Hello all! Well, I am taking a break from studying for exams and . . . ha!
Actually I haven't even started yet. Thanks to Shrub for pointing out my
mistake from Chapter Two. Enjoy people, and thanks for reviewing!
Disclaimer: Diablo 2 and Lord of Destruction are the property of Blizzard. Please don't sue since I am not making any money from this, and I am a poor poor university student. ^_^;;
----------------------------------------
For Money or Honor
Chapter Four: Welcome Back
I sat on the ground next to the monster's corpse. It was still green, but it no longer burned with its Hellish fire. Numbly I picked up the coins with my hand, and then let them fall to the ground in a shower of gold.
My mind was somewhere else as I idly played with the money. For so long I had forsworn the martial arts taught to me by my former masters. My skills in fighting had been my pride and joy for so many years, but in one cruel twist of Fate, I had been betrayed and cast out of my clan. Since then I had never used martial arts, even when my life had been in jeopardy. But again, Destiny had forced my hand to act in ways I didn't want to.
"Damn it all," I sighed, roughly pushing away those dour thoughts. Finally disgusted enough with the filth covering me, I moved from my spot for the first time in many minutes. In one quick scoop, I collected all the coins and items on the ground. Once again I could feel the magical buzz of the objects the monster had dropped. I had no more Scrolls of Identifying, but I knew where I could get additional ones.
Reluctantly I opened the blue scroll and read the words written within.
"Jah Mun Teth Ill Ra."
Like its red counterpart, the scroll crumbled into blue sparks. Rising in the air, they swirled around as if in a wind before each piece exploded into sound and blue light. A vortex now appeared before me, its centre as dark as pitch but its circumference was the same bright blue as its components. The portal in space/time undulated in front of me, and I cautiously stuck a hand in. It was cold to the touch.
"Well, I hope Akara knew what she was doing," I said and stepped inside. Immediately I felt as if a giant had thrown me from behind. I could feel myself moving fast, faster than I thought possible for a human. All I could see was that blue light, as if I had dived into a lake and was swimming inside it. Occasionally silver sparks would pass me by, but since I was going too quickly, I could not tell what they were.
In what seemed like seconds I found myself stepping out of the portal. There had been no sign or warning that I had reached the end, so I fell on the ground because of disorientation.
"Well, well, it seems that our traveler has returned," Kashya's voice spoke above me. Spitting some grass and grit from my mouth, I sat up. Three Rogues had their bows and arrows pointed at me, while their leader held a javelin in her hands. Frowning at me, she rested her weapon's butt on the ground. She could still bring it back to its ready position easily, but the stand down command also made the Rogues lower their bows. They backed off a little as Kashya came forward and hauled me up. I got a cheap trill of satisfaction as she grunted at my increased weight. I hadn't let go of my sack yet, and she had tried to lift me one-handed.
"What do you have there? And why to you stink to the High Heavens?" she wrinkled her noise as the offensive smell of death hit her.
"Yeah, well, tramping around in an evil infested cave wouldn't make anyone smell too fresh," I replied sarcastically as I straightened my armor.
"YOU went into the Den of Evil?" Kashya asked, her voice incredulous.
"Ummm, by accident of course," I mumbled, uncomfortable at the admiration in some of the Rogues' eyes. Warriv and other men, probably part of his caravan, came closer to our group after hearing Kashya's outburst.
"I hardly believe that," she frowned, her eyes on my sack now.
"Look, if you want to check out my story, go right ahead," I jerked my thumb to the portal behind me. "I need to see Akara."
"What do you have in there?" she pointed at my loot.
"Things I collected along the way," I answered, shouldering my load. "Now if you'll excuse me."
They parted like water as I moved through the crowd. The air was alive with whispers as everyone began talking. I ignored their comments, but it was harder to disregard their stares and pointing fingers. Memories of that day when I was exiled from my home, all my friends, teachers, and the Matron staring at me, abruptly resurfaced. They spoke no words, but their eyes were enough. In some there had been sadness, but mostly there was only disgust and disappointment.
Gritting my teeth, I was finally through the throng. When I thought that none of them could see me, I broke into a dead run. I didn't stop until I reached Akara's familiar tent. Breathing hard, more from the emotions than the exercise, I dropped my sack on the ground and followed after.
