It was an hour or two later than Zakiyah reluctantly opened her eyes, looking tired and cross, then really confused at her surroundings. She recognized them a moment later, as well as the crotchety old Echlar staring at her in more curiousity than concern.
"I take it Rose brought me back here after....oh, geez..." Though she didn't remember a bit of their conversation- she never did- Validor's new assistant was stamped firmly on her consciousness. As well as the offer that, should she choose, she could take the rest of the day off. Like HELL! With that psycho-bimbo-drow-monster-chick out there trying to outdo her? Zakiyah tried to sit up far more quickly than advisable, and fell back panting with the effort.
"Twice in a day, and I wasn't fully recovered from the first....ah, my poor heart shouldn't have to deal with such abuse..."
((I could have written for Echlar but I like the way you portray him... ))
))