Verdigris Ravine if we lose our touch, it won’t mean much

One would think, after spending some time in the company of Qiao-ihla, Ephraim would pick up on a little of her magick. His eyes followed the to'lang as they tumbled over the earth, but when they settled, he was no wiser to the meaning than he ever had been.

Quelling the urge to shuffle impatiently, Ephraim returned his gaze to his companion. As always, his eyes snagged upon the strange assortment of items she wore around her neck before reaching ever so briefly to the olive of her eyes.

So? Am I destined for a horrific death by foxes? he wondered, and though it was a tongue-in-cheek remark, he felt a sudden familiar weakness and desire to flee steal through him.