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Into the Moral Darkness: (Now a Completed Story!)
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<blockquote data-quote="Nonlethal Force" data-source="post: 3282259" data-attributes="member: 35788"><p>As Charis and Rhema approached the northern most edge of the valley from the south, a strange hiss echoed across the valley. The sound was remarkably reminiscent to that of a hissing crocodile, except that the sound was considerably louder. The sound was loud enough to echo back and forth across the stone faces of the surrounding peaks. No sooner had the sound begun than a second hissing sound joined with the first. The two hisses were clearly separate sounds from separate sources; but they were distinctly related.</p><p></p><p>Rhema looked slightly confused as she glanced toward Charis at the sudden appearance of the sound. <span style="color: PaleGreen">“That sounds rather ominous. Is this part of the celebration?”</span></p><p></p><p>Charis returned the confused glance with one of her one. Her lips pursed tightly as she thought for a moment before speaking. <span style="color: Orange">“I know that sound. I have heard that sound once a year every year of my life that I can remember. It is the mating hiss of a dragon.”</span></p><p></p><p>Rhema stopped her walk as she absorbed Charis’ words and replied. <span style="color: PaleGreen">“But, then why are there two distinct calls?”</span> A slight look of concern passed over Rhema’s face as she assumed the worst. <span style="color: PaleGreen">“What are the odds that a mate for Ausaphoborishan would come on this day?”</span></p><p></p><p>Charis smiled broadly as her mind raced to an opposite conclusion. She laughed at Rhema’s conclusion and walked toward the north end of the valley as quickly as her elaborate dress would allow. Her attendants struggled to keep pace with her while ensuring that the dress kept completely off of the ground. <span style="color: Orange">“Your lack of dragon knowledge betrays you, Rhema. Those aren’t the hissing calls of a mating pair of dragons. Those are both male mating calls. I’ve heard the same type of calls from my original dragon father back in Quehalost.”</span></p><p></p><p>Rhema called out as she tried to catch up to Charis’ quick approach toward the north. <span style="color: PaleGreen">“But, why two males? Certainly two males wouldn’t be trying to call the same mate!”</span></p><p></p><p>The women turned the final corner which had been preventing them from observing the north face of the valley. Charis’ jaw opened wide in surprise as she stopped and stared at the sight before her. Instead of seeing Ausaphaborishan standing at the head of the valley as she expected, both women looked on as two large wyrms were present. Both Ausaphaborishan and Llywessiar flanked the north face of the valley. Each of the male dragons emitted the loud mating hiss that could be heard across the valley.</p><p></p><p>Charis couldn’t believe her eyes. <span style="color: Orange">“But, how is this possible? The new dragon father of my people left his valley to come here?”</span> Her mind struggled to put an explanation together.</p><p></p><p>Rhema’s gaze dropped from Llywessiar’s head down to the feet of each of the dragons. Standing around the great wyrms was an odd mix of people. The people stood expectantly and turned around as both Llywessiar’s and Ausaphaborishan’s hiss announced the arrival of the two women.</p><p></p><p>As Rhema and Charis looked upon the dragons, Ausaphaborishan stood to the right. Ausaphaborishan’s Drakontai stood around him in a quarter circle extending from the right of their dragon father to a place exactly between the women and the great wyrm. Each of the people within this quarter circle carried the heritage highlights and eye flecks of their dragon father.</p><p></p><p>Llywessiar was the left dragon as Rhema and Charis looked on. Another group of Drakontai stood awaiting the women in the shape of a quarter circle that was the mirror image of the circle made up by the Drakontai of Ausaphaborishan. This circle extended from the left of Llywessiar to the place where Auasphaborishan’s people stood. The Drakontai standing around Llywessiar were mixed between Llywessair’s natural clan and Charis’ people from the land of Quehalost. </p><p></p><p>Essentially this meant that at this moment Ausaphaborishan’s valley contained the equivalent of three Drakontai clans. Each of the clans had risen from being seated upon the ground and were focused completely upon the women as they approached. Rhema reached up and lightly touched the side of Charis’ face. <span style="color: PaleGreen">“Look down, Charis. Take your eyes off of the dragons and look to the ground.”</span></p><p></p><p>Charis’ eyes dropped to the ground beneath the great dragons. Her eyes grew wide in surprise as she observed all of the people. <span style="color: Orange">“The people, too? My people have come?”</span> Once more tears began to form at the corners of her eyes.</p><p></p><p>Rhema smiled and clasped Charis left hand with her right. <span style="color: PaleGreen">“Did you expect Llywessiar to miss the opportunity to give one of his daughters away in marriage?”