Chapter 2: Lady Gylaume
“Ei.. err, yes, what is it?” He muttered inwardly at his slip in his language.
A sultry voice greeted him from the other side of the door. “May I come in?”
Listening at the door a moment, he quickly smoothed his clothing and seated himself comfortably in a plush velvet chair Picking up a glass of wine the servants had left for him, it was surprisingly still cool. He took a swallow to moisten his throat and finally replied.
“Do come in… After all, Lady Gylaume…. this is your home.”
Halfway through the door, the Lady paused. “I see the bard is not without skill in diplomacy.”
The acknowledgement of her name reassured the bard of his discovery and he inclined his head, allowing a small flicker of satisfaction cross his lips. But, before he could fully enjoy the upper hand, the Lady gracefully took a chair opposite him and leaned forward enough to show her endowments to good measure.
“So… tell me a story, bard. What brings a Dhe’nar to Ta’Faendryl?”
In a futile attempt to hide his surprise, he took a long sip of wine. The woman’s smile betrayed her gloating and after a moment she settled back into her chair; her crimson lacquered nails steepled gracefully in her lap.
Setting his wine glass back upon the table, the bard responded.
“You are a knowledgeable woman, indeed. Perhaps my disguise needs a little work, or surely my accent. I am hardly surprised that one wise in the world would be able to recognize me for what I am.”
Her smile faded.
“Yes, I am Dhe’nar. However, my reasons for being here are my own. Although… ” He pauses. “…if you should be so inclined to try and discover that mystery, perhaps the upper-hand shall remain yours.”
He grins, as if baiting her. Of course, she takes it. She is after all, a woman and secrets such as they are – no woman can resist trying to deduce.
“I accept your challenge, bard. In fact, your secret is safe… for now. Perhaps though, you wonder why I brought you here.”
“The question did cross my mind.”
“Surely you can appreciate how exotic talent can… entertain guests, for more…” She pauses a moment, wondering if it matters to tell him what her goals are. She shrugs and continues. “.. political and social endeavors.”
“Of course, Lady Gylaume. Somehow I am hardly surprised. The situation could be mutual, in fact – for I have a more scholarly interest into the inner-workings of Faendryl motivations.”
She laughs, her voice tinkling in a fit of giggles – even kicking her feet under her gown like a small child. “…a deal then!”
She reaches forward and snatches his hand into hers, shaking it formally but still grinning. “Tell me your true name, Dhe’nar. I hate to enter an agreement without knowing it.”
“My stage name will do for now. It is Elven enough for your needs.”
She sighs wistfully, clearly disappointed. To her surprise, he lifts her hand to his lips and kisses it. “By your leave…”
“Of course, of course!” She waves a hand dismissively. I’m certain you’re famished; I haven’t seen you eat since your arrival. I’ll have one of my girls bring you…”
She glances back toward the window, now filling with sunlight from the new morning and blinks in surprise. “…I’ll have her bring you breakfast. As for myself, I shall retire to my chambers for the rest of the morning. Meet me this evening, four hours before Ronan. We have much to arrange.”
He nods and stands as she slips out of her chair and adjusts the silks of her gown. Turning toward him at the door to his room, she smiles coyly. All business, but to her – this Dhe’nar was going to be fun.