There was no coercion in Venla"s question, no hint of pressure. It seemed to carry some sort of hidden meaning, as if momentous decisions would result in the outcome. Mavra looked around her. There were so many items in the rooms, so many possessions. She had never felt the need for such things. The fine cloths and statuettes and candle-holders that filled this house were just things. Things that cost money and things that could be stolen.
“I understand, mistress.” Mavra said finally. “We have possessions, but we take them wherever we go. What happens to the people that stay in a place such as this is that they build up too much. It is not that we are severe, it is just that we have never needed it.”
Venla nodded in satisfaction. “You do understand, daughter. Good. Remember, there is not
