Colombo, Sri Lanka, Friday

[lockestheway]

From: Weaver%Virlomi@Motherlndia.in.net
To: PeterWiggin%private@hegemon.gov
Re: Conversation

I have never met you, but I admire your achievements. Come visit me.

From: PeterWiggin%private@hegemon.gov
To: Weaver%Virlomi@Motherlndia.in.net
Re: Conversation

Comments

[whenshewasnice]

Envy stayed back. She had no interest in rushing Virlomi when it was so much easier to observe her this way.

She couldn't say she wasn't extremely curious to see this girl. This goddess.

[lockestheway]

Finally, the rowboat arrived by the ladder. Peter held out his hand to help Virlomi up the steps; she seemed to appreciate the gesture for what it was.

Peter had her men tie the dinghy to his craft, and then brought them aboard to rest in relative comfort on the deck. He gestured to Virlomi to follow him into the main cabin - and then gestured to Envy as well, to come with.

For a moment, something displeased slid across Virlomi's expression, but she said nothing.

[whenshewasnice]

Envy noticed. Oh, of course she noticed, although she pretended she hadn't. That was easy when your face had been impassive to begin with. Same for quietly wondering what, specifically, that had been for, and whether she'd have to react to something related to that later.

She nodded, then followed.

[lockestheway]

"It's not my boat, of course," said Peter. If he had noticed any drama at all, he wasn't showing it. "Why would I waste FPE money on owning a boat? This is a loan."

Virlomi remained quiet. Though again, she did not seem entirely pleased. He decided not to read anything into it, and pressed on. "Have a seat," he said. "Are you hungry?"

"No, thank you," she said softly.

"Tea?"

"Nothing," she said.

He shrugged. All right then. "Envy?"