Disclaimer: I do not own Malcho, or any of the original Aladdin characters or settings included in this story. I do own my own original character Tala.

Special Thanks: Credit to my wonderful beta reader, Eternal Sidekick, formally known as Brisco County Jr., who helped me with this chapter.

Chapter 11

The next few hours passed in a blur of pain and confusion, as Tala drifted in and out of consciousness. When she first awoke, she was aware of many male voices, all muttering around her lowly in serious conversation. The background noise went on for some time, until the men seemed to reach a decision, and one of the physicians reached out and touched her side, attempting to identify the extent of her injuries. The pain of the examination caused Tala to scream through clenched teeth, her hand clenching tightly around Carpets tassel until her fingernails were digging into her own palm, despite his best efforts to stop her. Feeling helpless, the rug used his free tassel to gently stroke her hair, trying to bring any sort of comfort to what he knew was an agonizing but necessary procedure.

Moments later, the physician located one of her damaged ribs, and Tala, unable to bare the pain, let out a piercing scream, her eyes flashing as she accidentally summoned a bolt of lightning from what had previously been a cloudless sky. Luckily, the lightning struck a deserted piece of ground outside, and Tala sagged seconds later, passing out from the effort involved in the involuntary summoning. While a shocking experience for the unprepared physicians, in a way the magical explosion worked out for the best, as they were able to swiftly complete the examination with Tala lying still. Carpet sagged in relief as they found only one other damaged rib, and confirmed that while heavily fractured, neither appeared to have broken. Genie appeared moments later, instantly producing a device which showed, to their relief, that the impact hadn't damaged her internal organs, and neither of the fractured ribs had pierced her lungs.

The next thing Tala was aware of was someone holding her head as some type of foul tasting liquid was poured down her throat. She spluttered and gagged on the taste, struggling feebly until someone fed her spoonfuls of something spicy and sweet, overpowering the former flavor and calming her at the same time. The medicine soon took effect, and Tala finally fell into a heavily drugged slumber, unresponsive to the outside world. The palace maids took the opportunity to bathe the young girl, cleaning her carefully before changing her into a clean nightdress and putting her to bed. Carpet stayed faithfully by Tala's side throughout the proceedings, only releasing her hand when the maids took her away to bathe her, and returning as soon as she was put to bed.

Tala slept soundly for 2 full days, physically and emotionally exhausted. When she finally did rouse from her slumber, she soon became aware that she was in unfamiliar surroundings. Even without opening her eyes, she could feel that a mattress, a luxury she hadn't had in months, was supporting her body. Confused, she blearily forced her eyes open and looked around, trying to ascertain her location. She saw that she was in a gigantic room, lusciously decorated with large potted plants, grand oil paintings and huge tapestries. Silken canopies, shielding her from the harsh sunlight, surrounded the massive bed she was lying in, and there was a huge mound of silk cushions supporting her body.

She found that she was wearing a loose white silk robe, and judging by the smell of soap and flowers, she had been bathed. She flushed at the idea that some stranger had undressed her, but before she could focus more on the thought, the pain from her injuries began to resurface and she moaned lowly in discomfort. The pain continued, not as strong as before, but still a constant ache in her chest and side that impaired her breathing, and made her want to crawl back into oblivious sleep. Another moan escaped her as she twisted, attempting to find a position that would lessen her pain, and she felt something warm tighten around her hand in response. As she glanced down, she saw Carpet curled up on the edge of her bed, his tassels still firmly interlaced into her fingers. His position suggested he was asleep, but did enchanted rugs actually sleep, she wondered? As she stared at him, trying to work this out, it occurred to her that if he was asleep then he had gripped her hand in response to her moan while unconscious. The thought sent a warm wave of emotion over her and she smiled at him, before lying back onto the pillows and closing her eyes.

Her memories now coming back, Tala realized she was in a room in the palace, and that the royal family must have given her medical treatment and placed her here. For a moment she fretted over how on earth she could ever repay such services, but then, as she tried to remember how she had become injured in the first place, other memories started to resurface, and her train of thought ground to a juddering halt.

No. No I don't want to think about that…I don't…I don't want to remember…

But she couldn't stop it now. Her mind refused to cooperate, and all those awful words came tumbling back into her head.

This is all your fault! …I used you chica…you were so easy…you can't do anything right!

The tears came then, despite all her efforts to stop them, and her breath caught in loud sobs as she shuddered and whimpered, her free hand rising up to cover her eyes.

