Laughing at Li's pretenses, Wei quickly covered his hand on her waist with her own, preventing him from sliding it up any higher.  She put her arm around his back, flattening her palm on the base of his spine and corded muscle.   She arched an eyebrow at him, lean strength like that was no joke, and her hand wandered up a bit.  She could play as well as he.<br/><br/>She disengaged when they reached her door and fumbled for the key.  Upon entering she moved to a low table and lit the lantern, a soft glow filled the room.  Rain pelted against the windows and the light was warm and welcome.  Turning back to Li, she gestured towards the pallet on the floor.<br/><br/>Digging in her saddlebags, she withdrew a small bottle and two glasses.  Pulling the little table closer to the pallet she knelt and poured two measures of plum brandy.<br/><br/>"Now to the heart of the matter, Li San Shan.  I do not think you find me misshapen, why then the odd looks earlier?  I will be happy to ride with you and lend my arm on the quest the Esteemed One has set," she paused and shivered again, acceptance of spirits did not come easily to her, not of that sort anyway. "Yet there is a mystery here and I simply cannot resist begging to know what you meant earlier."<br/><br/>Her eyes were dark and steady on his.