Having agreed to try and locate Shkarkin Hive for an eventual return there, Envoy, Brishen, and Bem trek through the streets of Rephidim toward Aski Medes's home… Which now stands before them in all its comfortingly familiar (to Envoy) aspects. Except that something seems just a little bit colder about the small house now. The curtains are pulled behind the windows, obscuring any view inside.

"Here it is," the Aeolun says. "Aski should be able to help us." Envoy goes up to the door and knocks.

There is no answer.

Bem's head swivels back and forth. Lately the Zelak has been worrying Envoy with its increasingly edgy behavior. However, for the moment, there seem to be no threats that it can detect.

Brishen brushes a lock of hair from her eyes. "I can't believe I walked the whole way. And in bare feet!" She squeaks as she hobbles over to the door. "It looks empty."

Envoy hmms. "How can you tell?"

Brishen tilts her head a little. "I can't hear anyone moving around inside." She winces, deflating a bit as she sits down on the doorstep. She shows Envoy a dirty foot. "Look at this – I stepped on a rock!"

Envoy bends down to look at the offered foot. "Why don't you wear some sandals then?"

Brishen crosses her arms. "I haven't been back to my apartment since we went to Jeevan's." She hmfs, inspecting her wounded foot. It doesn't look that bad, really.

Envoy looks back at the door, and tries the handle. "If you walk more, your feet will build up a layer of callous that can help protect them."

Brishen wrinkles her nose. "You can't perch on windowsills without getting callouses."

Locked. A thin patina of ashes comes away on Envoy's hand.

Or perhaps that's dust; without a keen nose, it'd be hard to tell.

Wiping her hand off against her leg, Envoy comments, "It doesn't look like the door has been opened for awhile. Perhaps we should try at the College?"

"I'm not walking to the College," Brishen murmurs. She stands, brushing her pants off, and turns to look at the house. "Did he mention if he was going on any expeditions?"

Envoy says, "Not to me, but then I've been off on an expedition for several weeks and haven't been in close contact with him anyway."

The courier nods absently, glancing in the direction of the College. "Well, they're likely to know where he is. I can always fly ahead and ask." She smiles, "Or just meet you there."

Down the street at the next house over, a door opens and a Khatta emerges. She is a gray persian, and her fur would make her seem quite large, if she didn't already have a stocky build. Her clothing is a simple bright yellow dress, and a wide brimmed hat. She looks curiously at the two on Aski's doorstep. "Helloooo. Can I help you?"

Brishen's eyes brighten. "Sure could!" She hops over to the Khatta, wings cupped to give herself a little lift, and smiles. "We're looking for Aski."

The Zelak swivels its head toward the Khatta instantly, but makes no further move.

Envoy waves to the Khatta as well.

"Oh, you are? Dearie me, but he's gone," she replies to Brishen. "Aski didn't renew his lease. I can't understand why; he's usually a very good tenant. I had to let him go, though."

Envoy blinks, and predictably asks, "Where did you let him go to?"

The Persian smiles at Envoy, "Why, what a delightful question! You must be an Exile. It's just a way of phrasing things, luv. He has moved out of there," she points, "and established himself in the Bazaar. Over an Apothecaries… let me see if I can remember the address."

Brishen draws her right foot up a little, favoring it visibly. "Ow. That's – " She hops, spreading her wings a little to keep balance. "That's closer to home." Her toes wiggle hopefully.

The street is almost deserted at this time of the day, with a road cleaning crew lacksadaisically working down the street, sweeping accumulated debris off the cobblestones, or for the larger bits, tossing them into canvas sacks.

The Landlady Khatta looks up at the sky, tilting her head from side to side as if she is trying to read the clouds, and humming quietly to herself.

Envoy looks up at the clouds as well, wondering what the Khatta sees.

"Oh! Yes, I do remember. He lives above Nihil Voikin's Herbal Remedies. I've never been there myself. It's located on Silverfish Street, near Blackwater Road." The persian looks happily back at Envoy and Brishen, and seems to ignore Bem's presence.

Envoy looks back at the Khatta and smiles, saying, "Thank you, Ma'am. We are very grateful."

"Just trying to help, luv. Do say hello to Aski for me. Tell him the house is still available for rent if he can meet the new price, if you can't afford it yourself that is. I'm sure he would sleep better knowing it was in good care." The landlady puts her hand on the doorframe, and leans.

Envoy looks over the house again, and asks, "How much is the rent?"

Dark brown eyes brighten a bit. "That should be easy to find. I've flown over it enough." Bree grins, crouching down, then throws herself into the air. Fwup-fwup-fwup – Dust and leaves and twigs spin about as she gets her bearings, then flaps up to perch on the rooftop.

"Its 750 a month, but I only lease for at least six months, so that's 4500. I'd need first and last month's rent, of course. The lease will also have to be approved by the Temple." The Khatta turns to business as Envoy shows some interest. "I have the forms inside if you'd like to fill one out now, luv."

