“I chose Paedrin,” Master Shivu said, “because he is the best our temple has to offer your uncle. He has been trained in all martial weapons as well as the subtle ways of hand and foot. He is nearly done with all of his philosophical training and will soon be introduced to the city as a defender. There is no one else I would trust more with your safety.”
“Has he traveled beyond the city before?” she asked, her voice slightly mocking.
“I am right here,” Paedrin said, not sure which emotion he wanted to subdue more—his excitement to be chosen or his animosity toward this girl. “No, I have not…”
“I guess this is the best I can expect then,” she said, interrupting him. She nodded to him and then to Master Shivu and turned to leave.
Master Shivu waited until she disappeared through the archway leading to the female quarters.
“You should not lurk in shadows, Paedrin,” Master Shivu said with no malice.
“Was I lurking?” Paedrin asked, smiling broadly to hide a grin. “I was trying to be respectful and not intrude on your conversation, Master.”
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“You were lurking, Paedrin.” Master Shivu began to walk away, his colorful amber robes fluttering. Master Shivu was a Vaettir as well, so old his stubs of hair were white as snow instead of black. He had a flat nose and high cheekbones. “I should have told our guest that good manners or soft-spokenness is not one of your skills.”
“Our guest is Romani,” Paedrin said, keeping pace with him as they crossed the vast hall. “What do they know of good manners?”
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“She is Romani, but she wears her hair long to cover the earring,” he explained. “She wraps her spirit in many layers, burrowing deeper into her cocoon. She is safe here, but she does not believe she is safe anywhere. She does not trust. A sad existence, Paedrin. Life is about laughter; it is about believing what one does not see. Are you happy here, Paedrin?”
The young Bhikhu smiled. “I am, Master.” He did his best impersonation of Master Shivu. “Felicity is produced not so much by great pieces of good fortune that seldom happen as by little advantages that occur every day.”
Master Shivu laughed. “You mimic my tone very well. I enjoy your humor, Paedrin.”
“I enjoy yours as well, Master. It must be difficult being a Romani. To have a family and yet be afraid of it. Has she run away then?”
