In the Xenaen Jungle of the Savan, near the mountains, the trees tower several stories high. This might seem an odd measure for trees, but for the immediate location, it seems apt enough, since a tight ring of them serves as the primary structure for a village of Savanites in the depth of the wilderness. The tight ring of trees are the walls, and the leafy canopy above is the ceiling.

Rope and wooden bridges go across from tree to tree, and while there are some more traditional huts located at the bases of the trees, there are many more dwellings built within or around or nestled amongst the trees themselves, accessed by walkways, platforms and ladders … or just dangling ropes (and a few sturdy vines) for those more accomplished climbers. For someone with wings, it's even more accessible.

For someone without vision, it's a nightmare. Roho travels as little as possible, keeping a constant death-grip on the railing, muttering under his breath.

Two kittens tug at a horsehair tail, trying to get a better look at each and every bauble woven into the coarse strands. The two kittens look identical to each other, save that each wears a leathery collar interwoven with colored feathers – one has green, the other has red.

Zoltan patiently takes all the kittens poking and tugging. Occasionally he'll suddenly whip a wing out and tickle one of the kittens, or use it to hide his head in a goofy game of 'peekaboo', or just to simply fan a gust of wind in the kittens' faces.

Roho gingerly climbs down a ladder to where the group is playing, testing each foothold. He collapses on the wider platform, "Okay, it's been fun, but are we planning to move on anytime soon?"

"Like Zoltan's bright-things?" The Vartan signs to the kittens… still not sure how exactly to sign 'shiny'.

The kittens mew, their ears wiggling in laughter at Zoltan's antics, and they nod, both signing, "Shiny!". Upon seeing Roho, they both rush over to accost Roho and play with his fluffy vulpine tail.

Zoltan squawks, "No sure," He pauses to chuckle at the kittens. "As soon as we gets into map room in city and then find way to Paradys I thinks."

Roho giggles, "Ack! I've been kittened!" He flops over on his tummy, and swishes his tail all around, giving them a moving target to pounce.

Roho nods, "That should be soon, I'd think… "

*rak-a-tak-tak-takka* Someone elsewhere in the village is pounding on what serves as one of the "alarms", making a sound that to untrained ears would just sound like one of the woodbiters that fly around the jungle and feed upon insects under the thick bark of the trees. The sound is repeated as the "message" passes along through the village.

Roho's ears lift at the sound… and are quickly flattened by playful paws.

Zoltan's ears perk at the noise. "What that?" He signs to the kittens.

The kittens apparently aren't among the "trained". They keep right on pouncing at Roho's flopping tail, even as their father – a warrior with several necklaces of painted beads hanging around his neck – comes out of Storm-Hand's hut.

The kittens at last stop playing, at Zoltan's question, and at the emergence of the warrior. He catches Zoltan's question and signs, "Strangers come to the village. They are being brought in and will arrive soon."

Zoltan rises to his hooved feet to meet the approaching Savanite.

Roho stands up, staying silent as the conversation goes on.

Zoltan repeats aloud what he can understand for Roho, then signs, "Trouble?" to the warrior.

The kittens' father, Blood-Bead, signs, "The message does not say danger, but it does not say it is safe, either. We will soon find out."

The kittens look to their father, and then back to Roho, mentally weighing whether it's safe to pounce on the fox's tail again without getting into trouble…

Zoltan scratches his chin. "You need help? Zoltan can fight." he finally signs. He'd rather see what was going on instead of staying in the wings anyhow.

Across the more-or-less open area within the ring of trees and suspended huts, a group of Savanites can be seen approaching on a suspended rope bridge that provides a mean of entrance, but can just as easily be dropped if need be. At Zoltan's offer, Blood-Bead holds up a hand, as he watches to see just what is arriving.

Zoltan peers out towards the bridge. "They come, I thinks." He scrawks quietly to Roho.

Warriors, their fur dyed and painted in wild colors, come back in from the hunt, some carrying small game, but their main "catch" would be another, small group of Savanites amongst them – a female in a dark, cowled, cloak, a tall male in white robes, and two other Savanites in simple black tunics and trousers.

Roho nods, and leans against his staff, unaware of the kittenish fate being decided behind him.

The kittens peek around each side of Roho, blinking curiously at the newcomers. For the moment, Roho's tail is spared.

The group makes its way around the village, a process that takes some time … enough time to discern that the strange Savanites have no weapons and hopefully pose no real threat. Still, the people here are edgy about strangers, and are not terribly receptive even to those of their own kind.

Zoltan whispers to Roho the details of the newcomers… since they're probably too far out to detect by hearing or smell just yet.

Zoltan looks back to blood-bead, "Need ride down?" he signs, wiggling his wings a bit.

