by Bamawing » Mon Sep 24, 2012 1:59 am
((Three months, huh? *eye twinkle* I've had this plot twist in mind for about that long!))
It was not in Uskai's nature to show emotion, even when he was alone. But after Gaul had left, Uskai almost smiled. In the chest was more than enough to cover D'ini's great gamble. And that was beside her silly wager with Pon'i.
Uskai allowed himself to think of the last time he smiled - it was at Pon'i's mother. One of Chel's many benefits was the ability to spend time with her son. He had her compassion and impulsive nature. Uskai would have chuckled to himself if he ever did that sort of thing. As it was, Uskai showed no emotion whatsoever as he stepped out the door, locking it firmly behind him.
D'ini was in her office. Uskai stood quietly at the door until Niis noticed and cleared her throat.
"Yes Niis? Oh, Uskai! Is your shift up?"
"No, my lady, your wait is up. I believe Pon'i owes you two crescent ada." A single spark danced in Uskai's right eye and was gone in a second. D'ini saw it and smiled. It was the closest Uskai ever came to smiling, and he did it every two years or so. "Gaul brought enough money to cover the apartment rent, as well. I told him you would return this evening."
"This evening? It's going to be impossible to concentrate for the rest of the afternoon," she commented, looking ruefully at the papers on her desk.
"I can keep the place open, my lady," Uskai offered. He was pretty sure he remembered the basics.
"I'll help him," Niis added.
D'ini still looked uncertain. "My lady," said Uskai. "You're right. there's absolutely no reason at all to try to concentrate. You've waited a long time and risked quite a bit for this. Go to Pon'i's spa and get a massage. We will take care of things here. We have never let you down yet, my lady."
"You're right." She sounded relieved. "Thank you."
*******
D'ini waited outside the apartment door. She hoped Gaul would recognize her... her hair had been dyed for a month. It was now a pale yellow with streaks of reddish orange. Stupid Chelean traditions dictated she either cut it or hide it, and she chose the latter. It was tightly compressed into three buns.
He was back. Pon'i had been wrong - Gaul hadn't been killed or banished or made to shovel dawmere shit for a decade. He was back. She was in a kind of girlish excitement, waiting. He was back...