[Center][img]https://i.imgur.com/1ztEFL9.png[/img][hr][hr][b][colour=009fff]Event:[/colour][/b] Retrospective Catch-Up [b]|[/b] [b][colour=009fff]Location:[/colour][/b] Farmstead, An Zenui[hr][hr][/center][center][h3][url=https://youtu.be/_de94rSr8m8]♫[/url][/h3][/center]
Ayla turned her attention to Zarina, who had just returned riding her horse, Riesco. As she looked closer, she noticed that Zarina was accompanied by a strange creature that appeared to be a hybrid of a girl and a horse. Ayla was taken aback by the sight and couldn't help but ask, [colour=009fff]“Did you just... have a kid?”[/colour]

Zarina looked puzzled by Ayla's question, [colour=E5E4E2]“Wut?”[/colour]

It was then that the girl-horse hybrid, who had been prancing excitedly around them, approached Ayla and exclaimed, [colour=C71585]“Are you a kid like me? You look so small!”[/colour]

Ayla was momentarily stunned by the creature's appearance and enthusiastic behaviour, but she quickly composed herself and responded, [colour=009fff]“Hola soy Ayla, actually we are older.”[/colour] She then turned back to Zarina, still somewhat bewildered by the bizarre creature standing before her.

[colour=C71585]“I'm Classa!”[/colour] The little filly continued, introducing herself as a centaur. She jumped around Ayla as she examined her, [colour=C71585]“Did you sleep in the oven? You are looking rather crispy!”[/colour]

Ayla couldn't help but feel self-conscious about her current appearance, still looking bedraggled compared to the rest. [colour=009fff]“Well, we've been through three death-defying incidents and not even had a siesta yet,”[/colour] she sighed softly. [colour=009fff]“We would kill for a bath and to wash my hair.”[/colour]

Classa's excitement was contagious, [colour=C71585]“Well, here’s the right place, we are a Sweetwater farm! It will make you look as good as new.”[/colour] She has an idea as she dropped next to Ayla, [colour=C71585] “Climb on, I’ll show you!”[/colour]

Ayla couldn't resist the idea of what the girl advertised and getting cleaned up. [colour=009fff]“Sweetwater? Pretty name.”[/colour] She climbed onto the back of the Centaur girl, wondering where to place her hands, and settled on wrapping her arms around Classa's waist. She's holding on tight as Classa pranced around excitedly. As she circled around Zarina and Riesco, Classa proudly declared, [colour=C71585]“Look at me, I have a rider too!”[/colour]

As Classa mimicked Riesco's movements, Ayla held on tight as they took off to show off to the others. Zarina and Riesco followed closely behind as they made their way towards the Sweetwater farm. Ayla couldn't help but smile and giggle with the energetic girl, feeling the wind in her hair, the sun on her skin, and the prospect of a bath and clean clothes made her feel hopeful again. [colour=009fff]“This is fun!”[/colour] she shouted over the sound of the galloping hooves. It was a welcome break from the constant danger and chaos they had been facing, and she was grateful for the moment of pure joy.

Classa became agitated and uncomfortable with Ayla riding on her. [colour=C71585]“Okay, that's enough! We're almost there!”[/colour] She impatiently stood up on her hind legs, causing Ayla to slide off. [colour=C71585]“Come on, little legs, it's time to clippity-clop.”[/colour]

[hr]

[color=FFE4B5][color=C71585]“We’re almost there!”[/color] chirped Classa, still casting about for the tusker. Sure enough, it had stopped towards the perimeter of the farm, not daring to come any closer to an inhabited area. She noticed Tku glance back in its direction as well. [color=C71585]“Trust me. It’s a good thing. If it came too close, Zox would have to cwush it.”[/color] She shook her head. [color=C71585]“He doesn’t like cwushing things, but it’s his job..”[/color]