</span></p><p></p><p>Charis couldn’t help but allow a radiant smile beam from her face as tears openly flowed down her cheeks. <span style="color: Orange">“Well, I didn’t really expect him to devote the resources to bringing himself and his tribe to this occasion, either! After all, I’m not naturally his daughter.”</span></p><p></p><p>Rhema spotted three men standing in between the two massive wyrms. She easily recognized Ischarus and Semeion. Semeion stood below and slightly to the right of Llywessiar while Ischarus stood below and slightly to the left of Ausaphaborishan. She could tell by the expressions on the face of each of these men that they were in awe of the way that Rhema and Charis had been prepared for the service. They had not been ready for the beauty and the effects that the draconic themed dresses would have upon them.</p><p></p><p>The man who was standing in the center between Ischarus and Semeion gave Rhema a bit more of a difficulty in identification. Suddenly the man looked up toward Llywessiar and she caught sight of his own draconic markings. It was Brandt who stood between Ischarus and Semeion.</p><p></p><p>Charis spoke about the same time as Rhema made the identification of Brandt. <span style="color: Orange">“I suppose we should be heading towards that gathering, Rhema. They’ll be a bit disappointed if we turn around now.”</span></p><p></p><p>Rhema smiled and nodded. She stepped first with her right foot and Charis joined her. Together the two women walked stride for stride towards the people. When they had reached the place where the two quarter circles of Drakontai came together, the people parted and allowed them to pass through and into the circle. The women who had been serving both Rhema and Charis in the room of preparation filed into the ranks of the Drakontai who stood around Ausaphaborishan.</p><p></p><p>As the two women approached the inner heart of the circle, the wyrms increased the level of their hissing. Brandt leaned forward and spoke loudly into Ischarus’ and Semeion’s ear. <span style="color: Lime">“The hissing is a ceremonial act. It is said that no evil spirit can stand to be in the presence of a hiss from a virtuous dragon. Of course, this is only a legend. But you know superstition and tradition!”</span></p><p></p><p>Semeion smiled. Given the line of work that these four adventurers engaged themselves in, he would take all the superstitious wards that he could get his hands on. If enduring the loud hiss of a dragon would give them any luck at all - even if it was only imagined luck – he would take it. In a world where magical charms and telepathic powers had as much reality as the sword at Ischarus’ side there could be no telling how the hiss of a virtuous dragon would affect their lives.</p><p></p><p>Ischarus fidgeted nervously with his clothing as he watched the women come forward. His fingers adjusted the angle at which his sword and scabbard hung from his belt. Once they had adjusted the sword they slightly adjusted the positioning of the strap holding the dragon scale across his back.</p><p></p><p>Semeion reached over and lightly placed his hand upon Ischarus’ shoulder. <span style="color: Plum">“You don’t need to worry, Ischarus. I’ll be here for you the whole way. Charis will be here for you the whole way. And probably most importantly, Rhema is going to be here for you the whole way. Relax and enjoy the moment.”</span></p><p></p><p>Ischarus brought his fingers in on his palms. He could feel the dampness from the sweat soaking into the underside of the glove. <span style="color: LightBlue">“Relax. Those are easy words for you to say.”</span> A smile passed over his face as he mentally tried to focus on the approaching women and not fidgeting.</p><p></p><p>When the half circle of Drakontai broke to allow the women through, Brandt watched from behind as both Ischarus and Semeion drew in a substantial breath. Their shoulders rose in unison, although Ischarus held his breath considerably longer. When it looked as though Ischarus had forgotten to exhale, Brandt leaned forward slightly to whisper into their ears once again. A devilish grin crossed his lips and a mischievous twinkle appeared in his eyes. <span style="color: Lime">“One word and we can all be out of here, you know. We could leave, just the three of us. This is your last chance.”</span></p><p></p><p>The comment caught Ischarus completely by surprise. He coughed, expelling a fair amount of the air that he had been holding within his lungs. Brandt’s words had the desired effect, and he straightened himself back to his full height. The grin remained on his face.</p><p></p><p>Semeion chuckled a bit and turned his head ever so slightly. <span style="color: Plum">“Don’t tempt him, Brandt. And if you did use your magic to take us to Tongra again, you know you’d have two angry women hunting you down.”</span></p><p></p><p>Ischarus smiled at the thought as the women drew even closer to them. Brandt spoke so softly that his lips didn’t even need to move. <span style="color: Lime">“Well, perhaps not, then. I wouldn’t want their fury after me.”