"Come on then," Ayin said with a laugh, shooing him toward the reception chairs in the corner, where there was a fern to hide them if they wished to be hidden and the sound was dulled somewhat. "They protect homes from bad spirits," she explained. "Monsters in the darkness, and nightmares of all kinds."

She sat, and then paused. "I suppose it's not as necessary now, after--after everything, but there's no harm in being careful."