darkSpyro

As the 'battery' was shut down-- so too was the extra power provided with it. "Probably for the best.," Damon commented as Raclaw gave a nod to Angora. He and the collar entity still couldn't talk over one another, a fact which still didn't entirely settle right with him. "It's alright-- it's over now. And if the everlasting storm is over; let's go outside.," he then offered being one of the first to step outside. It really was true; the storm clouds were dispersing and the skies were clearing up! And suddenly the air felt.. more fresh? Less full of the Ishlulgite's negative influence? That had to be it..

"They-- they really are!," Risar said in genuine shock. "It's true-- the skies are clearing up! And that white dragon is here!," one of the men shouted looking through a spyglass on top of one of the ship's crow nests. A couple of the men almost drew their weapons, but were reassured by the other crew members. "Relax, he's one of the good ones.," one of them said reacting before the man did anything harsh. Chester watched out out curiosity.

Maverick smiled upon seeing Orion, really sure he was going to lend a hand at last. He didn't like the idea of Orion staying for too long though, for if the Ishulgites could control a deity like rumors are claiming, it was a bad idea for him to linger too long.

Quote: redwes

As the 'battery' was shut down-- so too was the extra power provided with it. "Probably for the best.," Damon commented as Raclaw gave a nod to Angora. He and the collar entity still couldn't talk over one another, a fact which still didn't entirely settle right with him. "It's alright-- it's over now. And if the everlasting storm is over; let's go outside.," he then offered being one of the first to step outside. It really was true; the storm clouds were dispersing and the skies were clearing up! And suddenly the air felt.. more fresh? Less full of the Ishlulgite's negative influence? That had to be it...

Angora sighed, knowing it wasn't over yet.
"Well, even if the storm has stopped, we still have those Ishulgites to deal with." Angora expressed, knowing they had an entire army, unless the Guardians call their own? There was no doubt about one thing though; a war was upon them...

"That is true-- I worry about the mainland. They don't know what's coming to them.," Raclaw said looking looking out onto the now mostly clear sky. One archipelago wasn't enough; they wanted the whole world under their thumbs. And they would do anything towards that final goal.

Angora shrank her shoulders, at this point so sick and tired of the Ishulgite's extremist nature she firmly believed tht if they didn't stop them, either Aelinon or themselves will do.
"Well, we already defeated everything they have thrown against us. And I don't know why, but they don't have me. Now I don't know why they wanted me, but I doubt it was because of my ridiculous size. Not having me means a fail in their plans." Angora expressed, wanting to feel special somehow. But the memory just reminded her she had too much to owe to Julien. After they were done with the mission, she would come looking for him...

"Well, then," Sere said, "let us not waste any more time here. We will be needed back at the ship as soon as possible." He lead the way out, heading back up through the corridor they came from - an uneventful trip overall.

Angora was just as disappointed as Sere. She wanted to believe there was progress, but for some reason, it just didn't feel that way. One thing that made her happy though is that Latnok didn't attempt to interrupt or stop her conversation with Raclaw. Perhaps at last he was giving more liberty to his friend? She has always believed the friendship wasn't going to last long, but maybe it was getting better or not as bad as she originally thought.

Maverick bowed in respect for Orion, but immediately had to take his attention away from him to attend the panicked Dahlia. He didn't know what else to do with her anymore. Not even Orion's calming presence was enough to make her stop being so afraid of dragons. While it was true dirt buffalos were in the diet of wild dragons, none of the dragons here meant her any harm... well, except perhaps Veris, but it was rather depressing to know there wasn't a way to make Dahlia surpress the fear even if it was just a little bit.

Mischief nodded in response to the trio, before suddenly sitting bolt upright at Orion's arrival. Her Mana sense was utterly overwhelmed by the incarnate maker. It almost left her blind. "By... By the Maker?! Such intense energy! I'm almost blind! I... I must meet this mighty being!" Eclipse, however, was angered by Orion's presence. As Mischief hopped to her feet and rushed out, she stared in awe at Orion. Every instinct screamed at her to kneel. So she did, dropping to one knee. "Such power! Such majesty! Such..." Her voice trailed off as Eclipse made an abnormally insistent effort to take control. Kill it at once! Any being who demands worship should be put down before a cult springs into being around them! "Eclipse, shut up, now's not the time... Clearly the others know him..." Nevertheless Eclipse managed to raise enough suspicion and fear to cause her host's fur to stand on end. "Hello, fount of energy... Pray tell me your name?"

