The base though embedded deep in the river bed ended in a spherical floor a feet above the water level. Seven pillars rise up in a circle to support a...dome above, the relic of an ancient era. Whatever purpose it was built for lies forgotten, it now serves as the temple where we worship each other. Startled frogs jumped as we dove into the river from opposite ends, swimming towards the edifice.I reached there first, dripping wet, climbing onto the smooth floor. She came close enough, cleaving. . 4 MONTHS LATER...Several large, muscular men toiled deep in a mine. For months, they'vebeen working in the sweltering hot mine 18 hours a day. The shacklesaround their ankles didn't allow them escape, and several of the menalready passed away. At night, the real torture began. The mostbeautiful Asian women they ever saw would come into the mine, clickclacking in their high heels, and set up cots for them. The men werebound to the cots, and the Asian women, also slaves, would tease themthrough. " I nod into his shoulder as he wraps a arm around me. I lean into his warmth."You need a jacket." He adds quietly."Whatever." He is warmer than me. Bigger and has more hair."Should Napoleon have us attack, so soon after yule?"I say brightly, "Actually yes. it is a good idea. If the Empire celebrates any holidays they will work hard to include the troops, they always did in my day. Plus this way we get our holiday together and no one feels bad if one of the protectors dies in this assault"I. " It's not because I'm chilly," he insisted emotionally. "I just don'twant him to see me this way." But dear," she said reasonably, "it wouldn't be honest for you to dressup like a man. That's why I bought you that lovely outfit. And I gotLuke some things that are right for the kind of person he is. Doesn'tthat make sense?"Beaten down by her flawed but inexorable stance, he lowered his eyes andnodded. Mason whispered, "If you say so." That's better. Now go wash your hands, since you'll be.