[littlemanpoet]

"Kirsúl is looking well," Falowik said, watching as Uien groomed the bay stallion.

"Aye," she answered. "The ostler here does well."

"Hand me the purse and I will pay for his services and our meals."

----------------------

Falowik entered through the front door, crossing the Common room with every intention of settling up. On his way he overheard a stranger's odd query: "Have you ever been in love?" Falowik stopped.

The man of whom the question was asked rubbed his chin and look mightily uncomfortable in front of his cronies, who looked more and more ready with each passing second to rib him mercilessly. On a whim that he knew to be completely out of character for himself, Falowik announced,

"I have."

The heads of the others turned to him inquiringly. The one who had been sitting and facing the others asked, "Were you answering my question, sir?"

"Aye, that I was." Falowik walked over to the group. "You asked if any of these gentlemen had been in love. I happened by and heard your question, and thought I'd answer it. I have, and am. My love grooms our horse in the stable. My name is Falowik Stonewort."

Quickly he learned the names of two of the others with whom he spoke: Denegal and Galither; Falowik forgot the names of the two others as soon as he had heard them; he thought of asking again but decided to listen and see if he would pick them up again. He greeted each of them.

"I am curious," he said. "What drew the question forth?"