The Grove(81)
Having Aradin Teral assist her with the Grove’s needs meant there was actually a possibility of time for such things now. Flirtations. Courtship. Lovemaking. She felt her cheeks warm again and cleared her throat. “I, ah . . .” For a moment, her mind went blank, then she said the first thing she could think of. “I’ve been packing for the trip. Guardian Shon Tastra suggested it. I don’t know what to expect, so I’ve been packing and repacking, and I’m not quite sure how much is enough, or too much, to take with me.
“I was wondering if I could get your advice tonight,” she finished. “After the Grove has been tended, and everything is quiet.”
“I’ve never packed for this sort of trip myself,” he reminded her, avoiding the word Convocation since they were still in public. “I don’t know what sort of help I’d be.”
“Perhaps, but you’ve traveled farther than I have, and have served as an envoy to many lands,” she said.
They passed a mother gently leading a toddler by one hand, the other holding an empty basket, no doubt on their way to the marketplace. One day, Saleria would be free of her duties and could contemplate having a child or two. For now, she could only look, long for a brief moment, and get back to the topic at hand.
“I know the Gods see us at all times, even when we’re at our worst, but there will be representatives from . . . from hundreds of lands. I have no wish to let down the Empire by appearing less than my best. But neither do I care to haul around a full chest of clothes and accessories.” She slanted her companion a pointed look. “Unlike some people, I have no ready access to a magical, infinite, portable storage room everywhere I go.”
He grinned at her teasing, taking no offense. “How very true. I’d offer to hold on to your goods for you on this one . . . but I must remain behind by the very nature of the journey.” They reached the front entrance of the Keeper’s house. Aradin opened the door, but leaned close so he could murmur in her ear. “But if you do want my advice, whatever it’s worth . . . I would be happy to visit you this evening. Your pack is in your bedchamber, is it not?”
That was definitely a flirtatious tone in his voice. And when it dipped deeper than usual on the word bedchamber, Saleria felt her body respond to the low baritone, almost bass, tones. Clearing her throat, she replied, “Yes. It is.”
“I look forward to being invited inside.” Again, his voice dipped, this time on the last word.
Blushing, Saleria hurried her steps a little to give herself some breathing room, since her skin now felt a little flushed, the air a little hot, despite the cooling charms stitched beneath the hems of her garments.
Behind her, unheard anywhere other than inside Aradin’s head, Teral chuckled. (I think she’s a little rusty on her flirtations. She did start it, but . . .)
Aradin smiled to himself. He nodded to Saleria when she excused herself to use the downstairs refreshing room, and decided to take advantage of the one up near his bedchamber. (I think she’s cute when she’s flustered. But then I also think she’s gorgeous when she’s in her element, like she was this morning.)
(You sure that wasn’t due to those legs of hers?) Teral gently teased his Host.
(That helped,) Aradin admitted with aplomb. (But seeing her in full priestly power . . . ? Magnificent.)
(Falling for her just a little?) Teral asked.
(Falling for her just a lot,) Aradin confessed. Long accustomed to his Guide’s constant presence, he took care of the needs of his body without hesitation. (She’s smart, she’s funny, she’s peaceful and wise, and she holds a position of great responsibility, even authority, yet she’s down-to-earth and unpretentious.)
(Yes,) Teral agreed. (I suspect she’d be as wonderful a person if she were a mere temple cleaner. But even then, she’d probably be promoted to a place where her skills and leadership would be better utilized and appreciated.)
Aradin moved to wash his hands at the sink. Unlike lever-operated spigots found elsewhere in the world, these Katani used cork-stuffed pipes. It was a bit odd, and one couldn’t really control the volume of water, but at least there was a lever for controlling the heating spell. He noticed that today’s flow didn’t feel quite as warm as it had felt last night, even when he pushed it to the far left. He made a mental note to ask Saleria who attended to such spells in her home, herself, or some hired mage.
(She said she was going to get some information from the, ah, Department of Prophecies on anything pertaining to the Grove, and why it has ended up this way. I hope she hears back from them soon,) he stated. He corked the faucet shut, then frowned in thought. (Teral, the prophecy mentioning the Convocation of Gods and Man, “The Synod Gone” . . . did any of that sound like it mentioned a Netherhell invasion to you?)