cultural varietyemerged from hibernation.Butall these were lost on Riodan for reasons he was less than pleased toacknowledge.Thenotion of celebrating ones begetting day is highly over rated,he crossly decidedashe passed through the gates of the University grounds. Only childrenderived any pleasure from such celebrations. Then again, onlychildren were supposed to. He was way past the age at which anysensible Deir would still care to remember the anniversary of hisbirth. So why did he feel neglected?Heshook his head and chided himself for being childish. Really, whathad he been expecting? He tried to wipe the scowl from his face as hestrode down the pedestrian path flanking the main avenue thatserviced this sector of the north district.Whysuch a long face?Riodancame to a sudden halt to avoid colliding with Dylen as the latterstepped out from behind one of the old silver oaks that shaded thepath. His eyes widened at his lovers unexpected appearance.Dylen!he exclaimed. Have you been waiting long? What are you doinghere? The hetharsmiled. Not so long. And I thought you would like to spend therest oftheday together. It is your begetting day.Riodansdark mood abruptly dissipated. Gazing happily at Dylen, he smiledwith all the pleasure of a child whod been granted his dearestwish.Ah,I would love to. But why so furtive? Riodan noted how Dylen stayedin the shade to obscure his features. Even now you hide your face.Youd think we were engaged in a clandestine affair.Weare. Dy!Idont want to hide what we have, believe me, Dylen assured him.But for your futures sake, its best to be prudent.Myfuture is with you, Riodan stoutly said.Dylenssmile turned a shade pensive. I wish the same, but life does notalways cooperate with our plans. Now, hush, lets not ruin your daywith useless debate. Come, tell me what youd like to do.Riodanopened his mouth to protest further, but Dylen brushed a placatingkissagainsthis lips, and he promptly forgot what he was about to say. Hechuckled ruefully at the ease with which Dylen could distract him.Verywell, he conceded. First, you can buy me a few meat tarts. Imstarving. Then I should like to watch Ivaras latest satire.Everyone says its very good. And then you can treat me to theriverboat dinner you keep telling me about. Lets see if the foodis as good as you claim it is!** * *Itwas dark when they stepped ashore after a leisurely cruise down theAzira, the great river that bisected the city. By now, Riodan hadcompletely revised his opinion of begetting day celebrations.Dylenchuckled when Riodan told him of his earlier sentiments. It alldepends on the quality of the company you keep, he teased.Doesthat mean Ive had the benefit of the best of the best in company?Riodan said with a grin.Yourwords, not mine.Aboutto retort, Riodan noticed they were passing by an apothecary. Hestopped and said, Wait, I need to buy something. He hastened tothe shop.Dylenhad only waited a few minutes when Riodan returned with a slenderpackage wrapped in brown paper. Dylen eyed the package curiously.Idthink you had bought yourself a bottle of wine if I didnt knowyoud gone to an apothecary, he remarked.Riodanshook his head. He partially unwrapped the package to