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((The Mon/Wen/Fri Double -- page 1 of 2))
"Are you saying that people in ancient times could do what Ibai is doing now?" said Emiliana.

"Not necessarily, but it is an interesting thought," said Gohvis. "So much knowledge has been lost over the Ages. Even with immortal beings supposedly guarding it. Would it not be nice to imagine that something once lost might have been found again?"

Emiliana didn't know what to say. As usual, she had a thousand questions that she couldn't articulate.

"How is your training progressing?" said Gohvis.

"Oh, um. Good, I think."

"Mm."

Was he waiting for her to ask something else? Argh.

"You are uneasy," said Gohvis. It was a statement, said with certitude.

Ah.

Hearing him say that made her even more so. She didn't see much use in trying to lie to him, though. "...I am. Yes."

"Why?"

Because there was a giant war going on in Eloa, right now? Obviously, she couldn't say that.

"For a time," said Gohvis, "you seemed to have grown more comfortable here. I assumed it was because your mastery of Sto had granted you some semblance of relief."

Oh, was he concerned she was struggling with it again? Hmm. She could lie, but... agh, that seemed like a terrible idea. What should she say, though?

Well.

There was always another truth she could rely on.

"I... miss my family," she said.

"Mm," was all Gohvis said. Again.

There was no obvious way to respond to that, so she didn't even try.

However, the Monster of the East decided to stop walking and look at her. "You will see them again in time."

She blinked at that, and her mouth hung open a little. "...I will?"

"Probably." And he resumed walking.

What in the world? She hurried to catch up again. "A-are you saying that you'll eventually return me to them?"

"Mm. Probably."