On Demon Summoning
They sat in the garden, jasmine perfuming the air, sun shining down, tinted green by the leaves. The wind made a peaceful whispering in the trees, and the two conversed.
"So...things really are ok? You're not just saying that so I won't worry?" Sapphire inquired anxiously.
Hsuan Lin simply raised an eyebrow in response.
"Sorry. I just...My new friends have mighty enemies. One of them sent asassins...but I don't think he knew anything about me. I would be irritated that I'm not better known, but if being unknown can keep you safe..." Sapphire trailed off.
"I grew up on the streets of Nexus. Asassins, I can handle. And they would have to find this place." Hsuan Lin said, with solid assurance.
"As well as make it past the guardians." Sapphire glanced meaningfully in the direction of the deep woods.
Hsuan Lin shivered slightly, even in the warmth of the day. "I wish you wouldn't mention them. They creep me the hell out. Is it really necessary for you to keep them here?"
Sapphire looked at her sharply. "Do you have a band of mercenaries somewhere that you haven't mentioned to me? No? Then they're necessary. My new enemies...they wouldn't think much of destroying you to hurt me. I will use all of my skills, and I do mean all of my skills, to keep everyone here safe. You of all people know I wouldn't summon them for anything less, the price tends to be too high."
Hsuan Lin's steely gaze softens for just a moment, "You made a mistake. Everyone makes mistakes."
"No." Sapphire says, bitterly. "Normal people make mistakes. People like me can't make mistakes, or people die. If I hadn't been so- so stupid! so careless! At least I avenged him well, the man I killed." She turns away, and Hsuan Lin gives her a moment to dry her angry tears.
"We won't speak of it again. For that reason alone, I'd never summon another, but the circle...the circle has enemies even among the ruins of Malfeas. I will defend them too, even if it means summoning again."
