Viola Grace - - Return of the Nine 03 - Hiding by Viola Grace Page B

released her and ran a hand through his hair. “Well, I messed this up. I am Apolan Leoraki. I am the new ambassador to Gaia on behalf of the Nine, and I need an assistant.”
    The light from the single moon illuminated him for a moment. He was indeed one of the tree folk of the Nine. It took her a moment to catch onto his statement. Giggles flowed through her. “You have stalked and ambushed me in the dark to offer me a job?”
    She snickered, hooted and howled with laughter.
    He waited patiently for her to cease.
    Daphne finally straightened. “I don’t think that this is a conversation for the dark of the forest. May we go into the light?”
    “Of course. May I help you through the path?”
    She smiled in the darkness. “Aside from the occasional alien in the path, I have never had any problem.”
    He made a noise that was low and similar to the rustle of leaves. She imagined it was his version of a laugh.
    Daphne turned and led the way back to the hall grounds.
    The pool of light was surprisingly welcome to her, considering that hiding was her normal default. She wanted to see the wall she had collided with, and there was nothing better than light to dispel the fears of the dark.
    Arvina was waiting at one of the outdoor tables. Apparently, she knew what Daphne would find in the woods.
    She still had an expression of relief as Daphne and the tree man exited the woods.
    “I was not sure that she would be in the mood to let you find her, Apolan.”
    “She was gracious enough to let herself take a break under the trees. They told me exactly where she was.” He spoke, and Daphne turned to look up at him.
    He was indeed walnut coloured, his clothing the deepest green with slightly darker embroidery, which matched his hair. The only things that stood out were his eyes. In the light, they were a leafy green.
    A tea service and three cups were in front of Arvina. They were expected.
    When she dropped her exhausted body into a chair, she took a cup of tea gratefully. “All right, what do you want?”
    Apolan sat next to her, fairly close. He lifted his cup as gracefully as Arvina lifted hers.
    Arvina started, “We have been asked to build a presence here, but Apolan thinks that a Gaian in the administration will help the locals to accept and adjust to us. That is where you come in.”
    “Why me?”
    “Out of all the Gaians interviewed for the reception, you were the only one who didn’t ask about the guests, merely about the details of the service. You were fixated on the job and not seeing and gawking at someone new. That is an admirable trait. Also, when I began to do scent trials, you disappeared right under my nose. That is not something that happens often, I can tell you.”
    Daphne blushed. “I simply needed to know what was needed for the job. Nothing more.”
    Arvina smiled, “I know. It was the first in the more noticeable traits around you. The other was your disappearing. How do you do that?”
    She shrugged. “I have no idea. I simply look at a person and disappear from their perceptions, by whatever method they use.”
    “Are you free to work with Apolan as his assistant?” Arvina raised her cup to her lips and arched her eyebrows.
    Daphne had no jobs lined up after this one, so she nodded. “I am free. Does it pay?”
    Apolan was indignant. “Of course it does.”
    Arvina raised a hand. “Twice the rate per hour that you were paid this evening, plus a clothing bonus as I am sure that you do not have the correct items for the position. We may have to have something that works sent down from the ship for you. I will make a note to have a seamstress visit.”
    Daphne wanted to be indignant about the offer of a clothing allowance, but she really didn’t have anything appropriate. “When does the position start?”
    Apolan smiled grimly. “Tomorrow? We have been given offices at city hall until our building is ready. It should be finished within the month.”
    “What time?” She could probably