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<blockquote data-quote="Nonlethal Force" data-source="post: 3001019" data-attributes="member: 35788"><p>Rhema couldn’t help but to stare at Brandt as he spoke. Her mind raced with the possibilities. She knew that Ischarus had come from a different background and that his Drakontos heritage meant that she did not share in the typical upbringing that he had as a Drakontos. But she had always considered herself to be close enough to Ischarus to be able to read his body language and tone well enough to interpret his meaning correctly. However, as Brandt spoke she began to doubt her original instincts. Had Ischarus really chosen the peculiar moment of his arrest to express a true love for her? Or was Rhema merely fed the proper answer that she wanted to believe because it was the only way that would allow her to survive the encounter with Brandt? Never before had she been so confused about the motivations of other people.</p><p></p><p>Rhema slurred under her breath just loud enough for Brandt to hear. <span style="color: PaleGreen">“Curse Ischarus!”</span></p><p></p><p>Brandt cocked his head slightly to the right and wrinkled his thick eyebrows. <span style="color: Lime">“I’m sorry? Did you just curse the one who sent you here to find me? I’m sorry, but I don’t think I understand.”</span></p><p></p><p>Rhema snapped back to reality, pushing her emotions to the back of her mind. <span style="color: PaleGreen">“Well, that’s no surprise. I’m afraid that I don’t really understand anymore either. But apparently that is part of the plan. It’s part of Ischarus’ plan at least. I don’t know what he’s thinking anymore.”</span></p><p></p><p>Brandt blink at the odd logic expressed and looked around the room. He gestured with his right hand to a pair of padded chairs in the corner of the room. The plush red velvet called out to Rhema as Brandt motioned toward them and she eagerly accepted his invitation. As she sat, she found herself feeling as though the large oak frame and the plush velvet padding were going to swallow her completely. When she looked over to Brandt it seemed as though the chair was just as large on him. Either way, the chair was certainly comfortable if not large.</p><p></p><p>When Rhema looked as though she was comfortably seated, Brandt addressed her and invited her to continue to bring her thoughts to her lips. <span style="color: Lime">“Why don’t you begin at the beginning, then? You can start by telling me the story that leads up to why this Ischarus has sent you to find me. Perhaps along the way we’ll discover what I can do for him? And perhaps along I might discover what exactly I can do for you?”</span></p><p></p><p>Rhema paused and thought about where to begin. Figuring that he need not know about the details that didn’t relate specifically to Ischarus, Rhema began to tell the tale from when the party had exited the temple for the first time earlier today and had chased Grick. She had not told more than two sentences to Brandt before he lifted up a hand and motioned for her to stop.</p><p></p><p>Brandt loudly sucked in a large breath in through his nose and then exhaled just as loudly through his nose. More softly he breathed in once more and spoke, <span style="color: Lime">“I think you have misinterpreted my request, madam. The events that you describe happened today, correct?”</span></p><p></p><p>Rhema looked toward Brandt and replied with a confused tone. <span style="color: PaleGreen">“Well, yes. You wanted me to …”</span></p><p></p><p>Brandt interrupted Rhema’s sentence, knowing that she was merely trying to make sense of her confusion. Brandt knew the reason for the confusion and needed no justification. <span style="color: Lime">“I wanted you to explain your relationship to Ischarus, not necessarily the events that led him into the immediate circumstances surrounding Ischarus.”</span></p><p></p><p>Rhema looked even more confused. <span style="color: PaleGreen">“But, I’m not sure that we have the time for that tale.”</span></p><p></p><p>Brandt chuckled softly in a manner that informed Rhema that she had amused him – even if unintentionally. <span style="color: Lime">“Madam, what is the name that Ischarus calls you so that I may speak informally with you?”</span></p><p></p><p>Rhema answered easily. <span style="color: PaleGreen">“Ischarus calls me Rhema. All my friends call me Rhema.”</span></p><p></p><p>Brandt lifted his elbows so that they rested upon the immense arms of the chair and brought his hands together. He aligned his fingertips and flexed his fingers against one another until his fingers were perpendicular to his hands. He brought the paired index fingers directly in front of his mouth and spoke. <span style="color: Lime">“Rhema, where is Ischarus that he is unable to seek me directly?”