<div class="floatright">(https://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/5/5e/3bfaeb75dbcce83bfc397be0f8c47baa.jpg)</div><strong>Aten Marlowe</strong>(https://docs.google.com/document/d/15RW9l1-kdi1U_p6TrvCCoAbEAKuMV4KyKxnD-dlWCKA/edit)<br/><br/>Aten clapped Rieta on the shoulder.  "I hope we can work together again someday soon.  Your skills were very impressive."<br/><br/>He then turned to Aaron, preparing a confident negotiation for some of Vin's time.<br/><br/>Something moved him to an even more confident place then, though.  At first, Vin's response to his earlier speech had left him feeling ignored, but as they'd walked he'd found an increasing certainty growing in him.  Vin had not answered with more than a gesture of respect because she had not taken his speech as an invitation.<br/><br/>She'd taken it as a command.<br/><br/>That felt good.<br/><br/>"I will see to Vin's comfort tonight," he declared.  To Vin directly he said, "This way.  I'll get you some food."<br/><br/>If all went as he hoped, Aaron would lead Vin back to the wagon where they'd been riding.  He took her hand and her hip to boost her up into the back, then followed.  Going to his pack, he unwrapped a packet of rations and sat it before her, then a gourd of light wine.<br/>