• Two years passed quickly, and finally Namea felt safe to return. She slunk into the town slowly that night, her hair once more long, down to her knees now, and her skin scarred more, but she was otherwise unchanged. The bloodlust bar looked inviting in the dark and she doubted anyone would be in it this late.

    Wondering if her room was still reserved for her she entered, not seeing anyone in the darkness. A voice whispered in her ear as she felt strong arms enfold her. She blushed as she turned to see Diolo behind her, holding her with wonder in his eyes. "You've returned." he whispered.

    {Yes..} she spoke in his mind, looking down ashamed, and wondering why her married friend held her so intimately. {How is..Ikaru?} she asked of his wife.
    "I don't know...we're no longer together." he answered, shrugging. Namea blushed, she had long known she had feelings for Diolo, but her friendship with both he and his wife had prevented her from ever expressing them. They talked long into the darkest hours, catching up, and she went to her room happy that night.

    The weeks passed and Diolo showed her the stars, the moon, the most beautiful sights her eyes had ever seen, all in badly ended ploys to get alone with her until finally one night, Namea gave.

    She snuck into his room quietly, but he, as few could, heard her enter and stood expectantly. The assassin blushed and crossed to him quickly, looking up at him. {There is something I have wished to do..and I could not find the courage until tonight...Diolo...} She blushed again, then without warning she stood on her toes and kissed him long and deep on the mouth. His eyes grew huge, and blushing he wrapped his arms around her, sighing as the kiss was broken.

    "I almost beat you to it..." he explained. They talked the night away, and finally by the morning, Diolo had won the assassin into his heart and arms, Namea was tamed. She smiled as she climbed the stairs to the KnifeEdge room in which she lived, perhaps the killer had found love in something other than death.