The result of my plan to go to the woman's room had failed me. I had assumed that by my perceived presence and the rush and intensity that my request was given would result in an answer to my request for her room number. It resulted in only silence from the innkeeper. Perhaps it had been used before; perhaps the innkeeper was more seasoned than I thought.<br/><br/>Equally surprising was seeing the woman coming down the stairs. I gaped when I saw her and was shocked when I saw her sit at a table in the tavern unescorted!<br/><br/>As I looked at her I was again impressed by her bearing as well as her appearance. The radiance of her self,  with a glow that would shame the candle on the table, made me realize that there was no way that I could rob her.  Other thoughts came into my mind as well, none being of a dubious nature.<br/><br/>Seeing her with her luggage, I approached her and said, "Perhaps I could help you with your luggage, ma'am."  And then with a boldness, probably enhanced by my hunger, I continued, "and perhaps I could join you for dinner. A lady alone in a tavern, well..."  My lack of words left me feeling vulnerable knowing my fate of this night, and perhaps beyond, was in her hands.