"Since you're an Inquisitor, a question
mark like the one on your badge might be appropriate."

"It would, yes--and since I'm High King's Inquisitor, there should be a
crown on top." She cocked her head. "I don't know much about the
local tattoo artists, but I'm sure someone here does; if you're as
eager as you look, I can find out who's best and have him brought here
to do the job."

"I am eager, Thakur, but not enough for you to go to extra trouble."

Cortin grinned. "Sometimes I enjoy going to extra trouble for my
people. Let's get up to the Family floor and see who knows about
tattooing experts."

"Thank you, Thakur!"

"My pleasure."

On the way upstairs, Keith began to feel something odd. Not really
odd, he corrected himself; just inappropriate in these surroundings and
certainly not the sort of thing he'd expect a proper 'na to feel toward
his thakur! Honor, respect, devotion, of course--but desire? Custom
was silent on the subject--naturally, with almost all such
relationships between warriors--so sex wasn't forbidden, exactly. On
the other hand, it didn't quite seem properly respectful, either.

The feeling subsided a bit as his thakur spoke to her team, then had
Tony call an artist he knew, but it didn't go away completely. And,
oddly enough, he seemed to be sensing her feelings, maybe even a shadow
of her thoughts, in spite of his lack of Talent. That was a blessing
he hadn't expected, and he sent a quick prayer of thanks to the gods
for it; if he could know her thoughts, it would make doing her will far
more certain.

They had supper while waiting for the artist to arrive; Medart excused
himself as soon as the meal was over, saying he wasn't in the mood for
sex and had some thinking to do.

For Keith's experiences: 31a. Tattoo

32. Briefing

Medart went to his suite, preferring to be alone rather than spoil the
Family's evening. It wasn't their fault he didn't consider torture a
valid form of punishment--and never would, though he had to accept that
in many cultures it was exactly that--or that watching it made him feel
he wouldn't be comfortable company for several hours. The best thing
for him in a mood like this was privacy, a long hot soak, and either
something to study or an action-adventure tape that didn't take much
thought.

The suite's 'fresher provided the first, and there was a bookcase in
the suite's sitting room that, while it didn't have either of the other