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Into the Moral Darkness: (Now a Completed Story!)
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<blockquote data-quote="Nonlethal Force" data-source="post: 3771917" data-attributes="member: 35788"><p><strong>Chapter Fourteen: PROMISING RESPITE</strong></p><p></p><p>Semeion and Charis woke up early the following morning. They had slept restlessly back in Iasho’s partially completed villa in Huetown. Much of the structure of the house was built and many of the rooms were defined with walls, doors, and windows. In spite of the state of the construction, it didn’t feel like home to Semeion and Charis. It felt too barren to be a home.</p><p></p><p>It was Charis’ fidgeting that ultimately had woken Semeion, but Semeion was glad to be roused from his own restless sleep. The disturbing activity involving the discovery of the cultists and their plans of the last few days had given him troubling dreams. When Charis decided to get out of bed for the morning, Semeion woke up and decided that her decision made good sense for him as well.</p><p></p><p>The pair headed downstairs and stoked the fire in the stone and mortar chimney. Charis gathered a few thick pieces of wood from the stack outside while Semeion sorted the warm coals from the cool ones. By the time Charis returned with the wood, Semeion had a small pile of red coals waiting for the opportunity to ignite more wood. Charis arranged the wood in a simple structure that resembled a lean-to shelter. The wood smoldered for several minutes before igniting. Soon the wood crackled and gave forth its warmth.</p><p></p><p>Ischarus’ voice caught the pair by surprise from behind. <span style="color: LightBlue">“Coffee?”</span></p><p></p><p>Both Semeion and Charis jumped at the sound of the voice. Semeion turned around and smiled. <span style="color: Plum">“I think you enjoyed that.”</span> He paused for a second to nod in favor of Ischarus’ suggestion before taking the conversation in a new direction. <span style="color: Plum">“Didn’t you sleep well either?”</span></p><p></p><p>Ischarus smiled. <span style="color: LightBlue">“No, not particularly. Too many nights on the road, I guess. I never sleep well the first couple of nights back in Huetown. I guess my body just gets used to sleeping lightly and I struggle to get a good night’s sleep.”</span></p><p></p><p>Charis smiled compassionately. <span style="color: Orange">“I found the house a little disturbing. It’s just too empty to feel right.”</span></p><p></p><p>Ischarus approved of Charis’ comment. <span style="color: LightBlue">“Yeah, but you can’t really blame Iasho for keeping the house as bare as possible until the construction is completed in full.”</span> Ischarus grabbed a thick metal pot and headed outside. He was going for the water. Iasho hadn’t had time to install a water tank so that they could have a reservoir of water inside.</p><p></p><p>Semeion tended the fire while Charis walked over to a cabinet hanging on the wall. She opened a large burlap bag and pulled out a handful of roasted coffee beans. She lifted a small marble mortar and pestle off of a shelf and began to grind the beans into a rough powder. By the time Ischarus had returned with the pot of water, Rhema was ready with the beans. She dumped them straight into the water.</p><p></p><p>Iasho moved to the stone and mortar chimney and hung the pot from a nail that had been secured between a pair of large stones. The bottom of the pot hung only inches above the flames and in a prime position to absorb direct heat from the fire as well as indirect heat reflecting off of the interior of the chimney.</p><p></p><p>The smell of the brewing coffee woke several of the servants. As was Iasho’s tradition, the servants remained in the kitchen and waited for their morning coffee before heading out to work in the fields while breakfast was being prepared. If the weather behaved, several of the servants would continue to work on the house while the rest tried to work in the field with the crops that had been replanted.</p><p></p><p>Once the servants had departed and the trio had their coffee to sip, Ischarus sat down on the floor atop a cushion. <span style="color: LightBlue">“The crops look good, considering. You know we never really found out how the damage was done.”</span></p><p></p><p>Semeion shrugged. <span style="color: Plum">“I doubt we’ll ever know the whole truth. Pahk certainly demonstrated that he has control over fire. The wizard of Eberdeen certainly could have sent him here to accomplish that fact.”