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‘You will have to forgive me if I do not trust that claim,’ said Ozolos.

‘Of course,’ said Nixil. ‘Your trepidation is understandable. Unburdening yourself of it will take time, no doubt.’

‘Time which my servant and I may not have,’ said Ozolos. ‘Wonderful as this island is, we do have lives that we must get back to. We cannot stay here indefinitely for the mere purpose of helping new reapers integrate into your fold--especially when we are not exactly integrated ourselves. That seemed a strange demand of your kin, if you do not mind my saying so.’

Nixil shook his head. ‘It saddens me to hear you say so, but perhaps that is my failing. I’ve become so accustomed to hearing about how passionately outsiders wish to join us here that it did not occur to me that you might feel differently.’

‘So it WAS on your request that we be ordered to stay here,’ said Ozolos. ‘That Harilixa of yours was quite insistent. And demanding.’

And rude, thought Gema.

‘Was she now?’ said Nixil. ‘She can be rather passionate, at times. But yes, I did mention to the Council that I wished for you to stay a while upon your next visit. You piqued my curiosity.’

‘You honor me, Rahja.’

‘And I would so even more, if you would but stay. There is much I would discuss with you, Ozolos.’

‘We had already intended to stay for a few days after the new residents arrived. Beyond that, however, I’m afraid we cannot linger.’

‘Mm.’ Nixil turned and swam a few paces backward before returning. ‘Then perhaps I should not waste time. Tell me, Ozolos. Can you see them still? Do you know their current faces? Do their strings still pull on you?’

Ozolos fell quiet.

Nixil didn’t push him, though. He merely waited.

And again, Gema felt like the air got even thicker. Much more than this, and she wondered if she would have trouble breathing.

‘...You ask too much of me, my friend,’ said Ozolos.

‘That is why you should stay,’ said Nixil. ‘So you can learn not to fear them. This place will be good for you. It will rejuvenate your spirit, if you allow it. Heal some of those “scars,” perhaps.’

‘They’ve healed well enough on their own.’

‘Then why do you not speak more freely?’

‘Because I know the danger therein.’

‘Again, I tell you that danger does not exist here. The Methusel guard us well.’

‘The danger is also in you.’