thegoodfellas/blogset-br huggingface dataset:
make mistakes in the first place.Yes,sir. Im sorry, sir.Thisreporter tried to claim that you were carrying on like a fairy, butit was plain hed seen nothing to support that assertion. Still,you can see how easily someone might draw such a conclusion. Ifyoure caught in a compromising position, its possible foranyone to extrapolate circumstances that are even more dire.I-Imnot a fairy! Henry bleated, sounding less convincing than hedhoped.Ofcourse you arent, Father said firmly, his tone brooking noargument. The reporter admitted his observations wereinconclusive. Father paused again to sip his drink. He sighed,deflating a little. Youre a bit of a fool, son, but youre ayoung fool, and young people can easily change. If you dont intendto be labeled a fairy, dont engage in suspect behavior. Simple asthat. Keep your pants on and stay out of the woods.Yes,sir. I can do that, sir.Youknow Im made of rough stuff, Henry. I didnt grow up with youradvantages.Yes,sir. I do know, sir.Yourmothers people are eccentric, to say the least, and a passel offools, but theyre acknowledged as quality, and thus you are, too.Your life can be a very easy thing, Henry, all open doors andaccommodation. Dont cause problems for yourself.Iwasnt doing anything anyway, Henry said, feeling morecomfortable with the untruth this time around, though he wasntable to meet Fathers eyes as he said it.Yes,Father agreed. As you said.Henrywas not sure what Father actually believed had happened, but theposition Father intended to take was clear: Henry was not a fairybecause he was a gentleman of good familyit was axiomatic.Ivetaken care of this reporter, Father continued. He wont causeproblems in the future. Henry flashed back to his terrible fantasyof strangling the reporter in the park and wondered how far hisfather might go to protect Henrys reputation. But there will beplenty more where he came from. Youll need to be careful, Henry.Youre now of an age where the things you do might easily result inscandal.Illbe careful, sir. Im really sorry.Yourfriend, Father said, making an impatient gesture with his hand.The short fellow, the Briggs boy.Louis?Iknow you used to look up to his older brother. Worshipped him like agod. Joseph, is it?No,sir. Its James. Josephs his slave.Youreaware of what a hash hes made of his life, I think.Uh,yes, sir. He had to get married.Toa barmaid, Father said. Nothing wrong with that, its honestwork, but I wont see you married to a barmaid all the same. Hisfather let him run wild, but I wont do that with you. You need tohave a spotless reputation, Henry. No dalliances, no scandals, noquestions about your suitability as a husband. Ive set a coursefor you and I expect you to follow it. Let this be your lastindiscretion.Y-yes,sir.Doyou have any questions?No,sir. Youve been, uh, very clear.Fatherexchanged a glance with Timothy. Why dont you go on ahead,Henry? Well just have a word with Martin.Sir?Goon. Hell be right up.Henrystumbled from the room in a daze, heart full of trepidation. He hadnot wanted to leave Martin behind, but he didnt see what else hecould have done.Inhis room, he sat on the edge of the bed, hands dangling between hisknees. If Martin was
receiving some extra punishment, hed have toprotest. It was unfair; none of this was Martins fault.Withtime on his hands, Henry considered his punishment. It was muchlighter than hed expected, scarcely a punishment at all, and thisshould have made him feel better, but he worried this meant that allthe blame for their wrongdoing was being placed on Martinsshoulders instead.WhenMartin knocked and let himself inside a long twenty minutes later, hewas very pale, but did not seem unduly distressed.Henrykissed and kissed him. Are you all right?Imfine, really, Martin insisted, putting his hands flat againstHenrys chest and making space between them. Mr. Tim just had afew words for me about my responsibilities.Whatdo you mean?Ivesaid before, Henry, Im supposed to try to keep you from makingmistakes.Youdotry.Nothard enough, Martin pointed out. If youre making mistakes,Im not trying hard enough.Henrydid not think this was fair. He wanted what he wanted, and he didntthink things through, and this certainly wasnt Martins fault.Above all, Martin wanted him to be happy, and so ended up doingthings Henry wanted done because Henry was stubborn and wouldntrelent. It was all his fault.Martinlay on the bed with him and let him huddle and cling, but he wasworrisomely distant, and Henry felt sure his father had saidsomething else, something