At last, the procession makes its way around the village. Many eyes must be watching, but they watch from shelter. Except for the warriors, the approaching party, and the small group outside Storm-Hand's hut, it might as well be that the whole village had been deserted. Blood-Bead shakes his head. "They are coming here."

Zoltan nods and leans against the rail, waiting.

And so they do. The party comes right up to the platform, making its way across the last rope bridge. The warriors spread out once the platform is reached, quickly scurrying about, finding perches for themselves amongst branches of the trees and suspending ropes, rather than on more conventional footing.

The cloaked one and her entourage, however, stick to the "more conventional" platform. She looks from Zoltan to Roho to the kittens and then to the warrior, then signs, "Are you the chieftain?"

Zoltan steps a bit closer to the kittens; there's something uneasy about this whole thing.

The warrior looks to Zoltan for a moment, as if grasping with a "Do you know this person?" look (even if it's rather unlikely) before signing, "Yes. I am Blood-Bead. What matters bring you here? If you wish to bargain with us, be on your way. We have no interest in the offers of outsiders."

Green-Collar scoots over to Zoltan, hiding behind him, since he's bigger and provides much more to hide behind. (Besides, he hasn't finished counting all the shinies yet.)

Zoltan manages to smile down at the kitten, then continues to whisper rough translations to Roho.

Roho listens to Zoltan's translations, trying to look relaxed as he leans…

The cloaked one signs, "I am Third-Eye." She wears a headband that obscures the Mark which would give her her name, if her claim is true. "I am the sister of Storm-Hand, and I wish to see her."

The chieftain's ears immediately flatten back, and he shows his teeth, a low growl coming from deep in his throat. He signs, "You are a fool to come here."

Zoltan hiccups in surprise, "It's Jezebel!" He whispers to Roho, folding his wings around the kitten behind him protectively.

Roho takes a hiss of air through his teeth…

Third-Eye glances over to Zoltan, a frown crossing her face. Then, she looks back to Blood-Bead. "Let me see my sister," she signs.

"Stay here," Blood-Bead commands. "I will ask my wife. Make peace with your gods while you wait, for if she is displeased, all of you will go to the jungle floor."

Third-Eye, suddenly the very picture of humility and deference, bows her head to the chieftain as he disappears into the hut.

While the chieftain is gone, Third-Eye turns her attention to Zoltan. "So," she signs. "You seem to know me. Have we met before?"

Zoltan looks nervously to the kittens, "Go play in hut," he signs, pointing to a hut away from the group yet within sprinting distance. "I give you both sparkly from tail if you play quiet and stay there."

The kittens pause a moment to look at Zoltan's tail and perhaps measure which 'sparkly' they'd like best, then collectively nod and dash off to the indicated hut, tails flopping behind them.

Zoltan forces his ears from laying back. "I not met you." He relaxes as he sees the kittens leave. "Know you from sister… and was there in titus' house after you leave with kitten's mother."

"She is not harmed," Third-Eye signs. "She is in the care of some healers of the Twelve-Times-Twelve. She will be stronger than the Life Mage could have ever made her."

The chieftain comes back out. Rather than giving an answer to anyone, or even looking in Third-Eye's direction, he gestures to three of the warriors, and then goes back into the hut. The warriors slip from their perches, landing quietly on the platform, and follow their chieftain inside.

Zoltan muffles a growl, "Magic… always have price." He looks back to the hut where Storm-Hand rests. "So you do out of kindness of own heart? Like you sell sisters into slavery?"

"The Shamaness will see you at the Place of Audience," another warrior signs, leaping to the platform to land in front of Third-Eye, breaking off whatever reply she had in mind to give to Zoltan. "You and those with you will follow. Any tricks, and you will die."

Third-Eye gives Zoltan just this LOOK, and then follows the warrior, the white-robed Savanite and the two ones in black in step behind her. The bridges lead to a wide, almost circular platform suspended amongst a tangle of outward-reaching branches (very thick ones), with ample room for an "audience". She moves out to the edge, not evidencing any fear (just yet) of how easily she could be pushed off, and takes a seat there, her tail twitching faintly as it dangles off behind.

The rest of the warriors use just about every means of reaching the platform EXCEPT for the rope bridges, shimmying along ropes and vines, leaping across branches, and scuffing even across thatch roofs without disturbing them /very/ much. (Perhaps they just like to show off.)

Zoltan reaches out a hand to Roho. "Want to join? I fly you there… probably much easier than climbing."

Roho nods quickly, "Much!" He takes the proferred hand…

Zoltan scoops the fennec up in his arms as gently as he can and glides over to join the assembled warriors.

Roho squints his eyes shut, a reflexive gesture, as he goes airborne.

Zoltan's wings send down a small blast of wind as he slows himself and lands gently on the platform.

