As soon as he tasted the first bitter sip of the brew, he felt his mind begin to clear.

Justen could have answered that easily enough, but he took another sip of the dark beer, more bitter with its hints of chaos than it should have been, and an illustration of the answer.

His caution is rewarded as he is able to swallow that bitter sip rather than choke it down.

In the restful quiet that followed, Spates poured a cup of coffee, leaned back in his chair, raised the cup to his lips, and took that first bitter, delectable sip.

And her own first bitter sip, which she had spit out into the saucer.

He ordered his customary cup of hot Earl Grey tea, savored a bitter sip, and returned to his desk.

"Oh Bobby..." He frowned, surprised by how tight his throat had grown, then picked up his coffee and took another bitter sip.