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<blockquote data-quote="Nonlethal Force" data-source="post: 3004161" data-attributes="member: 35788"><p><strong>Chapter Seven: EXIGENCY</strong></p><p></p><p>From inside the wavering circle, the party could see none of the external effects. What quite literally happened from the perspective of those under Brandt’s spell was that in one instant they were huddled in a circle on the street and the very next instant they were standing in a circle around Brandt’s desk in his office. Their posture and position remained unchanged while their locale had changed completely.</p><p></p><p>A huge grin passed over Semeion’s face and Charis couldn’t help but smile at the young mage’s reaction to the use of magic. <span style="color: Plum">“I have got to learn that spell!”</span> Semeion made his explanation without thinking that he was actually speaking aloud.</p><p></p><p>Brandt released the hands of those who were around him and looked back towards Semeion. <span style="color: Lime">“My guess, young friend, is that the power of the spell is a bit out of reach given your current understanding of magic. Teleportation magic is not something that you want to mess with until you know you can control it. You could end up zapping yourself miles off target. Or worse yet, you could end up teleporting yourself into the middle of the wall that makes up the room.”</span></p><p></p><p>Rhema swallowed hard as Brandt described the possible effects. <span style="color: PaleGreen">“No offense, then, but I am rather glad that you didn’t tell us that beforehand.”</span></p><p></p><p>Brandt chuckled at Rhema’s thought. <span style="color: Lime">“There were no worries, Rhema. I was not teleporting far and I was teleporting into an area that I can quite easily say that I am familiar with. Both of those things were working in your favor. Besides,”</span> Brandt added with a bit of a wink, <span style="color: Lime">“I haven’t had a missed teleportation attempt for several days.”</span></p><p></p><p>Bracchius laughed out loud. <span style="color: Lime">“No doubt that is true if you are measuring days in terms of how time infinitely passes in the heavens! I would be shocked if you’ve missed a teleportation since you came here and took your charge, Brandt.”</span></p><p></p><p>The four adventurers found themselves caught up in the fact that obviously Brandt and Bracchius had a working relationship of which they were not aware. Brandt replied to the temple healer while keeping the humor in his voice. <span style="color: Lime">“Well, I suppose you might be right. Weeks, then.”</span></p><p></p><p>Ischarus joined in the laugh with Bracchius after Brandt’s latest remark. He knew Brandt hadn’t been working here forever, but he also knew that Brandt had been at the temple for as long as he could remember. Ischarus even thought that he remembered his mother telling him that she had been under Brandt’s tutelage.</p><p></p><p>Bracchius turned and motioned to the four adventurers as he spoke next. <span style="color: Lime">“Well, I do believe that my work for the day has been done and your work is just beginning, Brandt. I’ll let myself out, then?”</span></p><p></p><p>Brandt merely nodded and smiled and turned his attention to the party. As Bracchius left the room, he could hear Brandt beginning, <span style="color: Lime">“So, master Ischarus, you are the Drakontos who was told to seek me out. I believe that I can indeed help you in your personal quest, but you must understand that it may take a few days or a week for you to fully understand how to begin.”</span></p><p></p><p>Semeion and Charis shared equally confused looks on their faces. Charis spoke before Semeion could formulate his thought. <span style="color: Orange">“Quest, Ischarus? You’re going on a personal quest? Did we miss something that happened when we were off for a time in the hospital seeking out Bracchius?</span></p><p></p><p>Brandt interrupted before Ischarus could explain. From his tone and expression it was clear that Brandt had a healthy sense of humor and enjoyed speaking in less tan straightforward means. <span style="color: Lime">“Yes, it is likely that you two certainly did. But this is the first time that Ischarus and I have spoken.”</span></p><p></p><p>Ischarus chuckled at Charis’ and Semeion’s expense. <span style="color: LightBlue">“I am a Drakontos, and you all know that. Many of our kind find that we develop certain talents according to our parentage when we reach a certain point in our maturity. The talents seldom develop until a few years after we have reached physical maturity. As you should no doubt expect the talents vary from Drakontos to Drakontos.