"Hmmm", Idris leaned back and turned the cup in his hands and watched the wine swash from one side of the brim to the other while he contemplated the implications of Philandros' offer. The advantages were plain to see - fresh air, a small but lovely garden, a truly luxurious place to stay, decent meals and the company of Olaf. Moreover, Philandros' villa could prove the least suspicous place to hide. Originally he had thought to ask Sextus whether he could provide shelter for his friends somewhere quiet on the countryside, an idea that still appealed to him. It was safer. Yet with Philandros returning to Green Acres he wasn't sure anymore if Sextus would agree to this. Playing around during a lover's absence was one thing, but doing so behind his back while he was present was quite another thing in Idris' view. However, what interested him most right now were the vague 'various reaons which Hylas knows' - was it about the incident between Sextus and Olaf?

He set the cup aside without having even sipped from the wine and smiled at Olaf. "Don't be sad", Idris said gently. "Eirik isn't one to enjoy showing his feelings in public. He has accepted your decision, he just has to ... get used to the changed situation. Give him some time, will you? He won't leave you, that much I know. And you, too, will need some time to digest all you've learned tonight. We're not in a rush. No need to cry, Olaf." Slowly the young Northerner nodded and finally wiped some tears from his face. The Silure smiled reassuringly and then turned to Philandros.

"Personally I would at once agree to", an amused smile darted across his face, "do you this 'favour', moreover as we all can only gain from it as far as I can see. But it's not a decision I can make alone. And, frankly, it's not the right time to ask Eirik or Spurius, I'll ask them tomorrow morning. But you can do me a great favour." Philandros saw the amused glint in the Silure's eyes and smiled. "And what would that be, my friend?" Idris laughed softly. "Would you take me in for the night? It seems I'm kind of homeless right now. I won't even come near your triclinium ... promise!" Philandros raised an eyebrow and sighed in mock exasperation. "Well, then ... Of course you are welcome to stay. But I will leave for Green Acres quite early." "And the first thing I'll do tomorrow morning is ask Eirik and Spurius if they will stay at your place. Would you excuse me for now, please?" Philandros nodded politely. "Of course, I wouldn't keep you from business. I hope Hylas and Felix can be of help to you!"

Idris was baffled for a moment, then he glanced at Hylas with a sigh before he nodded and smiled at Philandros and walked over to the other table. The pretty young Greek awarded him with an almost sultry smile to gloss over the fact that he had been trying very hard to catch every single word; Idris chuckled softly and playfully winked in his most suggestive manner. Whatever Hylas might lack when it came to being unobtrusive, his companion more than just made up for it. Though he never had seemed to pay them more than just casual attention, Idris had sensed the man's quiet and intriguing presence ever since they'd arrived. Now Felix offered an open smile and extended a hand in invitation. The Silure smiled in return and sat down.