Chapter 22
22
Taking the lift back to the main floor, she stopped at the front desk. She asked the concierge where to find a good place to sample Paris’ nightlife. “Somewhere lively, but not too rowdy,” she specified. “And transportation, of course.”
Serendipitously, as the goddess and clerk spoke, discussing various clubs, a good-looking, dark haired man stopped nearby. He was conversing with an older couple regarding their preferences for the following year’s visit. His brown eyes sparkled and he had a lovely, sincere smile. Luka turned from the woman behind the desk, who’d seemed suddenly a bit tense, to closely observe the man.
“Thank you, Vincent,” the female half of the couple nodded graciously. “You always take good care of us. We shall look forward to seeing you next June.” He kissed the lady’s knuckles and shook the gentleman’s hand. Waving a hand toward the desk person, ‘Vincent’ had her call another porter to assist the couple to their limousine. There was already one standing by with the luggage.
Feeling Luka’s regard, the man turned to her. “May I be of assistance, Mamselle?” His English was clear, but he did have an accent. His eyes widened as he realised the beauty of the woman frankly staring at him. And when she smiled slowly and her eyes flashed, he took a deep breath. The Hotel Crillon’s general manager was used to gorgeous people, but this one made his heart flutter and his palms sweat, a shock to his mind as well as his body.
Luka tipped her head to one side, a brow lifted as she examined the mortal. Cooing happily, she smiled again. “Oh, yes! I do believe you’ll do nicely. I was just saying to your attendant how much more enjoyable a night out is with a convivial consort. And I’m sure you know the best places.”
Marielle, the clerk, quickly jumped in, “Monsieur Billard, this is Lady Luka, a guest of Mademoiselle Potts. She is hoping to sample our nightlife and wished for a suitable guide.”
“I would normally call one of our escort services, but tonight I am free. If Mamselle wishes I could accompany her myself?” The general manager didn’t even glance at the surprised face of the concierge. He simply reached for Luka’s outstretched hand, kissing her knuckles and placing her hand in the crook of his elbow. “Have François bring my car around, please, Marielle.”
As they waltzed out, Luka chuckled softly. “So you are called by your given name by guests, but your employees use your title, yes? Am I free then to call you Vincent?” She grinned at him, eyes glowing.
“You may call me whatever you wish, cherie. I am at your disposal this evening.” Billiard handed the goddess into his black Citroen 5X and scampered around to the driver’s side. “What sort of entertainment do you desire this night, my Lady?” Billiard looked over at his stunning passenger. Mon Dieu, elle est magnifique! And those legs! They go on forever! I could drown in her eyes, I think!
“Then please take me to some place where there is music and dancing, Vincent. I wish to see how mortals enjoy themselves of an evening. Somewhere lively, I want to drink and dance and sing!” Luka enthused as they motored across the city.
“Your wish is my command, my Lady,” Billiard replied, gallantly.
“Oh, please! Call me Luka. It is how I am named by my friends. And we will be friends, I believe. Won’t we, Vincent?” Luka turned glowing eyes on the mortal, making him gasp and shiver. He could only nod in agreement at her wide, white-toothed smirk.
So Luka spent the late hours of the night and early into the next day sampling several of Paris’ best night clubs. She danced, learning new steps, some of which were frankly scandalous by Asgard’s standards. She sang with the music, picking up the lyrics from her dance partners’ minds as they touched, and drank several bottles worth of quality champagne.
When the clubs began to close, most just as the sun rose, the goddess sighed in regret. She was having so much fun! Then she finally noticed how her escort was beginning to flag a bit. Luka realised the poor mortal had been up all day before she dragged him out and kept him awake all night. It was time to go back. Besides, she thought Pepper would probably wake soon.
It was just after 7am when Luka waltzed back into the hotel. A different clerk was behind the desk now. He did not look happy to see them, a small frown wrinkling his brow. “Monsieur Billiard! You have a message here of some importance.” The young man held up a folded note.
The manager nodded and sighed. He was very tired and just wanted to lie down for a nap. As he read his note, he sighed again. “Mamselle, please forgive me. I must answer this. May I offer Remy’s service to return you to your suite?”
“Of course, minn vinr. Before we depart, let me give you something for being so kind, and such a delightful partner.” Luka reached toward the startled man.
“No, no, cherie! It is not necessary. Ohhh!” Vincent gasped in shock, looking wide-eyed at himself. Luka’s touch covered him from head to toes in a faint, quickly-fading golden glow.
“Mon dieu! What have you done? Monsieur, are you alright?” Remy squeaked in surprise.
“Silly mortal! He’s fine. And I wager feeling much better now, yes?” Luka turned sparkling green eyes on the manager.
“I... I... thank you, my Lady. I don’t know what you did, but I do feel much better. In fact, I feel wonderful!” Billiard smiled and bowed to her. He glanced at his scared clerk and grinned. “I’m fine, Remy. Not tired at all any more. Now, you take the Lady upstairs while I answer this.” He headed into the office behind the desk.
*
Luka was singing to herself in the shower when Pepper yawned and stretched. She lay quietly for a few moments, just listening to the goddess’ lovely voice. Luka must have slept as well as I did last night, the CEO thought. She sounds quite happy this morning. I think if she has no objection, we should go out for breakfast. Sample Paris’ classic foods, perhaps somewhere near the Louvre. We should spend some time there, then we can wander.