She'd been tricked, again.

Wh…Why? Why?! Why did he say those things to me?! I…I just…I just wanted to be his friend! That's all I wanted, the whole time. I didn't need anything else, I didn't want to use his power, I didn't want to take advantage of his size and strength…I just wanted…I just wanted somebody to stay with me. Someone who wouldn't get hurt by being near me…I thought Malcho was strong enough he would be able to protect himself. But he-the whole time? Everything he said and did-

She sniffed loudly; unable to stop her thoughts tumbling forward, moving faster and faster, like a rolling stone building up speed.

…Was what he said true? Was I just clinging to him because I was lonely? Does-does wanting company make me such a bad person? Why does this keep happening to me? Why…why does everyone take advantage of me? Use me?

If it weren't for your powers, I would have gotten rid of you long ago!

"My powers…" Tala whispered.

It always comes back to them. Everything bad that's ever happened in my life, all the suffering and pain, it's all come from these stupid powers! First the warlord, then the village, and now Malcho, too. I wish…I wish I'd never had them! I wish I could have just been another normal human! I hate them! I hate my powers! I HATE THEM!

Incensed, Tala sat up, twisting around and viciously swinging a fist down into the pillows behind her. The action caused a grating pain in her ribs, but she ignored it, pummeling the pillows again and again with all her strength, until her fingernails were digging into her palms, spattering blood over the pristine sheets. She continued to pulverize the cushions, tears streaming from her eyes at the pain of her exertion.

"I hate them, I hate them, I hate them! I hate these stupid powers! I hate myself! Why do I have to have them! I hate them!"

Tala ranted, choking her words out through her sobs, until the pummeling started to slow down, as she became unable to bare the pain in her ribs. Still needing desperately to vent some of her anger, she clenched the pillow to her face and screamed, pouring all her self-hatred and frustration into the muffled cry.

These powers…they turn everyone against me. Everyone turns greedy and selfish over them, no matter what I do. And Malcho he…he was just another person out to take advantage of them, of me? But… he comforted me! He worried about me, protected me, cared for me! It…it couldn't be a lie! It felt so real, so sincere…he said he was my friend….

Everything was a scam? Was a lie? He…he'd just….it couldn't…

Fresh tears were forming now, her anger drained, replaced instead with a steadily growing depression.

"Malcho," Tala sobbed softly. She wanted her friend back, wanted the snake she knew, or thought she knew…

He was…he was really, really bad at giving or expressing emotions, especially when it came to displaying any kind of affection for another person. He had a huge ego, he teased her, cared too much about his pride, was cynical, incredibly cunning, and occasionally ruthless…

And yet, despite that, he was….charming, in an odd way, with his royal tones and eloquent speech. Having someone so noble being so cynical of the world made Tala feel so sad for him, for what he must have gone through to think that way. She wanted to change his mind, to show him kindness and compassion. She had hoped to prove through her actions that he could at least trust her, that there were people who wouldn't betray each other for power and profit.

The irony was not lost on her.

She sniffed, clutching the pillow to her chest, trying to turn and settle into a more comfortable position, as her ribs throbbed painfully from her earlier attempt to turn her pillow into a punching bag. A shifting mass of purple caught her eye, causing her to glance down, and she saw Carpet had moved slightly in his sleep. She was amazed he had stayed asleep through all the racket she'd made, but then again he was a rug, who knew if his sleep was anything like a humans. She might have been less surprised at his apparent obliviousness to the outside world had she known he'd stayed awake the whole time she'd been unconscious, attempting to make sure there would be someone familiar nearby when she woke.

She sighed, and found her thoughts inevitably drifted back to Malcho.

He had been so confident and assured in everything he did, it made her feel confident in herself for the first time in...well, forever. He had taught her a new language, told her amazing stories, and he had made her feel safe. With him around, she had felt secure for the first time since she left home. He had been like an adviser, world-wise and experienced, so she felt she could trust him to think things through and protect her. And most importantly…she hadn't been scared she'd end up seriously hurting him with her magic. Wind, water, fire, plants, all the things that she usually conjured when spooked had little effect on him due to his size and natural defenses. To her it was amazing, someone she could be around that she wasn't terrified she'd accidentally injure, someone she could trust and rely on, someone who, on top of all that, had actually offered to help her…it was like a dream come true.

