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Well... to be honest things like that make and break people. You never know until something value shattering comes up.

He would admit this, he had seen this happen more than once, it made heroes out of idiots and monsters of the noble.

Ulrich was sitting at the table now, eating a slice of bread plain, his eyes unfocused and staring into space. He was calm now, thoughtful, and as Gion entered the kitchen he raised his eyes to look at him.

"Sorry," he said apologetically. "Not your fault. Don't mind me."

Gion nodded at Ulrich and raised one eyebrow at the plain bread that was on the table.

I think I'll just leave now and eat on the road, he signed to Ulrich. Thanks though ... and tell Ulani I hope she's all right.

Then to Daemon he thought, Yeah, I know. I guess we'll find out.

He's really out of it. Perhaps if possible we send a message by some other means later on.

It was the suggestion that Daemon had, partly because it just bothered him. This wasn't Ulrich, this was Ulrich when someone decided to sedate him if it was possible.

Hmmm... maybe.. as long as we aren't poking our noses into business we shouldn't.


Daemon replied back after a moment of thought. Afterall for all he knew Ulani and Ulrich had a disagreement. Even he and Yume had a few of those during their marriage.

It was a little over two weeks later when the plantation finally came into sight: row upon row of vines, and the tops of a few buildings visible above that. The smell was different here: sweet, far better than the acrid dryness of the desert. It was true, they had only been in the desert for a single day, but still ... it didn't take long for the heat and dryness to start wearing a person down.

We made it, Gion grinned inwardly. And without incident. A new record for us.

Well, the long way has sights of its own, Gion chuckled silently as he approached the vineyard, hopping over the fence. Besides, we can have fun any way we go.

He started through the rows of vines, plucking a few grapes here and there and popping them in his mouth. They burst between his teeth, filling his mouth with the sweet juice. He loved it ... it was fresh and refreshing.

Gion would have laughed, had he a voice. Aye, I know, he agreed. But once in a while it's nice.

He was still grinning as he looked ahead, and his grin widened a bit as he spotted something.

Someone's just ahead, he told Daemon, and though he knew that the man could see now as well, he added, There's a golden glow.