Ashdown — he recognised the name, but did not yet place it. Frankly, he was currently too absorbed in the moment.

In a final dash of risk-taking, Arven took her slender hand and kissed it before any passers-by could had a chance to observe. When he let go of her hand, she'd find the small white pebble in it — the one she'd tossed for Virgil. A small memento of their adventure.

The ferret scurried from Dove's hands up onto his master's broad shoulder. A most customary perch.

"Until next we meet, Miss Ashdown."