</span></p><p></p><p>The women approached the men until they were within an arm’s reach. Semeion reached out and took both of Charis’ hands in his. Ischarus also reached out and took both of Rhema’s hands in his own. The gathered community of Drakontai cheered and clapped as the couples finally came together.</p><p></p><p>Brandt leaned forward. He noticed that the responsibility of the coming service had finally set in on each of them. All four of the faces before them had gone a touch on the pale side. Of course, Brandt knew that this was quite natural. He spoke softly enough so that only the two couples before him could hear. <span style="color: Lime">“Are you all ready to begin another adventure?”</span></p><p></p><p>[Sblock=Color-Free Speech Section]</p><p>As Charis and Rhema approached the northern most edge of the valley from the south, a strange hiss echoed across the valley. The sound was remarkably reminiscent to that of a hissing crocodile, except that the sound was considerably louder. The sound was loud enough to echo back and forth across the stone faces of the surrounding peaks. No sooner had the sound begun than a second hissing sound joined with the first. The two hisses were clearly separate sounds from separate sources; but they were distinctly related.</p><p></p><p>Rhema looked slightly confused as she glanced toward Charis at the sudden appearance of the sound. “That sounds rather ominous. Is this part of the celebration?”</p><p></p><p>Charis returned the confused glance with one of her one. Her lips pursed tightly as she thought for a moment before speaking. “I know that sound. I have heard that sound once a year every year of my life that I can remember. It is the mating hiss of a dragon.”</p><p></p><p>Rhema stopped her walk as she absorbed Charis’ words and replied. “But, then why are there two distinct calls?” A slight look of concern passed over Rhema’s face as she assumed the worst. “What are the odds that a mate for Ausaphoborishan would come on this day?”</p><p></p><p>Charis smiled broadly as her mind raced to an opposite conclusion. She laughed at Rhema’s conclusion and walked toward the north end of the valley as quickly as her elaborate dress would allow. Her attendants struggled to keep pace with her while ensuring that the dress kept completely off of the ground. “Your lack of dragon knowledge betrays you, Rhema. Those aren’t the hissing calls of a mating pair of dragons. Those are both male mating calls. I’ve heard the same type of calls from my original dragon father back in Quehalost.”</p><p></p><p>Rhema called out as she tried to catch up to Charis’ quick approach toward the north. “But, why two males? Certainly two males wouldn’t be trying to call the same mate!”</p><p></p><p>The women turned the final corner which had been preventing them from observing the north face of the valley. Charis’ jaw opened wide in surprise as she stopped and stared at the sight before her. Instead of seeing Ausaphaborishan standing at the head of the valley as she expected, both women looked on as two large wyrms were present. Both Ausaphaborishan and Llywessiar flanked the north face of the valley. Each of the male dragons emitted the loud mating hiss that could be heard across the valley.</p><p></p><p>Charis couldn’t believe her eyes. “But, how is this possible? The new dragon father of my people left his valley to come here?” Her mind struggled to put an explanation together.</p><p></p><p>Rhema’s gaze dropped from Llywessiar’s head down to the feet of each of the dragons. Standing around the great wyrms was an odd mix of people. The people stood expectantly and turned around as both Llywessiar’s and Ausaphaborishan’s hiss announced the arrival of the two women.</p><p></p><p>As Rhema and Charis looked upon the dragons, Ausaphaborishan stood to the right. Ausaphaborishan’s Drakontai stood around him in a quarter circle extending from the right of their dragon father to a place exactly between the women and the great wyrm. Each of the people within this quarter circle carried the heritage highlights and eye flecks of their dragon father.</p><p></p><p>Llywessiar was the left dragon as Rhema and Charis looked on. Another group of Drakontai stood awaiting the women in the shape of a quarter circle that was the mirror image of the circle made up by the Drakontai of Ausaphaborishan. This circle extended from the left of Llywessiar to the place where Auasphaborishan’s people stood. The Drakontai standing around Llywessiar were mixed between Llywessair’s natural clan and Charis’ people from the land of Quehalost. </p><p></p><p>Essentially this meant that at this moment Ausaphaborishan’s valley contained the equivalent of three Drakontai clans. Each of the clans had risen from being seated upon the ground and were focused completely upon the women as they approached. Rhema reached up and lightly touched the side of Charis’ face. “Look down, Charis. Take your eyes off of the dragons and look to the ground.”</p><p></p><p>Charis’ eyes dropped to the ground beneath the great dragons. Her eyes grew wide in surprise as she observed all of the people. “The people, too? My people have come?” Once more tears began to form at the corners of her eyes.