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<blockquote data-quote="Nonlethal Force" data-source="post: 2961881" data-attributes="member: 35788"><p>Ischarus reached for the hilt of his sword out of instinct whenever he was cornered. His mind flashed between defending his honor with his sword or subjugating himself to the schemes of this jail captain and his warden. As his fingers sought to stiffen his grip around the hilt of his sword, he remembered that his blade was not by his side. </p><p></p><p>Rhema took note of Ischarus’ uneasiness. In spite of Ischarus’ concern she knew that she couldn’t possibly influence all the guards present with her powers of telepathy. Instead, perhaps a bit of persuasion might be in order. <span style="color: PaleGreen">“Listen, Captain Jacobseille. I don’t know what you have heard about my friend and quite frankly so long as you find him innocent of all charges I don’t particularly care. But Ischarus did nothing outside of helping your guard apprehend the criminal against all of Tongra known as Grick.”</span></p><p></p><p>Captain Jacobseille and Warden Farette exchanged smiles. Captain Jacobseille replied with encouragement from his warden in the form of a nod. <span style="color: Lime">“What we have heard, milady, is that your friend drew a weapon and ran through the streets chasing after the one you call Grick. That alone proves that your friend’s actions were not in self defense but rather in aggression. You did not have to chase the one that you call Grick through the streets, causing a mild panic as you went along. You easily could have alerted the town guard to chase him down properly. We are within our rights to question Ischarus against his actions. We cannot support vigilante tactics and honestly keep order among our streets.”</span></p><p></p><p>Rhema breathed out heavily and sighed as Charis spoke. <span style="color: Orange">“But they were defending me! The one that is in your custody had attacked me twice in two different locations!”</span></p><p></p><p>The captain smiled again, listening to this new voice. <span style="color: Lime">“Grick’s own testimony does not support your conclusions. Grick claims himself innocent against your charges and maintains that he was fleeing from your ruthless assault upon him.”</span></p><p></p><p>Charis nearly yelled in response to the attempt to set Grick’s testimony to the level of Ischarus’ testimony. <span style="color: Orange">“That is a lie! You would believe the words of a liar than my own words? I was not at the fight and thus am innocent of your investigation, but I know I was sick! In your eyes I have done nothing wrong, but you would believe the words of one who acted out intending harm upon innocent citizens?”</span></p><p></p><p>Captain Jacobseille smiled politely, knowing the Charis’ point was valid. But he also knew that his own point was quite rational. <span style="color: Lime">“Milady, it is not so simple as weighing the testimony of innocent above the guilty. Our laws are not so easily circumvented. All must be given their right to defend themselves in testimony before the investigation. Once there has been an official inquiry sanctioned by my authority the punishments or releases will be declared. It is the only fair way.”</span></p><p></p><p>Ischarus knew that the situation was pointless. Without a blade, there was simply no chance of fighting their way out. Even if they did try and fight it would only scar their reputation in the town and potentially risk forcing Rhema’s father to have to pay more toward maintaining a low profile. It was as if they had spoken of vigilantism in preparation for this moment. He was not on the payroll for the town guards. Yet he was also no common criminal. He should have nothing to fear. </p><p></p><p>Ischarus held out his empty palms in a sign to his friends that he desired to talk. It was only his outstretched hand that kept Rhema quiet as he spoke. <span style="color: LightBlue">“I submit to your investigation, Captain. My honor will prove itself and I will once more feel the grip of my honorable steel at my side and in my fingers. My friends have done nothing. I submit fairly and without effort so that you will not involve them as well.”</span></p><p></p><p>The warden smiled and took over the proceedings. <span style="color: Lime">“We are an honorable guard, Ischarus. Our original deal was that if you came peacefully your friends would feel no resistance in leaving. That option is still available so long as they submit to your decision to turn yourself in to our investigation.”</span></p><p></p><p>Ischarus still held out a hand to silence Rhema. <span style="color: LightBlue">“Will you grant me a farewell gesture with my friends? I promise that no foolishness will come of the gesture and they will leave one by one as I am done. Then you can take me into the depths of your prison as you desire.”