Pai and Pei
Berren opened the door and was greeted by a fierce warrior-maiden in gunzosha armor pointing a shock pike at his chest. "Who are you," she said.
"I'm Berren, River's friend. Who are you?"
"I am Pai." Pai was tall. He couldn't see her face behind the visor of the gunzosha armor, so he couldn't tell if she was even looking at him. She did not move.
"Can I... can I come in? I needed to ask him about the sewage system... we've been talking to a few of the local..."
"The master is summoning. He does not receive visitors while he is summoning."
"Ah..."
Berren leaned to one side in the doorway to peer past her. He couldn't see much down the narrow hallway, but he thought that he saw River's back just around the corner. Another warrior in gunzosha armor stood just behind him, arms folded.
He looked back at the guard with an appraising eye. "So you're Pai and Pei, the only two people in the world with guaranteed access to the man behind the miracles. First it was the elementals, now this... I wonder if it's a step up or a step down."
He turned with a dismissive gesture and started walking back into the manse.
"Wait..."
Berren stopped and looked back. Pai had removed the helmet. He was struck for a moment; she had a long, aquilline face with brilliant crimson lips and hair, braided back to fit in the armored helm. Though she did not smile, her green eyes seemed to shine with amusement.
"You are on the list, you know."
"Huh... what list?"
"The short list... of people who get a straight answer when the Master is indisposed."
"Oh..." Berren thought for a moment, then nodded his head. "Well, I guess that's something."
