Bonds

"So, what do you think of my home...?" asked Will, standing behind Lyra and brushing her hair in the privacy of the oversized, lavishly decorated room where she would be residing for the duration of their stay.

"It's strange..." responded Lyra, eyes closed and sporting a faint smile as she explained, "Though it lacks many of the modern conveniences of the Capital, the people here move with purpose and feel much happier...much more connected..."

"Modernity makes life easier, but that ease makes people less inclined to work and commune with one another," affirmed Will. "That's why I refuse to use a handheld transcommunicator. I know it's an inconvenience, but if someone has something important to tell me, I would much rather hear it in person than over a device whose transmissions can be intercepted and monitored..."