The grass was still wet from the afternoon's rain, but it was already late at night so the moistness would remain till tomorrow. Clouds lazily floated over the moon as the ever present wind blew my hair into my face. Sighing aloud, I didn't start this time as Akara suddenly appeared beside me.
"Welcome back," she said quietly.
"Thanks," I closed my eyes.
"I've heard that you have cleansed the Den of Evil. Is that true?"
"Yeah, I suppose it is," I nodded. I inhaled the earthy smell of the wet ground. After all this craziness, I felt like this as the only thing keeping me from losing my head. Everything had gotten complicated as soon as I had stepped into this camp, and I wished for my previous life as a beggar thief.
"Are you hurt?"
"A little sore, but nothing more," I lied. I savored the feel of wet grass in between my fingers, and the numerous pebbles that were digging into the back of my legs. If I were to be healed, I would probably have to get up. And right now, I didn't think I had the energy to do that.
I heard the older woman bend down over my left arm. I felt her remove the buckler from me and gasp as she saw my wounds. Slightly curious, I turned my head to look as well.
My forearm was a mess of purple and brown bruises. Some of them had red centers from where especially deep dents in the shield had bitten into my flesh. I imagined that my face was also bruised and swollen from when that strange zombie had struck me, but I didn't think it was too bad if I could still talk. As for the rest of my body, I hadn't bothered to check.
"Come into my tent, and I will tend to you," she said. Her tone of voice was calm but firm. Even if I had the strength to argue with her, I doubt I would have gotten very far. "Take off your armor as well. I will have a Rogue bring them over to Charsi for repair. Of course, there is a repair charge for each item . . ."
"I found gold coins," I said, not bothering to look away from my injured limb. "Take as much as you need. I also want to buy more scrolls from you."
"Of course, after I heal you I will sell you more."
"Not after; right now," I said adamantly. "I want to know what they are before I have them taken to . . . whoever you said. I might want to sell some of them."
"If you insist," she nodded and rose. "How many do you want?"
"Three Identifying scrolls."
She stood up and left, probably to go back into her tent. I stared at my injuries and another memory came back. It had been when I was only seven years old. My friend and I had been sparring with some wooden bucklers and blunt daggers. She accidentally kicked too hard, and my buckler splintered. It had been painful when those shards of wood had dug into me. That was one of the two occasions I had cried in my entire life.
I was brought to the healer by a senior trainee. He had kept my mind away from the splinters being removed by telling me amusing stories. By the end of the day I was completely recovered and back in the training halls.
"Here you go," Akara's voice broke through my nostalgia. She crouched nearby as she held out three red scrolls.
"Great," I nodded, sitting up. Opening my sack, I took out the amount of coins she named and handed it to her. In return she gave me the scrolls, which I used to classify the items I had.
"A Skull Cap of the Fox and a Belt of Equilibrium," I said. "What do they do?"
"This skull cap will increase the amount of damage you can take while this belt will help you recover from hits," she explained.
"I guess I could use them," I patted my new equipment. "I will just sell some of these extra potions I don't need."
"I would be happy to buy them from you," she offered. She took the ones I didn't want and paid me. "Now come inside so I may restore your health. Rozene will take your items to Charsi, our blacksmith, to be fixed."
Wearily I got up from my position and watched as a young Sister came up and took my items away. Watching her go, I saw that she headed in the direction of the central fire. Charsi's shop was probably situated on the other side of the campgrounds.
I entered Akara's tent. It was heavy with the scent of strange herbs and spices. It was soothing and made my head feel heavy. I wondered how anyone could function in here.
The interior seemed more spacious than what the outside alluded to. The tiny tent seemed only capable of containing Akara herself. Instead I could see that it could hold five people comfortably. But instead it was mostly cluttered with clay jars, glass bottles, drying vegetation, and her various potion-making utensils. A simple cot was shoved at the far corner of her tent like it was an afterthought. It was simple yet looked to be comfortable.
"What's that smell?" I asked her, covering up a yawn.
"It is some special powders I like to burn. It helps my mind enter the appropriate state of calmness I need to commune with the Great Eye."
"Who?" I frowned.
"The Great Eye is our deity. It has no gender, age, or description really. The Great Eye watches over the Sisters, allowing us to have insight in battles and in the affairs of the world."
"And what does it have to say about our current situation?" I asked.
