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Into the Moral Darkness: (Now a Completed Story!)
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<blockquote data-quote="Nonlethal Force" data-source="post: 3273081" data-attributes="member: 35788"><p><strong>Chapter One: THE CHANGING STATE OF CONJUGALITY</strong></p><p></p><p>It was almost summertime once more in the lands of Enigmatica. Ischarus knew that it would be time to begin another sequence of journeys into Quehalost as he turned and looked at himself in the mirror. <span style="color: LightBlue">“Yep, I’ve gained a few pounds over the winter and spring again. There’s nothing like a good trip into Quehalost to trim you up, though!”</span> Ischarus laughed as his eyes took in the sight.</p><p></p><p>He looked different than normal on this particular day. He wore a new leather jacket and new pants but this was certainly not what made him oddly dressed. The fact that the pants were fresh from being pressed helped make his appearance a bit on the odd side for him. Underneath his new leather jacket he had taken the time to button his shirt completely to the top. This also helped give him an appearance that was different than normal. Ischarus even wore a new pair of thin leather riding gloves upon his hands. But even above all the new clothing, what struck Ischarus as odd about himself was the fact that he was staring into a mirror and seeing trimmed and combed hair on the top of his head.</p><p></p><p>As Semeion stood beside him in matching clothing, he also noticed that Ischarus looked odd today. Semeion’s eyes were not focused on the clothing or the hairstyle that Ischarus wore, however. Rather, Semeion’s eyes focused on two large shields that rested at their feet. The shields were not for actual use since they had no handles with which to hold them. Rather, these shields had a single leather strap fastened to the top left and bottom right sides of the shield. These shields were designed to sling over one’s shoulders so that the shield rested properly along one’s back.</p><p></p><p>Semeion spoke as he lifted one of the shields up and slipped the strap over his shoulder. His words demonstrated that he was going to ignore Ischarus’ earlier comment about heading into Quehalost soon. <span style="color: Plum">“It was awful nice of Ausaphaborishan to donate two of his scales for the day, even if the scales do kind of remind me of something to make me look a bit like a turtle.”</span> He smiled as he admired his back in his own mirror.</p><p></p><p>Ischarus replied with a nod. <span style="color: LightBlue">“Indeed, you do look a bit like a turtle!”</span> Ischarus laughed teasingly as he admired the way that the lightly colored dragon scale accented the leather coat. <span style="color: LightBlue">“I’ll need to remember to complement Charis and Rhema on their ability to match the colors of the leather with that of my dragon father’s scales. They did an excellent job in designing these clothes for the day.”</span></p><p></p><p>Semeion smiled and nodded. The young mage put his own pair of thin riding gloves on and lifted Ischarus’ shield up from the floor. <span style="color: Plum">“Care to see what yours looks like upon your back, sir? The time is drawing near, you know.”</span></p><p></p><p>As Ischarus looked at the shield in Semeion’s hands he couldn’t help but smile in pride. The use of a dragon’s scales from the dragon father was a custom in all proper services involving servants of the virtuous dragons. The scales helped identify the dragon to which each of the servants belongs.</p><p></p><p>Semeion also looked at the shield. <span style="color: Plum">“I hope the donation of the scales was not a painful process.”</span></p><p></p><p>Ischarus smiled and replied. <span style="color: LightBlue">“While it is good of you to be concerned, the process is relatively pain free. In the same manner as snakes shed their outer scales, dragons also loose their scales from time to time. Some of the dragons lose their scales annually while others loose them less frequently. In any case, new scales are almost constantly growing up from the underside of the current scales. When they are hard enough and large enough, the old scales are simply sloughed off. In most communities of Drakontai, the scales are kept and honored among the people for times like these.”</span></p><p></p><p>Semeion smiled and hoisted Ischarus’ shield even higher. <span style="color: Plum">“Good to know! Now I don’t need to feel guilty about the pain caused to Ausaphaborishan so that I could wear it!”