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Avin’s thinking now, real hard.  I fidget in the silence.  I guess I almost feel embarrassed for asking him to begin with.  He’s taking this so seriously, and he doesn’t even know me!  It’s been a long, long time since I’ve received advice like this – I mean, actually useful advice.

“When she nettles you, you have to act smooth, and don’t prick back.”  I cock my head, studying him intently.  Does Val “nettle” me?  Not really – I think, at least unintentionally…

Me on the other hand…

Am I the annoying one here?

“One day, something will happen.  One of you will see the other for what they are; not for what you want to be, or what you pretend to be, but who you are.”  Chills run down my spine as he stares straight at me, dead serious.

Does he know?

But he can’t, there’s no way he could possibly know that.  And besides…

I’m pretty sure that day’s already far in my past.  I fidget nervously.  It’s not like it was my choice to begin with.

And it’s not like that “revelation” was attractive at all – if anything, it’s a liability for her.

I shake my head.  This can’t be what he’s talking about.

“It’ll be the worst and best day of your life.”  I wince.  Worst day of my life?  At least you got that one right.

“After that, you’ll still have to learn her language, but this time you’ll be working in it together.  When you get a word wrong she’ll correct you, and when she loses her temper you’ll help her find it, instead of losing yours, too.”

Am I still keeping secrets from her?  What more could she possibly want to know?

Honesty.  I think that’s what Avin is trying to say.  Just pure and simple honesty,

Pure and simple, huh?

Something clicks.

I whip around, gazing back at Val.  Have I really been making things too difficult for her?  I know she’s smart, but…

I also know she hates games.

I smile to myself, feeling just a little bit giddy.  I think it’s about time we adjust the rules, don’t you think?

”She’s worth it–and she likes you. You just need to give it time.”  I snap back, staring back at Avin hopefully.

You think so?

”The last thing you want to do.”  I nod, smiling sheepishly.  He’s read me too well.

“Where were you on the social ladder? Do you have titles in…your world?”

Where was I?  Excellent question, but not one I’m inclined to answer.  I pause, carefully choosing my words.

“Certainly there are countries in my world with titles, but mine did away with them from the very start.  I suppose you could say that there’s always been an aristocracy though – in any given system, there’s bound to be those wealthy few, those who carefully consolidate power and pass it down through generations.  I suppose in that sense, you could say I’m in aristocrat of sorts myself.”  I grin back at him.  “You see, Spire has always been controlled by five houses, and it’s a general rule of thumb that your house is going to have at least one ally and at least one enemy – I’m a Goldenjay, and Val is a Page, so technically we shouldn’t be getting along.”  I shrug.  “But like I said, broken pawns don’t get much attention, sooo no one actually seems to care too much what we’re up to.”  I grin mischievously.  “All the better for us, isn’t it?”

I’m writing this pretty late, and I can’t think of a question to ask Avin back at the moment 🙁  I think there might be something for him to use in Kit’s response, though!