Tasha's second official visit to the Temple of Abaddon begins in a somewhat sterile white chamber where masked acolytes collect some of her menstrual blood for a divination ritual. The procedure is thankfully brief and efficient, and the quality of the sample is such that the overseeing priestess tells the hybrid she can stop taking her Milk treatment. After a bit of cleaning up, Tasha is then taken to another tiny room within the temple, almost identical to the one on her first visit but lacking the murals and graced with a high narrow window to let in light and fresh air.

Soon enough, a cowled figure enters and sits facing her – it may be the same person who took her on her vision-journey last time, or it could be someone completely different, the way the robes cover any defining features. "Have you thought upon the question you were given?" the figure asks in a quiet, androgynous voice.

"I 'ave," Tasha answers, kneeling across from the figure. "I learned my answer from watchin', and from thinkin', on all I saw in the vision an' all I saw in Amazonia since. "We whom follow the gods, whom do we ultimately serve?" We serve not Abaddon, for 'E needs it not – not really." Tasha shakes her head, shifting her golden mane, then smiles. "My answer is this: we 'o serve the Gods, serve the people. Tha's what I learned."

"Why do we serve the people?" the figure asks.

Tasha's brow quirks. She hadn't thought quite that far. She bites her lip as she mulls over how to word her answer, then says, "Because they need our 'elp; because they ask. Also, through us – well, you know wha' I mean – they receive blessin's, an' in return their faith is maintained. In a roun' about way, it's our love o' the Gods foun' through the work of the Gods; by helpin' others, we 'elp ourselves know our Gods – no' to mention 'elp our people." The woman nods slowly, liking her answer for the most part. It wasn't as polished as she would have liked, but she's never been great with words, and she wanted to answer without too much of a pause.

The cloaked figure remains silent for some time after Tasha's explanation. "You had not thought this far ahead, had you?" it asks. "That is today's lesson: always be prepared to back up your answer. In this way, you will feel certain that it is the correct one. Also, we who follow the gods serve the people, because the people feed us."

"Well, no," Tasha admits, bowing her head embarrassedly. "An' feedin' us makes sense enough. Easy to miss the simple answers, it is."

"The simple answers are usually the truest ones," the figure quips. "Also, we serve the people because we are the people. Our families are out there, our brothers and sisters and nieces and nephews. We may not know them, but they are there, and so anyone who comes to us might as well be considered family."

Tasha finds the man's additional explanation a little harder to grasp, mainly because she's an outsider here – and most other places, to boot. Still, she can see the general logic in it. Family need not be a relative, after all, and she's adopted Amazonia as her own, in a way. "I think I understan'," she says, because she means it.

"Understanding this can be difficult for someone not raised within the Temple," the figure says. "We also follow the Will of Abaddon, when it is revealed to us. That is the other reason you have come here, is it not?"

"Yes," Tasha says, feeling that to be true as well. She suspects it is easier to believe anyone could be family, when you were given up to the temples at a young age.

"I do not expect you to fully understand, however," the instructor says. "That is not why you are here. You seek to find your own worth through service to a higher power. This will involve solving the problem or problems of someone, or perhaps even an entire community. So you must try to think beyond the merely personal, to the public good."

"Don' be selfish, think abou' everyone. It's like 'ow the crew pulls together in a storm, is it? Everyone's go' to think of the whole ship, no' jus' themselves, or else it's over for everyone," Tasha replies. She knows that wasn't quite what the hooded figure meant, but she feels it was close enough. Plus, she wants to show she's paying attention.

"Perhaps. Extend it to fair weather as well," the instructor says. "Now, how can you apply this lesson to your current life?"

"Well, there's Aisha. Last night I spoke with 'er abou' findin' some work to do, so she could 'elp 'erself feel like she's on 'er own. Now," Tasha tilts her head and lifts a finger, to accentuate her point, "Aisha an' I get along only so well. I could 'ave let 'er suffer – thought about it, I did. Bu' I didn't. I wan'ed to 'elp Layth, an' I wan'ed to 'elp 'er too. No' sure why. Jus' seemed the thing to do. I think bein' in Amazonia 'elped me see 'ow nice a big family an' friends could be, an' I wanted to … give back a bit."

