[Crimson]

Horace barked gladly, like a puppy, as Carnasch let him out. The dark elf, however, seemed less pleased to see his less than intelligent friend. "Horace likes-ess foods!", he clapped loudly before jumping up and down in delight. "And Horace likes-ess doing stuffs!"

"Oh gods ...", Daeneck moaned, " ... gods kill me now ..."

But at the mention of Missa, the half-giant winced, as if Carnasch's question was a fiery whip against his abnormally thick skin. "No ... no ... me no likes-ess her ... no ...", he groaned, threatening to burst into tears, " ... you ... you going to tells her ...?" He sniffed and wrinkled his massive nose before wiping a single tear from his left eye.

Suddenly, Carnasch heard something behind him -- down the dark hallway. Footsteps. And the clicking of metal keys.

Someone was coming.