One of Olterian’s contacts finally came up with substantive information. Llhaesa was indeed at E’sphara, and would be leaving within the next two weeks. She was expected back in Arrhazon at the end of that time, where she would temporarily stay with a friend who was rumoured to be her former partner, one M’traliel Zralensa.

M’traliel was also a graduate of N’rellia, having done so three years prior to Llhaesa. Being shy of stage, M’traliel chose to forego performing in favour of writing, arranging, and producing music.

The info then went on to list the address and communications addresses for M’traliel’s flat.

Olterian waited a full two weeks before making the call to M’traliel’s number. Turning to his technological interface, he quickly spoke the address to which the call would be placed. An answering system came on, so they were either not there, or they were screening calls.

“Oh, well… I’ve been meaning to go downtown” he contemplated and planned. Within a half hour, Olterian was on the road, address in hand. Traffic was light, typical for mid-morning, commute traffic had long since settled into their workday, and he was soon in the right neighbourhood, looking for a sensible place to leave his vehicle (he had a collection of citations for misplacement.) Fortunately finding a spot open along the wide way, he jumped out, hit the lock on his remote, and found he was parked right in front of the building he would be entering.

He checked in with security, who processed his identification, then called the correct flat on his behalf. M’traliel answered almost instantly. “Olterian Nverra is calling for you, M’traliel.”

“And what is his purpose for visiting?”

The security person looked at Olterian for an answer, who offered “here to discuss business, M’traliel.”

“Very well, you may come up to the flat” giving her release and end of call.

He was headed for the lift before her last word was uttered. Instructing the infernal thing (Olterian had a lukewarm relationship with technology) to rise 12 floors from street level. He was instructed to go left upon exiting, turn down the right corridor, and then go to the last door on the left – a flat which should offer a panoramic view of the city’s most beautiful park.

The door was already released, but he politely knocked anyway. A different voice welcomed him as she walked around a corner towards the doorway. She is more beautiful in person than in media” Olterian thought, immediately realising he was charmed and somehow skittish in the presence of llhaesa, which in turn upset him, considering it quite an illogical reaction. Perhaps part of it was the fact she was fully 10 centimetres taller than he – and she was barefoot?

He slightly bowed his head in greeting, which Llhaesa reciprocated and unnecessarily stated her name, adding “I’m Llhaesa T’yaeli. And you are?”

“Olterian Nverra. I promote concerts. I’ve been asked by certain… interested parties if you would perform for them.”

“Perhaps you have not been informed I’m prohibited from performing in government facilities” llhaesa shot back sceptically.

“Oh, I’m quite aware of your persona non grata status, which is why this concert is being arranged in a remote locale. Further, the request comes from those… rather sympathetic to your political point of view.” Olterian hope that common cause would break the ice.

“Hmmmmmm… my point of view. Shall we ponder rights as a point of view?” llhaesa retorted. “Come on in and join us in more welcoming and comfortable space, Olterian.” After she introduced Olterian to M’traliel, the 3 of them settled into oversized traditional chairs. The chairs were well stuffed, sort of a khaki colour, with wood trimming along the arms and horizontally across the base of the chairs.

Llhaesa resumed the conversation where it had left off. “Olterian, do you believe rights are a point of view, or was that a figure of speech?” Llhaesa was going to make him work to achieve his goal.

Olterian remained silent for a moment, formulating an answer. “I’m very careful about what I share of my personal views, because it is my experience someone will disagree and disapprove, and in my line of work, staying neutral is conducive to long term success. That said, and given what I’ve come to know about you, will trust you with my outlook and um… point of view.” Olterian looked squarely at llhaesa with a bemused expression on his face, anticipating a reaction he did not get. “I very much agree with your goals, very much support what you are doing. I just cannot say so publicly.”

Llhaesa accepted his explanation, then requested details of the proposed show, and Olterian jumped at the chance, now moving onto more familiar ground. “The concert would be held in Nenseru Woods, though that is sort of a misdirected naming, as the actual show would be held on fallow farmland in a sector of Nenseru Woods. It is far enough outside of Arrhazon to dissuade… shall we say less committed folks from attending, and far enough out to not draw undue interest from government monitors and informants. The government won’t care, because large numbers of people will be totally unaware.

I’d like to stage the production in one month, if you are willing to perform.” Olterian had made his basic pitch.

“Shall we discuss the financial element?” M’traliel now joined the conversation. Olterian had been unduly focused on what Llhaesa’s thoughts on the matter might be; he forgot M’traliel was in the room. He would be unlikely to ever repeat that mistake again.

While preparing his plan and learning more about Llhaesa, Olterian did not believe this one would be motivated by profit. Now, the thought “they are all the same” passed through his mind at the very moment M’traliel proposed 10% of revenue go to llhaesa; Olterian would take his usual cut; the remainder would all funnel into several separate organisations working for equality, including the requester/sponsor.

Olterian was disappointed in himself for thinking the worse of these two. He was secretly proud of their stance – and M’traliel’s business acumen.

“One more thing, just so we are clear…” M’traliel was on a roll now, while Llhaesa watched her work. “I’m llhaesa’s dear friend and um… business associate. What I am not is her partner.” Just so we don’t have any misunderstandings.”

One more surprise on an otherwise very successful day.