After Astarion left, Tav walked around the house, doing household tasks and looking for anyone to chat with. She talked to Selune, and played with kittens. Talked to Arabella, but even Arabella was bored with her conversation, and seemed to know she was using her as a distraction. She spent time washing her hair and made a mess of trying to plait it down her back.
Finally, she was fed up with her stalling and headed upstairs to their bedroom. Normally she would be keen to get stuck into a book, discovering its secrets, even Infernal writings kindled her interest, but this book--- it was personal. Perhaps it was her Fey Ancestry that made her wary, but for anyone wanting to delve into the missives of hell, should have some fear.
She marched out to the balcony to find the book. It was a dark book, wrapped in crinkled hide skin, and next to the title of the book was an emblem representing Cania, the 8th Hell. She grabbed it up and took it inside. Clearing the desk, she thumped the book down. She made sure she had enough ink and parchment. She was going to take notes to help in translating the Infernal language.
"Ritual of Sacrifice." On an initial flick through she could read some of the text. The reason she had that knowledge was due to her voracious studies of Arcana, and in particular devils and the Hell planes. The words were formed straight from the 8th Hell. Cazador did not write this book.
There were references for the preparation of the Black Mass. This included the making and collection of vampiric souls. Souls of youth and innocence were the most desirable to change into spawn. Those with power were highly valued, and had to be watched closely, and tightly controlled.
Diagrams of rune markings were shown. All souls had to possess the marks. The runes ranged in complexity – simple runes right through to the elaborate language on the Seven Contracts. Multiply the souls, increase the capacity for power. Augment the blessings from and to Mephistopheles.
The drawing of the staff caught her attention. Something about it puzzled her and she eyed it closely. Currently Gale had the staff, so its appearance wasn't clear in her mind. But on viewing the one in the book, she realized it was a different shape. This led her to believe it was the components within the staff that was integral to its function and not necessarily the staff itself. The stone within the staff was Thrym extracted from the Remorhaz, a monstrous ice worm. This extract was crystallized in Mephistar's hellfire. This was not something that just anyone could cultivate.
Tav wrote down what she could translate and discern. From what she already knew of the language, she could determine more. So far she had already speculated the rune descriptions and their use. She came to the Profane Rite of Ascension. Pictures of seven circular symbols, each one different from the other, were laid out with extraordinary and impressive detail. Each one had a primary name written around it in the text.
'Mastery, Dominance, Control, Immortality, Power,' The last two made her pull up in surprise, 'Slavery and Chained.' It would seem these Names would be the traits Cazador would inherit upon fulfillment of the Rite. The others she understood, but—Slave, Chained? Did Cazador read that and approve, she wondered? So in effect, the rite would make Cazador a Slave and Chained to Mehphistopheles for eternity?
She had to wonder if it meant anything, that Astarion had the name Slave on his back? But then again, that was probably Cazador's cruel amusement, bringing more torment to his 'spawn'. The pleasing irony of that, the 'Slave Spawn' eventually destroyed his master.
The design and patterns of the Ritual floor were written in distinct detail. Each of the Seven were secured to altars, and must remain alive till consumption to maximize the pain. Although it seemed the other multiple of spawn could be anywhere, and they would instantly be consumed. She went back to the Infernal markings and studied them for some time. Finally she could distinguish the language regarding the rune markings. They were like a stamp engraving… or a signature, worse still, a pact in their own right. Each one, from the simple runes to the extravagance of the Seven. Cazador had signed contracts with each individual spawn through to the multiple of the thousands.
Tav continued making notes of this, continuing to decipher the language. As night fell she lit the candles on the stand. She attempted reading aloud the text. She stopped with a sudden shiver of fear in the shadow filled room. It was not smart to bring demonic attention to herself right now. 'But this…' she took her time trying to unravel the symbols – but finally she wrote down – the contract infused with hell in flesh, is carved for eternity. Mephistopheles is owed by those who carry the Mark of Mephistar. A debt owed to the Lord of Cania. 'Oh, by the gods…'
'Souls in exchange for servanthood to the Magnificent Mephistopheles.' Although it wasn't a surprise, it was still horrifying to see it verified. Cazador had signed away the souls of all the spawn he had created over the centuries in return for Mephistopheles' 'blessing'. He considered all these spawn his own personal property to do with as he pleased. Even the devil, Raphael, had been astounded by its scope and vileness, hence the magnitude of how terrible it really was. Now she could completely comprehend his valid disgust.