After yet another delay, out of the shamaness' hut comes a wooden chair borne by poles, carried by four warriors (another must have scrambled up from somewhere), led by the chieftain. On the chair is seated Storm-Hand, with several drapes about her, and ceremonial jewelry of polished stones, colored leather strips, bone, claw and shell. They quickly make their way along the rope bridges – quickly enough to probably be more hazard than would be prudent – but they make it across without even a hint of mishap. The chair is set down at the far end of the near-circular platform, and the chieftain stands to one side, signing, "The Shamaness has decided not to cast you to your doom at this time. But weigh your signs carefully. You are not welcome here. No insult will be tolerated. You have been warned."

Zoltan continues to translate for Roho. He also describes (in a little too much detail) all the shiny stones Storm-Hand is wearing.

Roho whispers back to Zoltan, "Are they really saying that?!"

Storm-Hand is wide awake, perhaps her anger granting her the energy she needs to appear in full health to her sister. "Why should I spare you, who betrayed – "

Third-Eye starts off on dangerous ground, to be sure, interrupting with, "You know the whole story, sister. There is no need to bring all of it up again. This is not about me, but about the City of Hands."

The chieftain fumes, and starts to move forward, but stops at a restraining gesture from Storm-Hand. She looks to Third-Eye to continue.

Third-Eye signs, "The Twelve-Times-Twelve have been freed. Before you is one of their number, Twilight-Wing." She gestures to the white-robed mage beside her. "If your anger burns against me, I suggest you do not pitch him off the edge as well, or the others will not be pleased."

Zoltan starts to weave closer to the front of the platform, forgetting Roho for a bit as he tries to get a better view.

Storm-Hand gives "Twilight-Wing" a surprised look, weighing the claims. With some effort, though, she recovers her stern visage. After all, there's only one she has in mind specifically to toss over the edge.

Zoltan's ears flatten. ( If he is a mage… let him save himself with his magic when the platform falls. )

Third-Eye signs, "No new Priest-King has been chosen. In a year past two days ago, Emerald-Eyes and I shall return to the City of Hands, accompanied by those who have been assigned to test each of us. One of us will be chosen. In the meantime, the City has been hidden – Even you would not be able to find it. None will be admitted except those that either I – or Emerald-Eyes – allow to enter. It has become a haven for those who followed me here, and have stayed there. You would find shelter there as well, so that the outsiders could never follow you."

Storm-Hand signs, "We should submit ourselves to you, to live in the City? How many times over a fool do you think me?"

Zoltan blinks. "Test?" he scrawks, then hushes himself.

Zoltan realizes he's forgotten Roho and softly calls to Fennec to his new spot on the platform.

Third-Eye glances to Zoltan, then back to Storm-Hand, and signs, "I will have no authority, save to say who may enter – and Emerald-Eyes has that authority as well. I must leave, to show the world to this Mage-Priest, and to show him that I am worthy." She smirks at Storm-Hand's expected facial expression in reaction to this. "But the people will need leadership. You have kept your village strong and safe. These people only know slavery. They need someone who is strong and fierce – and cunning. The Twelve-Times-Twelve are powerful, but they know life in a world that is no more."

Roho works his way across the platform towards Zoltan's voice…

Storm-Hand pauses a bit, giving the fennec a worried look as he walks about unaided, but returns her attention to Third-Eye. "You have something to gain out of this. If you deny it, I will know you are lying. Out with it."

Third-Eye looks up to Storm-Hand, then signs, "It is simple, and very practical. I am the worthy one. I will prove it to the Twelve-Times-Twelve – and I will prove it to you as well. We both know what has happened in the past. What reparation do you demand? Will only my death please you? Then you are no better than I. My interest is to have a people still alive when I return. And yours should be to care about the interests of your people and those in the City – not just your desire for vengeance against me."

The chieftain starts again, but, again, Storm-Hand restrains him. He looks like he'd REALLY like to see Third-Eye take the fast route to the jungle floor.

Zoltan's ears go back, "What Third-Eye do when made Priest-King?" He signs… hoping Storm-Hand or Jezebel sees him.

Storm-Hand signs, "What if we wish to leave? We are happy here. The City is broken stone. We are free and do as we please. If you should fool the Twelve-Times-Twelve, we will not peacefully bend our necks to you. Surely you realize that."

Third-Eye signs, "I have no desire to make enemies of your people. I have but to give the word and you will be free to come and go as you please. Live here, if you wish. You may always handle your own affairs. I will be more concerned with enemies afar."

"But it will be for the Twelve-Times-Twelve to decide. If you insist upon killing me now, then you take the matter out of their hands, and you spit in the face of our ancestors who passed on legends that speak of their ageless wisdom," Third-Eye adds.

