Tear By TwilightIndex | Time Under Chaos | Game Logs | PreGameLogs | Tear by Twilight Pre-Game Meeting between Vikund and Tear, Yr 99The streets were narrow here, and the tall buildings leaned towards each other, blocking out the moonlit sky. It wasn't so much the darkness, but the echo of her feet on the wet cobbles that was disconcerting. It was a lonely, desolate sound. What had started as an adventure has turned into a bad dream, and all the streets looked the same. A light swung out into the street ahead, like firefly hovering. A pair of footsteps advanced, then stopped, but that was not where the voice came from. "You're a long way from home," said the stranger as he stepped from the shadows. The firefly light suddenly flared as the lamp's shutter was opened, brightening the expanse of street between Tear, the man in his top hat and cloak, and the lady lamplighter who wore a serious expression. His gloved hand went to his hat and tipped it slightly. "Young lady, would you do me the honour of escorting you to a more civilised part of town?" As he turned, she noticed that he wore a rapier beneath his cloak. Stupid, stupid, stupid, Tear admonished herself. How could she have gotten lost on her first real trip into the city proper? Lord Mandor would have her hide for sure! How could she have forgotten the one key characteristic required for all excursions; a sense of direction. Normally, Tanstaafl would guide her, but she'd left him behind, as he was being particularly grumpy today. As the lights began to dim, real panic began to set in. She clutched her tome tightly to her chest like a chest like a shield. Not that a Rebman translation of the Nine Seals would do her much good, but its weight provided her some comfort. She turned on her flat heel and stared up at the man, violet eyes flash with a hint of fear. But then she realized he wasn't accosting her and he appeared pleasant enough. Despite the fact he happened to be armed, that was. He seemed to be offering her a way out of this mess, and that outweighed her normal timidity. Tear bit her thumb and gave him a wan smile. "Ummm. Well. I suppose. Sir. Thank you." She remained where she was, studying him a little, as if trying to figure out if this was the best decision after all. "I am Vikund Anansi," the tall fellow announced, "and I'm sure the walk will do us both some good." He gestured to the lady lamplighter, who approached purposefully. There was a flash of steel as she sheathed her dagger. "By the Street of Sighs, My Lord?" She asked. "That will be fine, thank you." He answered, before returning his attention to Tear. "Young lady, I know that one's own company can often be best, but this is not just any city streets you are walking. This is the First City, embracing both light and darkness. Now," he said, offering his arm. "Tell me why this wanderlust is upon you." Tear's violet eyes shone in the dimming light, widening at the sight of the dagger. She drew her book tighter to her chest. This place was so unlike Five Corners and she felt so completely vulnerable. But again, the people appeared friendly enough. And lamplighters were escorts, after all. They needed to be prepared for any eventuality, so it made sense they'd be armed. She regarded Vikund again, her dark lips moving silently as she silently spoke his name; as if examining the syllables and consonants for meaning. Whatever conclusions she came to, the timid smile pointed toward the positive. "Very pleased to meet you, Master Anansi," she said, providing him a polite curtsey. "I am Baroness Solitaire Helgram. Not that the title means much and sounds rather silly when I say it but...well... Hi. I'm Tear." She took his hand and squeezed it warmly, shifting nervously on her heels. She slipped her thin arm into his, glancing down at the street to hide her embarrassment. "I was looking for a copy of the Nine Seals, Master Vikund. And, well, I've never been beyond the edge of Five Corners other than going to the University and castle, but that didn't really help much today." Tear took a deep breath and let it whistle over her teeth. "I got turned around on the way back. Story complete." "Baroness! Forgive me, I had no idea," Vikund said, and kissed her hand. "This is an uncommon honour. Now perhaps you can tell me of these Nine Seals and why they are so important to you," he said affably. "Perhaps I can shed a little light," he smiles. Tear blushed profusely at the kiss and let out a delighted laugh. "Oh, it's really nothing, I swear," she said hastily. "I don't even know what the title is for. But it passed to me from my mother and I've been told time and time again to introduce myself that way." She rolled her eyes and quirked her tongue at