Chapter 3

The room was silent, the only light source the brightness of the moon as it shone through the open window. The room was simple by Companion standards, lush by anyone else’s. A beautiful raw silk curtain of sapphire blue drawn away from the window. A low bed, mattress full of downy feathers, with bed clothes designed as much for there beauty as there warmth. Pillows stitched in vibrant colors and patterns, strewn at the head of the bed. The whiteness of the unadorned walls gave the room it’s austerity.

Nothing in the room gave her comfort. Inara attempted meditation. Repeatedly. She lit the candles, the incense, closed her eyes and recited the chant.

For the fourth time she opened her eyes, disheartened. In these times, Sheydra was a comfort. It was fortunate for Inara that Sheydra was a friend first and Companion second.

Inara joined the woman in her chambers, sipping slowly cooling jasmine tea.

“What is that you see, even while attempting to clear your mind?”

Inara sighed.

“Images from the recent past. My friends on Serenity-”

Sheydra interrupted, “And it’s captain?”

Inara sat silent.

“Often the heart speaks when the mind requests silence. You should listen to yourself, Inara.”

Inara scowled at her friend.

“This is how the priestess of House Madrassa replies to a plea?”

“I know you would like me to take the Companion stance, tell you that you must never see Malcolm Reynolds again. But,” here she paused, and looked wistfully out the window to her right, “I fear you have been lost to us.”

Inara’s eyes were wide with shock.

“What are you saying? I- That I am no-”

Sheydra looked her friend in the eye.

“We have very strict rules, Inara. But there is no law that says you must remain a Companion until the end of your days. There are ways to break ties with the Guild amicably, to remain in good stead with your contemporaries, even while you no longer use the title.”

Inara shook her head.

“If I am not a Companion…”

“There is always do