</span></p><p></p><p>A twinkle sparkled in Charis eye as she enjoyed a sip of the warm brew. <span style="color: Orange">“Personally, I’m thinking that it was dragon. I know that it would be hard for a fire breathing lizard to get this far north undetected, but they could have come over the sea and down from the north.”</span></p><p></p><p>Semeion countered his wife’s suggestion, too. <span style="color: Plum">“Possible, although that would be a long flight for a dragon. To come from Quehalost and over the mountains would be a feat for a fire breather. They wouldn’t like the cold temperature of the altitude. Then, I doubt they would enjoy flying over that much water, either. But it is possible, should the payoff have been worth it.”</span></p><p></p><p>Ischarus chimed in with his own dragon knowledge. <span style="color: LightBlue">“I suppose it could have been a breather of lightning as well. After all, natural lightning can be a deadly fire starter. However, I can’t see a dragon who breathes lightning enjoying a flight over all that water that much either.”</span></p><p></p><p>Charis turned back to Ischarus. <span style="color: Orange">“Well, I obviously put my money on the dragon who swoops in to do a wizard of Yrraxea’s bidding. Neither of you two seems to think it very possible. Semeion thinks it was a magical fire. What do you say, Ischarus?”</span></p><p></p><p>Ischarus shrugged. <span style="color: LightBlue">“Honestly? For all I know it could have been Darkbringer and a series of matches and flammable liquid. It could have been something powerful like a dragon or something magical. But it could be a mundane source, too. I think Semeion is right. I doubt that we’ll ever truly know.”</span></p><p></p><p>Charis accepted what she knew was the truth. <span style="color: Orange">“So, are we staying around the villa today and helping rebuild? That would be a nice change considering the past couple of weeks of action.”</span></p><p></p><p>Ischarus smiled. He thought of his wife still sleeping in the upstairs bedroom. <span style="color: LightBlue">“For Rhema’s sake and for Iasho, I’d really like to stick around. We’ve been running all over the Confederacy of Tongra when our hearts really wanted to be here for Rhema and Iasho. I think it would do us good to stick around.”</span></p><p></p><p>Semeion looked a little disappointed. <span style="color: Plum">“I wouldn’t mind going it to see Brandt and making sure the business is settled. But I certainly can’t object to staying around here.</span></p><p></p><p>Charis reached over and put her arm around Semeion’s shoulders. <span style="color: Orange">“Brandt knows where to find us. In fact, Brandt’s shared a meal or two with us around the cooking pits. If something comes up, he’ll let us know. But most of the Yrraxeans in Shiftedburg will scatter, and hopefully give up their faith for a more acceptable one. Many of the other Yrraxeans have fled the country for Quehalost, as unsettling as that thought might be. We should be safe for a while.”</span></p><p></p><p>Semeion settled back into Charis’ embrace with a smile on his face. Ischarus chuckled at Charis’ assertion. <span style="color: LightBlue">“Famous last words, Charis. I hope that you’re right, but I fear that you just jinxed us! Either way, though, can you imagine sailing the whole way to Fenneress knowing that your home destination is Quehalost?”</span></p><p></p><p>Charis nodded. That was the point to which she was trying to get. <span style="color: Orange">“Yeah, I understand. I lived there for a few decades, and I’m glad to be on this side of the mountains. Life in Quehalost is so physically dangerous. I mean, here we have dangers, but seldom are they ever totally life or death. In Quehalost, almost every day can be life or death.”</span></p><p></p><p>A silence fell over the trio. Charis had been with them for so long now that Ischarus and Semeion had forgotten how closely Charis would still remember her life in Quehalost. When she reminded her husband and Ischarus, it placed the conversation in a new perspective. The three adventurers, who were gathered around the fire and seated on cushions on the floor, each sipped their coffee while deep in thought. It was a good morning to relax deep in thought.</p><p></p><p>[Sblock=Color-Free Speech Section]</p><p><strong>Chapter Fourteen: PROMISING RESPITE</strong></p><p></p><p>Semeion and Charis woke up early the following morning. They had slept restlessly back in Iasho’s partially completed villa in Huetown. Much of the structure of the house was built and many of the rooms were defined with walls, doors, and windows. In spite of the state of the construction, it didn’t feel like home to Semeion and Charis. It felt too barren to be a home.