Howl's Moving Castle Fan Fiction ❯ The Battles of Peacetime ❯ Chapter 4 ( Chapter 4 )

I've had a few questions about some things in this story, if you ever have any questions, please feel free to PM me or e-mail me and I will be MORE than happy to answer any questions! :D

 

DISCLAIMER: Once again, don't own Howl and Co. just borrowing them to get this story written so I can sleep at night. Howl's Moving Castle is the property of Diana Wynne Jones for the novel and Miyazaki for the movie. I do not own them, and am making nothing from the publishing of this story on the internet.

 

***********

The Battles of Peacetime

Chapter 4

***********

 

Sophie awoke the next morning to the feel of sunshine on her face. She stretched lazily in the bed, then abruptly sat up, her eyes wide.

 

“Dear me! What time is it?” By her estimation, as she glanced at the position of the sun, she'd slept half the morning away.

 

She threw back the covers and swung her feet over the edge of the bed.

 

“I'm amazed Markel or Calcifer didn't wake me wanting breakfast!” She raced around splashing her face with water and grabbing the first dress she found, pulling it on without looking at it. She pulled on her stockings and boots and raced out the door, still brushing her hair.

 

“Markel, Granny, I am so sorry I overslept! Are you …” Sophie paused, taking in the room. No one was there except Howl, who was sitting at the table studying a spell and Calcifer who was burning cheerfully in the hearth.

 

Howl stood as she entered, “Ah, Sophie. You look lovely in that dress, as I knew you would.”

 

Sophie blinked, the brush still in her hand, “Wh …where is everyone?”

 

Howl smiled at her charmingly and drew her over to the table with a hand about her waist. “Granny is at Mrs. Fairfax's for the day helping her with her gardens, she took Heen with her so he could get some exercise running about. Personally, I think he'll find a nice shady tree to sleep under. I asked Markel to go out and shop for the various items I need to keep stocked for our customers. I told them not to disturb you because of the late hour of our return. How did you sleep, dear one?”

 

Sophie blinked up at him as he seated her then poured her a cup of tea, “Um … I slept very well, thank you.”

 

Howl smiled at her, “I am pleased to hear that,” then went back to his spell.

 

Sophie set down her brush on the table and picked up her tea, taking a sip and attempting to gather her scattered wits about her.

 

“It really is a lovely dress on you Sophie,” Calcifer spoke from the fire, reminding her of Howl's earlier compliment.

 

Sophie looked down and blinked again. She did not see the familiar grey. Instead she was wearing a cream coloured muslin gown with little sprigs of blue flowers. The leg o' mutton sleeves narrowed at her elbows and caught at her wrists with little blue satin buttons. A bit of cream lace tumbled over the tops of her hands. The square cut neckline of the muslin gave way to the yoke, made of lovely cream coloured chiffon, just opaque enough for modesty. The chiffon was finished off in a high neckline, a line of the same blue satin buttons on her sleeves were set in a vertical line on the chiffon and brought attention to the beautiful lace used to trim the high neck, giving it the appearance of a choker and emphasizing the delicate lines of her neck and jaw.

 

Sophie flushed as she realized she'd been so rushed that morning she hadn't even noticed she'd been putting on a dress she'd never seen before.

 

Howl was certain she had no idea how utterly breathtaking she looked this morning in her new muslin gown with her hair down and a slight flush colouring her cheeks. He also wasn't sure how long he would be able to resist grabbing her and tugging the high neck of the gown down to … he cleared his throat and blinked bringing his attention to what Sophie was saying.

 

“Where did this come from? I don't remember buying this …”

 

Howl smiled charmingly at her, “You didn't. I did. I visited the charming dress shop where you purchased the gown you wore last night and purchased a few things for you. I hope you don't mind. I wanted to give you a gift in honour of your apprenticeship.”

 

“A … apprenticeship?”

 

Howl had to fight to keep himself from dancing in excitement. Finally, the moment was here, all the work he'd been doing over the past week to get everything ready was finally coming to fruition, “Why of course Sophie! You didn't think last night's flying lesson was a one time thing did you? You have such natural talent for magic; it seems only right for you to learn to use it properly. What luck you should have a wizard such as myself ready and able to teach you.”

 

Sophie just stared for a moment, then she was off the bench, around the table and throwing herself into a very surprised Howl's arms.

 

Calcifer coughed from the hearth and turned a rosy hue.

