<div class="floatright">(https://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/5/5e/Clarisse_by_bilopsis-d5xgb49.png)</div><div align="center"><strong><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="bbc_font" style="font-family: georgia;">Aelys Wimpenny (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=159096)</span></span></strong></div><br/>She finally opened her eyes, tears making them shine in the lamplight before she blinked the moisture away and looked to the dragonkin, swallowing thickly as she placed the book on her thighs and nodded.  "I'm aware that the hunger for knowledge can become as much of an addiction as strong drink or sexual pleasures.  I don't deny that I struggle with the obsession, but I try very hard not to allow it to overwhelm me.  The joy that uncovering something new, or solving a mystery, or answering a question, brings is due, in large part, to the thirst for it, and the anticipation of it.  If I allowed myself to indulge my craving all the time, then it would cease to be meaningful."<br/><br/>Her gaze shifted to the dwarf and she shook her head, carefully choosing her words.  "I just saw the time and place of his death.  I can describe it for you with...unpleasantly exhaustive detail, but I'll not do it with Kendra here.  I'll not replace her final memory of her father with that."<br/><br/>She looked to Kendra with sympathy darkening the foggy color of her eyes.  "We can go elsewhere to discuss this, Kendra.  Or, you can leave off your hostess duties and go rest.  You certainly deserve the break, and I'm sure we can fend for ourselves."