The house was low, squat, and sprawling, made of sandstone and streamlined in the direction of the prevailing winds so that they might be channeled around it. A large patio wrapped around the other three sides and, on it, they could see a stone golem, easily eight feet tall, rumbling about with an oversized broom, sweeping sand away. An imp of some sort hung from the spandrels, huffing out massive breaths that sent the sand swirling off and away into the desert wind. Finally, in a rocking chair on the patio, was an old man with a wide-brimmed hat. At the sound of approaching hooves, he perked up. Grabbing the armrests, he heaved himself to his feet and felt about for the cane he’d left leaning against a small table nearby. [color=808000]“Classa? Né lix?” (Classa, is that you?)[/color] he called, grasping hold of it. He paused, making his way slowly there, cane held out in front. [color=808000]“...ni [i]sen[/i],” (and more,)[/color] he decided.

[color=C71585]“Sol Jascuan!”[/color] she exclaimed, breaking into a light gallop. [color=C71585]“Cé lix! Cé’x paté. Ax zobar.” (It’s me. I’m safe. Don’t worry.)[/color] After that, they spoke rapidly and none of the three biros could understand any of it as they approached. The huge golem placed its broom delicately aside and began to head their way somewhat threateningly until Mr. Jascuan raised his cane and called out some instructions in a tremulous old voice. With that, the construct bowed and back up a couple of steps. [color=B0C4DE]“Oh, ah… ahem. My apologies. I’m Zox and I umm… certainly didn’t mean to make you… uncomfortable,”[/color] it apologized, [color=B0C4DE]“Or anything of… of the sort.”[/color] It tapped its head with a large stony finger. [color=B0C4DE]“It’s my programming, you know, haha. I um… I’m built to crush things, though… sometimes I wonder if there’s more to life than -”[/color]

[color=ADFF2F]“Aaaaaahahahaaa!”[/color] came a laugh, high-pitched and mocking from the imp. [color=ADFF2F]“You’re a golem, rockhead! Your whole job is to scare people. Sheeeeeesh. Wouldya look at this palooka? Not even twenty seconds after meeting people - and high types to boot - and he’s already waxing philosophical.”[/color] The imp snorted and leapt down from the roof. [color=ADFF2F]“Naxos,”[/color] he said, his black, beady little eyes darting between the group’s members.

Last was Mr. Jascuan. He was clearly not human, and not of a race any of them had seen before. His skin was tanned and reddish along the back, though not in a sunburnt way. His ears were large - larger than those of a yasoi - and his nose great and pointed. He was… somewhere in the height range of a hegelan, though not nearly as stout. His eyes, quite clearly, were blind, whether by age or some other ravage, they could not quite be sure. After shaking their hands, he spoke in a voice gravelly and aged, and Naxos translated… somewhat reliably. [color=ADFF2F]“The boss says thank you for bringin’ Classa back to him. She’s always gettin’ lost and he worries about her.”[/color] The imp hopped from foot to foot, as if pathologically unable to keep still. [color=ADFF2F]“He offers yuh his hospitality, though don’t you go freeloading or I’m gonna have something to say about that.”[/color]

[color=C71585]“He didn’t say that!”[/color] Classa protested, and Naxos waved her off. Meanwhile, Zox returned to sweeping, his big stony head turning curiously in the direction of the new arrivals every so often.

[color=ADFF2F]“Yeah yeah, I know. It’s called paraphrasing, yuh stupid ‘orse!”[/color] He seemed to soften after a moment, especially when Classa started to pout. He sighed. [color=ADFF2F]“You ain’t stupid, Classa. Just… you don’t know everything. Let the grownups talk, alright?”[/color] He turned to face the three visitors. [color=ADFF2F]“Listen, that was my addition. I’m gonna be honest with youse guys. We don’t refuse anyone here, but we’re a small operation. Just old man Jas, his kid Maxi - who’s in town right now - and the three of us demons.”[/color] He scratched at the back of his neck. [color=ADFF2F]“Not much uh… overhead, y’know?”[/color]

