“Yes, I did.”

Soft voices trying not to disturb the stillness of the cold morning.

“Are you ready?” Casual questions, making sense to no stray eavesdropper – not beyond slightly sordid interpretations.

Silent comprehension. Then, “Yes milady.”

“Good.” Then, quietly, soberly, “It begins in three days. You must be there by tomorrow.”

A solemn nod.

A somber smile.

And full understanding.

The lady turned and walked away, gracefully, her hooded form slowly dissipating into shadowy embrace of the misty morning.

The man stood for a moment, and then bowed at her retreating form, leaving in the opposite direction.

And the wind blew cold, a harbinger of the coming winter.