Maia was wavering. All she needed now was a gentle push, but which way would her decision fall? Celeste sensed this was her one last chance to dispel Maia's concerns.<br/><br/>Blue eyes met dark, and Celeste smiled. "And he probably said, 'Nothing worthwhile is ever easy'? My instructors at the academy were fond of that saying."<br/><br/>Her smile faded, and she took one of Maia's hands in her own; she would have taken both, but her legs trembled and she was forced to lean heavily upon her staff. "I do not know what it is like to be the last of a people, and it must be very hard. But I know what it's like to be alone, and you need not be. I have my reasons for helping, and so will the governor-general. It might be dangerous, but in six thousand years of history, the Empire of Taldor has confronted peril more than once. Let us go, Maia. I am the only Shoryan researcher at our camp, and I report directly to Magus Legrand and the governor-general."<br/><br/>A pause, then she spoke confidently in the Shoryan tongue. "The guards shall not lay a hand on you. That I promise."<br/>