I sing two more verses before I finish my song, chuckling as he recognizes it from his companions. I'm curious about him and I ask, "Your men? Between your former choice of company and your uniform, I'd guess you're a soldier. Am I right?"

The path snakes though the trees and I'd swear I heard something. Is that a horse...or water? I shake my head, unsure either way and I continue talking with Benedict.

"My sweet, sharp Glass is waiting for me, out there," and I gesture to the forest. "But she's not opposed to my wandering about. She knows I'm a curious sort, and as long as I take care of myself and stay true to her, everything's golden."

I chuckle at the mention of doghouses, saying, "No, those are for her father. My transgressions aren't the sort that get me sent away." Amused, I add, "It would be difficult to make up with any distance between us, don't you think?"