Page 53 of Morel Dilemma

“The foraging book says that mushrooms often sprout after a rain. Moisture seeps into the forest floor, creating the perfect environment for them to fruit and emerge.” Jildarin raised his eyebrows.

“That sounds right.” She’d only skimmed a few of the pertinent chapters but had observed before that mushrooms were more plentiful after a rain. She paused to eat the banana slice. Oh, that was good. He’d added some kind of sweet spice mix to the chocolate that she wasn’t familiar with, and were those crushed pistachios coating the treat? And tiny cacao nibs? With sea salt? Delicious. As she returned the empty fork, she couldn’t keep from looking toward the counter behind him, wondering if he’d prepared more.

“Yes. We will forage early in the day, before the mushrooms grow soft and insects plague them.” Jildarin took the fork and pronged another chocolate-dipped banana slice. He turned, holding it toward her in offering. “You will accompany me for this important endeavor, yes?”

“Yes.” Rylana reached for the fork.

He drew it back. “You will not consume flavored water with the elf, correct?”

Why did that sound more like an order than a question?

“Not tomorrow during prime foraging hour, no.”

“Good.” Jildarin pushed the fork back toward her.

This time, he let her pop the second slice of banana into her mouth. He nodded, as if she were acting appropriately, then pronged one more slice with the fork.

“Tassani said he was busy, anyway,” Rylana said. “He wants to get together after the queen is gone.”

“At the diner, not the flavored-water dispensary.” Jildarin offered the fork to her again, but he watched her intently.

“If I say we would prefer the coffee shop, are you going to take that back before I can reach for it?”

“There is no reason to prefer the coffee shop. The fare here is far more varied, and it is delicious.”

“It is delicious. But we might like a little more privacy for our first date. And for Rolf not to be wandering past, asking if elves know they’re supposed to leave substantial tips.” Rylana reached for the fork.

Jildarin frowned and drew it out of reach.

Rylana lowered her arm. “Jildarin, are you using chocolate-dipped bananas to manipulate me?”

“You’ve informed me that you prefer when I do not give you orders.”

“So, you’re bribing me instead?”

“I am rewarding you for acceptable behavior.”

“Like not having coffee with Captain Tassani?”

“I do not trust him. He leads the elves who were assigned to hunt your comrade.”

“But he’s not after Sylin now, and since when are you that concerned about her welfare?”

“You are concerned. Further, the elves were also attempting to take you for interrogation.”

“Oh, I haven’t forgotten. But I don’t think he’s after me anymore. He’s…”

Jildarin’s eyes narrowed, his frown deepening.

“The queen gave him orders to leave Sylin alone,” Rylana said, “and he seems willing to obey her.”

“He may be disingenuous. He may attempt to kidnap you if you join him for an unsupervised outing.”

“I’m sure he doesn’t want to kidnap me. All he wants is…” She shrugged, having no way to read Tassani’s mind. All she knew was that she no longer got a hostile vibe from him.

“To have recreational coitus with you.”

“I don’t think he’s decided that yet.”