Closed Punishing the Sinner II (Hadyn)

[Matthew]

21st of Summer, 513AV. Staring down at the ragged bunch of flowers in his hands, he tilted his head, wondering if they were actually worth offering. He knew it was the standard thing to do, but these weren't particularly nice flowers. He had found the little meadow of wild daisies on the way to the hot springs outside of Syliras, and had thought it might be a good idea to try and snatch some for his plot tonight. He had picked a nice little bundle, but now was reconsidering his choice after having tried to keep them alive long enough to make it to the blacksmith's doorstep. They were now a tad wilted, not as vibrant in their yellow color as they had been, and definitely a bit dirty from the clouded air of Syliras. Grimacing a bit, he still kept them out in front of him, tucked to his chest a little as he waited for his date. And he kept going. Blue eyes briefly flickered to sapphire steel as he remembered one of his reasons for being here, and he felt his jaw line flex as he clenched it. The words he had heard echoing in his mind the first night he had come to visit this place were now bouncing within the walls of his head. Taking a breath to calm himself down, he loosened his straight line of a mouth into something resembling a smile. While his escort services offered dates to those who paid, this was something different. This was something professional and planned, plotted and schemed, and not at all a simple romantic evening. This was an important cog in the machine of events that would occur, until the final play had been danced out. If this one cog didn't turn correctly, then the whole machine would tumble down. He felt his jaw clenching again and mentally scolded himself, body tensing up just a tad as his silent verbal thrashing. He just had to calm down, be patient, and let everything play out like he so very hoped it would. Glancing around, he realized that this was practically the same hour he had been here the other night. While the sky was obscured by the stone ceiling, he still had a general idea of the hour. He wondered if anyone passing by thought he was a bit odd, waiting outside for the blacksmith girl when most normal people should be going to bed. It didn't really matter what others thought. The event they needed to go to was going to be at this hour, so they would have to be awake at this hour. Something came to him as he stood there at the door of the blacksmith building (What was the name again? Why couldn't he remember?), staring at some of the smoke seeping through window cracks. She probably wasn't working tonight. She was probably going to be coming from the other direction. If she was working tonight, then there was no way she was going to be coming out of the smoke pit clean. He certainly didn't have enough time to give her a proper bath either. Narrowing his eyes, deciding to assume that she wasn't working and would just be meeting him, he did a complete turn so that he was facing the streets. There the harlot stood, still fairly new to Syliras, and quite unknown. That would work in his favor for now, but eventually he would have to change all that. He would have to make himself known. Though, if he wasn't known now, he certainly soon would be. That was how he hoped the game would play out, at least. Matthew was dressed well, like normal. It was obvious he spent a bit of time on his appearance, with his hair perfectly combed and his body spotless. If there was a skill that the man seemed to have mastered, it was self-primping. His pristine and handsome face was so petching flawless that he might very well have applied some sort of make-up to it. If he did, that was a secret he would never reveal. His outfit was simple but elegant, with a snug dark blue button-up shirt and a black vest pulled over it. A pair of black slacks with a belt were tugged over his hips, and dress shoes were shined nicely. All in all, he looked quite graceful, especially with an attentive stance that radiated calm confidence. He looked good, and he knew it.

[Hadyn Skellig]

Her footsteps thudded dully upon the cobblestone, a leisurely stride creating a metronomic beat along the lane. She couldn't recall the last time she'd worn these shoes - or the dress for that matter. The soft material felt strange against her skin, binding her body to draw the eye along the lines of her curves. Hadyn decided she cleaned up nicely when given proper incentive.

The burgundy gown was on loan from a friend, the material unadorned and unassuming but still more finely made than anything she possessed. A full skirt did not mirror the hoop skirts presently in fashion, but a slight throwback to the decade prior. Hopefully no one would comment on the dated look. Hadyn preferred this particular style anyway. The bustier enclosing her torso was not particularly comfortable but, like all things unfamiliar, required determination and a bit of time to become used to it. There was a reason Hadyn didn't prance around like this on a daily basis. Her breasts were hoisted up by the dress' built in corset and her shoulders were entirely bare, an odd display of exposure for the blacksmith. The lacing on the back of the dress drew the eye to her waist but remained thankfully demure.