When the goddess emerged from the ensuite, wrapped in a fluffy robe, her hair up in a towel, she smiled at her friend. “Ah, you are awake at last! As soon as you freshen up, we must find some place where we might break our fast. I am starving this morning!”
Pepper laughed. “I’ll only be a few minutes, Luka. I know an excellent café nearby. And it’s on the way to the Louvre, too! Let me get a quick shower and dress. Then we can go!”
When Pepper came out, she saw the goddess was clad in one of her long gowns, a short cape thrown over her shoulders. Her hair was braided back from her face and flowed down her back. Another pair of Alfir boots adorned her feet.
Pepper had opted for a sweater over a button up blouse and tailored slacks. She wore walking shoes, knowing Luka would likely keep her hopping for most of the day. Both ladies packed before they left, not intending to return to the hotel. One of Tony’s jets waited for them at Charles de Gaulle airport whenever they had enough of sightseeing and shopping. All Pepper had to do was call the jet and someone would collect their luggage from the hotel.
Saying goodbye to Remy with a wink, Luka asked him to pass her best wishes and thanks to M. Billiard. Then the women walked down the Place de la Concorde to breakfast at Café Laperousé. It was directly on the way to the Louvre and they strolled through the Jardin des Tuileries, (Tuileries Gardens), afterward to settle their stomachs.
While it only took them about 15 minutes to walk through, they both enjoyed the green atmosphere and warm sunshine. It was a beautiful morning in Paris. Especially, since they planned on spending several hours indoors, entering the museum through the sparkling glass pyramid.
“Oh, coffee!” Pepper chirped, heading right for the Starbucks under the crystalline roof. “Want a chai, Luka?” The mortal was a little thirsty after their walk and coffee was always welcome.
“Bien sûr, chérie!” Luka laughed at her excited mortal friend. She had noted Pepper often had a cup of this brand at home. Stark scoffed at it, but the CEO, Thor and most of the other tower residents enjoyed it. Luka actually preferred a tea herself, but she understood the mortals’ occasional need for a stimulant.
After spending the rest of the morning examining some of the Realm’s best examples of art, Luka wished for some fresh air. So the ladies climbed the spiral stairs out of the museum and crossed the plaza to the Metro station.
Pepper planned to take public transport back to where they spent some time shopping yesterday. But Luka saw a sign advertising the Richelieu building of France’s National Library, an historic site that displayed art as well as containing 20,000 written volumes. Less than a half mile away, (approx 2 km), they walked. Well, Pepper did; Luka skipped, cajoling her companion to hurry. She could not wait to see how mortals illustrated the compilation of knowledge.
The women passed through the entry gallery, Luka not even glancing at the artworks displayed. Pepper saw her head lift and heard her take a deep breath. The goddess was nearly quivering in joy. “Ahhh! This reminds me so much of home... Asgard’s Royal Library in the palace. I spent many happy hours studying there.”
They stood facing the main reading room, a large, well-lighted space filled with seating and small tables with lamps on one side. Its curving walls held stacks upon stacks of books, three stories high with narrow, railed galleries. The domed ceiling was filled with evenly-spaced, large skylights, making it a bright and cheery place.
“I know you are very intelligent and knowledgeable; what did you study, Luka?” Pepper casually asked. She hoped to distract the goddess a bit as it seemed Luka was ready to stay here for hours.
“Oh, many things! Seidr, of course, but also horticulture, statecraft, the history of the Realms, anything that caught my interest, really.” Chuckling, Luka continued, “my brother always complained because I spent so much time, ‘with your nose in a book, brother. You’re going to look like those old men you are always closeted with before long.’ He was annoyed that I would rather study than go adventuring with him and his idiot friends or get all sweaty and dirty training to become a warrior.”
The tall goddess stumbled to a halt, staring off into nothing for a moment. Then, she seemed to shake off whatever had disturbed her. Smiling brightly, she looked down at a concerned Pepper. “I’ve changed my mind, minn vinr. Let’s find some food and go shopping!” Pepper didn’t argue, knowing how volatile her companion could be. She was a little worried by Luka’s comments, too.
Taking the metro west to the Arc de Triomphe saved them time and allowed Pepper to rest her legs. The goddess was careful of her smaller, more fragile companion. It was an interesting experience, allowing her to observe the city’s denizens and visitors as well as its architecture. And gave her time to think, which she needed after what she had ‘seen’ in the Library.
I can actually hear his voice, one of those big paws gripping my shoulder. But why ‘brother?’ And the face I see reflected in the table's polished surface is not mine. It’s the same one I saw in the bath... sharper features, coal black hair, keen, but paler green eyes. Who is this?
Luka spent the short ride gazing out the window. Pepper recognised her need for quiet, so she let her friend be, relaxing and sight-seeing herself. Something in the library had bothered Luka, but at least this time, she seemed physically fine.
They stopped for a typical French meal for afternoon tea, near enough to see the Eiffel Tower, although they didn’t actually visit the landmark. Luka preferred to spend their remaining time shopping the boutiques before the flight back to NYC. While there was a seven hour flight time, because of the time difference, they would arrive in NY only one hour after leaving Paris.
Assured again of the safety of the Cessna Citation X, Luka decided to accompany Pepper. It would not be proper for her to abandon the mortal, after all, and she knew most did not enjoy her instantaneous method of travel. So she rested and wrote her experiences in her journal while Pepper slept, joining her in a nap after the plane reached the Atlantic.