</span></p><p></p><p>The warden looked at Ischarus long and hard before eventually nodding in the affirmative. <span style="color: Lime">“Very well, Ischarus. You may greet your friends with a goodbye gesture on your honor. If there is any foolishness, you will be hunted down like the criminal such an act would make you.”</span></p><p></p><p>At the warden’s words a few of the guards surrounding the adventurers smiled as if they enjoyed the thought of the physical hunt and conflict. Ischarus saw the smiles and was glad he didn’t have a weapon. Some of these guards looked as though they would relish any excuse to run him through.</p><p></p><p>Ischarus turned to Charis first. As he hugged her goodbye, he whispered into her ear in the draconic language they shared. <span style="color: LightBlue">“Return to the temple and find the priest who healed you. His testimony might be useful in proving that you were attacked magically.”</span> Ischarus could feel her head nod as they finished their embrace. He waited until Charis was allowed to leave the building before embracing Semeion.</p><p></p><p>Leaning into a hug with Semeion, he added in the draconic language they too shared, <span style="color: LightBlue">“It is important to protect Charis now. The red wyrm has brought forth at least one minion to bring her down. There is no telling how many he has sent and to what extent they are willing to go in order to take her from us. Keep her alive until I am freed and we can return to the safety of the villa.”</span> Semeion also nodded as they released each other.</p><p></p><p>Once Semeion was safely outside, Ischarus turned to Rhema. They embraced in a long hug and as they separated, Ischarus leaned forward and gave her a kiss upon her lips. Rhema was caught completely off guard with this gesture but did not resist in the least. As their lips parted, Ischarus could see in her face that she was stunned. <span style="color: LightBlue">“We have flirted for years, Rhema. Fear of losing any shared love has kept us from expressing our desires to one another. Semeion and Rhema have taught me that fear is foolish in the presence of love. I must confess that I have loved you for some time, Rhema. Now go and find a man named Brandt. You will find him frequenting the temple sometime this day. Ask the priests there to identify him to you and tell him a Drakontos needs his expertise.”</span></p><p></p><p>Rhema didn’t understand the message. Given the emotional shock that Ischarus had laid upon her regarding his feelings, Rhema was lucky to have even heard his request amidst the rush of emotion that had risen up within her. It was a simple and unexpected expression of love. </p><p></p><p>Since she looked too stunned to speak, Ischarus gave her one last piece of information. <span style="color: LightBlue">“Go alone. Leave Charis to her quest and Semeion to protect her. You must go alone to find him. Do you understand?”</span></p><p></p><p>Charis nodded slowly, still lost in the emotion that poured through her soul. Ischarus reached out and embraced her lightly above her hips and smiled as he brought her back to reality by turning her away from him and toward the door. Once she was turned, he gave her a loving push. She turned once more to look at Ischarus as she left. He smiled like she had never seen him smile before. She had always suspected, but now he looked free from the burden he carried with him for some time. She too was free. With this final recognition Rhema turned and exited the building.</p><p></p><p>Ischarus held up his hands so the guards would have no excuse to challenge him. He smiled at the captain and turned to the warden. <span style="color: LightBlue">“Warden Farette, I have done nothing but honor my word in your presence. Perhaps I may make a single request? I would ask that if it is possible that you would place me in a cell opposite the one we call Grick. And I would ask that you remain out of sight in the cell block for a few minutes after I am locked up. I believe if you are willing to greet my request with the same honor that I have just shown you that this matter will become as clear in your eyes as it is in mine.”</span></p><p></p><p>The captain turned to the warden with a look of confusion. The warden smiled slightly and replied. <span style="color: Lime">“I can arrange that since you have made my life easy today. I will do this under two conditions of my own. You will allow yourself to be interrogated once you have been given time in your cell and that you promise me that you have no magical trick planned.”</span></p><p></p><p>Ischarus smiled, feeling that there might be hope after all. <span style="color: LightBlue">“Sir, if I ever hope to see the light of day once those bars are sealed behind me, I know not to assault another prisoner. Besides, magic is not within my grasp. I admit to using my sword and not any arcane or divine arts.”</span></p><p></p><p>The warden nodded to the captain and Captain Jacobseille turned on his heels and left the room. Once he had cleared the room the warden commanded his troops, <span style="color: Lime">“Take the prisoner to the cell across from the one apprehended this afternoon. And you are under strict orders to let him walk freely so long as he offers no resistance.”