And all that…everything he'd said and done…had just been a lie for her sake? A façade to get her to help him? The snake she'd cared about…the first reliable being she'd had in her life…it was all just a lie created for her benefit? So she'd like him enough to do what he asked?

She didn't want to believe it, it couldn't all be fake, it-it had to be a mistake, he was just angry…right?

No, no matter what lies she told herself, she couldn't fool her heart. He hadn't just been angry when he yelled at her, and she knew it. His eyes were clear and focused when he held her up, pinned to the wall. He knew what he was saying to her. He knew what he was doing...and he must have known how much he was hurting her.

And he'd still done it.

"Everything was a lie…"

She touched her side, felt the bruising and the pain there. Her injuries were real, Malcho had done that to her. He'd hurt her, he…he could have…

"I…could-I could have died," Tala whimpered "He could have killed me…my-my…"

Panic, fear, betrayal, hurt, anguish, all swirled together in her head, making her heart ache and she collapsed into yet another burst of sobs, unable to take it. Carpet finally stirred at her side, and, hearing her cries of distress, was instantly hovering by her face. He went from concerned to panicked in an instant as he glanced around her and spotted the blood stained sheets, crimson droplets still leaking from her hands where she clutched the pillow. Worried for her health, he circled around her head in frenzied circles, trying to spot where and how she'd injured herself.

Tala saw the movement and looked up, confused for a minute at Carpet's actions.

"Wh-whats wrong?" she asked between sobs.

Carpet landed in front of her, pointing manically at her hands. Tala blinked, confused, then lifted a hand from the pillow, staring blankly as she saw the 4 crescent shaped marks dug into her palm, raw and red.

"Oh." She said, strangely emotionless at the sight of her own blood. "When did I-?"

Carpet however was still pointing at her manically, making actions like he was clutching his head, obviously panicking over her injuries.

"Um, it's OK, it doesn't hurt" Tala said, trying to reassure him. "…Well actually it does now, but-"

Her sentence trailed off into silence, as Carpet suddenly turned and zoomed off, returning moments later carrying a bowl of water and bandages. He put them down and gently held out a tassel to her, knowing better then to force any contact on the already shaky mage. Tala stared at him for a moment, then hesitantly held her hands out, allowing him to clean and bandage them, wondering vaguely how he knew how to treat a human in the first place. When he finished he gave her hand a reassuring pat, and started putting the things away. The silence was starting to make Tala anxious, and just when she was thinking of asking the rug to please leave; she looked up to find him holding out a handkerchief for her.

"Thank you," she said, accepting it meekly, attempting to dry her face. I must look terrible right now.

Carpet nodded and hovered anxiously, wondering what to do. Judging by the state he'd found her in, red faced and shaking, she'd already been crying for a long time, and she was still very upset. He felt bad for not being awake when she had needed some company, and worse that she'd injured herself while under his care. Jasmine had specifically asked him to stay by her side, as she was busy with palace duties, and he was the only other person Tala had spoken to at length. They had both thought that having someone familiar nearby would be reassuring, and he'd been happy to comply with the request. Looking at her now though, he felt as though he'd failed both the mage and the princess. He was tempted to go get the doctor, but didn't want to leave Tala alone when she was still so shaken.

"Thanks for helping me." Tala said quietly, breaking the silence. Carpet nodded gently, waiting for her to continue.

"I'm sorry...about the bed, and my hands…I just…I guess I needed to do something-I was just so frustrated….I didn't even realize I'd hurt myself…." She glanced at her hands as she spoke, running her fingers nervously over the neatly tied bandages

Carpet nodded again, and landed gently beside her. She didn't move away from him, so he floated a little closer and cautiously reached out, tentatively placing a tassel on her head. She didn't pull away, so he gently patted her on the head. Tala's eyes widened a fraction, then closed as she relaxed ever so slightly at the gesture. In the past her mother had always patted her head and played with her hair when she was upset, and the familiar gesture was soothing. Without realizing it she leaned into the touch, fresh tears forming as yet another wave of despair engulfed her as she lowered her defenses a fraction.

"C-Carpet…he…he-"

Carpet didn't need to hear any more, everyone had heard Malcho yelling at her, had seen the honest pain in her eyes as his deception was revealed. They all understood that the poor girl had been tricked, used, and ruthlessly thrown aside by the serpent once her task was done.

Without hesitation, Carpet pulled the girl into a hug. It was a difficult maneuver, as he had no real substance, nothing the poor child could really put her arms around. The closest he could come would be if he literally wrapped himself around her like a blanket, and he was conscious that he needed to be gentle with her healing body.

