Sinine shook her head to the apology, snapping it back and forth vigorously in her own embarrassment. “No no,” she said, quickly rubbing her hands on the front of her apron trying to flatten out wrinkles that weren’t there.

The movement was soothing and relaxed her enough to restart the conversation with a small sigh. “I was just checking on the storeroom, usually I’m the only one in there so late and it would be on me if it didn’t get locked up." She said as she rolled her eyes. It was an unnecessary headache on top of everything else she was expected to do but it was something the owner kept a close eye on.

The man's paranoia was expansive and in addition to his possessiveness of the girls he was haunted by a constant fear of theft, particularly from his own staff. Sinine had been put in charge of the room a few months after starting at the inn. By that point the owner had become convinced the girl was incapable of a believable lie and deemed her the best choice. 

Not that his assessment was far off. Sinine wore her heart on her sleeve too much to be capable of any real guile. Though she wasn't completely defenseless and had developed her own strategy of mild deceit and manipulation. She quickly learned the owner was quite vulnerable to flattery and the occasional stroking of his ego. This was something all the girls used to their advantage but none more effectively than Sinine who’s natural innocence lent to her charm allowing her to get away with the odd fib here and there, provided it was accompanied with a compliment. 

This, more so than her accounting ability, was the reason Sinine’s inventory always came up perfect even with the occasional missing bottle of wine or cask of ale. He trusted what she put in front of him and as long as he didn’t feel it in his pocketbook the man was content. 

Sinine pushed past Alastair poking her head in to view the room. “And just what were you doing in there?” Her tone was playful and she raised an eyebrow suspiciously giving the room a once over. Everything was in its place though it was more crowded with new rows of crates stacked out into the floor. 

“I was just finishing putting up the wine shipment,” Alastair said, giving a small chuckle to the accusatory tone. "How'd I do? Seems it's like stacking boxes is the only thing I do most days so I’d love any critique you might have.”

The maid gave a small giggle as she looked up at the man. “Your technique is perfect, you've got quite the talent although I see one big problem," her smile drooped into a sympathetic frown. "They should be in the cellar inside, not out here in the storeroom.” Alastair's eyebrows raised for a moment then fell with a defeated sigh. 

“Ah well, what’s an hour’s more work in the grand scheme of things,” he said as he stepped forward to start moving the boxes inside. 

Sinine raised her hand placing it on his chest to hold him back with a hissing ‘Psst’ as she moved to block him quickly blow out the lamp. “They can wait until morning, it's time for you to go home now shoo, get away from my storeroom.” She flicked her hands at the man like one would to chase away a cat, pushing on his shoulder when he didn’t move fast enough. 

Alastair resisted at first then laughed a little, “Ok, ok if you insist,” he said, throwing up his hands in defeat. “You’re a lot more no nonsense than you let on,” he said as they approached the door.

“Yeah all I need is a whip to crack,” Sinine said, puffing out her chest and cheeks before letting it out a giggle as Alastair held the door.

She attempted to pass by but was almost knocked off her feet by Lucia who had pounced on the man like a lion from the bushes. “There you are love . I thought you’d taken off without saying goodbye.” The woman pushed her lips out in a pout as she leaned in looking for a kiss that didn’t come. 

Instead Alastair took Lucia's hands in his and moved the woman around in a small circle until the doorway was clear for Sinine. “Of course not, I know you wouldn’t stand for it.” He replied with a friendly smile before releasing her hands to reach for his coat. 

As he did Sinine slid between the two, her small frame wedging into the shrinking gap as Lucia leaned in to try and place a peck on the distracted man's cheek. 

“Awe I’m a little jealous Lucy, where is my goodbye kiss?” Sinine asked.

The taller woman gave a sharp grin as she looked down at her friend. “Oh I’ve been saving one just for you whenever you want it my little fairy.” She said leaning in close gently stroking under the small maid's chin with a wink.

Sinine knew she had lost the advantage and blushed deeply, “Lucy…” she said mumbled as she turned away pulling on her cloak. Her friend gave a victorious smile as she looked back at Alastair before turning away and nodding back toward her own coat which hung on the hook. The man hesitated a moment before realizing what he was being asked. Taking it off the hook he draped it over Lucia's shoulders who pulled it close around herself despite the almost uncomfortable heat of the inn. 

“Why thank you sir,” she said in a sultry voice looking over her shoulder. “Quite the gentleman, isn’t he Sini?” 

Sinine, still embarrassed murmured an indiscernible response as she pulled her cloak up to hide her face. Lucia smiled again in victory before turning to face them both looking from Sinine to Alastair before taking his arm as they headed towards the front door. 

The sun was just above the horizon and the main road was now bathed in orange and red light. A few stray carts driven by their exhausted owners were the only other ones on the empty road.

“Well darlings I suppose this is where we say goodnight,” Lucia said as she  released Alastair's arm and turned to face the man. As she did she leaned up to whisper in the man’s ear. “Sorry I can’t walk with you tonight love but I should escort Sini. I’m afraid her first day back left her a little worn out, poor thing.”

As she spoke Alastair gave a look to Sinine who rolled her eyes and shook her head. She couldn’t hear what was being said but knowing Lucia she had an idea about what sort of story she was giving.

Lucia then finished by claiming the kiss she had missed earlier before skipping over to take the other maid's hand. Sinine shrugged slightly as she did and Alastair returned the gesture with an exasperated smile.

“You two ladies have a nice evening and travel safely,” he said, raising a hand to wave goodbye. His eyes lingered a moment on Sinine's but before she could give her own farewell Lucia chimed in. “Don’t worry love I’ll take good care of her, see you in the morning.”

At that, they separated, the two friends starting up the hill through the narrow streets as Alastair headed in the opposite direction down the main road. As he walked he turned to get one last look at the blue haired maid not realizing only a moment before she had done the same. Then with a sigh he walked off into the night.