that would turn Martin away from him.Whenit was time for him to go down for his dinner, Martin put up withsome desperate affection from Henry, gave him a distracted kiss, andgot up from the bed.Idont think the others will know that Im in disgrace, hesaid, admitting his concern. I dont think Mr. Tim will havetold anyone, but I cant be sure.Henrygot up, too, and took hold of his shoulders. They cant treatyou badly! Henry insisted. I wont allow it!Martinshook his head. You dont have any say in this arena, Henry.He sighed and let his forehead drop to rest on Henrys shoulder.Im not a good slave, and Mr. Tim knows it. Im terriblyashamed.Thatsnot true. Youre the best slave. All Henry could think to do waspet and kiss him, and it made him feel better to do it, but he wasntsure it did anything for Martin.Henryunderstood that Timothys good opinion was important to Martin, soof course he wanted Martin to have it; however, he didnt have asimilar expectation regarding his own father. He did not thinkanything he might do would ever give Father a positive opinion ofhim; all he hoped was that he might escape Fathers scrutiny and,more importantly, his wrath. He felt that today hehad gotten off very easily, and he wished that Martin might have somefeeling of relief, as well.Martincame back from his dinner in a slightly better mood.Mr.Tim was very kind and encouraging, Martin admitted, crouching tohelp Henry on with his trousers. Im very fortunate. Its morethan I deserve.Youdeserve the best, Henry insisted. Im sorry I put you in thatposition. It really was all my fault, Martin.Martinshook his head. Well just have to agree to disagree.AsHenry was dressed, he worried about the dinner hour, and the familyhour to follow. Would Mother have heard of his misadventure? Wouldshe recognize that he was like Reggie and say
as much to Father? Hewas quite terrified that Father would have had time to reconsider hisleniency and would now be planning to take Martin away entirely.Helooked pale in the mirror, face tight with apprehension. He wanteddesperately to be away from other peoples expectations, otherpeoples plans. Despiteor perhaps because ofthe events of themorning, he still wished for someplace in the city where he couldbehave as he wished with Martin. He wanted some version of a pirateisland of their own, some lawless refuge. Surely such a thing waspossible; smart people said that truth was stranger than fiction,after all. He held out hope that Reggie would find out about such aplace for him when he returned in the summer, but he really didntknow if he could wait that long.TOBE CONTINUED GanymedeQuartet Book 4 out in June 2015
ignorant of his birth.Willyou tell Dylen the truth one day? Tarqin asked.Hirlennodded. Its his right to know. But only when he is old enoughto accept that it must remain our secret.Dylenchose that moment to wet his diaper. Hirlen rose to his feet andcarried his fretting son to the bed.ChapterOneUnlooked-ForRikara,in the 2986th year of the Common AgeItwas always coldest in the wee hours of the night. This was especiallytrue at the height of a northern Ylandrin winter. Dylen Teris drewhis cloak closer around his tall frame as he made his way down thenarrow street to his house on the outskirts of the Quarter. As hedid, his hand passed over the left breast of his tunic. He brieflypatted it, pleased with the thick wad of banknotes secreted in thehidden pocket sewn into the lining of the tunic.Thefrosty weather did not discourage patrons from visiting the Seralye.If anything, more Deira were drawn to the establishment and theservices it offered during this season. After all, what could driveaway the cold more effectively than lively conversation before aroaring fire with good wine or fine ale to loosen the tongue? And forthose with deeper purses, a torrid tryst with a skilled hetharwas more than enough to banish any remnants of the winter chill andfortify the spirit for the short trip home. Perhaps to an empty bedor a lukewarm partner in a frigid one.Withthe cold fiercer than usual, the sight of the small porch of histownhouse was a welcome sight especially with the oil lamp over thefront door bravely flickering in the gloom. He quickened his pace,eager for the warmth of his home. It was fortunate that he grabbedhold of the balustrade as he hurried up the steps else he might havepitched forward on his face when he tripped over an unexpectedobstacle.Dylenglared down at what looked like a large bundle of clothing in the dimlight. Whoin heyasleft their trash at his doorstep,he thought in