the silliness of the whole thing. Still, she couldn't help but enjoy the reaction it had gotten. She shrugged to his subsequent question. "Well. I won't want to bore you. Seriously. You helping me and all. It wouldn't be fair." "Such a thing would be impossible, even in the infinite Shadows. Why, your eyes alone could fascinate for centuries," Vikund replied as they began to move through the velvet night. At his compliment, Tear nearly stumbled over her feet. Her cheeks and ears turned several shades of pink as she stared up at him; wondering whether Vikund had meant what he'd said. She worried her lip and glanced down at the street again, making sure her feet were working properly as they walked. "Now about these Seals. I assume they are nothing to do with marine mammals?" She let out a loud giggle at his following comment and shook her head. "No. Heh. It's in reference to the Haesin theorem on aquam manipulation. Haesin believed there were nine currents of force that needed to be harnessed to achieve mastery over the ocean. The university had the Amberite translation of his work, but I could tell that several sections were interpreted incorrectly. So, I wanted to find the original Rebman text." Tear patted the book in her arm proudly and then let out an embarrassed sigh. "I found it. But… then I was so excited I got lost. This thesis has turned my mind to pudding." "Hardly surprising with a name like Haesin theorem," Vikund commented. "I think you must have been working too hard. Why would you wish mastery of the ocean without first mastering oneself?" Tear shrugged her slender shoulders and gave him a wan smile. "I need to impress Master Mandor, sir. Everything else is… inconsequential." The sadness in her violet eyes said otherwise; but perhaps it was just the way they caught the moonlight. "Anyway, I'd be interested to know which bookshop held that particular treasure? Not all the old treasures have been lost, it seems," he added. The smile returned. "Lost Words, sir. It's a small shop in northern Silver Dance. Not that I can remember where it is now." Her ears flushed with embarrassment and she squeezed his arm. "Really. I must thank you. I don't know what I would have done." Vikund made a dismissive gesture with his free hand. "It is of small consequence. Your smile is repayment enough," he replied. "Also, a little free advise. If you seek to impress Lord Mandor, then you will be occupied in your studies a dozen lifetimes. He has seen much and done more. Recognition of your efforts should be reward enough without seeking false praise." Tear tilted her head, staring up at him as if to determine his sincerity. She smiled again, apparently pleased with what she saw in his eyes. Unconsciously, she leaned into him as they turned the corner toward the main thoroughfare. They'd reached the edge of Five Corner. The two-story buildings of adobe and brick were more colorful and had interior patios and courtyards. The young woman sighed with relief as the architecture and cobbled streets became more familiar to her. She straightened the book under her arm. "Do you know Master Mandor, sir?" she said with a hint of trepidation. "You won't tell him. Will you? About this." "Ah, I think we're in familiar territory now," Vikund commented, and pressed a silver coin into the lamplighter's hand. She bobbed a curtsey and made her way eastward, while Vikund turned to face Tear. "I know Master Mandor very well, young lady, or so I would like to think. He taught me the use of trumps," he said, his voice slightly lowered, for there were citizens on the streets here. "Don't worry, I won't tell," he said with a wink, tapping his nose. "Mum's the word." "Thank you, Master Vikund," Tear said, smiling brightly. Her violet eyes gleamed as she looked up at him, the keen interest in the mention of Trumps transparent on her gentle face. She glanced away for a moment, lightly biting her thumb in thought before gazing up at him again. Lost for words now, she was too timid to speak her mind. Fortunately, her new companion saved her again. He straightened then, and spoke in his normal tenor. "Where were you planning to go from here?" He asked. "I should go home," she admitted, but clearly not wanting this encounter to end. Then in a flurry of uncharacteristic daring, Tear said. "But. Umm.. Maybe. If. You. Not to impose. Would you like to come have some tea?" The last sentence came out too frantically, the words tripping off her tongue. "That would be delightful," Vikund beamed. "Do you know of a place, or would you prefer a recommendation?" Tear's excitement and relief lit up her face. "Oh, I'll make it!" she announced. "We're just a few minutes from my house now. Lady Hoodwink gave me a new