Bane Seventeen - Smile, Nod, and Refuse

Bane Seventeen - Smile, Nod, and Refuse

Bane Seventeen - Smile, Nod, and Refuse

Sempers carriage landed with nary a bump, the pegasi pulling it through the air far too well-trained to allow for such a disturbance.

Luciana was grateful. While she did have her own means of travelling about, they tended to be... somewhat less than practical at times. Certainly, arriving somewhere on dragon-back was an excellent means of intimidating lesser foes, but it didnt prevent ones thighs from chafing. Her flesh was too well cultivated for such things to truly bother her, but she had ruined a few favourite dresses over the years.

The finest silks tended to be ephemeral and thin, which also meant that they tended towards the fragile.

She put those thoughts out of her mind. She could acquire a carriage in Sempers style at a later date. Perhaps the goddess of contempt would even assist her in purchasing one.

The pegasi clopped along, pulling the carriage along a road whose pavement left much to be desired.

On the seats ahead of her, Valeria and Esme were both pressing closer to the windows to peek out at the approaching city.

She imagined that there would be some level of inspection involved in entering the city, though nobles and select merchants were able to bypass such frivolities in the more corrupt cities. That would likely be the case here.

Luciana had worked... well, perhaps not hard, but some small amount of effort had been expended to ensure that Santafaria remained a perfectly corrupt little settlement. Not so much that crime ran rampant, but enough that guards would look the other way at the flash of gold and the city government was lax and careless. The kingdom of course received their tithe of taxes and such, enough that they didnt bother Santafaria too much.

They slowed by the gates, but were soon the next to pass. A guard, likely noticing the lack of driver, knocked on the carriages door.

Semper gestured and the window slid down--an interesting feature, that. The goddess looked into the face of a young man with utter disinterest. So, will you let us pass? Semper asked. She flared her cores power, loosening her hold on her own contempt so that it flooded out of the carriage.

The magic never reached the children sitting across from them. A complex bit of control for a mortal to achieve, but the bare minimum of what Luciana would expect from someone of Sempers calibre.

The guard whimpered and backed off and they soon trundled through the gate.

So, Semper said as the window was raised once more. Neither of them wanted to deal with the stench of a city. What great destinations did you have in mind, Luciana, dear? Semper asked.

I believe a simple stroll through the markets would be a nice start, Luciana said. There are a few small shops which sell some books, and the walk would allow us to unlimber our legs.

That sounds nice! Valeria said.

Indeed. The walking would also give you an opportunity to talk with the person with whom youre dating. A moment of public intimacy that risks little and allows you to probe the mind of the person you are with.

I havent given up yet, Luciana said. Youve merely misconstrued my partial statement for a full one. Esme is a fine young woman. Im certain she will make you quite proud as an Archivist. But Felix is a greater candidate still.

Really? Semper asked. She glanced up to Luciana for a moment, as if trying to read her face. That wouldnt be so easy. Luciana didnt leak her emotions, certainly not physically. The only one who could read her was Valeria, and that had to be some sort of fluke. Tell me, Luciana, were you in Valerias place, and you are quite similar to your daughter, what sort of spouse would you be looking for?

I dont know whether or not I should be insulted that you think that Im so similar to Valeria.

An older, more mature and womanly Valeria, perhaps, Semper recanted.

Luciana hummed as she set that particular topic aside. Sempers flattery was enjoyable, but the question deserved her full consideration. A spouse... it has been some millenia since Ive considered the idea. I believe that much of the advice I would give to Valeria would apply to myself as well. Im no hypocrite.

Of course, Semper agreed.

It would have to be someone who has gained my confidence and perhaps my friendship. I am not one for spontaneous flings, and Im hardly ruled by my libido.

Semper tittered. Are you certain, Luciana, dear? We read the same books.

Luciana refused to rise to the bait. There are, of course, the usual requirements. Someone whose intelligence is near to my own, who has some wit, and who is at least moderately attractive.

How very vain, Semper said.

Attractiveness is important, Luciana said. Though I wont deny that it can also be vain and petty. It nonetheless plays an important role.

I understand, Semper said. Fortunately for any spouse you might find, you are quite attractive yourself.

Luciana chuckled, low and dark. Yes, Im certain I would be quite the catch.

Perhaps I ought to learn how to fish then, Semper murmured. Oh, look, the girls are having quite a bit of fun over there. Lets go see what theyre up to, shall we?

Yes, of course, Luciana said. Her mind was on Sempers previous words though. What had the goddess meant by that?

She set it aside. First, she needed to get her thick-skulled daughter to learn how to pick up clues.

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