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<blockquote data-quote="Nonlethal Force" data-source="post: 3047648" data-attributes="member: 35788"><p>Rhema’s head shook slightly in an affirmative motion in response to Ischarus’ grim assertion. <span style="color: PaleGreen">“Yeah. The hands were extended and tied to the stakes. The legs were also extended and tied. That circular burn mark there must be the head.”</span> Her hand shook slightly as she gestured to a small burned spot on the stone. <span style="color: PaleGreen">“Who would do such a thing as this?”</span></p><p></p><p>Ischarus replied calmly. <span style="color: LightBlue">“Have you forgotten where we are, Rhema?”</span> It was a rhetorical question, but Ischarus had said it anyway. <span style="color: LightBlue">“Here they don’t play with the same set of rules that we do, Rhema. Their rules are a bit more lethal and unforgiving than what we’re accustomed to.”</span></p><p></p><p>A glint of reflected light caught Ischarus’ attention. The brief shimmer had come from a location a few feet into the trees on the other side of the stone slab. He stepped toward the light and directed Rhema to keep from following. <span style="color: LightBlue">“Stay here and watch out for trouble.”</span></p><p></p><p>Rhema looked to Ischarus and raised an eyebrow in curiosity. <span style="color: PaleGreen">“Uh, okay. Where are you going?”</span></p><p></p><p>Her question went unanswered as Ischarus let his movement speak for him. He rounded the stone slab and stood between the stone and the tree line. He waited again for the glint of reflected light and when the natural winds blew just right he caught sight of it again. He thrust his hand deep into the undergrowth of the forest and clamped down tightly when he felt something that wasn’t a tree. As he pulled out the object he saw clearly what it was. </p><p></p><p>A small laugh escaped his mouth before he began to speak. <span style="color: LightBlue">“Well that’s interesting, although not unexpected. This axe is of a goblin make.”</span> He held in his hand a very primitive looking instrument. The highly polished flint blade that had reflected the light was held in place by a significant solid wood handle and a few ropes that had been made from vine fiber.</p><p></p><p>As Ischarus examined the axe and before Rhema could interrupt him, a strong wind blew through this area of the forest. The wind assaulted both Ischarus and Rhema, blowing Rhema’s hair so strongly that it often lay horizontal out from her head.</p><p></p><p>Rhema cupped her hands over her mouth to yell in Ischarus’ direction. <span style="color: PaleGreen">“I think you’ve found something significant, Ischarus. I’m just not sure if that is a good or bad thing!”</span></p><p></p><p>Ischarus could barely hear Rhema shouting over the howling wind. He contemplated putting the axe back but decided against it. As the wind blew, he approached the stone slab and set the primitive axe upon the stone. Immediately the wind silenced into perfect calm. Both Rhema and Ischarus nearly fell over as the force of the wind was removed. Neither realized the force that was required to brace themselves against it.</p><p></p><p>A strange voice erupted from among the trees. <span style="color: Lime">“Well done, people of Tongra.”</span></p><p></p><p>The voice came from the same direction as the wind that had just stopped. In an instant Rhema turned to face the voice and she let out a startled yell. Ischarus had his sword drawn in a flash and pivoted to prepare himself to deflect a blow. He was not prepared for what his eyes saw before him.</p><p></p><p>Rhema had been right before. The image that stood before them was in fact semi-transparent. Ischarus looked on in interest as his eyes made sense of the figure. The figure was completely monochromatic. A light gray colored the figure’s hands, feet, skin, eyes, and clothing. The forest behind him appeared to be a blending of the natural green and the light gray from his skin. The figure wore leather armor and had a sword attached to his belt just above his left hip. On the opposite side of his belt was a hammer. Both of these weapons were light gray and semi-transparent as well.</p><p></p><p>Underneath the light gray armor the figure wore what appeared to be a simple shirt. The shirt was also of a light gray coloration. His feet had simple traveling boots upon them and his head donned a simple leather cap that covered his short hair and protected his ears. Perhaps what made this figure more real than anything was the way that the eyes blinked naturally.</p><p></p><p>Rhema spoke through a trembling voice. <span style="color: PaleGreen">“Forgive me, but I think you have us at a tremendous disadvantage. Would you care to tell us why we are here?”