John James had given his thanks to the Lady Reylari for dinner. He walked into the room which Cormac had reserved and joined K.C. As they talked, John sipped the wine and lit his pipe. The conversation was about, of all things, orchids. One wouldn't think that such a topic could be of interest but, in some manner, K.C.'s fascination and love of the flowers came through and infected his listeners. Provided, John thought to himself, one gave him the time to get properly started on the subject. Actually, John found the tales behind the flowers K.C. sought more interesting. It seemed the man had been to some rather exotic places and had quite a few adventures in his quest.

It's good to have something about which one can be so passionate, John thought. I should take up some thing with such a passion, instead of wandering around like a lost soul. The only problem is what could I do? Egyptology? It's interesting, but could it consume me as his orchids do him? Or perhaps history in general. John sighed. The real problem wasn't finding a topic, it was devoting one's entire being to it. And that was his problem - he didn't have that kind of drive. No, he would be condemned to living his life drifting from place to place. No purpose driving him. Living day to day. Perhaps he had lost the will to live life and was just existing in life until the final end came. Perhaps something would happen that would change it all around. Only time would tell, as it tells all things.

Ah, the others had arrived and it was time to play cards. John looked forward to the rest of the evening. Who knows? He might even win a little money, though he figured he'd break just about even, if he had a good night.