</span></p><p></p><p>Semeion was caught in the suspense of the new information. In some respects, deep inside his soul he even found himself wishing that he was Drakontos. He didn’t even know what the new talents could be, but there was a certain allure to Ischarus’ situation that appealed to him. Perhaps that was what had brought him to Master Sathwright’s side in the first place to learn the magic arts. As he thought about the possibilities and reflected them upon his own life he managed to bring himself to ask Brandt a question. <span style="color: Plum">“What kinds of abilities develop, Ischarus?</span></p><p></p><p>Brandt leaned back, allowing Ischarus to field this question. He wore a genuinely curious expression and turned his body so that he could hear Ischarus’ answer clearly. From his expression Brandt revealed that Ischarus was going to tell more about himself than even Ischarus realized.</p><p></p><p>Ischarus cleared his throat, winced in pain as he shifted positions so he could sit down, and began his answer. <span style="color: LightBlue">“It really depends on the Drakontos. As you know with Grick, some Drakontos develop innate abilities derived from the magical nature of dragons. Some become able to throw force around as if they were casting a spell. Apparently some also develop the ability to make people nauseous from a distance. Others of my race develop innate abilities of an arcane kind. They can control magic and spells as a part of their essence. Many who aspire to be wizards through deep study find that they gravitate toward certain areas of spells that are easier to decipher, memorize, and cast with heightened efficiency. Some find deeply rooted religious connections that dwell within their very being and can heal as Bracchius and Charis are able. In fact, I would not be surprised if Charis has already passed through her change when she learned that she was able to heal. Like humans, female Drakontos typically reach physical and emotional maturity before males.”</span></p><p></p><p>Brandt turned to Charis and gave her and unexpected smile. Of course he had assumed that Charis was a Drakontos from the story that Rhema had told him earlier, but he did not realize that Rhema’s abilities manifested through the gift of healing. When she caught his eye, Brandt spoke to her, <span style="color: Lime">“I was unaware that you were a natural healer, Charis. And to develop such a natural gift from a red wyrm lineage is indeed quite rare. I can see why your people wanted to keep you alive and develop your family line through the means of the Provenience.”</span></p><p></p><p>Charis merely smiled at Brandt without offering up a response. Much of the information Ischarus was relaying was completely new for her as well. She had seen much of these talents develop before her eyes, but she had not fully understood her own people until meeting Ischarus. Their father dragon was not so much interested in explaining their gifts as he was exploiting them.</p><p></p><p>Brandt continued, <span style="color: Lime">“Don’t take this the wrong way, of course, because I am glad that you were freed from the oppression and fear of living in the shadow of a great red wyrm. But in many respects I would be significantly interested had your people’s experiment taken hold and the gift of healing had spread through your people. A healer among the Drakontai of Quehalost is unusual indeed.”</span></p><p></p><p>Charis shifted on her feet and decided that it was time for her to sit down. As she moved to the chairs, Brandt watched as the others looked to follow and sit where only a short time ago Brandt had sat and spoken with Rhema. He held up a hand to stop them and spoke clearly. <span style="color: Lime">“Do not misunderstand my intentions, friends. But I really must ask that you not get terribly comfortable here. Much of the work that Ischarus and I have to do will have to be done alone. That does mean that Ischarus will need to stay alone with me in Fingerdale for a few days.”</span></p><p></p><p>[Sblock=Color-Free Speech Section]</p><p>Chapter Seven: EXIGENCY</p><p></p><p>From inside the wavering circle, the party could see none of the external effects. What quite literally happened from the perspective of those under Brandt’s spell was that in one instant they were huddled in a circle on the street and the very next instant they were standing in a circle around Brandt’s desk in his office. Their posture and position remained unchanged while their locale had changed completely.</p><p></p><p>A huge grin passed over Semeion’s face and Charis couldn’t help but smile at the young mage’s reaction to the use of magic. “I have got to learn that spell!” Semeion made his explanation without thinking that he was actually speaking aloud.