</span></p><p></p><p>Rhema paused as she thought hard about the question. Brandt didn’t seem to be in any particular hurry, and he didn’t even really seem interested in Ischarus. Rather, Brandt seemed more interested in her. Collecting her thoughts, she replied, <span style="color: PaleGreen">“He is an innocent man being held in the prison by Warden Farette. Ischarus believes that you can help to get him free.”</span></p><p></p><p>Brandt pursed his lips together in thought before replying calmly. <span style="color: Lime">“Did he say as much to you?”</span></p><p></p><p>Rhema replied quickly before thinking. <span style="color: PaleGreen">“Yes, he sent me to you directly!”</span></p><p></p><p>Brandt lowered his head to look directly into Rhema’s eyes. <span style="color: Lime">“He said that I could free him from prison having never met him?”</span></p><p></p><p>Rhema stopped and thought, knowing that she had just spoken rashly. <span style="color: PaleGreen">“No. Actually I believe that he told me to tell you that a Drakontos needs your expertise.”</span></p><p></p><p>Brandt smiled and broke his stare, satisfied by Rhema’s answer. <span style="color: Lime">“I assure you, Rhema. I cannot help his predicament in jail. But I may be able to use my expertise and discover what he really needs my help in. Besides, I suppose that if he is truly in jail than there is really no reason that you shouldn’t take your time and tell me the whole story. I believe if he is truly in need of my help that the jail may well be the best place for him.”</span></p><p></p><p>As Brandt finished speaking his tone and facial expressions gave Rhema an eerie feeling that she no longer understood what use Brandt would be to Ischarus. She suddenly felt mentally blind and unable to see where this conversation would lead them. <span style="color: PaleGreen">“Yes,”</span> Rhema began cautiously, <span style="color: PaleGreen">“I can see your point. If you cannot help to free Ischarus, then there is little reason to hurry the story to the immediate details. But before I begin, can you explain to me what help you think Ischarus may need from you?”</span></p><p></p><p>Brandt leaned forward in his chair and spoke rather softly. <span style="color: Lime">“I am a deeply religious man, and I would assume you would know that given my current place of … employment. Yet I am also a dabbler in the magic arts.”</span> A very sincere smile crossed Brandt’s face as he spoke. <span style="color: Lime">“I would assume that your Ischarus has sought me out for either a religious or a magical reason. He needs something from me, and I am the one appointed by many of the good dragon fathers to help young Drakontos with what they need.”</span></p><p></p><p>Rhema only found more questions in Brandt’s answers. She thought she had an understanding on the differences between herself and a Drakontos; but the more Brandt spoke the more confused she became. <span style="color: PaleGreen">“What does Ischarus need from you? He is a swordsman by trade and a good one at that. He is deeply rooted in your faith, but by no means does he possess powers over magic or powers granted by the divine.”</span> Rhema paused, her own thoughts leaping farther and farther ahead of what her mouth could express.</p><p></p><p>Brandt saw her expression and reached out his right hand in a motion to catch her attention and caused her to stop thinking so fervently. <span style="color: Lime">“My guess is that just when you think you have Ischarus figured out you discover that there is more to his world than you could realize. If that is correct, then it is imperative for my own understanding that you begin with the beginning when you met him and tell me what you remember about your activities with Ischarus. Tell me about his passions, his irritations, his loves, his activities, and his friendships. There is no detail that is too small or insignificant. If Ischarus sent you here to me, then he was confident that I could find my answers in you.”</span></p><p></p><p>Rhema looked to Brandt and the man seemed to almost be radiating a calm confidence. Rhema began to tell her story, much like she had begun to explain to Semeion on the day that they first met in the <em>Cachinnating Roadhouse</em>. She told of how the two had met, adventured together, met Semeion and then met Charis, and finally how they had been followed by the servants of the red wyrm. As Rhema concluded her story, Brandt raised himself from his chair and extended a hand to Rhema.</p><p></p><p><span style="color: Lime">“My dear Rhema, the two of you have indeed led a beautiful life together. But I do think the time has come for me to meet this Ischarus of whom you speak so fondly. I can tell that you have a great love for him, and I believe I can indeed help him.”</span> Brandt smiled confidently.</p><p></p><p>Rhema accepted the hand and rose up to Brandt’s side. As Brandt grabbed the heavy traveling cloak that helped disguise his identity on the streets, Rhema inquired of him one more time. <span style="color: PaleGreen">“What, may I ask, can you help Ischarus with?”