[I]“I am capable of understanding much, but in you I sense loss as well. Why do you mourn? Why do you feel the way you do? Are you not blessed to live your life focused on your world and your life? Would you prefer to stay here, amongst the dark halls, the forgotten dreams and watch the vast potential of all life play out before you? Would you prefer to stand watch here among the shadowed and dream alongside the eternal?”[/I]

Those were the words that the Dreamer spoke to him. Though they stung, the words were absolutely correct. Talon was uncertain, uneasy, and upset. Somehow, this being had read the Dragon-Blooded like a book. Adding fire to the flames that roared in his mind were the numerous images he had seen when they all flashed before him. So much information that it would take most months or years to glean it all... had been shunted into his mind in nary a second. They showed many lands. Some darker than the Underworlds of Creation, some brighter and more glorious than the Imperial City or even Yu-Shan. Creatures more foul than he had ever seen, and beings with beauty incomprehensible. 

The skeletal being was correct. To this point, Talon's entire life had been a sham. Anathema were not even a fraction of that which plagued existence... there were much worse things. Hell, he had even had an Anathema as a friend, and was going to even question the guy instead of simply execute him. But then, that friend sent him here. Perhaps Yuri knew what lie in store... perhaps he wanted his friend to find there was more to life than hunting those who have done nothing wrong. Then, the same being offered Talon and his men a place and a duty. To remain in the Nexus and defend the Dreamers as their guardsmen/enforcers/etc.

[B]"You would be able to keep myself and my men here? We would remain comfortable, fed, and with a fulfilling purpose again?"[/B] He sighed heavily and discussed the prospect with his two lieutenants while the two other newcomers chatted and bickered. The two officers both seemed conflicted, but not against the prospect. They wanted to do more, but also seemed to feel that this was their best prospect for survival in this odd new place. So it was decided. They would remain and serve the Dreamers as soldiers, guards, emissaries, and enforcers.

[B]"We accept. The Burning Wings will remain in this place and perform the tasks related to your defense, so long as we have purpose and are not mistreated."[/B] He honestly didn't feel these beings needed someone like him to defend themselves, but how was he to know for sure? Perhaps their magics were more defensive and supplementary, rather than offensive. [B]"Just tell us what to do and we shall comply."[/B] He then looked at the two newcomers, one of whom was being more disrespectful than Talon had been on HIS arrival. [B]"Shall I start by escorting this one off of the premises, Sir?"[/B] asked the Exalt as he rested his palm on the pommel of his weapon.