For all that I have kissed before, I have never felt anything like this. It is as if I have swallowed a tiny piece of the sun, its warmth and light reaching into every corner of my soul and chasing away the shadows. I surrender to that kiss - surrender to the strength and the courage and the sheer goodness of the man.

Do you need anything before I go? I want you to return my wits, I long to say.

It takes a surprising amount of courage to place one's hand into an unseen area when your mind is thinking about vermin.

The maids in my village talked of falling in love with a man at first sight. That has always seemed naught but foolishness to me. Until I enter Sister Serafina's workshop. It is unlike anything I have ever seen, full of strange sights and smells, and I tumble headlong into love.

... then he offers me his arm. As I take it, I wonder what folly decreed that women cannot walk unassisted.

A kiss for luck, demoiselle?" It is a magnificent, lusty kiss and I feel nothing but deep regret that it may be his last. Just before he pulls away, he whispers in my ear. "Duval said to give you that should I get a chance. It is from him.

He smiles then, and even though it is well past midnight, its as if the sun has just come out.