</p><p></p><p>It was Charis’ fidgeting that ultimately had woken Semeion, but Semeion was glad to be roused from his own restless sleep. The disturbing activity involving the discovery of the cultists and their plans of the last few days had given him troubling dreams. When Charis decided to get out of bed for the morning, Semeion woke up and decided that her decision made good sense for him as well.</p><p></p><p>The pair headed downstairs and stoked the fire in the stone and mortar chimney. Charis gathered a few thick pieces of wood from the stack outside while Semeion sorted the warm coals from the cool ones. By the time Charis returned with the wood, Semeion had a small pile of red coals waiting for the opportunity to ignite more wood. Charis arranged the wood in a simple structure that resembled a lean-to shelter. The wood smoldered for several minutes before igniting. Soon the wood crackled and gave forth its warmth.</p><p></p><p>Ischarus’ voice caught the pair by surprise from behind. “Coffee?”</p><p></p><p>Both Semeion and Charis jumped at the sound of the voice. Semeion turned around and smiled. “I think you enjoyed that.” He paused for a second to nod in favor of Ischarus’ suggestion before taking the conversation in a new direction. “Didn’t you sleep well either?”</p><p></p><p>Ischarus smiled. “No, not particularly. Too many nights on the road, I guess. I never sleep well the first couple of nights back in Huetown. I guess my body just gets used to sleeping lightly and I struggle to get a good night’s sleep.”</p><p></p><p>Charis smiled compassionately. “I found the house a little disturbing. It’s just too empty to feel right.”</p><p></p><p>Ischarus approved of Charis’ comment. “Yeah, but you can’t really blame Iasho for keeping the house as bare as possible until the construction is completed in full.” Ischarus grabbed a thick metal pot and headed outside. He was going for the water. Iasho hadn’t had time to install a water tank so that they could have a reservoir of water inside.</p><p></p><p>Semeion tended the fire while Charis walked over to a cabinet hanging on the wall. She opened a large burlap bag and pulled out a handful of roasted coffee beans. She lifted a small marble mortar and pestle off of a shelf and began to grind the beans into a rough powder. By the time Ischarus had returned with the pot of water, Rhema was ready with the beans. She dumped them straight into the water.</p><p></p><p>Iasho moved to the stone and mortar chimney and hung the pot from a nail that had been secured between a pair of large stones. The bottom of the pot hung only inches above the flames and in a prime position to absorb direct heat from the fire as well as indirect heat reflecting off of the interior of the chimney.</p><p></p><p>The smell of the brewing coffee woke several of the servants. As was Iasho’s tradition, the servants remained in the kitchen and waited for their morning coffee before heading out to work in the fields while breakfast was being prepared. If the weather behaved, several of the servants would continue to work on the house while the rest tried to work in the field with the crops that had been replanted.</p><p></p><p>Once the servants had departed and the trio had their coffee to sip, Ischarus sat down on the floor atop a cushion. “The crops look good, considering. You know we never really found out how the damage was done.”</p><p></p><p>Semeion shrugged. “I doubt we’ll ever know the whole truth. Pahk certainly demonstrated that he has control over fire. The wizard of Eberdeen certainly could have sent him here to accomplish that fact.”</p><p></p><p>A twinkle sparkled in Charis eye as she enjoyed a sip of the warm brew. “Personally, I’m thinking that it was dragon. I know that it would be hard for a fire breathing lizard to get this far north undetected, but they could have come over the sea and down from the north.”</p><p></p><p>Semeion countered his wife’s suggestion, too. “Possible, although that would be a long flight for a dragon. To come from Quehalost and over the mountains would be a feat for a fire breather. They wouldn’t like the cold temperature of the altitude. Then, I doubt they would enjoy flying over that much water, either. But it is possible, should the payoff have been worth it.”</p><p></p><p>Ischarus chimed in with his own dragon knowledge. “I suppose it could have been a breather of lightning as well. After all, natural lightning can be a deadly fire starter. However, I can’t see a dragon who breathes lightning enjoying a flight over all that water that much either.”