Incline 56: Student Liadanann

And that was that, for what it was worth, I was now on my own as Nin and them lot left. So, the first order of business was making sure this building was locked down nice and tight. I would not tolerate anyone sneaking in. Yet, if they did, I knew I could hold them off.

The event that Nin was being rewarded for had taught me that I could fight. So long as I kept faith in the power of this talisman, gifted to me by God. His strength would keep me safe and I would make it through the horrors of my position. Yet, as much as I trusted my god's power, I did not trust wooden doors and metal padlocks.

So, I grasped the talisman tight and walked around near the windows. Leaning out against the glass in order to get an idea of the dimensions. Then, once I felt like I had a great enough understanding of the building's scale. I summoned forth the power of the talisman.

Smiling to myself as I had now secured peace and quiet for the foreseeable future. Now, I did not know when they would be back, but I could only assume they'd be back in the morning. A party was something you got drunk at, no? As exceptionally rare as they were back at home, I was familiar with them.

Even if ours were never as casual as this. They were often solemn affairs, after all. What was, at the time, anyway, a vain attempt to call for help. Now, I know we don't need to pray like that anymore.

I could only hope, however, that my lowly, close-knit people knew this. I only found out through speaking to the Holy One himself with this very talisman. But, if he could speak to me through this. He could make a grand entrance in our modest temple aboard the ship I formerly called home.

And, thinking about it made me both angry and sad. I don't remember how I ended up in the clutches of those humans. I don't even remember much about the days prior either. I just remember that cage and that device.

"Even if the signs are gone..." I muttered as my hand moved to my chest. The scars in my mind were all still there, even if my body had been healed. I hated how that was the case, as I wanted Nin's affection to heal me. Just like how his bravery and wit saved me.

Yet, I could not complain about my circumstances now. No more restless nights because my special areas were suddenly throbbing with sore pain. No more did I have to potentially annoy Nin with my need to be healed. I could live my life somewhat properly now.

However, I guess, it was humorous how I still lived in fear despite not being caged. It would be something if I managed to step up and face my fears. While I was completely on my own... But, I knew for a fact that, that would never happen.

For now, I just had to show Nin that I could be fine on my own. I could also show that now muscular human that I could cook his food. Human, clearly. Yet, he offered me something not even Nin could give me.

A chance to relive comfortable memories from before I was a prisoner. But, all of a sudden, a noise. Rapid tapping and cooing? Whatever it was, it had me on edge.

I could've sworn I had made sure this place was secured...!?

"Spruce, no!" a raspy voice called just as heavier taps began to fill the air. Eventually, however, a small, deformed creature came waddling into the kitchen. Its head things lit up with the same curiosity its black eyes showed.

"Ah!" it cooed happily as it fell down near my tail. A chorus of joyous laughter then came out of it as it began to play with its tip.

"Hello there!" I cooed back to this creature. A smile on my face as I moved to pick it up. Whatever it was, it was clearly a baby. And, going by how that Rose'lhia looked, it must've been a child one of her. But, its appearance made me concerned.

"Oh, uh, c-can I have my son back?" his mother asked me as she nervously walked into the room.

"Go on then!" I quietly giggled to the young boy as I passed him back to his mother. And she made it clear that they were the same species as Rose'lhia.

"Thank you." his mother said as she began to bounce him up and down in her arms. Her thin, tendril-like tail whirled about as she brought it forth for him to play with.

"So his name is Spruce?" I asked her as her gaze returned to me.

"Spruce'endoor." she corrected before she sat down. And, when she did, I got a much better view of all her scars and injuries. Unlike Rose'lhia, her bulb things were crushed and her mouth and neck looked like they had been shredded. Which, confused me to some extent, had they not healed her as they did me? My scars were all gone, yet, hers remained.

"Is his dad somewhere in the buidling?" I then decided to ask given how these two proved my incompetence at making sure buildings were empty.

But, she shook her head with great sadness, "His father is lost to us." she said quietly.

"I'm sorry for your loss..." I quietly muttered in response as I was familiar with lost family. News of deaths spread quickly back home. Our circumstances basically make it paramount to doomsaying.

"He's not dead. He's just somewhere out there, and we have no way of ever finding him again." she clarified, which, made me laugh nervously.

"I see, well, that is good, no? It means you have a chance of getting back to it!" I pointed out. I was hoping it would encourage her to try and go find her lover and his dad.

"That day won't come for a long time... I don't have the strength to cross such distances. And neither does my precious little sapling..." she said as she protectively clutched the confused child. One moment he was allowed to play, the next he was being hidden behind stronger arms.

"I suppose that could be true..." I mutter as I think about my home.