 

At first, Howl had no idea what to do with the girl in his arms. His first thought when she'd come around the table was that he had completely misjudged the girl and was about to be strangled to death. Then, she'd thrown herself into his arms and his body had been overloaded with the pleasant sensation of an armful of Sophie. Finally, he regained his thoughts and pulled her up onto his lap, holding her tightly against him. His return to coherent thought was short-lived however.

 

Sophie lifted her head from his shoulder and gazed up at him her eyes alight with utter joy, her face wreathed in an excited smile. Her hands clutched at his shoulders as she gasped up at him, “Oh Howl, do you mean it?”

 

Howl completely missed the question so entranced was he by the beauty gazing up at him. He just stared down at her, quite dumbstruck and wondering how he'd gotten so fortunate as to have this lovely creature in his lap.

 

Sophie, rarely patient, smacked his shoulder, “Howl! I asked you if you meant it!”

 

Howl blinked, then a slow smile spread over his face and his eyes darkened, “Oh yes dear one, I most certainly meant it.” Then his mouth swooped down and he kissed her.

 

Sophie sighed happily returning his kiss with all the joy that was zinging through her. It was only when she heard a distinctly displeased sizzling that something in her brain started to remind her they had an audience.

 

Howl grumbled at the sound, slowly ending the kiss. He opened his eyes and looked down into Sophie's face and couldn't resist giving her one more, small kiss. She looked utterly delicious gazing up at him, her eyes still excited but also with a slight dreamy haze from his kiss. Her lips were very pink and slightly swollen from his attentions and her cheeks had a tinge of blush as she became more and more aware that Calcifer was in the room. He sighed and glowered at Calcifer who was also quite a rosy red by this time.

 

Calcifer grumbled, “Not my fault you forgot I was here. `Sides, Sophie hasn't eaten yet, and neither have I.”

 

Howl sighed and glanced down at the girl still in his arms. He almost laughed as Sophie peeked up at him, her face now thoroughly pink in embarrassment. He dropped a kiss on her forehead, grinning and shifted her onto the bench as he stood up. “Alright Master Calcifer, let's see what we can do about feeding you and Lady Sophie.”

 

Sophie stood, “It's alright, I can make some break … oh, well, I suppose it's lunch by now, isn't it?”

 

Howl chuckled, “Never fear, my dove. Everyone deserves a sleep in day, even you.”

 

Sophie smiled, then seemed to come back to herself as she got over her embarrassment, “Well then, at least let me help. I know I have some fresh tomatoes and lettuce. And I'm sure there's still some bacon. We can have some sandwiches with that. I'll cut up the lettuce and tomatoes Howl, if you and Calcifer will take care of the bacon.”

 

Howl swept her a bow, “With pleasure,” and turned to do her bidding.

 

Before long Sophie and Howl were seated at the table and Calcifer was munching away happily in the hearth.

 

Sophie glanced up at Howl who was alternately taking bites of his sandwich and making notes on a piece of parchment.

 

“So … when are you going to tell me what's going on between you, Suliman, and Justin?”

 

Howl choked on a bite of sandwich and Calcifer started to cackle in the fireplace, “Leave it to Sophie not to beat around the bush.”

 

Howl glared back at him, then smiled charmingly at Sophie, “I don't know what you mean. Justin and I were merely sparring for the attentions of the most beautiful woman at the palace and Suliman and I were discussing our shared experiences with Mrs. Pentstemmon and philosophisizing.”

 

“And that's another thing. Where is Mrs. Pentstemmon? I haven't really heard of her except in passing or seen her since the war ended. Then Suliman was made Royal Wizard and nobody really mentioned what happened to her and why she was no longer holding the post. I merely assumed she had passed it on to her apprentice, but now I'm not so sure …” Sophie watched Howl, a thoughtful expression on her face.

 

Howl nearly groaned in frustration and Calcifer's all out chortling in the background wasn't helping. “Well, Mrs. Nose, I can see you've been doing quite a lot of thinking lately.”

 

Sophie shrugged, “I suppose, but it took me a while to put it all together, all the odd things and you slipping out so often, then your behaviour at the palace with Justin and Suliman and finally Mrs. Pentstemmon. I believe they're all related, I'm just not sure how yet.”

 

Howl sighed and glanced at Sophie warily, “I don't suppose I could tell you to just keep your nose out of business that doesn't concern you and you would accept that and continue on as though nothing was happening?”

 

Sophie raised an eyebrow.

