[center][h1][color=00aeef]Chres[/color][/h1][/center]

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Chres rubbing his chin in thought wondering how this new development changed things. [color=00aeef]"Two crystals, several pouches of salt, and a handful of soldiers... how can we use them to our benefit..."[/color] He pondered out loud. 

He looked to the two guides. [color=00aeef]"How close will these tunnels get us to the the Cult's base of operations?"[/color] Chres asked the guides.

"Be near." said the first. 

"Very be near." said the second.

[color=00aeef]"And where will it take us?"[/color]

"Building." said the first.

"Be building's under." said the second.

Chres scratched his chin at their strange phrasing of words. So beneath a building? Was it a raised building or just some sort of cellar?

[color=6ecff6]"Take it, Chres."[/color] Karina said. [color=6ecff6]"This jade candle is one of the few we have remaining and now, you will be responsible for it. If you need a reason to live, do it for your companions. Remember, you are not alone. Stay strong, Chres."[/color]

Shocked by Karina's caring words, Chres raised his gaze to the hand on his shoulder. During his time with the woman, he had not seen much of her compassionate side. He hadn't been looking for kindness or sympathy, and yet the gesture stirred a strange mix of emotions.

On the one hand, he was touched to have someone be there for him. He had been alone with Sil, the reminder of his past deeds, for so long now that he couldn't even remember what it was like to have a companion who he could count on. On the other hand, his guilty conscious stirred at her words. Within him, he felt the bubble of frustration rise further along with his self-loathing. That part of him whispered to him. He didn't deserve to have companions who cared for him. He didn't deserve to be happy. That side of Chres wanted to wallow in the pain and misery. It wanted to shrug off Karina's hand and throw a fit.

With difficulty Chres shoved away the negative thoughts and emotions. Those thoughts... those emotions... He didn't yet know whether they were valid. His wife told had said he didn't understand. He had to find out... He had to know... Just what didn't he understand? Only then could he validate those feelings. 

Reluctantly, Chres took the Crystal Jade Candle from Karina. He stared at its greenish glow with empty eyes. Before feeling a tiny nudge on his neck from Sil's tiny elbow

[color=a2d39c]"Well go on."[/color] Sil said. 

Chres looked to her confused.

Sil just rolled her eyes at him.

[color=a2d39c]"You silly little puddle. Aren't you going to thank Ms. Ice-a-rina already?"[/color] 

Chres blinked. Twice now the familiar seem uncharacteristically aware of what was going on. Pursing his lips, he met Karina's gaze.

[color=00aeef]"Thanks Karina."[/color]

[color=a2d39c]"That's Ms. Ice-a-rina."[/color] Sil corrected.

[color=00aeef]"Ka-ri-na."[/color] Chres reiterated, empathizing each syllable. Sil sighed and waved him off. [color=00aeef]"Thank you."[/color] He said again. It was a more meaningful 'thank you'. One that spoke to more than just the crystal jade given to him.

[color=00aeef]"Seems rough."[/color] He said after a moment of walking in silence. [color=00aeef]"To have boss who is also your father... What did he mean that 'the best soldiers do not undermine their superiors'? You came here on behalf of the army and completed your mission, did you not?"[/color]