"And you are certain, in your heart, that you did this for the benefit of Aisha and not to raise your standing in the eyes of this Layth, or of someone else?" the figure asks.

"No, I did say I wan'ed to 'elp Layth. I won' say I did it jus' out of the goodness o' me 'eart; that'd be a lie, an' I bet you'd catch it right off," the woman answers. Shaking her head, she explains, "I jus' thought it was a … step in the righ' direction, aye? I wan'ed to impress Layth, an' Aisha, bu' I wan'ed to 'elp them too. No' entirely selfish, is it? I'd 'ave been easier jus' to ignore Aisha. Didn' need to 'elp 'er to 'ave it good with Layth. I mean, Aisha can' do much for me. Sometimes I don' even like 'er. I even tol' 'er 'ow Layth was in bed, an' tha' didn' 'elp me at all. I go' caught up in the bein' nice, an' it seemed friendly-like."

"How important is it for you to impress your friends with your new outlook?" the figure asks next. So far, he – it – hasn't moved at all since sitting down. Even the cowl hasn't rustled.

Tasha wonders at the man's lack of movement, too. For all she knows he could be an animated sheet. The thought makes her want to shiver. "I never really thought of it tha' way," she admits, trying to push aside any disturbing thoughts of what might be under the robes. "I wan'ed them to think tha' I was tryin' 'ard. That I wasn' a big phony, all talk an' no bite. I wan' my friends to believe in me, no' just like me because I'm pretty. Bu' beyon' tha', I did it for meself – because I said I would. 'Cause I can't lie to meself an' believe it."

"But you used to lie to yourself and believe it?" the immobile figure asks.

Tasha nods slowly. "I used to push small people aroun'. I was bigger than 'em, an' if I yelled enough, mos' people would give me wha' I wanted. I'm pretty, too, an' if I used tha' right, it seemed like people respected me," the Vartan explains. She sighs, then, and props her head on a hand. "Bu' it was all a lie. I didn't see it for the truth until I came 'ere, an' everyone was different from me. Couldn't push anyone aroun', an' no one really flirts aroun' 'ere. I was jus' this small woman wit'out much in the way o' real skills, or money, or power. I didn' even like meself, once I realized it all. I wasn' strong. I was' jus' 'anded some good bits an' used 'em to lord over others."

"Well, you understand then why we don't leave it up to the gods to handle our problems," the figure says. "They also believe their own lies, for it is this belief that makes them gods, in a sense. It helps if other, lesser beings believe them as well. You were a god, but now you are surrounded by atheists who do not act as mirrors of the image you wanted to see."

The woman's ears perk up. The man's word are deep, and she can't help but feel she'll be thinking them over long after this session is done. "Oi, tha's deep," she says, giving voice to her thoughts. "So you're sayin' because there aren't people who believe I'm pretty an' tough anymore, tha' I can' believe it either? An' the gods do the same thing?"

"To have others fear or respect you to your face, to praise you and flatter you… is this not godlike?" the figure asks. "In truth, it is very easy to be like a god, for gods need not deal with the reality of life. It is much harder, and more rewarding, to be a person, who exists among other people, and who gains strength from helping and being helped by others. This is what builds communities and nations, not faith."

"This is the Path you have chosen to follow," it points out.

"In sayin' all tha', 'ow can you be 'ere then? Why no' leave, an' no' be part of the religion anymore? You're makin' me doubt bein' 'ere, as if I could be more … religious … by no' bein' religious," Tasha inquires, leaning forward. "I mean, it soun's like we don' need all this," she waves at the temple interior around her, "to do wha' we should do. This all seems li' … pretense, to the real task at 'and."

"Faith is not without purpose," the figure says in its odd whisper. "Faith inspires us, gives us hope, makes us strive to be better or more worthy. To take action to solve a problem requires faith that the outcome will be better. Faith must be encouraged, so long as it produces results. Faith is something to bathe in, to rejoice in, to be felt. It is a drive within us, just as hunger and sex and rest are."

"So all this," Tasha gestures to the room again, despite suspecting the figure across from her might well be blind, "is a monument to a particular sort of faith? Faith in fightin', in meetin' an' beatin' challenges. Like Abaddon, I guess. Tha's why 'E impressed me in the first place. I said to meself, "I wan' to be someone o' can be strong inside, an' beat the challenges I wan' to beat," an' Abaddon looked like someone I could believe in. Someone I wan'ed to be, like. So, 'ere I am, celebratin' my faith in conflict an' better outcomes."

