Tea Time: Books

A moment in time wherein Sylf and Ephraim have tea, talk espionage, and discuss their tastes in novels.

Timeframe: Rebellion

Sylf sipped on her tea, just finishing her weekly report. The water's heat was refreshing on the cool, but pleasant autumn day. It wouldn't be long before she needed a heavier coat for their afternoon outdoor tea sessions, though.

"Oh!" Ephraim brightened. "I just finished a new romance mystery I think you'll like. It seems weird but it works! Okay, so it's about a dragonborn sorcerer and a tiefling rogue."

She frowned and he pressed on. "I know! It seems really weird, but I promise you would like it. It ticks all your boxes in a romance: enemies to lovers, opposites attract, and the romance scenes are well written, even if they are a bit, ah—well, I'll just say not conventional." He broke off and flushed, his cheeks spotting red in embarrassment.

Sylf couldn't help herself. "Did you like it?"

"Maybe?" He looked confused for a moment as he thought it over. "I liked it for the characters. It made sense for them. And, I think that's why I enjoyed it." He smiled at her. "Anyway, we have similar tastes in romance, even if this isn't the fluffy romance you usually prefer. You should give it a shot."

Sylf's lips quirked into a smirk. "Just because I like to read fluffy romance novels, you think that's my only preferred taste?" The question wiped the smile off Ephraim's face as he flushed crimson. "Might I add," she continued, "I like reading fluffy romance novels with you because they seem more aligned with your sensibilities."

At that, Ephraim's blush deepened and Sylf chuckled. She liked putting him on the backfoot. It was too easy and thoroughly entertaining.

"To be fair," she acquiesced, "I do enjoy a fluffy romance to break up the levity of murders and thrillers."

At that, some of Ephraim's normal color returned to his face. "Ah, yes. I find the same." He peered at her curiously and she smirked.

"Are you wondering what my actual romance preferences are, Ephraim?"

"Yes! No! I mean, well—" He cut off again, and looked away from her, embarrassed. "Maybe?"

"Well," Sylf said smoothly, "Let's start with this book you suggested. I'll let you know what I think and maybe send a few…unconventional romance *titles your way."

Ephraim looked positively flustered and nervous, so much so that she nearly laughed. But then his nervousness seemed to dissipate as a confident, sly grin appeared. "At least it isn't another Barry Farsden book."

"There is nothing wrong with Barry Farsden," she shot back indignantly.

Ephraim laughed and she couldn't help but smile a little. "You practically drool over those books," he teased. "I haven't seen you so hooked into a detective series since Varric Verinitras and Anders of Anderfall."

"You just don't understand Barry Farsden," she sniffed.

"Each book is the same thing!" he protested. "Magical mayhems that must be solved in 24hrs with a lovable sidekick in tow. It's just so…predictable!"

She rolled her eyes. "That's what makes it so appealing!"

Ephraim lips quirked into an amused, but good-natured smile. "Unlike you, Sylf, I don't need to solve the mystery before the end of the book in order to enjoy it."

Sylf glared at him, scowling as she took another sip of her tea. "Well," she said stiffly, "have Bertrand bring that book of yours by," she said. "I'll have to find a particularly interesting reading for you as punishment for insulting the Great Sorcerer Barry Farsden."

Ephraim grinned, "Can you really make book reading a punishment?"

Sylf flashed him a dangerous grin. "Be careful, Your Highness. I happen to be known for my punishments." Then, she couldn't help herself as she added, "Just ask Tomlyn."

It took a moment for her inference to click into place for Ephraim, but when it did, the sheer crimson of his face made it evident. Her grin widened at his very cute flustering.

"I'd rather not," Ephraim managed to say. "Tommy has a penchant for elaborating a bit more than needed." But then he looked at her with a challenging intensity she didn't expect. "So, punish away, my Web Mistress."

Sylf smirked and raised her tea in a toast like gesture. He grinned and clinked his glass with hers. She was definitely going to enjoy their next book challenge.