"It is a time of great peril for all of Sanctuary," she said grimly. "We will either defeat this Evil or be consumed by the forces of Hell."
"Figures," I shook my head. A movement nearby caught my attention. I immediately crouched and stood in front of Akara.
"Meowr."
I relaxed as a calico cat jumped onto the table. Licking its paw, it gazed impassively at me with green eyes.
"Cute," I muttered.
"Sit," the High Priestess said and pointed to her cot. "I will be with you shortly."
Yawning again, I lay down on her cot and rested my eyes. Before I knew it, I was asleep.
---------------------------
I slept a troubled slumber. Dreams, or was it memories, of my past came and taunted me. This was the life I was forced to give up. My home had been a beautiful place among the mountainous regions of Westmarch. For centuries my clan, or should I say former clan, of Viz-Jaq'taar mage killers had lived in a system of caverns within a great mountain called Mount Baruch. It was not as bare and cheerless as one may think. Numerous thick tapestries hung on the walls depicting battles and sacred writings. The more prominent areas had floors covered in colorful rugs. In various places, marble statues of heroes stood. Guards regularly patrolled the hallways, but to my knowledge, no one had ever broken in.
The children and elders always kept the home spotless. All the others who were still able to fight were either practicing their skills or were on missions. I had been expelled when I was still too young to have gone on those missions. I could only imagine what those would have been like.
In several large caverns, weapons and armor had been stored. The least guarded ones were only for practice and that meant none of them were even sharp enough to cut or pierce paper. Most watched over of all though were weapons of great power. On one occasion I had seen a blade talon that could freeze objects by merely being around it. There were also great tomes of knowledge that talked about the Mage Wars, the Horadrim, Heaven, and Hell. I had also never stepped foot within those cherished rooms.
The people were the ones I missed the most though. Hakan the Healer, the other children, and the Matron were the most notable ones. I suppose the healer and the Matron were passed on now since they were already in their advanced years when I left. The children were currently fine warriors no doubt.
'How could they have done this to me?' I asked myself. 'They didn't even try to believe me. They spoke about justice when all along they never adhered to it.' A burning emotion filled me then, one that had been my companion for many years.
Suddenly I was wretched from my past. I saw myself traveling over Westmarch, past the deserts of Aranoch, and into the jungles of Kehjistan. I flew over the forest canopy of broad-leafed trees and swampy terrain. The ground was thick with foliage and exotic creatures. Soon I reached a great city made of stone. There was blood in the water and in the structures. Masked people inhabited it. A large group danced around a fire, their bare skin glistening with sweat. They raised their hands in the air and made an awful racquet.
One of them, a man who wore a different mask and a red robe, also raised his hand. In his grip was a young child. She cried as his nails dug into her soft skin. Her face had been painted over with something. I stepped closer to see what it was and was immediately assaulted with the smell of blood. It was enough to gag me, so much so that I couldn't yell at the man to stop as he hurled the screaming child into the flames.
I watched in horror as I saw the body catch on fire. She flailed about as her skin blackened and blistered from the searing heat. The dancers howled in glee as I sank to my knees at the macabre sight. Something unexpectedly grabbed me from behind, sharp claws digging into my chest . . .
I woke with a start. My heart was racing as if I had just ran a thousand miles. Even though the tent was warm, I was shaking all over. Looking down at my chest, I saw that the cat had decided to take a nap on me. It lay unperturbed, its warm furry body comforting me and calming my frayed nerves.
"That's the last time I sniff something I don't know," I sighed as I lay there in the cot. The air was free of that incense she had burned last night.
Hanging above me were more of Akara's dried herbs and some smoked meat. Various charms and medallions also graced her ceiling. Narrowing my eyes, I looked at the swaying magical pieces. They would fetch a pretty good price at a town market . . .
A commotion outside broke my thoughts. Several Rogues were shouting something, and I heard Akara and Kashya talking to them. There was a general air of panic and dread outside that was hard to miss.
"Sorry cat, you'll have to move." I said as I picked it up and set in on the cot. It looked lazily at me before purring back to slumber.
Wishing that I could just do the same thing, I walked outside.
Author's Notes:
Okay, I was thinking about the story and realized I was on Chapter four already . . . but only past Quest 1 of Act 1! So I ask you, the reader, for some feedback. Vote:
A. Giddy up! Speed up the story!
B. Keep going, the story speed is perfect.
C. Whoa! Slow down!
I doubt anyone would really pick C, but oh well. Thanks people!
