As he led her over to some empty booths, he couldn't stop himself from asking, "How is it a girl like you is walkin' around without some fantastic man on her arm?"

Tegwen blinked. "I. . . Well. . ." Sitting in the booth, she realized she'd never given such a concept any thought. "I. . . I guess I really don't know." Shrugging, she took a blind stab at answering, "I guess I just haven't found the right man yet." Her gaze drifted to the Christmas tree standing stately in the corner of the dance floor. People were clustered around it and taking pictures in front of it. "Had not found him," she added absently.

". . . What?"

"Huh?" Tegwen glanced back at him warily.

After a moment, Steelbeak's startled expression melted into a warm smile.

"So. . . How is it you are walking around without some fantastic woman on your arm?"

He smirked, reaching across the table and taking her hands, rubbing them gently. "What do I need a fantastic woman for. . . when I've got a goddess on my arm?"

"Smooth talker," she accused, though giving him a sly smile. "I don't suppose you've ever had a girl turn you down."

"Ah. . . no. But none of 'em hold a candle ta you."

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