Page 21 of Uprooted
Elowen: Has anyone ever told you that you’re arrogant?
Aro: Never. Actually, not true. My sister tells me every chance she gets. I don’t want to start our relationship off with a lie.
Elowen: Relationship?
Aro: Yes. And quit trying to change the subject. What are you interested in for fun?
Elowen: Right now, I am interested in the gamete of a lumen’entem.
Aro: Oh really?
Elowen: It’s the specimen I’m detailing right now.
Aro: Well, you might be interested in what the plant is used for.
Elowen: Alright, you have my attention.
Aro: In the past Tilaks used it for ceremonial purposes to achieve enlightenment. Now it’s just used for the psychedelic effects.
Elowen: My concern is purely scientific.
Aro: In that case, don’t get any of the pollen directly on you. You might enjoy the effects, but I doubt your boss would like you tripping out while you’re supposed to be working.
Elowen: Have you done it before?
Aro: Once. It’s something that should be done with a guide. It’s a powerful experience that can go in many different directions…
Elowen: Good to know.
Aro: I have to cancel our dinner plans tonight. I’m covering a shift.
Elowen: We didn’t have dinner plans for tonight.
Aro: Yeah, I know, but you were hoping we would. Now quit bothering me, I’m very busy and important.
Elowen: Again, with the arrogance!
Aro: I think you misspelled charming.
Elowen: I know how to spell a lot of words, for instance: insufferable.
Aro: How about irresistible? That one in your lexicon?
Elowen: I am familiar with the word presumptuous.
Aro: You got me there. When can I see you next?
Elowen: I’ll be around.
Aro: I like that you’re making me work for this.
Elowen: Incorrigible.
Aro: I also like that you know a lot of big words.
Elowen: …
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