A misty rain was shrouding the forest as he dismounted from his horse. An excitement filled him as he entered the inn, it was many months since he had last visited, and though he had stayed for some time, he had departed quickly, robbing him of some of the enjoyment he had hoped to experience.
A serving girl hurried up and took his cape and hat, shook them out and bustled off with them and an order for a meal and a pint.
Rubbing his hands together he stood before the blazing fire pulling its heat into himself. Slowly he felt the chill dissipate from his bones. Settling himself at a table, he watched the other patrons in the alehouse. They were the usual assortment one found in these places, though he was glad none of the faces were familiar ones. Brawny, working men drinking their meals before going home to their women smelling of dry sweat and old ale.
She had not seen him enter the inn, but when Alice had run up to her and told her of his arrival she was not surprised. An unusual excitement had been building inside her for days, and she now realised her intuitive sense had known he would arrive soon. She smoothed her hair and straightened her clothes then tightened her bodice before taking his meal to him - a bowl of steaming stew and a measure of house brew. Aware of surreptitious looks from the present clientele toward the newcomer, she endeavoured to keep a pretence of professionalism.
"Your meal, sir," she said, as she bent forward to place the bowl on the table. Excitement stirred in the pit of her stomach as his eyes fell appreciatively to the presented bosom. He smiled at her and fished several coins from his purse.
"I will be needing a room, wench," he said, dropping them into her hand, his voice staying steady and neutral. "Can you accommodate me?"
"I'm certain it can be arranged, sir." Her dark eyes sparkled, and she could hear the slight quiver when she replied. "How long might you be staying?"
"I have not yet decided. Possibly until the next full moon."
She nodded, slipping the coins into her cleavage. "I shall see what I can arrange for you, sir."
She turned and walked away, deliberately swaying her hips for him.
The stew was as delicious as the house brew was nasty, but he finished both with a smile on his face, all the while watching the activity in the alehouse as the various customers drank their wages and wrestled the wenches. The commotion served to distract him while he waited for the patrons to disperse. He had spent many lonely months leading his men on the front, and while his immediate goal for being here was physical, the anonymity he was enjoying made the inn a refuge.
With a candelabra in hand she led him up the stairs, still endeavouring to keep a business like demeanour. As they fell into the shadowy niche offered by the above landing, he grabbed her to him, the quick movement causing the lit candles to flicker dangerously before one lost the will to live and faded into the darkness.
She gasped as his mouth devoured hers, his tongue plunging into her with a passion. His hand rubbed over her breast, her nipple immediately hardening against the cotton of her blouse. Her free hand grasped at his hair as she pushed herself against his body.
"We have to stop," she whispered, "Someone will see us."