Elessaria perched on the edge of the handsome walnut desk and appraised the surroundings critically. Sipping her mug of medicinal tea to ease the faint headache from too much champagne the night before, the elfess took a break from her current task. She had managed to move the contents of the store room to other areas of the parfumerie and was putting the finishing touches on the office she had created as a surprise for Michael. At least it had a window, from which she hung crisp curtains of hunter green brocade. The desk chair was black leather as were the two chairs that sat opposite the desk with their sleek lines and walnut trim. A walnut book case and matching file cabinet also adorned the room and she had situated a few potted plants around the room to soften any severity. His toolbox sat in the corner by a wooden coat tree that stood over an umbrella stand. Upon the frosted glass window of the sturdy door, she had neatly painted, "Michael Parker, Consultant". The rest of the office was a bare canvas upon which he could make his own impressions and tailor it to his specific needs.

It surprised the empath how seamlessly their lives had become interwoven. Falling asleep in his strong arms, watching the peacefulness upon his features while he slept, and waking to the sparkle in his aqua eyes. It all seemed so natural. Simple, daily tasks regained a new found pleasure for Eless and the happiness she radiated had not been missed by her friends. The shedding of blood, literally at her doorstep; however, was an unwelcome intrustion into her new life. She gained a glimpse into Michael's checkered past while witnessing how easily he dispatched the two assailants who had been sent for them. His guilt tangible even without their bond. Hopefully her wards were strong enough to maintain the sanctuary of their home, but it seemed as if this Mr. Hammett had done his homework. He had knowledge of some of her gifts, but how much they did not know. More of a concern to her was that their opponent knew Michael's strengths and weaknesses all too well — her and Kendall. Eless made a silent vow to be his strength and not his weakness.

After finishing her mug of tea and a few final adjustments to the new office's decor, Eless went upstairs to reveal her present to Michael.