</span> He hand was extended forward, ready to launch another one of her mental assaults upon this figure. She had no idea of whether or not that kind of attack would even work against the ghostly image.</p><p></p><p>Ischarus likewise kept his sword drawn and in position. He was even more unsure than Rhema as to what effectiveness his sword would have against this figure, but the comfort of feeling the hilt within his grasp and the support of the pommel below his fingers comforted him in this time of uncertainty. He swallowed hard as he waited for the figure to speak once more.</p><p></p><p>The figure smiled, and as it did its lips parted slightly. Behind these lips sat a neat set of light-gray teeth. Once again these teeth were exactly the color of the rest of the figure’s body and clothing. It held out its hands in a peaceful gesture and finally spoke. <span style="color: Lime">“You’ll not need those weapons with me. Even your mental attacks will not reach me, Rhema.”</span></p><p></p><p>Ischarus jumped to the defensive and ignored the figure’s comment about the weapons. He held the sword more directly toward the light gray figure and coldly questioned him. <span style="color: LightBlue">“How do you know her name?”</span></p><p></p><p>The figure neither backed down nor showed any fear of Ischarus’ increasingly threatening posture. <span style="color: Lime">“I have been listening to you all for several hours, now. I know all of your names. You are Ischarus. You even left Semeion and Charis back at the horses. I know these things; I have been traveling with you this whole day.”</span></p><p></p><p>Rhema dropped her hands, more in amazement than out of truly understanding that her attacks couldn’t harm this figure. <span style="color: PaleGreen">“Are you the one that Ischarus has been sensing this whole day?”</span></p><p></p><p>The figure nodded. <span style="color: Lime">“I am the same.”</span></p><p></p><p>Ischarus emitted a low growl. <span style="color: LightBlue">“Then why have you waited until now to make yourself seen? I could feel you!”</span></p><p></p><p>A sudden look of deep sadness passed over the figure’s face as he looked at the stone slab between Ischarus and Rhema. <span style="color: Lime">“I was drawn to your presence as soon as you broke free of the tunnels and entered Quehalost. I have been searching for anyone with a pure heart for what you both feel as the passage of several months. But I had to know if you were capable of caring, first.”</span></p><p></p><p>Rhema was moved by the figure’s look. <span style="color: PaleGreen">“Caring? We are here because you gave us no other option!”</span> At this point she began to care much less about the fact that she was talking to a very unnatural figure and more about finding out the nature of this figure’s puzzle.</p><p></p><p>The figure replied in a calm manner. <span style="color: Lime">“Yes, Rhema. I needed to know if you were capable of caring about my cause. You see, this stone is the last thing that I ever saw.”</span></p><p></p><p>Ischarus began to question the ghostly figure’s assertion, but Rhema beat him to the punch. <span style="color: PaleGreen">“Saw? I mean, are you really telling us that you are dead?”</span></p><p></p><p>The figure chuckled, its light gray shoulders rising and falling as the look of remorse passed from its face. His face took on a look of amusement. <span style="color: Lime">“Forgive me for laughing, I know this is difficult for you to believe. But I am amused that it sounds so shocking to you. I took me the better part of what you now call a year to accept that reality. For me, time is meaningless. But yes, I have come to terms with the fact that I am indeed dead.”</span></p><p></p><p>Ischarus and Rhema each glanced at the other person, exchanging looks of confusion. Ischarus spoke first. <span style="color: LightBlue">“But, if you’re dead …”</span></p><p></p><p>The amusement passed from the figure’s expression and it once more turned to sorrow as he focused upon the stone. <span style="color: Lime">“Then what am I still doing walking the forests of Quehalost?”</span></p><p></p><p>Without even thinking about it, Rhema agreed as she exhaled. <span style="color: PaleGreen">“Yeah.”</span></p><p></p><p>The figure spoke, continuing to stare at the stone. <span style="color: Lime">“That is why I needed to know that you were capable of caring. If you are willing, I will share my story with you – and why I believe that I am still attached to this world and unable to move on.”</span></p><p></p><p>[Sblock=Color-Free Speech Section]</p><p>Rhema’s head shook slightly in an affirmative motion in response to Ischarus’ grim assertion. “Yeah. The hands were extended and tied to the stakes. The legs were also extended and tied. That circular burn mark there must be the head.” Her hand shook slightly as she gestured to a small burned spot on the stone. “Who would do such a thing as this?”