[Salone]

"Ha! There you are! Displayed for the whole...world..."

Na'lsa had raised his hands in mock greeting when the figured appeared. Now he trailed off, finding her presence rather...anti climactic. Dropping his hands, he let loose a sigh of disappointment. He began pacing around her, puzzled by her calm demeanor. After a minute he placed his hands on her shoulders, drawing close and smelling her skin. A sickeningly sweet smell of serenity rose up through his nostrils, his mind clouded for just one moment with tranquility. For the moment...

He was old. Wrinkled. His joints ached. It felt good to sit in his rocking chair. Springtime had come in full bloom. The daffodils had flowered nicely this year, and their bright yellow petals shown wondrously as the evening sun showered them in light. He smiled as he took in the small garden he had cultivated with the love and devotion of someone with all the time in the world. He took a peppermint candy from his pocket and fiddled with the wrapper. The candy wrapper finally gave way, and his creased old hand met his mouth as he tasted the little mint. It was strong, what a peppermint should be. He closed his eyes and leaned back, enjoying the evening. Mint on his tongue, the smell of daffodils (his favorite), and the soft sun warming his skin. He was at peace with the world.

For the moment...

He recoiled in full horror, arm hiding his face. That memory had not been one of his. He had shared lives with hundreds, but never had he seen anything like that. Nothing so calm, so innocent, so...at peace with the world. Not one of his.

Na'lsa cleared his throat, speaking in a shaking tone.

"You're not one of my brethren. You reek of...something else. What the devil are you?"