</p><p></p><p>Rhema smiled and clasped Charis left hand with her right. “Did you expect Llywessiar to miss the opportunity to give one of his daughters away in marriage?”</p><p></p><p>Charis couldn’t help but allow a radiant smile beam from her face as tears openly flowed down her cheeks. “Well, I didn’t really expect him to devote the resources to bringing himself and his tribe to this occasion, either! After all, I’m not naturally his daughter.”</p><p></p><p>Rhema spotted three men standing in between the two massive wyrms. She easily recognized Ischarus and Semeion. Semeion stood below and slightly to the right of Llywessiar while Ischarus stood below and slightly to the left of Ausaphaborishan. She could tell by the expressions on the face of each of these men that they were in awe of the way that Rhema and Charis had been prepared for the service. They had not been ready for the beauty and the effects that the draconic themed dresses would have upon them.</p><p></p><p>The man who was standing in the center between Ischarus and Semeion gave Rhema a bit more of a difficulty in identification. Suddenly the man looked up toward Llywessiar and she caught sight of his own draconic markings. It was Brandt who stood between Ischarus and Semeion.</p><p></p><p>Charis spoke about the same time as Rhema made the identification of Brandt. “I suppose we should be heading towards that gathering, Rhema. They’ll be a bit disappointed if we turn around now.”</p><p></p><p>Rhema smiled and nodded. She stepped first with her right foot and Charis joined her. Together the two women walked stride for stride towards the people. When they had reached the place where the two quarter circles of Drakontai came together, the people parted and allowed them to pass through and into the circle. The women who had been serving both Rhema and Charis in the room of preparation filed into the ranks of the Drakontai who stood around Ausaphaborishan.</p><p></p><p>As the two women approached the inner heart of the circle, the wyrms increased the level of their hissing. Brandt leaned forward and spoke loudly into Ischarus’ and Semeion’s ear. “The hissing is a ceremonial act. It is said that no evil spirit can stand to be in the presence of a hiss from a virtuous dragon. Of course, this is only a legend. But you know superstition and tradition!”</p><p></p><p>Semeion smiled. Given the line of work that these four adventurers engaged themselves in, he would take all the superstitious wards that he could get his hands on. If enduring the loud hiss of a dragon would give them any luck at all - even if it was only imagined luck – he would take it. In a world where magical charms and telepathic powers had as much reality as the sword at Ischarus’ side there could be no telling how the hiss of a virtuous dragon would affect their lives.</p><p></p><p>Ischarus fidgeted nervously with his clothing as he watched the women come forward. His fingers adjusted the angle at which his sword and scabbard hung from his belt. Once they had adjusted the sword they slightly adjusted the positioning of the strap holding the dragon scale across his back.</p><p></p><p>Semeion reached over and lightly placed his hand upon Ischarus’ shoulder. “You don’t need to worry, Ischarus. I’ll be here for you the whole way. Charis will be here for you the whole way. And probably most importantly, Rhema is going to be here for you the whole way. Relax and enjoy the moment.”</p><p></p><p>Ischarus brought his fingers in on his palms. He could feel the dampness from the sweat soaking into the underside of the glove. “Relax. Those are easy words for you to say.” A smile passed over his face as he mentally tried to focus on the approaching women and not fidgeting.</p><p></p><p>When the half circle of Drakontai broke to allow the women through, Brandt watched from behind as both Ischarus and Semeion drew in a substantial breath. Their shoulders rose in unison, although Ischarus held his breath considerably longer. When it looked as though Ischarus had forgotten to exhale, Brandt leaned forward slightly to whisper into their ears once again. A devilish grin crossed his lips and a mischievous twinkle appeared in his eyes. “One word and we can all be out of here, you know. We could leave, just the three of us. This is your last chance.”</p><p></p><p>The comment caught Ischarus completely by surprise. He coughed, expelling a fair amount of the air that he had been holding within his lungs. Brandt’s words had the desired effect, and he straightened himself back to his full height. The grin remained on his face.</p><p></p><p>Semeion chuckled a bit and turned his head ever so slightly. “Don’t tempt him, Brandt. And if you did use your magic to take us to Tongra again, you know you’d have two angry women hunting you down.”</p><p></p><p>Ischarus smiled at the thought as the women drew even closer to them. Brandt spoke so softly that his lips didn’t even need to move. “Well, perhaps not, then. I wouldn’t want their fury after me.”