"Abaddon, at his heart, is the expression of Creation through Destruction and Purification," the figure says. "You wish to create a new you, through purification and destruction of the old, hollow being you feel you once were. This is Abaddon's Path."

Tasha nods in agreement. "Soun's good to me. Soun's li' exactly why I came 'ere. I was willin' to cast aside more than I 'ad to, to do this, even," she explains.

"Nothing will be cast aside, or discarded," the cowl whispers. "Merely re-forged in the fire of conflict into something purer. It is a process that continues all of your life, for there is always the possibility of bettering yourself."

"Good to know, keep it interestin'." Frowning in thought, Tasha then asks, "Am I allowed to date? Or, wai', you don' … To 'ave a relationship with someone? Sex an' the like?"

"You are on the path of becoming a full person, Tasha," the figure says. "Would you be complete without such things?"

"Don' think so. I migh' no' wan' people to jus' see me as a pretty face or a lot o' noise, bu' I don' wan' to give up relationships either. Tha' wouldn' be righ'. So, no, I wouln' be," the woman answers.

"Then there is your answer," the figure says. "Most answers you will find in yourself as well, if you really think about what you are asking."

"I can kind o' see tha' now. Li' with the temple, an' servin' people," Tasha agrees. For a brief moment, she's tempted to suddenly drop her head and try and look under the hooded figure's hood – but she shakes off the urge. That, she thinks, wouldn't be respectful, nor a great way to repay someone who has taught her so long. "So, 'ow do you think I can 'elp? You mentioned somethin' abou' elpin' someone, or even a lo' o' someones."

"That is for the oracles to determine, based on your divination," the figure says. "They should have the results for you tomorrow."

"Lady Tyche wan's to see me after I'm done 'ere, too. I think she might be after Layth, an' I'm no' sure 'ow I feel abou' tha'," the Vartan admits. She frowns, then lifts her head off her hand and stares heavenward, trying not to show too much anger in the presence of the priest. "Is it Abaddon's will I fight for someone when fightin' may cause harm to others? Layth'd be 'appy 'ere, 'e'd 'ave wealth an' comfort. If I objected, I could cost us our standin' 'ere. Him, Aisha, Aaron, maybe even Calli … "

"Would conflict bring about a better result for everyone involved?" the figure asks.

"I'd 'ave Layth. Well, I migh' 'ave Layth. I don' know 'ow 'appy I could make him – I try – bu' I can't rightly say it'd be better." Tasha bites her lip now, then clenches her hands against her knees. "'Onest, … 'onest … " she inhales, then breathes out a ragged breath before finishing, "'Onest, I'm no' sure it'd be better for anyone bu' me."

"What would the 'old' you do?" the figure asks next.

"The ol' me would 'ave yelled at Tyche, or a' leas' Layth, for 'urtin' me so. I'd speak my mind an' tell 'im wha' I wanted. If tha' failed, oi," Tasha shrugs, feeling the weight of the forces against her in the tension in her shoulders, "there's nothin' I could do. I might yell an' huff, bu' I can' beat a Queen. Can' beat Aisha, either. Bein' pretty an' bein' loud's all I got."

"All you had," the instructor corrects, still without moving. "Your next task is to discover the other facets of your being that you have been neglecting while being a god. Strip away the ego, the desires of your stomach or loins, and see what you have to truly build from. Have faith that there is something there, which has been overshadowed by those other, louder elements."

"You need not do this task alone, if you have others who can help you," the figure adds.

"Alrigh', I'll do tha' – and I'll think abou' 'ow to explain, too." The woman looks down, some of the anger having melted out of her features, and from her shoulders. "With others? Like Layth an' Calligenia? Calli thinks I'm lucky in battle, an' Layth likes me jus' fine. I'll think on i'."

"Very good," the figure says. "Tomorrow you will learn of your task, and also be given the final question from me before your true education begins."

"Tha' soun's ominous," Tasha remarks, quite before she can think a quip might be out of place here. She grins a little, nervously. "Either way, though, I'll be 'ere. I'll think abou' wha' you said, too."