Her dark hair had been dutifully brushed and plaited with a silver ribbon, subtly woven into the chignon. Strands had already escaped to frame her face but she barely noticed, her attention devoted to the path. All in all, the woman looked quite nice. The dress was neither pretentious nor garish, probably only a step above the gowns worn by the serving staff, but still elegant enough to fit into the rabble she'd be mingling with. Per Matthew's instructions she wore no adornments and left her face bare of rouge or powder, which was entirely fine by her. She owned no make up and couldn't imagine the frustration of putting it on.

The shoes were equally unexceptional but a fair sight prettier than her work boots. She lamented the inability to hide a blade in the finely wrought heels but she'd managed strapped one to her left thigh, an unseen security measure. Nearing the smithy, the woman took the briefest moment to consider exactly what she was doing. In truth it was a questionable rouse. She hardly knew this man she was accompanying but a mutual loathing for one Tobias Mordani kept Hadyn's resolution firm. As they say, the enemy of an enemy is a friend...

"Evening," she called out with a grin as she neared the impeccably dressed Matthew. "I admit this is t'first time I've ever arrived in the smithy dressed like a lady."

She offered him a wink and a winning smile as she stopped before him. He certainly looked the part. Under different circumstances she could certainly imagine herself enjoying his charms. But this night was business and both were keen on keeping up appearances.

"If the boys in there," a nod to the smithy, "were to see me, I'd never hear the end o' it. Luckily you'll carry us both through t'night, y'handsome dog."

[Matthew]

He heard her before he saw her, intense blue stare turning to sweep the streets. Soon she came into view, and he couldn't help but let his brow furrow, teeth sinking in his lower lip. It was a painfully common habit, one that signaled his intense thought. Apparently he had gotten lucky whenever he had stumbled onto this one. She would probably notice his eyes scanning her from head to toe, and she would have to decide for herself how to feel about it. It was different from an admiring stare, or a lustful stare. He was staring at her like Hadyn probably stared at a blade she found in a different blacksmith. When his eyes stroked over her shoulders and the curve of her breasts, he nodded. It gave off just the slightest bit of sensual appeal, drawing glances. At the same time, her long skirt was modest, but did help accent her hips. All in all, she was a natural beauty when she put her mind to it. He hesitated a few seconds more, then nodded again, a quiet signal of complete approval. She looked exactly the part he wanted her to play. Her hair was particularly gorgeous, and the ribbon was actually quite the nice little touch. A small smile was offered as she greeted him, no words given yet. He simply looked apathetic, which was hardly an appropriate reaction for her appearance. He certainly wasn't the flattering type, apparently. She called him handsome, excellent. They both were ready, then. "Thank you for coming. You look beautiful." The compliment sounded professional. Apparently the man was good at drawing a line. He took a breath, blue eyes holding hers, some sort of feeling settling in the air. She would likely feel it, and perhaps would sense that something was about to happen. Matthew looked to be preparing himself for something. There was an island in the middle of his body. A single core part of him, something that everything else swirled around. His skin, his mind, his feelings, everything else encircled the island like a storming sea. On this island, there was merely Matthew. He was the master of this sea. Time to whip up a specific storm. When the breath exhaled from him, Matthew simply shifted. He stepped toward her, his body graceful and catlike, his defined figure rippling through the snug cloth that held him. He moved with confidence and control, and his blue eyes were no longer dead. They were filled with seduction and sensuality, blazing with heated blue fire. His body was suddenly close to her own, just barely touching her chest. Studying her with those eyes, he slowly lifted one hand, attempting to gently touch fingertips to her forehead to brush a stray strand of hair behind her ear. His touch was precise and soft, his eyes never leaving her own. Slowly, the hand fell, fingertips just barely brushing her arm (almost as if an accident) before finding her hand. He would gently lace their hands together if she allowed, then turn, lightly tugging to bring the woman along with him. "If the boys in there were to see you, you wouldn't hear a word from their gaping mouths." Even his petching voice had changed, from that calm tone to this tone of husky... passion? Love? Adoration? It was hard to even tell. Instinctively, he swirled his Djed into the air, the blacksmith well in the reach of his aura. The Hypnotic suggestions flooded through the very thing they breathed, mere hints of suggestion and allure. It put this intimate feeling around them, as if trying to tie them together as a genuine couple. His eyes flickered to her own, and for the briefest moment, she would see a break in the seductive skin he had put on. "That is my magic. If the thoughts feel to be your own, they are not. But cling to it. Like an emotional anchor. If it ever feels different, then someone else is trying something. Something that is the same as me." It was a precaution, as well as a ruse to help their act along. He was then back to sultry, tall body close to her own as he calmly walked her through the Syliras streets.