Darkheart felt the presence as well. "No doubt he awaits our arrival. Let's keep moving. Shouldn't keep a literal god waiting, it's not polite." Despite her dry comment, she felt nervous. If she hadn't met Orion's little band, she'd still be untamed, alone, and unloved.

Sere wasn't expecting Orion's presence here so soon. He wondered how safe such a thing was, but put the thought aside for the moment. "We will meet him soon enough," he said, as he led the way back to the ship.

A hike back to the ship took some time, but wasn't difficult, with no opposition to speak of. Orion was incredibly obvious as they approached, the creature being rather distinct. Latnok and Sere hurried to meet him, while Laszur hung back - having compunctions about dealing with such a creature.

Angora sighed at Orion's presence, afraid of something bad happening to him with the Ishulgite's resources. They were crazy, but also twistedly intelligent. She still nodded in greeting, grateful that he still found the time to help them even with how incredibly busy he must usually be...

Quote:

Darkheart felt the presence as well. "No doubt he awaits our arrival. Let's keep moving. Shouldn't keep a literal god waiting, it's not polite." Despite her dry comment, she felt nervous.

"Agreed.," Raclaw said quickly taking his place alongside Latnok. Besides-- he liked Orion and he wouldn't have met either Latnok or Darkheart had he not accepted the God's initial quest. Risar took his place as well, while Chester stayed behind allowing the others to more directly deal with the god. He doubted it was his place to interfere.

Back at Redwater, everything was practically in chaos. Huntress rented a room after missing her companion in a mutiny that took place at the black market. She had stopped looking for her, and she wanted to forget everything about the Blue dragon. Now more than ever, she doubted it's existence. Most people were under house arrest to prevent them from going out in the cold winter, but most houses weren't suited to sustain such cold. There was also the war with the Silvianesti, but some people coming around believed there was something far worse going on. Something about the winter didn't feel natural, but a few even believed the Silvianesti didn't have enough magic to alter the weather in such a way. Huntress didn't know what to believe. For all it could be, it could be just extreme weather that happens once every few years. Due to the harsh winter, she was confined in that room and unable to visit the base. All she could do was wait it out...

Mischief tilted her head at Orion's response. Eclipse's mental voice continued screaming at her to kill this Galaxy Dragon. She struggled to remember any lore associated with this Orion fellow. But with Eclipse making so much mental noise she couldn't focus on anything at this point. She started quietly verbalizing the mental argument. "Maker's sake, Eclipse... Shut up... I will not be silenced forever... I care not what the Galaxy Dragon claims... Let me deal with it, cub... Eclipse, can't it wait until after the Ishulgites are dealt with? Orion said he'll help... And how can we trust him after? An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure... Which is exactly why I'm not letting you take charge here, so shut up for ten seconds and let us deal with the matter at hand..." Her eyes flickered as they always did during these internal squabbles.
Darkheart looked at Mischief with a concerned expression.

Sere stepped forward. "I would not risk attempting anything on or near the mainland - the Ishulgites are well-established there, from what we know, and are likely to be able to take advantage of any direct intervention. We've already seen what they are capable of if they have even a small sample of something. However, perhaps there are other means by which you can manifest power in order to assist us."
Ilasi, looking on, was still stunned that the Guardians and a few others were able to talk to Orion so casually, as if hr were some regular person and not a myth incarnate. If he could assist them, however, maybe things could work out.

Raclaw briefly looked at Mischief before returning his glance to his mate, Darkheart. The Fur Dragon had a look in his eyes-- as if he recognized something, whatever was in Mischief's head and Damon seeming very similar. He and the others allowed Sere to speak, remaining quiet.

While Angora wanted to pay attention to Orion, Mischief's discomfort didn't go unnoticed by Angora.
"Easy there Mischief! He's a good friend." she said, assuming his presence was making her uneasy, and she approached her now bigger friend, having been able to calm her down in the past and hoping this occassion was no exception. Maverick passed besides them with the terrified Dahlia in tow, looking at the girls with concern, but Angora gave him a reassuring nod, letting him know they were going to be fine. Once convinced, Maverick proceeded to go downstairs to take Dahlia back to her enclosure. He couldn't keep her around if she was that afraid. He had to take her back and give her time to calm down. Whatever Orion says while he was gone he would have to be told later...