Zoltan reaches out for Roho and pulls him close. Whispering the whole translation to him. Then adding, "I wonder who she mean by 'enemies afar'?"

Roho whispers back to Zoltan, "Perhaps … she means non-Savanites."

Storm-Hand holds up a hand to let Third-Eye know to be silent for a while, as she ponders all this. Her gaze wanders to Twilight-Wing. She signs, "I am sorry for not giving you due respect earlier. I have had difficulty believing you to be who she claims you are. Are you, indeed, of theTwelve-Times-Twelve?"

Zoltan whispers back to Roho, "That's what I afraid of… "

Twilight-Wing nods, signing, "Yes. I am Twilight-Wing, keeper of the Dances of the Mind. I have been chosen to accompany Third-Eye, and to judge her claim to be heir to the throne of our City."

Storm-Hand signs, "Then, let us have a feast in honor of this member of the Twelve-Times-Twelve who has come to our village." She claps her hands, then looks to Third-Eye. "And as for you – You will remain here while I weigh the signs of your hands." Another clap, and her wooden throne is lifted up, and borne back along the rope-bridges, toward her hut, while others hastily begin preparations for a meal.

Zoltan shrinks down a bit, as the thought of over a hundred powerful mages running loose sinks in.

Roho chuckles softly at Zoltan's obvious tensing, and whispers, "Could be worse… they're probably a little rusty after centuries of stone… "

Several Savanites lead Twilight-Wing off – the Savanite mage looking slightly befuddled as he's separated from Third-Eye, but nonetheless going on, since it appears they aren't about to toss her off the edge just YET. That leaves just Third-Eye sitting there on the platform, once the chieftain leaves. Apparently they don't feel the need to have a couple of warriors drag her around … after all, she's well within sight, and she'll have some trouble trying to get anywhere unnoticed.

A Savanite rushes up to Roho, and drags him off to the hut. Possibly all this jostling around wasn't good for the shamaness…

Third-Eye looks across the platform, over to Zoltan.

Zoltan straightens himself up. "What exactly you mean when you say, 'enemies afar'?" He signs to Third-eye.

Third-Eye signs, "Those who have enslaved us, and who would crush us if they knew that our City is reborn."

"After all," Third-Eye signs, "those who enslave us are our enemies. Do I seem the hypocrite to you? I have only enslaved those who have made themselves my enemies."

Zoltan tenses himself. "So you want to turn masters into slaves? Will I be slave?"

Third-Eye signs, "Are you my enemy?"

"Anyone who threatens Zoltan's friends is his enemy." the Vartan finally signs.

Third-Eye's tail swishes back and forth where it dangles over the platform's edge. "Everyone, in one way or another, poses a threat."

Zoltan signs, "So everyone is an enemy?"

Third-Eye glances off to one side, then back to Zoltan, signing, "No. But you consider me an enemy only because I state the threats I pose plainly."

"But perhaps that is my failing. I do not make it plain what I have to offer as well," Third-Eye signs. "And I think I see where I may be of use to you, even if you don't like me."

"Why did you come here?" Third-Eye asks in sign.

Zoltan itches a spot on his shoulder. "I simply no wish to be slave… nor wish seeing friends made slaves."

Third-Eye signs, "Then let's hope your friends won't insist on being my enemies. Again – Why did you come here?"

Zoltan's ears go back. "I chasing a legend," he scrawks… forgetting to even bother with sign.

Third-Eye still catches that, knowing Rephidim Standard quite well. "Surely you were not coming to release the Twelve-Times-Twelve. I have learned enough about Vartans. That is probably half the reason you hate me already."

Zoltan smirks at this. "I not lie abouts that, it true that I gots little feelings for magic users," he signs. "But I tell you, because it doubtful you help me anyhow. I seek legendary island made of sparklies."

Third-Eye takes a while to mull over this, then signs, "That is why the 'map room' was mentioned, then? It is a sky island, yes?" Her mouth begins to curl into a wry smile.

Zoltan's tail starts to nervously lash back and forth, causing his collection of baubles to clatter. "Yes." he signs.

Third-Eye starts to smile even more … then frowns. "You will have to go back to Rephidim, then. Titus took all the crystal hands he found there. He doesn't realize their importance. He just thinks they're pretty."

"Zoltan has borrowed Titus' crystals," The hippogryph signs. "But ones I need have been taken by temple." He clumsily tries to imitate the signs in the two hands his master sold.

Third-Eye signs, "You need those two?" She repeats the signs, as if to make sure she has them right.

Zoltan fidgets a bit. He REALLY shouldn't be talking to her, after hearing how she sold her family into slavery, kidnapped her own mother, and terrorized little Kaela… but should he return empty handed he'll surely disappoint the captain, and Shokar's memory even more. "Think so… " He finally signs, "They track all islands in Sinai, yes?"

