They stood there with their mouths open. Endermon broke the silence by asking why they even had staff, and where did the tradesman go. The poor people looked confused, usually when someone said they have people to boss around, they jumped at the chance.

It wasn't their fault, they were just given a hefty sum of money to go, fix up the house, and be servants for a bit. No one even knew who sent the money. As far as the tradesman, he got a well paying job in town. As thanks, he had carved their names into a sign over each door.

Endermon was hurt and upset that someone would take over the outpost like that. She had some ideas, but until she calmed down, she would not be very pleasant to be around. Without a word, she went to the stable and got on her horse and galloped away.

Shiloh got waves of anger, sadness, and a bunch of other emotions when Endermon left. To break the awkward silence that had settled over them, Dresden told them he and Rutus wanted a tour and a detailed description of what they all did.

As soon as they were occupied, Shiloh took off and started searching for Endermon. She saw random patches of wildlife where none should have been. The emotions were nearly pulling Shiloh faster than she was already going.

Knowing Endermon wanted space, but also a chance to explain how and why she was feeling the way she did, Shiloh found her in a tavern. Empty glasses covered her table. She was busy making grass grow in obscene gestures.

Endermon didn't stop what she was doing, but asked if Shiloh was sent to bring her home. She nearly spat the word out like it was a bad word. When Shiloh said nothing, but sat down next to her, Endermon continued her drunken ramblings.

She complained that her parents didn't trust her to make good decisions. She didn't need to be babysat. She didn't even want the staff there. She left the palace because she was tired of always having someone there, and not feeling like she could make her own decisions. There was always something she felt obligated to do.

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Shiloh rubbed her back and let her complain. When Endermon tried to get more drinks, Shiloh looked at the barmaid, and shook her head no. She then started the process of gathering Endermon in her arms and carrying her upstairs.

Endermon was sobbing by the time they got into a room. Shiloh would worry about payment later. She locked the door and just held Endermon until the crying subsided. Endermon kept apologizing for getting Shiloh's clothes wet, and Shiloh said it didn't matter as long as Endermon was okay.

As Endermon wiped her face, she leaned into Shiloh's strong embrace. They stood there as if they were the only two people in the world. And then a need arose and it would not be denied.

A little bit later, they lie on the bed, exhausted. Endermon had gotten control of her emotions, and was idly trecing patterns on Shiloh's cool skin.

Shiloh said they sure made a mess of the room, and Endermon giggled, still a little tipsy from before. But she did feel okay enough to ride back to the house. They dressed and sneaked downstairs.

Seeing the table with the grass on it, Endermon apologized and made the grass sink into the wooden surface. Shilohgavecthem a hefty tip and subtly mentioned the state of the room. Then they left the tavern.

The rise back was slower and more silent than the ride there. They both knew they had a lot to discuss, but getting some sleep came first. Well at least for Endermon, it did. Shiloh's steady arms kept the horse on track, not that it needed it, but it was nice to have guidance every now and again.

When they got back to the house, Shiloh carried Endermon into her bedroom, and lay her down on the bed. Endermon asked Shiloh to stay, and Shiloh said she had something to do first.

Shiloh went outside and properly put the horse away, then she grabbed a piece of paper and wrote a note saying they were not to disturb Endermon, and to let her approach them. Then she grabbed some perishable foods from the kitchen and put them on Endermon's bedside table.