Honeyed Pasture [M] bargaining chip

That was invitation enough. Aureli set off down the hill, his body language as sure and as neutral as ever. He held himself quite alertly, as he always did when approaching strangers, but he sounded friendly enough when he said,

"I have found that my company is not always welcome, in such situations."

There was a mirthful sparkle in his eyes, but his expression did not invite laughter.

"It is early in the season, for you to want me closer," he told her, though he was not shy about closing the distance between them. His nose worked overtime, likewise making judgements about her age and her health. His body reacted, and he was not opposed to a closer encounter, but his trade would always come first, and his finely tuned mind would always win out over the whims of his body.

So he told himself, at least.

"What is your name?" he asked her. Best this time, at least, not to forget formalities.