A Kiss Is Not A Contract

"Does this mean I can go?" Arieus raised an eyebrow. "Or is this another one of those 'we'll need you in a day' things?"

"Busy, huh?"

"You could say that," Arieus replied.

Raiis nodded, "Very well. I see we have kept you long enough –"



"What kind of commitment is that?" Farin said, pausing the live image. Gloria nearly groaned. She had thought when Farin had asked her for lunch that the hardest decision she would have to make was going to be spinach or mixed greens.

Apparently "lunch" meant "business" in Farin-speak....as did everything else.

"Not equip to be a Gate. Gloria, I know he is your kind, but even you can see he cannot be trusted, yes?"

"Farin," Gloria rubbed her eyes and tucked a stray hair behind her ear. "Honey," Farin winced. "Arieus is not going to cause trouble. He's very talented, and Raiis himself helped teach him. Besides, Agron Verra is a great historian. Arieus comes from a good background. What are you so afraid of?

"He only stayed two weeks! When training was for me, I was here six months."

"Time is of the essence, Farin. We're low on power, and Arieus will be back to finish soo–

"He signed no contracts, Gloria!" Farin fumed.

"And he'll stay for much –" Gloria paused. "What?!"

"Yes! You see it now! Arieus is not bound to us, and Raiis lets him go!"

"Are you sure? Raiis would never....it could mean...."

"Yes, I am certain. The whole proceeding is here, on the tape."


"– But I truly hope that you will return. You must realize the risk I am taking here."

Arieus tucked his scarf more securely and raised a fur-rimmed hood. "Do the others know?"

Raiis opened his mouth to speak, but Arieus beat him to it, "You should tell them soon."

"Soon, they will know."

END OF VIDEO.

~Hammeh