Later, Emperor Euphrates sat staring out into the gathering dusk, and
appeared deep in thought, as if much affected by what she had written.
Si'Wren had long since come to learn that even when one conversed with
Emperor Euphrates, and seemed to have his entire, undivided attention,
part of his mind was ever awander as he considered all things in his
great kingdom. He had that look about him now. He had a marvelous mind,
that seemed to find clarity where others might perceive only the sheer,
blind face of an inner stone wall.
The advancing fog of eventide had already covered and obscured the
lowlands, giving one the exalt sensation of looking down as from heaven
itself upon all the world, and cloaking symbolically with the gathering
darkness it's all-encompassing evils as with some inscrutable divine
forbearance. A forbearance, Si'Wren reminded herself, which the
foreboding ark of Noah bespoke to be nearly at an end, and which
thenceforth would be turned to wroth.
She listened to the unseen cries of creatures in the jungle, while the
fire crackled and snapped, warming her. Basking in it's heat, she felt
lulled by the flickering flames.
"You are most obedient and dutiful," said Emperor Euphrates.
At this, Si'Wren looked up at him expectantly, waiting respectfully to
see if he would say more.
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