The air smelled clean, the city a glistening backdrop. His hands felt awkward, slight movements stopped by his own grip as he struggled against just reached for her hand. All he could do was walk at the very rrlaxed, unhurried pace. The click of bootheel against the sidewalk a percussive reminder of the end of the night.

They were a few blocks yet from the inn, and he could still feel the excitement of the night in his mind. The anticipation of what tomorrow would bring. And this moment, frozen in time.

As they closed in on the final few blocks Ishiyo found her voice again, "You have been a wonderful gentleman, I just hope your success tomorrow does not overshadow tonight." She teased, "Think of me when you claim your beast tomorrow." Her eyes turned to his and she smiled, "I know it will be the biggest."

"I very much doubt it will. What is a hunt compared to an evening with you, Daidoji-san. But I will do all I can to succeed, especially for you." He stopped walking, looking to her. His lips formed a hard line.

"I must confess... it is a struggle to be a true gentleman tonight." He turned bright red. "Yet I must. And I will. Thank you. For tonight. Whatever comes... this was beautiful."

Ishiyo's own cheeks reddened and she spoke softly, "Ahh...and here I thought I would make it back without furtheh playing the foolish school girl." She looked into his eyes, "I feah we must part foh now." Her eyes looked to the entrance of the Inn. "I will remembeh tonight." With that she bowed and with a large smile turned and walked quickly through the doors, pausing to wave before disappearing.

/exit