irritation. A faint movementcaughthis eye. He bent to take a closer look.HolyVeres! he softly exclaimed and turned the bundle over. He staredinto a face whitened by the cold and gleaming hair flecked with icecrystals.Ahasty sweep of the unconscious Deirs attire told him this was nohomeless beggar who had sought shelter for the night. His crushedvelvet tunic was of a style the most expensive clothiers aloneprovided, and his cloak was of finest wool. And only the bestshoemakers fashioned boots of such quality and fashion. But warm asthe Deirs garments were, they were not equal to the freezingweather.Dylenhurriedly unlocked the door then returned to the Deir and lifted himin his armsdespite being a dead weight, the Deir was not all thatheavy. Dylen carried him into the foyer and kicked the door shutbehind him. The tread of feet on the stairs followed the doorsclosing.Tarqinseyes widened when he descried Dylen standing in the foyer with aninsensate stranger in his arms. The elderly servant hastened forward.Whoin Aisen? he started to say.Dylenshook his head. I havent the faintest idea. But we have to warmhim up quickly. Hes all but frozen stiff.Tarqinnodded and turned to hurry back up the stairs. Ill draw
him, Hirlen gentlysuggested. Riodan snorted. My sire is blinded by ambition. If hedeems association with a Deiradvantageous,he will ignore whatever flaws he possesses however egregious. Hesighed unhappily. Hes not uncaring. I dont want you to thinkthat of him. Indeed he wishes only the best for me. But he doesntalways consider the feelings of others before deciding their livesfor them. I try to be obedient, but there are times I simply cannotabide his choices.Bethat as it may, you have naught with you but the clothes on yourback, Dylen said. What are your plans? Surely you didntintend to stay away longer than a day.Actually,I did, Riodan answered with some embarrassment. I didnttravel here from Sidona just to spend the night.Dylenblinked. Sidona was some twenty leagues southwest of Rikara. Youcame all the way here with no money or clothing?Nay,I am not such a lackwit to travel so far without any provisions!Riodan said a little indignantly. I had money and some clothes.And I intended to draw funds as soon as I arrivedI have an accountwith Bank Cordona. But the wheel of my hired carriage broke, and Iarrived well after dark.Dylenexchanged a glance with his father. Either Riodan was not giftedenough to journey by translocation or he had not received adequatetraining to create the mind-generated corridors that allowedtravellers to cover vast distances in a matter of minutes.Andyour belongings? What became of them? Hirlen asked.Riodangingerly touched the welt on his forehead. I was looking for adecent inn, but I got lost very quickly. Ive only been to Rikara afew times and never so late or in this part of town. I was set upon afew blocks from here. Some scoundrel shoved me into an alley. When Ifought back, he hit me hard enough to knock me down. Riodan lookedquite forlorn. He took my money and bag.Yourelucky thats all he took, Dylen dryly commented. The coldsaved your virtue. He gestured apologetically when Riodan paled.How did you wind up at our door?Imnot sure. I think I stayed in that alley for a while. But when itbegan to snow, I tried to look for help. The next thing I knew I waslying at your doorstepI must have blundered my way here. It justgot colder, and I suppose I lost consciousness then.Soyou intend to stay in Rikara a while, Hirlen murmured. Wherefore?What do you hope to accomplish by not returning home soonest?Itwill make my sire realize that I seriously oppose the match he istrying to arrangeforme.Andhow long do you intend to stay away?Untilhe comes for me. At Hirlens frown, Riodan explained, Helikely thinks I will return with my tail between my legs. I wager itwill be months before he starts to doubt that assumption. Only thenwill he search Sidona for me. It will probably take even longerbefore he realizes that I have gone farther afield.Andwhat if he doesnt come to Rikara? Hirlen asked a touchreprovingly. Are you that determined to make him suffer?Riodanshook his head. He will think of Rikara eventually. Its theonly place I have visited outside of Sidona.Dylenlooked at him curiously, Youre quite sheltered for a diplomatsson, he commented, handing