</span></p><p> </p><p>Ischarus looked nervously into the mirror once more before turning so that Semeion could slip the strap over his shoulder. In spite of Semeion’s conversation, his face revealed that his mind was on other matters. <span style="color: LightBlue">“You are sure that this is a smart idea, Semeion? I mean, we’ve known each other for the better part of a year and to be honest there’s no man in this land that I trust with my own life more than you. But are you absolutely sure that this is the right thing to do?”</span></p><p></p><p>Semeion smiled softly towards Ischarus. He was unaccustomed to this emotional side of the man who usually stepped forward with confidence against the duties of any given day. As he tried to understand Ischarus’ thoughts, Semeion spoke. <span style="color: Plum">“So, basically what you are telling me is that you can be confident drawing your sword and squaring off against someone who wants you dead. But when it comes to spending the rest of your life with a woman who’s shown she wants nothing more than to be at your side every day that you are going to be alive you get nervous?”</span></p><p></p><p>Ischarus frowned into the mirror. <span style="color: LightBlue">“I know that it doesn’t make sense, Semeion.”</span> Ischarus held out his hands in an empty gesture. <span style="color: LightBlue">“But I can’t help it. Sword fighting comes natural to me. Swinging that piece of steel around so that I am protecting the ones I love is easy. I can put my life in the path of danger time and time again without thinking about it. But this is different. This is life changing. This is something you don’t walk away from. Even if you want to compare our trips to Quehalost to this, it is different. We go in, we do our thing, and we walk away! There’s no walking away from this!”</span></p><p></p><p>Semeion shook his head as he chuckled at Ischarus’ oversimplification of their journeys into Quehalost. <span style="color: Plum">“It isn’t like we just walk away, Ischarus. One day we might not be so lucky. The land of Quehalost wants us dead every time we go in there. We might not always walk away. But you know that Rhema will always want you there. There won’t be any need to walk away from this in the first place!”</span></p><p></p><p>Ischarus looked back in the mirror. <span style="color: LightBlue">“I know. I know that you’re right. She’s a good woman. So is Charis, by the way. I guess it’s just different. I mean, what if we have kids? Or what if things don’t always go well between us? What happens if one of us should happen to not come back alive from Quehalost one of these trips?”</span></p><p></p><p>Semeion thumped his knuckles hard against the dragon scale that Ischarus wore to protect his back. <span style="color: Plum">“Hello? Is anyone even willing to think in here? I think you are over analyzing the situation, don’t you? Kids can be a blessing. Every married couple has their share of fights. And, I doubt marriage will mean that you’ll miss each other any more or less if one of you should happen to die in or out of Quehalost.”</span></p><p></p><p>Ischarus sighed deeply and turned to look Semeion in the face. He looked deep into Semeion’s eyes and smiled. <span style="color: LightBlue">“So, as the man who is going to stand beside me and vouch for my sanity, you are sure that this is a sane thing to do?”</span></p><p></p><p>Semeion laughed out loud and reached an arm around Ischarus. <span style="color: Plum">“Yes. This is one of the sanest things you could do for your life. Tomorrow you’ll wake up and life will begin anew. Trust me on this one, okay? Besides, couldn’t I ask you the same question?</span></p><p></p><p>Ischarus nodded and turned one more time to look in the mirror. This time he smiled. <span style="color: LightBlue">“I guess I don’t look too shabby after all.”</span> Ischarus turned and took several steps to the door.</p><p></p><p>Semeion coughed and spoke quickly before Ischarus could reach the door. <span style="color: Plum">“Uh, Ischarus? Don’t forget your sword. You wouldn’t want to go out there unprepared, after all.”</span> Semeion grinned broadly at the multi-layered nuances of his comment. The young mage reached out for Ischarus’ sword and scabbard and held it out for Ischarus to take.</p><p></p><p>As Ischarus took the sword and scabbard from Semeion he smiled and spoke in a highly sarcastic tone. <span style="color: LightBlue">“Nice.”