</span></p><p></p><p>A few of the guards sneered in disappointment, but orders were orders. Ischarus voluntarily allowed himself to be handcuffed. He followed an escort of considerable size. One third of the guards who were in the room walked ahead of Ischarus into the prison. The remaining two thirds of the guards followed him into the back room of the prison and presumably into the bowels of the underground cells.</p><p></p><p>[Sblock=Color-Free Speech Section]</p><p>Ischarus reached for the hilt of his sword out of instinct whenever he was cornered. His mind flashed between defending his honor with his sword or subjugating himself to the schemes of this jail captain and his warden. As his fingers sought to stiffen his grip around the hilt of his sword, he remembered that his blade was not by his side. </p><p></p><p>Rhema took note of Ischarus’ uneasiness. In spite of Ischarus’ concern she knew that she couldn’t possibly influence all the guards present with her powers of telepathy. Instead, perhaps a bit of persuasion might be in order. “Listen, Captain Jacobseille. I don’t know what you have heard about my friend and quite frankly so long as you find him innocent of all charges I don’t particularly care. But Ischarus did nothing outside of helping your guard apprehend the criminal against all of Tongra known as Grick.”</p><p></p><p>Captain Jacobseille and Warden Farette exchanged smiles. Captain Jacobseille replied with encouragement from his warden in the form of a nod. “What we have heard, milady, is that your friend drew a weapon and ran through the streets chasing after the one you call Grick. That alone proves that your friend’s actions were not in self defense but rather in aggression. You did not have to chase the one that you call Grick through the streets, causing a mild panic as you went along. You easily could have alerted the town guard to chase him down properly. We are within our rights to question Ischarus against his actions. We cannot support vigilante tactics and honestly keep order among our streets.”</p><p></p><p>Rhema breathed out heavily and sighed as Charis spoke. “But they were defending me! The one that is in your custody had attacked me twice in two different locations!”</p><p></p><p>The captain smiled again, listening to this new voice. “Grick’s own testimony does not support your conclusions. Grick claims himself innocent against your charges and maintains that he was fleeing from your ruthless assault upon him.”</p><p></p><p>Charis nearly yelled in response to the attempt to set Grick’s testimony to the level of Ischarus’ testimony. “That is a lie! You would believe the words of a liar than my own words? I was not at the fight and thus am innocent of your investigation, but I know I was sick! In your eyes I have done nothing wrong, but you would believe the words of one who acted out intending harm upon innocent citizens?”</p><p></p><p>Captain Jacobseille smiled politely, knowing the Charis’ point was valid. But he also knew that his own point was quite rational. “Milady, it is not so simple as weighing the testimony of innocent above the guilty. Our laws are not so easily circumvented. All must be given their right to defend themselves in testimony before the investigation. Once there has been an official inquiry sanctioned by my authority the punishments or releases will be declared. It is the only fair way.”</p><p></p><p>Ischarus knew that the situation was pointless. Without a blade, there was simply no chance of fighting their way out. Even if they did try and fight it would only scar their reputation in the town and potentially risk forcing Rhema’s father to have to pay more toward maintaining a low profile. It was as if they had spoken of vigilantism in preparation for this moment. He was not on the payroll for the town guards. Yet he was also no common criminal. He should have nothing to fear. </p><p></p><p>Ischarus held out his empty palms in a sign to his friends that he desired to talk. It was only his outstretched hand that kept Rhema quiet as he spoke. “I submit to your investigation, Captain. My honor will prove itself and I will once more feel the grip of my honorable steel at my side and in my fingers. My friends have done nothing. I submit fairly and without effort so that you will not involve them as well.”</p><p></p><p>The warden smiled and took over the proceedings. “We are an honorable guard, Ischarus. Our original deal was that if you came peacefully your friends would feel no resistance in leaving. That option is still available so long as they submit to your decision to turn yourself in to our investigation.”</p><p></p><p>Ischarus still held out a hand to silence Rhema. “Will you grant me a farewell gesture with my friends? I promise that no foolishness will come of the gesture and they will leave one by one as I am done. Then you can take me into the depths of your prison as you desire.”