Third-Eye smirks, and signs, "No. They don't." She just gives Zoltan this mysterious smile.

Zoltan rubs a spot on his arm where his strange squiggly black tattoos show. "What you want from me if I accept you help? I do nothing that harm anyone in tribe, or any of friends."

Third-Eye smiles, and signs, "Maybe it's just time for me to make some friends. It's nice to have someone around who does not wish to pitch me over the edge." She winks. "But since you surely must be a cynic, I'll be more practical. I would like to journey along. I have to show Twilight-Wing the world and show him that I am right. I could travel far more easily in something other than a farce of a 'pirate ship'."

Third-Eye's tail lashes slowly and leisurely. She signs, "Is Emerald-Eyes your friend? You brought her here, didn't you? It's a pity she doesn't seem to TRUST you. But then, she's very secretive. She doesn't want to let anybody in."

Zoltan signs, "I am realist." He looks upwards at the sky, as if expecting to see Paradys itself hover above. "The decision is more up to captain Bog-has then me. I also not very comfortable with having three magic users on ship."

Third-Eye shrugs. "We won't be casting any hexes on you. We would be only along for the ride."

Zoltan looks up, "Why should she trust me? She barely know me. I could be plottings to destroy city for all she know."

Third-Eye smiles and swings her tail, signing, "You had better not be!"

Zoltan smirks, "Farther I am from city… happier this Vartan will be."

Third-Eye turns her head slightly sideways, eyeing Zoltan, and signing, "Then you do not wish to visit the City, to find your island? Surely I do not ask so much."

Zoltan signs, "One thing life in Rephidim has taught Zoltan, people with pretty offers of shinies usually have more in mind. You old master Titus was one most recently to remind Zoltan of that in facts. If you become Priest-King… you going to have lots and lots of mages to help you. How I know I not end up as stone statue or slave when time come."

Zoltan smirks, "You say youself… I a cynic."

Third-Eye nods, and signs, "So you are. So. Why should I turn you into a stone statue or slave? Should I be afraid of you strangling me in my sleep? I am not some wild animal, thrashing about, wounding on a whim. If you push me, I will push you back. If you leave me be, then I will leave you be."

Third-Eye purrs, and signs, "Scratch my back, and I'll scratch yours."

"Do keep in mind. I'm offering my end of the bargain first. If you aren't happy, you're the one with the ship," Third-Eye adds with a shrug.

Zoltan looks at Third-Eye's spot on the platform. were she to be pushed she wouldn't have time to push back. "Why do you want to go on ship?"

Third-Eye signs, "To show Twilight-Wing the world. To show him how our people are treated. Oh yes – and seeing this 'shiny island' would be nice, too."

Zoltan shakes his head. "If I accept deal then I honor bound to go through with it. Vartan's word is very dear to him. Even if it mean death." He holds up his arm and points to the markings. "I got these when captured in Himar… they mean I property of race called K'hu'an, and when they call for Zoltan, I gots no choice but to follow, even to death. Because I promise them I would. Could run away if wanted to… but won't."

Zoltan smirks, "In own way… I guess I a slave too."

Third-Eye listens to this story, then frowns, signing, "Then you are refusing? You have come a long way to just be turned back with nothing to show for your journey."

Zoltan shakes his head again, "I am not refusing, am considering. If I give you word, it mean I can no kick you off later." He sighs, "And I going to be responsible for you if you come. For good or for bad. Is not thing I take lightly."

Third-Eye signs, nodding, "I understand." She leans forward a bit, signing, "But don't forget – all those shinies!" She signs, "Shinyshinyshiny" over and over again, smiling wickedly, her ears wiggling.

Zoltan's ears flatten, "Titus said that to me about City of hands… instead we only find death, and trouble that plague us to this day." He looks back up at the sky again, "I would like to find island of Paradys, but for once, is not just to make tail pretty. Also, last person that find it never seen again… "

Zoltan signs, "I understand you… more than you know. But that make me sympathetic to certain point."

Third-Eye leans forward again, signing, "If you're planning on heading into a deathtrap, I just might have to reconsider wanting to catch a ride on your ship." She looks at Zoltan, then signs, "But you don't quite strike me as the sort to hold a death wish."

Zoltan laughs out loud, "Sometimes I think I only one who don't."

Third-Eye gets up to a kneeling position, then signs, "I'm glad you don't, then. Well then. You have much to think about. When you've done your thinking, I shouldn't be hard to find. I won't be going far without Storm-Hand's permission."

Zoltan signs, "I shall give much thought. Although I worry abouts Emerald-Eyes' reaction if she find out, she mights be coming along on ship… we no get much sleep with both of you together." He winks.

Zoltan adds mentally… (And neither will I, no doubt.)