Disclaimer: Diablo 2 and Lord of Destruction are the property of Blizzard. Please don't sue since I am not making any money from this, and I am a poor poor university student. ^_^;;
----------------------------------------
For Money or Honor
Chapter Four: Welcome Back
I sat on the ground next to the monster's corpse. It was still green, but it no longer burned with its Hellish fire. Numbly I picked up the coins with my hand, and then let them fall to the ground in a shower of gold.
My mind was somewhere else as I idly played with the money. For so long I had forsworn the martial arts taught to me by my former masters. My skills in fighting had been my pride and joy for so many years, but in one cruel twist of Fate, I had been betrayed and cast out of my clan. Since then I had never used martial arts, even when my life had been in jeopardy. But again, Destiny had forced my hand to act in ways I didn't want to.
"Damn it all," I sighed, roughly pushing away those dour thoughts. Finally disgusted enough with the filth covering me, I moved from my spot for the first time in many minutes. In one quick scoop, I collected all the coins and items on the ground. Once again I could feel the magical buzz of the objects the monster had dropped. I had no more Scrolls of Identifying, but I knew where I could get additional ones.
Reluctantly I opened the blue scroll and read the words written within.
"Jah Mun Teth Ill Ra."
Like its red counterpart, the scroll crumbled into blue sparks. Rising in the air, they swirled around as if in a wind before each piece exploded into sound and blue light. A vortex now appeared before me, its centre as dark as pitch but its circumference was the same bright blue as its components. The portal in space/time undulated in front of me, and I cautiously stuck a hand in. It was cold to the touch.
"Well, I hope Akara knew what she was doing," I said and stepped inside. Immediately I felt as if a giant had thrown me from behind. I could feel myself moving fast, faster than I thought possible for a human. All I could see was that blue light, as if I had dived into a lake and was swimming inside it. Occasionally silver sparks would pass me by, but since I was going too quickly, I could not tell what they were.
In what seemed like seconds I found myself stepping out of the portal. There had been no sign or warning that I had reached the end, so I fell on the ground because of disorientation.
"Well, well, it seems that our traveler has returned," Kashya's voice spoke above me. Spitting some grass and grit from my mouth, I sat up. Three Rogues had their bows and arrows pointed at me, while their leader held a javelin in her hands. Frowning at me, she rested her weapon's butt on the ground. She could still bring it back to its ready position easily, but the stand down command also made the Rogues lower their bows. They backed off a little as Kashya came forward and hauled me up. I got a cheap trill of satisfaction as she grunted at my increased weight. I hadn't let go of my sack yet, and she had tried to lift me one-handed.
"What do you have there? And why to you stink to the High Heavens?" she wrinkled her noise as the offensive smell of death hit her.
"Yeah, well, tramping around in an evil infested cave wouldn't make anyone smell too fresh," I replied sarcastically as I straightened my armor.
"YOU went into the Den of Evil?" Kashya asked, her voice incredulous.
"Ummm, by accident of course," I mumbled, uncomfortable at the admiration in some of the Rogues' eyes. Warriv and other men, probably part of his caravan, came closer to our group after hearing Kashya's outburst.
"I hardly believe that," she frowned, her eyes on my sack now.
"Look, if you want to check out my story, go right ahead," I jerked my thumb to the portal behind me. "I need to see Akara."
"What do you have in there?" she pointed at my loot.
"Things I collected along the way," I answered, shouldering my load. "Now if you'll excuse me."
They parted like water as I moved through the crowd. The air was alive with whispers as everyone began talking. I ignored their comments, but it was harder to disregard their stares and pointing fingers. Memories of that day when I was exiled from my home, all my friends, teachers, and the Matron staring at me, abruptly resurfaced. They spoke no words, but their eyes were enough. In some there had been sadness, but mostly there was only disgust and disappointment.
Gritting my teeth, I was finally through the throng. When I thought that none of them could see me, I broke into a dead run. I didn't stop until I reached Akara's familiar tent. Breathing hard, more from the emotions than the exercise, I dropped my sack on the ground and followed after.
The grass was still wet from the afternoon's rain, but it was already late at night so the moistness would remain till tomorrow. Clouds lazily floated over the moon as the ever present wind blew my hair into my face. Sighing aloud, I didn't start this time as Akara suddenly appeared beside me.
