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There were people in the Empire who would turn away a stranger asking for a place to stay, believing him or her to have hidden, evil intentions. Such people ended up being safe from most threats, real or imaginary, but they paid for that safety with the chance to know their fellow Allerian better.
Lauke was no such person. Raised in a home with family values, he knew in his heart that friendship, kindness, and trust were currencies more valuable than the crown or silver. Listening to Cyy'cil's request, his smile grew even wider and his eyes sparkled. "Why, I'd be happy to give you a place to stay!" he exclaimed. "My house is your house. And," he paused, then continued a little more seriously, "I have been meaning to get out more, find a job or get some training. With my housechores out of the way, I would finally have the time..."
His voice trailed off, his eyes staring out into space as he contemplated the possibilities in the world. A few seconds later, he shook himself back to reality. "Oh, but where are my manners?" he cried. "Come in, come in!" He gestured to the table and stools in the middle of the house. "Please, sit down and tell me of yourself. How did you come here to Abestat?"
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