</p><p></p><p>The women approached the men until they were within an arm’s reach. Semeion reached out and took both of Charis’ hands in his. Ischarus also reached out and took both of Rhema’s hands in his own. The gathered community of Drakontai cheered and clapped as the couples finally came together.</p><p></p><p>Brandt leaned forward. He noticed that the responsibility of the coming service had finally set in on each of them. All four of the faces before them had gone a touch on the pale side. Of course, Brandt knew that this was quite natural. He spoke softly enough so that only the two couples before him could hear. “Are you all ready to begin another adventure?”[/Sblock]</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Nonlethal Force, post: 3282259, member: 35788"] As Charis and Rhema approached the northern most edge of the valley from the south, a strange hiss echoed across the valley. The sound was remarkably reminiscent to that of a hissing crocodile, except that the sound was considerably louder. The sound was loud enough to echo back and forth across the stone faces of the surrounding peaks. No sooner had the sound begun than a second hissing sound joined with the first. The two hisses were clearly separate sounds from separate sources; but they were distinctly related. Rhema looked slightly confused as she glanced toward Charis at the sudden appearance of the sound. [Color=PaleGreen]“That sounds rather ominous. Is this part of the celebration?”[/Color] Charis returned the confused glance with one of her one. Her lips pursed tightly as she thought for a moment before speaking. [Color=Orange]“I know that sound. I have heard that sound once a year every year of my life that I can remember. It is the mating hiss of a dragon.”[/Color] Rhema stopped her walk as she absorbed Charis’ words and replied. [Color=PaleGreen]“But, then why are there two distinct calls?”[/Color] A slight look of concern passed over Rhema’s face as she assumed the worst. [Color=PaleGreen]“What are the odds that a mate for Ausaphoborishan would come on this day?”[/Color] Charis smiled broadly as her mind raced to an opposite conclusion. She laughed at Rhema’s conclusion and walked toward the north end of the valley as quickly as her elaborate dress would allow. Her attendants struggled to keep pace with her while ensuring that the dress kept completely off of the ground. [Color=Orange]“Your lack of dragon knowledge betrays you, Rhema. Those aren’t the hissing calls of a mating pair of dragons. Those are both male mating calls. I’ve heard the same type of calls from my original dragon father back in Quehalost.”[/Color] Rhema called out as she tried to catch up to Charis’ quick approach toward the north. [Color=PaleGreen]“But, why two males? Certainly two males wouldn’t be trying to call the same mate!”[/Color] The women turned the final corner which had been preventing them from observing the north face of the valley. Charis’ jaw opened wide in surprise as she stopped and stared at the sight before her. Instead of seeing Ausaphaborishan standing at the head of the valley as she expected, both women looked on as two large wyrms were present. Both Ausaphaborishan and Llywessiar flanked the north face of the valley. Each of the male dragons emitted the loud mating hiss that could be heard across the valley. Charis couldn’t believe her eyes. [Color=Orange]“But, how is this possible? The new dragon father of my people left his valley to come here?”[/Color] Her mind struggled to put an explanation together. Rhema’s gaze dropped from Llywessiar’s head down to the feet of each of the dragons. Standing around the great wyrms was an odd mix of people. The people stood expectantly and turned around as both Llywessiar’s and Ausaphaborishan’s hiss announced the arrival of the two women. As Rhema and Charis looked upon the dragons, Ausaphaborishan stood to the right. Ausaphaborishan’s Drakontai stood around him in a quarter circle extending from the right of their dragon father to a place exactly between the women and the great wyrm. Each of the people within this quarter circle carried the heritage highlights and eye flecks of their dragon father. Llywessiar was the left dragon as Rhema and Charis looked on. Another group of Drakontai stood awaiting the women in the shape of a quarter circle that was the mirror image of the circle made up by the Drakontai of Ausaphaborishan. This circle extended from the left of Llywessiar to the place where Auasphaborishan’s people stood. The Drakontai standing around Llywessiar were mixed between Llywessair’s natural clan and Charis’ people from the land of Quehalost. Essentially this meant that at this moment Ausaphaborishan’s valley contained the equivalent of three Drakontai clans. Each of the clans had risen from being seated upon the ground and were focused completely upon the women as they approached. Rhema reached up and lightly touched the side of Charis’ face. [Color=PaleGreen]“Look down, Charis. Take your eyes off of the dragons and look to the ground.”[/Color] Charis’ eyes dropped to the ground beneath the great dragons. Her eyes grew wide in surprise as she observed all of the people. [Color=Orange]“The people, too? My people have come?”