better located ones.Riodanshrugged. I may not have travelled much outside of Sidona, but Ioft moved about on my own within the fief. I can fend for myself. AndI dont mind less ideal accommodations so long as theyre cleanand reasonably secure.Dylenopened his mouth to scoff, but a glance from Hirlen shushed him.Youshould avoid the south district, Hirlen counselled. Its thepoorest and most unsavory section of the city. The north district, onthe other hand, is rich, well guarded and close to the University.But you will find only townhouses and large apartments forrenthardly what you have in mind I dare say. Now the east and westdistricts are quite safe during daytime and have a good number ofdecent lodgings. Dy will help you find something suitable. Untilthen, you will stay with us. Do keep in mind, however, that Sidonacant compare to Rikara, neither its beauties nor its dangers. Thatyou were assaulted almost as soon as you arrived is testament tothat. Dont be so quick to trust new acquaintances either. Not eventhe likes of us.Riodanstared at him. But you saved me!Howdo you know were not just fattening you for the slaughter?Dylen dryly pointed out. He suppressed the urge to roll his eyes whenRiodan gaped in obvious shock. All Addais saying is that, hereabouts, its best to be overly cautious withstrangers. You dont know enough just yet to separate the wheatfrom the chaff, and that may prove your undoing. Now, what say I takeyou to our tailor? I have more than enough to clothe us both, and Idont mind sharing with you. But I dont think you wish to goabout in ill-fitting garments that tell one and all at a glance thattheyre borrowed.Agrimace of embarrassment replaced Riodans burgeoning scowl. Hemumbled his agreement and kept his attention on his porridge for therest of the meal. Afterward, he went to Dylens bedroom to dressfor a day out in the cold.Sonaive, Dylen murmured when Riodan was out of earshot.Hirlenagreed. Hopefully, he will overcome that soonest. But do begentler with him, Dy. Your much vaunted tact seems to have gonemissing.Heisnt a patron, Adda.But he could be a friend.Notif he remains infatuated with me. Ah, you noticed.Dylensnorted. Id have to be deaf and blind not to. He told me hesnever met a Deir as beautiful as I. And he keeps staring at me whenhe thinks Im not aware. He also blushes quite prettily whenever Iaddress him, even for the most trivial of matters.Hirlenlaughed. Many of our guests react likewise when you pay them morethan due attention, and theyre mostly full-grown Deira. You cantfault one as young as Riodan for doing the same. He eyed his soncannily. Or is it that you appreciate him far more than you likeand wish he didnt feel as you do?Faintcolor warmed Dylens cheeks, a charming effect due to the rarity ofits occurrence. Wherefore indulging in something that is forbiddento the fraternity and might lead to expulsion from its ranks? hesoftly said.Hisfather shook his head. You know full well that love isntforbidden to us; only wedlock.Butthe first oft leads to the second. And, even if it doesnt, how cananyone
ask it of his partner to look the other way whilst hecontinues to share himself with others? Its no wonder marriage isproscribed. It isnt just to keep us focused on our patrons butalso to prevent jealous spouses from wrecking the peace.Notevery love is meant to culminate in wedlock, Hirlen pointed out.If you do come to know such a love, Ill be the first toencourage you to leave the fraternity and bind yourself in matrimony.But there is no certitude that it will happen. In which case, I seeno reason why you shouldnt indulge in a romantic interlude now andthen. I did and came out the richer for having known the affectionand concern of those precious few I called lovers. Again heregarded his son with keen interest. Are you so drawn to him thatyou think he will lead you to the marriage bed?Thistime, Dylen went still. He mutely stared at his father for thelongest while. At length he said, Even were I to desire that, onesuch as he would hardly want the same thing. A one-night tumble, abrief affair, yes, he might propose either arrangement to a hethar.But wedlock? Our profession, even if I leave it, will likely get inthe way giventhatI have entertained many Deira he will eventually associate with andeven bedded a fair number of them.Andthats your real fear, Hirlen mused. Youre afraid to fallin love with someone to whom your past might prove an obstacle toogreat to overcome.Dylenshrugged. It doesnt really matter, does it? If love comesa-looking, it will find me. Ill just have to cope with theconsequences the best I can. He warned Hirlen of Riodans returnwith a slight tilt of his head. Nonetheless, its good to getthat off my chest, Adda,he said as he rose to his feet. Thank you for knowing me so well.Hirlensmiled. He