"You are no longer required to drink the Milk of Ashtoreth," the figure notes. "Without that distraction, perhaps your mind will see things more clearly."

Tasha nods slowly. "I'm thinkin' of spendin' some time with the conies, too, an' seein' it people will react to me better tha' way. Might be a change, to see 'ow I do with kids. I've 'ad some people 'intin' I ought to 'ave one, bu' I'm no' sure." She shrugs, a bit sadly. "Migh' spen' some time with Layth, too – 'e promised to show me 'ow to dance like 'is people do." She grins, feeling some of her earlier sadness countered by the happier idea.

The instructor stands up, and says, "Also, you may use the gardens here to meditate if you wish. I hear you have visited the Temple of Morpheus as well. Think upon what was revealed to you there as you consider the task I have given you."

Tasha nods, then salutes the priest in the way of her faith. "Sorry to waste you time wit' idle thoughts, aye? Lots to think abou'." She taps her head, as if to indicate it was stuffed with concerns. "I'll be seein' you."

"May you be inspired," the cloaked figure offers.

"It's a challenge," Tasha agrees, standing as well. "An' I'm up to it."

---

Upon leaving the Temple of Abaddon, Tasha makes her way back towards the Hydron territory. The crowds seem more resistant to parting ahead of her – perhaps because the time she spent meditating in the temple garden has given her an outwardly calm presence. The training area of the Hydron villa is busy once more, full of Gladiators training and sparring while being observed by a bored-looking Aaron, who is sitting on a marble bench with his ears drooping.

Pleased that the Amazonians aren't scattering before her as if she had the plague, at least not to the same degree as before, Tasha is in a relatively good mood when she comes across the glum looking Aaron. Deciding she ought to do something nice for him, she tries to sneak up behind him and give him a hug.

"Yeep!" Aaron squeals when hugged from behind, having been lost in his own thoughts up until that point. Several of the Gladiators turn to look, and most snicker at the buck's outburst. "Who… oh, Tasha! You nearly made my heart stop."

"I like to think I can stop a man's heart when I 'ug 'im, bu' no' like tha'," tells the top of the buck's head. She lets the man go, then hops up to sit beside him. "You looked so glum, so I thought I'd try an' cheer you up with a 'ug. 'Ow are you doin'?"

"Oh… well, thanks for the thought then," Aaron says, smiling a little. "I'm… eh, I'm just tired I suppose."

"You should come with me an' do exercises at the Temple of Morpheus, that'll get the tired out o' you," Tasha insists. She reaches over and arranges Aaron's ears to drape over his shoulders, then smiles. "An' do you mind if I ask you a question?"

"Hmm, no, go right ahead," Aaron says, then lifts up his ears. "All ears, here, see?" he adds with a grin.

"I know, used to pull 'em." The woman winks. "Anyway, I was' jus' wonderin' … Do you think I 'ave any special qualities? Somethin' I could forge an' work wit', no' me shoutin' an' me looks."

"Err, forge and work with?" Aaron asks, looking confused. "Special abilities, now… uh… I suppose that you listen, and sometimes even follow advice," the buck says, rubbing his chin. "That's a bit unusual for someone your age."

Tasha thinks about that, then nods a little. "Cap'n Eyeshine yells a lot. Better to figure ou' wha' 'e wants the first time, or you'll 'ear abou' it later. I might be like 'is daughter sometimes, bu' 'e won' give me or anyone else a break." The woman then laughs lightly, shaking her head. "Plus 'e 'as that Vartan accent, like me mum." She flicks an ear, then explains, "An' what I mean is skills an' other bits you think I 'ave goin' for me. You've been aroun', an' you know lots of people, so I thought you mi' know."

"Hmm, tough question," the buck admits. "I've never been very good at looking deep into people… especially not pretty, dangerous women. And at your age… well, I didn't get to go through that feeling of immortality and thinking you know everything. I can't say what I think is inside of you, but you do seem to take what you're doing seriously when it's a job, like guiding your pteras. You aren't just… passing the time until you can go have fun, I suppose."