[/Color] Once more tears began to form at the corners of her eyes. Rhema smiled and clasped Charis left hand with her right. [Color=PaleGreen]“Did you expect Llywessiar to miss the opportunity to give one of his daughters away in marriage?”[/Color] Charis couldn’t help but allow a radiant smile beam from her face as tears openly flowed down her cheeks. [Color=Orange]“Well, I didn’t really expect him to devote the resources to bringing himself and his tribe to this occasion, either! After all, I’m not naturally his daughter.”[/Color] Rhema spotted three men standing in between the two massive wyrms. She easily recognized Ischarus and Semeion. Semeion stood below and slightly to the right of Llywessiar while Ischarus stood below and slightly to the left of Ausaphaborishan. She could tell by the expressions on the face of each of these men that they were in awe of the way that Rhema and Charis had been prepared for the service. They had not been ready for the beauty and the effects that the draconic themed dresses would have upon them. The man who was standing in the center between Ischarus and Semeion gave Rhema a bit more of a difficulty in identification. Suddenly the man looked up toward Llywessiar and she caught sight of his own draconic markings. It was Brandt who stood between Ischarus and Semeion. Charis spoke about the same time as Rhema made the identification of Brandt. [Color=Orange]“I suppose we should be heading towards that gathering, Rhema. They’ll be a bit disappointed if we turn around now.”[/Color] Rhema smiled and nodded. She stepped first with her right foot and Charis joined her. Together the two women walked stride for stride towards the people. When they had reached the place where the two quarter circles of Drakontai came together, the people parted and allowed them to pass through and into the circle. The women who had been serving both Rhema and Charis in the room of preparation filed into the ranks of the Drakontai who stood around Ausaphaborishan. As the two women approached the inner heart of the circle, the wyrms increased the level of their hissing. Brandt leaned forward and spoke loudly into Ischarus’ and Semeion’s ear. [Color=Lime]“The hissing is a ceremonial act. It is said that no evil spirit can stand to be in the presence of a hiss from a virtuous dragon. Of course, this is only a legend. But you know superstition and tradition!”[/Color] Semeion smiled. Given the line of work that these four adventurers engaged themselves in, he would take all the superstitious wards that he could get his hands on. If enduring the loud hiss of a dragon would give them any luck at all - even if it was only imagined luck – he would take it. In a world where magical charms and telepathic powers had as much reality as the sword at Ischarus’ side there could be no telling how the hiss of a virtuous dragon would affect their lives. Ischarus fidgeted nervously with his clothing as he watched the women come forward. His fingers adjusted the angle at which his sword and scabbard hung from his belt. Once they had adjusted the sword they slightly adjusted the positioning of the strap holding the dragon scale across his back. Semeion reached over and lightly placed his hand upon Ischarus’ shoulder. [Color=Plum]“You don’t need to worry, Ischarus. I’ll be here for you the whole way. Charis will be here for you the whole way. And probably most importantly, Rhema is going to be here for you the whole way. Relax and enjoy the moment.”[/Color] Ischarus brought his fingers in on his palms. He could feel the dampness from the sweat soaking into the underside of the glove. [Color=LightBlue]“Relax. Those are easy words for you to say.”[/Color] A smile passed over his face as he mentally tried to focus on the approaching women and not fidgeting. When the half circle of Drakontai broke to allow the women through, Brandt watched from behind as both Ischarus and Semeion drew in a substantial breath. Their shoulders rose in unison, although Ischarus held his breath considerably longer. When it looked as though Ischarus had forgotten to exhale, Brandt leaned forward slightly to whisper into their ears once again. A devilish grin crossed his lips and a mischievous twinkle appeared in his eyes. [Color=Lime]“One word and we can all be out of here, you know. We could leave, just the three of us. This is your last chance.”[/Color] The comment caught Ischarus completely by surprise. He coughed, expelling a fair amount of the air that he had been holding within his lungs. Brandt’s words had the desired effect, and he straightened himself back to his full height. The grin remained on his face. Semeion chuckled a bit and turned his head ever so slightly. [Color=Plum]“Don’t tempt him, Brandt. And if you did use your magic to take us to Tongra again, you know you’d have two angry women hunting you down.”[/Color] Ischarus smiled at the thought as the women drew even closer to them. Brandt spoke so softly that his lips didn’t even need to move. [Color=Lime]“Well, perhaps not, then. I wouldn’t want their fury after me.”