[Hadyn Skellig]

He was a master of his craft, this Matthew was and Hadyn observed it firsthand as he greeted her with all the aplomb of a man well above his station. She was sufficiently impressed, ducking her head slowly to his compliment. This venture was, after all, entirely wound around the premise of business and she took only a superficial amount of pleasure from his sweetly spoken words. Likely he was used to dolling out all manner of compliments.

He moved closer to her, brushing hair behind her ear in a most intimate nature before selecting her hand. But there was nothing intimate about their relationship, giving Hadyn leave to simply smile in response. He wore his grace well and churned out the charm as if there was no tomorrow. He could bewitch even the most derisive spinster with his dulcet voice and well chosen words. Part of her felt fortunate she was not on his list of prey, for she couldn't honestly deny she'd resist his wiles. But for the moment it was simply good business.

He spoke of his magic and she nodded as they spoke. Indeed, it was a powerful gift he cultivated and she was careful not to let it lull her too far. Hadyn was not terribly familiar with magic and she preferred it that way. It was too messy. Too easily abused. As much as she liked Matthew at the moment she was well aware that her trust was on tenuous ground and they were only acting. He wasn't her type anyway.

"I'll keep it mind," she replied with a nod, brown eyes on the lane ahead. A knot began twisting and twining in her spine like a snake, slipping along her vertebrae forked tongue licking the base of her skull. It was a serpent of apprehension and foreboding. Slithering along her back it reminded her of their purpose. Tobias. Steeling herself against its machinations, the brunette swallowed and gripped Matthew's hand tighter for a moment before relaxing.

"You lead, I'll follow, hm?"

[Matthew]

He strolled through the streets, hand in hers, blue eyes casual as they flickered back and forth on the road they traveled. There was this nervous knot in his stomach, but he quickly willed it away. Like he had told the woman before, they couldn't get into any real trouble. The worst that could happen is that news of his exploits in Zeltiva would have traveled here, and he would simply be denied at the door. Or maybe they had already thought up some sort of plot for him to dance in, and they would welcome him with open arms. He wasn't sure. His hand was about subconsciously tighten on hers when he felt her own grip tighten, snapping him out of his parade of thoughts and causing him to glance sideways at her. Catching his lower lip, he tugged it in thought, pondering if he should bring up the little detail. Clearing his throat, he pulled her just a bit closer, both for warmth and so they could talk a bit quietly between themselves. "Are you okay? Nerves getting to you?" They were headed for the Illythian district, but Matthew was taking his time. His pace was slow and easy next to hers, his body lightly brushing her own every couple of steps. It all seemed to intricant, his movements all planned and plotted. Every brush of the hip, every flex of his arm next to hers... since she was aware of his occupation and how easily he flipped it on and off, it would probably be quite obvious that his body was simply going through preplanned motions. Instinctive motions. So deeply ingrained that they were a part of him now. It was a fine line, to make sure the passion and attraction wasn't your own, but to also make sure your customer couldn't see it for the mask it truly was. Magic swirled, suggestions poking at her again. It reminded her of the touch of his hip against hers, or the strength of his hand against her own. Matthew realized, with some amusement, that their roles were a bit switched when it came to their hands holding onto the other. His was soft and gentle, while hers held the roughness of hard labor. A brief smile flickered on his lips, the harlot finding the little detail amusing. He gave her hand a short squeeze, just to feel the roughness against his skin, and smiled just a tad wider. They continued to stroll along, soon reaching the district and the fancy buildings within. It was still Syliras, but it was a fancier part of Syliras. Matthew wasn't so sure what that meant, exactly. "Once you see him, will you remain composed, or am I going to have to come up with another plan on the spot?" He turned a critical eye to her, arching his brow.

[Hadyn Skellig]

The woman remained in step beside her companion, somewhat surprised at her own reserve. The closer they came to their destination, the more placid she felt. The warmth of Matthew's body and the squeeze from his hand was reassuring. She cast a sideways glance at him after his query on her state of mind.