Howl looked heavenward, “I thought not. Very well Sophie, but before I begin, I want a promise from you.”

 

Now it was Sophie's turn to be wary, “What promise?”

 

“I want you to swear you'll trust me.”

 

Sophie snorted, “Is that all? That's easy. Of course I trust you Howl.”

 

Howl shook his head, “That's not what I mean Sophie. You need to trust me enough that if I tell you, you can't do something, you won't go haring off trying to help anyway. Trust me to know when you are capable of helping and when you're not. Trust me to know how to do what I'm doing and take care of it in the way I feel it needs to be done.”

 

Sophie's wide eyes gazed at him and she bit her lower lip considering, “That's an awfully big promise Howl. I don't know if I can make that kind of promise unconditionally.”

 

“Nevertheless Sophie, that is the promise I need from you, or all your pestering and nosiness will not get a word out of me.”

 

Sophie was surprised to see the level of seriousness in Howl's eyes. She felt it was a sign his heart may have finally caught up with the rest of him, and while a part of her rejoiced in it, she also understood she was dealing with a very powerful male wizard who was in protective mode. This was not a situation she'd found herself in before and she'd have to feel her way around a bit. She took a deep breath and made her decision.

 

“Very well, Howl. I will make the promise, but I want one from you in return. You are not to keep me in the dark because you don't want to worry me. I will worry more if I don't know what's going on. And you will discuss with me why you feel I cannot help when you feel I can't. Don't just try to bully me into it, telling me it's because you say so. I want a legitimate reason.”

 

Howl stood and moved to sit next to her on the bench. She watched him come, his eyes deep blue pools as he watched her, watching him. He sat and placed a hand over hers on the table. “We don't ask easy things of each other, do we?” He gave her an amused half-smile that was utterly enchanting and she smiled at him, lacing her fingers with his.

 

“No, we don't.”

 

Howl nodded, “Very well, Sophie Hatter. You have your bargain.”

 

Sophie didn't know whether to smile or hide. Anything that could cause Howl to be so concerned had to be quite serious indeed.

 

“Sophie, do you remember during the war, the various creatures that attacked me when I was protecting you in Market Chipping? Not Mrs. Pentstemmon's blob men, but the solid ones, the ones that flew for the most part?”

 

Sophie nodded, noting the sadness that had crept into Howl's gaze.

 

“Sophie, those creatures were once lesser wizards that had given themselves over to be used for the war in whatever way the King felt necessary. Mrs. Pentstemmon was the Royal Wizard at the time, of course, and was in charge of dispatching them. I highly doubt it was a job she enjoyed. You see, it was decided the wizards would be most effective from the air in combination with bombing raids. So, the wizards all turned themselves into the beasts you saw.”

 

Sophie gasped softly, “But Howl, those wizards attacked you, their countryman.”

 

Howl nodded, taking his gaze from Sophie to stare off into space, “Yes, they did. I wasn't fighting for either side. I was fighting to stop an idiotic war that should never have started to begin with.” He gave her a lopsided sad smile, “But then, no one asked me.”

 

Sophie reached out and gently touched his cheek with her palm, trying to give him some sort of comfort. He placed his hand over hers holding it to his face for a moment, before tangling his fingers with hers.

 

“It gets worse, Sophie. Do you remember how I was dangerously close to becoming a beast? Well, if you will recall it was because I didn't have a heart to anchor myself to the man I was. I didn't have the emotions to hold me there. These wizards that changed themselves, they did have hearts, but each time they killed or destroyed in that form, they lost a bit of their humanity. It's the way of magic. There is a price to pay when you use magic to cause harm. Of course, Mrs. Pentstemmon didn't realize what was happening until it was too late. By then, the wizards were mere beasts. Obeying her will and going forth to destroy the enemy.”

 

Sophie squeezed his hand, “Oh … how horrible. Those poor men … and Mrs. Pentstemmon must have been devastated when she realized …”

 

Howl nodded, “I can only imagine she was. So much so, that in a fit of despair and guilt, she gave herself up to the same fate the men under her command suffered and joined them.”

 

Sophie gasped, her eyes wide with horror, “Oh no … Howl. I … I'm so sorry. I know she wasn't, well, that is to say … I …”

 

Howl smiled weakly at her, “No, it's alright. I didn't appreciate her enough as a teacher, and she and I disagreed greatly about what my fate should be, but I did hold quite a bit of affection for her.”

 

Sophie leaned forward and wrapped her arms around Howl, hugging him tightly, “I'm so sorry Howl.”