Maverick escorted Dahlia to her enclosure, for a moment believing he heard his name. Dahlia heard, but there was no way she could tell her master. She didn't like exposing him to whatever horrors were going on up the main deck, but Maverick was still here, alive and well, so that must've meant he had his protection. Once reaching the enclosure, she let Maverick leave, but not before expressing her concern.
"No te preocupes mi chica. Everything will be fine. You'll be safe here." he assured warmly, closing the door and heading to the main deck. He wondered if he should check on Veris as well, but with the feast he had earlier, he doubted he would be hungry right now. He was probably asleep by now, so whatever was left to attend, he was going to let the more experienced Angora do it...

Ilasi shuddered as her name was called, mystified at the prospect of her name being called for such a thing. Was she truly worthy?
"Uh, yes, Orion, sir, I'm... uh, I'm here..." she answered nervously, as she looked down and fidgeted her fingers. "Just... I dunno if I'm... well, the best choice, and, well... it's... well, quite more of a commitment then I... I was expecting."
Leoquin, meanwhile, was still diligently working on freeing up the rudder; he was too far away to distinctly hear the names called, and he could not see the deck from his spot underwater.

"Allow me to retrieve Leoquin-- I believe.. I believe he is working on the rudder.," Risar said with a respectful nod departing to retrieve the merman if no-one had any exceptions. Chester remained near where Raclaw was, while Raclaw waited for Risar and Leoquin. Orion referred to the whole group *plus* the others, which meant... Orion wanted him? An owned technically-controlled dragon as knight of the light? It was almost unbelievable.

"Leoquin-- you may stop your work for now. Orion is here and he has a great honor to bestow upon you!," Risar would soon call down upon reaching the port of the ship near the rudder. Indeed-- for some such as a former slave and a current pet to receive such title was something special.

Angora was ready to approach Orion, wondering what it meant to be a Knight of Light. It was a rather pretty title. Her walk was interrupted with Maverick arriving.
"Oh hey Maverick. Did you hear? Orion has quite a surprise for you. For us." Angora said, not sure if Maverick heard. Couldn't be, otherwise he would be shocked. At her suggestion, Maverick approached Orion in her company, feeling goosebumps just being this close to the overwhelming presence...

Leoquin, though engaged in his work, immediately poked his head out of the water. "Yes, sir, I'll be right there!" he called out. He swam out of the water onto the shore, hurriedly slithering back to the gangplank and onto the ship to take his position. He greeted Orion with an awkward bow.

Ilasi smiled hesitantly. If he was saying she was worthy, then she would go along with it. "Yes, uh... Mr. Orion, sir," she answered, picking her head up somewhat but not completely. Whatever it was, she hoped he didn't have high demands and expectations of her for the rest of her life - she still had a lifetime to look forward to spending with Maverick, and would prefer any duties be secondary to that life after the journey.

Risar soon returned, while Raclaw motioned for Darkheart and Mischief to step forward as well. "I believe he's referring to you two as well.," the Fur Dragon said with a gentle smile. He could've been mistaken, but it wouldn't seem right to exclude them either.

Maverick's knees were trembling. He didn't even know how to feel about this. Will this mean he will have magic now? It was too much in so little time. Angora was smiling, but didn't look nearly as much as overwhelmed as her friend. After everything she has witnessed and lived, this seemed almost mundane.
"Nice..." she said quietly, but as she waited for Orion to finish the spell, she had a question.
"But wait, what about Neo? What about the armor I had before?" she asked as she was about to do the same as Icestorm and Crystal, Neo having been quiet for a while. Will the armor be replaced? Or was just having an upgrade?

Risar looked at his new apparel-- the new very golden armor was even custom fitted, allowing him both his pre-existing axes and the new ceremonial looking sword accessed via his side. It was-- impressive and heavens, the armor even matched his nose ring/partial chain. Raclaw, for his part, looked over his own armor where he normally lacked any. It form fitted him perfectly; his existing gear was left uninterrupted and accessible including of course his own collar. And the color/materials only compliment that of his tail artifact! "Shiny!," Chester commented via bark as Raclaw used his tail/tail artifact to draw his own sword.. inspecting it albeit just a tad awkwardly. "Thank you oh mighty Orion. This.. this is a honor.," he said truly surprised at having received such a honor in the first place. He glanced over at Latnok and the Guardian's own armor. Indeed-- it was very shiny!