The old blind cazenax sniffed the wind. He smiled in the three humans’ direction and spoke some more, gesturing them into the sprawling house. It certainly [i]looked[/i] rather large, though those perceptive enough would see signs of disrepair, neglect, and hasty, low-quality patch jobs all about the place. For all of his blindness, though, Mr. Jascuan navigated the space effortlessly, explaining things as he went. This time, Classa translated, seeming quite proud of herself. [color=C71585]“This farm has been in the family for almost five hundred years - since even before the Vozas was found - and is one of the cwosest big sweetwater fawms to An Zenui. That makes it cheap and easy to sell there, and lots of people have offewed to buy it, but Mr. Jascuan isn’t selling. When he walks into the darkness, it’s gonna go to his owdest son, Wazuo.”[/color]

He kept speaking and she kept translating. All about the ceiling were four-leafed fans, creaking and squeaking as they turned. An elaborate series of ropes seemed to connect them all and connect them to some sort of power source. Classa saw them looking. [color=C71585]“Oh, the fans are all connected to a great big windmill outside. Mr. Jascuan’s great-great grandfather built it, but it didn’t work for a long time until Maxi fixed it. Anyways,”[/color] she continued, [color=C71585]“There are four types of sweetwater we fawm here, and each uses a diffewent type of cactus and a diffewent size of dewsail. Some’s for sauces, some’s for drinking, some’s for cleaning, and some’s for healing. People even have baths in it!”[/color] She turned on the spot, smiling nervously, her hooves very loud on the floor. [color=C71585]“You’re welcome to twy it!”[/color] She paused. [color=C71585]“All except the sauce. We save that for the evening cook, when Samaxi’s back.”[/color] She couldn’t resist stamping with happy hooves [color=C71585]“It’s [i]sooooo[/i] good! I pwomise!”[/color][/color]

[hr]

Ayla's face brightened as Classa mentioned the Sweetwater baths. [colour=009fff]“Oh, we call dibs on being the first to have a bath!”[/colour] she exclaimed, grinning widely. However, her expression soon turned slightly hesitant. [colour=009fff]“Um, do you happen to have spare clothes? Maybe even a hat? We can't really walk around the desert in these torn rags.”[/colour]

As she recalled Naxos’s words, she rooted in her pockets, as she only had Ersand’Enise currency. [colour=009fff]“We would be happy to pay with these coins, or help assist in other ways. We can perform with song and music.”[/colour]

[color=ADFF2F]"Eh, you know, the old man might appreciate that,"[/color] Naxos replied, somewhat thoughtfully. [color=ADFF2F]"But as long as you don't go guzzling our whole supply, I don't think we'll fault you. Truth is..."[/color] he paused and scratched at the back of his head awkwardly. [color=ADFF2F]"It'll probably go to waste if you don't use it. Sweetwater has a shelf life."[/color] He shrugged. [color=ADFF2F]"And we don't have a distributor.... 'side from Maxi."[/color] For a moment, as he went still, the small demon seemed to grow almost threatening. [color=ADFF2F]"Nobody wants to take us on. They either just move that cheap swill that comes from the Vozas because it's close and easy, or they only do big shipments if they have to go outside the city."[/color] He shook his head and seemed to clear it. [color=ADFF2F]"Anyway -"[/color] He waved dismissively. [color=ADFF2F]"We're neither big nor in the city. Hehe. Sorry. Not really what you asked for. That was a sweetwater bath, and a sweetwater bath you shall have!"[/color]

With that, Naxos skittered around the edges of the pool, pulling various levers, turning wheels, and breathing fire into some coals. He looked Ayla up and down and seemed to consider. [color=ADFF2F]"Looking to stimulate healing, I'm guessing. Right?"[/color] He didn't wait for her answer. [color=ADFF2F]"Hmm... also dirty as a sandbat."[/color] He paused to breathe more fire into the coals. [color=ADFF2F]"I'll say a 40-40-20."[/color] The little imp disappeared into a closet for a moment, still talking. [color=ADFF2F]"That means forty percent cleaning, forty percent healing, twenty percent water."[/color] He came out with a luxurious robe on a hanger, along with a pair of sandals. [color=ADFF2F]"I think maybe... hmm... the Seventeen-Year Sapphire. Oh yeah, change room's that way. Put these on, and I'll be scarce."[/color] Water began filling the tub, then, from a handful of spouts, and then also something else, waterlike, but a sparkling, lustrous very light green. She took the offered clothes, and the imp turned and began moving. [color=ADFF2F]"Oh yeah, and don't track dirt on the floors! You dirty it, you clean it!"[/color]

Ayla's mind raced as the imp spoke, impressed by his knowledge of the Sweetwater.  [colour=009fff]“If this stuff is as good as you say, people back home would be fighting over it, and we deal in speciality items.”[/colour] She giggled a little before turning serious.  [colour=009fff]“But for now, we don't even know where home is. Let's focus on the present and park that conversation for an opportune time.”[/colour]

She gratefully accepted the bathrobe and headed towards the changing rooms.  [colour=009fff]“Thank you for your generosity, it's much appreciated.”[/colour]

Tku had felt bad that all of Ayla's cloth and adornments were ruined. So when she was heading to the bath he went into his bag and handed some of the ones he has used, shifting them with blood and binding to make them more fit for someone like Ayla. [color=734960]"Ayla,"[/color] Tku called out, [color=734960]"I have these hairpieces, if you like."[/color] He held out an assortment of them in his hand.

Ayla's face lit up with hope as Tku offered his help. Initially, she had planned to politely decline, but then had a sudden idea. [colour=009fff]“Tku, as a binder, could you do something about my hair?”[/colour] she asked him, turning her back towards him. [colour=009fff]“Can you make it longer again, at least back to my waist?”[/colour]

[colour=734960]"Ah, of course, Ayla. That much is simple,"[/colour] Tku reassured her with a smile. He went and placed his hands on her hair. As he worked his magic, Ayla felt her hair growing rapidly. The mousy brown colour extending and light red hair forming at the roots. It was immediately clear that Ayla had dyed her hair.

Feeling a little self-conscious, Ayla looked over her shoulder to Tku. [colour=009fff]“It's not natural, but it makes me feel more like myself,”[/colour] she explained apologetically. [colour=009fff]“Don't worry, can fix myself in the bath.”[/colour]

[color=734960]"If dyeing your hair makes one more comfortable, than I see no reason not to, I would even encourage it,"[/color] Tku openly stated as he started to stand up. He thought for but a moment, [color=734960]"I shouldn't just tell you my beliefs like that so easily, I do not know why you dye it. But I promise I won't tell people and will be there to help again, Ipte forbid that I have to."[/color] Tku headed outside to get back to work.

Ayla emerged from the changing room in her robe, finding the imp absent as she made her way to the bath. She disrobed and sank into the warm, foamy, light-green Sweetwater, but found the temperature tepid for her liking. Using her gift, she heated the water to a scalding temperature, perfect for her. The Sweetwater lived up to its reputation, refreshing her skin and making her feel rejuvenated.

With her fingers, she snipped away the burnt ends of her hair, as the foam gave it a glossy shine. She used some chemical magic to restore its usual mousey brown colour. Once she was finished, she stepped out of the bath and found new clothes and a hat waiting for her. The poncho was a beautiful rainbow colour, and she couldn't resist trying it on. She dressed herself in the Cazenax clothing, making herself blend in with the locals. She also picked out some ornaments and artefacts to wear. Her own cleaned piled neatly as she makes a note to clean and repair it in a spare moment.

