<span class="bbc_font" style="font-family: georgia;">His words sent her back to the first year she entered the Teahouse. <em>Dirty. Unclean. Don't touch me...please don't touch me. I will never be clean again!</em> The voice came from deep inside of her, hidden after all the years of abuse and self-preservation. She shuddered as she eagerly took the bottle back from him, taking a couple of deep gulps to quiet down the voice within her that she hadn't heard in years. She wiped her mouth with the back of her hand as she looked at Anel, snapping firmly, refusing to let him think he had been damaged, "You're fine. You're...good." The word made her wince but she continued, emotions flashing in her eyes. "Do you think they'll kick you out? I don't think so...you still have many clients Anel."<br/><br/><em>I hope they don't kick you out</em>, she thought to herself, taking another long gulp before handing him the bottle. She blinked, the alcohol already traveling within her system and making her warm, making her believe she could trust him.<br/><br/>"No...they won't kick you out," She repeated firmly as she walked a few steps and sank down on the grass, reaching for one of the pieces of broken glass. The words were for her; she had to believe Master Ryan and Atticus could not possibly be so cruel. After all...they had taken her in. She looked down as she began to idly play with the tip of the glass, trying to forget the deal they had made. She couldn't tell him...could she?<br/><br/>Her voice was soft, distant as she spoke, "Have you ever seen him training?" Zara's voice was almost child-like, sounding innocent as she shared her deepest and darkest secret. She raised her eyes to Anel, a glazed look to them as she whispered, "The swords come to life...and it's him. He does it." Her lips curved into a dreamy smile as she whispered, "<em>Atticus</em>."</span>