Part 659: Anna C

Hmmmmmmm... I see...

Hmm?

Interesting... Veeery interesting...

Is there aught I might aid you with, my lady? You've been circling 'round my person for some time now.

Apologies, O exalted one! I'm just basking in the glow of the divine dragon's oracle.

I am unused to such... rapt attention. You stare at me as one might an exotic creature in a menagerie.

I would call anyone who's been alive for millennia exotic! Wouldn't you?

My life span should not preclude you from treating me as an ally or friend. For I came here in that capacity, and not as that of oracle.

Then can I get your autograph as a token of our new friendship?

My... autograph?

Yeah, it's easy! All you have to do is write down your own name.

I suppose I might grant such a request.

Really? Yay! Here, this should be enough to get you started. Heave... HO!

By the gods! I've never seen such a mountain of paper! You didn't mention needing more than a single...autograph.

Yeah, but I never said I didn't, either! Come on, be a sport! Pleeease?

Well, I suppose I did give my word.

Woo! You're the best, Tiki! I have nothing but the deepest admiration for you! Pleasure doing business with ya! ...Heh heh heh.

...Business? Strange. The word stirs memories of a merchant I knew long ago. And yet, with uncountable years behind me, memory is oft a kind of fog through which-

Hey, come on, now! Less talking, more signing! Chop-chop!

.....