The Dream Spheres - Elaine Cunningham [81]
He bustled off, leaving the two women eyeing each other like swordsmen in need of their weapons.
"I'm fond of winterfest puddings," Arilyn commented. "Since that perfume didn't suit you, perhaps I should buy it."
Cassandra looked nonplussed for a moment. She quickly covered her reaction with a cool smile. "My dear, that scent is far too… formal for you. Surely there is something in this shop that would suit you better."
The subtle insult held an opportunity. The noblewoman was aware of Arilyn's dark reputation. The half-elf decided to play upon that knowledge. She folded her arms and let her gaze go flat, cold, and deadly-the stare of a hunting hawk or a hired killer.
"So I hear. I have no immediate use for such things, but I would be very interested to know who might."
They regarded each other for a long, measuring moment. Cassandra glanced back at her son. She took a small vial from the shelf and handed it to him. "Take this as a gift for your… lady, and go. You would do well to heed my advice."
Cassandra pulled on her gloves and sailed out to her waiting carriage.
Danilo waved away the perfumer's assistant. He led the way out into the street, then turned an apologetic gaze upon his friend. "I suppose you realize she was not referring to perfume," he murmured.
"The thought occurred to me," Arilyn said with a touch of sarcasm. "Does Cassandra have a general aversion to half-elven assassins, or did she have some other, more specific advice in mind?"
"I'm not entirely certain," he admitted. "She was most insistent that I not involve myself with Oth's death, but I put that down to her abhorrence for scandal. She is concerned about my choice of companion, probably for much the same reason. As you have observed, some of the nobility look askance at alliances between their peers and other races."
This was the first time Danilo had openly admitted that a problem might exist. Arilyn decided it was time to put her cards on the table. "I spoke with Arlos Dezlentyr yesterday."
Danilo looked at her sharply. "He told you about his first wife?"
"So you have heard that story," Arilyn said. "I'd wondered. Yes, her death made quite a stir among the elves. Many were indignant when no real attempt was made to find her killer."
"If, indeed, she was murdered."
"Sibylanthra was a young elf in apparent good health and happy with her work, her husband, and her young children. What else could it be?"
When Danilo offered no argument, she continued. "You admit that your peers are unhappy to see you with a half-elf. Someone was unhappy that Arlos Dezlentyr married an elf woman. Tren tunnels link the Dezlentyr estate with Diloontier's shop. Shall we find out why, or would you rather spend the rest of your life checking shadows for a tren ambush?"
"There is something in what you say," he said slowly.
"Do we have any reason to believe that the tren attacks were directed at anyone other than Oth Eltorchul and those who happened to have recent dealings with the man? Once the truth of his death is known, there will be no further need for concern."
Arilyn sniffed.
"Truly," Dan continued earnestly, "no one among the nobility wishes you ill. Some might be displeased by my choice of companion, but they could hardly see our future children as a threat to the peerage. After all, the line for the Thann family title is as long as a dwarven ballad."
They walked in silence for several moments before he spoke again. "Your mention of Lady Dezlentyr took me aback. Lady Cassandra reminded me of that story a few nights past," he said slowly. "At the time it was apparent she meant it as a cautionary tale. Although it pains me to say this, I am not certain whether it was intended as warning or as threat."
Arilyn did not respond at once, giving him time to absorb the impact of his own words before she added another painful layer. "That perfume your mother recommended. Would you recognize the bottle if you saw it on the shelf among others?"
"I suppose so. Why?"
"Lady Cassandra was quick to give it up when she