From Chapter Eight: Ape at Arms 

Far from the fire and the lady, I sat in long grass and gazed at the bright stars as I swigged draught after draught.  The wind smelled of autumn and small wispy clouds danced in the sky, lending me their enchantment.  I closed my eyes and recalled her bathing in moonlight.  A sense of peace and wonder came over me.  Here, perhaps yet, I could see her naked skin again and touch her the way I had always wanted, under these brilliant stars.

I put the drink back in my tent and padded quickly to her side.  She greeted me warmly.

“Zombiac, come close and keep me warm.  I feared for your death.  I’m so glad you’re alive.  Drink some wine with me?”

She offered me her glass.  I leaned against her and took it, drinking it down in happy gulps.  She ran her fingers through my dense fur.  I had known her embraces enough to have grown comfortable in them now.  It made my heart surge to know she enjoyed petting me.  Perhaps she thought of more.  Perhaps even as often and feverishly as I did.

The wine, more than I had planned to drink, made me feel as though we were floating in the sky together.  I felt more happy and relaxed with her than I ever had before.

“I’m so tired,” she said, “it has been a long march today.  We are halfway home, and before me is my work.”

“But for now we can enjoy the drink and the fire on this fine night,” I said, adding, although it might have vexed me to say so, “you and I.”

“You and I!” she echoed, happily, filling the chalice once more and guzzling it dry in moments.  She kicked her feet out and threw her head back in a happy laugh.  her beauty rivaled the starry night itself and I was in her embrace!  In her embrace!

Then something seemed wrong for the slightest moment.  I recalled her hand on Trolhowz’ knee.  For a moment bitter panic nearly reared its head.  Her touch was wonderful, but innocent.

I put my hand on her knee, then.  Quite suddenly she said, “Zombiac?”

“Lady Laplis,” I said, tasting wine and watching stars, “I love you.”

“I love you, Zombiac.” she said simply.  She made no effort to take it any further than that.

“I want you to understand,” I said at length, “I am in love with you.  I want to be with you, to be yours.”

I waited.  Suddenly every fear seemed to well up under my very skin.  I looked in her eyes.  They did not swoon.  Instead I saw in them careful deliberation.

“Indeed I love you, Zombiac,” she said smiling, “you have made yourself a valuable friend and a true comfort.  Zombiac, I do not fall in love with my friends.  I do not risk friendship, which I treasure most, by sharing my bed with friends.  You must know this, Zombiac.  I’m... I’m sorry.”