The downside for Cazador, he would be the slave to Mephistopheles for eternity. Cazador was obviously not concerned by this. His soul was already too far gone by his evil depravity to have any type of morals. Most likely he actually desired to be Mephistopheles' Chosen. According to Arcana Hell knowledge, Mephistopheles was a vicious being with an outrageous temper. He would have violent rages, and he would destroy his surroundings and servants in explosive outbursts of fiery magic. Despite his fits of uncontrollable rage, he was a manipulative and conniving devil. He was also reputed for being the High Wizard of Baator.
But as it went, Cazador did not perform the Rite, due to his death, and Mephistopheles did not receive the multitude of souls that were destined for Mephistar, his capital city in Cania. 'I have an awful sense the Ritual was a lot more heinous than we thought…' she muttered with growing fear.
Under a line of text, she drew her finger, trying to read it. Rights of the Signed Immortals bequeathed to the Lord of Blessings to be used in the glory and progression of Mephistopheles' advancements. She gazed away into the dim room dumbfounded, and dismayed. 'It's just a glorified contract, with a devil. A very powerful one from the 8th layer of hell.' Tav's heart sank and she muttered, 'Can't imagine he would let it slide…' What's the bet he is scheming right now to bring it to pass that he does get what he is owed.
Mephistopheles' signature is upon the flesh, as such it will not go unclaimed. There is no provision for reneging the contract. Lord of Cania will be owed what he has been pledged. This devil hasn't been paid his 'souls', and that included Astarion. 'No…no,' sudden tears blurred her vision. Sorrow started welling up inside her at the revelation the contract still had potency, '…how can this be?'
This would explain why men and a vampire had been after Astarion. Fortunately, Mephistopheles couldn't simply take the souls, he still needed the Ritual to take place. But all of this means that Astarion is still the 'property' of someone – an Archdevil, and one of the most intelligent, manipulating ones in the Hell planes. The tragedy of it overwhelmed her. After knowing Astarion such a short time, to think he could be taken away and still be used in this wicked ritual, was heart-wrenching.
She couldn't read anymore, she imagined the book would never disclose how to break the pact. Leaving the book open and her notes scattered, she undressed. She crawled into the cold bed, and curled up into a ball. Feeling defeated, she sobbed till she fell into pain-full dreams.
~><~
Smoke was billowing out from the mighty trees, and the flames could still be seen even from Dlabraddah in the eastern Ward. Thunderous sounds and the cacophony of Magic coursing through the air caused the ancient forest to shudder. Above the towers and temples in the Old City, and amid the trails of lightening, and weaves of magic, flying Fiends and Familiars could be glimpsed colliding against each other. The battle would be fierce around the castle, where Coronal Lathandros maintained his defense, along with the Akh-Velahr, and the Coronal Knights.
Feywardens and a portion of the Priests of Corellan, which included Light Bringers and Holy Warriors, were making a strategic retreat from the Western Wards. The elves had held a good part of the city through the last summer, but even so, the tragic loss of so many of the Akh-Faer and Coronal Knights, was a severe blow and too substantial to overcome the enemy. Resources were depleted and many of the city's landmarks had been attacked, and huge areas of the city's Mythral was decimated, making it easier for the enemy to invade the boundaries.
The forest city was on the verge of collapse. On the orders of Captain Flaer, Feywardens were escorting some of the last elves out of the city. The massive Silversgate portal, near the Coronal Castle, was rendered unsafe for travel, as well as the major Astral Pathways in the inner city. They had a chance of gaining exit through the Eastern Ward and the smaller Merchants portal. The civilians, numbering in the hundreds, were artisans, nobles and their servants, they were those who previously refused to leave their homes, but now they were left with no choice.
Through the shadows of the ancient trees and dwellings and roadways high above them, the elves moved with silence, and carrying what belongings they could manage. Their most precious and valuable treasures, were the children and little ones they carried. A terrible gloom hung over them, a sunken sadness was in their eyes that could not be described with any known words.
'Aviala!' Drynwyn Raedrimn shouted at her. A tall thick chested blonde haired elf, wearing the customary elven armour and with longsword and shield, he stood nearer the back of the line of elves. 'Be on your guard. We are not in safety yet.'