</span></p><p></p><p>Brandt turned and smiled, opening the door for Rhema to exit first. <span style="color: Lime">“Rhema, that is something that I will leave to Ischarus to tell you. He must discover it himself. Once he does, he will readily tell you.”</span> He brought a finger up to his lips and spoke once more. <span style="color: Lime">“Now that we are out of my office I must ask you to refrain from speaking on this matter further.”</span></p><p></p><p>Rhema looked once more to Brandt and shook her head slightly from side to side. This was one more thing that she would have to wait before understanding. She smiled as she mused that Ischarus had better make this worth her trouble.</p><p></p><p>[Sblock=Color-Free Speech Section]</p><p>Rhema couldn’t help but to stare at Brandt as he spoke. Her mind raced with the possibilities. She knew that Ischarus had come from a different background and that his Drakontos heritage meant that she did not share in the typical upbringing that he had as a Drakontos. But she had always considered herself to be close enough to Ischarus to be able to read his body language and tone well enough to interpret his meaning correctly. However, as Brandt spoke she began to doubt her original instincts. Had Ischarus really chosen the peculiar moment of his arrest to express a true love for her? Or was Rhema merely fed the proper answer that she wanted to believe because it was the only way that would allow her to survive the encounter with Brandt? Never before had she been so confused about the motivations of other people.</p><p></p><p>Rhema slurred under her breath just loud enough for Brandt to hear. “Curse Ischarus!”</p><p></p><p>Brandt cocked his head slightly to the right and wrinkled his thick eyebrows. “I’m sorry? Did you just curse the one who sent you here to find me? I’m sorry, but I don’t think I understand.”</p><p></p><p>Rhema snapped back to reality, pushing her emotions to the back of her mind. “Well, that’s no surprise. I’m afraid that I don’t really understand anymore either. But apparently that is part of the plan. It’s part of Ischarus’ plan at least. I don’t know what he’s thinking anymore.”</p><p></p><p>Brandt blink at the odd logic expressed and looked around the room. He gestured with his right hand to a pair of padded chairs in the corner of the room. The plush red velvet called out to Rhema as Brandt motioned toward them and she eagerly accepted his invitation. As she sat, she found herself feeling as though the large oak frame and the plush velvet padding were going to swallow her completely. When she looked over to Brandt it seemed as though the chair was just as large on him. Either way, the chair was certainly comfortable if not large.</p><p></p><p>When Rhema looked as though she was comfortably seated, Brandt addressed her and invited her to continue to bring her thoughts to her lips. “Why don’t you begin at the beginning, then? You can start by telling me the story that leads up to why this Ischarus has sent you to find me. Perhaps along the way we’ll discover what I can do for him? And perhaps along I might discover what exactly I can do for you?”</p><p></p><p>Rhema paused and thought about where to begin. Figuring that he need not know about the details that didn’t relate specifically to Ischarus, Rhema began to tell the tale from when the party had exited the temple for the first time earlier today and had chased Grick. She had not told more than two sentences to Brandt before he lifted up a hand and motioned for her to stop.</p><p></p><p>Brandt loudly sucked in a large breath in through his nose and then exhaled just as loudly through his nose. More softly he breathed in once more and spoke, “I think you have misinterpreted my request, madam. The events that you describe happened today, correct?”</p><p></p><p>Rhema looked toward Brandt and replied with a confused tone. “Well, yes. You wanted me to …”</p><p></p><p>Brandt interrupted Rhema’s sentence, knowing that she was merely trying to make sense of her confusion. Brandt knew the reason for the confusion and needed no justification. “I wanted you to explain your relationship to Ischarus, not necessarily the events that led him into the immediate circumstances surrounding Ischarus.”</p><p></p><p>Rhema looked even more confused. “But, I’m not sure that we have the time for that tale.”</p><p></p><p>Brandt chuckled softly in a manner that informed Rhema that she had amused him – even if unintentionally. “Madam, what is the name that Ischarus calls you so that I may speak informally with you?”</p><p></p><p>Rhema answered easily. “Ischarus calls me Rhema. All my friends call me Rhema.”