</p><p></p><p>The warden looked at Ischarus long and hard before eventually nodding in the affirmative. “Very well, Ischarus. You may greet your friends with a goodbye gesture on your honor. If there is any foolishness, you will be hunted down like the criminal such an act would make you.”</p><p></p><p>At the warden’s words a few of the guards surrounding the adventurers smiled as if they enjoyed the thought of the physical hunt and conflict. Ischarus saw the smiles and was glad he didn’t have a weapon. Some of these guards looked as though they would relish any excuse to run him through.</p><p></p><p>Ischarus turned to Charis first. As he hugged her goodbye, he whispered into her ear in the draconic language they shared. “Return to the temple and find the priest who healed you. His testimony might be useful in proving that you were attacked magically.” Ischarus could feel her head nod as they finished their embrace. He waited until Charis was allowed to leave the building before embracing Semeion.</p><p></p><p>Leaning into a hug with Semeion, he added in the draconic language they too shared, “It is important to protect Charis now. The red wyrm has brought forth at least one minion to bring her down. There is no telling how many he has sent and to what extent they are willing to go in order to take her from us. Keep her alive until I am freed and we can return to the safety of the villa.” Semeion also nodded as they released each other.</p><p></p><p>Once Semeion was safely outside, Ischarus turned to Rhema. They embraced in a long hug and as they separated, Ischarus leaned forward and gave her a kiss upon her lips. Rhema was caught completely off guard with this gesture but did not resist in the least. As their lips parted, Ischarus could see in her face that she was stunned. “We have flirted for years, Rhema. Fear of losing any shared love has kept us from expressing our desires to one another. Semeion and Rhema have taught me that fear is foolish in the presence of love. I must confess that I have loved you for some time, Rhema. Now go and find a man named Brandt. You will find him frequenting the temple sometime this day. Ask the priests there to identify him to you and tell him a Drakontos needs his expertise.”</p><p></p><p>Rhema didn’t understand the message. Given the emotional shock that Ischarus had laid upon her regarding his feelings, Rhema was lucky to have even heard his request amidst the rush of emotion that had risen up within her. It was a simple and unexpected expression of love. </p><p></p><p>Since she looked too stunned to speak, Ischarus gave her one last piece of information. “Go alone. Leave Charis to her quest and Semeion to protect her. You must go alone to find him. Do you understand?”</p><p></p><p>Charis nodded slowly, still lost in the emotion that poured through her soul. Ischarus reached out and embraced her lightly above her hips and smiled as he brought her back to reality by turning her away from him and toward the door. Once she was turned, he gave her a loving push. She turned once more to look at Ischarus as she left. He smiled like she had never seen him smile before. She had always suspected, but now he looked free from the burden he carried with him for some time. She too was free. With this final recognition Rhema turned and exited the building.</p><p></p><p>Ischarus held up his hands so the guards would have no excuse to challenge him. He smiled at the captain and turned to the warden. “Warden Farette, I have done nothing but honor my word in your presence. Perhaps I may make a single request? I would ask that if it is possible that you would place me in a cell opposite the one we call Grick. And I would ask that you remain out of sight in the cell block for a few minutes after I am locked up. I believe if you are willing to greet my request with the same honor that I have just shown you that this matter will become as clear in your eyes as it is in mine.”</p><p></p><p>The captain turned to the warden with a look of confusion. The warden smiled slightly and replied. “I can arrange that since you have made my life easy today. I will do this under two conditions of my own. You will allow yourself to be interrogated once you have been given time in your cell and that you promise me that you have no magical trick planned.”</p><p></p><p>Ischarus smiled, feeling that there might be hope after all. “Sir, if I ever hope to see the light of day once those bars are sealed behind me, I know not to assault another prisoner. Besides, magic is not within my grasp. I admit to using my sword and not any arcane or divine arts.”</p><p></p><p>The warden nodded to the captain and Captain Jacobseille turned on his heels and left the room. Once he had cleared the room the warden commanded his troops, “Take the prisoner to the cell across from the one apprehended this afternoon. And you are under strict orders to let him walk freely so long as he offers no resistance.”