Early the next morning, Algo flickered to life over the eastern horizon, filtering through the windows into the inn room, showering Rose with its bright light.
Stirring gently, Rose opened her eyes, then looked over at Aijo, who was sleeping peacefully. Traces of her lipstick were left behind on Aijo's lips and chest, and their clothing was scattered randomly across the room, leaving it obvious to a casual observer what had happened during the night.
Mental note: Next time, check for soundproofing, she thought as she climbed from the bed. But still- oh, Aijo. Wonderful Aijo. ^^
She showered, dressed, and ate a quick breakfast, ready to leave the inn room just as Aijo was getting out of bed. "Oh! Good morning, Rose," he said, his voice happy and lively. "Did, uh... did you-"
"I did, thanks," Rose replied, smiling and crossing her arms. "Was I-"
"Just like your dance, Rose- elegant, graceful, and a wonder to experience. Off to go find your friends?"
Rose nodded. "Yeah- you said Ryn was in town last night, right? Your client was buying ninety kilos of sandworm hide, and you and your friends were commissioned to guard it?"
"Err... yeah," Aijo said, sweatdropping. "Slight change of plans, actually. Janet had to pull out of the contract- death in the family. Sarah can't stand the smell of sandworm hide after all, and as for Peter..." He sweatdropped again. "He ate the Locusta last night."
"I don't see what's wrong with that," Rose replied.
Just then, outside the room, a man shouted, "Oh, God! I don't know which end it's coming out first, but it's coming out! Move! Oh, God!" A door slammed, and the man could be heard retching.
"...That was Peter," Aijo explained. "He's... incapacitated."
"Oh, dear. So, you've only got yourself to guard sandworm hide?" Rose asked. "I think you could use a partner. I know just the girl- loves to dance, uses knives-"
"I'd be honored," Aijo replied, blushing. "Let me get ready."
He repeated Rose's preparations, then shouldered his rifle. "Let's go check on Ryn first- if that sandworm hide's not ready, we've got some more downtime."
They left the inn, hand in hand, still thinking about the night before, as they headed towards Ryn's house.