LOREN
There was no absolutely no way Loren was going to stay quiet, especially after Remi’s reaction. ”Is it that obvious? Because it’s not obvious to me, and I know it’s not obvious to you.” Seeing as the Launceleyn was not exactly looking for any signs of attraction or flirtation, he obviously missed the way the alchemist’s gaze lingered just a smidge too long. ”Besides, it doesn’t matter what I was or was not, since it’s ancient history.” And seeing as there was no way to change the past—at least as far as the Launceleyn knew, but maybe the gods knew differently—there didn’t seem to be much point discussing this any longer.Now it was the summoner’s turn to roll his eyes. ”Fine. If I admit you are something more than a passing acquaintance to me will you pretty please tell me the story?” However, it apparently didn’t take that much to get Remi talking: the other man launched into his tale, and Loren listened to every word. Arduinna. He’d remember that name, and if he ever met the witch he’d see if he couldn’t persuade her to lift her curse. ”So. You were trying to do the right thing, as always. And you were punished for it.” The words were soft, and carried a great deal of sadness in them; it seemed horrible that one of the best people Loren had ever met, and man he'd loved once and still might, at least a little, would be dealt such a terrible hand by the gods or by fate or by sheer dumb bad luck.
”I say let’s agree to disagree.” As the other man wiped away the crest as if it had never been, Loren smiled. ”Thank you.” Then, they were at the room Remi had described. The Launceleyn held the door open before the alchemist then shut it gently behind them. It was finally time to deal with these ridiculous doors.
A beggar's book
outworths
a noble's blood