batch of orchid tea I've wanted to try." She paused; looking up at him, as she realized such a suggestion might be inappropriate. "That is. Unless you'd prefer to go somewhere. There are several cafes and restaurants near my home. I know them all." Vikund briefly frowned. "Orchid tea? I'd rather admire the blooms than drink them, I confess." "Perhaps my visit would make Lady Hoodwink uncomfortable," he continued. "Unexpected guest and all that. How about somewhere else, where we might get a bite to eat too, hm?" Tear nodded lightly, "True. And Lady Hoodwink isn't my housekeeper or something like that. She sells herbs and teas across from my uncle's shop. But Tanstaafl..." he voice fell away for a moment as she bit her thumb again. "Yes. Perhaps it'd be better if we just go somewhere else." She squeezed his arm and led him up the street. "I know just the place," she said, guiding him deeper into the ward. She remained quiet as she walked beside him, glancing up from time to time to offer him a shy smile. A small park soon came into view, lit up with different colored lanterns atop wrought iron posts. Open-air cafes and shops created a circle around the park, offering a relaxed atmosphere for the crowds of students and nobles just beginning their evenings out. Tear had them turn a corner and pointed to a tiny restaurant; Café Magnolia. "They serve wonderful Rebman food, as well as teas from Garnath. I thought it might be appropriate since Rebma brought us together." She couldn't meet his gaze as she spoke that last part. Vikund laughed lightly, his dark eyes sparkling. "Yes, I suppose it did. You seem to have a broad knowledge of teas, young lady, so I hope you will be able to tell me which will envigorate and which more likely to send me to sleep," he said, strolling toward the Café Magnolia. "Water Turtle tea," Tear said. And then she patted his arm reassuringly, a playful smile lighting her features. "It's just the name, not what it's made out of." She gazed into his eyes and let out another wistful sigh. Finally, she realized she was staring and turned her gaze away; ears turning red. "There's a table over there," she announced, hoping to distract Vikund from her growing fascination in him. Tear went over to the table and set her book on a free chair. She glanced up when her name was called by name; a green-skinned woman about Vikund's height emerging from the interior restaurant. "Tear, my little minnow," the woman chimed. "It has been far too long." The woman paused and examined Vikund with her wide, dark eyes. Her emerald lips pulled back in a curious smile. "I see you've brought a friend today." Tear grinned, "May I introduce you to Madame E'lbram. One of the best cooks in Five Corners." ”One of?" E'lbram snorted and stooped over to give Tear a warm hug. She then stood up and shook Vikund's hand. "A new customer is always welcome at Café Magnolia. But a friend of Tear's is an honored guest. "Now have a seat you two. You both look tired. I'll fetch your tea. Water Turtle, today?" Tear grinned knowingly at Vikund and sat down. "Madame has known you some time then?" He enquired. Tear unfolded a napkin and placed it over her lap. She gave a light nod. "E'lbram is one of the people that helped raise me. She watched over me when my uncle was away on business." She leaned forward, resting her elbows on the table and smiling conspiratorially. "I think my uncle and her have a shine for one another. Not that they'd ever admit it." She giggled. "It's so romantic watching them together." "Really?" Vikund replied curiously. "I suppose with a treasure like you to look after, it gives them a good excuse to be together, hm?" Tear scrunched her nose and looked down embarrassedly. "Stop," she said. "You keep complimenting me. It's very unnerving." Then her violet eyes came up to meet his and the tender smile curled the corners of her mouth. Perhaps it wasn't totally unwelcome. "What does your Uncle do for a living?" He asked. "I assume he is not in the tea shop business." She leaned back in her chair and rested her hands upon her lap. "No. He's a clock-maker. Big and small. He makes other things too. Music boxes and the like." "Has he given you any instruction? You have the fine fingers for it, so I would imagine you would make a fine clocksmith," Vikund replied, placing his sword belt on an empty chair by his side. Tear regarded her fingers as if for the first time. She scrunched her nose, obviously not seeing the 'fineness' in them at all. She wiggled them again. Nope. Still gangly and huge. She glanced over at Vikund and smiled gently, as one would to a child that had just said something ridiculous. "Well, yes," she said. "Started making clockwork toys when I was pretty