He eventually managed to arrange himself so she could lean on him, her head leaning on a curve that imitated a shoulder, a part of him wrapped around her back while one tassel ran through her hair rhythmically, noting the motion seemed to calm her.

She sobbed hard, and in-between her breaths she told him of her pain, of how close she had been with Malcho, at how much she had cared, blaming herself, her powers, the warlord, but never Malcho himself for her pain.

Anyone could see that he had broken the poor girl's heart.

Carpet had long ago come to terms with the fact he would never be able to vocalize his thoughts, but at times like this he really truly wished there was more he could do, that he could say something, anything to reassure her. As it was, all he could do was be there, holding her until she sobbed herself back into another deep emotionally exhausted sleep. He laid her back ever so gently on the pillow, and went back to his former position, sitting by her side, holding her hand.

Eventually, much later that evening, Tala woke again. No matter how upset she was, her body still needed food, and her rumbling stomach was reminding her. Carpet was still there, and she knew that should be reassuring, but for some reason the thought of becoming grateful for his presence sent a chill through her bones, and she found herself edging away from him ever so slightly.

The movement woke the resting Carpet, and he rose up and shook himself from side to side, then turned to her, obviously wanting to know how she was doing.

"Hello Carpet. I'm…well, I'm not okay, but I'm better."

She swallowed, knowing she needed to thank him, but for some reason feeling reluctant to do so.

"Thank you, I…I was scared but you…thank you." She desperately wanted to add, please don't go, but refused to voice it. She couldn't show that level of vulnerability, of need, not after everything else. She couldn't risk it.

Carpet didn't move but she got the odd impression that if he had lips they would be smiling softly at her. She was about to say something else but froze as her stomach gurgled again loudly.

"S-sorry, guess I'm hungry."

Carpet nodded, and flew over to a nearby dresser, returning with a bowl of fruit. He put it down by her bedside, and offered up an apple. Tala took it and munched slowly and carefully, thinking that if breathing hurt her, swallowing probably would to. Her suspicions were confirmed moments later, and she winced as the apple went down. She knew she had to eat though, and forced herself to keep going till the apple was gone. Still hungry, she had just started in on a banana when there was a knock on the door.

"Carpet? Is Tala-? Oh! You're awake!"

It was Jasmine herself, and Tala was astonished that the princess had personally come to visit her. She attempted to pull herself up and sit up straight in the royals' presence.

"Your majesty," She said, bowing slightly. "Why have you-?"

"Oh, my goodness, what happened!?" Jasmine cried suddenly, interrupting her as she ran the rest of the distance to the bedside.

"Wha-" Tala stumbled, confused at her sudden anxiety, then remembered the cuts on her hand as she followed the princess' line of sight.

"Oh, my gosh, I'm so sorry, your majesty. I cut my hands by accident and stained the shee-"

Tala didn't get to finish. Jasmine had sat down and grabbed her hands, turning them over as she frantically examined them for damage. The young girl was shocked at the forwardness of the gesture, and more so the genuine concern in her eyes.

"Are you alright now? How did this happen? Who treated you?"

"I-I" Tala stumbled, so many questions all at once! She took a breath and tried to answer everything.

"I'm fine, Carpet bandaged me and…I…I got the injuries because I got frustrated and punched my pillow. I…I hit it so hard my fingernails cut into my palms."

She finished quietly, ashamed at her actions, wondering if she would be ridiculed for such behavior. But the princess only gave a loud sigh of relief.

"Thank goodness that's all it is."

Tala nodded, slightly embarrassed and vaguely wary at the princesses concern. Jasmine settled down on the edge of the bed, folding her hands neatly in her lap as she asked

"How are you feeling?"

Tala found herself biting down a harsh reply, and then reproaching herself seconds later for even thinking of snapping at the princess. She had shown her nothing but compassion and understanding thus far, and she was royalty. Such rudeness was unthinkable. She shook her head, trying to clear her mind, but her emotions were still all over the place and in the end she gave up and shrugged lamely.

"Oh, Tala," Jasmine said simply, her voice laced with sympathy, as she leaned forward and pulled the younger girl into a hug.

"It will be alright." The words felt hollow to the princess, but she simply didn't know what else to say.