</p><p></p><p>Brandt released the hands of those who were around him and looked back towards Semeion. “My guess, young friend, is that the power of the spell is a bit out of reach given your current understanding of magic. Teleportation magic is not something that you want to mess with until you know you can control it. You could end up zapping yourself miles off target. Or worse yet, you could end up teleporting yourself into the middle of the wall that makes up the room.”</p><p></p><p>Rhema swallowed hard as Brandt described the possible effects. “No offense, then, but I am rather glad that you didn’t tell us that beforehand.”</p><p></p><p>Brandt chuckled at Rhema’s thought. “There were no worries, Rhema. I was not teleporting far and I was teleporting into an area that I can quite easily say that I am familiar with. Both of those things were working in your favor. Besides,” Brandt added with a bit of a wink, “I haven’t had a missed teleportation attempt for several days.”</p><p></p><p>Bracchius laughed out loud. “No doubt that is true if you are measuring days in terms of how time infinitely passes in the heavens! I would be shocked if you’ve missed a teleportation since you came here and took your charge, Brandt.”</p><p></p><p>The four adventurers found themselves caught up in the fact that obviously Brandt and Bracchius had a working relationship of which they were not aware. Brandt replied to the temple healer while keeping the humor in his voice. “Well, I suppose you might be right. Weeks, then.”</p><p></p><p>Ischarus joined in the laugh with Bracchius after Brandt’s latest remark. He knew Brandt hadn’t been working here forever, but he also knew that Brandt had been at the temple for as long as he could remember. Ischarus even thought that he remembered his mother telling him that she had been under Brandt’s tutelage.</p><p></p><p>Bracchius turned and motioned to the four adventurers as he spoke next. “Well, I do believe that my work for the day has been done and your work is just beginning, Brandt. I’ll let myself out, then?”</p><p></p><p>Brandt merely nodded and smiled and turned his attention to the party. As Bracchius left the room, he could hear Brandt beginning, “So, master Ischarus, you are the Drakontos who was told to seek me out. I believe that I can indeed help you in your personal quest, but you must understand that it may take a few days or a week for you to fully understand how to begin.”</p><p></p><p>Semeion and Charis shared equally confused looks on their faces. Charis spoke before Semeion could formulate his thought. “Quest, Ischarus? You’re going on a personal quest? Did we miss something that happened when we were off for a time in the hospital seeking out Bracchius?</p><p></p><p>Brandt interrupted before Ischarus could explain. From his tone and expression it was clear that Brandt had a healthy sense of humor and enjoyed speaking in less tan straightforward means. “Yes, it is likely that you two certainly did. But this is the first time that Ischarus and I have spoken.”</p><p></p><p>Ischarus chuckled at Charis’ and Semeion’s expense. “I am a Drakontos, and you all know that. Many of our kind find that we develop certain talents according to our parentage when we reach a certain point in our maturity. The talents seldom develop until a few years after we have reached physical maturity. As you should no doubt expect the talents vary from Drakontos to Drakontos.</p><p></p><p>Semeion was caught in the suspense of the new information. In some respects, deep inside his soul he even found himself wishing that he was Drakontos. He didn’t even know what the new talents could be, but there was a certain allure to Ischarus’ situation that appealed to him. Perhaps that was what had brought him to Master Sathwright’s side in the first place to learn the magic arts. As he thought about the possibilities and reflected them upon his own life he managed to bring himself to ask Brandt a question. “What kinds of abilities develop, Ischarus?</p><p></p><p>Brandt leaned back, allowing Ischarus to field this question. He wore a genuinely curious expression and turned his body so that he could hear Ischarus’ answer clearly. From his expression Brandt revealed that Ischarus was going to tell more about himself than even Ischarus realized.