</p><p></p><p>Charis turned back to Ischarus. “Well, I obviously put my money on the dragon who swoops in to do a wizard of Yrraxea’s bidding. Neither of you two seems to think it very possible. Semeion thinks it was a magical fire. What do you say, Ischarus?”</p><p></p><p>Ischarus shrugged. “Honestly? For all I know it could have been Darkbringer and a series of matches and flammable liquid. It could have been something powerful like a dragon or something magical. But it could be a mundane source, too. I think Semeion is right. I doubt that we’ll ever truly know.”</p><p></p><p>Charis accepted what she knew was the truth. “So, are we staying around the villa today and helping rebuild? That would be a nice change considering the past couple of weeks of action.”</p><p></p><p>Ischarus smiled. He thought of his wife still sleeping in the upstairs bedroom. “For Rhema’s sake and for Iasho, I’d really like to stick around. We’ve been running all over the Confederacy of Tongra when our hearts really wanted to be here for Rhema and Iasho. I think it would do us good to stick around.”</p><p></p><p>Semeion looked a little disappointed. “I wouldn’t mind going it to see Brandt and making sure the business is settled. But I certainly can’t object to staying around here.</p><p></p><p>Charis reached over and put her arm around Semeion’s shoulders. “Brandt knows where to find us. In fact, Brandt’s shared a meal or two with us around the cooking pits. If something comes up, he’ll let us know. But most of the Yrraxeans in Shiftedburg will scatter, and hopefully give up their faith for a more acceptable one. Many of the other Yrraxeans have fled the country for Quehalost, as unsettling as that thought might be. We should be safe for a while.”</p><p></p><p>Semeion settled back into Charis’ embrace with a smile on his face. Ischarus chuckled at Charis’ assertion. “Famous last words, Charis. I hope that you’re right, but I fear that you just jinxed us! Either way, though, can you imagine sailing the whole way to Fenneress knowing that your home destination is Quehalost?”</p><p></p><p>Charis nodded. That was the point to which she was trying to get. “Yeah, I understand. I lived there for a few decades, and I’m glad to be on this side of the mountains. Life in Quehalost is so physically dangerous. I mean, here we have dangers, but seldom are they ever totally life or death. In Quehalost, almost every day can be life or death.”</p><p></p><p>A silence fell over the trio. Charis had been with them for so long now that Ischarus and Semeion had forgotten how closely Charis would still remember her life in Quehalost. When she reminded her husband and Ischarus, it placed the conversation in a new perspective. The three adventurers, who were gathered around the fire and seated on cushions on the floor, each sipped their coffee while deep in thought. It was a good morning to relax deep in thought.</p><p>[/Sblock]</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Nonlethal Force, post: 3771917, member: 35788"] [B]Chapter Fourteen: PROMISING RESPITE[/B] Semeion and Charis woke up early the following morning. They had slept restlessly back in Iasho’s partially completed villa in Huetown. Much of the structure of the house was built and many of the rooms were defined with walls, doors, and windows. In spite of the state of the construction, it didn’t feel like home to Semeion and Charis. It felt too barren to be a home. It was Charis’ fidgeting that ultimately had woken Semeion, but Semeion was glad to be roused from his own restless sleep. The disturbing activity involving the discovery of the cultists and their plans of the last few days had given him troubling dreams. When Charis decided to get out of bed for the morning, Semeion woke up and decided that her decision made good sense for him as well. The pair headed downstairs and stoked the fire in the stone and mortar chimney. Charis gathered a few thick pieces of wood from the stack outside while Semeion sorted the warm coals from the cool ones. By the time Charis returned with the wood, Semeion had a small pile of red coals waiting for the opportunity to ignite more wood. Charis arranged the wood in a simple structure that resembled a lean-to shelter. The wood smoldered for several minutes before igniting. Soon the wood crackled and gave forth its warmth. Ischarus’ voice caught the pair by surprise from behind. [Color=LightBlue]“Coffee?”[/Color] Both Semeion and Charis jumped at the sound of the voice. Semeion turned around and smiled. [Color=Plum]“I think you enjoyed that.”[/Color] He paused for a second to nod in favor of Ischarus’ suggestion before taking the conversation in a new direction. [Color=Plum]“Didn’t you sleep well either?”