Xio and a lady?
It must be Fors, Lorne realized. Xio had made a special trip to visit him at the detention center. Now that she had heard he had been released, it was perfectly natural for her to come check on him.
Remember the domain of the original release website.
"Both of you, I have visitors. Could you give us a moment?" Lorne asked Maric and Sharron with a smile.
"Mm." Maric said nothing more. He nodded, rose, and headed for the door. Before leaving, he paused briefly and cast an inquisitive glance at Sharron, who remained seated as though she had heard nothing at all.
?
"Teacher Sharron, could you give us some privacy?" Seeing that she had not moved, Lorne had no choice but to ask.
"I have business to discuss."
"Understood." Sharron nodded slightly, then her body turned transparent, and she vanished without a sound.
What a convenient ability, Lorne marveled inwardly.
Before long, someone knocked on the office door, then pushed it open. He looked over to see a petite woman in a trainee knight's uniform and a female writer wearing a white dress, a flesh-colored jacket, and an elegant soft hat standing at the entrance.
"Long time no see, ladies." Lorne rose with a smile and bowed slightly, offering a proper gentleman's greeting.
"Didn't we just see each other a little while ago?" Xio rubbed her rather unruly hair, feeling uncomfortable with his manner.
"That was different." Lorne shrugged and explained, "I was still in prison then. Every day felt like a year. To me, it's been ages."
"Still, thank you for caring, Xio." He leaned forward slightly and spoke sincerely.
"I was really happy to have a friend visit me while I was locked up."
"Mm-we're friends." Xio nodded, looking a little bashful.