The shout startled her from her mournful daze. Without realizing she had been staring, heart-broken, at the dire sight of the City, burning and filling with the sink of foul monsters from the Domains of Dread. Everything she had known was being destroyed, the splendor and magnificence culminated through the centuries, the age-old trees, the wisdom and knowledge of her people, was being sundered into ruins.
Turning her attention back to the elves, she sighed with weary grief, and she wondered if she would collapse from the sorrow she was carrying. Drynwyn, her Commander, must have noticed she was lost to her dismal thoughts, and his abrasive words shook her free. She needed to listen to him if she were to assist in getting the elves to safety.
Instantly she became more alert as they approached the end of the Ward and the Merchants portal. Other Wardens marched either side of the procession of civilians, along with the Priests. With the Portal in sight, a Light-Bringer assessed its safety. He signaled it was travel worthy and started to put defenses around its stability.
Along with everyone, she was relieved, except now, it had finally come, she would have to leave her home. Everyone started to gather and wait.
A shout came from behind, 'Orcs!'
Orcs were coming from the roadway leading to the city behind them. Not a great deal, but there was also a Bugbear among them. By innate reflexes Aviala knew what to do, they had been fighting for months, even years, this was just another battle. She should have known it wouldn't be so easy to get these elves free.
The Priests rushed to cast their Domes and Sanctuary spells over the elves, while archers fired magical ammunition into the approaching orcs. Spells flew into the enemy, and the air became electric and acrid from the dense magic. Aviala remained near the civilians, as per Drynwyn's orders. Orcs came at her and she was ready. She fought alongside her friends, Shianne, a Corellan Light-Bringer, and Keledryn, another Warden. Fighting orcs was now second nature. She was battle hardened against the horrid beasts. Their strikes were brutal and hard, but their combat moves were predictable, and she could slay them even without magic.
Within the Sanctuaries and Domes, the elves huddled together, and were praying for protection. In the heat of swordplay with an orc, Aviala noticed a bright blonde-haired child watching her. The luminous glint in her young elf eyes was mesmerizing. The girl seemed to shine with High Magic power, but despite her powerful presence, Aviala realized the child held a bow and was not afraid at all to use it.
'No, child!'Aviala yelled at her. Any attack from within the Spells protection would break it, and all inside it would be vulnerable to the enemy's weapons. The child didn't hear or was still determined to join the fray, she directed her bow outwards.
Shianne screamed at those in the Dome. 'Stop her! Or you will all be killed.'
'Jaheira!' The male in charge of the child grabbed her and took her bow, and with expressions of anger and indignation, he scolded, 'This is not the time for you to play Warrior!'
Tav opened her eyes, in a sweat, the adrenaline from the combat still pumping through her body. Taking some moments to calm herself, she embraced the heart-ache of the memory. It was a gut-wrenching day, the time when her home was overrun with evil creatures. Over it all, she recalled the child's face and name, and she smiled to herself, as she drifted back to sleep. That Jaheira would be in her past, really shouldn't be a surprise.
~><~
Later on Tav was nudged awake by Astarion getting into bed. She remained with her eyes closed, but moved her head to leave her neck exposed as she usually did if she wasn't fully asleep.
He gently rolled her on her back and was over her. He hooked her knees over his legs, his heated naked body now laying on hers. His fangs penetrated her skin with the familiar prick. While tenderly grinding his nakedness into her mound, he fed on her life-essence. Everything in her body came alive to him, and she let out a languid moan.
He clasped her hand and held it down on the bed, his other came around her lower back firmly keeping her in place. His hardness stroked her clit. Intensifying in speed, he seemed determined that she should climax. After moments of rhythmic moving and sucking on her neck, she was ready.
In the moment, he thrust himself into her wetness. Breathing heavily and wiggling against his hold, Tav couldn't hold back the cry of the ecstasy that was coming. Letting go of her neck, he let loose an involuntary groan. He was so hard inside her, her body trembled and waves of passion came over her. The need in him was overwhelming as he pounded into her.
It wasn't long before he was moaning his pleasure and pulsing in her tight passage, reaching his own climax. He looked down at her, his eyes shining with heartfelt desire. He kissed her face, all over, ending on her lips. His voice was deep on her mouth, 'I'm sorry my love… I needed all of you.'
She kissed his face in return. 'You had a rough time tonight?'