 

His arms went around her and he held her to him with a bit of desperation. He hadn't allowed himself to truly grieve or accept the enormity of the situation. In Sophie's gentle arms, he allowed the emotions to wash over him and shuddered at their intensity. He gripped locks of her hair in his fist, savouring the feel of the silken strands tangling and sliding over his fingers, assuring himself she was there and real and whole. He knew he wouldn't get the rest of the story out if he let her go, so he held her there, in his arms, as he continued.

 

“Suliman contacted me first. He informed me Mrs. Pentstemmon had gone missing after the war and he was ordered by the King to find me and offer me the position of Royal Wizard. I told him to take the position, that I wasn't interested and I was right. He makes a fine Royal Wizard, he's good at what he does and he's respectable, the way a Royal Wizard should be. He doesn't mind the strings that tie you down in that position either. It works out best for all involved.

 

As for Mrs. Pentstemmon, we all assumed she had disappeared in an attempt to force me to accept the Royal Wizard position. It wasn't until a week and a half ago we realized how wrong we were. We'd known the beast wizards were still around, but they were more a nuisance than anything and Suliman was working on rounding up the remaining wizards to help him take care of the problem. Then, suddenly, they began attacking. The largest concentration was around Market Chipping. It's why the city was evacuated and continued to remain empty. What was left of it … Sophie I'm so sorry … it's gone.”

 

“Gone? What do you mean … gone?”

 

Howl looked down into her searching brown eyes, “I mean, what you knew as Market Chipping is no longer there.”

 

He watched as she gazed up at him in shock, then watched as realization rushed in and her eyes became glossy with tears. She looked up at him helplessly, and he pulled her onto his lap, clutching her to him not wanting her to see the helplessness in his own eyes, “Shhh…I'm so sorry for keeping it from you, but I couldn't bear to make you cry. Yet, I've gone and done it anyway. I knew it was inevitable, but …oh blast it,” He gently rocked her, soothingly, one hand rubbing her back, the other sliding through her hair as he murmured soft nonsense words trying to take away the worst of the ache.

 

Sophie clutched at him, burying her face in his shoulder and couldn't stop the tears from falling. Her home, where she'd grown up, played with her sisters. The memories she had of her father and the shop. The first time she'd met Howl. That special place that meant so much to her was gone. She wept silently for what seemed hours, but was in fact merely a quarter of one. Eventually she stilled and lay in Howl's arms bonelessly, the emotions and weeping having exhausted her.

 

Howl tilted her face up to him and gently wiped her face with his sleeve. His eyes were filled with worry and concern, “Will you be alright, love?”

 

Sophie nodded pressing the heels of her hands into her eyes, then wiping the sides, before once more relaxing into his arms. He pressed a kiss to her temple, shifting her slightly so she was leaning back against him, her head resting on his shoulder, his arms draped gently around her waist. He bent his head down and whispered softly in her ear, “I'm sorry for being such a slither-outer and not telling you sooner.”

 

Sophie gave a small wet hiccough of a laugh, “I know you wouldn't lie to me Howl, so I'm going to assume there are plans to rebuild. You weren't lying to me about that were you?”

 

Howl smiled down at her, stroking some hair from her face tenderly, “No Sophie, I wasn't lying to you. Market Chipping will be rebuilt. I promise you that.”

 

Sophie snuggled into Howl's arms reassured by the tone of his voice and needing his warmth, “So, what was it that happened?”

 

Howl gave her a little squeeze before continuing, “Well, something or someone organized the beast wizards and their first act was to find a … well, a home I suppose. They still have some command over magic so by the time anyone knew something was wrong, it was all over. They turned Market Chipping into a sort of … large nesting area. Suliman contacted me again, asking me to see if I could find out what it was that had caused these creatures to suddenly act with a purpose. I agreed, and silently began making forays over what used to be the town. On one of my trips, I saw her, the creature that once was Mrs. Pentstemmon. At first I thought it wasn't possible. She wouldn't have allowed such a thing to happen … but then, it all started to make a horrible kind of sense. I was so … well, so emotional, I opened myself up to being noticed. And she definitely noticed me. I fled quickly and eventually eluded the beast wizards she sent after me.

 

Now, I have been asked to eliminate her and this nest of beasts because I am the only one who might have some chance of taking her on and defeating her. We don't know if her powers were affected when she changed or not. So, to minimize the risk of defeat …” Howl sighed feeling the weight of this responsibility on his shoulders.

