[center][h1]Thalion[/h1][/center]

The following evening had been a solitary, if restless one. Not helped by those noisy Dwarves drinking and cheering. Were they not aware they'd be heading to battle tomorrow? Or, may be they were, and the drinks was to ease their nerves. Some merriment before the trials that were to come.

And so, a restless mind drifted home. Back to the summer festival where drink and merriment were in great supply. Those nights saw young men scouring the streets for a young lady to dance with. Though, many hoped to do more than just dance in the streets. There was a lass he clasped hands with, there; a lithe, but shapely maiden with brunette locks that fell to the small of her back, and eyes that shimmered like the night's sky. It was a good memory, even if he'd never seen her since; the lass was from out of town, the festival and occasion to see relatives.

Thalion wondered what she was doing now. He wondered why he'd wonder such a thing. There were more pressing matters to concern himself with. And yet, the memory of a carefree night, with a belly of wine and the company and a friendly girl, put him at ease. Then finally, did he sleep.

The following morning, the young Half-Elf was slow to awaken. He merely had time to strap on that shepherd's axe before he was summoned to hear the announcements. He recognized the Half-Elf speaking; Oda Hideyoshi, the should be leader of Kogani. Why would someone as capable and believed as him turn down the crown? But, as much as he should pay attention, the lack of proper rest made much of the announcement go by in the blur.

[quote]"... But with the help of our mages, we can safely enter Gabaras... with these."[/quote]

The glow of that crystal snapped Thalion back to the present. That looked familiar... Where had he read about crystals of that caliber? And there were several more of then? Well, he shouldn't put it passed a government entity to be able to acquire rare and expensive resourc-

[quote]"... But there is a catch... when an area of Gabaras is 'cured' from the reality distortions its citizens will appear out of thin air and begin attacking."[/quote]

Thalion felt his jaw clench. 

[i]Don't you understand, Thalion? Those days art done! The heroes you study and idolize are gone; buried and forgotten! 'Tis an age of avaris, of hubris now! And that is why you must pity them not! Sympathize with them not! All who stand against this sacred mission, all who do not join our sacred mission are enemies![/i]

When Master Elashor said this, it was as if he were a different person. Was that what was happening here? It didn't matter if these people were civilians. If they attacked, they were the enemy. And the enemy was to be killed.

It became more apparent joining this mission was a fools errand! He can't be apart of this! He had to- No, the card would track him if he tried to leave. Thalion shook his head and tried to focus. Surely these people don't mean to actually [i]harm[/i] the civilians; this was a rescue mission, after all!

When it was time to get moving, Thalion followed his group to their cart. he sat in a corner, his face away from the others, trying to blend in. Then a song broke out from one of the Dwarves, and he caught his foot tapping, despite his predicament. It'd be nice to share a song. But, a fugitive doesn't sing.

Still, when they were unloaded and lead into their tent, they were met by one of the commanders and a holy woman, of all people. Still, much else seemed lost on Thalion, his troubled mind spinning again.

"We're not going to hurt those people are we?" He realized too late he had said too loud.