Third-Eye sobers a bit as she stands, signing, "Perhaps not." She strides away, tail swinging behind her as she goes … though once she reaches the rope bridge, she loses a little bit of that feline grace, not being accustomed to the awkward means of traversing space.

Zoltan looks up at the sky in an 'I'm going to regret this' expression, and glides over to the platform. "You having more trouble than blind fox." He scrawks, hoping Third-Eye hears him. The Vartan extends a hand towards the Savanite, "I carry you down if you wants. Is probably safer."

Third-Eye looks back to Zoltan with a surprised expression. She looks down for a bit, at the drop. What's going through her mind? Could she be suspecting the Vartan of 'accidentally' dropping her? Whatever, she slowly reaches a hand back to the Vartan and nods, a slight crease to her eyebrows.

(She really doesn't look very comfortable swaying back and forth on this rope bridge. It could make one lose one's lunch… )

Third-Eye looks up … and notices something. She hastily retrieves her hand. "Wait!" she signs. "Look up!" She points upward toward the hole in the canopy.

Zoltan clasps Third-Eye's hand (only flinching a little bit), "Can carry you on back or in arms… " He blinks and looks upwards.

The black Vartan spots, with his keen vision … a shadowy, humanoid form, flailing around, plummeting through the sky!

Third-Eye puts her hands over her (two visible) eyes, squinting to see through the hole in the canopy far above.

Zoltan squints, it looks like someone's falling. He checks to see if there's enough room for him to fly up through the hole in the trees.

There's enough room, but probably just barely, with a comfortable space to allow for wing movement.

Zoltan squawks, "I goings to see what it is." He jumps from the platform and shoots for the hole in the canopy. "Be back soon!"

Third-Eye clings to the ropes of the bridge, watching the disappearing Vartan.

The Vartan pops through, able to see the tops of the trees now. Thank goodness, there's none of that "zapping" action like what affected those birds back near the City of Hands quite some time ago. As the Vartan climbs higher, he can now see – and hear – a flailing, screaming black cat! The cat is NOT flying.

The screaming cat comes plummeting down, flailing and thrashing, screaming his head off.

The cat seems to have a few bits of foliage stuck in his fur and clothing, too.

Zoltan zooms closer, (Is it Janus? How on Sinai… oh well, I can ask him after I catch him.)

The cat has his eyes snapped shut, not even noticing the approaching Vartan

Zoltan scrawks loudly to the cat, no words… just loud noises to get his attention.

The feline, still approaching the ground at very alarming rate for a cat, opens his eyes and looks about frightenedly.

Zoltan continues zooming up after the cat; as soon as he catches up he flips around and power-dives… meeting his speed downwards. "Is alrights… I got you," he squawks, making a grab for the black feline.

Finally, the cat notices. The cat clings to the Vartan, claws digging in instinctively, and eyes shut tightly.

Zoltan Yeowches! as the cat digs in; he roughly grabs his passenger's arms and snaps his wings open, slowing his dive. "Is alrights!" He scrawks, "You going to be fine… but I like to have skin left when we land."

The feline just continues to shudder, "T-tell me that when we land!" His grasp, unfortunately for the Vartan, loosens none.

Zoltan winces. He flaps his wings to slow the drop even more, he heads back towards the hole in the canopy.

As Zoltan comes back to and through the hole in the canopy, many Savanites have shown themselves, coming out to see what is going on. Many fingers point up, and many hands wave about, as they try to make sense of this.

Sensing the ground is near, the cat opens one eye and gives a look down. A look of relief comes over his face.

Zoltan sends up a swirl of dust as he lands. As soon as his feet touch the ground he reaches out and pokes the black cat's head. "We on ground now… so get you claws out if Zoltan's skin."

The cat opens both eyes now, and jumps down flat on the ground, caressing it like a long lost friend. "Thank the First Ones!! If I ever get on one of those things again, it'll be too soon!"

Several of the warriors come back out … with spears. The sign, "Devil-Khatta!" is flashed about in increasing frequency, accompanied by the shaking of rattles and pounding of drums. Suddenly, the black cat is surrounded by fierce-looking, spear-bearing warriors (all the points directed at HIM), their fur painted and dyed in wild colors and patterns, their ears flattened back, hissing at the black cat who fell from the sky.

The cat, just happy to be on solid ground, doesn't notice the very sharp weapons at first, but then looks up, his eyes wide. "W-was it something I said?"

Before the cat has a fair time to react, he is grabbed by several strong and agile warriors!

"No! No! No! No!" Zoltan signs. "This not Janus, is not Devil-Khatta."

The Khatta, much smaller than the Savanites, tries vainly to get free.