</p><p></p><p>A few of the guards sneered in disappointment, but orders were orders. Ischarus voluntarily allowed himself to be handcuffed. He followed an escort of considerable size. One third of the guards who were in the room walked ahead of Ischarus into the prison. The remaining two thirds of the guards followed him into the back room of the prison and presumably into the bowels of the underground cells.</p><p>[/Sblock]</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Nonlethal Force, post: 2961881, member: 35788"] Ischarus reached for the hilt of his sword out of instinct whenever he was cornered. His mind flashed between defending his honor with his sword or subjugating himself to the schemes of this jail captain and his warden. As his fingers sought to stiffen his grip around the hilt of his sword, he remembered that his blade was not by his side. Rhema took note of Ischarus’ uneasiness. In spite of Ischarus’ concern she knew that she couldn’t possibly influence all the guards present with her powers of telepathy. Instead, perhaps a bit of persuasion might be in order. [Color=PaleGreen]“Listen, Captain Jacobseille. I don’t know what you have heard about my friend and quite frankly so long as you find him innocent of all charges I don’t particularly care. But Ischarus did nothing outside of helping your guard apprehend the criminal against all of Tongra known as Grick.”[/Color] Captain Jacobseille and Warden Farette exchanged smiles. Captain Jacobseille replied with encouragement from his warden in the form of a nod. [Color=Lime]“What we have heard, milady, is that your friend drew a weapon and ran through the streets chasing after the one you call Grick. That alone proves that your friend’s actions were not in self defense but rather in aggression. You did not have to chase the one that you call Grick through the streets, causing a mild panic as you went along. You easily could have alerted the town guard to chase him down properly. We are within our rights to question Ischarus against his actions. We cannot support vigilante tactics and honestly keep order among our streets.”[/Color] Rhema breathed out heavily and sighed as Charis spoke. [Color=Orange]“But they were defending me! The one that is in your custody had attacked me twice in two different locations!”[/Color] The captain smiled again, listening to this new voice. [Color=Lime]“Grick’s own testimony does not support your conclusions. Grick claims himself innocent against your charges and maintains that he was fleeing from your ruthless assault upon him.”[/Color] Charis nearly yelled in response to the attempt to set Grick’s testimony to the level of Ischarus’ testimony. [Color=Orange]“That is a lie! You would believe the words of a liar than my own words? I was not at the fight and thus am innocent of your investigation, but I know I was sick! In your eyes I have done nothing wrong, but you would believe the words of one who acted out intending harm upon innocent citizens?”[/Color] Captain Jacobseille smiled politely, knowing the Charis’ point was valid. But he also knew that his own point was quite rational. [Color=Lime]“Milady, it is not so simple as weighing the testimony of innocent above the guilty. Our laws are not so easily circumvented. All must be given their right to defend themselves in testimony before the investigation. Once there has been an official inquiry sanctioned by my authority the punishments or releases will be declared. It is the only fair way.”[/Color] Ischarus knew that the situation was pointless. Without a blade, there was simply no chance of fighting their way out. Even if they did try and fight it would only scar their reputation in the town and potentially risk forcing Rhema’s father to have to pay more toward maintaining a low profile. It was as if they had spoken of vigilantism in preparation for this moment. He was not on the payroll for the town guards. Yet he was also no common criminal. He should have nothing to fear. Ischarus held out his empty palms in a sign to his friends that he desired to talk. It was only his outstretched hand that kept Rhema quiet as he spoke. [Color=LightBlue]“I submit to your investigation, Captain. My honor will prove itself and I will once more feel the grip of my honorable steel at my side and in my fingers. My friends have done nothing. I submit fairly and without effort so that you will not involve them as well.”[/Color] The warden smiled and took over the proceedings. [Color=Lime]“We are an honorable guard, Ischarus. Our original deal was that if you came peacefully your friends would feel no resistance in leaving. That option is still available so long as they submit to your decision to turn yourself in to our investigation.”[/Color] Ischarus still held out a hand to silence Rhema. [Color=LightBlue]“Will you grant me a farewell gesture with my friends? I promise that no foolishness will come of the gesture and they will leave one by one as I am done. Then you can take me into the depths of your prison as you desire.”