Page 15 - Mad Shadows II

exotic and uniquely beautiful face. She stood in front of my
table, tall and willowy, with long hair that swept her shoulders
like a black waterfall. Her golden skin and the epicanthic fold
of her eyes were common to the people of far-eastern
Kyenshua.

I stared at her with my mouth hanging wide open.
“Dorgo Mikawber?” she asked in a sweet voice.
“That all depends on who’s asking.”
“Oh, I’m asking. Me. Valuta Jefoor.”
“Lisera Icari’s friend.”
“Yes. The Sahlyra speaks highly of you.”
“I’m surprised. She treats me as if I’m the village idiot.”
We both laughed at that. “Where’s your werecat?”
“Crystal? Oh, she’s probably out roaming around
somewhere. She does that a lot.”
“So I’ve noticed. Please, join me.”
Valuta sat in the chair across the table from me.
“Your name means Lavender Moon, doesn’t it?” I asked.
“You speak Kyenshuan, Mister Mikawber?”
“Just enough to get me into trouble. And please, call me
Dorgo.” I gave her the most pleasant smile I could muster,
hoping she wouldn’t take it as a lecherous leer. “How did your
parents come to pick such a beautiful name for you?”
“I was born under a full moon, and my mother’s favorite
plant and scent was lavender. It’s mine, too.”
I inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly, savoring her delicate
perfume. “Nice.”
“I heard what you did for Doctor Gamahl earlier.” She
hesitated a moment, then smiled. “That was very brave of you.”
She was gorgeous, with a set of lips that made me hunger
for a kiss. I was about to reply when I noticed that the
handsome man in green leather I had seen outside had entered
the tavern.
“Is the gentleman heading toward us a friend of yours?” I
asked.

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