</p><p></p><p>Brandt lifted his elbows so that they rested upon the immense arms of the chair and brought his hands together. He aligned his fingertips and flexed his fingers against one another until his fingers were perpendicular to his hands. He brought the paired index fingers directly in front of his mouth and spoke. “Rhema, where is Ischarus that he is unable to seek me directly?”</p><p></p><p>Rhema paused as she thought hard about the question. Brandt didn’t seem to be in any particular hurry, and he didn’t even really seem interested in Ischarus. Rather, Brandt seemed more interested in her. Collecting her thoughts, she replied, “He is an innocent man being held in the prison by Warden Farette. Ischarus believes that you can help to get him free.”</p><p></p><p>Brandt pursed his lips together in thought before replying calmly. “Did he say as much to you?”</p><p></p><p>Rhema replied quickly before thinking. “Yes, he sent me to you directly!”</p><p></p><p>Brandt lowered his head to look directly into Rhema’s eyes. “He said that I could free him from prison having never met him?”</p><p></p><p>Rhema stopped and thought, knowing that she had just spoken rashly. “No. Actually I believe that he told me to tell you that a Drakontos needs your expertise.”</p><p></p><p>Brandt smiled and broke his stare, satisfied by Rhema’s answer. “I assure you, Rhema. I cannot help his predicament in jail. But I may be able to use my expertise and discover what he really needs my help in. Besides, I suppose that if he is truly in jail than there is really no reason that you shouldn’t take your time and tell me the whole story. I believe if he is truly in need of my help that the jail may well be the best place for him.”</p><p></p><p>As Brandt finished speaking his tone and facial expressions gave Rhema an eerie feeling that she no longer understood what use Brandt would be to Ischarus. She suddenly felt mentally blind and unable to see where this conversation would lead them. “Yes,” Rhema began cautiously, “I can see your point. If you cannot help to free Ischarus, then there is little reason to hurry the story to the immediate details. But before I begin, can you explain to me what help you think Ischarus may need from you?”</p><p></p><p>Brandt leaned forward in his chair and spoke rather softly. “I am a deeply religious man, and I would assume you would know that given my current place of … employment. Yet I am also a dabbler in the magic arts.” A very sincere smile crossed Brandt’s face as he spoke. “I would assume that your Ischarus has sought me out for either a religious or a magical reason. He needs something from me, and I am the one appointed by many of the good dragon fathers to help young Drakontos with what they need.”</p><p></p><p>Rhema only found more questions in Brandt’s answers. She thought she had an understanding on the differences between herself and a Drakontos; but the more Brandt spoke the more confused she became. “What does Ischarus need from you? He is a swordsman by trade and a good one at that. He is deeply rooted in your faith, but by no means does he possess powers over magic or powers granted by the divine.” Rhema paused, her own thoughts leaping farther and farther ahead of what her mouth could express.</p><p></p><p>Brandt saw her expression and reached out his right hand in a motion to catch her attention and caused her to stop thinking so fervently. “My guess is that just when you think you have Ischarus figured out you discover that there is more to his world than you could realize. If that is correct, then it is imperative for my own understanding that you begin with the beginning when you met him and tell me what you remember about your activities with Ischarus. Tell me about his passions, his irritations, his loves, his activities, and his friendships. There is no detail that is too small or insignificant. If Ischarus sent you here to me, then he was confident that I could find my answers in you.”</p><p></p><p>Rhema looked to Brandt and the man seemed to almost be radiating a calm confidence. Rhema began to tell her story, much like she had begun to explain to Semeion on the day that they first met in the Cachinnating Roadhouse. She told of how the two had met, adventured together, met Semeion and then met Charis, and finally how they had been followed by the servants of the red wyrm. As Rhema concluded her story, Brandt raised himself from his chair and extended a hand to Rhema.</p><p></p><p>“My dear Rhema, the two of you have indeed led a beautiful life together. But I do think the time has come for me to meet this Ischarus of whom you speak so fondly. I can tell that you have a great love for him, and I believe I can indeed help him.” Brandt smiled confidently.</p><p></p><p>Rhema accepted the hand and rose up to Brandt’s side. As Brandt grabbed the heavy traveling cloak that helped disguise his identity on the streets, Rhema inquired of him one more time. “What, may I ask, can you help Ischarus with?”