". . . I'm Old."
My frown deepened. Of course, they have something to increase longevity. Why I haven't thought of that?
"How old is Old exactly?" I asked, interested.
The woman arched an eyebrow. "Looks like you have much to learn yet," she said. "Don't you know it's bad manners to ask a woman's age? But for the records, I'm easily several times older than you."
I swallowed.
"Yeah," she smiled, and I wasn't sure if she was playing with me or not. "For your world I'm ancient."
I had no idea if she was telling the truth or simply joking, but it easily frustrated me. That seemed to enliven her, which was a win, I guessed.
"Enough about me. Tell me about yourself again. What were you before you were summoned?"
"I was a regular student. . . ." I answered her as truthfully as I could. I couldn't find anything in my memory that could excite or even impress her. If she really was as ancient as she told me, she probably had encountered hundreds of the likes of me.
