500th Time Reborn, A World Only Known By Women: The Karma System

She made a good point. Personally, I would have just walked back in there and asked for the elevator to be called. Good thing that I was not the one running the party anymore. I could get used to this.

"Don\'t get used to this. I can help you when you need it, but there are other things and people that need my attention. I am starting to remember things again, but that doesn\'t change my responsibilities to all my people. You are going to need to get the help of the others when you visit their islands," Tallia explained as we continued to walk down the stairs. We had decided just to walk the entire way down, save causing any more scenes.

"Can you read my mind?" I asked, but I had kind of figured this would be like this.

Everyone had jobs, so I couldn\'t expect them to always abandon them. Still, I was going to cherish the time I had with her.

"You looked so happy, so I assumed that you were thinking that. I wish that I could spend more time with you, and we will, but you have a job, and so do I. I promise that we will get some time together soon, but for now, let\'s do what needs to be done. We also need to put a barrier up tomorrow, so keep that in mind," Tallia explained as we reached the bottom of the stairs.

"Yes, thank you for popping my balloon and bringing me back down to the solid ground," I groaned with a smile and clicked her tongue.

"Don\'t complain. Just come hold my hand, so you don\'t wander off, and do not talk to random people. You are more than likely to offend someone," Tallia ordered, sticking her hand out to me.

"Really? I can\'t talk to anyone? I am not complaining about holding hands; I just don\'t think that I am going to offend people just from talking to them," I complained as I took Tallia\'s hand, and she pushed open a door that led to a hallway.

"Everyone around here is sensitive, so you won\'t find many people talking with each other. The Peekaans are very talkative but only when they are out on the water. While on shore, they are usually quiet unless they have something to say. That usually isn\'t anything good," Tallia explained.

"What about the people who work in the kitchens or the stables or something like that?" I asked. Surely they talked to each other while they worked.

"They do, but they know better than to talk to strangers. They will talk to you if you talk to them first, but they won\'t initiate a conversation," Tallia explained.

"Okay, that makes sense, I guess," I said, though I still thought it was a bit odd.

We walked in silence for a few moments before I spoke up again.

"So, what is the plan for tomorrow?" I asked.

"I am going to put up a barrier around the city, and you are going to help me because I still don\'t know what we are going to use. You had to leave before we could get to that yesterday," Tallia said as we reached another door that led to the main entrance I had entered in. All the guards and their eyes were on me, but the levels of looks ranged from fear to anger to interest.

I didn\'t mean to gas some of them out. That was all just bad gas in a bad situation, and it would teach them to get better ventilation for the elevator. That kind of thing was dangerous, so I was really just helping them out.

"I see, so we are just going to wing it then?" I asked as we stepped out into the sunlight.

It was nice to get out of that castle, and now I could see the city a lot better. There was still a lot of steam, but the sun made it a lot easier to see.

The guards outside were keeping their eyes forward, but I assumed that was because the head guard was waiting at the gate that was still closed. Once we got up to it, the two guards opened one of the gates, but the head guard stood in the way, blocking our path.

"While this one is in my city, I will be keeping a close watch on him. If you do not mind, Goddess, I will be providing the two of you with a personal escort," the woman explained, but she stared at me with an intent glare.

"I don\'t see a problem with that. It would be good for someone to get acquainted with him while Galio is in the city. This way, Galio learns your people\'s ways, and there will be fewer incidents. Who are you going to send with us?" Tallia asked, but the woman never took her eyes off me.

"I will be doing this myself. I would not trust this task to another. The Queen might have given you honors, but I was there in the elevator when you smashed the window out to dangle her. I think that you are not to be trusted, and I am going to prove it! My name is Dalla, but you will call me Guard Captain!" The woman snapped, and I sighed.

"Sure, but can we get moving? We are burning daylight, and the Goddesses can\'t lead me around all day..." I chuckled but trailed off as Tallia let go of my hand and turned to me.

"I need to get back. There is something going on in Northwall right now, and I should go attend to it. If Dalla is going to escort you, then you should be fine," Tallia said, and my heart sank.

"Damn, just when I get you, you always slip through my fingers, but I get it," I said with a sigh, but Tallia came up and kissed me.

"Good. Be good, and don\'t get into trouble while I am gone. Once we deal with the Riftwalker tomorrow, you can come for a sleepover on my island. I am sure that is more than enough to keep you motivated," Tallia said, and kissed me again, then turned to open a portal.

She left, and I was left with Dalla, my angry-looking escort.