No Sugar Though

Doctor Johnston entered the coffeehouse and was bombarded with shouts of greeting and invitations to sit. He grinned and stopped at each table, inquiring about the health of recently sick family members and making general small talk with the affluent patrons who were also his patients. He sauntered to the back booth and waited for Demenik to stand before hugging him.

"Happy birthday, my boy." He clapped the young man on the back and sat. "I can't believe how time seems to fly by. It feels like just a moment ago when I first set eyes on that sixteen-year-old unconscious boy brought into my office, and now look at you. Nineteen years old and much better off, I am thinking."

"The time has passed quickly, Doc." Demenik rubbed at the light blond beard on his jaw. "I didn't think you would remember."

"An excellent memory makes for a superior doctor."

"True." Demenik looked past the doc and smiled. A moment later, Syntha appeared, sliding into the booth beside Demenik. She put her arm around him and leaned in to kiss him on the cheek. The doctor raised one eyebrow and nodded. Demenik saw the look and laughed.

"Morning, Doc," she said. "What can I bring you to drink?"

"Coffee would be perfect."

Syntha stood and grinned at Demenik. "I'm bringing you another coffee too, partner."

"No thanks, sweetness."

"Another one won't hurt. Besides." Her eyes sparkled. "I want you wide awake tonight when I give you your birthday present."

Doc Johnston chuckled and Demenik blushed. "Okay. No sugar though."

"In the coffee or tonight?" She winked.

"In the coffee." He grinned. "I will take all the sugar tonight you are willing to give."

Syntha kissed him and walked away.

"How long have the two of you been together?" Doc asked.

"Couple months now."

"I should visit you here more often. It's good to see you this way, Demenik."

"What way?"

"Relaxing."

"Life is balance, Doc. I do my best to get the ratio of play to work as perfect as possible."

"You have always displayed wisdom beyond your years in such matters."

"I shall take that as a compliment."

"That is how it was intended."

Demenik grinned. "Thank you. I hope you didn't bring any gifts."

"It is unlucky not to give presents, Demenik. I know you were clear on this, but the danger is to me if I do not present a gift to one of my favourite people on their birthday." He reached into his pocket and withdrew a small bag.

"I'm surprised to hear that you are a superstitious man, Doc."

"I am when it serves me. Now open your present."

Demenik opened the bag and slid the contents onto his hand. It was a fountain pen made from a dark, black, shiny material, with a clip of gold. He opened the lid and inspected the tip, which was also gold. "This is beautiful, Doc."

"It is made from lion's mane."

"Incredible." Demenik hefted the pen. "It's extremely light."

"Layers of lion's mane specially layered, lacquered, and then formed into a cylinder. There is no other pen like it in the world."

Demenik replaced the cap and lay the pen on top of the empty felt bag. "I can't thank you enough for such a thoughtful gift."

"Something to remember me by."

"I will treasure it always."

"There is a glass tube inside that holds a reservoir of ink so that you need not dip the pen continually to write."

"Truly?"

The doctor nodded and extended his hand. Demenik handed him the pen and the doctor unscrewed the bottom to reveal the interior. "Such things do not exist here, but I met a man from a faraway land once who possessed such an instrument. I remembered the concept and had a local designer create it."

"I expect this will become popular very soon."

"I agree. But yours was the first."

Syntha brought the drinks.

"Sit with us for a bit?" the doctor asked.

"I would love to, but the girls need my help. I'll sit down and visit next time you come in."

"I shall hold you to that promise, young lady."

She smiled and moved to the next table.

"How is business, Demenik?"

"I am very fortunate. Business is good."

"Word on the streets is that you will more active in Lord Caladan's court."

"I hope not."

"Why? You are beloved of the alley, are you not?"

Demenik set his coffee down and laughed. "I wouldn't say that. True, many in the alleys have borrowed from me and prospered as a result, but that doesn't mean that they love me."

"Lord Caladan's alleys are the most prosperous in the city, lad. Everyone knows that you have had a major hand in it."

"Lord Caladan is the one responsible. He feeds his people and protects them. He searches for those with talent and helps them to develop their particular skills."

"He did none of this before you came along."

Demenik nodded and sipped his coffee.

"There is another rumour circulating that he will soon take control of a third territory."

"I have not heard that."

"I don't believe you."

Demenik smiled.

The two drank the rest of their coffee and made polite small talk. When his drink was finished, they stood and hugged.

"I will let you get back to your day, Demenik. Happy birthday."

"Thanks, Doc. And thank you for the pen. I love it."

"Come see me soon. I would discuss a little business."

Demenik pointed to the booth. "Let's do so now."

"No, no. There is nothing important. It can wait."

"You know me. I hate to wait."

"Then come see me tomorrow."

Demenik laughed. "Tell me that it is nothing serious and I will agree."

"I promise, it is nothing serious. Enjoy your evening with Syntha."

"I will."