Tasha listens with her ears perked, nodding now and then. When Aaron finishes she reaches over and rubs his head up. "Tha's right! The pteras! I've been off ship so long I 'ad forgotten abou' my usual duties. I guess I jus' figured they were there, an' not somethin' I do well." After ruffling his hair up, Tasha actually tries to smooth it back in to place. "Did you 'ave a 'ard childhood, Aaron?"

Aaron screws up his face at the ruffling and tries to pat his fur back into place. "Uh, not sure if 'rough' is really accurate. I grew up here for about ten years, then my parents started traveling again. Olympia, Abu-Dhabi… it was disorienting. They saw that, took pity on me – at least, I like to think that – and sent me to apprentice with my uncle on Rephidim as an apothecary. A nice, respectable profession, grinding up herbs for old ladies with imaginary diseases. Hah… if only… "

"Soun's kind o' like my child'ood, only we started movin' aroun' early. I was born on The Rake, an' me mother jus' did wha' she could. I think Cap'n Eyeshine 'elped 'er out, back before he was Cap'n Eyeshine. After I was old enough, I worked aroun' the ship. So I 'ad me home, it jus' flew aroun', and the family members changed," Tasha explains. She reaches over and pats Aaron's leg empathetically, smiling at him again. "Amazonia's nice in tha' there are so many big families. I kind 'o envy tha'."

"I never liked crowds, even the ones here scare me," Aaron says. "An airship must have been nice to grow up on, save for bad weather." He rolls back the right sleeve of his tunic to display a somewhat faded scar spiraling around his forearm. "My fifteenth birthday present. A strangler vine got me in a Xenean swamp and dangled me in the air for… I don't know. Long enough for my arm to turn purple. I thought I was going to lose my arm. Then I thought I was going to lose my life. Then the damned vine broke and I nearly drowned in the muck. I learned early that anything really useful or helpful was never easy to get to. I've been bit by every bug that bites, stung, slashed, scratched, chased by Savanites… all for roots and leaves and bits of bark from places nobody should have to go to. And now I'm too old to do it all… and it doesn't matter that I hated it, I'm depressed that I can't do it anymore."

Tasha's expression goes from cheery, to neutral, to plain sad by the time Aaron finishes reviewing his life. She reaches over and pulls him over, giving him another hug. "You poor man," she whispers, before sighing. "I don' know wha' I'm doin', tellin' you my problems. You 'ave enough o' your own."

"Yeah, but they're my problems, and… and you and I have something in common, I guess," he says. "I project my bitterness onto those that don't deserve it. Like Calli. She's young, and she's going to be more successful than I ever could be, and won't have to suffer to get it. I sense you feel the same way about Aisha, probably."

Tasha lays her head on Aaron's, frowning and holding on to him. For all she abused him before, she really does like the buck. "I was just talkin' abou' this with a priest. I told 'im tha' I jus' used my looks an' my strength to pick on small people, to make meself feel big. I'm no' big 'ere, though." She rocks the buck a bit, using his head as a headrest as she stares off at nothing in particular. "Aisha an' Calli – oi. Calli's some princess, an' I respect 'er at least. Aisha I don' respect at all. She 'as all she wants an' whines abou' it. She could 'ave Layth wit'out much effort, an' 'e'd go with it. I jus' bet he isn't even good enough for 'er. No' rich enough, no' 'igh class enough. I wan'ed to strangle 'er for tha', an' jus' bein' born." Tasha sighs. "Bu' I don' 'ate 'er completly. Maybe jus' because I don' wan' to admit it, 'cause then she'd be better than me in every way."

"Well, at least you got to feel big at some point," Aaron chuckles. "My biggest moment has been… uh… the time I beat up my girlfriend in a boxing match. Made me feel pretty small though really. I guess you just need to have a big heart to be big. We should be able to manage that much, don't you think?"

"I think you 'ave a big 'eart, Aaron." Tasha leans back, poking the man in the chest. "I'm no' so sure abou' me."

"I'm just a pushover," Aaron says. "It can be mistaken for being big-hearted. I do know plenty of genuinely big-hearted people though. Layth seems to be one. Tyche… not so much."

