”“And why is that? Maximizing net pleasure is hardly a vice,” I said. “Should we seek to suffer?”“No, but is pleasure the ONLY value?”�...No, of course not. But I fear on this topic we’re going to simply keep charging down different rabbit trails and wind up nowhere. We can discuss spiritual matters in depth and probably come to some agreement. We can probably discuss any other moral issue you like, but sexuality and sexual activity will just tie us in knots.”“That’s probably true,” Father Basil. His wife had been appalled. She couldn't believe that he was so ... perverted. That was her word. He was the father of their three children, she had screamed, how can you want this? How can everything we've had together be wrong?, she had demanded. He had just stood there, mortified. He had felt that he could tell his wife anything, but apparently, he'd been wrong. Wishing that he had just kept this desire to himself, he watched her pack up her things, take the kids and go to her mother's. And. It was a strangely profound moment; most of what was left of his father was in this rug, and that made this a cremation of sorts. Thinking this, Jake spoke. "I'm sorry I couldn't have helped you, Dad. I swear to you, though, that your murder will be avenged." He heard Courtney sniffle over the hissing of the inferno. Jake knew he was not the only one to mourn the passing of their father. He gave her a squeeze. The three of them watched until the flames had died to ashes before they went inside.. I moved, bare feet crossing the stones. I heard Nathalie gasp, pictured her frightened face watching in awe.She didn't say a word. She knew better.The air whistled to my right.My sword snapped up.Metal clashed.Silky hair caressed shoulders and face. Scales slithered together, that dry caress. My sword slashed out, forcing her to retreat. I sprang at her, thrusting at her flesh, her scimitar sweeping before her to block. Hard swings. Too much energy. Too much flourish.She wasn't used to having.