..." I nodded. "Yes! Of course! When?" I laughed. "You're so anxious. How about tonight?" "Tonight? Sure. Where?" "How about my room?" "What about Doctor Traken?" I liked the fact that she seemed earnestly worried about P'nyssa's reaction. "I've already dealt with it," I said. Actually, I had. There would be no conflict. The doorbell rang, and I ran to open it. I wanted to greet her at the door. She stood there, dressed simply in a long, light blue shirt that ended right on her back but trailed down the front until almost between her legs. Her hair had been carefully cleaned and brushed, and the pastel blue tint had returned. She smiled. "Do I look pretty?" she asked. "Beautiful," I responded. "Come in." She stepped in and the door closed behind her. She jumped a little when it did. "Nervous?" She nodded. "I'm sorry, Kennet. It's just..." "What?" I asked. "Here." I handed her a glass of champagne. She shook her head. "I don't know. I feel... strange. I don't know, maybe this isn't a good idea." I sat down on the floor. P'nyssa and I had decided to not have furniture, but instead go with a thick carpet and throw pillows. I feel comfortable sitting on a floor. I gestured for her to come down with me. She sat down and said, "I don't know. I mean, I'm only twenty-five, and you're seven hundred years old. I guess I just don't know how to deal with... the differences." "You're not bothered by my being Vatare', are you?" She shook her head. "No, not really. Well... A little. But it's not that big a deal." "Well, I'll tell you this. I feel a little manipulative, and certainly a little bit like a dirty old man." She laughed. "No, I don't think so. Does it bother you that I'm a Centaur?" "Well, I've never slept with a Centaur before, so this a bit of an experiment. Will you be upset if I make a complete fool of myself?" She shook her head and sipped her wine. We talked for a while. I found myself getting caught up in her talking about herself, and yet I was also surprised by how rapt she was when I talked about the events of my life before she was born. |