"Let's wait for an emergency before we go and do that," said Alissa, giving his arm a pat.

Randy grinned. "I suppose we should try to avoid unnecessary risks for both our sakes."

She pulled him down for a kiss, "In the meantime we'll just have to sneak around I suppose,"

"That is perfectly alright with me," Randy replied. "I've no objections to a little sneaking when necessary."

Alissa giggled, "Good, because I think tonight might be a nice night for some sneaking,"

"I look forward to it," said Randy. What could be better for washing away the foul stench of a Winston's intrusion, after all?

"I'll see you tonight!...After I go and talk to the new Stable hand mother hired, she said he's terrifying but he makes a good horse shoe, do you want to come with me?" asked Alissa.

"Alright," Randy agreed, wondering what could possibly be so terrifying about this person...

Alissa opened the door to the stables, "Mr. Blackwellder?" she called.

"'Lo," a gruff voice called back just before its owner stepped out to greet Alissa and Randy. He was nearly Randy's size and shape, square-jawed and thick with muscle. Unlike Randy, though, he was rough and hairy and so strangely pale that he actually appeared to be grey. The oddities didn't end there, however, as his shaggy blond mane hung down his back and sprang up in all directions like a haystack and his amber-colored eyes seemed to reflect almost like a cat's in the dim light. Dark marks lined the bottoms of those eyes, as well as his upper lip. He offered a friendly grin, exposing large teeth with pointed top and bottom canines. Randy knew immediately what he was, and it didn't take him long to recognize Randy's kind, either.

Alissa gave a small shiver as she took in the strangers appearance, he was like no man she'd ever seen before, but in spite of being a little afraid she squared her shoulders and held out her hand for him, "I am Alissa Summerville, it's a pleasure to meet you, sir,"

He gave her hand a shake. "Likewise," he replied. "You c'n call me Cha'les." He turned his eye to Randy. "I b'lieve I know you already!"
Randy grinned. "So you do. I am glad to see you well."

"Oh you've met?" Alissa peered at them, now that she looked Charles and Randy has some similarities, almost like Randy and Gilbert...that odd sameness that seemed to imply they had a similar origin. "Are you two...by any chance related? There's something I can't put my finger on. You two have a...sameness."

"Perhaps distantly so," Randy replied, "but no more than that. We met some years ago, both bound for the same destination."

Alissa was immediately curious, "Where did you come from?" she asked.

"I was taken in by a lovely couple 'round Dartford," said Charles.
"I was born on a ship, myself," said Randy, neither response offering a clear origin.