He led her to a part of the river where the water was calm. When she began to undress, he became suddenly nervous and retreated to a small rise on the bank. Sandry didn't understand. She had been to places where both sexes bathed together, why was this any different? She shook her head and slipped into the cool water.
She let the water pour over her head, wetting her hair. She was floating on her back, gazing up at the night sky, when she saw Mind-Teller crouched on the top of the rise, watching her intently.
I'll just pretend I don't see him, she thought.
She ducked under water quickly, when another thought came to her. Maybe I more than smell like his wife… Maybe he thinks I'm beautiful… Maybe he really loves me…
When she rose to the surface again, he was no longer on the rise. He was standing on the bank right in front of her.
She stood up, so the water reached just above her navel. He avoided her eyes, and bent down, half crouching again.
"My lady," he mumbled, face pointed toward the ground.
"Mind-Teller, come, wash with me. I don't mind," she said, hoping he would tell her what he was thinking about.
He didn't move.
She slowly walked out of the water towards him. When she came to stand beside him, she placed a hand on his shoulder. He was trembling.
Surprised, she said, "Mind-Teller—"
"Please!" he gasped, still not looking up. "Please call me Leonardo, I wish not to read your thoughts."
She stood for a moment, hand on his shoulder. "Leonardo," she said, breathless, "You've changed."
He stood, finally, and embraced her unclothed body. "I suppose I have, Sandry. I've learned of love that one only gets from a lover."
She felt like crying. He still loved his wife.
He stroked the small of her back with his hand, whispering, "You remind me so much of her."
She gasped and wrapped his cape around her.
"I missed you, Leonardo."
"I missed you too, Sandry."
He kissed her softly.