</p><p></p><p>Ischarus cleared his throat, winced in pain as he shifted positions so he could sit down, and began his answer. “It really depends on the Drakontos. As you know with Grick, some Drakontos develop innate abilities derived from the magical nature of dragons. Some become able to throw force around as if they were casting a spell. Apparently some also develop the ability to make people nauseous from a distance. Others of my race develop innate abilities of an arcane kind. They can control magic and spells as a part of their essence. Many who aspire to be wizards through deep study find that they gravitate toward certain areas of spells that are easier to decipher, memorize, and cast with heightened efficiency. Some find deeply rooted religious connections that dwell within their very being and can heal as Bracchius and Charis are able. In fact, I would not be surprised if Charis has already passed through her change when she learned that she was able to heal. Like humans, female Drakontos typically reach physical and emotional maturity before males.”</p><p></p><p>Brandt turned to Charis and gave her and unexpected smile. Of course he had assumed that Charis was a Drakontos from the story that Rhema had told him earlier, but he did not realize that Rhema’s abilities manifested through the gift of healing. When she caught his eye, Brandt spoke to her, “I was unaware that you were a natural healer, Charis. And to develop such a natural gift from a red wyrm lineage is indeed quite rare. I can see why your people wanted to keep you alive and develop your family line through the means of the Provenience.”</p><p></p><p>Charis merely smiled at Brandt without offering up a response. Much of the information Ischarus was relaying was completely new for her as well. She had seen much of these talents develop before her eyes, but she had not fully understood her own people until meeting Ischarus. Their father dragon was not so much interested in explaining their gifts as he was exploiting them.</p><p></p><p>Brandt continued, “Don’t take this the wrong way, of course, because I am glad that you were freed from the oppression and fear of living in the shadow of a great red wyrm. But in many respects I would be significantly interested had your people’s experiment taken hold and the gift of healing had spread through your people. A healer among the Drakontai of Quehalost is unusual indeed.”</p><p></p><p>Charis shifted on her feet and decided that it was time for her to sit down. As she moved to the chairs, Brandt watched as the others looked to follow and sit where only a short time ago Brandt had sat and spoken with Rhema. He held up a hand to stop them and spoke clearly. “Do not misunderstand my intentions, friends. But I really must ask that you not get terribly comfortable here. Much of the work that Ischarus and I have to do will have to be done alone. That does mean that Ischarus will need to stay alone with me in Fingerdale for a few days.”[/Sblock]</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Nonlethal Force, post: 3004161, member: 35788"] [B]Chapter Seven: EXIGENCY[/B] From inside the wavering circle, the party could see none of the external effects. What quite literally happened from the perspective of those under Brandt’s spell was that in one instant they were huddled in a circle on the street and the very next instant they were standing in a circle around Brandt’s desk in his office. Their posture and position remained unchanged while their locale had changed completely. A huge grin passed over Semeion’s face and Charis couldn’t help but smile at the young mage’s reaction to the use of magic. [Color=Plum]“I have got to learn that spell!”[/Color] Semeion made his explanation without thinking that he was actually speaking aloud. Brandt released the hands of those who were around him and looked back towards Semeion. [Color=Lime]“My guess, young friend, is that the power of the spell is a bit out of reach given your current understanding of magic. Teleportation magic is not something that you want to mess with until you know you can control it. You could end up zapping yourself miles off target. Or worse yet, you could end up teleporting yourself into the middle of the wall that makes up the room.”[/Color] Rhema swallowed hard as Brandt described the possible effects. [Color=PaleGreen]“No offense, then, but I am rather glad that you didn’t tell us that beforehand.”[/Color] Brandt chuckled at Rhema’s thought. [Color=Lime]“There were no worries, Rhema. I was not teleporting far and I was teleporting into an area that I can quite easily say that I am familiar with. Both of those things were working in your favor. Besides,”[/Color] Brandt added with a bit of a wink, [Color=Lime]“I haven’t had a missed teleportation attempt for several days.”[/Color] Bracchius laughed out loud. [Color=Lime]“No doubt that is true if you are measuring days in terms of how time infinitely passes in the heavens! I would be shocked if you’ve missed a teleportation since you came here and took your charge, Brandt.”