young. But when…" She rubbed her brow and sighed. "Well…things changed. I haven't done it in a long time." "It is always good to have a hobby," Vikund comments. "So your uncle, is he your only family? Apart from the faceless horde of royal cousins, I mean." "Yes, sir," Tear said with a timid nod. "And I don't even know if I have cousins, frankly. I've just been invited to functions because of Mother's name. But I don't know anyone." She tilted her head, violet eyes flickering with a gentle luminescence. "And you? Do you have family? Here, I mean." "Not really," Vikund replied. "Mother I run into from time to time, but not through any design on her part. My father, if mother named him correctly, probably doesn't even know of my existence. In essence, I am alone." Tear smiled sympathetically, watching his face as he talked. She reached over the table and took his hand in hers; so small and delicate against his. "Well, then. Maybe. Umm. We can be alone. Together? Perhaps?" She blushed profusely, dropping her gaze. "I'm sorry," she said. "I... shouldn't have said that." She moved to pull away. Vikund chuckled. "Nonsense. Your honesty is refreshing. You may visit anytime you feel... alone." E'lbram returned at that point, carrying a tray with tea, cups, a steaming plate, and some hard bread. She smiled at the pair and began setting the items down. The steaming plate, it turned out, was boiled mussels in tomatoes, onions, and garlic. The hard bread would be perfect for dipping in the thick sauce. "I thought I'd give you two something to start off with, since you appear deep in conversation," the woman said. "We have a wonderful grouper today, as well as stuffed red fish. We also have a shrimp gumbo that's to die for. Take your time." As Tear poured the tea, E'lbram cast Vikund a warning look. The silent message was clear; hurt this girl and you'll be in my next gumbo. Satisfied her gesture of over-protectiveness had been received, the Rebman cook grinned. "Enjoy the mussels. I'll be back in awhile. And don't forget to save room for the bread pudding." After E'lbram had left with a swirl of her apron, Tear offered Vikund some tea. "So, why were you out tonight, Master Vikund?" she asked out of the blue. If Vikund noted E'lbram's look, he gives no indication. "It's what I do," Vikund replied in answer. "Keeping my finger on the pulse of this city." "I'm not sure I'm quite ready for bread pudding," Vikund said then."The very thought makes me feel ...replete. I think the gumbo would be more to my taste. First thing's first, though." He placed his empty cup within easy pouring reach. "So how is it you've acquired a taste for Rebman cuisine?" He asked. Tear filled his cup and smiled softly. "E'lbram has been a part of my life for a long time," Tear explained. "She's always bringing food over to my uncle's shop. She said she was cooking for me, but I know better. It's her excuse for seeing Uncle Gloomy. Anyway, I fell in love with the Rebman flavors." After filling his cup, Tear took his plate and began to scoop some muscles into it. It was purely rote instinct for her to serve and she appeared to take pleasure in it. "The hard bread is good for dipping," she said, cutting a roll in half for them to share. Tear's eyes glittered in the candlelight, "So you know the city well, I assume. Have you lived here all your life?" Vikund took some of the bread and dipped, before pausing to consider how best to eat without making a mess. He thought better of it, and began arranging serviettes about his neck and torso. "Amber is my life - I have rarely strayed from it. She is my comfort and joy," he replied, before sipping tea and returning to his task with the bread. Tear nimbly popped some of the meat from its black shell with a fork and took a bite. She almost purred, closing her eyes blissfully. "Oh that is so good," she giggled in the height of contentment. She broke her piece of bread up and dipped it into the sauce. "May I ask a question?" she said, staring at him with a sudden shyness. "How long have you lived in Amber? If you can draw… well… you know…" She tapped the book as an explanation. "You must be a royal of some sort. Am I right?" "I'm not a royal of any conventional sort," Vikund replied. "I am related via the wrong side of the covers." Tear regarded him curiously, her innocence shining through glaringly. When she finally caught the gist of his words, she covered her mouth, "Oh!" Her bread suddenly became very interesting. "I have lived in Amber all my life; I'm not sure what significance you attach to my drawings. If you mean my little gift well, I'm afraid I can't claim to be the artist. I just some influential friends who have a particular skill." He explains, copying