"Yes, thank you," she replied quietly, brown eyes on the lane ahead, a polite smile on her lip. Anticipation replaced apprehension without so much as a by-your-leave, Hadyn's thoughts centered purely on the rouse of the evening, wetting her lips as she felt the tug of her partner's effects. She couldn't blame him for being concerned. He didn't know her - this game was entirely hinged on the serendipitous meeting of two people with a common enemy. Therefore his next question did little to offend her, the brunette offering a half shrug before looking at him.

"Needn't worry 'bout me," she answered coolly. Tilting her head just slightly the woman followed with a reassuring smile. "I wouldn't ruin this opportunity with a fit o' nerves."

It was a rare thing indeed for a laborer such as herself to traverse this deeply into the Illythian District. In fact, Hadyn maintained a proper distance from the place as much as she could afford. These were not her people, Sylirians or not. Swallowing a twinge of general distaste the weaponsmith pasted an aloof expression on her fair face - the kind women in this neighborhood sported daily. She'd have no trouble following Matthew's lead. If need be she could do away with the low-class accent, adopting a more streamlined articulation. Whatever Matthew did she would remain in step. It was a bit dubious that he'd never inquired for her name, but admittedly there wasn't much reason. The soft patter of their shoes struck the cobblestones lightly, the sound of voices soon to drown them out.

OOCThanks for your patience!

[Matthew]

He nodded at her response, his attention tugged away by their destination. It could be seen ahead, a medium-sized marble building that was one of the various little art galleries in this district. This particular get-together had been assembled by one of the art gallery owners, and to showcase a few new pieces, he had decided to hold the festivities in the actual gallery itself. A single well-dressed man stood outside the wooden doorways, a list in his hand, an intelligent look to his eye. He was obviously the guard of the door, though not the muscle. If someone tried to barge their way in, a simple shout to one of the many patrolling Sylirian Knights would solve any sort of issues. The young man calmly raised eyes to Matthew as he approached, Haydn still at his side. Matthew's demeanor once again shifted a little bit, his smile looking more natural, his pace feeling a bit more slow and confident. His fingers gently loosed themselves from Haydn's hand to slowly slip along her waist, his fingertips brushing the small of her back and gently slidi the muscled arm around her. His arm had just enough weight and presence to remind her that it was there, and his hand on her curved hip was just barely firm enough to claim some sort of ownership. Not as much 'this is mine', as a clear sign that he was with her and she with him. This is my date, he was saying. A sly smile and a glance into her eyes told a little bit more. This is my date. Admire her. "Hello, sir. Might I ask if you are on the list?" Matthew shook his head, his voice light. "I am not, though I believe my parents were sent invitations as per standard. They are busy people, and cannot make it all the way to Syliras. They sent me, however. I was already here, and they wished to show that it was not ill-will. It simply was business." The young man arched an elegant eyebrow, glancing at Matthew and Haydn a few moments longer before staring back down to his list. "And the name?" Matthew paused a moment, a brief look of ice shimmering in his gaze. Then, he spoke, the words soft and a bit quick. "Matthew Parker, son of Theresa and Edward Parker." The young man blinked, glancing up. "Mrs. Parker? Head of Medicine at the University? I studied under her. She spoke fondly of you." Matthew offered a smile, nodding politely, but didn't say a word. Making a few marks on his paper, the young man stepped aside, bowing shortly to allow Matthew and Hayden in. He swept her along with him, moving slowly. As they entered, the girl would definitely feel multiple eyes from various nobles and Knights sweeping over her, admiring the bust she had decided to show off. There were a few that were at least somewhat polite, deciding to smile at her pretty features and beautiful hair instead of her more intimate aspects. If she paid any attention, she would notice Matthew, playing the perfect part of a slightly-possessive young noble man. Each gaze she recieved was found by a sharp stare from Matthew, who offered a brief smile and nod. Each time his body would flex just a tad, and his hand would tighten on her hip briefly. The lobby of the gallery was decorated with bright lighting, multiple couples of multiple ages milling about. There was a small buffet of food lined against the wall, and a space had been cleared out for dancing and a few players of various musical instruments. Further into the art gallery, it looked like one room had been cleared out, and tables set up. The rest of the rooms were normal and un-touched, there for the browsing. Matthew glanced around for the one they had came for, slowly leading Haydn over to the food and drinks to let her have a moment. And a snack, if she wished. "Is the possessive, confident act a good one? Or should I perhaps be more aloof? Or perhaps fawn over you a tad more?" His brow furrowed, his words whispered as he glanced over at her. He absentmindedly plucked a few grapes from the table and popped them into his mouth, but his slow chewing and obvious focus on her pretty much clarified that his snacking was all for show. He was much more interested in making sure they clicked correctly before really getting into the festivities.

