This time the idiot had caught Cerlius in the eye. He didn't know which hurt more, the oil in his eye, the weight of the fish against his cheekbone, or his pride. Cerlius made no indication that he felt anything. He wiped the oil with his hands, and an idea formed.
Travis took another bite out of the fish, digging out the sharp bone underneath, preparing for another slap. "Do you know what the War Monks would have done to me if I had broken their rules?" He pointed to his scar. "This was just because I stuttered while speaking the name of the Goddess. I am so glad that I was taken away from that traitorous organization. You need to treat this institution and all the people in it with more respect and follow the order of things. Speak like humans do."
You know, funny thing about this chapter. Sometimes characters "speak on their own", without me telling them to. It's been a while since it's last happened, and it's always interesting when it does. Of course it's still my brain writing their words, but not consciously. I think by writing chapters down first, instead of typing them first, and slowing myself down, I can stop and listen more. I can hear Cerlius talking. I missed moments like those, for a long time. I am certain. This is the best arc and I haven't even reached the second act yet. I wish I could go back and write the other arcs down as well. Too late. Now I can only charge forward.