Tear's technique with the shellfish. Her frown deepened and she gave her ear a light tug; an admonishment for making the incorrect assumption. "Stupid, stupid," she whispered to herself, spearing another mussel with her fork. The garlicky morsel gave her some relief; enough to meet his eyes again, anyhow. "I'm sorry." "Whatever for?" Vikund asked as he chewed on the hard bread. "It's no-one fault, least of all yours. As it happens, I think I rather like being me. I get to meet the most interesting people," he smiled. Tear, relieved that she wasn't about to be on the receiving end of a tirade, timidly returned the smile. "I like you too," she said. She held the bread in her hands, almost as if they were paws; a mannerism she appeared totally unaware of. "I don't meet many people," Tear admitted, "But you can probably tell that. "So, what sort of people do you meet in your... travels?" "Guild people in the main, the sort who keep this city running from one day to the next. Kings, paupers and dockers. Not many Rebmans, though. I think there you have the advantage," Vikund replied with a wink. Tear touched her lips with her napkin as she listened, folding it back over her lap. "The Rebman community is pretty prominent here in Five Corners," she said. "I love their food and architectural styles. I wish I could be allowed to go to Rebma. It's so close, but…" She shrugged her shoulders. She knitted her hands nervously, "How about. Umm… Chaosians? Do you meet many of them?" Vikund could tell that wasn't the entire question she was asking. "It's often difficult to tell who is a Chaosian and who is not, I find," Vikund replied, taking a sip of tea. "I try not to differentiate people by their origin. I think diversity is a good thing, don't you?" Tear grinned brightly. "Yes, I do," she said. "I think it makes us stronger. I just wish more people felt as you do." She sipped her tea and returned to spearing mussels. "My mother dreamt that one day we could all reunite. Amber and Chaos. Not like we were. But a new world where we learned from one another. She believed in balance and wrote about it often." Tear's eyes glimmered with pride, "I think she would have liked you, Master Vikund." Vikund smiled. "You're too kind." "Do you have any of your mother's writings? I think I should like to read them," he asked, before returning his attention to the mussels. Tear glanced over at her book and then back to Vikund. "Just what I've translated into my journal," she said. "But I have several of her writings at home. Speeches and proposals she drafted when she was a diplomat. You could borrow them if you'd like. If you really want to read them." "I would," Vikund sad, nodding for emphasis. She tore off another piece of bread and shifted in her chair. "It'd mean you'd have to see me again, I guess." "How tragic," Vikund smiles. "You'll have to introduce me to your furry friend, too. I'd hate to see us get off on the wrong foot... or paw." Tear didn't even notice that Vikund knew about Tanstaafl. She simply smiled and chuckled. "He'll want to check you out, I'm sure. We can bribe him with an éclair. He's. Protective. And I've never been on a date before." She paused, blushing brightly. Her hand covered her delicate mouth, as she regarded Vikund in terror. "I'm sorry. This is. Well. A date. Isn't it?" Vikund shrugged. "Call it what you will," he said, draining his teacup. "Tell me how you two met. You and Tanstaafl, I mean. I'm hardly an expert in such things, but I understand there are various methods by which one can form such a bond." Tear frowned slightly. She'd assumed too much again. So she hid her disappointment behind her teacup; sipping at the cooling liquid. It gave her a moment to think. And she finally caught on that her companion really shouldn't know what Tanstaafl was. She raised an elegant eyebrow and set her cup down. A shiver of fear ran down her spine. "You're not with me because of Master Mandor's orders are you? You said you know him and…well, you seem to know. About. Well, me. More than you should." She strained to think about she'd said thus far and if any of it had been incriminating. Vikund chuckled. "No, I'm here entirely of my own free will," he answered. "As for your friend, well, it is my business to know things other people do not. You may think spending your life in study means people do not notice you, but you are not just any student, are you?" The laughter calmed her slightly, but Tear remained wary nonetheless. Mandor was prone to tricks and traps. She hadn't the strength to fall into another one this week. "I'm nothing special," she said, spearing the last mussel. "So, what is there to notice?" She looked at him with her big eyes. "Why would anyone