OOCWell worth any wait.

[Hadyn Skellig]

The weaponsmith remained Matthew's silent, albeit observant, companion as they approached the building. Her expression remained placid during his interaction with the doorward, though she noted the change in the fellow's demeanor when Matthew dropped the familial surname. He certainly knew how to play his hand. Once admitted entrance, Hadyn allowed her date to sweep her inside, following his lead and soaking in the scene.

It was certainly not a situation she was familiar with, the excess of food and finery almost blinding. But she would maintain her composure, dark eyes sweeping the faces. Those that chose to linger on her were met with a confident yet reined in gaze. Hadyn resisted the urge to return their stares with one of challenge, knowing it would be wildly out of place. But she did feel exceptionally alien in this place of extravagance. Were it not for Matthew's excellent performance she might be concerned for the state of their ruse. But he maintained their appearance well enough for the both of them.

Her hand went immediately to a glass of wine offered to her by a man with downcast eyes. Slipping it from the tray, Hadyn faced Matthew as he spoke, taking a delicate sip of the fine beverage. Before answering her eyes surveyed the scene once more, meeting the gazes of Knights and elite and offering the slightest tilt of her head before allowing herself another sip.

"You fit in just fine," she assured him coolly, expression adopting an aloof manner as she stood close to him, mimicking the other women in demonstrating her affiliation with her date. "Your skill in deception will carry us through the night, no doubt."

It wasn't particularly easy, masking the accent that tugged incessantly at her tongue. But it could be done. Her voice was soft and throaty, the timbre somewhat at odds with the airy tinkle of giggles from a nearby group of ladies. But Hadyn could only go so far with this ploy. Lower class accent disguised the brunette would not bother hiding much else. Slipping an arm through his she took another sip, careful not to guzzle the fine alcohol down lest she let slip her poor upbringing.

Casting another glance about the lobby, Hadyn noted the occasional familiar face. Being the only weapon smithy in the city (aside from the Knights' private smiths), Sultros Blades saw all manner of folk looking for blades. She could name a few though she was confident they wouldn't recognize her here. Not yet at least. Her heartbeat quickened when she thought she saw Tobias' blond mop of hair amidst the crowd but she calmed herself. There were many gentlemen sporting a similar hair style as Mordani. It would be imprudent to allow any one of these doppelgangers to fool her into nerves. Taking a final sip of the all to smooth wine, Hadyn turned her gaze to her handsome escort.

"Don't fret," she stated with a soft smile and a gentle squeeze against his arm. "You'll run circles around these halfwits."

[Matthew]

