Going out

"Surely you are joking," I said in a light tone, back a Louis.

"I most surely am not," Louis said, keeping her tone even to not portray her frustration.

"We need more water fill in all the items we have sold, the Holy End is almost over and you know that we will likely see more visitors at the Begin," I tried to continue with the light tone, but I could feel myself waver in strain.

"Don't you mean outsiders?" Louis shot back.

I lowered my eyes to the floor and tried to steady my hands by pushing my apron flat against me.

"Louis, please, I will be back before the sun starts to touch the trees," I offered gently.

Louis stood still for a while, the flush in her face slowly settling down.

"Okay, but what happens when you are not back", Louis said with such intensity I could only blink at her.

Gathering myself, I smiled, "I promise that then only you may have the honor of killing me."

Louis allowed a snort out, and in that moment I knew that I had gotten my way.

"Oh, thank you, thank you! I will take Ma'am because she seems gentler. I will grab some water, wood, and pick all the plants I can. What do I need to take with me.. OH!" I felt Louis suddenly close behind me, her hand on my shoulder. When I turned around she was reaching for my hand.

"If you do come to meet someone, your first three answers need to always be no."