[JennyHallu]

Losse gave a little half-bow in acknowledgement of Emlin's reasonable question. "My lord, our situation is by no means dire, but it is lacking in certain comforts, and we both have ambitions unlikely to be fulfilled. But Teluviel's future happiness and comfort seems assured," she said pointedly, her eyes on the couple's clasped hands. "What I would ask is really more of a business proposition."

"As the Lady is aware, Farael was robbed on his way here, and his business is trade. And I am under the constraints of enforced honesty, and my business is...well...the Lady will surely remember what my business is. Someday I would like it to be otherwise, and Farael would like his own ventures to repay his effort. We have determined together upon a plan which would allow us both to live our dreams--and we are missing but one thing to make it possible."

She paused, and when neither's manner seemed to suggest she stop, plunged into the meat of the matter. "In a word? Capital. Money is something we have only in short supply, and the Lady, and you, lord, also, if you are interested in the aid of one who would be a friend to you, have in abundance, at least compared to us." A breath--Losse had a bad habit of stringing long sentences together quickly enough she forgot to breath, when excited. "We propose a loan, enough to allow us to buy a horse and cart, and the goods to fill it. Terms of repayment to be settled in further discussion, be you interested. If you are intrigued, I would ask you to join us for a while, and say your thoughts on the matter."

She stopped, a little out of breath, and fixed her eager, youthful eyes hopefully upon the faces of the Elves, trying to read their reactions, hands wringing themselves nervously behind her back.