"Layth's go' a lot o' 'eart. S'why I like 'im so much, I figure. 'E tucked me in when I came 'ome drunk, once – didn't think to take any advantage, though 'e could 'ave. Lots 'o men could 'ave." Tasha's eyes narrow slightly, suggesting some men actually have. She glares off in the distance a moment, then asks, "Tyche doesn' 'ave a big 'eart? I'm worried she'll decide to keep Layth, an' I can' do anythin' abou' i'. I'm no' even sure I should. It'd ruin 'im, an' us, if I 'ad at Lady Tyche in any way – no' tha' she couldn' jus' 'andle me 'erself."

"Tyche wouldn't waste someone like Layth on herself," Aaron says. "And once you're off the Milk rush, you probably won't feel so possess… " The buck breaks off his words, and turns to sniff Tasha's breath. "You are off the Milk. And you haven't had any sex, right?"

Tasha wrinkles her nose, as if her own breath had suddenly become offensive. "Aye, I am. An' no, I 'avn't. 'E said no, so I didn'," she explains slowly. "Did you think I was jus' after Layth because o' the Milk?"

"What? No, just that it may have amplified your feelings of jealousy… hmm," Aaron says, frowning and looking thoughtful. "You know, I have no idea what's going to happen to you now that you've stopped. The treatment you were on generally doesn't end until pregnancy is confirmed, and by then the body is producing lots of hormones anyway… "

The woman blinks at this revelation. Apparently, she hadn't expected someone to not know what will happen to her, now. The fact that an apothecary doesn't know only makes her more concerned. She frowns down at Aaron. "Wha' do you mean you "don't know" wha' will 'appen to me? No' even a guess?" Her brows raise with worried curiosity.

"Well, as a guess… you've been running at double your normal hormone load to speed things up. Without the Milk to stimulate it, you could 'crash', where your levels will drop below normal. You may want to keep taking the Milk, in lower and lower doses, until you can stop without having any problems. Wean yourself off of it, basically."

"I'll do tha' then, bu', won' tha' be dangerous? Layth an' I fool aroun', now an' then, an' I'm worried I'll get pregnant wha' with takin' all these odd potions," the woman admits. Her ears the flick, and she eyes Aaron suddenly. "An' wha' did you mean Tyche wouldn' waste Layth on 'erself?"

"Pregnant? Well, if you're worried about that, Layth probably has the muscle control training to… avoid the problem," Aaron says. "And Tyche has three unmarried daughters, not counting Celosia. If she thought Layth was a good find, she match him up with one of them, not herself. She can't have children anymore."

"She can't?" Tasha blinks again, ears perking. "One of 'er daughters?" The Vartan suddenly looks up in to the estate, as if trying to spy out Tyche and her thoughts. "Calligenia? An' the others? Oi!" She breathes a sigh, running a hand back through her long golden hair. "Aisha's one thing, bu' Calli an' the others? I don' know wha' I'd do – an' it'd be worse if I was pregnant. Jus' my luck to meet a man I actually trust an' 'e gets offered a princess."

"I doubt status makes much impact on Layth," Aaron says. "And if you're really worried about getting pregnant… though with your period in full swing, it seems unlikely… there are plenty of alternate methods that will give the same pleasure."

Tasha eyes the estate a bit more, just because. "I'm actually no' so bad on the idea of 'avin' Layth's kid. I like 'im, bu' I don' know if now's the bes' time." She nods to the buck, turning to face him. "I'll warn Layth to be careful. It's jus', now I'm afraid I'll lose 'im – an' my trainin' tells me maybe I should let 'im go. For all o' us, especially 'im. I 'ave to serve the community."

"You know… it's really up to Layth," Aaron says, lowering his ears again and shrugging. "So… you probably shouldn't worry about it, if it's out of your hands."

"I guess no'. I'll deal with it, wha'ever 'appens. At leas' I can be proud I though o' 'im first, an' o' everyone," Tasha agrees, albeit sadly. "S'pose there's always Zig-Zig." She tries to laugh, but it comes out a bit forced.

"I can sympathize," Aaron says, patting Tasha's knee. "It's pretty empty when it isn't with the person you really want."

"Bein' 'ollow 'ad one advantage: no' carrin' abou' the man too much meant I could 'ave fun an' no worry abou' losin' 'im. I could feel good an' move on, content I was pretty to someone for a bi', an' thinkin' I was always their favorite. Never 'ad to compete much before, never stuck aroun' long enough. Now I do, an' it's all different," the Vartan says. She pats Aaron's hand, and nods. "Did you lose someone, too?"