care to notice?" "I care," Vikund replied. "You are a Baroness, and obviously have some measure of talent," he nods towards the book Tear is clutching. "You are young - who knows what you might become? Yes, I think you are worthy of notice, and more." He offered a disarming smile and poured more tea. She smiled faintly, blushing. "But the title is my mom's. And the talents? Well, I think Master Mandor only likes me for my ability to shape the Logrus or harness the elements. Not much else." Tear pushed her plate away and took her refreshed tea. "Does he press you that way? I can see so much in you, but I can tell… there's things about you. I don't know what I'm saying. Or if I should." "You shape the Logrus - well there's just one thing you can do I cannot," Vikund replied smiling. "As for Master Mandor, not he does not press me. But then, I evidently do not wield the powers you do. If he did not think you could improve upon your mastery, he would not press you so. He probably only wants you to realise your potential, as any tutor would." Tear shrugged, "I suppose." She sipped her tea, holding the cup close to her chest. Her smile returned hesitantly, as if a frightened animal checking if it was safe to pop out of its hole. "As hard as he is on me, the Master does constantly say I could be much more. I just wish he said it in another way." "He has the cares of countless worlds on his shoulders, as well as your education, my dear," Vikund pointed out. "Give him time." Her eyes lighted upon her book and then met Vikund's with growing curiosity. "Do you think he'll ever teach me the Trumps? I have several hypotheses I'd like to test, but I simple don't know enough about Trump construction. It's as close an approximation to the Pattern that I can utilize." "I'm sure he will," Vikund replied."Just don't try to do too much too soon." Tear nodded to this advice, "You're right. Of course, you're right. Besides, it'd probably be better to achieve a stable Logrus Conduit first before trying to incorporate Trump construction into it. I mean those equations are complex enough." He let out a little laugh and then blushed. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't be talking theorems over dinner. I'm boring as it is without prattling on.." "I'm afraid it is a little above my head," Vikund replied. "Just so long as you don't go back to Haesin theorem, we'll be fine," he smiled. "I'm rather more of a practical than a theoretical person, myself." Tear chuckled softly. "Not to worry," she said. "Besides I think our food has arrived." A young man approached and cleared their plates, exchanging them for the main course. The rich smells wafted up, promising savory delights. After placing another pot of tea on their table, the waiter left them alone. Tear sat back, allowing her food to cool. "So, other than keep abreast of the city's events, may I ask what you do for a living Master Vikund? You have a diplomat's voice. Are you one?" Vikund seemed to find the concept amusing. "No," he chuckled. "Not I. "I have made some shrewd investments over the years which allow me to avoid the manual work of my youth. Now, I like to be on hand to cater to His Majesty's demands and win a favour here or there. It's not much of a living, but it serves." Tear's smile broadened, her eyes twinkling with sly humor. "So you aren't just a professional flâneur, then? I knew there was more to you." Then the timid blush returned in full; her attempt at being playful now at an end. Vikund looked momentarily stunned, then burst out laughing. "Oh, my dear, you have me!" He said. "A flâneur! Not even my worst enemy has described me thus! "Please," he said, as he put his hands together in mock prayer. "Don't tell Merlin - he will have me titled the Royal Flâneur and I shall have to live with it forever! He dabbed his eyes with a white handkerchief and took a drink of tea. "I think I shall need something stronger, now. Do they have whisky?" Tear nodded, drying her own eyes. "Yes. Yes, they do. Whoo. I'm sorry. But the look on your face. Heh. I haven't laughed like that. For a long time." She waved a waiter who had been watching their exchange. "A single malt for the gentleman," she said, then glanced over at Vikund to confirm the order. "That'll do nicely," Vikund replied. "Make it a double." "And more tea for myself… the orchid, please," Tear said, smiling up at the waiter. He gave them a few pleasantries and fetched their drinks. "Are you looking for bursary?" He asked with a mischievous smirk. This made her giggle. "Well, I hadn't thought about that," she said. "Tanstaafl usually runs our finances. But I'll need a grant soon if I'm to expand my studies. There's only so much extra work I can do