"I can’t tell you, Shane," Inthuul S’lat’halin finally said then sighed. "I just hope she likes it."

"I’m sure she’ll love anything you give her because it came from your heart."

"I have been blessed. Based solely on my name no one would ever guess that I’m in love with the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen."

"That’s just your Drow name. She doesn’t love you for this," Shane indicated her friend’s uniform, "but for this," she pointed to her friend’s heart.

"I better go. I had a note sent to her asking her to join me for lunch. I need to get everything ready." Inthuul S’lat’halin started to head home then turned back to face Shane. "You know, you’re still the best student I’ve ever had."

"And you’re still the best teacher I’ve ever had, in more ways than one." Shane smiled and continued on her way. Inthuul S’lat’halin smiled and, when no one was watching, laughed and kicked merrily at the soft snow on the ground and ran all the way home.

~~~~~~~~~~

The Alchemist Academy in Al de Baran

A beautiful biochemist was busy watching her young alchemist students practice making potions. A few priests had offered their services for the class as some of their skills were often needed for a higher success rate in potion-making. Suddenly a student let loose with a swearword.

"DAMMIT!"

"What seems to be the problem, Kirchenmaus?" the biochemist asked her student. She knew something had to be terribly wrong as the young alchemist was often as quiet as her name…a church mouse.

"I’ve failed ten times in a row. I suck at this!" Kirchenmaus said with a defeated look.

"Sweetie, you’re new at this. In time you’ll be really good, I promise," the biochemist consoled her most promising student.

"Really?"

"Yes, really. Just keep at it."

Kirchenmaus smiled at her teacher and went back to work. Once she was able to relax a bit, her success rate became much better.

"Miss? You have a letter here from Inthuul S’lat’halin," the biochemist’s assistant, Jamison, announced. The whole class stopped at once and let out a collective gasp.

Their teacher looked and them and gave a reassuring smile. They only knew the assassin cross as a strong warrior and guard of King Tristan III, not as the loving and tender woman she was on the inside.

"Thank you, Jamison," the biochemist said as she took the letter and began to read it.

Meet me at mine for lunch and wine…and other lovely things. Transportation is being provided just outside the Academy. See you soon, ssin’urn.

xxx

The biochemist tried so very hard to hide her blushing face from view, but Jamison caught it. He winked at her then went back downstairs to his office. About an hour later the class was dismissed and their teacher stepped outside the Academy where she was met by one of the priests who had helped in her class. He laid a warp portal on the ground that took her directly outside her true love’s home.

The biochemist knocked on the door and her lover opened it in such a way that she was not seen by the outside world. Once the door was closed they quickly fell into each other’s arms. After a lengthy passionate kiss they stared into each other’s eyes.

The assassin cross finally spoke as she stroked the biochemist’s hair. "Tina."

"Bette," responded the biochemist.

"Come with me." Bette led Tina backwards to the soft rug in front of the fireplace and gently lowered her to the floor. "Lovely things first, then lunch…followed by more lovely things," Bette said with a wink and a chuckle as the snow continued to fall softly outside, creating a tranquil environment for the two lovers.

TBC???