The Gods' flesh looked softer and smoother than the Beings own hard, scaly skins. Whether they were old or young, Raaij could not tell, but they spoke and carried themselves like Elders. Don't know why that surprises me, Raaij mused to himself. The Gods live forever. One seemed masculine, the other more feminine. He wondered if they were mates. "Breathe." The word from the male was more of encouragement than of command. Both realized that they had been holding theirs and did as instructed. The God's lips curved into a smile. "Better," he said approvingly. "Don't be afraid," said the female. "You will not be harmed." Raaij was surprised as much by the reassurance as that she had addressed them almost as if equals. He could see that Shaih was as astonished as himself. The two Gods seemed amused by their reactions. The male turned to the biped. "Thank you, Murinda. You may leave us now." The biped made a slight bow, then passed through an opening in the wall opposite the one they came through. The female swept her arm around the room. "All this must be quite bewildering to you. We wish you to be comfortable. Allow us to explain what these are, or do, so you may use them to your comfort." It was then that they learned about the furnishings of what would become their quarters. Later, they were taken to another room and treated to a lavish feast. The Gods apologized that it was rather plain fare, but it seemed quite the opposite to Raaij and Shaih. "We do not know your reason for coming to us," the Gods told them. "Yet for now, eat and relax. We will speak of those things later." The male God's name was Martan. His mate's name was Lillain. "We stayed behind when the others left because this world has always been our home. We had no wish to leave. Some others stayed as well, but most have left or died." That stunned the Beings pair. Martan eyes crinkled into a smile. "Yes, even we 'Gods' die eventually." That intelligence caused such obvious distress to the Beings that Lillain said gently, "We can see that this is hard for you to hear. Nevertheless, it is true. Both of us are very old and our time will come soon." She place a reassuring hand on Shaih's arm. "That is why we decided to allow you to see us. We have had very long lives and done things you cannot imagine--" "--And yet," interrupted Martan, "while our lives were once fulfilling, they no longer have much meaning. We are empty shells." "We asked ourselves," said Lillian, "why have you risked so much to come here? The Prohibition has never been rescinded. Something important had to be driving you." "Yes," both Raaij and Shaih answered. Shaih continued. "Our children died. We--we hoped you might give them back to us." Martan cocked his head, staring at them. "What made you think we could do that?" "Your magic," answered Raaij. "You Gods can do anything you want." Martan sighed, giving his wife a significant look. "No. No we can't.--Not anything , I mean. We don't really have magic. What we have is technology. Sometimes it can seem like magic to anybody not used to using it." Hope sank in Raaij and Shaih as they heard this. "Then our children are lost to us forever," whispered Raaij, tears forming in his eyes. He and Shaih embraced, not able to say more. Lillian came to them and placed her arms around the grieving pair. "Our technology is not magic, but it is still powerful. We will try to help you get your children back, but you must understand that we may not be able to do so.' "But we will try," added Martan. TO BE CONTINUTED: