“Your home is much larger than it appears from the outside.”
“Ah, well the art of deception is immensely important when one is hiding in plain sight. My friend, I don’t imagine you came here this evening to discuss my home though.”
Vendeen’s companions had not left, yet. The meal was over and a discussion had begun within the hangar for the ship that was being built. When I’d walked in I overheard Vendeen telling her friends that she felt she was making progress and expected a change very soon.
I did not wish to disappoint.
“You are correct, Vendeen. Although your meals are very impressive and your home more so, I didn’t come to offer compliments. I’ve been thinking a great deal on our conversations. I’ve had the opportunity to visit areas I’ve not been to in many moons. This decision did not come easy nor is it a decision to be taken lightly. I’ve decided to join you and your companions.” I heard an intake of breath from more than one individual in the room.
I looked around at the faces before me and realized these would be those I would come to depend on to keep me safe, and I the same for them. I did not know all their names yet, nor did I know anything about them aside from the fact they all work together. It is time I change that. I should not accept the word of my friend that these are to be trusted. I would not get much rest this night. Tonight, I will follow my instinct and learn about whom I’m now teaming up with.
“I think that you will find your decision to be a sound one, Siuan. You do not know these friends of mine, though I doubt it will take you long to remedy that.” I looked back at my friend sharply and saw a twinkle in her eye. I tend to forget how well she knows me. With a slight nod of my head, I turn to walk out of the hangar.
“Do you mind if I retire to the kitchens and help myself to what smells to be some appetizing foods?”
“Of course. Help yourself. Also, your rooms have been cleaned, though I suspect you will be making most use of the library. Please, my friend. Make yourself at home.”
