Since the opening of the newest district, Loki had taken to spending a portion of each day at the small temple and its garden. The solitude it afforded was incomparable anywhere else in the city. Having been provided private rooms, he had hoped to be able to find the quiet he needed there, but he had learned that to have been too great an expectation.

The rooms were tiny, nearly unlivable, little better than servant's quarters in truth. The walls were thin, doing little and less to prevent noise contamination from the hall and the other rooms. It was far from an environment conducive to his purposes.

In his explorations of the city, he had come upon this building, a haven from the crowds elsewhere. Only rarely did it draw other visitors, and those also appearing to seek the serenity offered. It was very nearly a perfect place to concentrate on seeking out the magic of Saeng Seong.

Today he arrived to find another come before him. Unlike the other occasional patrons of the garden, however, this woman turned at his tread, confrontational, and addressed him, breaking the silence that always held sway upon this place.

Pausing on the path yet some distance from her, Loki replied, "I'm sorry, it appears I have disturbed you." She should be apologizing to him, of course. She should be grovelling at his feet, professing her shame for disrespecting this, his sanctuary. There was so much he need put up with here.