"…I don't see how." Tala said quietly, letting the princess hug her, but not returning the embrace. Jasmines face crinkled with concern at the response, but she took a breath and resigned herself. It was going to take a great deal of time and patience to heal the emotional wounds Malcho had inflicted, and probably even longer before Tala would be willing to fully trust anyone.

"We all heard Malcho talking, Tala..." She said gently. "You should know that no one blames you, or holds you responsible for what happened. It's obvious to us that he tricked and used you."

Tala just didn't know how to respond to that, the information made her somehow relieved and anxious at the same time. She responded with another question, trying to distract herself.

"Could you please tell me what happened after I passed out?"

We had Carpet carry you to the palace physicians. They treated your wounds, and then the palace maids bathed you and brought you here to recuperate."

"Do you know what's wrong with me?" Tala asked. "It hurts to breathe. Did I break something inside myself?"

"You don't have to worry, your life's not in danger. The physicians told me you have two cracked ribs, a slight concussion from a blow to the head, and extensive bruising along your side. They also found a wound on your back, it looked like you had been burned. Was that-?"

"Yes, that's from the attack I told you about earlier in the desert."

"I see. Well, they've treated your wounds, and given you some medicine for the pain. The physicians said you'll be just fine, but you need plenty of rest, and that you shouldn't move around too much for at least a week. I'll send one of them up to check on you in a while now that you're awake."

"Is it going to hurt for long?"

"I don't know Tala, but I have to be honest, fractured ribs take a very long time to heal. It could be months before you recover completely."

"Months?! I can't stay here for months! What about my village!?"

"Whoa, whoa!" Jasmine said, restraining Tala as she attempted to get out of bed, Carpet fluttering to her other side and making urgent gestures for her to relax. "You're not going to do anyone any good if you try and leave now! You can barely move, let alone travel or fight! You'll only end up hurting yourself even more."

Tala relaxed, having to acknowledge the princess's logic. She wasn't going to help anyone trying to go out in this state. She wouldn't make it even a thousandth of the distance required before she either collapsed or got attacked and captured.

"You're right. I'm sorry."

"Think nothing of it," Jasmine said, relaxing as Tala settled down "This room is yours. You can stay as long as you need."

"Thank you. Really, I can't thank you enough for your generosity, especially after I brought you so much trouble."

"Don't worry about it. I told you, that wasn't your fault. All of us will vouch for you when my father returns."

"Vouch?"

"I assume you still want to speak to him about your village? Of course, only if you're up to it…"

"Yes. Yes, of course, I'd like to speak to him!" Tala said, incredibly relieved. She knew even with the word of the princess, her credibility was going to be damaged. She had no delusions about that, but she had expected to be denied any chance of a meeting after the huge fracas. The fact she still had a chance, however tiny and slim it might now be, was a huge relief.

"Then we'll all vouch for you." Jasmine smiled gently, drawing Tala from her thoughts as Carpet nodded alongside her.

"Thank you, Princess Jasmine. I…I'm sorry, but I've got to ask, what happened to Malcho?"

The princess' face changed rapidly from kindness and compassion to thinly veiled anger and contempt at the name. It was obvious his actions had angered her. And why shouldn't they? Tala thought bitterly. He attacked her family and invaded her home.

"He's been locked up outside. He's not going anywhere. As I told you earlier, my father is away on business at the moment, and we cannot pass judgment on Malcho until he returns. So he's going to stay there until that time, and Genie's made sure he can't escape."

"…I see." Tala said softly.

"…Are you alright?" Jasmine asked tentatively, noticing the change for the worse in her.

"He…he was my best friend." Tala said softly "I really cared about him. I thought…I just can't believe…"

Jasmine wrapped an arm around her shoulders gently, not saying anything. Carpet settled onto her other side, putting her in the middle of a reassuring sandwich.

"I...I don't want to cry anymore. I'm sick of crying." Tala said bitterly "When will this stop hurting?"

"I don't know, Tala. That depends on you." Jasmine said, as gently as she could. Tala fell silent, and seeing her mood darken, Jasmine added,

"Don't let his actions make you lose hope in people, Tala. People lie, but it's not always for bad reasons, Aladdin showed me that."

Tala said nothing, but felt somewhat subdued. She was about to ask something else, but her stomach rumbled again, breaking the tense mood and the silence. Jasmine laughed gently, and left to find her a hot meal, leaving Carpet to keep her company.

