Page 147 of Tamiko and the Two Janitors
“My collection is extensive.” Argent set the tiny creaturein Joe’s hands. “This is a quisp, culled from the sizeable flock at KikusawaShrine in Keishi.”
Joe had never seen the like. “So cute.”
Argent hummed.
Joe felt safe here. Everything was in perfect balance. Ofcourse, if Argent had brought him into a dream, didn’t that mean they wereinside Joe’s own head? Cuddling the little monkey to his cheek, he shyly asked,“Is this like tending?”
“No. We are two friends on a bench, discussing a sharedfondness for small creatures.” Argent lifted his face toward the starry sky.“Tending is more than a meeting of minds, it is the touching of souls.”
“Are you going to teach me how?”
“If you are so inclined. Butfirst.” Argent turned toface him. “Please forgive my caution, but I must ask if you are under anyduress.”
Joe drew a blank. “Sorry?”
Argent simplified. “Have you been led to believe that thisis your only course? Are you being pressured by anyone into forming a pact withKip?”
“Oh … umm … it’s okay. I’m doing this for my own reasons.”
“May I know them?”
Joe opened his hands, releasing the quisp. Some of hisreasons were mixed up with Kip’s feelings toward Ash, which were none ofArgent’s business. So he stuck to basics. “Kip’s nice.”
Argent chuckled. “Would that more nice people were so amplyrewarded. You are a beacon, Joe. You could easily secure a pact with one of theFive. Twineshaft is difficult to pin down, but Lapis is an affectionate soul.”
“No, thank you. I’ve already secured a pact with one of theFive.” Joe tried for a grateful smile. “We’re counting on you.”
“Very well.” Argent arched a brow. “The good news is … ifyou can tame Ephemera, you can tend Woodacre.”
Joe ventured, “Is there bad news?”
“Are you aware that tending is even more intimate thantouch? Many describe the connection in terms of elation, exhilaration, andpleasure.”
“Kip and I are helping each other.” Joe wanted Argent, atleast, to understand. “He isn’t in love with me or anything.”
“The exchange is not inherently romantic or erotic, but itis intensely personal. Absolute trust is at its very foundation, and mutualconsent is essential.” Argent touched Joe’s burning cheek. “Before my bonding,I was tended by a male friend. If you wished it, I would find a way to bringMichael to you. He tends beautifully, and he is a patient teacher.”
“You promised not to tell.”
“True, but I will not pretend there is only one way toproceed. You have options. You have a choice.”
Joe whispered his thanks.
Argent resumed. “Kip needs your strength in more ways thanone. Tend to him, and he will gain in both power and stature. But be wise andfirm. Impose limits. Because he may lose himself in your vastness.”
“Stop him from taking a third beer.”
“Figuratively speaking.” With an amused twitch of lips,Argent said, “Something tells me he would be an affectionate drunk.”
Joe was inclined to agree.
“Since I know firsthand, I must also speak on Kip’s behalf. Yoursway over him increases exponentially because of your magnitude. He will wantyou and no other, for nothing can compare to a beacon’s brilliance.” Argentgravely said, “It would be the worst kind of cruelty to abandon him.”
“Tend and keep. Got it.”
Argent reached for Joe’s hands and cradled them all thewhile he talked. Giving information and examples. Outlining customs andcourtesies. Reinforcing trust and secrecy.
Joe eventually had to ask, “Aren’t you going toshowme?”
