5: Couramance

Couramance at forty-five was still a fine-looking woman. Maybe magic had played a little part in it, but it was the end result that mattered. As she passed through the crowd at the party, she still turned more than a few heads.

She had her sights set on one young man in particular that night. Tall, broad-shouldered, and none too bright – just the way she liked them. She could feel his eyes on her as she approached, and she savoured his gaze like wine.

"Hello, Halden of Gouge. I do believe you've grown since the last time I saw you."