</p><p></p><p>Ischarus replied calmly. “Have you forgotten where we are, Rhema?” It was a rhetorical question, but Ischarus had said it anyway. “Here they don’t play with the same set of rules that we do, Rhema. Their rules are a bit more lethal and unforgiving than what we’re accustomed to.”</p><p></p><p>A glint of reflected light caught Ischarus’ attention. The brief shimmer had come from a location a few feet into the trees on the other side of the stone slab. He stepped toward the light and directed Rhema to keep from following. “Stay here and watch out for trouble.”</p><p></p><p>Rhema looked to Ischarus and raised an eyebrow in curiosity. “Uh, okay. Where are you going?”</p><p></p><p>Her question went unanswered as Ischarus let his movement speak for him. He rounded the stone slab and stood between the stone and the tree line. He waited again for the glint of reflected light and when the natural winds blew just right he caught sight of it again. He thrust his hand deep into the undergrowth of the forest and clamped down tightly when he felt something that wasn’t a tree. As he pulled out the object he saw clearly what it was. </p><p></p><p>A small laugh escaped his mouth before he began to speak. “Well that’s interesting, although not unexpected. This axe is of a goblin make.” He held in his hand a very primitive looking instrument. The highly polished flint blade that had reflected the light was held in place by a significant solid wood handle and a few ropes that had been made from vine fiber.</p><p></p><p>As Ischarus examined the axe and before Rhema could interrupt him, a strong wind blew through this area of the forest. The wind assaulted both Ischarus and Rhema, blowing Rhema’s hair so strongly that it often lay horizontal out from her head.</p><p></p><p>Rhema cupped her hands over her mouth to yell in Ischarus’ direction. “I think you’ve found something significant, Ischarus. I’m just not sure if that is a good or bad thing!”</p><p></p><p>Ischarus could barely hear Rhema shouting over the howling wind. He contemplated putting the axe back but decided against it. As the wind blew, he approached the stone slab and set the primitive axe upon the stone. Immediately the wind silenced into perfect calm. Both Rhema and Ischarus nearly fell over as the force of the wind was removed. Neither realized the force that was required to brace themselves against it.</p><p></p><p>A strange voice erupted from among the trees. “Well done, people of Tongra.”</p><p></p><p>The voice came from the same direction as the wind that had just stopped. In an instant Rhema turned to face the voice and she let out a startled yell. Ischarus had his sword drawn in a flash and pivoted to prepare himself to deflect a blow. He was not prepared for what his eyes saw before him.</p><p></p><p>Rhema had been right before. The image that stood before them was in fact semi-transparent. Ischarus looked on in interest as his eyes made sense of the figure. The figure was completely monochromatic. A light gray colored the figure’s hands, feet, skin, eyes, and clothing. The forest behind him appeared to be a blending of the natural green and the light gray from his skin. The figure wore leather armor and had a sword attached to his belt just above his left hip. On the opposite side of his belt was a hammer. Both of these weapons were light gray and semi-transparent as well.</p><p></p><p>Underneath the light gray armor the figure wore what appeared to be a simple shirt. The shirt was also of a light gray coloration. His feet had simple traveling boots upon them and his head donned a simple leather cap that covered his short hair and protected his ears. Perhaps what made this figure more real than anything was the way that the eyes blinked naturally.</p><p></p><p>Rhema spoke through a trembling voice. “Forgive me, but I think you have us at a tremendous disadvantage. Would you care to tell us why we are here?” He hand was extended forward, ready to launch another one of her mental assaults upon this figure. She had no idea of whether or not that kind of attack would even work against the ghostly image.</p><p></p><p>Ischarus likewise kept his sword drawn and in position. He was even more unsure than Rhema as to what effectiveness his sword would have against this figure, but the comfort of feeling the hilt within his grasp and the support of the pommel below his fingers comforted him in this time of uncertainty. He swallowed hard as he waited for the figure to speak once more.</p><p></p><p>The figure smiled, and as it did its lips parted slightly. Behind these lips sat a neat set of light-gray teeth. Once again these teeth were exactly the color of the rest of the figure’s body and clothing. It held out its hands in a peaceful gesture and finally spoke. “You’ll not need those weapons with me. Even your mental attacks will not reach me, Rhema.”