"So no wicked intent?" She asked flat out.

"Not from what we could tell." Jim answered right away.

"Thank you both so much, would you like some wine?" 

"That sounds good to us, yes." Stergis answered for them both.

She slowly got up and wobbled slightly, grabbed two more goblets from the shelf behind her. Sitting back down quickly she then poured a glassful for each of them. 

   "Drink up gentlemen, you've earned it tonight." She told them.

          Stergis nodded, then Jim. He sipped quickly, more than happy to have wine with her. She was a mysterious beauty that captivated him. 

   "How are things in your forest?" The empress asked making a bit of conversation to accompany the wine.

"The occasional ruffian, but nothing too out of control." Jim told her, trying to hold a conversation with her. 

"Good, I'm glad you're not having troubles." She replied.

"Daniel and Richard stayed behind in case trouble brewed while we were away."  He informed her taking a long gulp of the wine.

"Oh I wondered why they weren't with." 

"I offered to go." He replied.

"Why?" She asked.

"I wanted to see you again." He told her in a bold tone.

"More wine?" She offered.

"Yes." He nodded.

She filled it full.

"I just thought you guys may want to unwind after tromping through the woods for the last three hours." She told him.

"We appreciate it." 

"I'm glad it wasn't too dangerous. I'd feel bad if something happened to any of you because of me." She admitted.

"No harm's done." He told her taking another sip.

"Wow this is phenomenal wine. Way better than what we have." 

"It's gnome-made wine." She informed him.

"Interesting." He commented, drinking more of it.

"What do you have back home?" She asked.

"Witches brew and warlock ale." He told her, scratching his cheek.

"Not bad stuff though." She said.

"No but this is excellent in comparison." He replied.

"Drink up, enjoy it." She told him.

            Slowly sipping one more glass, fighting sleep for the next hour. She stayed up as long as she could but eventually she couldn't do it.

"Hey you all drink up have fun but I have to get some rest. When you're ready pick a guest room." She told the three of them.

"Ok sure honey, get some sleep." Ravenessa replied hugging her good night.

She waved bye to the three of them and slowly left the room and went staight to her bed chamber, full of wine and exhaustion.