[/Color] Ischarus smiled. [Color=LightBlue]“No, not particularly. Too many nights on the road, I guess. I never sleep well the first couple of nights back in Huetown. I guess my body just gets used to sleeping lightly and I struggle to get a good night’s sleep.”[/Color] Charis smiled compassionately. [Color=Orange]“I found the house a little disturbing. It’s just too empty to feel right.”[/Color] Ischarus approved of Charis’ comment. [Color=LightBlue]“Yeah, but you can’t really blame Iasho for keeping the house as bare as possible until the construction is completed in full.”[/Color] Ischarus grabbed a thick metal pot and headed outside. He was going for the water. Iasho hadn’t had time to install a water tank so that they could have a reservoir of water inside. Semeion tended the fire while Charis walked over to a cabinet hanging on the wall. She opened a large burlap bag and pulled out a handful of roasted coffee beans. She lifted a small marble mortar and pestle off of a shelf and began to grind the beans into a rough powder. By the time Ischarus had returned with the pot of water, Rhema was ready with the beans. She dumped them straight into the water. Iasho moved to the stone and mortar chimney and hung the pot from a nail that had been secured between a pair of large stones. The bottom of the pot hung only inches above the flames and in a prime position to absorb direct heat from the fire as well as indirect heat reflecting off of the interior of the chimney. The smell of the brewing coffee woke several of the servants. As was Iasho’s tradition, the servants remained in the kitchen and waited for their morning coffee before heading out to work in the fields while breakfast was being prepared. If the weather behaved, several of the servants would continue to work on the house while the rest tried to work in the field with the crops that had been replanted. Once the servants had departed and the trio had their coffee to sip, Ischarus sat down on the floor atop a cushion. [Color=LightBlue]“The crops look good, considering. You know we never really found out how the damage was done.”[/Color] Semeion shrugged. [Color=Plum]“I doubt we’ll ever know the whole truth. Pahk certainly demonstrated that he has control over fire. The wizard of Eberdeen certainly could have sent him here to accomplish that fact.”[/Color] A twinkle sparkled in Charis eye as she enjoyed a sip of the warm brew. [Color=Orange]“Personally, I’m thinking that it was dragon. I know that it would be hard for a fire breathing lizard to get this far north undetected, but they could have come over the sea and down from the north.”[/Color] Semeion countered his wife’s suggestion, too. [Color=Plum]“Possible, although that would be a long flight for a dragon. To come from Quehalost and over the mountains would be a feat for a fire breather. They wouldn’t like the cold temperature of the altitude. Then, I doubt they would enjoy flying over that much water, either. But it is possible, should the payoff have been worth it.”[/Color] Ischarus chimed in with his own dragon knowledge. [Color=LightBlue]“I suppose it could have been a breather of lightning as well. After all, natural lightning can be a deadly fire starter. However, I can’t see a dragon who breathes lightning enjoying a flight over all that water that much either.”[/Color] Charis turned back to Ischarus. [Color=Orange]“Well, I obviously put my money on the dragon who swoops in to do a wizard of Yrraxea’s bidding. Neither of you two seems to think it very possible. Semeion thinks it was a magical fire. What do you say, Ischarus?”[/Color] Ischarus shrugged. [Color=LightBlue]“Honestly? For all I know it could have been Darkbringer and a series of matches and flammable liquid. It could have been something powerful like a dragon or something magical. But it could be a mundane source, too. I think Semeion is right. I doubt that we’ll ever truly know.”[/Color] Charis accepted what she knew was the truth. [Color=Orange]“So, are we staying around the villa today and helping rebuild? That would be a nice change considering the past couple of weeks of action.”[/Color] Ischarus smiled. He thought of his wife still sleeping in the upstairs bedroom. [Color=LightBlue]“For Rhema’s sake and for Iasho, I’d really like to stick around. We’ve been running all over the Confederacy of Tongra when our hearts really wanted to be here for Rhema and Iasho. I think it would do us good to stick around.”[/Color] Semeion looked a little disappointed. [Color=Plum]“I wouldn’t mind going it to see Brandt and making sure the business is settled. But I certainly can’t object to staying around here.