'I went to places I never wanted to return to.' He held her face in his hand and gazed into her eyes. 'You've been crying,' His tone was soothing, 'That is not something I like to see.'
She tried to turn her face away, he held her gently. She lowered her eyes and whispered, 'I don't want to lose you…'
'I read your notes.'
She caught a sob in her throat, there were more waiting to come.
He rolled her into his arms as they lay facing each other in the bed. 'Somehow I don't feel surprised by this—'
Quietly, she said, 'I'm going to find a way out of this—'
'No,' he kissed her and said, 'We will do it together.'
She nodded, trying to generate the hope she needed.
'Sleep now, my love,' he cuddled her close against his chest, 'We shall talk about it tomorrow.'
~><~
The sun had been up a few hours. Tav had been downstairs for food and to feed the cats. She also needed to check on Arabella. She did all this under a cloud of melancholy and a spattering of tears.
Astarion was still asleep when she returned upstairs. She mentally went back over all she had learned from the Book of the Ritual. Again she looked over her notes, as if she could gain a better understanding of the situation.
With the curtains drawn, she lit the candles on the stand, and sat on the couch. She would continue studying the book, and keep on thinking of solutions. Selune came to join her, and she ran her fingers through the fluffy softness as a calming distraction. Tav didn't want to cry anymore.
Finally Astarion woke. He pulled back the curtain and he looked at her with a strange expression on his face. Initially Tav wondered if he had another nightmare. 'Good morning.' Her voice was soft in the golden-lit light.
'You seem in better spirits my love,' He stretched his arms and pulled on some pants.
She dispelled a forlorn breath.
Before she could respond, he stated, 'I had a dream – a memory…'
'Oh?' Amid excitement, she gave him her full attention. 'What was it?'
'A room of white marble, and gold. Clear sun-light came through a large circular space leading outside. The room had light coming from various panes of coloured glass.' He spoke as if reliving the memory again, as if he was trying to capture it and keep it in his mind. 'Soft rugs of moss green were on the floor.' He closed his eyes and continued, 'Plants everywhere it seems. Oh yes, an oversized circular bed is on the left.' He put his hand out in that direction. 'The open space leads out to a balcony which appears to be in the midst of trees.' He opened his eyes and stared, as if looking at something not present, 'Someone is on the balcony, but…'
'Yes?' Tav queried with anticipation.
'It all faded—' Sudden anger came over him, 'that dreaded portal opened and he was there – all over again.' He sat a moment, throwing his head back, and took a long breath, appearing to calm his demenour.
Tav wanted to go and comfort him, but he stood up.
He came over to her and said, 'This time, I felt, actually, I didn't feel the hunger…'
'Maybe the dreams are getting stronger, but…' Tav assumed it was the contract keeping his memories captive, but she didn't want to voice that aloud.
'If only that evil being would leave my mind for good.' He observed her notes, some on the couch, some on the desk.
Tav asked, 'Did you read everything?'
'I read enough.' His expression was grim. 'To think, once again, my soul can be the property of someone else. Could there be anyone worse than an Arch-devil of the 8th Hell?'
She revealed her own feelings. 'It's horrifying to consider.'
'At least we have a possible answer as to why I was being hunted,' he gave a nervous chuckle, 'Gods, it had to be, didn't it? This thing on my back. A contract.'
Tav kept a steadfast gaze on him. 'If this is a plan of some nefarious vampire, then it's not going to be easy for them.'
'Darling, you are so right,' his eyes brightened and he gave a devilish grin, 'I didn't get this far, killing a vampire lord, gaining my freedom, to lose my soul to a devil because of some god forsaken vampire.' He smashed his fist into his hand. 'I'm going to make it as difficult as I can for those devils.'
'It makes me wonder…' She hesitated, but decided it best to know now, rather than it come up later, 'Now that we could be facing this, do you regret… not taking that power yourself?'
'Hmm, you mean, now that someone else may do it instead…?' his eyes fixed on her in a genuine gaze, 'On occasion I have wondered about it. I've played it out in my mind.'
'You have…' she felt herself inhaled a little too sharply.
'My thoughts on this haven't changed.' His tone became more serious, 'Actually the more I go over the more certain I am. It seems you have wondered about it? Do you regret I didn't do it?'