[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/feeLiup.png[/img][/center]

Feeling refreshed and energized, she returned to the others with a wide smile. She searched for Naxos and thanked him for the refreshing bath.  [colour=009fff]“It would be my honour to sing for you all later,”[/colour] she added with a flourish.  [colour=009fff]“We do have a question, though. What is this Vozas that you keep mentioning?”[/colour]

[color=ADFF2F]"And as for the Vozas..."[/color] He let out a low whistle. [color=ADFF2F]"No kidding you guys are foreign."[/color] He shook his head. [color=ADFF2F]"Though I guess that should be obvious. You don't look very Xochi."[/color]

Naxos seemed to consider. [color=ADFF2F]"The Vozas is everything. It's... the place where most of what we own and what we [i]are[/i] comes from. [i]Heck[/i]"[/color] he admitted. [color=ADFF2F][i]"I'm[/i] from there."[/color] He sniffed and scratched at his nose. [color=ADFF2F]"I guess I've heard outsiders call it the VOID, but it's so much more than that. They don't get it. The Vozas is the endless well from which our imaginations and skill in magic craft and pull things into being."[/color]

Ayla listened attentively as she pondered the imp's words.  [colour=009fff]“We've had some experiences with the VOID before, but isn't it a gateway to other worlds and dimensions? The beings that emerge from it are often called demons, but they seem to be reflections of ourselves, like worlds with multiple versions of me. Sometimes during the crossing, they transform and become distorted,”[/colour] she shared her knowledge on the subject.  [colour=009fff]“There is also another place, where an egg-shaped entity came from, which seemed to ascend to a higher plane after it protected us from a dragon,”[/colour] she added thoughtfully.  [colour=009fff]“We once knew a girl with a dagger who appeared to cut through into the VOID, and creatures of imagination emerged. The nature of these things is not well understood in our land.”[/colour]

Ayla added to the discussion, and definitely satisfied the talkative imp. More time for Zarina to sit and drink, as she captured the smaller details of the farm. The old man was the most intriguing, as he owned everything here and yet despite his appearance did not get the qualification of demon. Was that a Cazenax, then?

[color=#E5E4E2]“That is a long time to be working dewsails and water.”[/color] remarked Zarina, [color=#E5E4E2]“Doing the same thing. Serving the same family. Is this due to a debt?”[/color] she inquired as her metal-clad legs crossed and her gold hues trained themselves on the short creature, [color=#E5E4E2]“Or is it the condition for you to live? Life-long servitude?”[/color]

Naxos glanced about. He had two people addressing him, looking to him as if he were an authority on anything, and this was rare. He cleared his throat, about to speak, when another voice interrupted. [color=808000]"Naxos? Are you regaling our visitors with more tales without first offering food?"[/color]

It was Jascuan, shaking his head disapprovingly as he slowly made his way over. The elderly cazenax held a narrow cane out in front of himself, using it to feel around. His other hand was gripped around an odd sort of... [i]fish!?[/i] Only, it wasn't a real fish.  [color=808000]"Too much talk from this one, I'm afraid,"[/color] he declared, setting himself down on one of the deep, soft cushions in front of his two impromptu guests. [color=808000]"Too little action."[/color] Naxos hurried off to go and prepare some food. [color=808000]"The flatbread and cheese!"[/color] the old man croaked. [color=808000]"And the gutzas. I think our visitors can handle a little spice."[/color] He winked blindly in their general direction, offering a soft smile. Then, he cleared his throat.

[color=808000]"So, you have many questions,"[/color] the old man rumbled, his wispy gray hair stirring in the light breeze that came from the ceiling fans and the open archway alike. [color=808000]"You must be from far indeed, for you do not speak Xochi, as has every other human I've ever met."[/color] He shook his head. [color=808000]"How I wish I could have my vision back for but one more day, so that I might lay eyes upon you."[/color] There was a long sigh that lingered in the hot desert air. [color=808000]"Anyhow, you wish to know about the Vozas?"[/color] He seemed to settle in. [color=808000]"And the nature of Naxos' servitude. Very well."[/color]