</p><p></p><p>Brandt turned and smiled, opening the door for Rhema to exit first. “Rhema, that is something that I will leave to Ischarus to tell you. He must discover it himself. Once he does, he will readily tell you.” He brought a finger up to his lips and spoke once more. “Now that we are out of my office I must ask you to refrain from speaking on this matter further.”</p><p></p><p>Rhema looked once more to Brandt and shook her head slightly from side to side. This was one more thing that she would have to wait before understanding. She smiled as she mused that Ischarus had better make this worth her trouble.[/Sblock]</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Nonlethal Force, post: 3001019, member: 35788"] Rhema couldn’t help but to stare at Brandt as he spoke. Her mind raced with the possibilities. She knew that Ischarus had come from a different background and that his Drakontos heritage meant that she did not share in the typical upbringing that he had as a Drakontos. But she had always considered herself to be close enough to Ischarus to be able to read his body language and tone well enough to interpret his meaning correctly. However, as Brandt spoke she began to doubt her original instincts. Had Ischarus really chosen the peculiar moment of his arrest to express a true love for her? Or was Rhema merely fed the proper answer that she wanted to believe because it was the only way that would allow her to survive the encounter with Brandt? Never before had she been so confused about the motivations of other people. Rhema slurred under her breath just loud enough for Brandt to hear. [Color=PaleGreen]“Curse Ischarus!”[/Color] Brandt cocked his head slightly to the right and wrinkled his thick eyebrows. [Color=Lime]“I’m sorry? Did you just curse the one who sent you here to find me? I’m sorry, but I don’t think I understand.”[/Color] Rhema snapped back to reality, pushing her emotions to the back of her mind. [Color=PaleGreen]“Well, that’s no surprise. I’m afraid that I don’t really understand anymore either. But apparently that is part of the plan. It’s part of Ischarus’ plan at least. I don’t know what he’s thinking anymore.”[/Color] Brandt blink at the odd logic expressed and looked around the room. He gestured with his right hand to a pair of padded chairs in the corner of the room. The plush red velvet called out to Rhema as Brandt motioned toward them and she eagerly accepted his invitation. As she sat, she found herself feeling as though the large oak frame and the plush velvet padding were going to swallow her completely. When she looked over to Brandt it seemed as though the chair was just as large on him. Either way, the chair was certainly comfortable if not large. When Rhema looked as though she was comfortably seated, Brandt addressed her and invited her to continue to bring her thoughts to her lips. [Color=Lime]“Why don’t you begin at the beginning, then? You can start by telling me the story that leads up to why this Ischarus has sent you to find me. Perhaps along the way we’ll discover what I can do for him? And perhaps along I might discover what exactly I can do for you?”[/Color] Rhema paused and thought about where to begin. Figuring that he need not know about the details that didn’t relate specifically to Ischarus, Rhema began to tell the tale from when the party had exited the temple for the first time earlier today and had chased Grick. She had not told more than two sentences to Brandt before he lifted up a hand and motioned for her to stop. Brandt loudly sucked in a large breath in through his nose and then exhaled just as loudly through his nose. More softly he breathed in once more and spoke, [Color=Lime]“I think you have misinterpreted my request, madam. The events that you describe happened today, correct?”[/Color] Rhema looked toward Brandt and replied with a confused tone. [Color=PaleGreen]“Well, yes. You wanted me to …”[/Color] Brandt interrupted Rhema’s sentence, knowing that she was merely trying to make sense of her confusion. Brandt knew the reason for the confusion and needed no justification. [Color=Lime]“I wanted you to explain your relationship to Ischarus, not necessarily the events that led him into the immediate circumstances surrounding Ischarus.”[/Color] Rhema looked even more confused. [Color=PaleGreen]“But, I’m not sure that we have the time for that tale.”[/Color] Brandt chuckled softly in a manner that informed Rhema that she had amused him – even if unintentionally. [Color=Lime]“Madam, what is the name that Ischarus calls you so that I may speak informally with you?”[/Color] Rhema answered easily. [Color=PaleGreen]“Ischarus calls me Rhema. All my friends call me Rhema.”[/Color] Brandt lifted his elbows so that they rested upon the immense arms of the chair and brought his hands together. He aligned his fingertips and flexed his fingers against one another until his fingers were perpendicular to his hands. He brought the paired index fingers directly in front of his mouth and spoke. [Color=Lime]“Rhema, where is Ischarus that he is unable to seek me directly?”