"Welcome back," she said quietly.
"Thanks," I closed my eyes.
"I've heard that you have cleansed the Den of Evil. Is that true?"
"Yeah, I suppose it is," I nodded. I inhaled the earthy smell of the wet ground. After all this craziness, I felt like this as the only thing keeping me from losing my head. Everything had gotten complicated as soon as I had stepped into this camp, and I wished for my previous life as a beggar thief.
"Are you hurt?"
"A little sore, but nothing more," I lied. I savored the feel of wet grass in between my fingers, and the numerous pebbles that were digging into the back of my legs. If I were to be healed, I would probably have to get up. And right now, I didn't think I had the energy to do that.
I heard the older woman bend down over my left arm. I felt her remove the buckler from me and gasp as she saw my wounds. Slightly curious, I turned my head to look as well.
My forearm was a mess of purple and brown bruises. Some of them had red centers from where especially deep dents in the shield had bitten into my flesh. I imagined that my face was also bruised and swollen from when that strange zombie had struck me, but I didn't think it was too bad if I could still talk. As for the rest of my body, I hadn't bothered to check.
"Come into my tent, and I will tend to you," she said. Her tone of voice was calm but firm. Even if I had the strength to argue with her, I doubt I would have gotten very far. "Take off your armor as well. I will have a Rogue bring them over to Charsi for repair. Of course, there is a repair charge for each item . . ."
"I found gold coins," I said, not bothering to look away from my injured limb. "Take as much as you need. I also want to buy more scrolls from you."
"Of course, after I heal you I will sell you more."
"Not after; right now," I said adamantly. "I want to know what they are before I have them taken to . . . whoever you said. I might want to sell some of them."
"If you insist," she nodded and rose. "How many do you want?"
"Three Identifying scrolls."
She stood up and left, probably to go back into her tent. I stared at my injuries and another memory came back. It had been when I was only seven years old. My friend and I had been sparring with some wooden bucklers and blunt daggers. She accidentally kicked too hard, and my buckler splintered. It had been painful when those shards of wood had dug into me. That was one of the two occasions I had cried in my entire life.
I was brought to the healer by a senior trainee. He had kept my mind away from the splinters being removed by telling me amusing stories. By the end of the day I was completely recovered and back in the training halls.
"Here you go," Akara's voice broke through my nostalgia. She crouched nearby as she held out three red scrolls.
"Great," I nodded, sitting up. Opening my sack, I took out the amount of coins she named and handed it to her. In return she gave me the scrolls, which I used to classify the items I had.
"A Skull Cap of the Fox and a Belt of Equilibrium," I said. "What do they do?"
"This skull cap will increase the amount of damage you can take while this belt will help you recover from hits," she explained.
"I guess I could use them," I patted my new equipment. "I will just sell some of these extra potions I don't need."
"I would be happy to buy them from you," she offered. She took the ones I didn't want and paid me. "Now come inside so I may restore your health. Rozene will take your items to Charsi, our blacksmith, to be fixed."
Wearily I got up from my position and watched as a young Sister came up and took my items away. Watching her go, I saw that she headed in the direction of the central fire. Charsi's shop was probably situated on the other side of the campgrounds.
I entered Akara's tent. It was heavy with the scent of strange herbs and spices. It was soothing and made my head feel heavy. I wondered how anyone could function in here.
The interior seemed more spacious than what the outside alluded to. The tiny tent seemed only capable of containing Akara herself. Instead I could see that it could hold five people comfortably. But instead it was mostly cluttered with clay jars, glass bottles, drying vegetation, and her various potion-making utensils. A simple cot was shoved at the far corner of her tent like it was an afterthought. It was simple yet looked to be comfortable.
"What's that smell?" I asked her, covering up a yawn.
"It is some special powders I like to burn. It helps my mind enter the appropriate state of calmness I need to commune with the Great Eye."
"Who?" I frowned.
"The Great Eye is our deity. It has no gender, age, or description really. The Great Eye watches over the Sisters, allowing us to have insight in battles and in the affairs of the world."
"And what does it have to say about our current situation?" I asked.
"It is a time of great peril for all of Sanctuary," she said grimly. "We will either defeat this Evil or be consumed by the forces of Hell."
