Warmth

You summon your will. This is ridiculous. Surely the streets are patrolled by guards. It can't be that dangerous. You take your first bold step out into the street, and come face to face with a dog. It's a beast of an animal, like a furry rottweiler. It's blunt snout and massive muzzle are currently buried in some meal at its feet. The mighty Molossian notices your presence, stands, and roars. You are rabbit before a lion and an icy fear is driven into your spine. You yelp, and quickly run back into the warmth and safety of the cafe. That beast could tear you limb from limb!

You pant on the other side of the door, with your eyes closed. As you creak them open, you're surprised to find Aefleda standing before you, arms crossed.

"Hey! I was... I was chased by a dog. Don't look at me like that." You stammer and point to the door. "This thing. It was huge. Its head was bigger than my torso!"

She just smirks.

You sigh. "I... Look it was just dark that's ..."

"Do you want to stay with me for the next two weeks?" she interrupts.

"w-where do you..."

"I live here at the cafe. I'm the nights watch too."

You pause, then respond "yes please."

she merely chuckles as she leads you out a side door to a back alley. There, you find what looks like a staff lounge, as well as a wooden structure with a low lamp light.

She parts the cloth curtain that makes up the door and welcomes you to a small, if cozy, little home.

"It's not much." Aefleda begins, "but it's nice to be away from mistress and have my own place." She looks to you. "Besides, I'm not alone! Here Nero!" She starts to whistle, and lumbering around the corner is the dog.

He waddles up and burries his head in Aefleda's stomach. "You big fatty." She giggles. "You've had enough table scraps for today."

He turns to you and starts to sniff. Each breath is enough to blow your miniskirt back and you freeze again.

"Nero's a big softie." She says roughing up the mane of hair around the scruff of his neck. The oversized pooch sits lazily on one haunch, both legs splayed out to the same side, and starts to wag his tail.

"There's only one bed, so I hope you don't mind..."

"I'm ok with the floor." You offer.

"...Sharing." she puts her hands on her hips and smiles. "But by all means if you want to sleep with Nero." She titters.

"No... I ... I don't mind sharing the bed."

The two of you finish your nightly rituals, and are cuddled up in the bed before too long. Aefleda snuffs the lamp, plunging you two into darkness, and as you get comfortable, you find the girl wraps her arms around your waist, pulling you tightly.

"Good night, Tulia." She giggles. You just blush.