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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Dec 4, 2007 21:40:42 GMT -5
I laughed a little, and grinned. "Just a little, but don't worry - I'll be back to meat soon enough. It was just a passing disturbing thought, Riva."
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Post by Riva Carle (R) on Dec 4, 2007 21:44:52 GMT -5
"Alright," I said, smiling. I tore the rest of the roll in two and gave him half. "There, you need to eat something."
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Dec 4, 2007 22:07:17 GMT -5
"Ah!" I burst in laughter - this was rich. "And I just spent how long worrying about your diet? Thank you, but I can't let us dine on one roll. I'll share this one with you if you let order another, and share it with me as well."
I was even happier now to have considered purchasing Riva's marque. She would fit right in the family, and I had no doubt Cascata would take well to her.
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Post by Riva Carle (R) on Dec 5, 2007 1:15:56 GMT -5
The irony had been why I'd phrased it that way.
Smiling, I nodded. "Deal."
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Dec 5, 2007 11:05:10 GMT -5
I beckoned the lass over, calling in another roll. "Are you sure you're not a Bryony adept?" I asked, smiling. "You could cut a rather cutthroat deal if you wanted to, Riva."
I was teasing her, but there was a kernel of truth in my words. She would be an incredible apprentice.
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Post by Riva Carle (R) on Dec 5, 2007 13:21:26 GMT -5
"That's all Aleron's doing," I told him with a grin. "He was an adept at Bryony until someone bought his marque. He's a good influence on me in that area."
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Dec 5, 2007 16:02:49 GMT -5
"The apple doesn't fall far from the tree, I see," I replied with a wide smile. "I won't mind meeting him, your Aleron, when all this is over," I said off-handedly. "You know, put a face to a name...."
I had no intention controlling her life - but if she was to sneak him in.... it was fair that I make his acquaintance.
The girl came back with a roll, and I cut it in half, offering Riva first choice with a silent gesture.
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Post by Riva Carle (R) on Dec 5, 2007 20:48:52 GMT -5
Taking the half with more of the yummy frosting, I said, "I would like for you to meet him. He's the most important person in my life and I think it's fair you should know him and he know you."
I began to eat again.
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Dec 6, 2007 1:06:37 GMT -5
"Well, it would be handy for me to know him, at least to make sure he's not mistaken for an intruder," I replied with a little chuckle. "Besides, someone with his skills could perhaps be of valuable advice, from time to time."
I was fully aware a Bryony's expertise did not come free - but I rather liked the idea of keepin business in the family.
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Post by Riva Carle (R) on Dec 6, 2007 1:11:08 GMT -5
"He's very smart," I told Gillermo, smiling with pride as I spoke of Aleron. "Cautious, but very very smart."
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Dec 6, 2007 1:38:08 GMT -5
"Prudence and intelligence are a good combination," I replied with a nod. "Besides, the mad risk taking can be left to me," I added, winking mischievously as I grabbed another bite.
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Post by Riva Carle (R) on Dec 6, 2007 13:32:50 GMT -5
I stopped myself from making the comment about exactly where his mad risk taking had gotten him in regards to the curse and instead swallowed the bite of roll in my mouth.
"I'll have to go soon," I told him. "I need to go begin all the preparations for the ceremony now that you have agreed."
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Dec 6, 2007 17:28:55 GMT -5
"Yes, of course," I replied with a smile. "And I need to get a lot of things done... in case."
I didn't say in case what. It was self-evident.
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Post by Riva Carle (R) on Dec 6, 2007 20:51:35 GMT -5
"You promised you'd make it through this and I'm holding you to it," I said with a tone of finality. I finished my last bite of roll and washed it down with a sip of tea.
"Four days," I said, looking into his eyes. "At sundown."
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Dec 6, 2007 21:05:43 GMT -5
"I keep my promises," I replied, catching her eyes, meaning every word of it. "I will be there."
I was done with the roll, and I called for the bill. "To-Biko will see you back at Gentian, Riva. Make the best of it - next week, you're moving out," I added with a reassuring smile.
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Post by Riva Carle (R) on Dec 6, 2007 21:13:42 GMT -5
Something occurred to me suddenly.
"I have a kitten, Daisy, she can come too right?" I asked, a little worried.
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Dec 6, 2007 21:25:27 GMT -5
I laughed. "But of course, she can come," I replied, laughing. "But you might have to let us pet her once in a while," I added, grinning wide.
I crooked a teasing eyebrow, and added, teasing, "Are there other members to your menagerie that I should know about? A camel, perhaps?"
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Post by Riva Carle (R) on Dec 6, 2007 21:33:18 GMT -5
"No, just me and Daisy," I replied, smiling wide.
Standing up, I went to his side of the table and kissed his cheek. "I will see you soon, and then you will be free of this," I told him.
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Dec 6, 2007 21:35:55 GMT -5
"Yes, see you soon, sweet, delightful Riva," I replied, pulling her to me just a split moment, arm around her slender waist, before I let her go. "Be safe in the meantime."
In the background, To-Biko appeared. Had he been there all along? I wasn't sure - he did have a knack for making himself inconspicuous. He stepped forward, and offered her his arm.
"See you soon," I said, by way of farewell.
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Post by Riva Carle (R) on Dec 6, 2007 22:31:09 GMT -5
I took To-Biko's arm and gave Gillermo another smile as we left.
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Post by Gillermo Stregazza on Dec 6, 2007 22:51:08 GMT -5
I watched her leave, and waited another moment, gathering my thoughts. A new adept, no more curse, a cat, and the possible death in four days... I took a deep breath, let it out. It was a lot to chew on.
The lass came and I settled, sipping on tea once more.
A while later, To-Biko came back. "She's home, Gil."
"Excellent. We have a lot to talk about," I told him.
"Really?" He sat, and ordered an ale.
"Really. I could get rid of it, you know, and so could you," I told him seriously. "But I could die too, in the process.... and so could you."
He arched an eyebrow, and invited me to speak. Slowly, I recounted the gist of my conversation with Riva. He was appaled, and argued that he should go first, that he should die before I did. I refused - his debt had long been repaid in my books, and he was my brother - it was an unacceptable prospect.
The tone rose and rose, and we were soon arguing strongly in Jeb'ez. Mine wasn't half as good as his - mixed in with Menekhetan and Habiru, and a thread of Caerdicci, but it was more for the sake of confidentiality than anything else. Besides, To-Biko felt so strongly about it, he had reverted to his native tongue.
"Amon-Re, Gil," he said, "I can't allow it, what if you died?" he argued. "If I died, Cascata would take over my title, and you would be free.... free, and rich," I added seriously. "Enough to do as you will, my brother. "Besides, you would look out for each other, I know that," I added calmly, confidently.
Suddenly, I mourned, sad for the possibilities that maybe never would be. "If I die, To-Biko, promise me to keep an eye on Mirielle, that no ill befalls her, promise me," I told him.
He looked at me grimly a moment, silent. "Aye," he replied. "I will."
Silently, we left the White Hart. I had letters to write.
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