[/Color] Charis reached over and put her arm around Semeion’s shoulders. [Color=Orange]“Brandt knows where to find us. In fact, Brandt’s shared a meal or two with us around the cooking pits. If something comes up, he’ll let us know. But most of the Yrraxeans in Shiftedburg will scatter, and hopefully give up their faith for a more acceptable one. Many of the other Yrraxeans have fled the country for Quehalost, as unsettling as that thought might be. We should be safe for a while.”[/Color] Semeion settled back into Charis’ embrace with a smile on his face. Ischarus chuckled at Charis’ assertion. [Color=LightBlue]“Famous last words, Charis. I hope that you’re right, but I fear that you just jinxed us! Either way, though, can you imagine sailing the whole way to Fenneress knowing that your home destination is Quehalost?”[/Color] Charis nodded. That was the point to which she was trying to get. [Color=Orange]“Yeah, I understand. I lived there for a few decades, and I’m glad to be on this side of the mountains. Life in Quehalost is so physically dangerous. I mean, here we have dangers, but seldom are they ever totally life or death. In Quehalost, almost every day can be life or death.”[/Color] A silence fell over the trio. Charis had been with them for so long now that Ischarus and Semeion had forgotten how closely Charis would still remember her life in Quehalost. When she reminded her husband and Ischarus, it placed the conversation in a new perspective. The three adventurers, who were gathered around the fire and seated on cushions on the floor, each sipped their coffee while deep in thought. It was a good morning to relax deep in thought. [Sblock=Color-Free Speech Section] [B]Chapter Fourteen: PROMISING RESPITE[/B] Semeion and Charis woke up early the following morning. They had slept restlessly back in Iasho’s partially completed villa in Huetown. Much of the structure of the house was built and many of the rooms were defined with walls, doors, and windows. In spite of the state of the construction, it didn’t feel like home to Semeion and Charis. It felt too barren to be a home. It was Charis’ fidgeting that ultimately had woken Semeion, but Semeion was glad to be roused from his own restless sleep. The disturbing activity involving the discovery of the cultists and their plans of the last few days had given him troubling dreams. When Charis decided to get out of bed for the morning, Semeion woke up and decided that her decision made good sense for him as well. The pair headed downstairs and stoked the fire in the stone and mortar chimney. Charis gathered a few thick pieces of wood from the stack outside while Semeion sorted the warm coals from the cool ones. By the time Charis returned with the wood, Semeion had a small pile of red coals waiting for the opportunity to ignite more wood. Charis arranged the wood in a simple structure that resembled a lean-to shelter. The wood smoldered for several minutes before igniting. Soon the wood crackled and gave forth its warmth. Ischarus’ voice caught the pair by surprise from behind. “Coffee?” Both Semeion and Charis jumped at the sound of the voice. Semeion turned around and smiled. “I think you enjoyed that.” He paused for a second to nod in favor of Ischarus’ suggestion before taking the conversation in a new direction. “Didn’t you sleep well either?” Ischarus smiled. “No, not particularly. Too many nights on the road, I guess. I never sleep well the first couple of nights back in Huetown. I guess my body just gets used to sleeping lightly and I struggle to get a good night’s sleep.” Charis smiled compassionately. “I found the house a little disturbing. It’s just too empty to feel right.” Ischarus approved of Charis’ comment. “Yeah, but you can’t really blame Iasho for keeping the house as bare as possible until the construction is completed in full.” Ischarus grabbed a thick metal pot and headed outside. He was going for the water. Iasho hadn’t had time to install a water tank so that they could have a reservoir of water inside. Semeion tended the fire while Charis walked over to a cabinet hanging on the wall. She opened a large burlap bag and pulled out a handful of roasted coffee beans. She lifted a small marble mortar and pestle off of a shelf and began to grind the beans into a rough powder. By the time Ischarus had returned with the pot of water, Rhema was ready with the beans. She dumped them straight into the water. Iasho moved to the stone and mortar chimney and hung the pot from a nail that had been secured between a pair of large stones. The bottom of the pot hung only inches above the flames and in a prime position to absorb direct heat from the fire as well as