A gust whistled outside of the entranceway and a swirl of sand danced and sparkled in the harsh desert light. [color=808000]"My people, who I assume you are unfamiliar with, are called the cazenax. We have lived here, in this harsh but beautiful land, since long before the humans came with their dragons and their weapons and their big showy magics. It was a hard existence, but some would say a noble one."[/color] He reached for an endtable, where a tall glass of sweetwater sat, and took a sip, setting it back down with a light 'clap'. [color=808000]"I do not say, however, whether I am one of these individuals, you must note."[/color] His sightless eyes regarded them steadily. [color=808000]"Some two hundred years previous, the great prophet Nalozuin traveled to distant lands, for he was a prince exiled by his jealous uncle, who had usurped his father and put his many brothers and sisters to the sword."[/color] Jascuan shook his head at that. [color=808000]"He traveled the lands of the nightwalkers: both those of the warm sun and those of the cold moon and there, his clever counsel and inventive way with devices helped them to defeat their great enemies of the inner plain. They bestowed upon him, as a gift, knowledge both that was theirs and that they had taken from the enemies whom they had defeated together. This was the first knowledge - imperfect though it was - of how to commune with the Vozas."[/color]

Before he could speak further, however, Naxos returned with four platters, deftly maneuvering them onto the low table in the middle of the sitting area with some magical assistance. [color=808000]"Naxos, my old friend, thank you,"[/color] rumbled Jascaun. [color=808000]"Why don't you sit and sup with us? Maxi should be home soon, one would hope, hale and hearty."[/color] With that, the old man motioned to his guests and to the food, and even to Classa, who had been hovering behind a nearby wall, stealing glances and listening in. [color=808000]"Come now. We should not speak on empty stomachs. We are not wealthy here, but we have enough, thanks to these gifts of the Vozas. Food is meant to be shared and then we might discuss further."[/color]

 [color=ADFF2F]"Thank you, Valcuo."[/color] the imp replied.

A new people, land extremely foreign and demon-like beings made to be slaves. It was a lot to take in, but nothing that Zarina couldn't normally handle. The issue was not the information capacity, but what took priority in her mind. Slaves, and the promise she had made with the Ice King - Her God, apparently, made flesh and she definitely believed it with how powerful he was. Which made her fear the consequences all the more.

Zazzy joined Mr. Jascuan in his invitation to dine. From what she could tell, Naxos was content with what he was doing, even if he could use more social stimulation. The golem was a mystery to her. And Classa appeared to be a happy child, but that made her the hardest to assess. Zarina indulged in some cheese over flatbread, only taking a few bites before giving her input. [color=#E5E4E2]“Thanks again for the hospitality, Mr. Jascuan, Naxos, Classa.”[/color] she looked at each one as she mentioned them. [color=#E5E4E2]“We have indeed come from very far. And I can't help but be intrigued at how you've brought along such-”[/color] she smiled over at Classa. [color=#E5E4E2]“delightful beings into your family thanks to the Vozas. I'm actually pretty interested how this great,”[/color] the grin turned into a smirk. [color=#E5E4E2]“an extremely agile little bundle of life came to be. A girl-horse, being a big horse-goer myself, I'm actually super-duper interested. Because that's very cool.”[/color]

Ayla savored the flavors of the food, noting the similarities between the Cazenax cuisine and that of the high desert. The smoked meats and spices added a familiar touch, although there was a distinct lack of authenticity that she couldn't ignore. The meticulously crafted dishes lacked the natural imperfections that made food feel genuine, leaving an uncanny sensation. A part of her couldn't help but wonder if it had something to do with the Vozas and its influence on her perception.

As Zazzy inquired about demons, Ayla's curiosity piqued. The concept of the Vozas, however, seemed almost too perfect, and a nagging doubt gnawed at her from within. She decided to let them continue their conversation before posing her own question.

