040

SCOTT

I was surprised to come home and find Lucia and Shasta hugging, both naked, and Shasta crying. In all the time I'd known her, in five years, I'd never seen her cry, nor for that matter, barely laugh. Always solemn, contained and stoic, she'd had to grow up earlier than most young women due to her child, who she rarely talked about.

"Hello," I said, "What's up?"

"Master, Shasta was just crying," Julia replied. "We told her about Lucia's troubles and she started sobbing."

"Shasta, are you okay? How can we help?" I asked, concerned at her distress.

She couldn't stop crying long enough to answer. A crying woman always made me want to hug and protect them and Shasta was no different. I'd known her for several years, yet knowing she was naked and might not appreciate me touching her stayed my arms from encircling her. Lucia could probably protect her better than I could, though Shasta might not realize it.

"Shasta, we can help you if you tell us why you're crying," I said. "Please, te