There was a very awkward pause.
Viv wrestled with what she was about to say. She’d never been skilled at putting things delicately. It had never been particularly important up ’til now. Succubi had a reputation for certain… biological imperatives. Were their needs and predilections even a choice? She forged onward. “You’re a… succubus. Right?”
At the implied addendum to that question, Tandri’s expression changed for the first time—a pinching of the lips, a tightening around the eyes. Her tail lashed behind her. “I am. And you’re an orc. Running a not-tea shop.”
“No judgment from me!” Viv babbled, feeling on the precipice of a great mistake, but stumbling forward, nevertheless. “I only ask, because–”
“No, I have no desire tovampyour customers, if that’s your question.” Tandri’s voice was icy.
“That… wasn’t what I was planning to say,” said Viv. “I would never assume that. I’ve just never worked with one of… you… and I wasn’t sure about your… needs.” Gods, this was agonizing. Her cheeks were aflame.
Tandri closed her eyes and crossed her arms in front of her. Her cheeks were flushed, as well.
Viv was absolutely sure she was about to turn on her heel and leave.
She sighed. “I apologize. Look, I amverybad at this. I don’t really know what I’m doing.” She hooked a thumb at the greatsword on the wall. “This is what I know, what I’ve always known. I just want to know something else, now. Tobesomething else. Everything I said was stupid. I, of all people, ought to know better than to assume anything based on what you were born as. Before you walk out, do you mind if I start over?”
Tandri took a slow breath, in through her nose, out through her mouth. “There’s no need to start over.”
“Ah,” said Viv, disappointed. “I understand.”
“Why waste the time? We’ve covered most of the particulars,” continued the succubus, briskly. “So,wages commensurate?”
Viv goggled at her for a moment and then stammered, “Three silver, 8 bits a week, to start?”
“Four silver.”
“I… yes, that’s fine.”
“Acceptable.”
“Then, you want the job?”
“I do.” Tandri held out her hand again.
Viv shook it in a daze. “Well, then… welcome aboard. I… thanks.” She’d set out to hire an assistant, but she had the overwhelming sense that she’d just acquired a partner without meaning to. She couldn’t help wondering who had interviewed whom.
“It’s settled then,” said Tandri. “A pleasure to meet you, Viv.”
Then she turned and left, closing the door gently behind her.
“Patience a plus,” Viv murmured.
It was several minutes before she noticed that she hadn’t even specified when the work would start. But somehow, she wasn’t worried about it.
* * *
Viv went directlyto the square and tore down her notice, which hadn’t hung for more than seven hours. She folded it and tucked it into a pocket, then returned to the shop, where she wiped away the debris of her furtive bean-grinding.
Afterward, Viv went out and ate a hearty meal, coming home pleasantly warm and full. As she sat toying with the witching rod in the dining area, her gaze returned again and again to the place where the Scalvert’s Stone rested.
Later, staring at the ceiling from her bedroll, she thought about her impending delivery and the feeling of potential motion building in her. All that remained was for that last obstruction to be kicked away.
She heard a thud on the roof tiles. Heavy footfalls clattered noisily as something large tracked to the western wall. There was a pregnant pause… and then a thump.
Viv quietly stole from her bedroll, descended the ladder, and paced the dark and quiet street, trying to see onto the roof before checking the alley to the west, but she found nothing.
6