[/Color] The four adventurers found themselves caught up in the fact that obviously Brandt and Bracchius had a working relationship of which they were not aware. Brandt replied to the temple healer while keeping the humor in his voice. [Color=Lime]“Well, I suppose you might be right. Weeks, then.”[/Color] Ischarus joined in the laugh with Bracchius after Brandt’s latest remark. He knew Brandt hadn’t been working here forever, but he also knew that Brandt had been at the temple for as long as he could remember. Ischarus even thought that he remembered his mother telling him that she had been under Brandt’s tutelage. Bracchius turned and motioned to the four adventurers as he spoke next. [Color=Lime]“Well, I do believe that my work for the day has been done and your work is just beginning, Brandt. I’ll let myself out, then?”[/Color] Brandt merely nodded and smiled and turned his attention to the party. As Bracchius left the room, he could hear Brandt beginning, [Color=Lime]“So, master Ischarus, you are the Drakontos who was told to seek me out. I believe that I can indeed help you in your personal quest, but you must understand that it may take a few days or a week for you to fully understand how to begin.”[/Color] Semeion and Charis shared equally confused looks on their faces. Charis spoke before Semeion could formulate his thought. [Color=Orange]“Quest, Ischarus? You’re going on a personal quest? Did we miss something that happened when we were off for a time in the hospital seeking out Bracchius?[/Color] Brandt interrupted before Ischarus could explain. From his tone and expression it was clear that Brandt had a healthy sense of humor and enjoyed speaking in less tan straightforward means. [Color=Lime]“Yes, it is likely that you two certainly did. But this is the first time that Ischarus and I have spoken.”[/Color] Ischarus chuckled at Charis’ and Semeion’s expense. [Color=LightBlue]“I am a Drakontos, and you all know that. Many of our kind find that we develop certain talents according to our parentage when we reach a certain point in our maturity. The talents seldom develop until a few years after we have reached physical maturity. As you should no doubt expect the talents vary from Drakontos to Drakontos.[/Color] Semeion was caught in the suspense of the new information. In some respects, deep inside his soul he even found himself wishing that he was Drakontos. He didn’t even know what the new talents could be, but there was a certain allure to Ischarus’ situation that appealed to him. Perhaps that was what had brought him to Master Sathwright’s side in the first place to learn the magic arts. As he thought about the possibilities and reflected them upon his own life he managed to bring himself to ask Brandt a question. [Color=Plum]“What kinds of abilities develop, Ischarus?[/Color] Brandt leaned back, allowing Ischarus to field this question. He wore a genuinely curious expression and turned his body so that he could hear Ischarus’ answer clearly. From his expression Brandt revealed that Ischarus was going to tell more about himself than even Ischarus realized. Ischarus cleared his throat, winced in pain as he shifted positions so he could sit down, and began his answer. [Color=LightBlue]“It really depends on the Drakontos. As you know with Grick, some Drakontos develop innate abilities derived from the magical nature of dragons. Some become able to throw force around as if they were casting a spell. Apparently some also develop the ability to make people nauseous from a distance. Others of my race develop innate abilities of an arcane kind. They can control magic and spells as a part of their essence. Many who aspire to be wizards through deep study find that they gravitate toward certain areas of spells that are easier to decipher, memorize, and cast with heightened efficiency. Some find deeply rooted religious connections that dwell within their very being and can heal as Bracchius and Charis are able. In fact, I would not be surprised if Charis has already passed through her change when she learned that she was able to heal. Like humans, female Drakontos typically reach physical and emotional maturity before males.”[/Color] Brandt turned to Charis and gave her and unexpected smile. Of course he had assumed that Charis was a Drakontos from the story that Rhema had told him earlier, but he did not realize that Rhema’s abilities manifested through the gift of healing. When she caught his eye, Brandt spoke to her, [Color=Lime]“I was unaware that you were a natural healer, Charis. And to develop such a natural gift from a red wyrm lineage is indeed quite rare. I can see why your people wanted to keep you alive and develop your family line through the means of the Provenience.”