to generate monies." She folded her hands together, "Could you seriously help me?" "Naturally," Vikund smiled. Tear smiled brightly, clasping her hands together. "Oh, that would be wonderful. I don't think I've ever been this happy about becoming lost. You're. Like a. Umm. Guardian angel." "I'll settle for guardian. I think angel is overstating it." Vikund smirked. "I have an office at BlackHall; if you ever have trouble finding me there are people there who will be able to help you." Tear nodded, testing her food and finding it the correct temperature. She set her fork down politely every time she spoke, "I should find easily enough. I'm better at buildings than streets. Don't know why." She shrugged and smiled. "That can be the subject of your next thesis," Vikund joked. She blushed. "It is certainly easy enough to collect the information, I suppose." "After we finish dinner, did you want to stop by my home? To get my mother's notes? Or. Perhaps. Maybe. I could bring you lunch tomorrow? At your office." "I'd love to stop by and see your home, if that's not to unseemly. I don't want to be accosted by one of your over-protective friends," Vikund smirked, glancing over towards E'lbram. "If you can tell me where you'll be at lunchtime tomorrow, it's probably easier for me to come to you. I don't often lunch in my office, I regret to say." "Tanstaafl will be appeased if we bring him an éclair, I promise," Tear chuckled. "And E'lbram... well, she's just being motherly. She's never seen me with. A man. Before. Books, yes. But a handsome man? Heh. No man has ever been interested in talking with me. Let alone. Having dinner." Her eyes remained lowered, the shyness bubbling up again. It appeared to come in ebbs like the tide. "But maybe it is unseemly. We've just met and all. And I haven't straightened up. I'd be embarrassed." She shrugged, "Tomorrow, I'll have an hour between sessions. Could we meet at University Park? It'd be nice to see you again. And the morning's sessions are just theory. So, I won't be. Exhausted." Tear swung her feet under her chair, staring up at Vikund. "Your sessions are usually so strenuous?" Vikund enquired, smiling. "Tomorrow it is then, at University Park. What time does your session finish?" "The morning sessions? Midday," Tear explained. "Just enough for me to grab some lunch." She sighed and rubbed her wrists, as if they ached. "The afternoon sessions are with the Master. Well. He starts them anyhow. He's testing how long I can sustain a spell. Yesterday, he had me moving water around a maze of glasses, jumping it from goblet to goblet in different orders." Tear reached up and tugs on her ear harshly, "I could only do it for five hours before the pain became too much. He was very angry at my failure." "I see," Vikund sighed sympathetically. "Well, as I said before, don't push yourself too hard. Even the longest journey can be completed by making small steps," he advised. Tear nodded, but didn't appear convinced. "I suppose so. I think it's because I've been studying so hard for my finals and getting my thesis prepared. I've reserved three hours of sleep per night, but I think I may need four. Finding that extra hour, though…" She smiled weakly, obviously disappointed in herself. Her eyes shyly met Vikund's, "I shouldn't even be here with you. But… I think you've helped me more than a few hours of sleep ever could." Vikund beamed. "That's very kind of you to say so. You are here with friends, fine food and a warm hearth. I see no reason why you shouldn't be here. I wouldn't want to get you in trouble, though, so once I have finished this course, I think I will leave you in peace. Until tomorrow, of course." He began tucking into the dish in front of him then with relish, though his eyes often returned to his companion across the table. Tear's eyes did most of the talking as she ate. For a such a small woman, she had a hearty appetite, finishing her plate, several cups of tea, and even had room for bread pudding. By the end of the dinner, she nursed her cup of dark coffee. "I don't," she began and then paused. Her eyes flickered with a hint of sadness. "I don't want this evening to end, but I should get to transcribing the Nine Seals. And Tanstaafl will be worried by now." She tilted her head slightly, "And as you said, all things should take time." Tear began to rise, collecting her books. "I've made arrangements to pay for the meal, so please stay and have another whiskey if you'd like. Thank you again, Master Vikund." “My pleasure," Vikund replied. "Good-night." He rose from his chair to see her to the door and watched her go, before returning to his seat to finish his drink. (end)
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