Was it my imagination, or was she looking at me more attentively than she used to?Could be, thought Ursus. You certainly have raised your status withi... your tribe, and it's a big change in image for you.Before, I had the image of nerd. Now, I have the image of dangerous nerd.Don't knock it. That's exactly what we magicians are. A wizard who isn't a nerd at heart is a dead wizard, at least eventually. As for dangerous, you used your ability righteously, not to threaten or intimidate. Everyone. Sensing their earlier interest in the pavilion they slowed down when it came into view.“What is the building in the distance with the dome over it?” queried Victurcz.Sorcha replied, “We refer to it as the East Tara Pavilion. It is a place for meditation. Our Councilors take their oath of office there.”“The pavilion is very beautiful.”“My first impression was that it was a temple,” noted Wurizck.“Isn’t a temple a place to meditate?” responded Lasairfhiona.“In a broad sense, yes.”When they. Those we won't talk about." Her tone indicated that was as far as she was going on that topic.Seeing her shiver at the memory of Cray's violence, I pulled her back against me and whispered into her hair, "He will never hurt you again. If I do nothing else in this life, I will see to it that he never hurts you again. Never."Tammy's demeanor changed then. I could feel her sit up straighter, and square her shoulders up a little. It was as if she was casting off the weight of her past life and. Then he felt a sudden pressure on his left shoulder blade, followed by a piercing jab. A heavy weight pushed his shoulder down. It lifted only to be replaced by a similar weight on the small of his back. The accompanying pain was worse – like the stab of a knife, followed by blunt pressure and new sharp pain on his thigh. He groaned into the stinking tiles. A veil lifted from his mind and he knew: she was walking over him on her high-heeled boots. She used him as a rug. What he felt were her.