Pearl & Quasit (Pt. 49)

"The Mariri wishes us to return to the Yu Qi Homeworld," Quasit breathed each syllable with adagio, "but suffice that while we linger, the Queen will learn under its tutelage."

"Linger?" Pearl repeated, her beautiful face edged with distaste.

Quasit continued as if she hadn't spoken. "But the Mariri warns that the Queen learns fast, that further delay will be unacceptable." He raised a finger before Pearl could explode. "I told the Mariri that according to legend the current Queen might meet us with hostility. The Mariri wouldn't hear it. Saying impossible the Yu Qi Homeworld would rejoice with arrival."