</span> He securely strapped the belt that held his scabbard in place around his waist. He reached over and lifted Semeion’s scabbard up off of the shelf upon which it rested. <span style="color: LightBlue">“And your rapier, sir. I shall not have you unprepared should I be in need of a second!”</span></p><p></p><p>The men exchanged a healthy laugh and then gave each other a once over. Satisfied, they turned to the door that would lead them out of their chamber. From there it would be a simple walk down the hall and then out into Ausaphaborishan’s valley. Ischarus felt that it was good to be home in Barghost. He felt welcome among his people, and he was pleased to bring his friends among them. It would be a good day.</p><p></p><p>[Sblock=Color-Free Speech Section]</p><p>Chapter One: THE CHANGING STATE OF CONJUGALITY</p><p></p><p>It was almost summertime once more in the lands of Enigmatica. Ischarus knew that it would be time to begin another sequence of journeys into Quehalost as he turned and looked at himself in the mirror. “Yep, I’ve gained a few pounds over the winter and spring again. There’s nothing like a good trip into Quehalost to trim you up, though!” Ischarus laughed as his eyes took in the sight.</p><p></p><p>He looked different than normal on this particular day. He wore a new leather jacket and new pants but this was certainly not what made him oddly dressed. The fact that the pants were fresh from being pressed helped make his appearance a bit on the odd side for him. Underneath his new leather jacket he had taken the time to button his shirt completely to the top. This also helped give him an appearance that was different than normal. Ischarus even wore a new pair of thin leather riding gloves upon his hands. But even above all the new clothing, what struck Ischarus as odd about himself was the fact that he was staring into a mirror and seeing trimmed and combed hair on the top of his head.</p><p></p><p>As Semeion stood beside him in matching clothing, he also noticed that Ischarus looked odd today. Semeion’s eyes were not focused on the clothing or the hairstyle that Ischarus wore, however. Rather, Semeion’s eyes focused on two large shields that rested at their feet. The shields were not for actual use since they had no handles with which to hold them. Rather, these shields had a single leather strap fastened to the top left and bottom right sides of the shield. These shields were designed to sling over one’s shoulders so that the shield rested properly along one’s back.</p><p></p><p>Semeion spoke as he lifted one of the shields up and slipped the strap over his shoulder. His words demonstrated that he was going to ignore Ischarus’ earlier comment about heading into Quehalost soon. “It was awful nice of Ausaphaborishan to donate two of his scales for the day, even if the scales do kind of remind me of something to make me look a bit like a turtle.” He smiled as he admired his back in his own mirror.</p><p></p><p>Ischarus replied with a nod. “Indeed, you do look a bit like a turtle!” Ischarus laughed teasingly as he admired the way that the lightly colored dragon scale accented the leather coat. “I’ll need to remember to complement Charis and Rhema on their ability to match the colors of the leather with that of my dragon father’s scales. They did an excellent job in designing these clothes for the day.”</p><p></p><p>Semeion smiled and nodded. The young mage put his own pair of thin riding gloves on and lifted Ischarus’ shield up from the floor. “Care to see what yours looks like upon your back, sir? The time is drawing near, you know.”</p><p></p><p>As Ischarus looked at the shield in Semeion’s hands he couldn’t help but smile in pride. The use of a dragon’s scales from the dragon father was a custom in all proper services involving servants of the virtuous dragons. The scales helped identify the dragon to which each of the servants belongs.</p><p></p><p>Semeion also looked at the shield. “I hope the donation of the scales was not a painful process.”</p><p></p><p>Ischarus smiled and replied. “While it is good of you to be concerned, the process is relatively pain free. In the same manner as snakes shed their outer scales, dragons also loose their scales from time to time. Some of the dragons lose their scales annually while others loose them less frequently. In any case, new scales are almost constantly growing up from the underside of the current scales. When they are hard enough and large enough, the old scales are simply sloughed off. In most communities of Drakontai, the scales are kept and honored among the people for times like these.”