As Alastair stepped inside he was forced back against the door as a tall slender maid rushed to meet him. “I hope you were talking about me lovely," the maid said in a sultry voice looking up expectantly as if seeking a kiss.

Try as she might though Alastair didn't seem inclined to oblige, raising his chin high as the maid stretched to try and meet him. “Oh there’s so much more than that to describe you Lucia,” he said politely, placing his hands on her shoulders to gently guide her aside so he could make his escape. 

Lucia was sly though and ducked under to his side wrapping her arms around his waist in a tight hug. She was even able to sneak in a quick peck to his jaw before she fully locked in her grip. The movement was so smooth Alastair couldn't help but be impressed. He’d faced his fair share of wrestlers but none moved quite as smoothly as Lucia did when she was intent on being close.  He did his best to move forward despite her grasp and she moved with him, grip still tight, in short rocking strides like partners in a three legged race.

Sinine watched the scene with some amusement, a small smile cracking at the pair's awkward movement. Lucia had rushed her in much the same manner only a few minutes before wrapping her in a hug as if it had been years despite the two having seen each other almost every day during Sinine's time off. 

Lucia had rushed to her house after nearly every shift eager to give updates on the Inn’s newest addition, no matter what the time of day. It had been well after midnight when she first delivered the news to a confused half asleep Sinine. 

“I tell ya Sini you gotta get a look at him, he’s the best treat my eyes have had in a long time.” Lucia had wasted no time, skipping over pleasantries to get to what she saw as the most important bits. Even as Sinine yawned in response Lucia continued undeterred. “You have to stop by tomorrow and meet him, you won’t regret it,” she insisted with a sly grin. 

“Lucy it's the middle of the night, and I’m on vacation. I'll meet him when I get back unless. you chase him off before then.” Even in her sleep deprived state she still had the mind to tease her abit. Lucia was her closest friend and had been one of the first people she met when she got to the village. They had even lived together for a stint early on and with that closeness came a playful familiarity.

Lucia scoffed at the joke but otherwise paid it no mind. “Fine, suit yourself but don’t be upset if you come back to find me as Mrs....Bouncer."

Sinine gave a small laugh, “You don’t even know his name yet do you Lucy?” 

Lucia brushed it off with shrug, “Minor details that can be sorted out later. Besides, there were other things to pay attention to, if you know what I mean.” Lucia winked at Sinine making the girl blush a little as she gave a small sigh. Same story as usual for Lucia, but Sinine never truly understood how much her friend liked men or where that passion came from. Truth was Sinine never really felt drawn that way to any man or really anyone at all..- ”Anyways I can’t stay up all night gabbing. I need my beauty sleep. We'll talk more tomorrow.” Lucia said this in an annoyed tone as if she hadn’t been the one to stop to discuss her latest crush. 

With an exasperated sigh Sinine said goodnight and went back to bed somewhat annoyed but still with a smile. No matter how vexing she could be she was always entertained by her friend besides, such a reaction was par the course for the tall maid. It was natural for Lucia to be excited about the new man. She was often just as bored with the village as Sinine was but where Sinine distracted herself with books, Lucia had a habit for collecting lovers. 

While she would often make statements about bigger plans with her current obsession it seemed as if it was part of her game. Inevitably she would charm her chosen suitor and after a few nights of fun her interest would wane and they would part, leaving a void to be filled by the next man to catch the woman's eyes. 

Sinine had expected the same pattern to repeat here but it seemed Alastair was a bit different from the others. With each new update she watched as Lucia grew more frustrated as her advances were gently rebuked or politely ignored. But as her frustration grew so did her admiration and desire to the point where she reminded Sinine of a school girl with a crush whenever she spoke of Alastair. 

That had been the image in her mind as the two approached, Lucia clinging to the man's side.

Sinine gave a small laugh as Alastair did his best to politely avoid another kiss, the discomfort on his face clear to anyone except seemingly Lucia. She smiled a little broader as her friend sported a wide grin of excitement. But there was a small pain behind Sinines expression. A pain of guilt that had come from the relief she felt when Alastair pulled away from the kiss.