[colour=009fff]"The Vozas sounds magnificent, the ability to manifest one's desires,"[/colour] Ayla began, her voice laced with intrigue. She paused for a moment, contemplating her words. [colour=009fff]"But how does it work? Is there a cost involved, a give-and-take dynamic? Like nurturing a plant to yield food, what must be given in return for the Vozas to work?"[/colour] Anticipating further clarification, she added, [colour=009fff]"And is there a limit to its usage, either in frequency or quantity?"[/colour]

Old man Jascuan leaned back, seeming to consider Ayla’s and Zarina’s words. He took a sip of his drink, hand trembling slightly as he did so, and let out a low, rueful chuckle. [color=808000]“Oh, there is a cost, alright.”[/color] He set it back on the end table. [color=808000]“But it is a very human thing, I think, to assume that one must exchange a concrete thing for another.”[/color] He shook his head. [color=808000]“The cost of the Vozas is unpredictability.”[/color] At quizzical looks from Classa and his guests, he continued, though he had - of course - not [i]seen[/i] them in the literal sense.  

[color=808000]“The Vozas manifests that which you desire, bringing it forth from the darkness beyond reality and into the light. It is free, it asks nothing, and it is bountiful, but it is not… easy.”[/color] He shook his head. [color=808000]“One must control his mind with absolute purpose and precision. One mistake, and what is produced is often useless.”[/color] He pursed his lips and then licked them briefly. [color=808000]“Our people abhor waste or, at least, we [i]used[/i] to.”[/color] He shook his head again, and Naxos hopped nervously from one foot to the other. Classa sat on the ground and hugged herself, large brown eyes searching the faces of the others present. [color=808000]“But the waste is something that we can live with, and we often find uses for the seemingly useless. No, lapses can be more than inconveniences. Sometimes, one who allows his heart to be coloured by dark feelings can bring forth the physical manifestations of these from the Vozas. It does not judge. It only produces.”[/color] He tilted his wizened head to the side and knit his fingers. [color=808000]“Even beings that may seem useful or ones not meant to be alive that know life nonetheless may become dangerous. They may turn on you.”[/color] He gestured towards Naxos, as the imp translated. [color=808000]“This one, for example, derives pleasure from the work that I give him and feels only loyalty and regard for me so long as I am not cruel.”[/color]

The eyes of both young women flicked over to Naxos, then, studying his face carefully, and he seemed… pensive for a moment. [color=808000]“But had there been a flaw in his creation, he might’ve known suffering and dissatisfaction with his existence. It would not have been good for him or I. He’d have fled or turned on me at some juncture.”[/color] Jascuan reached out blindly to rest a fond hand on his… slave’s shoulder. [color=C71585]“Some demons try to run,[/color] Classa added solemnly. [color=C71585]“Others even try to hurt their masters,”[/color] She shook her head. [color=C71585]“They’re bad demons.”[/color]

The old man pursed his lips and nodded slowly. [color=808000]“There are bad masters too, though.”[/color]

[color=C71585]“But not you!”[/color] Classa insisted, scrambling to her feet, [color=C71585]“And I’d [i]never[/i] run away![/color]

[color=808000]“Come here, little one.”[/color] He waved her over and she settled onto the couch beside him. He reached out blindly with one arm and hugged the child.She leaned into him and returned the embrace. [color=808000]“Make no mistake. There are vile things that come from the Vozas, just as there are wondrous ones, but they are so often the product of vile people, or at least careless ones who have no business calling upon such powers.”[/color]

[color=C71585]“There’s a whole big system of traps!”[/color] Classa cut in. [color=C71585]“And a maze that every cazenax learns when they’re small.”[/color] She regarded Jascuan hopefully, then, for just a moment, before sliding off the couch and clattering across the floor with excess noise and restless energy, or perhaps it was something more. She shot a concerned look back his way, and Naxos followed suit.

The old man sighed, heaving himself from the sofa. [color=808000]“But sometimes, there are accidents.”[/color] His face closed up and he grabbed his cane and began shuffling away. [color=808000]“I think our dessert should be very near finished. I shall go check on it, and Maxi should be home soon anyhow.”[/color]

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