</p><p></p><p>Semeion smiled and hoisted Ischarus’ shield even higher. “Good to know! Now I don’t need to feel guilty about the pain caused to Ausaphaborishan so that I could wear it!”</p><p></p><p>Ischarus looked nervously into the mirror once more before turning so that Semeion could slip the strap over his shoulder. In spite of Semeion’s conversation, his face revealed that his mind was on other matters. “You are sure that this is a smart idea, Semeion? I mean, we’ve known each other for the better part of a year and to be honest there’s no man in this land that I trust with my own life more than you. But are you absolutely sure that this is the right thing to do?”</p><p></p><p>Semeion smiled softly towards Ischarus. He was unaccustomed to this emotional side of the man who usually stepped forward with confidence against the duties of any given day. As he tried to understand Ischarus’ thoughts, Semeion spoke. “So, basically what you are telling me is that you can be confident drawing your sword and squaring off against someone who wants you dead. But when it comes to spending the rest of your life with a woman who’s shown she wants nothing more than to be at your side every day that you are going to be alive you get nervous?”</p><p></p><p>Ischarus frowned into the mirror. “I know that it doesn’t make sense, Semeion.” Ischarus held out his hands in an empty gesture. “But I can’t help it. Sword fighting comes natural to me. Swinging that piece of steel around so that I am protecting the ones I love is easy. I can put my life in the path of danger time and time again without thinking about it. But this is different. This is life changing. This is something you don’t walk away from. Even if you want to compare our trips to Quehalost to this, it is different. We go in, we do our thing, and we walk away! There’s no walking away from this!”</p><p></p><p>Semeion shook his head as he chuckled at Ischarus’ oversimplification of their journeys into Quehalost. “It isn’t like we just walk away, Ischarus. One day we might not be so lucky. The land of Quehalost wants us dead every time we go in there. We might not always walk away. But you know that Rhema will always want you there. There won’t be any need to walk away from this in the first place!”</p><p></p><p>Ischarus looked back in the mirror. “I know. I know that you’re right. She’s a good woman. So is Charis, by the way. I guess it’s just different. I mean, what if we have kids? Or what if things don’t always go well between us? What happens if one of us should happen to not come back alive from Quehalost one of these trips?”</p><p></p><p>Semeion thumped his knuckles hard against the dragon scale that Ischarus wore to protect his back. “Hello? Is anyone even willing to think in here? I think you are over analyzing the situation, don’t you? Kids can be a blessing. Every married couple has their share of fights. And, I doubt marriage will mean that you’ll miss each other any more or less if one of you should happen to die in or out of Quehalost.”</p><p></p><p>Ischarus sighed deeply and turned to look Semeion in the face. He looked deep into Semeion’s eyes and smiled. “So, as the man who is going to stand beside me and vouch for my sanity, you are sure that this is a sane thing to do?”</p><p></p><p>Semeion laughed out loud and reached an arm around Ischarus. “Yes. This is one of the sanest things you could do for your life. Tomorrow you’ll wake up and life will begin anew. Trust me on this one, okay? Besides, couldn’t I ask you the same question?</p><p></p><p>Ischarus nodded and turned one more time to look in the mirror. This time he smiled. “I guess I don’t look too shabby after all.” Ischarus turned and took several steps to the door.</p><p></p><p>Semeion coughed and spoke quickly before Ischarus could reach the door. “Uh, Ischarus? Don’t forget your sword. You wouldn’t want to go out there unprepared, after all.” Semeion grinned broadly at the multi-layered nuances of his comment. The young mage reached out for Ischarus’ sword and scabbard and held it out for Ischarus to take.</p><p></p><p>As Ischarus took the sword and scabbard from Semeion he smiled and spoke in a highly sarcastic tone. “Nice.” He securely strapped the belt that held his scabbard in place around his waist. He reached over and lifted Semeion’s scabbard up off of the shelf upon which it rested. “And your rapier, sir. I shall not have you unprepared should I be in need of a second!”