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( Ja'far pauses for a moment, but then nods, sitting nearby him. )

What is it?

[ He shifts in place, wrapping his arms around the pillow in his lap, his eyes falling away from Ja'far as he tries to piece together how he wants to explain. ]

I, ah... there was a post on the network, of someone else who was animal-like. Nonhuman. Who went through 'heats'. Did you see it?

( Ja'far cocks his head to the side - he had seen it, though he hadn't interacted with the person who had posted it. )

Yes, briefly. Do you go through something similar, then?

[ His face pinkens at how easily Ja'far picks up on the possible subject matter before he nods, slowly. ]

Yes, but not so frequently. Only during the spring. I-I'm aware that it's... several months before then. Perhaps we'll have found a way out before then!

[ His voice starts to pick up, starting to turn quicker, frantic - his wings flare out some, but the wings themselves stay rigid instead of opening as if they're ready for flight. ]

( Ja'far places a hesitant hand on Aspen's back, touch gentle, ready to move if he doesn't want the touch. )

Is there a way to help you during it, then? Or something to help suppress it?

[ The question startles Aspen out of his panic, eyes threatening to become wet with tears again blinking in surprise. ]

S... suppress it? I've... never tried?

I know there are methods that involve it in husbandry, though I am unfamiliar with how you do such things exactly. But, maybe there is something similar we can do to at least lessen whatever it is you go through?

( Especially since it seems to upset Aspen so much. )

Otherwise, I would certainly be willing to help you however I can, and I'm sure Sin and the others would offer similarly.

[ It takes him a moment to recover - he shakes his head firmly. ]

W-while I greatly appreciate it, that... isn't exactly the problem. You see, when I spoke to the other man, he brought up his fear of those in charge of the LIEs program tampering or doing something during his heat.

[ There's that fear in his eyes again, and he holds his pillow close. ]

For him, it lasts only a handful of days, but... mine lasts an entire season. I... I am very vulnerable during it... but with how easily they can drug us, I...

( Ja'far's eyes widen, realizing what is actually upsetting Aspen the most. He wants to comfort him, to say that would never happen, but that would be a boldfaced lie. It's entirely possible that the people here would do such a thing, and Ja'far frowns, feeling the urge to protect him rise in his chest. )

Then we work on something to help suppress the heat, and to keep this confidential as much as we are able to. If they do interfere with it, do something to you, then we help you, and fight with what we can against them for cruel treatment. Whatever happens, we will do something to ensure you're safe and hale.

[ Thankful that Ja'far can pick up on what he means without having to explain everything, Aspen squeezes the pillow in his arms and curls tighter into himself, his wings folding at his back again. ]

And if I hurt one of you? What then?

( Ja'far rubs Aspen's back, gentle and warm. )

Then we talk about it, and figure out what we can do to prevent you from hurting us again.

[ He breathes in shakily, bowing his head so he can hide his face, trying hard to stop himself from just... screaming. He feels foolish for being so emotional in front of Ja'far, for something so seemingly small. ]

You're certain you can? I... I don't know what sort of... abilities you all possess. I've - seen your... knifework, of course, but I don't wish to die.

( Ja'far continues rubbing, repeating soothing circles on Aspen's back. )

My knives are imbued with power from one of Sin's djinn, and Masrur has similar skills. And Sin himself has seven djinn to call upon, so I'm sure we can find something to use to help you - or stop you, if we have to.

D.... dee-gin?

[ Now that's one word he absolutely has never heard before. ]

( Oh rip, how does Ja'far even explain this. )

Oh, uh. I guess they don't exist in your world.

The djinn are beings of great power that reside inside places called dungeons. If you conquer their dungeon, it's possible to form a contract of sorts with them, wherein they'll grant you their power. Sin has the power of seven djinn - they live in his metal vessels, which are his jewelry and sword. My knives are what's called a household vessel - I'm connected to one of the djinn through Sin, and he blessed my weapons with power.

It's... all a bit complicated, but really, it just means Sin has the power of his djinn, and can essentially embody them by calling on their power. It makes him extremely strong, and we're able to borrow a little of that power. You don't have to worry about us.

[ Suddenly, his mind flashes back to the way Sinbad had suddenly changed forms days ago, and he swallows a lump in his throat just at the memory. ]

I... I see. [ A small, insecure laugh escapes him. ] Seven? No wonder he had no fear that he could stop me.

( Ja'far chuckles himself, a bit of a far off look on his face. )

We used to race around the world, with those dungeons becoming part of our adventures.

Did you know that a djinn he tried to contract with called him off for having too many, and then made it impossible for him to go into any other dungeon? Sin was inconsolable for ages afterwards. Seven was apparently too many for most djinn to stand.

[ Aspen blinks, looking sidelong at Ja'far... before he starts giggling, face reddening, but out of both delight and embarrassment for Sinbad. His eyes are still red-rimmed but he seems a little lighter. ]

Really? What a menace...

( Ja'far echoes the laughter, smiling as Aspen seems to cheer up a little. )

He's truly a menace. To be fair, besides wanting the power, he also wanted to prevent people from going to their deaths - dungeons are extremely dangerous places. It's a miracle he even survived his first one.

Hm.

[ He closes his eyes, peaceful - accepting this reasoning. He understands it; Belias did the same thing. ]

So he is very strong. Though he had you and Masrur, didn't he?

( He goes back to rubbing, keeping the soothing circles going. )

Yes, he does. And he's had many companions, and including the Eight Generals we have today. All of us, save Yamraiha, our magician, are members of his household. We help protect and defend Sindria.

Then... I am glad he was not alone, and is not, here or at home.

[ He misses his people so much. Even just Wisteria or Altim would be nice, too. He'd never dream of asking Belias to be here - but... someone safe from home would be good. But, no. He shouldn't want that. What if they became Submissives? He shakes his head to free himself of the thought, and one wing flutters underneath Ja'far's hand. ]

Thank you for comforting me. I... apologize for going to pieces on you.

It's really no problem. You are alone here from your world, and this is the least thing I can do - offer comfort for a friend.

[ Aspen falters, then looks away. ]

... am I so obvious to read? I suppose I should be transparent to you, yet...

You've spoken of no one else being from home, so I just assumed, honestly. I'm sorry if I overstepped.

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