10

Arriving at the haven of the quaestor, Ajax the valet sneaks you inside quietly—you are somewhat tardy.

It is uncanny to see Jesse before you after all that you have heard. Villanueva filled you with conflicting impressions of him; sometimes he is cursed as a self-centered traitor, other times esteemed as the apple of his maker's eye. Even the circumstances of Jesse's departure change with the phases of the moon: sometimes Villanueva claims that he exiled him, and other times that he was abandoned by Jesse in his hour of need.

Jesse stands before Villanueva, making a sort of petition to be welcomed back into his maker's arms: "Dominus, it is with great pleasure that I find you well and perhaps even flourishing in your adopted home. It has been some years since our time together here, but it is good to be back. It is with great humility that I bow before you, and ask for succor in your fair city."

Given the opportunity to observe him, you see that Jesse possesses a rugged charm and a ready smile; you no longer wonder how he first attracted the attention of Villanueva.

While they may have parted under adverse circumstances, right now Villanueva does little to conceal his joy at Jesse's return. Lest he seem too lenient, he does make a halfhearted attempt at scolding Jesse, quite possibly just for your benefit: "Jesse, your departure was ill-timed and ill-considered. Much has transpired in your absence…as happens when you abandon your maker for nearly two decades."

"Your reprimand is just, dominus. I can do naught but beg for your forgiveness."

"And your travels, where have they taken you?"

"As befitted our separation, I first went to Port-au-Prince, where I stayed for some years. Most recently, though, I have been in Savannah, at the court of Governor Overstreet. She spoke highly of you to me, and intimated that the title of quaestor would soon be yours in fact, dominus."

"You are the bearer of good tidings, Jesse. But I should inform you that some things have changed in your absence, as they must. I don't believe you've met Mr. Thundertusk .. Mr. ., allow me to introduce Jesse Whitaker, my firstmade."

You greet Jesse with a bow. "Dear brother, it is a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance. I look forward to our friendship."

"The honor is all mine, Mr. .," Jesse returns.

"Let us celebrate! I'm sure we can find something exotic to feast upon, here in lovely New-Orleans," Villanueva concludes with a clap. And with that, Jesse Whitaker is brought back into his maker's fold.

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