</p><p></p><p>The men exchanged a healthy laugh and then gave each other a once over. Satisfied, they turned to the door that would lead them out of their chamber. From there it would be a simple walk down the hall and then out into Ausaphaborishan’s valley. Ischarus felt that it was good to be home in Barghost. He felt welcome among his people, and he was pleased to bring his friends among them. It would be a good day.</p><p>[/Sblock]</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Nonlethal Force, post: 3273081, member: 35788"] [B]Chapter One: THE CHANGING STATE OF CONJUGALITY[/B] It was almost summertime once more in the lands of Enigmatica. Ischarus knew that it would be time to begin another sequence of journeys into Quehalost as he turned and looked at himself in the mirror. [Color=LightBlue]“Yep, I’ve gained a few pounds over the winter and spring again. There’s nothing like a good trip into Quehalost to trim you up, though!”[/Color] Ischarus laughed as his eyes took in the sight. He looked different than normal on this particular day. He wore a new leather jacket and new pants but this was certainly not what made him oddly dressed. The fact that the pants were fresh from being pressed helped make his appearance a bit on the odd side for him. Underneath his new leather jacket he had taken the time to button his shirt completely to the top. This also helped give him an appearance that was different than normal. Ischarus even wore a new pair of thin leather riding gloves upon his hands. But even above all the new clothing, what struck Ischarus as odd about himself was the fact that he was staring into a mirror and seeing trimmed and combed hair on the top of his head. As Semeion stood beside him in matching clothing, he also noticed that Ischarus looked odd today. Semeion’s eyes were not focused on the clothing or the hairstyle that Ischarus wore, however. Rather, Semeion’s eyes focused on two large shields that rested at their feet. The shields were not for actual use since they had no handles with which to hold them. Rather, these shields had a single leather strap fastened to the top left and bottom right sides of the shield. These shields were designed to sling over one’s shoulders so that the shield rested properly along one’s back. Semeion spoke as he lifted one of the shields up and slipped the strap over his shoulder. His words demonstrated that he was going to ignore Ischarus’ earlier comment about heading into Quehalost soon. [Color=Plum]“It was awful nice of Ausaphaborishan to donate two of his scales for the day, even if the scales do kind of remind me of something to make me look a bit like a turtle.”[/Color] He smiled as he admired his back in his own mirror. Ischarus replied with a nod. [Color=LightBlue]“Indeed, you do look a bit like a turtle!”[/Color] Ischarus laughed teasingly as he admired the way that the lightly colored dragon scale accented the leather coat. [Color=LightBlue]“I’ll need to remember to complement Charis and Rhema on their ability to match the colors of the leather with that of my dragon father’s scales. They did an excellent job in designing these clothes for the day.”[/Color] Semeion smiled and nodded. The young mage put his own pair of thin riding gloves on and lifted Ischarus’ shield up from the floor. [Color=Plum]“Care to see what yours looks like upon your back, sir? The time is drawing near, you know.”[/Color] As Ischarus looked at the shield in Semeion’s hands he couldn’t help but smile in pride. The use of a dragon’s scales from the dragon father was a custom in all proper services involving servants of the virtuous dragons. The scales helped identify the dragon to which each of the servants belongs. Semeion also looked at the shield. [Color=Plum]“I hope the donation of the scales was not a painful process.”[/Color] Ischarus smiled and replied. [Color=LightBlue]“While it is good of you to be concerned, the process is relatively pain free. In the same manner as snakes shed their outer scales, dragons also loose their scales from time to time. Some of the dragons lose their scales annually while others loose them less frequently. In any case, new scales are almost constantly growing up from the underside of the current scales. When they are hard enough and large enough, the old scales are simply sloughed off. In most communities of Drakontai, the scales are kept and honored among the people for times like these.”