Sere and Latnok took the time to look over their own armor - more concerned about its function than its appearance. Nevertheless, it was a sight to behold.
"Pray let this be enough," Sere said as he took his spear, getting a feel for the motions. Latnok, in the meantime, looked thoroughly over Raclaw's own armor - it seemed to fit him well enough, and didn't leave any glaring, unusual weak spots. "We'll do this... for every child who will never be able to make their own way through the world," he vowed as he gave his axe a few practice swings. "And for all those who would be robbed of the opportunity to ever do such a thing if the Ishulgites succeed."

Ilasi, never having worn armor, felt extremely awkward in what she was now granted. "Uh... I might need a bit of practice with this..." she admitted, trying to take a few steps to see how it felt. This was... not what she was used to. Not at all.
Leoquin's armor fit his current aquatic form - he made a few motions in it, testing it out. He did hope that something more suitable would appear for his terrestrial form. "Well, then, we need to get a move-on. I can have the rudder cleaned up in a few more hours - it's delicate, tedious work, unfortunately. These guys knew what they were doing." Regardless, he had the resolve to see the mission through - and maybe he would be able to right the wrong that had him set out to begin with.

Maverick was feeling as awkward as Ilasi.
"I'm not sure I can pull this off..." he said to Angora, never wearing an armor before, even less used magic. The sword looked heavy, but it was actually rather easy to carry, almost as if it adapted to his strength.
"Oh trust me, you'll get used to it. Look at everyone. Heh, Darkheart doesn't even look evil anymore." Angora said, looking at the dragoness. She was worried about how Mischief would handle things though. She looked too unstable. Giving a nod in thanks to Orion, she approached her to make sure everything was alright. Maverick only gave him a nervous glance, the best thank you he could give right now.

He then approached Ilasi.
"Hey. How's everything?" he asked, sensing her uneasiness. He wasn't the only one feeling such a way, though if there was something to admit it was the remarkable honor it was to have Orion trust them so much. Now more than ever, they have to stop the Ishulgites.

Ilasi fumbled around in her new armor for a few more moments. "I... honestly don't think this sort of thing suits me," she said.."I don't have the build or the skills to make it useful. Perhaps I will rely on it only as a last resort of some kind." The very thought of having to get up close to more of those disgusting creatures repulsed her, and she didn't want to mention how fearful she was of doing such a thing, in addition to her other concerns.

Maverick consoled her, knowing firsthand how uncomfortable it made her.
"Well, you heard him. It will only appear in times of dire need. It's not like we'll have it on all the time." he assured, relieved with the information. He wasn't a fan of the armor either, but at least it wasn't a 24/7 deal. He didn't like fighting either, but as the last months just proved, sometimes it was the only way of defense. If someone taught him that fighting is sometimes necessary, it was the Ishulgites, who weren't giving them many options and has often let them know they wanted them dead.

Angora was in the meantime consoling Mischief herself, who seemed to have some inner struggles.
"Listen, the battle is over, and Orion just gave us new protection. If you need some rest, you can use Maverick's previous bed. It's much more comfortable. Not sure about you, but I could use a nap myself." she commented, feeling like she could use a rest herself. Veris already had a heavy lunch earlier if Maverick left him feast on so many corpses earlier, but she would still bring him a small dinner just to be sure. She only hoped the wyvern didn't ask her to sleep there again, for she wanted a bed, not to mention she was still determined not to interact with him too much to make him change his mind about her staying.

Ilasi felt much better now that the matter was settled. "Thank you, Mr. Orion, sir. I will do my part." With that, her attention returned to Maverick.
"I know I can always count on you, dear. You've saved me so many times by now... You'll always be my knight in shining armor..." Leaning closer to Maverick, she came in with a passionate hug, and was trying to find a kiss to follow it up with.

Leoquin seemed satisfied with the knowledge of the armor. "That's awesome! You can count on me, Orion!" he proudly announced. "I'm going to finish up the rudder here in a bit. We'll be good to go, soon as I'm done!"
Sere gave a smile so slight it was hard to tell if it was even there. "We're counting on you, Leoquin. Once you're done, we set out. Journey will likely be about a month from here... maybe a bit less with a good tailwind. Then... we end this business once and for all."

