• The sun was beginning to slip down on the horizon, marking the start of the dark elves' day, as Lamya dragged the deer's carcus to the camp entrance. She was met at the gate by Rowan, a handsome elf a few years older than herself. He gazed at the deer and gave her a teasing smile. "So you finally caught something," he remarked, mockingly impressed.
    Lamya felt that familiar silliness at being around boys. In fact, she had gained a reputation as a heartbreaker, something her father greatly resented. In any case, she smiled flirtatiously at Rowan and ran her finger gently across his chest. "I've been catching things for years, Rowan, few of them being deer."
    He caught her hand and gave her a sly smile. "I find myself a master in that sort of hunting as well," he replied smoothly, bringing her hand to his lips and gently kissing it.
    Lamya giggled, surprised by his brashness, and was about to suggest a better use for his lips when her father's clipped voice interrupted her.
    "Lamya," his rough tone surprised her until she realized what she had just been caught doing.
    She blushed. "Father," she replied softly.
    Rowan bowed his head, his fist to his forehead in the signature salute. "Master Tarson."
    "Ah yes, young Master Rowan," Tarson said, giving the other man an angry glare. "Forgive me, I had assumed your duty was to guard the gate, not flirt with my daughter-do that on your off time or, more preferably, never. Come along, Lamya, and grab that deer." And with that he was off, striding purposefully into the camp.
    Mortified, Lamya scooped up the deer's body, grateful again for her elf strength, and glanced over at Rowan, who was staring after Tarson in shock. She felt some of her old flame returning and leaned over to him, whispering slyly, "Please meet me tonight by the brook at the north end of the camp."
    Rowan's smile returned and he nodded. "I will be there, fair maiden," he assured her. She grinned and giving him a quick kiss on the cheek to leave him wanting more, hurried off after her father.