"Come stand by me," Laurent invited the youth, as he returned to his place at Damen's side.

He lifted an eloquent brow at Damen, expecting him to make his own choice. He was fully prepared to harshly judge whatever course of action Damen chose. It was a test, and while he hoped that Damen would come up with a creative solution, he did not expect it.

"Are all the rest for you, or are you expected to simply choose one or two?" Laurent asked, dancing on the edge of acceptable propriety for both cultures, and making Damen's situation all the more challenging.