center>Chapter 4

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The next two weeks passed peacefully for Moirethe and Naiser. The boy had already mastered starting a fire and making things float and was now working on getting them to come to him. He was also studying the rarely used written form of Parseltongue and how to interpret the various collections of signs and warnings used by other animals. Moirethe was quite pleased with his progress. But, though he had learned a lot on other subjects, Naiser still knew almost nothing about the reserved creature who was his guardian. Finally, one evening he worked up the courage to try asking.

Moirethe? >

Yes, Wizardling? > she replied, using her pet name for him.

C-could you tell me about yourself tonight? >

Certainly, if you truly wish to know. >

I do. Very much. >

Very well. We should start at the beginning, then. Do you know anything about Basilisks in general? >

No. >

Then we begin with that, to put me in the proper context. Basilisks were originally created by Wizards as a weapon in a terrible war a very long time ago. Even now, we are happiest when acting as peacekeepers or guards of some sort and often work closely with humans we like. >

Our full, unshielded gaze kills—you've seen me do that—which is why we have the secondary eyelids. A Basilisk with red eyes is safe, but if you ever see yellow eyes on a Basilisk, that's the last thing you'll ever see. Also, we have two kinds of venom and armored skin. One of our poisons kills and the other makes it so the person can't move. Still with me? >

I think so. >

Good. Feel free to stop me if you have a question. Now, Basilisks are like to be alone most of the time but family members will often have overlapping territories and mates always will so they can visit. Basilisk mothers care for and teach their young for about the first seven to ten years and we mate whenever we like. >

As for myself, I was born and raised in a forest much like this. When I came of age and had learned all my mother had to teach me, I left the forest all together to see the world. >

A few years later, I met a Wizard whose magic was compatible with mine and became his Familiar. He was a Parselmouth, like you—they weren't so rare then. I stayed with him for two hundred years until he died. >

His youngest daughter had the gift as well and as she was very young indeed when she lost her parents, I took care of her for another decade until she no longer needed me. It was from them that I learned the human language and most of what I know of human magic. >

After I left the Witch, I carried out my original plan of exploring the world. I think I've been just about everywhere. Eventually, though I decided to settle down and establish a territory here and here I've been ever since, keeping peace among the others and raising young. Now I plan to teach you all my mother taught me and all the human magic I know, but after that you must seek your own fortune. Does that answer all your questions? >

Almost. How old are you? >

Moirethe chuckled. Nine hundred and forty-seven. Now go to sleep. >

Some time later: Moirethe? >

What now? >

I don't like the idea of having to leave you. >

Don't worry, Wizardling. By the time it happens you'll be ready for it. It's part of growing up. Now go to sleep. >

And finally, they did.