Lion Head Mesa now, feel

she was amused, but not at the expense of the other. only that she did not see all that she was. not yet—but Toula would ensure that in time, she would come to. traveler, yes, protector, yes, and while no builder of things it was her tongue that painted beautiful things, that would inspire any man or woman to go on any endeavor for the prize at the end. 
you are, she said in answering, saying what she knew. the next words, though, came as some surprise to her. corruption—she knew the word, but would not see it here. not in her heart. had any tried? 
no, she did not think so—but if they had, then they had failed in their efforts. I shall always try, she answered with her humility, but knew that this was one thing she would not let herself fall victim to. so much else was out of her control, but this… it was her very own. and you will let me know when you see one who thinks to corrupt it, will you not, my dear Mazoi? that she cared enough to say these things… it warmed her heart. it led her to believe that she would do her best in what Toula had then asked of her.