Ni'Srilan: The Desert: sometimes there is freedom; othertimes its slavery

I really was just out minding my business, seeking silence, seeking solace. I guess it was my folly that I chose an oases, really. I should have known someone would be there already. I have only myself to blame.

And still Hypatia had not come, still she had not helped me to tune out the incessant chatter. I missed solitude desperately, missed the sanctuary of my mind.

But here it was, nagging irritating voices already at full stream just as I was getting there.

One seemed female and spiteful, the other calmer, masculine. Beyond that, I tried to ignore it, tried to make it go away, tried not to eavesdrop.

I felt like a pervert, hearing all these things I shouldn't hear. Who on earth would want this?

Hey..

I spoke softly, trying not to irritate the girl more. Kindly, hiding my own problems behind the curve of my smile.

Oh, I guess I should mention that I look entirely malnourished - my skin clung to my bones like spandex, rach rib made a mountain, the slopes in between were valleys, my eyes were sunken, my hips and withers jutted.. (I don't eat, you see).

Oh!

And I'm pink. Seriously.