[/Color] The warden looked at Ischarus long and hard before eventually nodding in the affirmative. [Color=Lime]“Very well, Ischarus. You may greet your friends with a goodbye gesture on your honor. If there is any foolishness, you will be hunted down like the criminal such an act would make you.”[/Color] At the warden’s words a few of the guards surrounding the adventurers smiled as if they enjoyed the thought of the physical hunt and conflict. Ischarus saw the smiles and was glad he didn’t have a weapon. Some of these guards looked as though they would relish any excuse to run him through. Ischarus turned to Charis first. As he hugged her goodbye, he whispered into her ear in the draconic language they shared. [Color=LightBlue]“Return to the temple and find the priest who healed you. His testimony might be useful in proving that you were attacked magically.”[/Color] Ischarus could feel her head nod as they finished their embrace. He waited until Charis was allowed to leave the building before embracing Semeion. Leaning into a hug with Semeion, he added in the draconic language they too shared, [Color=LightBlue]“It is important to protect Charis now. The red wyrm has brought forth at least one minion to bring her down. There is no telling how many he has sent and to what extent they are willing to go in order to take her from us. Keep her alive until I am freed and we can return to the safety of the villa.”[/Color] Semeion also nodded as they released each other. Once Semeion was safely outside, Ischarus turned to Rhema. They embraced in a long hug and as they separated, Ischarus leaned forward and gave her a kiss upon her lips. Rhema was caught completely off guard with this gesture but did not resist in the least. As their lips parted, Ischarus could see in her face that she was stunned. [Color=LightBlue]“We have flirted for years, Rhema. Fear of losing any shared love has kept us from expressing our desires to one another. Semeion and Rhema have taught me that fear is foolish in the presence of love. I must confess that I have loved you for some time, Rhema. Now go and find a man named Brandt. You will find him frequenting the temple sometime this day. Ask the priests there to identify him to you and tell him a Drakontos needs his expertise.”[/Color] Rhema didn’t understand the message. Given the emotional shock that Ischarus had laid upon her regarding his feelings, Rhema was lucky to have even heard his request amidst the rush of emotion that had risen up within her. It was a simple and unexpected expression of love. Since she looked too stunned to speak, Ischarus gave her one last piece of information. [Color=LightBlue]“Go alone. Leave Charis to her quest and Semeion to protect her. You must go alone to find him. Do you understand?”[/Color] Charis nodded slowly, still lost in the emotion that poured through her soul. Ischarus reached out and embraced her lightly above her hips and smiled as he brought her back to reality by turning her away from him and toward the door. Once she was turned, he gave her a loving push. She turned once more to look at Ischarus as she left. He smiled like she had never seen him smile before. She had always suspected, but now he looked free from the burden he carried with him for some time. She too was free. With this final recognition Rhema turned and exited the building. Ischarus held up his hands so the guards would have no excuse to challenge him. He smiled at the captain and turned to the warden. [Color=LightBlue]“Warden Farette, I have done nothing but honor my word in your presence. Perhaps I may make a single request? I would ask that if it is possible that you would place me in a cell opposite the one we call Grick. And I would ask that you remain out of sight in the cell block for a few minutes after I am locked up. I believe if you are willing to greet my request with the same honor that I have just shown you that this matter will become as clear in your eyes as it is in mine.”[/Color] The captain turned to the warden with a look of confusion. The warden smiled slightly and replied. [Color=Lime]“I can arrange that since you have made my life easy today. I will do this under two conditions of my own. You will allow yourself to be interrogated once you have been given time in your cell and that you promise me that you have no magical trick planned.”[/Color] Ischarus smiled, feeling that there might be hope after all. [Color=LightBlue]“Sir, if I ever hope to see the light of day once those bars are sealed behind me, I know not to assault another prisoner. Besides, magic is not within my grasp. I admit to using my sword and not any arcane or divine arts.”[/Color] The warden nodded to the captain and Captain Jacobseille turned on his heels and left the room. Once he had cleared the room the warden commanded his troops, [Color=Lime]“Take the prisoner to the cell across from the one apprehended this afternoon. And you are under strict orders to let him walk freely so long as he offers no resistance.”