Thorns

"Give me a single reason to let you through these doors, human. Give me one; perhaps I will even listen to it."

"I am human."

"Clearly. Your reason, madam? The window to my patience is wavering quickly, I assure you."

"Let me in.... because I am human."

"....What?"

"I walk among human men. I feel their pain and suffering. I am a crown jewel in the throne of suffering, brother. Magic is the taste of my tongue, the touch of my feet to movement, the race of will against temptation. I am that Magic. I am not human, but I am Human; I am Man! Let me through."

"....They'll get a kick out of you, for sure. Open it, Ben!"

                                                                                 ***

"So, you're the one that's charmed your way past our gates. What can I get for you? The way out is yon, perhaps you have forgotten it? I would not be surprised; so slow are your slovenly thoughts...."