Sons and Lovers [Sithra]

[Armaris]

“I'm delighted to know that I meet with approval. Our son will have the love of his older sister, Isabelle. I hope the two will grow together and become a unit of friendship.”

He noticed the slight movement from his companion. There was the distinct impression that emotions lingered and these remained unresolved. He felt a sense of aggravation that he remained tempted with such dark thoughts of seduction but she had resigned herself to inaction and he would accept that position.

“Would you mind if I took a stronger drink?”

The question was meant in a rhetorical fashion and he removed a flask of cognac from his waistcoat, unscrewing the cap and taking a slight swig from it. He was no alcohol but he had discovered that the alcohol assisting in reducing the power that mind magic wielded above him, though he would not explain that to others.

“Once I have spoken with a business associate, I will be certain to arrange a meeting. You will have to explain what will be traded before I consider an investment. I have several businesses in the desert that provide me with exotic goods and other proposals are being presented before me but I will ensure that you are given preference above others.”

“Perhaps it is better that you tell him. We are not on the best of terms, as one can expect. You would be more diplomatic in speaking with him. I am more abrupt, arrogant even. He would think that I was nothing more than a sexual predator. You would explain better than I would. How could I explain that I am rather taken with you when I am meant to be a lover of the same sex?”

[Sithra]

She watched as he took out the flask and asking if she minded, always the gentleman. But her thoughts went back to the last time they were together and liquor was imbibed. It was memory she treasured and would take out on rare occasion, and unwrap it and enjoy it. It was something she no doubt would remember for the length of her entire life. “No I do not mind at all if you take a drink.”

She was thankful that he was not a mind reader, and to honest she now belonged to Matsuni and would never do anything to hurt him.

“I am willing to accept your terms on our business dealing, as I will need to get everything settled and set up, I will be dealing more with transporting items at the beginning and then working my way up to bigger and better things.”

She poured herself another cup of tea.

“I will gladly write Kenshin and tell him about us son, I am sure he will be happy for us, and he might even be willing to be an Uncle to him, since we three have known each other so well.”

She looked down at her tea cup, “I was thinking of names the other night, “ she looked back up at him, “I was thinking of maybe Rayen or Tigar, but I am willing to listen to suggestions.”

[Armaris]

“I am most grateful. I do have a proposition that is abstract but it is a marginal loophole in the business portfolio I possess. I purchase items from across the globe – from the desert to the cities, from the ruins to the mountains. I do not, however, have a catalogue of items being bought and sold.”

His thoughts began to develop. The business would exist in the form of a catalogue. Items would be brought to the warehouse, catalogued and documented and then sold. It would be a perfect role for someone who was interested in business and he was led to understand that she had been educated in basic arithmetic and writing.

“The business would operate through a warehouse. Items would be brought to the warehouse, catalogued and priced according to their market value and then, if required, sold to other businesses as per the requirements. You are educated and I would be quite willing to offer a large sum for you to operate the business.”

“Do not, however, accept the proposal. Discuss it with your partner. I understand he is a man of literature and words. I noticed several books scattered about the place. Perhaps we'll discuss works of literature.”

“I have never been good with names. I chose Isabelle as a bow to the former queen of the ruins we all knew so well. I rather like Bertrand but this choice is yours to make.”