glanced up at Riodan who looked from him to Dylen withequal parts curiosity and wariness.Hesnaive but not obtuse,Hirlen thought. Aloud he said, You might as well makeinquiriesat the University, Riodan. No sense waiting until the start of secondterm and risking all the student slots being filled.Yes,Ill do that, Riodan replied. Thank you, Teris-dyhar.Hirlenseyebrows rose at his use of the high honorific. To what does thishumble commoner owe such esteem?Youopened your home to me, a stranger in need, and took me under yourwing, Riodan earnestly explained. You are noble in heart if notin blood, and I count that the more worthy of praise.Dylenaverted his eyes, but Hirlen espied the gleam of pleasure in them.Hirlen inwardly sighed.Andwhat will my gallant Dylen be to you, Riodan Leyhar? A mere bed treatas he fears? Or a true desire?ChapterThreeProgressionThreemonths, Dylen thought as he readied himself for his next guest. Threemonths and still Riodan Leyhar remained with them. He had startedsecond term at the State University but, as expected, there were novacancies among the decent student lodgings in the city this time ofthe year. And so, the young Sidonan continued to make the Teris abodehis home. And Dylens bedchamber his quarters.Riodanhad persuaded Dylen to return to his room and declared himself happywith the divan beneath the window, claiming it
was as comfortable asany bed. Dylen had given in, but suspected it wasnt just his roomthat Riodan wished to share.Hestrove to put the thought out of his mind. He suspected, but he hadno concrete proof, that his roommate wanted more than friendshipbetween them. Indeed, his misgivings might very well be merely areflection of his own mixed feelings about the situation rather thananything Riodan truly felt about him. Better to focus on his dutiesthan engage in speculation.Dylenchose a subtly aromatic soap from the Seralyes collection andstepped into a bath stall. He thoroughly scrubbed his body, riddinghimself of all signs of the just concluded encounter with his secondguest of the evening. It was deemed highly unprofessional to presentones self to a guest still smelling of another Deirs scent.That was the province of the bawds whose lot it was to take on asmany partners as they could in any given day and therefore did notwaste much time washing away the evidence of each tumble. When Dylenheaded for the reception room a quarter of an hour later, he lookedas if he had just arrived for the night.Theguest whod requested his company was seated on the couch beforethe fire, speaking to Keon. The secretary straightened when he sawDylen. Excusing himself, he went to the hethar.Thisis his first time here, he murmured. Hes much younger thanyour usual guests.Solong as hes of age, Dylen replied. He specifically asked forme? Most insistently in fact. He said if you werentavailable he would come backanotherday.Didhe? Interesting.Curvinghis mouth into a welcoming smile, Dylen approached the Deir. About tospeak, he hesitated when he got a closer look at his guest. There wassomething familiar about him. The Deir suddenly turned his fair head.Dylenseyebrows all but flew upwards. What are you doing here? heasked somewhat warily as Riodan rose to his feet and faced him.Riodangrinned and said, I watched Molaves latest play and realizedyour club was nearby. So I thought to pay you a visit.Dylenstared at him, a little taken aback not so much by the unexpectedvisit as by Riodans appearance. He had helped the other Deir puttogether a wardrobe sufficient forhisneeds. But he had not seen him attired for an evening out until now.Clad in a black dress tunic over a silky white shirt, dark grey longbreeches and fine leather boots, Riodan looked stunning to say theleast and more sophisticated than Dylen knew him to be.Hefirmly suppressed his reaction to the others beauty. Rio, werenot allowed personal visits during working hours.Oh,I paid for the pleasure of your company, Riodan airily answered.So I was told. I hope you mean that in the strictest sense of theterm.Riodanflashed him a sweet, entreating smile. Dont be angry, Dy. Ionly offered when I found out that visitors werent permitted.Dylensighed. Very well, you might as well get your moneys worth.Before ushering Riodan to one of the parlors, he spoke to Keon. Haverefreshments brought to the blue parlor.Keonglanced at Riodan who was gazing quite avidly at Dylen. Should Ihave one of the bedchambers readied? he softly inquired.Heisnt a patron, Dylen pointed out. Zarael hasnt vetted himyet. The secretary snorted. As if he