I moved my little legs—I was one I think although not sure about time it is new to me after all. I strode like a gazelle across the plains.
What was a gazelle again? I'm forgetting.
I feel old. That makes me sad… and yet somehow relieved. Age was something I once knew well, but like a glove that didn't fit my hand. Now it does. And it's not comfortable.
I was swept off my feet by this demon. Was she mocking me?
"See? Thales is only two, but he can walk perfectly, Upsilon."
"Yes, Lady Lilith. I see what you mean."
"Well, did you perhaps see that he clearly understands what we're saying, without ever being taught language?"
"He seems to be so intelligent that he intuitively grasps language."
"No disrespect, my lady—if I may."
"You may," she said, with a raised eyebrow.
"But Thales has never spoken. So… how do we know he understands?"
"He's being a cute little rebel. It's his expression—he's reading the situation and analyzing. And right now, he's angry because I didn't let him leave."
No, I'm angry because you're an idiot.
Wait. She did say I was angry.
How did she know?
Am I really so weak now that even simple magick can read me?
"Wow, you're so emotionally perceptive, mi'lady Lilith. But how does Thales even have clear emotions like that of a more developed person? And not just emotions—but thought, too?"
"You didn't listen. I'll say it once more—and next time I'll confiscate your ear."
"To become a Sage is as easy as breathing for Thales. Don't even mention it. 'Genius' doesn't do his specialness justice."
"He is the universe playing a joke on itself."
"Um… mi'lady, I don't understand what you mean."
"Of course you don't. It's not a matter for you to be concerned with. But one day, you will."
"I must tell Thales's father of his son's greatness."
"The One Lord?"
"Who else, Upsilon?"
"But… Ghalib Miray? The only other to bear the name of this House?"
I was fiddling with my toes, trying to glean any information I could from this world.
Who Ghalib was—that was irrelevant to me.
All I cared about was my freedom. My plan. My pursuit of The Mystery.
A birdcage that prevents beautiful freedom from spreading its wings is not itself beautiful—no matter how enchanting the view inside.
For her to chain I to this fate must be funny.
But I'm not laughing.
Merely… patiently waiting for my most fervent day.