Brishen looks down at the top of Bem's head. For a moment she's just a little jealous of Aski. She couldn't afford a house like this.

Envoy ohs… "I'm afraid I don't have that large an amount of cash." She looks up at Brishen.

"Temple approval is really just a formality, though it didn't come through this time. Aski assures me he submitted the paperwork, but… " The Landlady shrugs, "That's alright darling, do consider it when you have a large amount of cash. It's quite reasonable for the location."

Brishen squeaks, smiling a little. "It's certainly something to aspire towards."

Brishen looks over at Envoy. "We should be going, though."

Envoy nods, "They don't collect the rocks where I live now. Thank you again for the help!" She flies up to the roof and lands next to Brishen. "Can you show me where the shop is from here?"

"Ta ta!" The persian waves, before she pops back inside her house.

Bem waits patiently on the street.

Brishen stands on tip-toe, looking towards the Bazaar. "It'd be easier if we were higher up. I know where it is, though."

Envoy glances back down to Bem, and calls, "Can you follow us if we fly?"

"Ability of this warrior to follow scout will be severely impaired," the Zelak responds. "Flight of scout unit designated Envoy is both faster than land travel and also capable of passing obstacles which would impede movement."

Envoy pauses a moment, then calls again, "Does that mean 'yes' or 'no'?"

Brishen grins cheerily. "If you have some paper, I can draw you a map." She bounces up and down, looking off towards the Bazaar. "Or I could just keep an eye on the pair of you, and give you directions."

The Zelak patiently repeats its response, and then adds, "This unit recommends against abandonment of protection afforded by this unit."

Envoy turns to Brishen and nods, "I don't have any paper, but would be glad to have you guide me and Bem from the air."

Envoy glides back down to the street, and lands near the Zelak. She then asks, "Bem, should I consider the termination of my functionality a threat to my life?"

(Turbulent! This'll give me a chance to get some san – ) She blinks, staring down at Envoy.

The Zelak looks at Envoy with emotionless insectoid eyes. "Termination of functionality does not imply cessation of life functions. Unit may be assigned new function at discretion of the Queen. To serve the hive in any capacity is the highest purpose of any Zelak."

"Yes, of course," the Aeolun nods. "Let's go to Aski's new home then."

Bem nods.

A fair amount of travelling later, with Brishen flying in circles overhead so that Envoy and Bem can catch up (thus proving the Zelak's assertion), they step into the madhouse of the Bazaar. Where the Scholar's Quarter was quiet, the marketplace more than makes up for the entirety of the city with exuberant commercialism.

Past a juggling Kavi troupe, they make their way through the crowded streets, when Envoy catches sight of someone familiar…

"So then, you have always been just as you are?" an old looking Rath'ani asks, his withered hands touching the wings of a Khatta who is largely white furred, shading to gray in places, with a speckling of black spots. The two are seated upon cheap straw mats outside a snack kiosk that sells pastries made of Rughrat meat and some chewy sourdough bread. Judging from the amount of chewing the patrons are doing, this is not one of the better eateries the Bazaar has to offer.

The raccoon's patient shifts a bit, perhaps to better make herself heard. "Yes, always," comes the reply.

The Rath'ani takes another bite of the pastry he's holding in his free hand… "Do you perhaps have any theories about it, lit'un? I'm sure you must have come up with some, being a Technopriest as you are… Those called to such a profession are generally more curious than the rest." He smiles softly, perhaps reminiscent.

The Khatta's whiskers arch forward as she tilts her head in thought. "A few," she confesses. "But I have no proof of any of them. I can't help but think of Vartans and wonder about my family." Buran's thoughtful expression turns a bit sad. "But I never knew my family, so I cannot ask."

"Very true," the Rath'ani says, nodding. "The occasional appearance of Vartan crosses has long been a puzzle to natural scientists. Some think that there were life-mages involved… Others, like myself, must point out the well-known Vartan antipathy to those who use or work with magic." He seems to be getting along quite well with the winged Khatta, though they only met a little while ago.

Envoy waves up towards Brishen to catch the bat's attention!

Brishen lands with a scrabble of claws on well-worn tile, nearly atop a weathered, yet familiar poster plastered to the apothecary's roof. This high up, she doesn't see Envoy until she peers over the edge. "Ah! Hello!"

Calling up to the Eeee, Envoy points to the elder Rath'ani and says, "That's him!"

Brishen drops off the edge of the building, cupping her wings as she swoops down to loop around Envoy and Bem. "Isn't the Bazaar wonderful today?" She grins as she lands, and holds out a pair of new, and rather flexible-looking Dromodon leather sandals. "Look what I found!"

Envoy says, "A good find. Aski is talking to someone over there, at that table. Should we just go over there and interrupt?"