A serving woman came up shortly with a tray for her, and Tala carefully ate everything provided while the woman changed the sheets. Shortly after she'd finished eating, Jasmine came back with a physician, who checked her injuries and mostly repeated what Jasmine had said before her wounds. He insisted on rest and recuperation, that she continued to take the pain killing medicine he'd provided, and finally advised her to take deep breathes as often as she could manage to insure the ribs healed in the correct position.

Tala was soon left alone with Jasmine and Carpet again, and the three talked some more, (or rather two talked and one listened). Jasmine gently persuaded Tala that talking about her time with Malcho might help her process and accept everything, and eventually she agreed. Sitting between the two, she quietly told them everything she'd left out of her earlier story, everything to do with her and Malcho. She had to stop at points, breaking into tears again, but eventually it all came out, and it did feel better having someone else who knew the whole story.

"It's obvious you cared for him a lot." Jasmine said simply, trying to stay calm while inside she was seething with anger over how the snake had played her.

"Was it…was it really all a lie? Some parts…I just can't believe it was all an act Princess."

"The only one who will ever know for sure is Malcho, and I don't know how much we can trust what he says," She said after a moments thought.

"I suppose your right…"

They had talked long into the night, and as the evening drew on, Jasmine had to leave. She left her with a bell, telling her to ring if she needed anything, and a servant would come and help her. Tala wished the princess good night, and was left alone with Carpet.

"So…I guess you have to go home, too, huh?" Tala said quietly into the gaping silence the Princesses departure left.

Carpet looked at her curiously.

"What?"

He sat down by the side of the bed, as if making a point.

"You're…staying?"

He looked at her, his body twisted to one side.

"You'll only stay if I want you too?" She tried again. He nodded in confirmation.

She wasn't sure if she did or not. She appreciated everything the rug had done for her, but she felt somewhat nervous having him in the room while she slept. At the same time, she didn't want to be alone. Carpet, sensing her distress, waved to get her attention, and floated over to the door. He pointed outside it, and made a sitting motion.

"You'll stay outside my door?"

He nodded, and then pointed at the bell.

"Ring if I need you?"

He nodded again, then landed in front of her, twisting again as if curious.

"No, I don't need anything before you go, but thank you Carpet. For everything." The rug bowed slightly, then gently took her hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze, before waving and flying out the door, shutting it gently behind him.

"…Thanks." Tala whispered again into the silence.

It didn't take her long to drift of to sleep, and as she did, so she thought that while a lot of bad things had happened to her, at least she had kind people supporting her.

The days soon became repetitious, and Tala didn't think she would have gotten through them if it hadn't been for Jasmine and her friends. Stuck in bed for much of the time while her ribs healed, she thought she would soon become even more isolated and depressed. However, the very next day, Genie, Rajah, Monkey and Aladdin came and visited, introducing themselves properly to her, and they soon became regular visitors. Genie's personality was a lot to take in at first, despite Jasmine's advanced warnings, and the first time he suddenly changed shapes Tala jumped, accidentally making her glass of water explode. She was lucky that she was still so drained and couldn't do anything worse. Only Iago never came to visit her, and for that Tala was glad. She didn't know how she would handle it. She wasn't sure whether she should be angry at Iago for starting this, or ashamed for bringing his would-be-murderer to his door.

Although everyone was nice to her, day-by-day Tala found herself being drawn to Jasmine, the princess' maturity and kindness constantly amazing her. Despite her responsibilities and duties, Jasmine made time to see Tala every day. She listened without judging her, offering understanding and support while Tala tried to come to terms with Malcho's deception.

And then there was Carpet. While at first the enchanted rug's actions were driven by sympathy and concern for a vulnerable child, he soon found himself becoming quite attached to Tala. He quickly became her own personal shadow, following her everywhere; ready to support her both physically and emotionally when she needed him. Despite being unable to reply vocally, Carpet listened to anything Tala wanted to say, and never left her side unless he was needed elsewhere or was bidden to leave by Tala herself. Despite her hesitancy to form any sort of attachment after what Malcho had done to her, Tala had to admit that she was incredibly grateful for her constant silent companion.

Although she couldn't stop thinking of Malcho, the pain did lessen a bit as she found herself surrounded by good people, and she tried her best to carry on as best she could.

However despite her peaceful surroundings, something continued to bother Tala. Ever since she had told Jasmine the whole truth about Malcho, she had noted that something in her tales seemed have particularly upset the princess, she occasionally got the feeling things were going on that she was not aware of.

Six days after the incident, she found out what.