Unfortunately, the Savanites aren't looking at Zoltan's hands to see if he has anything to say. They're in a crowd around the black cat. When they back up … the black cat is tied up, dangling from a long pole that is hoisted up and on several Savanite shoulders, and marched along toward the central fire-pit. Since preparations were being made for the feast, the fire has already been started, though it's not quite up to roaring intensity yet.

*BONGABONGABONGABONGA* The war drums beat angrily!

Zoltan yeeks! He squawks noisily, trying to get the attention of the warriors. "Black one that hurt Storm-Hand was larger, had rounded ears and was muscular. This is not Khatta you seek revenge on!"

The cat screams "No! Whatever it was, I didn't do it! I swear!" He tries to blow the fire out, but not surprisingly, it does no good.

The rattles and drums still make their angry noises, as the warriors begin dancing in a wide ring around the smouldering woodpile, where the cat, tied to the stake, has been set up in the middle. At least the flames are only licking around some portions on the sides, but it's still getting a bit stuffy there…

The Khatta gives Zoltan a terrifified look, one as if to say "You saved me for THIS?"

Zoltan growls, he looks around for something to douse the flames with… or better yet, Storm-Hand herself.

The chieftain storms out, dragging Third-Eye by one arm. He shoves her aside, and then signs, "Aha! So, you conspire with the Devil-Khatta, to try to kill Storm-Hand again! Your deeds have been exposed!"

The cat struggles, and begins to cough from the smoke.

Zoltan shrieks as loudly as he can, "NO!!" – making an equally large sign with his hands.

Just then, another group of warriors comes into the village, bearing something dangling by several ropes from a long pole perched across their shoulders. Hmm. It looks very similar to something else that just transpired a few seconds ago. With several stomach-wrenching jolts and jumps, they work their way down ropes and vines, lowering the pole – and the "catch" – with them.

The other black cat, the one about to become even blacker than before, begins to try and raise higher than the oncomming flames.

The new group of warriors looks a bit confused, looking at the black cat on the bonfire, and back at their own catch. They confer amongst themselves, collectively shrug, and then haul their own catch along … propping it up right next by. There are now two black cats, trussed up to wooden poles, on top of a smouldering woodpile.

Zoltan doesn't even notice the incoming hunters. "Why so quick to jump to conclusions! So revenge crazed are you that an innocent must die?"

The black Khatta looks about at the new arrival. What do they have against black cats?

Zoltan looks at Third-Eye, and in his anger he begins to sympathize with her…

Janus struggles against the ropes, even knowing by now that he can't break them.

Third-Eye hisses angrily, as she's trussed up as well, and bound to a wooden pole and put … right next to Janus.

Janus stops struggling long enough to look at Third-Eye balefully.

Third-Eye looks back at Janus with a "And who in blazes are YOU, anyway?" glare.

Zoltan rushes to the Chieftan. "You must stop this!"

The Chieftain looks to Zoltan … and then back to the poles. He looks confused for a moment, then signs, "How did we get TWO Devil-Khatta?"

The chieftain only pauses a moment, then signs, "Aha! BLACK MAGIC! Your tricks will not work on us! "

Janus bares his teeth at Third-Eye and grins. "Speaker sends his greetings, Shamaness."

Third-Eye, her hands bound, can't sign anything back; she just looks away and struggles vainly with her bonds.

The black Khatta just looks at all the signing dumbly, if not terrified.

Zoltan signs angrily, "Third-Eye is innocent, as is the Smaller Khatta. Larger one attacked Storm-Hand… but did it because he felt threatened. Must three die because of misunderstanding?"

Janus closes his eyes and takes several deep breaths to calm himself. It doesn't really work, but he opens his eyes and looks around anyway.

The smaller black Khatta looks faint…

Janus looks at the fire, and the black cat. "Who are you?"

The Khatta looks up, about to answer. But all that comes out is a frightened little "mew".

The chieftain puzzles over Zoltan's words, but then seems to only get angrier. "There is no excuse! Storm-Hand was attacked! Third-Eye and her shadow-devils must be banished!"

Janus sighs and looks around some more.

Another Savanite dances into the mess, carrying some cloth bags, out of which he pulls handfuls of … spices? He flings handfuls at the fire and on the cats, then dances back out of the circle.

The Khatta sneezes. Great, now comes the seasoning…

Zoltan snarls angrily, "Savages! You not even give them chance… and kill innocents in name of revenge? If you doubt my words… get mind mage. Use stupid spells to prove it."

The chieftain stubbornly sticks out his chest, then shakes a rattle in his hand and jumps into the dancing circle, prancing about wildly and madly.

Janus twitches his nose and sneezes. He tugs at the ropes again, ripping the skin his already bloody wrists even worse. He slumps down in the ropes again and pants.

Third-Eye looks as if she'd DESPERATELY love to say something snide and snippy right now … but such are the disadvantages of being mute and having your hands tied.