[/Color] A few of the guards sneered in disappointment, but orders were orders. Ischarus voluntarily allowed himself to be handcuffed. He followed an escort of considerable size. One third of the guards who were in the room walked ahead of Ischarus into the prison. The remaining two thirds of the guards followed him into the back room of the prison and presumably into the bowels of the underground cells. [Sblock=Color-Free Speech Section] Ischarus reached for the hilt of his sword out of instinct whenever he was cornered. His mind flashed between defending his honor with his sword or subjugating himself to the schemes of this jail captain and his warden. As his fingers sought to stiffen his grip around the hilt of his sword, he remembered that his blade was not by his side. Rhema took note of Ischarus’ uneasiness. In spite of Ischarus’ concern she knew that she couldn’t possibly influence all the guards present with her powers of telepathy. Instead, perhaps a bit of persuasion might be in order. “Listen, Captain Jacobseille. I don’t know what you have heard about my friend and quite frankly so long as you find him innocent of all charges I don’t particularly care. But Ischarus did nothing outside of helping your guard apprehend the criminal against all of Tongra known as Grick.” Captain Jacobseille and Warden Farette exchanged smiles. Captain Jacobseille replied with encouragement from his warden in the form of a nod. “What we have heard, milady, is that your friend drew a weapon and ran through the streets chasing after the one you call Grick. That alone proves that your friend’s actions were not in self defense but rather in aggression. You did not have to chase the one that you call Grick through the streets, causing a mild panic as you went along. You easily could have alerted the town guard to chase him down properly. We are within our rights to question Ischarus against his actions. We cannot support vigilante tactics and honestly keep order among our streets.” Rhema breathed out heavily and sighed as Charis spoke. “But they were defending me! The one that is in your custody had attacked me twice in two different locations!” The captain smiled again, listening to this new voice. “Grick’s own testimony does not support your conclusions. Grick claims himself innocent against your charges and maintains that he was fleeing from your ruthless assault upon him.” Charis nearly yelled in response to the attempt to set Grick’s testimony to the level of Ischarus’ testimony. “That is a lie! You would believe the words of a liar than my own words? I was not at the fight and thus am innocent of your investigation, but I know I was sick! In your eyes I have done nothing wrong, but you would believe the words of one who acted out intending harm upon innocent citizens?” Captain Jacobseille smiled politely, knowing the Charis’ point was valid. But he also knew that his own point was quite rational. “Milady, it is not so simple as weighing the testimony of innocent above the guilty. Our laws are not so easily circumvented. All must be given their right to defend themselves in testimony before the investigation. Once there has been an official inquiry sanctioned by my authority the punishments or releases will be declared. It is the only fair way.” Ischarus knew that the situation was pointless. Without a blade, there was simply no chance of fighting their way out. Even if they did try and fight it would only scar their reputation in the town and potentially risk forcing Rhema’s father to have to pay more toward maintaining a low profile. It was as if they had spoken of vigilantism in preparation for this moment. He was not on the payroll for the town guards. Yet he was also no common criminal. He should have nothing to fear. Ischarus held out his empty palms in a sign to his friends that he desired to talk. It was only his outstretched hand that kept Rhema quiet as he spoke. “I submit to your investigation, Captain. My honor will prove itself and I will once more feel the grip of my honorable steel at my side and in my fingers. My friends have done nothing. I submit fairly and without effort so that you will not involve them as well.” The warden smiled and took over the proceedings. “We are an honorable guard, Ischarus. Our original deal was that if you came peacefully your friends would feel no resistance in leaving. That option is still available so long as they submit to your decision to turn yourself in to our investigation.” Ischarus still held out a hand to silence Rhema. “Will you grant me a farewell gesture with my friends? I promise that no foolishness will come of the gesture and they will leave one by one as I am done. Then you can take me into the depths of your prison as you desire.” The warden looked at Ischarus long and hard before eventually nodding in the affirmative. “Very well, Ischarus. You may greet your friends with a goodbye gesture on your honor. If there is any foolishness, you will be hunted down like the criminal such an