be seen by a numberof folk and they would appraise his appearance. He had to make a goodimpression to avoid becoming a bad reflection of Rohyrs taste inlovers.Helooked at the array of garments on the bed once more and finallyselected a blue tunic embroidered at the collar and cuffs and darkgrey breeches to go with it. The tunic would mark him as a Half Blooddue to its briefer length and looser cut but it suited his faircoloring and slender frame.Almostas soon as he finished dressing, Josel reentered the bedchamber withanother servant who fetched his used clothing. The old retainernoticed his uneasiness and gently said, I did not look in until Ideemed you decently attired. I love Rohyr like my own son and itsnot my intention to discomfort his leman.Oh,I dont mind being tended to on occasion, Lassen explained. ButI am unused to being waited on and even less showing myself toothers. Twill be hard enough doing so for Rohyr.Joselsmiled sympathetically. He wont force you to do anything beforehe has properly prepared you for it. But once he takes you to bed, Idoubt youll have thought for aught else but his pleasuring. Iassure you, hes a most accomplished lover.Lassenseyes widened at his frankness. Saints!Were blunt references to private matters of no consequence aroundhere?Forgiveme, Dyhar,Josel apologized. I forget that customs are not the sameeverywhere. You dont speak openly of such things in your town?Lassenshook his head. Tis bandied about only amongst intimates,though my addadid teach me something of what Rohyr may expect of me.Joselpursed his lips thoughtfully. It was prudent of your father toinstruct you, Dyhar.But Rohyrs expectations of his lovers are not what many believe ofhim. SeeingLassensconfusion, he said, Ah, Im only muddling matters further.Suffice to say that Rohyr doesnt believe in excluding his partnersfrom the taking of pleasure. Now, how do you wish to fix your hair?Withthe sudden change in topic, Lassens embarrassment subsided and heturned his attention to the styling of his flaxen locks. A blushwarmed his cheeks at the memory of fingers rubbing strands of hishair between them and Rohyr softly requesting that he leave histresses long.Hesat at the dresser and allowed Josel to plait his hair for him.Perhaps being waited on was not all bad, he thought, as the servantdeftly twisted his locks into place. At the very least, he could becertain the back of his head was perfectly coiffed with no waywardstrands sticking out every which way.Joselled him afterward into the sitting room where he discovered a lightmidday meal laid out on the small dining table. Thankfully, it wassimple farecool mead, crusty bread, a hearty stew and fresh fruit.The fruit was sweet and flavorful but rather odd-lookingthick andfinger-shaped with a bright yellow peel and soft pulpy flesh.Wecall it sunfruit but the southerners name for it is plantan,Josel informed him. At Lassens puzzled frown, he explained, Weimport it from South Vihandra.Mentionof the neighboring continent reminded Lassen that, while the NorthContinent was now commonly referred to as such by its inhabitants,its official name and indeed the name found on any map of Aisen wasNorth Vihandra.Mustwe explore the keep today? he