<span style="color: #40BFFF"><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic"><br/>Gwendalin seemed incapable of shaking the sense of unease that had settled so heavily over her.  Gradually, adrenaline began to seep into her system and her eyes began to open, sharpening her vision of her surroundings.  Even now she could not see anyone around her but for the man who had spoken.  The individual who had been seated on the bench as she passed?  Oddly enough, his lack of direct interaction with her had left her forgetting he ever existed.<br/><br/>Strange offers weren't unfamiliar to the girl in her frilly, strangely designed dress.  When a bed became available and a warm meal was offered, she paused.  It wasn't because she was considering the offer but because her mind had suddenly finished the basic equation.  "2+2= Uneasiness produced by random male figure offering food and warm beds."  With what acting skills she had acquired on the streets, Gwendalin offered a gentle smile.</span> <br/><br/>"Thank you, but I would hate to be such a parasite as to take advantage of your kindness, sir.  I would be content to have a meal in the morning though, should you live in the area and care to offer it again."<span style="font-weight: bold"><br/><br/>Her manner of speech as she offered her explanation was perfectly polite and as formal as a well-educated young girl could accomplish.  She had no intent on accepting his proposition but didn't need more enemies or dangers to haunt her should she be rude and manage to upset the stranger.  After all, he was approaching her in the middle of the night, giving her the suspiciously uneasy feeling that was usually a woman's sixth sense tingling, and offering the usual temptations to young street urchins like herself.  He seemed... like a predator.<br/></span></span></span>