"Figures," I shook my head. A movement nearby caught my attention. I immediately crouched and stood in front of Akara.
"Meowr."
I relaxed as a calico cat jumped onto the table. Licking its paw, it gazed impassively at me with green eyes.
"Cute," I muttered.
"Sit," the High Priestess said and pointed to her cot. "I will be with you shortly."
Yawning again, I lay down on her cot and rested my eyes. Before I knew it, I was asleep.
---------------------------
I slept a troubled slumber. Dreams, or was it memories, of my past came and taunted me. This was the life I was forced to give up. My home had been a beautiful place among the mountainous regions of Westmarch. For centuries my clan, or should I say former clan, of Viz-Jaq'taar mage killers had lived in a system of caverns within a great mountain called Mount Baruch. It was not as bare and cheerless as one may think. Numerous thick tapestries hung on the walls depicting battles and sacred writings. The more prominent areas had floors covered in colorful rugs. In various places, marble statues of heroes stood. Guards regularly patrolled the hallways, but to my knowledge, no one had ever broken in.
The children and elders always kept the home spotless. All the others who were still able to fight were either practicing their skills or were on missions. I had been expelled when I was still too young to have gone on those missions. I could only imagine what those would have been like.
In several large caverns, weapons and armor had been stored. The least guarded ones were only for practice and that meant none of them were even sharp enough to cut or pierce paper. Most watched over of all though were weapons of great power. On one occasion I had seen a blade talon that could freeze objects by merely being around it. There were also great tomes of knowledge that talked about the Mage Wars, the Horadrim, Heaven, and Hell. I had also never stepped foot within those cherished rooms.
The people were the ones I missed the most though. Hakan the Healer, the other children, and the Matron were the most notable ones. I suppose the healer and the Matron were passed on now since they were already in their advanced years when I left. The children were currently fine warriors no doubt.
'How could they have done this to me?' I asked myself. 'They didn't even try to believe me. They spoke about justice when all along they never adhered to it.' A burning emotion filled me then, one that had been my companion for many years.
Suddenly I was wretched from my past. I saw myself traveling over Westmarch, past the deserts of Aranoch, and into the jungles of Kehjistan. I flew over the forest canopy of broad-leafed trees and swampy terrain. The ground was thick with foliage and exotic creatures. Soon I reached a great city made of stone. There was blood in the water and in the structures. Masked people inhabited it. A large group danced around a fire, their bare skin glistening with sweat. They raised their hands in the air and made an awful racquet.
One of them, a man who wore a different mask and a red robe, also raised his hand. In his grip was a young child. She cried as his nails dug into her soft skin. Her face had been painted over with something. I stepped closer to see what it was and was immediately assaulted with the smell of blood. It was enough to gag me, so much so that I couldn't yell at the man to stop as he hurled the screaming child into the flames.
I watched in horror as I saw the body catch on fire. She flailed about as her skin blackened and blistered from the searing heat. The dancers howled in glee as I sank to my knees at the macabre sight. Something unexpectedly grabbed me from behind, sharp claws digging into my chest . . .
I woke with a start. My heart was racing as if I had just ran a thousand miles. Even though the tent was warm, I was shaking all over. Looking down at my chest, I saw that the cat had decided to take a nap on me. It lay unperturbed, its warm furry body comforting me and calming my frayed nerves.
"That's the last time I sniff something I don't know," I sighed as I lay there in the cot. The air was free of that incense she had burned last night.
Hanging above me were more of Akara's dried herbs and some smoked meat. Various charms and medallions also graced her ceiling. Narrowing my eyes, I looked at the swaying magical pieces. They would fetch a pretty good price at a town market . . .
A commotion outside broke my thoughts. Several Rogues were shouting something, and I heard Akara and Kashya talking to them. There was a general air of panic and dread outside that was hard to miss.
"Sorry cat, you'll have to move." I said as I picked it up and set in on the cot. It looked lazily at me before purring back to slumber.
Wishing that I could just do the same thing, I walked outside.
Author's Notes:
Okay, I was thinking about the story and realized I was on Chapter four already . . . but only past Quest 1 of Act 1! So I ask you, the reader, for some feedback. Vote:
A. Giddy up! Speed up the story!
B. Keep going, the story speed is perfect.
C. Whoa! Slow down!
I doubt anyone would really pick C, but oh well. Thanks people!