said. Crystal smiled, a much warmer smile than he had ever seen her smile. "Thank you," she whispered. Linder was puzzled. "Huh?" Crystal cocked her head and laid her ears back. "For coming." she said lightly. She reached her head forward. She was too close, too close. Linder wanted her to back away. If she........ But...... No........ Too late.... Her nose was in his fur........ Stop....... She had drawn her head back....... Her clear, blue eyes were gentle.........Her mouth twitched into a smile.......Linder could not help himself. Before he could think, he had given her a sheepish grin and licked her nose. "Boy, will everyone talk...." he murmured. Crystal grinned. "A moment like this, and all you can think about is gossip?" she teased. Linder laughed. "Remember the time when I tried to steal a sausage for you, and I ended up getting hit by the butcher with a link of them?" asked Linder. Crystal giggled and nodded. "Uh-huh. I walked away laughing so hard." Linder nodded and laughed. Crystal stood and stretched. "Well, Linder, we'd better go," she sighed. They turned and walked toward the sleeping town, paces evenly matched, and wind whipping their fur as the stars glitterd coldly from above.