[/Color] Charis merely smiled at Brandt without offering up a response. Much of the information Ischarus was relaying was completely new for her as well. She had seen much of these talents develop before her eyes, but she had not fully understood her own people until meeting Ischarus. Their father dragon was not so much interested in explaining their gifts as he was exploiting them. Brandt continued, [Color=Lime]“Don’t take this the wrong way, of course, because I am glad that you were freed from the oppression and fear of living in the shadow of a great red wyrm. But in many respects I would be significantly interested had your people’s experiment taken hold and the gift of healing had spread through your people. A healer among the Drakontai of Quehalost is unusual indeed.”[/Color] Charis shifted on her feet and decided that it was time for her to sit down. As she moved to the chairs, Brandt watched as the others looked to follow and sit where only a short time ago Brandt had sat and spoken with Rhema. He held up a hand to stop them and spoke clearly. [Color=Lime]“Do not misunderstand my intentions, friends. But I really must ask that you not get terribly comfortable here. Much of the work that Ischarus and I have to do will have to be done alone. That does mean that Ischarus will need to stay alone with me in Fingerdale for a few days.”[/Color] [Sblock=Color-Free Speech Section] Chapter Seven: EXIGENCY From inside the wavering circle, the party could see none of the external effects. What quite literally happened from the perspective of those under Brandt’s spell was that in one instant they were huddled in a circle on the street and the very next instant they were standing in a circle around Brandt’s desk in his office. Their posture and position remained unchanged while their locale had changed completely. A huge grin passed over Semeion’s face and Charis couldn’t help but smile at the young mage’s reaction to the use of magic. “I have got to learn that spell!” Semeion made his explanation without thinking that he was actually speaking aloud. Brandt released the hands of those who were around him and looked back towards Semeion. “My guess, young friend, is that the power of the spell is a bit out of reach given your current understanding of magic. Teleportation magic is not something that you want to mess with until you know you can control it. You could end up zapping yourself miles off target. Or worse yet, you could end up teleporting yourself into the middle of the wall that makes up the room.” Rhema swallowed hard as Brandt described the possible effects. “No offense, then, but I am rather glad that you didn’t tell us that beforehand.” Brandt chuckled at Rhema’s thought. “There were no worries, Rhema. I was not teleporting far and I was teleporting into an area that I can quite easily say that I am familiar with. Both of those things were working in your favor. Besides,” Brandt added with a bit of a wink, “I haven’t had a missed teleportation attempt for several days.” Bracchius laughed out loud. “No doubt that is true if you are measuring days in terms of how time infinitely passes in the heavens! I would be shocked if you’ve missed a teleportation since you came here and took your charge, Brandt.” The four adventurers found themselves caught up in the fact that obviously Brandt and Bracchius had a working relationship of which they were not aware. Brandt replied to the temple healer while keeping the humor in his voice. “Well, I suppose you might be right. Weeks, then.” Ischarus joined in the laugh with Bracchius after Brandt’s latest remark. He knew Brandt hadn’t been working here forever, but he also knew that Brandt had been at the temple for as long as he could remember. Ischarus even thought that he remembered his mother telling him that she had been under Brandt’s tutelage. Bracchius turned and motioned to the four adventurers as he spoke next. “Well, I do believe that my work for the day has been done and your work is just beginning, Brandt. I’ll let myself out, then?” Brandt merely nodded and smiled and turned his attention to the party. As Bracchius left the room, he could hear Brandt beginning, “So, master Ischarus, you are the Drakontos who was told to seek me out. I believe that I can indeed help you in your personal quest, but you must understand that it may take a few days or a week for you to fully understand how to begin.” Semeion and Charis shared equally confused looks on their faces. Charis spoke before Semeion could