[/Color] The women approached the men until they were within an arm’s reach. Semeion reached out and took both of Charis’ hands in his. Ischarus also reached out and took both of Rhema’s hands in his own. The gathered community of Drakontai cheered and clapped as the couples finally came together. Brandt leaned forward. He noticed that the responsibility of the coming service had finally set in on each of them. All four of the faces before them had gone a touch on the pale side. Of course, Brandt knew that this was quite natural. He spoke softly enough so that only the two couples before him could hear. [Color=Lime]“Are you all ready to begin another adventure?”[/Color] [Sblock=Color-Free Speech Section] As Charis and Rhema approached the northern most edge of the valley from the south, a strange hiss echoed across the valley. The sound was remarkably reminiscent to that of a hissing crocodile, except that the sound was considerably louder. The sound was loud enough to echo back and forth across the stone faces of the surrounding peaks. No sooner had the sound begun than a second hissing sound joined with the first. The two hisses were clearly separate sounds from separate sources; but they were distinctly related. Rhema looked slightly confused as she glanced toward Charis at the sudden appearance of the sound. “That sounds rather ominous. Is this part of the celebration?” Charis returned the confused glance with one of her one. Her lips pursed tightly as she thought for a moment before speaking. “I know that sound. I have heard that sound once a year every year of my life that I can remember. It is the mating hiss of a dragon.” Rhema stopped her walk as she absorbed Charis’ words and replied. “But, then why are there two distinct calls?” A slight look of concern passed over Rhema’s face as she assumed the worst. “What are the odds that a mate for Ausaphoborishan would come on this day?” Charis smiled broadly as her mind raced to an opposite conclusion. She laughed at Rhema’s conclusion and walked toward the north end of the valley as quickly as her elaborate dress would allow. Her attendants struggled to keep pace with her while ensuring that the dress kept completely off of the ground. “Your lack of dragon knowledge betrays you, Rhema. Those aren’t the hissing calls of a mating pair of dragons. Those are both male mating calls. I’ve heard the same type of calls from my original dragon father back in Quehalost.” Rhema called out as she tried to catch up to Charis’ quick approach toward the north. “But, why two males? Certainly two males wouldn’t be trying to call the same mate!” The women turned the final corner which had been preventing them from observing the north face of the valley. Charis’ jaw opened wide in surprise as she stopped and stared at the sight before her. Instead of seeing Ausaphaborishan standing at the head of the valley as she expected, both women looked on as two large wyrms were present. Both Ausaphaborishan and Llywessiar flanked the north face of the valley. Each of the male dragons emitted the loud mating hiss that could be heard across the valley. Charis couldn’t believe her eyes. “But, how is this possible? The new dragon father of my people left his valley to come here?” Her mind struggled to put an explanation together. Rhema’s gaze dropped from Llywessiar’s head down to the feet of each of the dragons. Standing around the great wyrms was an odd mix of people. The people stood expectantly and turned around as both Llywessiar’s and Ausaphaborishan’s hiss announced the arrival of the two women. As Rhema and Charis looked upon the dragons, Ausaphaborishan stood to the right. Ausaphaborishan’s Drakontai stood around him in a quarter circle extending from the right of their dragon father to a place exactly between the women and the great wyrm. Each of the people within this quarter circle carried the heritage highlights and eye flecks of their dragon father. Llywessiar was the left dragon as Rhema and Charis looked on. Another group of Drakontai stood awaiting the women in the shape of a quarter circle that was the mirror image of the circle made up by the Drakontai of Ausaphaborishan. This circle extended from the left of Llywessiar to the place where Auasphaborishan’s people stood. The Drakontai standing around Llywessiar were mixed between Llywessair’s natural clan and Charis’ people from the land of Quehalost. Essentially this meant that at this moment Ausaphaborishan’s valley contained the equivalent of three Drakontai clans. Each of the clans had risen from being seated upon the ground and were focused completely upon the women as they approached. Rhema reached up and lightly touched the side of Charis’ face. “Look down, Charis. Take your eyes off of the dragons and look to the ground.” Charis’ eyes dropped to the ground beneath the great dragons. Her eyes grew wide in surprise as she observed all of the people. “The people, too? My people have come?” Once more tears began to form at the corners of her eyes. Rhema smiled and clasped Charis left hand with her right. “Did you expect Llywessiar to miss the opportunity to give one of his daughters away in marriage?” Charis couldn’t help but allow a radiant smile beam from her face as tears openly flowed down her cheeks. “Well, I didn’t really expect him to devote the resources to bringing himself and his tribe to