Quote: A Guy

Ilasi felt much better now that the matter was settled. "Thank you, Mr. Orion, sir. I will do my part." With that, her attention returned to Maverick.
"I know I can always count on you, dear. You've saved me so many times by now... You'll always be my knight in shining armor..." Leaning closer to Maverick, she came in with a passionate hug, and was trying to find a kiss to follow it up with.

"Heh... well..." Maverick said, redder than a tomato. He has heard the term knight in shining armor, but he never expected himself to be such a way. It felt nice. He was also embarrassed to show so much affection in public, even though their relationship was no secret to anybody anymore. He obliged, letting Ilasi do anything she wanted. He wondered how Angora was taking it, but found to his relief that Angora was rolling her eyes and grinning, almost as if he was teasing him. She would've been jealous in the past, but she has come to accept their relationship, even though she found it incredibly cheesy. The only thing that made her sad is that she was certain she will never be able to find love the way he has, but at least Maverick has, and he deserved it the most.

She let them had their moment, for Angora was now more interested in what Orion just suggested. Transporting them? She recalled the time Orion did the same for her and Maverick. He transported them to a place that eventually got them into trouble, but then again, she figured Orion didn't have control of everything going on in the world, and he likely didn't know what would've happened to them. What's done is done, though skipping the voyage could be convenient at a time like this, she wasn't certain if it was such a good idea to be back at Redwater so soon, even if the Ishulgites were on their way there...

Sere looked down, resting his chin on the back of his hand, before shaking his head. "We can't risk the Ishulgites being able to take advantage of any residual power that such an action might invoke - and we do not know how far their divine power suppression extends into the mainland," he said cautiously. "However... if you could provide us with a favorable tailwind, we may be able to reach Aelinon with enough time to act. No doubt they're using the Scepter of Storms to help their own travels." While he would take any advantage he could get, Sere was ever careful - too much hung in the balance to take great risks.

Angora didn't even considered the possibility of the Ishulgites using the power left behind by the transport, so it was a very good call from Sere. He could be quite a jerk sometimes, but there was no denying how smart he was. He was old after all, at least by human standards. She smiled at Shade's comment, glad that even he could have a moment of happiness.

With the matter settled, it was time to return to Redwater, and stop the Ishulgites once and for all. Angora suggested to Mischief once again to go to the cabin and rest. In the meantime, she left the main deck, giving one final nod to Orion as thanks for his help before going downstairs, heading to the kitchen to grab a small dinner for Veris. Once she reached her enclosure, she decided to give a small knock on the door in case he was asleep.
"Veris? Awake?" she asked very quietly, feeling like she hasn't seen him in a while. Despite not wanting to interact with him as much as before, she wasn't going to leave aside the responsibility she had to him.

Veris was happily asleep, still comatose from the huge feast he was granted. Being stuck in the pen during the battle greatly stressed him out, but at this moment he was once again perfectly satisfied and calm. Despite that, he probably wouldn't object to another meal once he woke up.

Angora didn't hear a response, and when she pressed her head against the door, she could hear some snoring. No doubt about it. Veris was asleep. She only hoped Maverick didn't allow him too much to eat. It wouldn't be good if he got fat. But at least it was better that way. She didn't want to risk opening the door to leave his dinner and accidentally wake him, so she decided to take the platter back to the kitchen. Her nap could turn into a whole night's sleep, but if that was the case, Veris would just have to forgive her for skipping his dinner. She needed her rest too after all.

After leaving the dinner safe in the kitchen, she headed to the cabin, expecting Mischief to be there... but then she suddenly remembered something important; Julien. She still owed him. Deciding to resist sleep for a while longer, she headed back to the main deck, determined to find him and somehow, slowly repay him the favor.

Ilasi didn't want to get too carried away, out in the open. Having settled down a bit - but just a bit - she leaned into Maverick's ear. "Let's head to my room, dear, shall we?" she whispered gently to him.

Julian would not be found on the main deck. Instead, he was in his laboratory, conducting more medical experiments. In a sudden fit of pain, he almost dropped a vial he was carrying; haphazardly placing it on the workbench, he sank to his knees as he gripped his heart. He needed a few minutes to catch his breath while the fit of pain went away.