act would make you.” At the warden’s words a few of the guards surrounding the adventurers smiled as if they enjoyed the thought of the physical hunt and conflict. Ischarus saw the smiles and was glad he didn’t have a weapon. Some of these guards looked as though they would relish any excuse to run him through. Ischarus turned to Charis first. As he hugged her goodbye, he whispered into her ear in the draconic language they shared. “Return to the temple and find the priest who healed you. His testimony might be useful in proving that you were attacked magically.” Ischarus could feel her head nod as they finished their embrace. He waited until Charis was allowed to leave the building before embracing Semeion. Leaning into a hug with Semeion, he added in the draconic language they too shared, “It is important to protect Charis now. The red wyrm has brought forth at least one minion to bring her down. There is no telling how many he has sent and to what extent they are willing to go in order to take her from us. Keep her alive until I am freed and we can return to the safety of the villa.” Semeion also nodded as they released each other. Once Semeion was safely outside, Ischarus turned to Rhema. They embraced in a long hug and as they separated, Ischarus leaned forward and gave her a kiss upon her lips. Rhema was caught completely off guard with this gesture but did not resist in the least. As their lips parted, Ischarus could see in her face that she was stunned. “We have flirted for years, Rhema. Fear of losing any shared love has kept us from expressing our desires to one another. Semeion and Rhema have taught me that fear is foolish in the presence of love. I must confess that I have loved you for some time, Rhema. Now go and find a man named Brandt. You will find him frequenting the temple sometime this day. Ask the priests there to identify him to you and tell him a Drakontos needs his expertise.” Rhema didn’t understand the message. Given the emotional shock that Ischarus had laid upon her regarding his feelings, Rhema was lucky to have even heard his request amidst the rush of emotion that had risen up within her. It was a simple and unexpected expression of love. Since she looked too stunned to speak, Ischarus gave her one last piece of information. “Go alone. Leave Charis to her quest and Semeion to protect her. You must go alone to find him. Do you understand?” Charis nodded slowly, still lost in the emotion that poured through her soul. Ischarus reached out and embraced her lightly above her hips and smiled as he brought her back to reality by turning her away from him and toward the door. Once she was turned, he gave her a loving push. She turned once more to look at Ischarus as she left. He smiled like she had never seen him smile before. She had always suspected, but now he looked free from the burden he carried with him for some time. She too was free. With this final recognition Rhema turned and exited the building. Ischarus held up his hands so the guards would have no excuse to challenge him. He smiled at the captain and turned to the warden. “Warden Farette, I have done nothing but honor my word in your presence. Perhaps I may make a single request? I would ask that if it is possible that you would place me in a cell opposite the one we call Grick. And I would ask that you remain out of sight in the cell block for a few minutes after I am locked up. I believe if you are willing to greet my request with the same honor that I have just shown you that this matter will become as clear in your eyes as it is in mine.” The captain turned to the warden with a look of confusion. The warden smiled slightly and replied. “I can arrange that since you have made my life easy today. I will do this under two conditions of my own. You will allow yourself to be interrogated once you have been given time in your cell and that you promise me that you have no magical trick planned.” Ischarus smiled, feeling that there might be hope after all. “Sir, if I ever hope to see the light of day once those bars are sealed behind me, I know not to assault another prisoner. Besides, magic is not within my grasp. I admit to using my sword and not any arcane or divine arts.” The warden nodded to the captain and Captain Jacobseille turned on his heels and left the room. Once he had cleared the room the warden commanded his troops, “Take the prisoner to the cell across from the one apprehended this afternoon. And you are under strict orders to let him walk freely so long as he offers no resistance.” A few of the guards sneered in disappointment, but orders were orders. Ischarus voluntarily allowed himself to be handcuffed. He followed an escort of considerable size. One third of the guards who were in the room walked ahead of Ischarus into the prison. The remaining two thirds of the guards followed him into the back room of the prison and presumably into the bowels of the underground cells. [/Sblock] [/QUOTE]
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