The Khatta gives Zoltan one final pleading look, then his eyes roll back, and he faints.

Zoltan takes stock in his situation. He can grab two of the people to rescue them, and leave one for the flames… and probably get a spear in his gut on the way out. He can try and fetch the mind mage (ugh), or Storm-Hand.

As Janus tugs and then slumps, the pole bounces up and down a bit, wobbling in its hastily-dug hole. The fires still burn low, but the smoke is getting thicker.

Janus grinds his teeth together and tries to rock the pole he's tied to, resisting the urge to yell as the rope tears further into his wrists.

The Savanites are too busy dancing and waving their spears and rattles around to notice, as the pole wobbles around, wacking into first the one with the smaller black cat on it, and then the one with Third-Eye. She hisses, her ears flattening back.

Janus rocks the pole again, yelping in pain and quickly biting down on his tongue to keep quiet.

The black Khatta breifly comes to, then notices his pole is now at a slight angle. He goes out like a light once again.

Zoltan angrily signs, "Coward!" to the chieftain, and then rushes off to find the mind mage.

Janus' pole wobbles again, this time in a wider arc. *PONK* *PONK* He bops into the other poles, rocking them as well.

There's no sign of Storm-Hand, the Mind-Mage (or Roho) in the open here. They must still be in one of the huts.

Janus takes a deep breath and rocks the pole a third time, again suppressing a yelp of pain.

Zoltan growls, then turns and sees the wiggling pole, he tries to find a gap in the mass of cheetahs. Perhaps he can charge it and knock the whole thing over – probably singing himself in the process, but ah well.

There are plenty of gaps. If there aren't, Zoltan's big enough to make one.

*wobblewobble* Janus' pole rolls around again. *ponk ponk*

Zoltan tries to time his charge with the pole, as soon as he thinks it's at its weakest point, he charges straight for it.

Janus doesn't notice Zoltan's charge and sets up for another tug on the pole.

*wobble wobb – THUMP! CRASH!* All three poles shake around, and then fall out, spilling their feline contents onto the ground just outside the edge of the bonfire.

Is that the smell of … horsehair burning?

Zoltan looks at his tail?

Janus can't suppress a yelp of shock and pain as his pole hits the ground. He blinks his eyes to clear them. "Cut me free!"

There's a little flickering flame right on the tip of Zoltan's tail. (If it weren't for the fact that it's burning his tail-hairs, it would make for an awfully pretty shiny… )

Zoltan swatswatswats at the flames, waiting for the fire to go out before focusing on the three.

The drumbeats quickly lose their rhythm, and the warriors bump into each other as some of them stop in confusion at just what happened.

The flames go out, leaving just a small wisp of smoke to curl into the air, as Zoltan can see the three poles, splayed out from the bonfire. There is one unconscious black cat, one conscious and struggling black cat, and one unconscious spotted cat.

Janus swallows and twitches his ears at the drums. "Zoltan… cut me loose!"

Zoltan slashes at the black Khatta's ropes, then Jezebel's, then Janus'.

Janus kicks the pole away and stands up, snapping his gaze around.

The Savanite warriors appear to be slowly gathering what's going on, but they're still in that split moment of not yet taking any action, especially since there are too many to consider.

Zoltan grabs the two unconscious felins and snaps his wings open. "Can only carry two, and these no can run for themselves, I sorry… " he says to Janus. With a leap he's up into the air.

The warriors see Zoltan's action first, and rush vainly at the point that he launched from, then fling spears … which hit trees, and fall short, but don't manage to impale their intended targets.

Zoltan shoots for the hole in the trees, he shakes his passengers… hoping to revive them.

Janus watches Zoltan take off. He turns and looks back at the soldiers, common sense warring with his desire to hurt someone. With a muttered curse he turns and runs after Zoltan… "probably get caught again anyway… "

Third-Eye defies any attempts at reviving her. Probably that thump, plus smoke inhalation, plus she just doesn't look like the hardy fighter type, either.

The Khatta moans, and opens his eyes. As he notices he is airborne once more, he gives a scream and clings on the the Vartan, claws and all.

Zoltan YELPS!

The warriors don't even notice Janus' departure – especially with that bloodcurdling scream as a distraction!

Janus adjusts his course and makes for the trees, doing his best to disappear.

The cat shuts his eyes tight. o O (Wasn't I just in this situation?)

Zoltan looks around for a safe place to hide. He heads off towards the City of Hands, hoping that Third-Eye's words were true… and that with her help he can enter the city.

Janus does his best to guess which direction Zoltan is going and follows at a somewhat slower speed. He grumbles as he moves through the jungle, "I wonder if it's bad manners to kill someone who's just been rescued."

The Khatta thinks. o O (Well, this has indeed been an interesting day… )