When Ahri awoke she was slightly startled, for she forgot where she was.

"Oh that's right," she remembered. It was night, but the A frame was illuminated by a peering moon. To Ahri, her fox-like eyes allowed her to see everything clearly. She noticed that there was a spiral staircase, minus the stairs. It in fact was actually a spiral… ramp-case. Perhaps Cassandra was crippled. It definitely explained the need for an assistant.

Outside it had stopped raining, so Ahri decided to go out and take a breath of fresh...er swamp air. It was still extremely muddy but there was a nice view of the river in the distance, the moon reflected peacefully on the water. Ahri looked around and was taken aback. Sitting ever so quietly on a wheelchair was a woman. Her dark hair tangled into slithering braids. She smiled and motioned for Ahri to take a seat on one of the rocking chairs nearby. Her eyes were having intense pleasure viewing Ahri's whisking tails.

Ahri sat down, knowing this to be Cassandra, her brain racked itself for a good first question. Perhaps of course, she should introduce herself… politely.

"Greetings Miss Cassandra, as you already know I'm Ahri. I was sent by Tahm."

"Greetings young Ahri." Cassandra's voice was soothing and melodic, a voice perfect to put someone into a trance. "Tahm was very kind to offer an assistant during these times, at least kind enough for him to pay off his debt to me."

Ahri was dumbstruck. She wanted to scream "WHAT!" but kept her composure.

"I think we are confused, Tahm and I had a deal and sent me here in the meantime until he was able to fulfill his side of the bargain. He never mentioned I would be in your service."

Cassandra widened her eyes in surprise and showed her clenched teeth. All of them were pointy. "That Tahm is a crafty one. Paying off debts while he fulfills his other deals, albeit this is a laughable case." Cassandra looked to the moon in thought then looked back at Ahri. "In that case my dear girl, how about I'll make a deal with you. Assist me for the time being and I'll let you stay here. I have no idea how long Tahm will be, but I at least have an uninterruptible way of contacting him."

Ahri thought about this. Cassandra was obviously a powerful entity. "Will you also protect me from the villagers? I've been chased from town to town because of my… appetite. I can't help it though!" She exclaimed.

"I can sure help in that, my darling. You'll find that we both are women of... appetite." Cassandra's smile grew wider. "Why don't you pledge 3 months to me. I have a very important client at that time and I'll be so very pleased if someone went in my place. If you succeed, you will have My debt." Cassandra nodded slightly as if to bow.

Ahri didn't need to consider much, it was a small price for an escape from human society. "Deal! Thank you Lady Cassandra."

Cassandra nodded. "Let's start with your first lesson. Stare into the moon and lose all your thoughts. This is called meditation. I don't expect you to master it but later I will show you some tips and tricks."

And so they both stared at the moon for the remainder of two hours till Cassandra desired to retire. Ahri was of course obliged and aided her chair into the house and up the ramp. The chair itself was quite high off the ground and was also fairly heavy. Luckily the wheels were very smooth and with a little bit of difficulty she was able to wheel Cassandra up the steep ramp and to her room door.

"Thank you darling, you've been a good help. How was your meditation. Was your mind empty?"

Ahri admitted that she tried as much as she could, but her mind constantly wandered, especially to events of recent.

Cassandra nodded. "Practice makes perfect. I'll take care of myself into the room. Don't stay up too late." And with that, Cassandra opened the door and wheeled herself in. The room emitted a cool draft, odd for an attic.

Ahri returned to her couch and tried her meditation again, maybe it would help her sleep.