"But then, you've been busy. Bored with the redhead yet?"

I smile and turn around in the snow, putting my small hands up to Gaueko's lapels.

"Oh, dear friend," I say with a little laugh, "did you ever think I was interested in her for herself? If the fate-god had not barred you from seeing her," and here I raise my eyebrows a little to let him know what I think of that, "you would already have smelled out my purpose, unless you are less of a dog than I thought."

I link my arm in his, and we keep walking.

"And what have you been doing with yourself?" I ask. "Are you still grooming that girl to be your priestess?"