 

Sophie shifted to look up at him tracing her fingers down his jaw, “So this is what you've been doing over the past week.”

 

Howl nodded gazing down at her, then smiled ruefully, “Among other things.”

 

Sophie returned the smile, then tucked her head under his chin, content for the moment to just hold him, and be held. A peace stole over the room as light flickered from Calcifer who, for once, seemed content to be silent.

 

Eventually, Howl ran a hand through Sophie's hair, “Markel will be back soon. Will you be alright?”

 

Sophie nodded against his chest, “I'll be okay. I take it he doesn't know?”

 

“No, I haven't told him. I've been more concerned with trying to tell you,” he could feel her smile against his neck.

 

“You mean trying to find a way to slither out of telling me as long as you possibly could.”

 

He smiled and kissed the top of her head, “That too.”

 

Calcifer finally made his presence known, “I hate to interrupt this touching scene … but I believe Markel is about to come through the door.”

 

Sophie quickly stood, brushing out the skirts of her muslin gown, “I don't know how I'm going to do any cleaning in this dress. I'm going to be afraid to get it dirty.”

 

Howl smiled and walked over to a hook on the wall where a new but serviceable apron was hanging, he walked back to Sophie and wrapped his arms around her from behind, putting the apron on her, then tied it in the back, “There you are, dear one.”

 

Sophie blushed slightly. Somehow, in the past little while, something had shifted between them. The endearment, which before she'd been able to dismiss as flattery, now meant something deeper.

 

She was unable to contemplate this more as at that moment, Markel came banging through the Porthaven door, arms loaded down with packages.

 

Howl made a gesture and the packages flew out of Markel's arms and onto the shelves.

 

Markel grumbled, “That's the last time we let the supplies get so low. I couldn't believe how much was on that list!”

 

Sophie smiled at him over her shoulder, “Well, it's definitely appreciated Markel. How about I make some fresh lemonade for us to have with dinner?”

 

Markel sprang into action, “I'll get the lemons!” and ran over to the pantry to fetch them.

 

Howl felt a sort of tugging at his heart watching Markel and Sophie at the kitchen counter, cutting the lemons and laughing together. He felt a wave of emotion so strong for this little family of his he rocked back on his heels, his eyes widening.

 

“Howl …?”

 

Calcifer's voice broke through and Howl gazed at him, unseeing for a moment, then he blinked, shaking himself out of his momentary stupor. “Excuse me, I have something I need to attend to.” He turned on his heel and headed up the stairs to his room briskly.

 

Sophie blinked and glanced at Calcifer, “What was that about?”

 

Calcifer gave what appeared to be a shrug, “How should I know? I'm not attached to the man any more. What's for dinner Sophie?”

 

**********

 

Hours later, Sophie stood outside Howl's door holding a tray with some dinner on it. Markel was busily finishing work on some orders for spells from customers. Granny Witch had sent a message that she would be staying with Mrs. Fairfax for the evening and Heen would be staying as well. Calcifer had chatted with Sophie for a while, while she did the usual cleaning up.

 

Eventually, Sophie had finished the housework, put away the dishes from supper and promptly became bored. She had finally decided she should bring a tray up to Howl. He hadn't come down and Sophie was curious, and a little worried about him.

 

She took a breath, and shifting the tray to hold it in one hand, knocked softly. “Howl? I brought you some dinner. You need to eat.”

 

There was a scuffling noise from inside and then the door opened, Howl smiled at her peering around the door, blue eyes shining, “Ah, Sophie, if it wasn't for you, I might starve.”

 

Sophie shouldered her way in and set the tray down on the only somewhat clear surface, his bed. “You did just fine before I came.” She heard the sound of the door shut behind her, the latch clicking into place.

 

Then, a pair of warm arms slid around her waist from behind. “Trust me when I say I was merely surviving, dear one.”

 

Sophie flushed, her hands frozen in the act of pouring Howl tea from the small kettle she'd brought. She quickly set it down before she spilled. “Howl? What are you …”

 

Her eyes widened as she felt Howl rest his head against her shoulder, tucking her back against him. Tentatively, she reached down and placed her hands over his at her waist and smiled a little as she felt his fingers tangle with hers. After a moment, she relaxed back into him and leaned her head against his. Her heart pounded in her chest as she stood in Howl's arms. She was unsure if his behaviour was a continuation of the emotions from earlier, or if this was something new. Only Howl could give her that answer.

