a young elf appeared beside the table. Phinas introduced her as Asherah. His daughter. Crysta barely remembered that he had been married before, so much time had passed since those days.

The young witch went off on her way, making a comment in passing to Phinas that did sound like a gentle jest. Crysta simply chose to eat her dinner without making the inquiry.

Their conversation continued. She found she could talk about herself with relative ease, even pose questions in return. Both the fog and the music allowed her these peaceful moments as the night continued. Asherah popped in only once more for spells near the end of the meal, otherwise they were alone.

She found she liked Phinas's quiet manner very much. He had much knowledge of Fatale's will and experience to match. His emotions ran very deep and he was not rash or pretended to be anything other than what he was.

At the end of the evening, Crystabella was delighted to hear that he had enjoyed himself as much as she had, and she even had responded with much the same words as he. A happy evening she could not remember having in a long time.

He offered his arm, and she slipped hers around his, before he escorted her back to the Temple.