[/Color] Rhema paused as she thought hard about the question. Brandt didn’t seem to be in any particular hurry, and he didn’t even really seem interested in Ischarus. Rather, Brandt seemed more interested in her. Collecting her thoughts, she replied, [Color=PaleGreen]“He is an innocent man being held in the prison by Warden Farette. Ischarus believes that you can help to get him free.”[/Color] Brandt pursed his lips together in thought before replying calmly. [Color=Lime]“Did he say as much to you?”[/Color] Rhema replied quickly before thinking. [Color=PaleGreen]“Yes, he sent me to you directly!”[/Color] Brandt lowered his head to look directly into Rhema’s eyes. [Color=Lime]“He said that I could free him from prison having never met him?”[/Color] Rhema stopped and thought, knowing that she had just spoken rashly. [Color=PaleGreen]“No. Actually I believe that he told me to tell you that a Drakontos needs your expertise.”[/Color] Brandt smiled and broke his stare, satisfied by Rhema’s answer. [Color=Lime]“I assure you, Rhema. I cannot help his predicament in jail. But I may be able to use my expertise and discover what he really needs my help in. Besides, I suppose that if he is truly in jail than there is really no reason that you shouldn’t take your time and tell me the whole story. I believe if he is truly in need of my help that the jail may well be the best place for him.”[/Color] As Brandt finished speaking his tone and facial expressions gave Rhema an eerie feeling that she no longer understood what use Brandt would be to Ischarus. She suddenly felt mentally blind and unable to see where this conversation would lead them. [Color=PaleGreen]“Yes,”[/Color] Rhema began cautiously, [Color=PaleGreen]“I can see your point. If you cannot help to free Ischarus, then there is little reason to hurry the story to the immediate details. But before I begin, can you explain to me what help you think Ischarus may need from you?”[/Color] Brandt leaned forward in his chair and spoke rather softly. [Color=Lime]“I am a deeply religious man, and I would assume you would know that given my current place of … employment. Yet I am also a dabbler in the magic arts.”[/Color] A very sincere smile crossed Brandt’s face as he spoke. [Color=Lime]“I would assume that your Ischarus has sought me out for either a religious or a magical reason. He needs something from me, and I am the one appointed by many of the good dragon fathers to help young Drakontos with what they need.”[/Color] Rhema only found more questions in Brandt’s answers. She thought she had an understanding on the differences between herself and a Drakontos; but the more Brandt spoke the more confused she became. [Color=PaleGreen]“What does Ischarus need from you? He is a swordsman by trade and a good one at that. He is deeply rooted in your faith, but by no means does he possess powers over magic or powers granted by the divine.”[/Color] Rhema paused, her own thoughts leaping farther and farther ahead of what her mouth could express. Brandt saw her expression and reached out his right hand in a motion to catch her attention and caused her to stop thinking so fervently. [Color=Lime]“My guess is that just when you think you have Ischarus figured out you discover that there is more to his world than you could realize. If that is correct, then it is imperative for my own understanding that you begin with the beginning when you met him and tell me what you remember about your activities with Ischarus. Tell me about his passions, his irritations, his loves, his activities, and his friendships. There is no detail that is too small or insignificant. If Ischarus sent you here to me, then he was confident that I could find my answers in you.”[/Color] Rhema looked to Brandt and the man seemed to almost be radiating a calm confidence. Rhema began to tell her story, much like she had begun to explain to Semeion on the day that they first met in the [I]Cachinnating Roadhouse[/I]. She told of how the two had met, adventured together, met Semeion and then met Charis, and finally how they had been followed by the servants of the red wyrm. As Rhema concluded her story, Brandt raised himself from his chair and extended a hand to Rhema. [Color=Lime]“My dear Rhema, the two of you have indeed led a beautiful life together. But I do think the time has come for me to meet this Ischarus of whom you speak so fondly. I can tell that you have a great love for him, and I believe I can indeed help him.”[/Color] Brandt smiled confidently. Rhema accepted the hand and rose up to Brandt’s side. As Brandt grabbed the heavy traveling cloak that helped disguise his identity on the streets, Rhema inquired of him one more time. [Color=PaleGreen]“What, may I ask, can you help Ischarus with?”