The benefits of being not only the most skilled Skrizzit in the land, but also having both ample time and supplies with which to pass the days, ever improving one’s talents.
“You are called Bodok, yes?”
“I am,” he replied.
“I require you to disrobe.”
“Of course. I cleansed myself thoroughly before your arrival.”
“Good,” the Skrizzit said, taking a long look at his body and the disfigured lines and runes upon it. “You have fresh wounds, I see, but none have damaged your pigments. The older ones, however—”
“Yes, the injuries were quite severe, I am aware.”
“However, your Pokri blood has healed you quite nicely, especially considering the extent of the injuries.”
“But not my pigments.”
The Skrizzit leaned close, prodding and pulling his skin, resting one hand over his damaged Infala. “Hm. Fascinating.”
“What?”
“It appears your body has somehow managed to create the finest of connections to your damaged runes.”
“And that is unusual?”
“Somewhat. Even for your kind it is possible, yes, but I have never seen it myself.”
“But you have your tools. Can you lay the pigments and fix me properly?”
“Of course. It will simply be a question of how long it takes your body to react and adjust to the new pigment, and how well it will bond with what is already living within you. Now, please, lie down on the table and I will begin.”
Bodok watched with interest as the Skrizzit took out several containers of pigments from a packed case.
“A question,” he said.
“Yes?”
“The more powerful pigments. Can they safely blend with what I already possess?”
“Oh, yes. But the price is quite steep. Few ever opt for them for that reason.”
Bodok considered this a moment. “My funds are held at the arena.”
“Yes, I am aware. You won two matches, I hear. Congratulations.”
“Then you know my balance.”
“More than enough for this work with plenty to spare, do not fret.”
“I am not concerned about that. I want you to empty my account and use the most potent pigments you can. Whatever is left in my account is yours.”
The Skrizzit ran the numbers mentally and nodded. “An acceptable offer.”
“Good.”
“Better than good. With your natural healing ability, the runes will fully connect far quicker than otherwise, though I must admit, with the unusual way you have already begun to reconstruct those links, I will be quite curious to see how your body reacts to it.”
“Only one way to find out,” Bodok said, lying back and taking a deep breath. “Shall we?”