formulate his thought. “Quest, Ischarus? You’re going on a personal quest? Did we miss something that happened when we were off for a time in the hospital seeking out Bracchius? Brandt interrupted before Ischarus could explain. From his tone and expression it was clear that Brandt had a healthy sense of humor and enjoyed speaking in less tan straightforward means. “Yes, it is likely that you two certainly did. But this is the first time that Ischarus and I have spoken.” Ischarus chuckled at Charis’ and Semeion’s expense. “I am a Drakontos, and you all know that. Many of our kind find that we develop certain talents according to our parentage when we reach a certain point in our maturity. The talents seldom develop until a few years after we have reached physical maturity. As you should no doubt expect the talents vary from Drakontos to Drakontos. Semeion was caught in the suspense of the new information. In some respects, deep inside his soul he even found himself wishing that he was Drakontos. He didn’t even know what the new talents could be, but there was a certain allure to Ischarus’ situation that appealed to him. Perhaps that was what had brought him to Master Sathwright’s side in the first place to learn the magic arts. As he thought about the possibilities and reflected them upon his own life he managed to bring himself to ask Brandt a question. “What kinds of abilities develop, Ischarus? Brandt leaned back, allowing Ischarus to field this question. He wore a genuinely curious expression and turned his body so that he could hear Ischarus’ answer clearly. From his expression Brandt revealed that Ischarus was going to tell more about himself than even Ischarus realized. Ischarus cleared his throat, winced in pain as he shifted positions so he could sit down, and began his answer. “It really depends on the Drakontos. As you know with Grick, some Drakontos develop innate abilities derived from the magical nature of dragons. Some become able to throw force around as if they were casting a spell. Apparently some also develop the ability to make people nauseous from a distance. Others of my race develop innate abilities of an arcane kind. They can control magic and spells as a part of their essence. Many who aspire to be wizards through deep study find that they gravitate toward certain areas of spells that are easier to decipher, memorize, and cast with heightened efficiency. Some find deeply rooted religious connections that dwell within their very being and can heal as Bracchius and Charis are able. In fact, I would not be surprised if Charis has already passed through her change when she learned that she was able to heal. Like humans, female Drakontos typically reach physical and emotional maturity before males.” Brandt turned to Charis and gave her and unexpected smile. Of course he had assumed that Charis was a Drakontos from the story that Rhema had told him earlier, but he did not realize that Rhema’s abilities manifested through the gift of healing. When she caught his eye, Brandt spoke to her, “I was unaware that you were a natural healer, Charis. And to develop such a natural gift from a red wyrm lineage is indeed quite rare. I can see why your people wanted to keep you alive and develop your family line through the means of the Provenience.” Charis merely smiled at Brandt without offering up a response. Much of the information Ischarus was relaying was completely new for her as well. She had seen much of these talents develop before her eyes, but she had not fully understood her own people until meeting Ischarus. Their father dragon was not so much interested in explaining their gifts as he was exploiting them. Brandt continued, “Don’t take this the wrong way, of course, because I am glad that you were freed from the oppression and fear of living in the shadow of a great red wyrm. But in many respects I would be significantly interested had your people’s experiment taken hold and the gift of healing had spread through your people. A healer among the Drakontai of Quehalost is unusual indeed.” Charis shifted on her feet and decided that it was time for her to sit down. As she moved to the chairs, Brandt watched as the others looked to follow and sit where only a short time ago Brandt had sat and spoken with Rhema. He held up a hand to stop them and spoke clearly. “Do not misunderstand my intentions, friends. But I really must ask that you not get terribly comfortable here. Much of the work that Ischarus and I have to do will have to be done alone. That does mean that Ischarus will need to stay alone with me in Fingerdale for a few days.”[/Sblock] [/QUOTE]
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