That evening:<br/><br/>Vivianne signaled thanks to the last server to close the door on her way out. The cook had prepared a feast with roasted quail, honeyed figs and dainties that teased the tongue with sweet and sour all at once. The Lady was quite pleased with her acolytes, feeling that they had represented the bountiful mother well. She shared their finest wines from the delicate rose to the hearty merlot of the local vineyards. The only other spirits that were available was some rum brought by Spaniards who had traded along the coast last year before the winter squalls began. This she poured out liberally for Lord Varatt while enjoying some herself. She was particularly fond of rum although she didn’t usually indulge herself. She accepted the strong brew he offered, sputtering at the first sip while the fiery liquid coursed down her throat, stealing her breath.<br/><br/>When she could gasp for air again, the Lady said, “You did not warn me that it would burn all the hairs off my tongue and singe the very hair from my nostrils.” Her eyes were streaming. She could make out the wavery form of Lord Varatt with a shit eating grin on his face. He reminded her that no everyone could enjoy his beverage. Vivianne squinted her eyes at him and held out her cup for another tot.<br/><br/>“I know what to expect now. I would have a spot more.” She said, accepting the challenge. After the rosy glow spread to her limbs, she leaned back in her chair and said,<br/><br/>“You sometimes move with a stiffness in your back and joints. We do a massage with hot oils and paraffin that reaches through the muscle and tissue and into the bones. I would be honored to attend you myself, Lord Varatt, should you wish this service. Often the Lord in the village sends for us for this very skill, especially after a hunt or a skirmish of some type.”<br/><br/>Vivianne notice what a fine looking man this noble was and how considerate he was too. A soft smile played around her lips and she watched his face in the candlelight. A night like this could make me forget my age, she thought, resting the now empty cup on the table. It has been a long time since such a man was in my company and saw the woman and not the Lady of Avalon. Her eyes shone with appreciation and just a dash of spice.