[/Color] Brandt turned and smiled, opening the door for Rhema to exit first. [Color=Lime]“Rhema, that is something that I will leave to Ischarus to tell you. He must discover it himself. Once he does, he will readily tell you.”[/Color] He brought a finger up to his lips and spoke once more. [Color=Lime]“Now that we are out of my office I must ask you to refrain from speaking on this matter further.”[/Color] Rhema looked once more to Brandt and shook her head slightly from side to side. This was one more thing that she would have to wait before understanding. She smiled as she mused that Ischarus had better make this worth her trouble. [Sblock=Color-Free Speech Section] Rhema couldn’t help but to stare at Brandt as he spoke. Her mind raced with the possibilities. She knew that Ischarus had come from a different background and that his Drakontos heritage meant that she did not share in the typical upbringing that he had as a Drakontos. But she had always considered herself to be close enough to Ischarus to be able to read his body language and tone well enough to interpret his meaning correctly. However, as Brandt spoke she began to doubt her original instincts. Had Ischarus really chosen the peculiar moment of his arrest to express a true love for her? Or was Rhema merely fed the proper answer that she wanted to believe because it was the only way that would allow her to survive the encounter with Brandt? Never before had she been so confused about the motivations of other people. Rhema slurred under her breath just loud enough for Brandt to hear. “Curse Ischarus!” Brandt cocked his head slightly to the right and wrinkled his thick eyebrows. “I’m sorry? Did you just curse the one who sent you here to find me? I’m sorry, but I don’t think I understand.” Rhema snapped back to reality, pushing her emotions to the back of her mind. “Well, that’s no surprise. I’m afraid that I don’t really understand anymore either. But apparently that is part of the plan. It’s part of Ischarus’ plan at least. I don’t know what he’s thinking anymore.” Brandt blink at the odd logic expressed and looked around the room. He gestured with his right hand to a pair of padded chairs in the corner of the room. The plush red velvet called out to Rhema as Brandt motioned toward them and she eagerly accepted his invitation. As she sat, she found herself feeling as though the large oak frame and the plush velvet padding were going to swallow her completely. When she looked over to Brandt it seemed as though the chair was just as large on him. Either way, the chair was certainly comfortable if not large. When Rhema looked as though she was comfortably seated, Brandt addressed her and invited her to continue to bring her thoughts to her lips. “Why don’t you begin at the beginning, then? You can start by telling me the story that leads up to why this Ischarus has sent you to find me. Perhaps along the way we’ll discover what I can do for him? And perhaps along I might discover what exactly I can do for you?” Rhema paused and thought about where to begin. Figuring that he need not know about the details that didn’t relate specifically to Ischarus, Rhema began to tell the tale from when the party had exited the temple for the first time earlier today and had chased Grick. She had not told more than two sentences to Brandt before he lifted up a hand and motioned for her to stop. Brandt loudly sucked in a large breath in through his nose and then exhaled just as loudly through his nose. More softly he breathed in once more and spoke, “I think you have misinterpreted my request, madam. The events that you describe happened today, correct?” Rhema looked toward Brandt and replied with a confused tone. “Well, yes. You wanted me to …” Brandt interrupted Rhema’s sentence, knowing that she was merely trying to make sense of her confusion. Brandt knew the reason for the confusion and needed no justification. “I wanted you to explain your relationship to Ischarus, not necessarily the events that led him into the immediate circumstances surrounding Ischarus.” Rhema looked even more confused. “But, I’m not sure that we have the time for that tale.” Brandt chuckled softly in a manner that informed Rhema that she had amused him – even if unintentionally. “Madam, what is the name that Ischarus calls you so that I may speak informally with you?” Rhema answered easily. “Ischarus calls me Rhema. All my friends call me Rhema.” Brandt lifted his elbows so that they rested upon the immense arms of the chair and brought his hands together. He aligned his fingertips and flexed his fingers against one another until his fingers were perpendicular to his hands. He brought the paired index fingers directly in front of his mouth and spoke. “Rhema, where is Ischarus that he is unable to seek me directly?” Rhema paused as she thought hard about the question. Brandt didn’t seem to be in any particular hurry, and he didn’t even really seem interested in Ischarus. Rather, Brandt seemed more