</p><p></p><p>Ischarus jumped to the defensive and ignored the figure’s comment about the weapons. He held the sword more directly toward the light gray figure and coldly questioned him. “How do you know her name?”</p><p></p><p>The figure neither backed down nor showed any fear of Ischarus’ increasingly threatening posture. “I have been listening to you all for several hours, now. I know all of your names. You are Ischarus. You even left Semeion and Charis back at the horses. I know these things; I have been traveling with you this whole day.”</p><p></p><p>Rhema dropped her hands, more in amazement than out of truly understanding that her attacks couldn’t harm this figure. “Are you the one that Ischarus has been sensing this whole day?”</p><p></p><p>The figure nodded. “I am the same.”</p><p></p><p>Ischarus emitted a low growl. “Then why have you waited until now to make yourself seen? I could feel you!”</p><p></p><p>A sudden look of deep sadness passed over the figure’s face as he looked at the stone slab between Ischarus and Rhema. “I was drawn to your presence as soon as you broke free of the tunnels and entered Quehalost. I have been searching for anyone with a pure heart for what you both feel as the passage of several months. But I had to know if you were capable of caring, first.”</p><p></p><p>Rhema was moved by the figure’s look. “Caring? We are here because you gave us no other option!” At this point she began to care much less about the fact that she was talking to a very unnatural figure and more about finding out the nature of this figure’s puzzle.</p><p></p><p>The figure replied in a calm manner. “Yes, Rhema. I needed to know if you were capable of caring about my cause. You see, this stone is the last thing that I ever saw.”</p><p></p><p>Ischarus began to question the ghostly figure’s assertion, but Rhema beat him to the punch. “Saw? I mean, are you really telling us that you are dead?”</p><p></p><p>The figure chuckled, its light gray shoulders rising and falling as the look of remorse passed from its face. His face took on a look of amusement. “Forgive me for laughing, I know this is difficult for you to believe. But I am amused that it sounds so shocking to you. I took me the better part of what you now call a year to accept that reality. For me, time is meaningless. But yes, I have come to terms with the fact that I am indeed dead.”</p><p></p><p>Ischarus and Rhema each glanced at the other person, exchanging looks of confusion. Ischarus spoke first. “But, if you’re dead …”</p><p></p><p>The amusement passed from the figure’s expression and it once more turned to sorrow as he focused upon the stone. “Then what am I still doing walking the forests of Quehalost?”</p><p></p><p>Without even thinking about it, Rhema agreed as she exhaled. “Yeah.”</p><p></p><p>The figure spoke, continuing to stare at the stone. “That is why I needed to know that you were capable of caring. If you are willing, I will share my story with you – and why I believe that I am still attached to this world and unable to move on.”[/Sblock]</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Nonlethal Force, post: 3047648, member: 35788"] Rhema’s head shook slightly in an affirmative motion in response to Ischarus’ grim assertion. [Color=PaleGreen]“Yeah. The hands were extended and tied to the stakes. The legs were also extended and tied. That circular burn mark there must be the head.”[/Color] Her hand shook slightly as she gestured to a small burned spot on the stone. [Color=PaleGreen]“Who would do such a thing as this?”[/Color] Ischarus replied calmly. [Color=LightBlue]“Have you forgotten where we are, Rhema?”[/Color] It was a rhetorical question, but Ischarus had said it anyway. [Color=LightBlue]“Here they don’t play with the same set of rules that we do, Rhema. Their rules are a bit more lethal and unforgiving than what we’re accustomed to.”[/Color] A glint of reflected light caught Ischarus’ attention. The brief shimmer had come from a location a few feet into the trees on the other side of the stone slab. He stepped toward the light and directed Rhema to keep from following. [Color=LightBlue]“Stay here and watch out for trouble.”[/Color] Rhema looked to Ischarus and raised an eyebrow in curiosity. [Color=PaleGreen]“Uh, okay. Where are you going?”[/Color] Her question went unanswered as Ischarus let his movement speak for him. He rounded the stone slab and stood between the stone and the tree line. He waited again for the glint of reflected light and when the natural winds blew just right he caught sight of it again. He thrust his hand deep into the undergrowth of the forest and clamped down tightly when he felt something that wasn’t a tree. As he pulled out the object he saw clearly what it was. A small laugh escaped his mouth before he began to speak. [Color=LightBlue]“Well that’s interesting, although not unexpected. This axe is of a goblin make.”