~ JESSE ~
I gaped at Maya, stunned, but also with laughter bubbling into my throat, though I was pretty sure it was more hysterical than amused.
"You're laughing?" I asked, breathlessly.
"That was the funniest and most dangerous thing I've seen anyone do for generations," Maya cackled, leaning back in her chair and wiping her eyes. "Cazz's face… I don't think I've ever seen my nephew so obviously taken by surprise before." She giggled again, then sighed and straightened herself up, smoothing out her skirts, and wiping the tears from the corner of her eyes. "Of course, it was quite a serious misstep- and Cazz's meeting with the elders was… well, there's nothing to laugh about there," she said, widening her eyes. "I don't envy him the battle he'll have on his hands now. But he handled it well, in my estimation. The question is… how did he handle you?" she asked carefully.