interested in her. Collecting her thoughts, she replied, “He is an innocent man being held in the prison by Warden Farette. Ischarus believes that you can help to get him free.” Brandt pursed his lips together in thought before replying calmly. “Did he say as much to you?” Rhema replied quickly before thinking. “Yes, he sent me to you directly!” Brandt lowered his head to look directly into Rhema’s eyes. “He said that I could free him from prison having never met him?” Rhema stopped and thought, knowing that she had just spoken rashly. “No. Actually I believe that he told me to tell you that a Drakontos needs your expertise.” Brandt smiled and broke his stare, satisfied by Rhema’s answer. “I assure you, Rhema. I cannot help his predicament in jail. But I may be able to use my expertise and discover what he really needs my help in. Besides, I suppose that if he is truly in jail than there is really no reason that you shouldn’t take your time and tell me the whole story. I believe if he is truly in need of my help that the jail may well be the best place for him.” As Brandt finished speaking his tone and facial expressions gave Rhema an eerie feeling that she no longer understood what use Brandt would be to Ischarus. She suddenly felt mentally blind and unable to see where this conversation would lead them. “Yes,” Rhema began cautiously, “I can see your point. If you cannot help to free Ischarus, then there is little reason to hurry the story to the immediate details. But before I begin, can you explain to me what help you think Ischarus may need from you?” Brandt leaned forward in his chair and spoke rather softly. “I am a deeply religious man, and I would assume you would know that given my current place of … employment. Yet I am also a dabbler in the magic arts.” A very sincere smile crossed Brandt’s face as he spoke. “I would assume that your Ischarus has sought me out for either a religious or a magical reason. He needs something from me, and I am the one appointed by many of the good dragon fathers to help young Drakontos with what they need.” Rhema only found more questions in Brandt’s answers. She thought she had an understanding on the differences between herself and a Drakontos; but the more Brandt spoke the more confused she became. “What does Ischarus need from you? He is a swordsman by trade and a good one at that. He is deeply rooted in your faith, but by no means does he possess powers over magic or powers granted by the divine.” Rhema paused, her own thoughts leaping farther and farther ahead of what her mouth could express. Brandt saw her expression and reached out his right hand in a motion to catch her attention and caused her to stop thinking so fervently. “My guess is that just when you think you have Ischarus figured out you discover that there is more to his world than you could realize. If that is correct, then it is imperative for my own understanding that you begin with the beginning when you met him and tell me what you remember about your activities with Ischarus. Tell me about his passions, his irritations, his loves, his activities, and his friendships. There is no detail that is too small or insignificant. If Ischarus sent you here to me, then he was confident that I could find my answers in you.” Rhema looked to Brandt and the man seemed to almost be radiating a calm confidence. Rhema began to tell her story, much like she had begun to explain to Semeion on the day that they first met in the Cachinnating Roadhouse. She told of how the two had met, adventured together, met Semeion and then met Charis, and finally how they had been followed by the servants of the red wyrm. As Rhema concluded her story, Brandt raised himself from his chair and extended a hand to Rhema. “My dear Rhema, the two of you have indeed led a beautiful life together. But I do think the time has come for me to meet this Ischarus of whom you speak so fondly. I can tell that you have a great love for him, and I believe I can indeed help him.” Brandt smiled confidently. Rhema accepted the hand and rose up to Brandt’s side. As Brandt grabbed the heavy traveling cloak that helped disguise his identity on the streets, Rhema inquired of him one more time. “What, may I ask, can you help Ischarus with?” Brandt turned and smiled, opening the door for Rhema to exit first. “Rhema, that is something that I will leave to Ischarus to tell you. He must discover it himself. Once he does, he will readily tell you.” He brought a finger up to his lips and spoke once more. “Now that we are out of my office I must ask you to refrain from speaking on this matter further.” Rhema looked once more to Brandt and shook her head slightly from side to side. This was one more thing that she would have to wait before understanding. She smiled as she mused that Ischarus had better make this worth her trouble.[/Sblock] [/QUOTE]
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