Raclaw, meanwhile, was looking over his side-- inspecting how the strap and sheathed sword tightly hugged him just in front of his wings. He wasn't sure how much use he would have for a sword, but it was still nevertheless a great honor to be betrothed along with the fancy title. Risar offered a pleased nod/grunt at his own sword, rather satisfied with both the sword and the title. The blade at least provided another option should his axes fail him for whatever reason.

Maverick blushed even further. A little more and anyone could suspect smoke would come out of his hears.
"Well... I'm, yours then." he stammered, feeling so goofy. He knew there were eyes around him, and that with help with his embarrassment. It was better if they indeed continued the display in the privacy of Ilasi's spacious cabin.

Not seeing Julien anywhere, Angora correctly assumed he would be in his laboratory. Not wanting to interrupt any important even, she gently knocked on the door like she did with Veris earlier.
"Mr. Julien? May I come in sir? Need help with anything?" she asked quietly but loud enough to be heard if he was awake or not too concentrated. Her voice was very different than when she addressed with the Guardians. It was one more meek. More respectful, mayve even a hint of admiration?

Julian was somewhat slow to identify the knock. Once he did, he gradually forced himself to his feet - pulling himself up with his left hand - in order to answer the door. "Coming..." he grunnted out.
Taking a few deep breaths after standing up, he hobbled towards the door, slowly opening it. It was, of course, Angora, who he was able to recognize the voice of. "Hello, Angora..." he said, trying to at least downplay the pain he just recently felt. "Don't mind me, just a little tired. Just doing some more work right now. Hard work."

Latnok took a look at the sheathe - in context with the rest of Raclaw, it looked rather... unsettling to him. "Hey, Raclaw... perhaps we should try putting that weapon away," he suggested. "You're not going to need it right now, after all. Less to worry about." As much as it was an honor to receive such a thing, the appearance could perhaps give some people the wrong impression, and he wasn't looking for that.

Ilasi and Maverick would head to the former's room upon her suggestion. She truly was grateful for having had the opportunity to meet such a wonderful, caring man - it was more than she ever thought she would get to have. In her room, the two would be free to share their love for one another - no need to worry about the others. Just them...

Things were going to get hard once they reached the mainland, but for now, all Maverick wanted to do was be with Ilasi. It was their moment. They could forget about the world, even if just for a little while. There will be plenty of time to worry about it later. For now, they needed the distraction. This sacred moment. There would be plenty of time ahead of them to fulfill their brand new responsibility, but right now, it was their moment...

Quote: A Guy

Julian was somewhat slow to identify the knock. Once he did, he gradually forced himself to his feet - pulling himself up with his left hand - in order to answer the door. "Coming..." he grunnted out.
Taking a few deep breaths after standing up, he hobbled towards the door, slowly opening it. It was, of course, Angora, who he was able to recognize the voice of. "Hello, Angora..." he said, trying to at least downplay the pain he just recently felt. "Don't mind me, just a little tired. Just doing some more work right now. Hard work."

Angora looked at him with concern, Julien not looking very well.
"Well, is there something I can do to help? If you feel like I'll just get in the way, I can just leave no problem." Angora said, almost stammering. Everything Julien did in his laboratory was such a mystery to her, and she felt there wasn't anything she could do to repay him for literally saving her life. She wondered if he knew about what just transpired back in the main deck, but he looked too tired for a long conversation, so she just waited for his reply, hoping there was a way for her to be of service. It wasn't in a troll's nature to serve, even less be grateful, but she wanted to be different...

Julian raised a hand. "Oh, no, please, don't worry. Just a bout of pain... Nothing a bit of opium can't take care of," he reassured her as he stood up straighter, the worst of the pain having subsided. "Sometimes I think of just succumbing to this dreaded thing... but then I remember things. The duty I have to put an end to this monstrosity I help set in motion. I can't die before then. And also... a cure for this would help more than just myself. It could also set a base for cures to be made for other curses, or other organisms of a parasitic nature. This is for more than just me... so I have to keep going."
Julian's eyes, though they somewhat drifted as he spoke, became focused once again. "Oh, I'm sorry - you didn't need a manifesto from me. I haven't had the opportunity to eat anything all day. If you could bring me something, I would much appreciate it." He had gotten so caught up in his work that he didn't step out for food that morning - and despite his wishes, he was not in condition to contribute to the fight on the deck that day.