After two cups of pixie brew, the empress looked to Daniel.

"Shall we begin this date?" 

"Yes that would be fine with me," He replied, as she lead them out of the castle and through the forest, along the pathway.  It hadn't taken long to reach the small town of Goblin's  Hollow, a mere twenty minute hike from her castle.  The empress still wasn't sure how she felt about this whole dating idea. It had seemed no different than going to the pub with her friend, the warlock. 

As they walked through the town, the conversation grew idle, nothing that she didn't already know. Perhaps it was a good thing, or a sign, she thought.

They walked into the pub and found a small booth right away. Daniel excused himself for just a moment, then returned with a pint for each of them. It was an enjoyable evening, but still no different than sitting at the pub with a friend. 

   As the two sat over a pint, she knew that logically they would be a good match, but something wasn't right. She didn't know exactly what it was, but they weren't right as a couple. She said nothing about it yet. Why spoil a good night between friends? She thought as Jade waved to her from another booth.

  She nodded to the girl, then her focus was on the pint in front of her. She was polite, answering his questions. She didn't know when to tell him that they shouldn't be involved, but she really didn't want to hurt him.