<br/><br/><strong>Aeryn Sunlight<br/>talking with Erianthe<br/>Courtyard of the Magna Sophia chapterhouse, Point Respite</strong><br/><br/><br/>The scholar said nothing for awhile letting the Cloud Walker eat in piece.  And discovering she was quite hungry herself,  She snagged an apple and some cheese.<br/><br/>"So."  Musingly, after Erianthe had taken the edge off her hunger.    "You know people who have spent extended periods  on the ground, but no really detailed knowledge of how they prepared for it - and don't hesitate to admit you don't know an answer to anything I ask, trust me, much of what I am interested in would be such basic common knowledge to you that you wouldn't even know where to begin telling me why or how you do some things you do, I understand that."<br/><br/>She tapped the blunt end of her pen rapidly on her journal.  You will have to be watched darefully, Erianthe.  For your health, I mean."  Aeryn smiled sardonically.  "Mentally and emotionally, I'd say you were quite stable.  You endured the crossing on that tub without breaking anybody in two, which speaks well for your self control."<br/><br/>Aeryn leaned forward and laid her fingertips on the Cloud Walker's hand.  "You are not alone now, Erianthe.  You, you are very nearly unique in my experience.  I have never met a Cloud Walker, let alone talked to one.  Nor has any scholar in the Society now living.  You are welcome here, or at any other Chapterhouse.  The only payment required from you will be the answers to what will no doubt become rather tiresome questions."  A moments hesitation.  "Why did you come to Dra Sirdu?  I am organizing an expedition into the interior.  No doubt the Commandant will have some claims on my time and energy, but such missions will be good training for what I intend."  She smiled with a bit of dark humor.  "I expect a rather lively discussion if at some point in the future circumstances compel me to inform the Commandant  that the Society is  working with her, not for her."<br/><br/>"But that may never happen.  I hope not.  Nonetheless,  will you consider joining the Societa Femina Magna Sophia on a temporary, associate status?  It is unusual, but not unheard of.  You will gain many of the privileges, and very few of the duties.  But I warn you, I expect life outside the city walls to be quite strenuous and exciting."<br/>