Flashback The Art of a semi-political mindset (The Enclave)

[Farlen]

Farlen sighed, any race of a smile disappearing from his face. He sensed that this conversation will get him nowhere so he decided to change the topic. "Since you know this city, I hope, perhaps you should tell me what is there to see here?"

[Astreia]

"It depends what sort of things you like seeing. It's fun just wandering along the warrens - some of them have really beautiful views over the mountains and the city. Or, I know that we are famous for our glasswork. The stained glass gallery is absolutely beautiful - if you're in there when the sun rises, shining through all the floor-to-ceiling windows, the floor looks on fire and you feel as if you're part of the fabric of the glass. It's an interesting feeling of serenity and peace with the world, especially if you're alone. I like to go there sometimes, just to think."

Astreia paused. She hadn't ever told anyone this and certainly shouldn't be saying it to a stranger, even such an engaging one as he.

She decided to change the subject, "Or the edge of the world. It is a must see and fun to get there too if you enjoy puzzles and climbing. Um... there's also the Katshika Falls, though I hear that they are not that impressive compared to waterfalls in other places, the Underground Forest and the Dreaming Lady, which is perfect if one is a little stressed out."

Astreia raised her head, tossing her hair back and smiled expectantly, waiting for Farlen to reply.

[Farlen]

Farlen closed his eyes as the information went straight over his head. This beautiful girl knew a lot about her homeland, which didn't surprise him in the least, considering her strange interest in politics and other such frivolities. Maybe she one day will become a library too, he thought.
Suddenly a wave of weakness came over his body. His sturdy two legs, felt as if they were made of cotton and not flesh an bone. Was he this hungry? Or was it just the claustrophobia of the library which was greater than he was? Surely he didn't get sick, he couldn't! But every time he came in contact with large groups of people, he would come down with a sickness the next day.
He thanked Astreia politely, forcing on a warm smile. Grasping her hand softly and pressing his lips against it with haste, before she had the chance to pull away, he said "If you ever come to the Stained Glass Gallery, I shall appear to accompany you."
The he turned on his heel and quickly walked out of the library with feline grace in his movements. In fact it seemed more like he wanted to escape it to finally breathe fresh air which he valued so much. Of course he did not truly intend to keep his promise. After all he could not just simply track her every move, just to appear in the right place at the right time, nor could he just wait and vegetate in a place filled with glass. But a part oh him wished he'd somehow manage to bump into her in the future, shall she still remember him.

[Astreia]

"Good bye." murmured Astreia with a small smile, watching Farlen disappear. She turned back around slowly and for a second just stood there pensively before walking back to her table.

"A corrupt society is one where those in a position of power use their power to ignore the laws of society and for personal gain, a society where people's rights are ignored, a society where the negative aspects are hidden from the general public by those in power." Astreia said this a couple of times, slowly, but the words just washed over her like air. They were just words.

In the end, the truth was that the conversation with Farlen had created more questions than it had answered, and had unnerved her slightly. What he had told her too... eventually, she put the book on politics back and went to find another one in the geography section, running her fingers along the leather-bound spines with pleasure. She loved leather, the way it feels, the way it smells, especially when there is some age too.