"I suppose that word does mean different things to different people," she allowed with a small, thoughtful smile. "I suppose I don't consider myself an artist. Unless contracts and money are considered paint and canvas. I know some would say I am, that one needn't be a professional to be an artist, merely to make the art. And I still dance for exercise and peace of mind, though 'tis rare I have an audience. I would have liked to have been one, and I think that is the path I would have chosen for myself had I no responsibilites."
As for the rest, she said, "Yes!" She would like to see theaters and dance halls, though she would see whatever Dryka showed her in whatever time they allotted her, and see the rest on her own if she had time.
"Pardon. I come from a small city in northern Karnor. It doesn't claim much more territory than a mountain and its environs, and it supports Kalzasi as that is the closest city to it, though it remains remote. But thanks to that remoteness, Kalzasi mostly ignores it."
Her people did try to fulfill whatever needs the larger city-state required of them, the better to be left to their own devices in the main. They were at least as secretive as Great Houth Briathos. She didn't think Dryka was an Inquisitor, and if she was, Kala hadn't broken any Gelerian law, though she didn't know how much that mattered if the whim of the Emperor decreed she was an enemy of the state.
Kala kept pace with Drykas, her tourguide. She was curious if this small revelation would sour the rapport between them. The diminutive woman didn't bear the Gelerian people any ill will, though she did prefer the less draconian laws of the land of her birth.
.As for the rest, she said, "Yes!" She would like to see theaters and dance halls, though she would see whatever Dryka showed her in whatever time they allotted her, and see the rest on her own if she had time.
"Pardon. I come from a small city in northern Karnor. It doesn't claim much more territory than a mountain and its environs, and it supports Kalzasi as that is the closest city to it, though it remains remote. But thanks to that remoteness, Kalzasi mostly ignores it."
Her people did try to fulfill whatever needs the larger city-state required of them, the better to be left to their own devices in the main. They were at least as secretive as Great Houth Briathos. She didn't think Dryka was an Inquisitor, and if she was, Kala hadn't broken any Gelerian law, though she didn't know how much that mattered if the whim of the Emperor decreed she was an enemy of the state.
Kala kept pace with Drykas, her tourguide. She was curious if this small revelation would sour the rapport between them. The diminutive woman didn't bear the Gelerian people any ill will, though she did prefer the less draconian laws of the land of her birth.