"Lose? No, was just starting to get her, before this little adventure sidetracked everything," Aaron says. "When I have to service Tyche, it makes it all that much worse. It hurts."

Tasha grimaces when Aaron says service. The woman had always though Aaron and Tyche a bit of a joke; it's far worse to her now that she's seen the reality behind the comedy. "I think I understan'. I'm sorry Aaron, I was never really very fair abou' all tha'. I saw it as … a bi' of a joke. I saw you as a bi' of a joke." The woman actually splays her ears out, tucking her tail. "It's no' very funny anymore. No' when I know the truth. No' when I can feel the truth. It'd be like 'avin' Layth off with Calli, an' bein' forced to sleep with Zig-Zig."

"I can at least take comfort knowing Anisa isn't off with anybody else," Aaron says. "Or, if she is… I don't know about it. But I have faith that love will prove out… even if just because I'm a hopeless romantic."

"I'm no' romantic, wha'ever you think abou' my foolin' aroun'. No' tha' I don' like romance, I jus' never expect it, an' mos' men I've been with wouldn' know romantic if it sailed in to 'arbor," Tasha says. She bites her lip, glancing off at the gladiators. "I've been in love before. I didn' prove ou'. I learned men are unreliable, even when I wan'ed them to like me. I think I 'ad to believe they did, 'cause they were everywhere, an' the truth would 'ave 'urt too much. Easier to 'ave fun an' believe everyone likes you an' you don' really wan' to get involved."

"Do you regret having the fun though?" Aaron asks, quite seriously.

"No, no' really. I don' think so. I mean … ," Tasha's brow narrows, and her ears go all akimbo. "I don' know 'ow to say it. I regret bein' a fool, bu' I don' regret 'avin' a good time doin' it. Life would 'ave been 'ard if I didn', whatever the truth was. Now tha' I think abou' i', maybe I would 'ave been better off never knowin'. Too late now, though. Tha' ship 'as sailed."

"I wouldn't have minded having lots of fun to regret," Aaron mutters. "Oh well… too late now, no use crying over… unspilt Milk."

"Very funny," Tasha says, grinning slightly despite her gloom. "I once even thought o' showin' you a good time. Good thing I didn', wouldn' wan' to ruin your love. It's a good man tha' can keep 'is loyalty."

"We could always go drinking together," Aaron suggests. "If you promise not to take advantage of me when I'm too drunk to really enjoy it."

"Only if you promise the same. Actually, le's jus' be friends. It'll be easier on both of us without tha' sort o' thinkin'." Tasha reaches over and pats Aaron's knee. "You always seemed so sad to me, though I didn' wan' to see it. Thanks for tellin' me a little abou' you, for wha' it's worth. Maybe it'll jus' be us lesser lights tha' leave 'ere, worse for the wear. Better 'ave a shoulder to cry on."

"Sounds good to me," Aaron says. "And would I still get to lay my head on your chest and see you naked? I mean, I'm in love, but I can still dream right?"

Tasha just shakes her head, grinning wryly. "We'll see," she says. Patting the buck on the knee again, she stands up and stretches. "I 'ave some questions to meditate on. I was goin' to find Calli an' talk with 'er about what I tol' you – skills an' such – bu' wouldn' you know, I don' really wan' to?" She shrugs.

"Well, you cheered me up a bit," Aaron says, and gets up as well. "Thanks for that, Tasha."

"Oi, anytime. I serve the people, you know?" She winks at the buck. "If you ever need me, you know where to find me."

"I'll remember," Aaron replies, then warns, "Be careful with Tyche. I don't know what she might ultimately want from you, but if there's something she can use you for, she probably will."

Tasha's eyes narrow. "'Ow is tha' different form jus' abou' anyone else? Rich women or most any man, it's all the same." Then the Vartan lowers her head, shaking it. "Bu' I'm jus' one woman, an' she a queen, jus' abou'. Best get wha' I can, right? Do wha' can? If she wants to use me … can I really stop her?"

"You can refuse to be used," Aaron says, grinning.

"I guess tha's the way of it – the struggle, an' the faith in victory," Tasha replies, smiling. "I jus' 'ave to keep faith."