[/Color] He held in his hand a very primitive looking instrument. The highly polished flint blade that had reflected the light was held in place by a significant solid wood handle and a few ropes that had been made from vine fiber. As Ischarus examined the axe and before Rhema could interrupt him, a strong wind blew through this area of the forest. The wind assaulted both Ischarus and Rhema, blowing Rhema’s hair so strongly that it often lay horizontal out from her head. Rhema cupped her hands over her mouth to yell in Ischarus’ direction. [Color=PaleGreen]“I think you’ve found something significant, Ischarus. I’m just not sure if that is a good or bad thing!”[/Color] Ischarus could barely hear Rhema shouting over the howling wind. He contemplated putting the axe back but decided against it. As the wind blew, he approached the stone slab and set the primitive axe upon the stone. Immediately the wind silenced into perfect calm. Both Rhema and Ischarus nearly fell over as the force of the wind was removed. Neither realized the force that was required to brace themselves against it. A strange voice erupted from among the trees. [Color=Lime]“Well done, people of Tongra.”[/Color] The voice came from the same direction as the wind that had just stopped. In an instant Rhema turned to face the voice and she let out a startled yell. Ischarus had his sword drawn in a flash and pivoted to prepare himself to deflect a blow. He was not prepared for what his eyes saw before him. Rhema had been right before. The image that stood before them was in fact semi-transparent. Ischarus looked on in interest as his eyes made sense of the figure. The figure was completely monochromatic. A light gray colored the figure’s hands, feet, skin, eyes, and clothing. The forest behind him appeared to be a blending of the natural green and the light gray from his skin. The figure wore leather armor and had a sword attached to his belt just above his left hip. On the opposite side of his belt was a hammer. Both of these weapons were light gray and semi-transparent as well. Underneath the light gray armor the figure wore what appeared to be a simple shirt. The shirt was also of a light gray coloration. His feet had simple traveling boots upon them and his head donned a simple leather cap that covered his short hair and protected his ears. Perhaps what made this figure more real than anything was the way that the eyes blinked naturally. Rhema spoke through a trembling voice. [Color=PaleGreen]“Forgive me, but I think you have us at a tremendous disadvantage. Would you care to tell us why we are here?”[/Color] He hand was extended forward, ready to launch another one of her mental assaults upon this figure. She had no idea of whether or not that kind of attack would even work against the ghostly image. Ischarus likewise kept his sword drawn and in position. He was even more unsure than Rhema as to what effectiveness his sword would have against this figure, but the comfort of feeling the hilt within his grasp and the support of the pommel below his fingers comforted him in this time of uncertainty. He swallowed hard as he waited for the figure to speak once more. The figure smiled, and as it did its lips parted slightly. Behind these lips sat a neat set of light-gray teeth. Once again these teeth were exactly the color of the rest of the figure’s body and clothing. It held out its hands in a peaceful gesture and finally spoke. [Color=Lime]“You’ll not need those weapons with me. Even your mental attacks will not reach me, Rhema.”[/Color] Ischarus jumped to the defensive and ignored the figure’s comment about the weapons. He held the sword more directly toward the light gray figure and coldly questioned him. [Color=LightBlue]“How do you know her name?”[/Color] The figure neither backed down nor showed any fear of Ischarus’ increasingly threatening posture. [Color=Lime]“I have been listening to you all for several hours, now. I know all of your names. You are Ischarus. You even left Semeion and Charis back at the horses. I know these things; I have been traveling with you this whole day.”[/Color] Rhema dropped her hands, more in amazement than out of truly understanding that her attacks couldn’t harm this figure. [Color=PaleGreen]“Are you the one that Ischarus has been sensing this whole day?”[/Color] The figure nodded. [Color=Lime]“I am the same.”[/Color] Ischarus emitted a low growl. [Color=LightBlue]“Then why have you waited until now to make yourself seen? I could feel you!”[/Color] A sudden look of deep sadness passed over the figure’s face as he looked at the stone slab between Ischarus and Rhema. [Color=Lime]“I was drawn to your presence as soon as you broke free of the tunnels and entered Quehalost. I have been searching for anyone with a pure heart for what you both feel as the passage of several months. But I had to know if you were capable of caring, first.”