“Meh, that’s boring. Besides it’s a tradition upheld more in the breach these days than the observance,” she laughed.“That’s true, though ... believe Lenna to be untouched,” he replied.“True enough,” I added. “She told us on our first mission she was staying that way for her intended.”“Well, you’ll soon cure her of that, brother,” Esira giggled.“Once the ceremony of intention is completed, no doubt. But not till then.”“Ceremony of intention?” Kate asked.“We say our intent before friends and. Nothing seemed any different now than it had beforethe room had gone inexplicably mad. Why had I thought anything mighthave changed? Was I still unchanged? I began wondering anew whatmight have been in that marvelous drink - or horrid potion, if youprefer - Elysia had given me. But even the ever-beautiful Elysia wasstill standing right where I'd last seen her before the room suddenlywent spinning out of control."The potion can cause quite a jolt the first time. Are you feelingall right now,. I put my arms around her for a hug. I drew in the scent of her hair and sweet perfume. When we pulled away, I looked into her eyes. "Have fun tonight." I will," she said as we continued to hold each other.Then she leaned forward to touch her lips to mine. I suppressed a moan and responded. Her mouth opened when my tongue touched her lips. A moan escaped her throat as our tongues dueled. I felt her tremble.She pushed me away, closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "I've got to go," she sighed.. She’s Elysian, the Rangers live in the jungles of their territory much as you do, perhaps she can give you some more insight into how joining the Coalition changed her society. If you won’t take my word that our intentions are good, then perhaps she can convince you. Do you have any other questions?”“This process is ... complicated,” the Patriarch grumbled. He was probably used to alliances being formed and broken based on the whims of all-powerful leaders, but the Coalition did not function.