indirect heat reflecting off of the interior of the chimney. The smell of the brewing coffee woke several of the servants. As was Iasho’s tradition, the servants remained in the kitchen and waited for their morning coffee before heading out to work in the fields while breakfast was being prepared. If the weather behaved, several of the servants would continue to work on the house while the rest tried to work in the field with the crops that had been replanted. Once the servants had departed and the trio had their coffee to sip, Ischarus sat down on the floor atop a cushion. “The crops look good, considering. You know we never really found out how the damage was done.” Semeion shrugged. “I doubt we’ll ever know the whole truth. Pahk certainly demonstrated that he has control over fire. The wizard of Eberdeen certainly could have sent him here to accomplish that fact.” A twinkle sparkled in Charis eye as she enjoyed a sip of the warm brew. “Personally, I’m thinking that it was dragon. I know that it would be hard for a fire breathing lizard to get this far north undetected, but they could have come over the sea and down from the north.” Semeion countered his wife’s suggestion, too. “Possible, although that would be a long flight for a dragon. To come from Quehalost and over the mountains would be a feat for a fire breather. They wouldn’t like the cold temperature of the altitude. Then, I doubt they would enjoy flying over that much water, either. But it is possible, should the payoff have been worth it.” Ischarus chimed in with his own dragon knowledge. “I suppose it could have been a breather of lightning as well. After all, natural lightning can be a deadly fire starter. However, I can’t see a dragon who breathes lightning enjoying a flight over all that water that much either.” Charis turned back to Ischarus. “Well, I obviously put my money on the dragon who swoops in to do a wizard of Yrraxea’s bidding. Neither of you two seems to think it very possible. Semeion thinks it was a magical fire. What do you say, Ischarus?” Ischarus shrugged. “Honestly? For all I know it could have been Darkbringer and a series of matches and flammable liquid. It could have been something powerful like a dragon or something magical. But it could be a mundane source, too. I think Semeion is right. I doubt that we’ll ever truly know.” Charis accepted what she knew was the truth. “So, are we staying around the villa today and helping rebuild? That would be a nice change considering the past couple of weeks of action.” Ischarus smiled. He thought of his wife still sleeping in the upstairs bedroom. “For Rhema’s sake and for Iasho, I’d really like to stick around. We’ve been running all over the Confederacy of Tongra when our hearts really wanted to be here for Rhema and Iasho. I think it would do us good to stick around.” Semeion looked a little disappointed. “I wouldn’t mind going it to see Brandt and making sure the business is settled. But I certainly can’t object to staying around here. Charis reached over and put her arm around Semeion’s shoulders. “Brandt knows where to find us. In fact, Brandt’s shared a meal or two with us around the cooking pits. If something comes up, he’ll let us know. But most of the Yrraxeans in Shiftedburg will scatter, and hopefully give up their faith for a more acceptable one. Many of the other Yrraxeans have fled the country for Quehalost, as unsettling as that thought might be. We should be safe for a while.” Semeion settled back into Charis’ embrace with a smile on his face. Ischarus chuckled at Charis’ assertion. “Famous last words, Charis. I hope that you’re right, but I fear that you just jinxed us! Either way, though, can you imagine sailing the whole way to Fenneress knowing that your home destination is Quehalost?” Charis nodded. That was the point to which she was trying to get. “Yeah, I understand. I lived there for a few decades, and I’m glad to be on this side of the mountains. Life in Quehalost is so physically dangerous. I mean, here we have dangers, but seldom are they ever totally life or death. In Quehalost, almost every day can be life or death.” A silence fell over the trio. Charis had been with them for so long now that Ischarus and Semeion had forgotten how closely Charis would still remember her life in Quehalost. When she reminded her husband and Ischarus, it placed the conversation in a new perspective. The three adventurers, who were gathered around the fire and seated on cushions on the floor, each sipped their coffee while deep in thought. It was a good morning to relax deep in thought. [/Sblock] [/QUOTE]
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