She smiled, as if bemused by some secret joke. Now was probably a good time to get some things straightened out.
"It is imperative that you understand that if you are to stay with me, you should abide by some rules. You are permitted to do as you wish so long as it does not harm somebody else. In exchange for doing as you please, I ask only that you follow my words when it is important. I will never tell you what to do unless the need arises."
She opened a small box in one of the drawers, and held out two pins. "You may choose when you wish for my company, and when you wish to be alone. These pins will serve as communication among the three of us. You need only to think of me, and I will receive your message."
Noira always made sure that she was prepared for any situation. She was so absorbed in explaining, that she forgot something rather important. "Oh, my. I cannot believe I almost forgot to tell you. In Intajiasen culture, each child is bestowed with three names. The first is a name by which strangers may hail you, though family may also use it if they wish. The second name is exclusively for family or close friends, and the third for lovers. You may call me what you wish, now that I have adopted you. You do not have to follow all of the customs of my people if you do not wish," she added gently.
To call someone by their second name indicated that they had earned the other person's trust, and vice versa. The crimson-haired woman understood that trust was difficult to earn, and usually impossible to regain once it had been lost. "I still hope to teach you something in the realm of magic," she sighed.