[/Color] Semeion smiled and hoisted Ischarus’ shield even higher. [Color=Plum]“Good to know! Now I don’t need to feel guilty about the pain caused to Ausaphaborishan so that I could wear it!”[/Color] Ischarus looked nervously into the mirror once more before turning so that Semeion could slip the strap over his shoulder. In spite of Semeion’s conversation, his face revealed that his mind was on other matters. [Color=LightBlue]“You are sure that this is a smart idea, Semeion? I mean, we’ve known each other for the better part of a year and to be honest there’s no man in this land that I trust with my own life more than you. But are you absolutely sure that this is the right thing to do?”[/Color] Semeion smiled softly towards Ischarus. He was unaccustomed to this emotional side of the man who usually stepped forward with confidence against the duties of any given day. As he tried to understand Ischarus’ thoughts, Semeion spoke. [Color=Plum]“So, basically what you are telling me is that you can be confident drawing your sword and squaring off against someone who wants you dead. But when it comes to spending the rest of your life with a woman who’s shown she wants nothing more than to be at your side every day that you are going to be alive you get nervous?”[/Color] Ischarus frowned into the mirror. [Color=LightBlue]“I know that it doesn’t make sense, Semeion.”[/Color] Ischarus held out his hands in an empty gesture. [Color=LightBlue]“But I can’t help it. Sword fighting comes natural to me. Swinging that piece of steel around so that I am protecting the ones I love is easy. I can put my life in the path of danger time and time again without thinking about it. But this is different. This is life changing. This is something you don’t walk away from. Even if you want to compare our trips to Quehalost to this, it is different. We go in, we do our thing, and we walk away! There’s no walking away from this!”[/Color] Semeion shook his head as he chuckled at Ischarus’ oversimplification of their journeys into Quehalost. [Color=Plum]“It isn’t like we just walk away, Ischarus. One day we might not be so lucky. The land of Quehalost wants us dead every time we go in there. We might not always walk away. But you know that Rhema will always want you there. There won’t be any need to walk away from this in the first place!”[/Color] Ischarus looked back in the mirror. [Color=LightBlue]“I know. I know that you’re right. She’s a good woman. So is Charis, by the way. I guess it’s just different. I mean, what if we have kids? Or what if things don’t always go well between us? What happens if one of us should happen to not come back alive from Quehalost one of these trips?”[/Color] Semeion thumped his knuckles hard against the dragon scale that Ischarus wore to protect his back. [Color=Plum]“Hello? Is anyone even willing to think in here? I think you are over analyzing the situation, don’t you? Kids can be a blessing. Every married couple has their share of fights. And, I doubt marriage will mean that you’ll miss each other any more or less if one of you should happen to die in or out of Quehalost.”[/Color] Ischarus sighed deeply and turned to look Semeion in the face. He looked deep into Semeion’s eyes and smiled. [Color=LightBlue]“So, as the man who is going to stand beside me and vouch for my sanity, you are sure that this is a sane thing to do?”[/Color] Semeion laughed out loud and reached an arm around Ischarus. [Color=Plum]“Yes. This is one of the sanest things you could do for your life. Tomorrow you’ll wake up and life will begin anew. Trust me on this one, okay? Besides, couldn’t I ask you the same question?[/Color] Ischarus nodded and turned one more time to look in the mirror. This time he smiled. [Color=LightBlue]“I guess I don’t look too shabby after all.”[/Color] Ischarus turned and took several steps to the door. Semeion coughed and spoke quickly before Ischarus could reach the door. [Color=Plum]“Uh, Ischarus? Don’t forget your sword. You wouldn’t want to go out there unprepared, after all.”[/Color] Semeion grinned broadly at the multi-layered nuances of his comment. The young mage reached out for Ischarus’ sword and scabbard and held it out for Ischarus to take. As Ischarus took the sword and scabbard from Semeion he smiled and spoke in a highly sarcastic tone. [Color=LightBlue]“Nice.”[/Color] He securely strapped the belt that held his scabbard in place around his waist. He reached over and lifted Semeion’s scabbard up off of the shelf upon which it rested. [Color=LightBlue]“And your rapier, sir. I shall not have you unprepared should I be in need of a second!”