In a message dated 6/23/02 5:46:09, Thomas Yan writes: Gaertk at aol.com writes: >> I never quite figured out what was up with those candlebuds > >Me neither. I first thought it was because their cover story implied >they should know about candlebuds, but I didn't see anything that said >they were from that region or had traveled much in that reason. >(She does say her husband is weary from a party in Pondview, p19.) > >So, was Khaavren just probing to see what would happen, or did he have >a more specific objective in mind? Or, was he trying to help them: >"gee, they're uneasy regarding candlebuds; maybe (for some as yet >unrevealed reason) they're supposed to know about them, but don't, so >they'll be greatful if I educate them". My take: Allistar and Illista, or Hrivaan and Nylissit, if you prefer, were in the area looking for candlebuds - a rare, exotic flower, and the perfect gift for a Consort who has everything. Having found one (or more), they returned to the City. For whatever reason, they didn't want anyone else to know they had it. Perhaps afraid the candlebud will be stolen, more likely the gift is simply meant to be a secret. When one of their traveling companions happens to mention candlebuds, Nylissit understandably starts, and Hrivaan places "his hand upon his chest, as if to assure himself that it remained adjoining to his shoulders, or, thought the Tiassa, as if to assure himself that something concealed within his cloak was still in place." Khaavren then begins talking of candlebuds on purpose, curious as to how Hrivaan and Nylissit will react. They, worried the secret might be out, deny having ever seen one and change the subject. Rae