[Gil and Avrielle] Another kind of contract. II.

[Gillermo Stregazza]

Continued from here.

I'd kept mostly quiet during the short ride, waiting to get to Cher Fantaisie, and eager to have a conversation with Avrielle. I wanted to know how her past year had gone by, and I had questions for her about her Service and the lash, and of course, I had the need for her assistance sweeping the Night Court.

But mostly, though, I was relieved for a friendly face from my old life, and as the carriage swayed on the cobbled stones, I'd taken her hand for quiet comfort, eyes a bit distant.

It stopped eventually, and I came down, offering her my hand and a smile I hoped wasn't too somber.

“My lady of Valerian has arrived,” I jested. “And mysteries will be revealed, soon enough, I promise.”

[Avrielle nó Valerian]

"Thank you, my lord," I said, stepping down. "I am very much looking forward to our conversation."

We walked up to the restaurant, and once seated, I waited for him to direct the conversation. It seemed as though he needed something from me, but it wasn't sexual, and as I was still unsure of what was going on, I decided to take my cues from him. I did say, though, "Let me say again how glad I am to see you alive, my lord."

[Gillermo Stregazza]

I gave Avrielle a wry smile, finding her as sweet and seductive as ever, a bit older, perhaps, but at her age, it only made her more lovely.

“No more than I, I'm sure,” I replied with some amusement. “I'm rather glad to see that you are as well, in truth. It seems that Mont-Nuit has done well in avoiding the plague's effects.” I tilted my head, and just as I was about to sweep into the matter, the waiter came for our orders.

I directed him to Avrielle first, ready to make fast business of my own order when the time came.

[Avrielle nó Valerian]

"Well, I was ill, my lord," I said, "though fortunately I lived. But some of my friends died of it, and my beloved mother's husband."

When the waiter came, I said, "I'll have the salmon, and a glass of white wine, please," I said.

[Gillermo Stregazza]

I ordered the day's roast and a glass of red wine as well, and once the waiter had gone, I turned my attention to Avrielle completely.

“I'm sorry to hear that,” I said gently, “my sympathies.” I took a breath, then, and said, “I was ill as well, as you know – and my sister has gone missing ever since the plague.”

[Avrielle nó Valerian]

"Your sister?" I asked. "Missing?" I shook my head. "My lord, that is terrible. I am so sorry."

[Gillermo Stregazza]

“My mother needs to know,” I said slowly, and feeling my stomach tightened, I neglected my food and favored the wine, instead.

“And so I suppose that is where a trusted adept comes in. I suppose any... news you may have, might be handy. My sister enjoyed assignations in many of the houses of Mont-Nuit, ere the plague.”

[Avrielle nó Valerian]

I frowned. "I'm sorry, my lord, but I'm afraid I've heard nothing at all. I wish I could help, truly."

[Gillermo Stregazza]

“There is nothing to be sorry about,” I replied with a little sigh. “Though if you do hear, I would be grateful if you sent word.” I gave her a little smile. “But enough of this, then. Tell me how life has treated you of late, if you wish?”