When Genhyl and Alexei were awake, Jason explained to them what happened.
"Amazing, and they are gone, just like that?" Genhyl asked.
"The gods work in mysterious ways," Alexei intoned. "This was safer than having you journey anywhere."
"Certainly," Genhyl agreed.
"Now that your mission is complete, I will go speak with the Council," Alexei said, and she immediately left to spread the good news.
*Hmm... alone at last,* Char giggled into Jason's mind.
Not with you here, Jason snapped, turning pink despite his best efforts. He stared at the ground, hoping Genhyl wouldn't notice.
*Well, if you want me to leave...*
Don't you dare! Jason commanded. The thought of her leaving him alone with Genhyl was enough to make his heart jump with panic.
Char did the mental equivalent of an eye roll and let her wing smack into him on her way past. She walked to the other side of the room, where she sat down and began preening.
Jason tried to avoid Genhyl's gaze and pretended to be very interested in the obsidian amulet until Alexei's return.
"The Council congratulates you, but I have some distressing news, now that your mission is complete," Alexei said on her return.
"What is it?" asked Jason.
"The offworlders have set up a blockade," she said. "No ships can leave the planet without being boarded or fired upon."
"The Galactic Alliance won't stand for that!" Genhyl protested.
"That's how it must end," Jason realised. "The Azalai said that the Galactic Alliance would step in eventually and restore peace."
"Well, until they do, there is no way for you to return to your space station," Alexei pointed out. "Would you consider hiding on L'mdana?"
*Could we leave the temples?* Char asked, not looking forward to weeks or months of living underground.
"That can be arranged. We will find an area where you will not be discovered. With an entire planet to search, the offworlders will stand no chance of finding you."
"That will be fine," Jason told Alexei. "We'll have to make sure people don't see us. We—especially Char—are fairly noticable."
"I will go arrange a travelling party," Alexei said. Within minutes, she had left again.
"Well, it looks like we'll get to see more of L'mdana at least," Jason said, glancing at Char.
"It's a beautiful planet," Genhyl interjected. "It will be nice to spend some time here... I'll just think of it as a vacation."
*Mmm, a vacation is exactly what we need,* Char projected happily.
By that evening, the plans were set. A group of Azru in civilian clothes would escort Jason and Charaustra through the forests. They would travel mainly at night, with the L'mdanan's superior night vision to guide them, and rest in hiding during the day. They would leave the continent by ship, leaving the Azru and continuing alone across the sea. Their destination was a series of small islands off the coast of West Regonal.
"You'll love it there," Genhyl promised, obviously enthused. "Miles of pristine, black sand beaches, beautiful fern forests, and lots of different wildlife. Islands like the P'karins are popular tourist destinations... but not to worry. These islands are settled by a few rustics and generally not visited."
*Sounds heavenly,* Char sighed, wishing they were there already. She hadn't had an opportunity to be outdoors since they arrived on the planet, and she had never seen an ocean or a beach up close.
When it was time to leave, Alexei came to send them off, her face once again concealed. Jason was reluctant to leave her behind.
"Are you sure you won't travel with us?" he asked.
"My work is here now, Jason. I must help the Temples rebuild and choose my successors. There is much to be done. Go, and may the gods protect you." She bowed to them, and Jason and Char returned the bow.
This will probably be the last time we'll meet, Jason thought suddenly as they headed into the darkness. Genhyl walked close by to make sure he didn't trip or fall.
*Well, gods willing, this will be a nice, quiet vacation,* Char hoped.
Yes... it will be interesting. I've never seen a black sand beach before... or a L'mdanan island, Jason replied. Suddenly, he felt a twinkle of mischief at the back of his mind.
*Hmm... months alone on a paradise island with Genhyl...* she observed.
Jason went very quiet.
Char let him consider that for a moment, but she couldn't resist going that tiny bit farther. *How will you ever pass the time?* Char continued, breaking into full laughter in his mind.
Char! Jason protested... but he had to admit he had been wondering the same thing.
Background from Absolute Background Textures Archive. Storyline and characters created by and copyright © Rachel "Indyana" Gratis, 2001-2004. Dragon from The Temple of Dea.