this occasion, either! After all, I’m not naturally his daughter.” Rhema spotted three men standing in between the two massive wyrms. She easily recognized Ischarus and Semeion. Semeion stood below and slightly to the right of Llywessiar while Ischarus stood below and slightly to the left of Ausaphaborishan. She could tell by the expressions on the face of each of these men that they were in awe of the way that Rhema and Charis had been prepared for the service. They had not been ready for the beauty and the effects that the draconic themed dresses would have upon them. The man who was standing in the center between Ischarus and Semeion gave Rhema a bit more of a difficulty in identification. Suddenly the man looked up toward Llywessiar and she caught sight of his own draconic markings. It was Brandt who stood between Ischarus and Semeion. Charis spoke about the same time as Rhema made the identification of Brandt. “I suppose we should be heading towards that gathering, Rhema. They’ll be a bit disappointed if we turn around now.” Rhema smiled and nodded. She stepped first with her right foot and Charis joined her. Together the two women walked stride for stride towards the people. When they had reached the place where the two quarter circles of Drakontai came together, the people parted and allowed them to pass through and into the circle. The women who had been serving both Rhema and Charis in the room of preparation filed into the ranks of the Drakontai who stood around Ausaphaborishan. As the two women approached the inner heart of the circle, the wyrms increased the level of their hissing. Brandt leaned forward and spoke loudly into Ischarus’ and Semeion’s ear. “The hissing is a ceremonial act. It is said that no evil spirit can stand to be in the presence of a hiss from a virtuous dragon. Of course, this is only a legend. But you know superstition and tradition!” Semeion smiled. Given the line of work that these four adventurers engaged themselves in, he would take all the superstitious wards that he could get his hands on. If enduring the loud hiss of a dragon would give them any luck at all - even if it was only imagined luck – he would take it. In a world where magical charms and telepathic powers had as much reality as the sword at Ischarus’ side there could be no telling how the hiss of a virtuous dragon would affect their lives. Ischarus fidgeted nervously with his clothing as he watched the women come forward. His fingers adjusted the angle at which his sword and scabbard hung from his belt. Once they had adjusted the sword they slightly adjusted the positioning of the strap holding the dragon scale across his back. Semeion reached over and lightly placed his hand upon Ischarus’ shoulder. “You don’t need to worry, Ischarus. I’ll be here for you the whole way. Charis will be here for you the whole way. And probably most importantly, Rhema is going to be here for you the whole way. Relax and enjoy the moment.” Ischarus brought his fingers in on his palms. He could feel the dampness from the sweat soaking into the underside of the glove. “Relax. Those are easy words for you to say.” A smile passed over his face as he mentally tried to focus on the approaching women and not fidgeting. When the half circle of Drakontai broke to allow the women through, Brandt watched from behind as both Ischarus and Semeion drew in a substantial breath. Their shoulders rose in unison, although Ischarus held his breath considerably longer. When it looked as though Ischarus had forgotten to exhale, Brandt leaned forward slightly to whisper into their ears once again. A devilish grin crossed his lips and a mischievous twinkle appeared in his eyes. “One word and we can all be out of here, you know. We could leave, just the three of us. This is your last chance.” The comment caught Ischarus completely by surprise. He coughed, expelling a fair amount of the air that he had been holding within his lungs. Brandt’s words had the desired effect, and he straightened himself back to his full height. The grin remained on his face. Semeion chuckled a bit and turned his head ever so slightly. “Don’t tempt him, Brandt. And if you did use your magic to take us to Tongra again, you know you’d have two angry women hunting you down.” Ischarus smiled at the thought as the women drew even closer to them. Brandt spoke so softly that his lips didn’t even need to move. “Well, perhaps not, then. I wouldn’t want their fury after me.” The women approached the men until they were within an arm’s reach. Semeion reached out and took both of Charis’ hands in his. Ischarus also reached out and took both of Rhema’s hands in his own. The gathered community of Drakontai cheered and clapped as the couples finally came together. Brandt leaned forward. He noticed that the responsibility of the coming service had finally set in on each of them. All four of the faces before them had gone a touch on the pale side. Of course, Brandt knew that this was quite natural. He spoke softly enough so that only the two couples before him could hear. “Are you all ready to begin another adventure?”[/Sblock] [/QUOTE]
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