"Thank you. Some running may be required, though hopefully I won't end up going in circles." His tone was serious, leaving it rather unknown if he had actually caught her compliment or just taken it as literally as possible. His eyes were back to the crowd, moving through them quickly, looking for anyone he knew. Not a single person stood out in the crowd, which was probably a good thing. Not many bothered the two of them at first, the single servant who gave Hadyn glass of wine getting a quick shake of the head by Matthew. Instead, he just plucked a few more grapes, gathering a substancial handful to keep with him for the next little while. "You are fitting in very well. You control the accent nicely." He paused for a moment and glanced at her glass of wine, then back up into her eyes, his brow furrowing a bit. "Do you have a good amount of self control when it comes to drinks?" He didn't mean for it to be offensive, merely curious. He would have to account for that if she did. Not that he was at all worried about dealing with a slightly tipsy Hadyn. Half the women he dealt with in his profession had to drink more than a few glasses in order to work up the bravery to pay a man for sex. After a moment of studying her, he glanced back to the crowd, blue eyes sharp. "Either way, I am glad we ran into each other. You are perfect. There is something off about you, and it will bother the other women. That is good." A small smile briefly played across his lips, a rare sly gleam flashing through his eyes. He was about to take her out to the dance floor, a band in the corner starting up another slow song. Then, out of nowhere, a young man and his busty date approached. The young man was crisply dressed, a smirk across his full lips. The woman was definitely aware of her chest, and had decided to show it off quite a bit. A playful wink at Matthew was immediately followed by a haughty stare at Hadyn, with the young man merely shining his smirk at them both. Matthew blinked, completely unaware of who they were and why they were approaching him. The young man was the first to break the silence, plucking a grape himself. "Matthew, right? I was in University with you." The harlot blinked, fighting back a pang of worry. "We were in different years. I left right when you were starting your thesis." Matthew slowly breathed a quiet sigh of relief, his arm relaxing in Hadyn's grip. "Glyphing, I believe? It was an odd topic for a thesis on magical studies. I believe you had a focus on Medicine, didn't you? Did that ever come around? You always seemed the sort who would rather get into trouble. You had that sort of gleam in your eye." The man was talking casually, but there was this underlying hint of malice. Matthew was familiar with the troubles of the rich and famous. He just didn't understand them. He glanced over at Hadyn for a moment, the confusion obvious in his eyes, then looked back to their visitor. "It did. I am currently a physical therapist here in Syliras. You or your woman should come by my clinic sometime. No doubt there are some kinks that need worked out." Matthew offered the words neutrally, actually meaning it in a professional way. The man grimaced though, and the woman's eyes widened a tad, only furthering the confusion in Matthew's mind. Usually social interactions were much more straightforward than this. "And who is the lady on your arm?" Matthew opened his mouth, then paused. Petch. He hadn't even asked her name! A moment of panic overcame him, but the sight of the busty blonde giving Hadyn another pointed stare gave him a way out. "Why don't you ask her yourself, friend? She is right here. I can assure you her lips work just fine." The lewd comment caught the two visitors off guard, Matthew's sudden sly smile definitely getting across his meaning. Now it was Hadyn's time to shine.

[Hadyn Skellig]

A simpering grin flashed briefly before another sip of wine hid it from her companion. She drew one arm around herself, allowing the one with the glass to rest upon it, bringing the alcohol close to her face, without obscuring it. Quick and quiet assessments of their company suggested Hadyn ought to observe the scene from the rim of her glass, the look in her eyes indicating an elegant ennui. The grandeur and joviality was a bore but one she must suffer as Matthew's date. She rather preferred adopting this visage for it allowed her to sweep the crowd coolly in search of Tobias, her expression neutral if not a bit incurious.

"Enough," she answered dryly in response to his query of her ability to hold her alcohol. While she was no stranger to inebriation it would take her many more glasses of wine before she was even close to causing trouble. She preferred whiskey anyhow. A smile curved loosely across her lips at his compliment. There certainly was something off about her and it seemed it would be in their best interest to use it.

Dark eyebrows rose ever so slightly as the gentleman and his date approached, gracing them with a droning recollection of Matthew's past. It piqued Hadyn's interest slightly, especially when her companion cast her a look of bemusement before lying to the man's face about his profession. The blonde woman's haughty stare elicited nothing from the brunette, her eyes shifting from their company to the rest of the party, as if bored by this parlay. When her name was inquired the weaponsmith was measured in her response. Real name? Fake name? Letting her gaze settle on the young man she gave only the vaguest smile, one suggesting she didn't care if he knew her name or not.

"Hadyn," she replied at length with an aloof tone, still ignoring the blonde. Moving her arm from the disinterested position it occupied the brunette slipped it through Matthew's arm, though her expression was one of apparent blasé, as if their friends were suddenly tedious and unrefined. Her hand resting on his arm was not possessive for she did not draw close to him, instead standing tall and staring at the other man from down the straight length of her nose.

"If you would excuse us," Hadyn stated, pulling on Matthew's arm ever so gently before looking at the man and his date with a gaze that went straight through them. "I can't hardly manage these parties without a full glass of wine in my hand and it seems I am in need of replenishment."

She raised the glass in evidence before drawing Matthew with her and leaving the pair. Her wine, in fact, still occupied about three fourths of the vessel, suggesting her interest in departing had more to do with their couple than a need for a refill. Throughout the interaction Hadyn barely acknowledged the blonde, leaving her to stare at Hadyn like a dead fish. As they quitted the table, the brunette turned her head gently toward Matthew, her voice still withdrawn, speaking before sipping on the wine, allowing him to lead where he may.

"A friend from the past, hm?"