As the moon rose, the Sanctuary quieted, and though no one approached her, those children she smiled at smiled shyly back, some giggling to each other. Their sort thinned out dramatically as the night took up watch.

As a priest walked by, lowering the mage-lights, he gave her a searching look. When their eyes met he gave her a nod and moved on.

A few others sat at the benches, reading or studying, enjoying the quiet --

Until the moment it was broken by a brisk step, a shadow in front of her, and the scent of lilies. His breath caught, but it was the only sound he made.