The query surprised her that he would consider she wanted it to happen. She hated that he lost so much when he accepted he would remain a spawn, and not ascend. But she felt in a selfish way, she was glad. 'Sometimes I've thought on it too…I don't like that you lost your ability to walk in the sun…' Hesitating, she blushed because in truth she never really wanted to bring it up, because of her own feelings on it.
'I know your thoughts on it…' He encouraged her, his eyes shimmering. 'And I agree it is unfortunate.'
Tav told him at the time that they defeated Cazador, but that was just a rudimentary opinion. Her thoughts on it had grown stronger over the last month. 'Thinking on it… if you had really taken it up… I don't know if I could have followed you… but my love for you is strong… I just don't know what I would have done…'
'At the time it was chaos, with the intoxicating power and the overwhelming emotions, but you were right. It would be exchanging one master for another, despite what I might think of being all-powerful. No one is ever All-powerful. I would never be free, it would be the final destination for me for an eternity.' He took hold of her hand, and his eyes conveyed reassurance. 'After reading what is involved in this contract with a devil and eternal repercussions, I know I made the right choice.' He shook his head. 'The Ritual was never really about Ascension or giving away power, it was a devil scheming to get seven thousand souls.'
'And a Chosen servant.' Tav shuddered.
'Hell and devils, I would have to make spawn to keep the 'empire' operational. That means making people into what I am, or at best enthralled servants.' His voice was full of unease. 'I would be compelled to make you into a spawn…'
Tav shivered at the thought. 'I'm not…' Would he really go that far? Would she take up the offer? Her whole being would be torn at such a decision. '…sure if I would have agreed…'
'That's one of the reasons I love about you,' He smiled, and spoke superfluously, 'I would be at the pinnacle of dominance over a pile of corpses and vampire spawn, living arrogantly as a Chosen of Mephistopheles – a target to any power hungry fool. Then, to one day in centuries of time be brought down by a bitter tormented and ambitious spawn. You were able to see right through all of it.'
Tav's eyes widened in wonder that he could be so blunt regarding himself. He really had been thinking over these things. 'I've read some history books…'
He continued, 'I would have lost the very one I love.' His hands animated his words. 'Either through making you a vampire, or you running away from me.'
She caught her breath at the terrible truth of it. It was the exact thing she had feared since understanding what Cazador was planning and Astarion's thoughts on it back then. 'It's that bad, isn't it?'
'Let me explain. For you to become a spawn, I would have to feed on all your blood, till death. In effect, I would have to kill you. Similar to your experience with that vampire. You might think you could be with me and remain mortal. However over time, I doubt I would accept that. Certainly as the decades passed and you aged. My love and obsession for you would be too strong for me to control.'
She bit her lip, suddenly seeing how final it would all be. There would be no escape from that life. 'That's frightening…'
'You, my love would be no more.' He took up both her hands this time and kissed them. 'Your essence, your mortal blood, would be gone. You would be my spawn consort. Utterly mine and fantastically obedient in every way possible, I would make sure of it. Even becoming a true vampire there's no guarantee you would even receive the Ascension blessing. In fact I would think the lord of Cania would require some sort of contract.'
She could only stare with alarm and trepidation as his voice become elevated with outrage.
'You, the one I fell in love with, for all the things you do and say, all your absurd idiosyncrasies, your flagrant independence. The chaotic impulses, the eccentric kindness, your obsession with little critters, your lovely disposition, all would be consumed by my passive domination, and my longing to have perfect control over your love.' He was getting more dramatic as he described what he would become. 'Everything I loved about you would be gone, maybe not in a year, maybe not ten, but… as much as I think it wouldn't be like that, it would be like that exactly. But because I do love you, I would love you to death.'
'Oh my gods…' She only imagined it might be like that, but he was flat-out saying it. 'It's not all about me though…' her voice lowered, 'You would be changed… you wouldn't be the same at all. You would have reached the top of mastery of everything. Nothing else to learn, nowhere to go from there…'
'You see it. After reading the Ascended would be a Chosen of Mephistopheles.' He furrowed his brow with wrath. 'My soul would be forfeit along with thousands of others.'
'It feels so much worse than what we realized at the time…'
Astarion pulled her to her feet. 'The further I get from that decision, the clearer my vision gets. I did give away a chance to walk in the sun, and the power of dominance in this city, and to leave the hunger behind, but, I don't know… there's some sort of obscene delight knowing I have cheated a devil out of seven thousand souls.'
