Fear Comes Home
35 Summer 698
My heart is throbbing, and sweat is dripping on the pages of my journal from my brow. It’s not because I just danced, either. I can dance for a good half hour before breaking a sweat.
It’s because he was there, in the tavern. I’m sure he’s been here before, but tonight was the first I actually saw him. I was dancing when I spotted him in the crowd, so what could I do? I couldn’t run from the stage. I have no proof he assaulted me.
I kept my composure, did not alter my performance at all. I’ve been dancing for shutu demons most of my life, after all! It would take an outright attack to trip me up when I’m dancing.
Off the stage was different. I got past the curtains and ran straight into Amethyst’s arms.
“What in the world?” she mumbled. “Shie, what is it?” Yes, my performance name is Topaz, but Amethyst knows my real name. Odd I don’t know hers, isn’t it?
“He’s out there.”
“The man who attacked you?”
I nodded into her bosom.
“I’m going to teach you how to fight, so you won’t have to be afraid,” she said.
I agreed, but in truth, I don’t think it will help. How can I fight someone so much bigger than I am? Or…
I just thought of something. I dance all the time. I’m fast, and I’m strong. It takes me a half hour to break a sweat. I wonder how little time it takes him?
My heart is throbbing, and sweat is dripping on the pages of my journal from my brow. It’s not because I just danced, either. I can dance for a good half hour before breaking a sweat.
It’s because he was there, in the tavern. I’m sure he’s been here before, but tonight was the first I actually saw him. I was dancing when I spotted him in the crowd, so what could I do? I couldn’t run from the stage. I have no proof he assaulted me.
I kept my composure, did not alter my performance at all. I’ve been dancing for shutu demons most of my life, after all! It would take an outright attack to trip me up when I’m dancing.
Off the stage was different. I got past the curtains and ran straight into Amethyst’s arms.
“What in the world?” she mumbled. “Shie, what is it?” Yes, my performance name is Topaz, but Amethyst knows my real name. Odd I don’t know hers, isn’t it?
“He’s out there.”
“The man who attacked you?”
I nodded into her bosom.
“I’m going to teach you how to fight, so you won’t have to be afraid,” she said.
I agreed, but in truth, I don’t think it will help. How can I fight someone so much bigger than I am? Or…
I just thought of something. I dance all the time. I’m fast, and I’m strong. It takes me a half hour to break a sweat. I wonder how little time it takes him?