[/Color] The men exchanged a healthy laugh and then gave each other a once over. Satisfied, they turned to the door that would lead them out of their chamber. From there it would be a simple walk down the hall and then out into Ausaphaborishan’s valley. Ischarus felt that it was good to be home in Barghost. He felt welcome among his people, and he was pleased to bring his friends among them. It would be a good day. [Sblock=Color-Free Speech Section] Chapter One: THE CHANGING STATE OF CONJUGALITY It was almost summertime once more in the lands of Enigmatica. Ischarus knew that it would be time to begin another sequence of journeys into Quehalost as he turned and looked at himself in the mirror. “Yep, I’ve gained a few pounds over the winter and spring again. There’s nothing like a good trip into Quehalost to trim you up, though!” Ischarus laughed as his eyes took in the sight. He looked different than normal on this particular day. He wore a new leather jacket and new pants but this was certainly not what made him oddly dressed. The fact that the pants were fresh from being pressed helped make his appearance a bit on the odd side for him. Underneath his new leather jacket he had taken the time to button his shirt completely to the top. This also helped give him an appearance that was different than normal. Ischarus even wore a new pair of thin leather riding gloves upon his hands. But even above all the new clothing, what struck Ischarus as odd about himself was the fact that he was staring into a mirror and seeing trimmed and combed hair on the top of his head. As Semeion stood beside him in matching clothing, he also noticed that Ischarus looked odd today. Semeion’s eyes were not focused on the clothing or the hairstyle that Ischarus wore, however. Rather, Semeion’s eyes focused on two large shields that rested at their feet. The shields were not for actual use since they had no handles with which to hold them. Rather, these shields had a single leather strap fastened to the top left and bottom right sides of the shield. These shields were designed to sling over one’s shoulders so that the shield rested properly along one’s back. Semeion spoke as he lifted one of the shields up and slipped the strap over his shoulder. His words demonstrated that he was going to ignore Ischarus’ earlier comment about heading into Quehalost soon. “It was awful nice of Ausaphaborishan to donate two of his scales for the day, even if the scales do kind of remind me of something to make me look a bit like a turtle.” He smiled as he admired his back in his own mirror. Ischarus replied with a nod. “Indeed, you do look a bit like a turtle!” Ischarus laughed teasingly as he admired the way that the lightly colored dragon scale accented the leather coat. “I’ll need to remember to complement Charis and Rhema on their ability to match the colors of the leather with that of my dragon father’s scales. They did an excellent job in designing these clothes for the day.” Semeion smiled and nodded. The young mage put his own pair of thin riding gloves on and lifted Ischarus’ shield up from the floor. “Care to see what yours looks like upon your back, sir? The time is drawing near, you know.” As Ischarus looked at the shield in Semeion’s hands he couldn’t help but smile in pride. The use of a dragon’s scales from the dragon father was a custom in all proper services involving servants of the virtuous dragons. The scales helped identify the dragon to which each of the servants belongs. Semeion also looked at the shield. “I hope the donation of the scales was not a painful process.” Ischarus smiled and replied. “While it is good of you to be concerned, the process is relatively pain free. In the same manner as snakes shed their outer scales, dragons also loose their scales from time to time. Some of the dragons lose their scales annually while others loose them less frequently. In any case, new scales are almost constantly growing up from the underside of the current scales. When they are hard enough and large enough, the old scales are simply sloughed off. In most communities of Drakontai, the scales are kept and honored among the people for times like these.” Semeion smiled and hoisted Ischarus’ shield even higher. “Good to know! Now I don’t need to feel guilty about the pain caused to Ausaphaborishan so that I could wear it!” Ischarus looked nervously into the mirror once more before turning so that Semeion could slip