 

After what seemed both a moment and an eternity, Howl's head lifted from her shoulder and his arms slid from her waist. Without looking at her he made his way to the tray and picked up the cup of tea, sipping it.

 

Sophie stood, gazing at his back and feeling uncertain of what exactly she should do, “Howl?”

 

Howl set down his cup and turned to smile at her over his shoulder, “Yes, Sophie?”

 

“Are you alright? I mean, you disappeared up here earlier and never came down and after our discussion I was just sort of wondering if … well, if you were alright.”

 

Howl laughed and caught Sophie up in his arms spinning her around.

 

Sophie gasped in surprise, her arms clutching at his shoulders in surprise, “Howl!”

 

Howl set her back on her feet and took her face in his hands, “Sophie, have you ever had a moment where you suddenly knew, with such clarity, what you wanted from life? What it is you were put here for?”

 

“I … I'm not really certain what you mean …”

 

“No, no of course not, but it's alright Sophie, you'll understand soon enough. Now, I really must be going. I have so much to do this evening.”

 

Sophie gripped his arm as he turned from her to grab a roll from the tray she'd brought and take a bite. Howl turned back to look at her, eyebrows raised.

 

“What are you doing this evening? Does it have to do with Market Chipping? Please Howl, I want to see it. I need to see it, so I can … can accept it.”

 

Howl placed his hand over hers as he swallowed the bite of roll, his expression changing in an instant from the laughing casual look, to one of total seriousness, “Sophie … if you come with me, you will have to stay behind at some point and let me go on, on my own. I can't have you there distracting me. If I'm to get close enough to study where they are and how they're organized, I can't be worrying about your safety.”

 

Sophie shook her head grasping his hand, “Howl, please. I promised you if you gave me a reason, I'd be sure to do what you said needed to be done. I'll stay quiet and watch from where you need me to stay. Just please … don't leave me behind to worry about you.”

 

Howl sighed in defeat, then smiled at Sophie wryly, “My girl, you drive a hard bargain. Very well, you may come along. But none of your usual business, Mrs. Nose, you will stay put. Hmmm?”

 

Sophie smiled up at Howl, “Thank you. I know how hard it is for you not to slither-out of your promise.”

 

Howl gave her a wry grin, “Keep smiling like that and it won't be quite as hard to do. Now then, we've got to get you dressed in something a little more appropriate.” He held her away from him a bit considering her.

 

She gazed down at her dress, “I told you this dress wasn't practical.”

 

“Oh, it's eminently practical, my own, just not for spying,” he said grinning, “Now who's trying to slither out? Course …I don't think I'd mind you slithering out of that dress …”the last was mumbled under his breath.

 

Sophie cocked her head at him, “Pardon?”

 

He gave her one of his child-like grins, “Nothing. Just trying to figure out what to do … ah well, I s'pose there's no help for it. Pants it is. He snapped his fingers and suddenly Sophie was clad in black knee pants and a loose black shirt. Black stockings hid her lower legs from sight and a pair of soft, serviceable boots covered her feet.

 

Sophie blushed, “You don't think this is a tad indecent?”

 

Howl smiled down at her, then turned and grabbed a black cloak, “Here you are.” He wrapped the cloak over her shoulders and the folds of the fabric completely enveloped her.

 

Sophie blinked when she realized Howl's clothing was also all black now. She looked up at him and raised an eyebrow.

 

Howl grinned at her, “Hard to blend into a night sky if I'm wearing bright colors, hmmm?”

 

She shook her head, “Who knew a peacock could be sensible?”

 

Howl put an arm around her waist and led her out of his room and down the steps. He nodded at Calcifer who blazed up for a moment, “Where are you two going dressed like that?”

 

Markel turned and blinked at their unusual attire.

 

Howl continued to sweep Sophie toward the door, “Just going for an evening stroll and don't want to be disturbed, do we my dove?”

 

“N-no.” Sophie was never one for lying and found it difficult to do so now. She was glad Howl had taken charge and was even now turning the knob black side down.

 

“Howl …” There was a warning tone in Calcifer's voice.

 

Howl turned and grinned to the room, “Don't wait up,” and then he'd swept Sophie out the door, shutting it behind them.

 

**********

End Chapter 4

**********

 

Again, muchos thanks to the hubby for editing and HUGE thanks to everyone who's been writing reviews and e-mails. I really appreciate it! The positive comments are what drive me to keep writing this fluff story turned novel.