[/Color] Rhema was moved by the figure’s look. [Color=PaleGreen]“Caring? We are here because you gave us no other option!”[/Color] At this point she began to care much less about the fact that she was talking to a very unnatural figure and more about finding out the nature of this figure’s puzzle. The figure replied in a calm manner. [Color=Lime]“Yes, Rhema. I needed to know if you were capable of caring about my cause. You see, this stone is the last thing that I ever saw.”[/Color] Ischarus began to question the ghostly figure’s assertion, but Rhema beat him to the punch. [Color=PaleGreen]“Saw? I mean, are you really telling us that you are dead?”[/Color] The figure chuckled, its light gray shoulders rising and falling as the look of remorse passed from its face. His face took on a look of amusement. [Color=Lime]“Forgive me for laughing, I know this is difficult for you to believe. But I am amused that it sounds so shocking to you. I took me the better part of what you now call a year to accept that reality. For me, time is meaningless. But yes, I have come to terms with the fact that I am indeed dead.”[/Color] Ischarus and Rhema each glanced at the other person, exchanging looks of confusion. Ischarus spoke first. [Color=LightBlue]“But, if you’re dead …”[/Color] The amusement passed from the figure’s expression and it once more turned to sorrow as he focused upon the stone. [Color=Lime]“Then what am I still doing walking the forests of Quehalost?”[/Color] Without even thinking about it, Rhema agreed as she exhaled. [Color=PaleGreen]“Yeah.”[/Color] The figure spoke, continuing to stare at the stone. [Color=Lime]“That is why I needed to know that you were capable of caring. If you are willing, I will share my story with you – and why I believe that I am still attached to this world and unable to move on.”[/Color] [Sblock=Color-Free Speech Section] Rhema’s head shook slightly in an affirmative motion in response to Ischarus’ grim assertion. “Yeah. The hands were extended and tied to the stakes. The legs were also extended and tied. That circular burn mark there must be the head.” Her hand shook slightly as she gestured to a small burned spot on the stone. “Who would do such a thing as this?” Ischarus replied calmly. “Have you forgotten where we are, Rhema?” It was a rhetorical question, but Ischarus had said it anyway. “Here they don’t play with the same set of rules that we do, Rhema. Their rules are a bit more lethal and unforgiving than what we’re accustomed to.” A glint of reflected light caught Ischarus’ attention. The brief shimmer had come from a location a few feet into the trees on the other side of the stone slab. He stepped toward the light and directed Rhema to keep from following. “Stay here and watch out for trouble.” Rhema looked to Ischarus and raised an eyebrow in curiosity. “Uh, okay. Where are you going?” Her question went unanswered as Ischarus let his movement speak for him. He rounded the stone slab and stood between the stone and the tree line. He waited again for the glint of reflected light and when the natural winds blew just right he caught sight of it again. He thrust his hand deep into the undergrowth of the forest and clamped down tightly when he felt something that wasn’t a tree. As he pulled out the object he saw clearly what it was. A small laugh escaped his mouth before he began to speak. “Well that’s interesting, although not unexpected. This axe is of a goblin make.” He held in his hand a very primitive looking instrument. The highly polished flint blade that had reflected the light was held in place by a significant solid wood handle and a few ropes that had been made from vine fiber. As Ischarus examined the axe and before Rhema could interrupt him, a strong wind blew through this area of the forest. The wind assaulted both Ischarus and Rhema, blowing Rhema’s hair so strongly that it often lay horizontal out from her head. Rhema cupped her hands over her mouth to yell in Ischarus’ direction. “I think you’ve found something significant, Ischarus. I’m just not sure if that is a good or bad thing!” Ischarus could barely hear Rhema shouting over the howling wind. He contemplated putting the axe back but decided against it. As the wind blew, he approached the stone slab and set the primitive axe upon the stone. Immediately the wind silenced into perfect calm. Both Rhema and Ischarus nearly fell over as the force of the wind was removed. Neither realized the force that was required to brace themselves against it. A strange voice erupted from among the trees. “Well done, people of Tongra.” The voice came from the same direction as the wind that had just stopped. In an instant Rhema turned to face the voice and she let out a startled yell. Ischarus had his sword drawn in a flash and pivoted to prepare himself to deflect a blow. He was not prepared for what his eyes saw before him. Rhema had been right before. The image that stood before them was in