I might have to ask you to open the door, though” I said.Sandy dashed around me, opened the door, and motioned me inside. There was an old-fashione...d threshold, which I knew I could get over, but the antique doorway was a little too narrow for my chair.“Damn it, I thought it would fit,” I muttered. Turning to Sandy, I said, “I'm sorry. I guess we'll have to think of something else.”“I'll make us dinner,” Sandy said.“I don't want you to have to do that. Let's just think of somewhere we can go. "No problem, Mrs. Steele. You're welcome here as long as you want to stay-and we'll always find room for you." That's very kind. Thank you." Not at all. You and your husband have been loyal guests of the house for years. We like to take good care of our repeat customers... And, if I may, we all are very sorry to hear of Mr. Steele's passing. We will miss him a lot." Thank you again. I miss him a lot, too."In the morning, after a haircut and set, Hazel walked the few blocks to Nordstrom's. Her emerald eyes seemed to sparkle more and her hair gained in luster. Were elves so closely tied to the wood? He thought, but decided that they must be, for the changes in her appearance were mirrored in her behavior. She became more playful that evening, and even more affectionate, showering him with little kisses and caresses throughout their late supper and as they prepared for sleep.As Harlen laid down, Hyandai's hands were exploring his body, already seeking out the places she could touch. Ariadne stood there watching the beast for a few moments as it tried to figure out what was out there in the dark hall. It made no move to either step forward nor retreat, it just stood where it was straining its eyes with its ears cocked forward listening and to try to determine what was going on.I may as well get it over with, Ariadne thought to herself. She knew that if she made any movement at all the beast would hear her and with his sense of smell he was bound to smell her perfume at any.