Raiker Venn stepped casually but confidently out of the AEther and onto the plane, but immediately hesitated. He tossed his head to one side, sensing something he had not sensed in a long time. Raiker knelt down and laid a single hand on the ground, sending his mental probes into the very earth. He crouched there silently for several long moments, then his hazel eyes popped open. He could sense it. It was buried deep, covered by layers of secrets and deceptions, but it was there. Raiker Venn bit his bottom lip, then whispered one word.

"Duchess."

Raiker stayed there for a long time then, thinking to himself. He had things to do on this plane, plans to make, and poems to write. But...

Raiker stood up straight then, shaking his head slightly. He brushed off his suit, straightened his hat, and repositioned his grip on his cane. Then he smiled to himself.

"Not worth it," he said, and casually and confidently stepped back into the Blind Eternities.