'Yet now someone else might try.' Her voice was tinged with irritation.
His eyes shone with affection. 'My love, we have come along way together, and have achieved many things of great renown, with many profound people, and…' he drew her into his embrace, 'our journey has not yet finished. We have seen some truly absurd and irrational things. Just look at Gale. Dear sod, had a bomb in his chest, and willing to blow himself up. '
'And then Karlach with the same issue almost.' She hugged him back. 'To the point she had to return to Hell.'
'Plus, you have shown me I can experience Reverie again. That…' he said, '…what more could I ask for. The ability to revisit memories from my past lives. You could say, you have loved me to life.'
She leaned into his bare chest and her hands ran circles over the scars on his back, reminding her. 'I'm going to find a way of breaking this pact on you.'
He smiled expectantly. 'If anyone can do it, it will be you. I've seen you do the most amazing of endeavors with your clever alluring mind. Your charm and wit brought us to Baldur's Gate after all.'
'I didn't do that alone—'
He interrupted her, 'Made a Warlock pact with a fiend, an Orthon no less, without having to lose your soul,' he remarked with admiration.
'Yurgir just wanted freedom from his own contract.'
'Yes,' He said dryly, 'And willing to give you power for that, that's the important thing.' He gripped her a little closer, 'We are going to seriously be on alert from now on.'
She remembered to ask about his meeting with some of the City officials, 'How did it go yesterday with those you were going to speak with? You didn't sound too pleased with it?'
'Well, there are some that are receiving their just dues, and it's been a long time coming, and who better to serve it than yours truly. Let's leave it at that for now. Currently they believe what I'm telling them. I have provided documents and letters,' He paused, 'I am not sure how long it will last. But those I spoke to know there is incriminating evidence in that palace, so they are eager to keep it closed.'
'You know their secrets,' Tav said knowingly, 'I am not sure that is a good thing for you though.'
'Knowing their secrets is a foul thing indeed,' Astarion had a slight grin, 'That is why I have subtly dropped the information that Cazador has a relative who is the next of kin to inherit his estate.'
Tav said, 'Oh, the one who wrote the notes? Amanita Szarr…' she stopped and stared at him for a moment, 'Gods you wrote some sort of will, didn't you?'
He laughed. 'According to her journal she escaped the palace. Maybe she is alive, and that it is enough that they believe it.'
'I think it's the best way.' Tav didn't fully understand the reasons behind his actions, but she appreciated his deep connection with the Crimson palace. If the city had any hint that Cazador was dead they would take it over. She doubted Florrick would allow Astarion and Tav to live there outright, there would be too many to oppose the decision.
'It's not just the city that must be kept in the dark,' he stated, 'It is any other vampire lord that are observing this city. Although, I fear they already presume to know.'
'But if it can be secured through a blood relative…' Tav speculated.
Astarion finished for her, 'That would be more ideal. For everyone.'
She nodded her agreement. Then realized what he was trying to tell her, 'We aren't going to Waterdeep, are we?'
'Actually, I've been thinking on that.' He held her away to look at her face. 'Perhaps we can make Gale wait.'
She gave a disgruntled sigh.
'Her books are quite interesting. We might need to make a visit, however that is outside the city.' He gestured over to a small pile of slender books. 'But, first, there's a place I want to investigate here in Baldur's Gate.' His hands moved to her shoulders. 'I'm sorry, Sweetheart, we can't leave the city just yet.'
'I don't think I'm ready just yet, but—' she gave him a quizzical stare.
'I found some notes left by one of my siblings, Leon, in the palace,' he told her, 'there's something intriguing going on with him and I want to see how far I can follow it up.'
'It might be important to find him and tell him what we are learning about the pact markings.'
'Hmm, he should be warned, that is true.'
Tav looked over at the notebooks. 'I would like to read her books.'
He replied, 'And you shall, but be prepared for some morbid tales.'
She ran her hands over his smooth chest. 'Are we going together to this mysterious place?'
'We can go now. I shall cover myself up.' His eyes glowed with the sudden thrill of it. 'Your charm will be beneficial. If not, I shall use some charm of my own, and failing that, I will use good old intimidation.' He ended with a laugh.
With exasperation, she asked, 'You're going to have to tell me what to ask.'
'Of course,' he gave a tilting giggle, 'While we are there, we might be able buy some clothes.'