387 Sun Devils (1/2)

/Qi Family: Nix: Why have a courtyard when it's so damn cold? Do they come out here to freeze together?

/Qi Family: Cora: Bonfires Nix, it's a nightly thing here in Fraya'Selene.

Nix shook his head slightly but placated the young ranger with a smile. ”Takes all sorts. I prefer Haven.”

/Qi Family: Sasi: I like Haven too. Can I come live in your house?

/Qi Family: Nix: We don't have any rats.

/Qi Family: Sasi: None? Not even one? Never mind.

Cora led them up a half flight of stairs that stopped at the largest set of house doors Nix had ever seen. To his surprise, it glowed and then opened when Cora touched it. The doors opened into a large entryway at the base of a grand staircase. The warmth of the room was a welcome surprise.

/Qi Family: Nix: The doors are enchanted?

/Qi Family: Cora: Yes. The two of you have been cleared by Morai Sai Tali.

/Qi Family: Nix: Oh. Is Grand Elder Sai here?

/Qi Family: Cora: No. You will be received by Surai Yaven Tali. She is the older sister of Del.

As if on cue, a tall woman moved at the top of the stairs. She wore a modest blue dress, her white hair was cut very short. Her blue eyes seemed intelligent, they were several shades darker than the Ain'Dhassi norm.

Cora bowed her head. ”Greetings Surai Yaven, may I present Guild Leader Nix from the Inferno guild and the Speaker Sasi Qi from the House of Tempest.”

Nix had expected someone who resembled Del, but Yaven was completely different. ”Well met, Surai Yaven.”

The woman's warm smile made Nix doubt her Ain'Dhassi ancestry. ”Please call me Yaven, Guild Leader Nix, and Honorable Speaker.”

”Thank you. Just call me as Nix, please.” Nix glanced at Sasi who managed to latch onto his hand without him noticing.

”I'm Sasi. Greetings from the House of Tempest.”

Yaven flowed smoothly down the stairs, immediately Nix was reminded of Del and her troop of ghosts. ”Sasi, would you mind if I bring Nix to visit Del by himself?”

Cora placed a hand on Sasi's shoulder. ”I will show you around for a bit, then you can rejoin him before he speaks with Morana.”

Sasi seemed reluctant to let go of Nix's hand. ”Rabi will be mad at me if I don't protect Nix.”

/Qi Family: Cora: His safety is guaranteed by the Tali family.

/Qi Family: Nix: It's fine. I'll call you if I need anything.

Sasi frowned and then handed Nix a black small rock.

[Blackheart Token]

Description: Summon Sasi Qi when you need her.

One time use.

Nix turned the dark rock over in his hand. ”Where did you get this?”

”Thank you, Sasi.” Nix waited until Cora led the Tempest Speaker away before turning back toward Yaven. ”Time is of the essence, I'm afraid I can't stay long.”

”I understand, Nix. Follow me please.” Cora walked back up the stairs and took a left down a long marble-tiled hall. ”It happened about two weeks ago, since then Morana has been visiting her every day.”

Cora opened set of double doors and stepped inside. The wave of heat that pushed against him was surprising.

”What happened two weeks ago?” The floor was covered with dozens of fur rugs. A fireplace was burning brightly along one wall.

Yavin pointed to a large egg that sat on a red plush cushion next to the fire. ”Del started speaking.”

”Speaking? From the dragon egg?” Nix walked towards egg, whoever decorated the room was fond of the color red.

”Touch the dragon egg, Nix.”

Since Nix had carried the dragon egg before, he didn't hesitate to do so again.

[Who is there?] Del's soft voice seemed to flow into Nix.

”Del?” Nix spoke louder then he meant to. The surface of the egg was pleasantly warm.

[Finally, you have come to visit me.] Del's voice was tinged with humor. [Apparently, none of my family members know how to contact you.]

Her words made Nix smile. ”Perhaps they think I'm a bad influence.”

[Hmm... No doubt.]

Yaven placed her hand on the egg. ”I'm here also Del. Nix is here for information, but I'm not sure what.”