“Certainly is,” murmured Viv. “Uh, well, I didn’t mean to interrupt your game. I’ll let you get back to it.”
“Not at all!” said Durias. “You go tend to what you’re growing.”
When she returned to the counter with her book, Tandri eyed it approvingly, then whispered, “So… what’s going on with the chess game? Did he say?”
“He did say. But I’m not sure he answered,” Viv replied.
* * *
Around noon,Thimble scampered off after making a series of gestures that neither Viv nor Tandri could interpret. He obviously had some errand in mind, and Viv waved him on his way.
He returned later with a small parcel bound in twine, and when there was a lull at the front, he placed it on the counter, delicately untying it. He folded away the paper to reveal several rough, dark slabs and chunks of something brown that gleamed with a soft waxiness.
“What’s that, Thimble?” asked Tandri.
The baker broke off a sliver, popping it into his mouth and gesturing for them to do the same.
Viv and Tandri each snapped off a small piece. Viv sniffed hers. The earthy smell was slightly sweet—almost coffee-like. She put the fragment on her tongue, and when she closed her lips, it melted, spreading throughout her mouth. She tasted dark bitterness, but with subtler flavors of vanilla, citrus, and in the far back, a hint of something that reminded her of wine. It was bold, both creamy and harsh, but alluring.
Honestly, Viv doubted you could eat very much of it. That bitterness would overwhelm you. But the old spice-seller was right. The kidwasa genius, and she couldn’t wait to see what he had planned.
Tandri thoughtfully rolled the taste around in her mouth. “Okay, I’ll ask again, because I have to know. Whatisthis?
He leaned forward, whiskers aquiver. “Chocolate.”
“You’ve got something in mind?” asked Viv.
He nodded and produced another of his lists. Shorter than before, but with a few requested pots and pans.
Viv squatted to stare him in the eyes. “Thimble, anytime you have any big ideas, you can assume I’m on board, all right?”
His velvety face wrinkled in a pleased expression that squeezed his eyes nearly shut.
* * *
It didn’t take longfor Viv to gather Thimble’s requested items. When she returned to the shop, she drew up short on the threshold, a sack over one arm.
Kellin was back, standing stiffly before the counter.
Viv’s expression hardened, and she prepared to drop the sack, pick him up by the back of the neck, and haul him bodily into the street.
Tandri caught her eye, though, and gave a small shake of her head.
The succubus passed a folded waxed paper sack across to the young man, who moved as though to snatch it, but mastered himself, reaching for it gently.
“For the Madrigal,” said Tandri.
Kellin nodded jerkily, like a marionette, and said in a strangled voice, “Thank you, Ta–miss.”
He turned with the sack in hand, startling when he saw Viv. Recovering quickly, he rushed out the door.
“Huh,” said Viv, watching him go. “I’ll be twice-damned.”
* * *
As they preparedto lock up, Tandri went into the pantry and returned with a linen-covered handbasket that Viv hadn’t noticed before.
“What’s that?”