the strap over his shoulder. In spite of Semeion’s conversation, his face revealed that his mind was on other matters. “You are sure that this is a smart idea, Semeion? I mean, we’ve known each other for the better part of a year and to be honest there’s no man in this land that I trust with my own life more than you. But are you absolutely sure that this is the right thing to do?” Semeion smiled softly towards Ischarus. He was unaccustomed to this emotional side of the man who usually stepped forward with confidence against the duties of any given day. As he tried to understand Ischarus’ thoughts, Semeion spoke. “So, basically what you are telling me is that you can be confident drawing your sword and squaring off against someone who wants you dead. But when it comes to spending the rest of your life with a woman who’s shown she wants nothing more than to be at your side every day that you are going to be alive you get nervous?” Ischarus frowned into the mirror. “I know that it doesn’t make sense, Semeion.” Ischarus held out his hands in an empty gesture. “But I can’t help it. Sword fighting comes natural to me. Swinging that piece of steel around so that I am protecting the ones I love is easy. I can put my life in the path of danger time and time again without thinking about it. But this is different. This is life changing. This is something you don’t walk away from. Even if you want to compare our trips to Quehalost to this, it is different. We go in, we do our thing, and we walk away! There’s no walking away from this!” Semeion shook his head as he chuckled at Ischarus’ oversimplification of their journeys into Quehalost. “It isn’t like we just walk away, Ischarus. One day we might not be so lucky. The land of Quehalost wants us dead every time we go in there. We might not always walk away. But you know that Rhema will always want you there. There won’t be any need to walk away from this in the first place!” Ischarus looked back in the mirror. “I know. I know that you’re right. She’s a good woman. So is Charis, by the way. I guess it’s just different. I mean, what if we have kids? Or what if things don’t always go well between us? What happens if one of us should happen to not come back alive from Quehalost one of these trips?” Semeion thumped his knuckles hard against the dragon scale that Ischarus wore to protect his back. “Hello? Is anyone even willing to think in here? I think you are over analyzing the situation, don’t you? Kids can be a blessing. Every married couple has their share of fights. And, I doubt marriage will mean that you’ll miss each other any more or less if one of you should happen to die in or out of Quehalost.” Ischarus sighed deeply and turned to look Semeion in the face. He looked deep into Semeion’s eyes and smiled. “So, as the man who is going to stand beside me and vouch for my sanity, you are sure that this is a sane thing to do?” Semeion laughed out loud and reached an arm around Ischarus. “Yes. This is one of the sanest things you could do for your life. Tomorrow you’ll wake up and life will begin anew. Trust me on this one, okay? Besides, couldn’t I ask you the same question? Ischarus nodded and turned one more time to look in the mirror. This time he smiled. “I guess I don’t look too shabby after all.” Ischarus turned and took several steps to the door. Semeion coughed and spoke quickly before Ischarus could reach the door. “Uh, Ischarus? Don’t forget your sword. You wouldn’t want to go out there unprepared, after all.” Semeion grinned broadly at the multi-layered nuances of his comment. The young mage reached out for Ischarus’ sword and scabbard and held it out for Ischarus to take. As Ischarus took the sword and scabbard from Semeion he smiled and spoke in a highly sarcastic tone. “Nice.” He securely strapped the belt that held his scabbard in place around his waist. He reached over and lifted Semeion’s scabbard up off of the shelf upon which it rested. “And your rapier, sir. I shall not have you unprepared should I be in need of a second!” The men exchanged a healthy laugh and then gave each other a once over. Satisfied, they turned to the door that would lead them out of their chamber. From there it would be a simple walk down the hall and then out into Ausaphaborishan’s valley. Ischarus felt that it was good to be home in Barghost. He felt welcome among his people, and he was pleased to bring his friends among them. It would be a good day. [/Sblock] [/QUOTE]
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