fact semi-transparent. Ischarus looked on in interest as his eyes made sense of the figure. The figure was completely monochromatic. A light gray colored the figure’s hands, feet, skin, eyes, and clothing. The forest behind him appeared to be a blending of the natural green and the light gray from his skin. The figure wore leather armor and had a sword attached to his belt just above his left hip. On the opposite side of his belt was a hammer. Both of these weapons were light gray and semi-transparent as well. Underneath the light gray armor the figure wore what appeared to be a simple shirt. The shirt was also of a light gray coloration. His feet had simple traveling boots upon them and his head donned a simple leather cap that covered his short hair and protected his ears. Perhaps what made this figure more real than anything was the way that the eyes blinked naturally. Rhema spoke through a trembling voice. “Forgive me, but I think you have us at a tremendous disadvantage. Would you care to tell us why we are here?” He hand was extended forward, ready to launch another one of her mental assaults upon this figure. She had no idea of whether or not that kind of attack would even work against the ghostly image. Ischarus likewise kept his sword drawn and in position. He was even more unsure than Rhema as to what effectiveness his sword would have against this figure, but the comfort of feeling the hilt within his grasp and the support of the pommel below his fingers comforted him in this time of uncertainty. He swallowed hard as he waited for the figure to speak once more. The figure smiled, and as it did its lips parted slightly. Behind these lips sat a neat set of light-gray teeth. Once again these teeth were exactly the color of the rest of the figure’s body and clothing. It held out its hands in a peaceful gesture and finally spoke. “You’ll not need those weapons with me. Even your mental attacks will not reach me, Rhema.” Ischarus jumped to the defensive and ignored the figure’s comment about the weapons. He held the sword more directly toward the light gray figure and coldly questioned him. “How do you know her name?” The figure neither backed down nor showed any fear of Ischarus’ increasingly threatening posture. “I have been listening to you all for several hours, now. I know all of your names. You are Ischarus. You even left Semeion and Charis back at the horses. I know these things; I have been traveling with you this whole day.” Rhema dropped her hands, more in amazement than out of truly understanding that her attacks couldn’t harm this figure. “Are you the one that Ischarus has been sensing this whole day?” The figure nodded. “I am the same.” Ischarus emitted a low growl. “Then why have you waited until now to make yourself seen? I could feel you!” A sudden look of deep sadness passed over the figure’s face as he looked at the stone slab between Ischarus and Rhema. “I was drawn to your presence as soon as you broke free of the tunnels and entered Quehalost. I have been searching for anyone with a pure heart for what you both feel as the passage of several months. But I had to know if you were capable of caring, first.” Rhema was moved by the figure’s look. “Caring? We are here because you gave us no other option!” At this point she began to care much less about the fact that she was talking to a very unnatural figure and more about finding out the nature of this figure’s puzzle. The figure replied in a calm manner. “Yes, Rhema. I needed to know if you were capable of caring about my cause. You see, this stone is the last thing that I ever saw.” Ischarus began to question the ghostly figure’s assertion, but Rhema beat him to the punch. “Saw? I mean, are you really telling us that you are dead?” The figure chuckled, its light gray shoulders rising and falling as the look of remorse passed from its face. His face took on a look of amusement. “Forgive me for laughing, I know this is difficult for you to believe. But I am amused that it sounds so shocking to you. I took me the better part of what you now call a year to accept that reality. For me, time is meaningless. But yes, I have come to terms with the fact that I am indeed dead.” Ischarus and Rhema each glanced at the other person, exchanging looks of confusion. Ischarus spoke first. “But, if you’re dead …” The amusement passed from the figure’s expression and it once more turned to sorrow as he focused upon the stone. “Then what am I still doing walking the forests of Quehalost?” Without even thinking about it, Rhema agreed as she exhaled. “Yeah.” The figure spoke, continuing to stare at the stone. “That is why I needed to know that you were capable of caring. If you are willing, I will share my story with you – and why I believe that I am still attached to this world and unable to move on.”[/Sblock] [/QUOTE]
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