Short nods. "It would be my pleasure to show you around. But, alas, I have not been seen much of this house myself. Perhaps we can look the place over together." The moment the word 'alas' left his lips, Short winced. "No one says 'alas' anymore," he said to himself.<br/><br/>Short stood and walked toward Kamyrn. Short noticed that she had taken off her cloak. He tried not to stare, but admired her snugly fitting tunic and her lithe, fit body.<br/><br/>Without thinking, Short tried to smooth the wrinkles out from his well-worn jeans and his plain blue shirt and sucked in his gut. He turned to her and said, "you know, since arriving here, I have had the opportunity to eat marvelous food, and, regretfully, have surrendered to those opportunities."<br/><br/>Then, realizing he couldn't hold his breath forever, he inhaled and let his gut expand. As he felt his gut expand, he thought to himself, "The lady seems kind and understanding. Her kind comments regarding the unconscious man, lead me to believe this.  So I will let the chips fall where they may."  Still lost in his own reverie, the thought drifted through his mind, "And a name like 'ShortStaffed' is not one to bring confidence to a beautiful lady, anyway.<br/><br/>Holding out his hand to assist Kamyrn standing, she rose. Short took a few steps and noticed a painting on the wall he has not noticed before. He stood before it and looked at the rolling hills and deep blue color of the water in the scene and it reminded him of his love for the outdoors and his desire to return to nature. Then, glancing out the window, and seeing the miserable weather, he decided that perhaps a better time would be when the weather is a bit more pleasant.<br/><br/>Turning from the painting and his thoughts of the great outdoors, Short turned and noticed a hallway leaving the room as well as a staircase leading to the second floor. He was fully aware of what was probably upstairs and, knowing the rules of the house, he turned and walked down the hall.<br/><br/>As they started down the hall, Short stopped and turned to Kamyrn, and looking her into her eyes he said, "When you see Lilia, please tell her I saw her comment at the Doormat and appreciate it very much. I give her my sincere thanks. Also, please relate to Lilia that Monday and Tuesday are long work days for me and I may not be around."<br/><br/>Then, he continued to meander down the long hall, Short stopped and looked at the paintings on the walls. The hallway was noticeably cooler as they got farther away from the fireplace. Not wanting to get too far away from the heat, Short decided to try the next door they came to and see what is on the other side. He figured a place this wonderful would have something of note to see behind the closed door.<br/><br/>A couple more steps taken, he reached the closed door. Short put his hand on the knob, and as he tried to look suave and build up suspense, he turned the knob and slowly opened the door.<br/><br/>And on the other side of the door, was a broom closet. Looking in he saw a mop bucket, still with dirty water in it, a mop and assorted cleaning supplies. There was nothing to do now but laugh. And as he laughed loudly at his failed suaveness, he turned to Kamyrn and said, "I guess I will follow you and let you try the next door."<br/><br/>