#chapter 3-1

Marri is walking around Mastith's city hall, looking at works of art that line the walls, when Fharath walks out of a nearby room. "Oh! Fharath!" She runs over to her and gives a little half bow. "I wanted to thank you again for early! If you and those guards hadn't shown up when you did...I don't even want to think about what might have become of me." The paladin smiles at her. "There's really no need to thank me Miss, I was only doing my job after all. And I have no doubt that if it hadn't been me, others would have come to your aid. Although a few would have certainly waited to see if things would actually take a bad enough turn for their intervention to really be necessary. Mastith may have a few hero's of its own, but...well, let's just say some of them are better people than others." After a moment, she realizes Marri isn't really listening, she's too busy staring in awe at Fharath's wings.

Lady Shieldheart chuckles and smiles. "I take it I'm the first one of my kind you've met?" Marri nods, then shakes herself out of her stupor. "Oh, um, yes. I have never met anyone with wings before. They're very beautiful. And they must be very strong to allow you to fly even in such heavy armor." Fharath smiles at the compliment. "Why thank you Miss...Marri, was it?" She gets a nod in response. "I take great pride in my wings, and take great care of them as well. Flying in full armor took a little getting used to at first, but once my body became accustomed to it, I hardly noticed the wieght. You may touch them, if you like."

Marri's eyes light up with wonder, almost like a child, she reaches out and runs her fingers through the snow white feathers. "They're so soft. I wonder what it would feel like to be wrapped up in them?" She blushes when she realizes she said the last part out loud. "Oh, um, I-I mean....I'm sure they come in handy in cold weather, or during a blizzard." Fharath smiles at her with her almost blindingly white teeth. "Well, I have been told by several people that they enjoy the feeling of my wings around them. Soft, warm, comforting...a few have even said it's arousing." She laughs softly as Marri blushes a second time. "Now then, why don't you get something to eat before leaving, then you can go about your business, whatever it may be. I'll be happy to show you to a very nice bakery I'm rather fond of." She turns to walk away, and after some hesitation, Marri follows after her.

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