Brishen furls her wings, hopping a bit as she tugs the sandals on. "Oh, we could be a little more polite than that. Stand around until he notices you."

Brishen ahs, straightening up, and stretches. "Much better."

Brishen bounces over to peer at Bem.

Buran sips some fruit juice from a cheap-looking cup. "I know little of magic. I've been taught in the methods of mechanics. Everything can be explained rationally." She pauses to take another sip from the juice. "But whatever my history is – you haven't seen any others like me, have you?"

The Sphynx's expression is still sad, but a hint of wistfulness and hope creeps into her eyes.

The Rath'ani shakes his head. "I've observed a fair number of Exiles, those being my particular interest, so perhaps you might be one of those, or descended from an Exile family that lives distantly. There is also a race of winged cats, but they keep to themselves for the most part, and they are known for having all white wings… " He clears his throat, about to say something else.

Buran tilts her head, perking an ear.

"If you don't mind, Technopriestess, I would like to document you for my studies," the Rath'ani continues. "I regret that I can't pay for it, but I hope to establish some common parameters between native and Exiled races… "

Meanwhile, very close in the Bazaar…

"And lo, the card reappears!" A coppery coloured Shiga in a brownish tunic and breeches holds up a playing card between two boney fingers, proffering it to a pair of Bazaar-goers before him. On his head is a straw hat, and a black scarf is draped around his neck and muzzle. "Was your card… the five of daggers?"

The Shiga's audience has dwindled to one Gallah cub, that looks up in awe at the prestidigitation. He wags his tail and nods, his tongue lolling out of his muzzle.

Back out on the street, a black Khatta walks angrily, kicking a stone out of his way now and then. "Stupid parents. Stupid sister. Stupid exile. Why can't I have a normal family?" he mutters to himself.

The reptile grins behind his scarf, and kneels down. "Heh, heh… so, you are duly impressed by the mystical skills of Woodrow the Wondrous? Then, as a token of his esteem, here's a little token to remember the show!" He licks the back of the card, and sticks it to the boy's nose. He stands, chuckling. "There you go, pup! Now run along."

The puppy's tail wags happily as he receives the card. His ancestry is a mixture of several breeds – a mixture which leaves him with a varied pattern and a build that resembles many species and lets him fade into the background. The Gallah doesn't leave, but instead watches the Shiga, waiting for another trick.

Jynx stops, hearing the fanfare of a show, and a voice that for some odd reason sounds familiar.

The Shiga stands and stretches, shaking his slim coin-purse. ( Hmmm… the take on passing the hat around's been a bit skimpy today. Ah, well… ) He looks down at the child out of the corner of his eye. "Are you still here? Tsk, where's your mother?"

Brishen's wings quiver a bit as she looks up at Bem. (Okay, so you've run across the most talkative Zelak you've ever seen. What do you ask it? I really wish they blinked now and then.) "I – Oh, wires." She turns as she hears a familiar voice.

Brishen works her way through the crowd, eventually ending up a bit closer to Woodrow the Wondrous than she'd initially anticipated.

The puppy barks, and wags his tail again, looking up at Bambridge with wide awestruck eyes.

Jynx walks over to the Shiga's show curiously. ( I could swear I've seen this guy before. Oh well, maybe a show will ease my mind. )

Woodrow sighs, and looks around. "Welllll… things look quiet. Another trick or three wouldn't hurt, eh? Ahhh, and another comes to witness the amazing feats of Woodrow! Very well, prepare to be dazzled by the logic- defying Scarves of Mystery!"

The little cub barks, "Tricks!" and jumps up and down once, clapping loudly.

Bem says nothing whatsoever, and merely stands behind Envoy.

Jynx yuks, canine types. They're even worse when they're little.

Brishen grins, crossing her arms as she watches the show. She doesn't exactly blend into the crowd.

"You there, sir! The Khatta! What's your name, my good man? Come, come, I'll need a volunteer for this trick." The street magician waves enthusiastically at Jynx, beckoning him to stand closer.

Jynx blinks, "M-me?" He's a bit stage-frightened. "Uh… my name's Feli… " He inches forward timidly.

"Tricks!" the puppy tells Jynx gleefully.

Jynx makes a note of avoiding the pup, and comes forward.

Woodrow claps the Khatta heartily on the shoulder. "Glad to meet you, Feli, m'boy! You'll be perfect! Now, watch closely, and don't blink." The lizard waves his paws in a few wide circles. "From nothingness, you shall see, emerges a Scarf of Mystery!" The reptile claps his paws, and spreads them apart… Sure enough, there's a zolk scarf of bright violet.

"Wow, that's amazing," Jynx says in a monotone manner. ( As if I haven't seen this about a million times since I was a kitten… )

The puppy grabs the end of Bambridge's scarf, and pulls.

Jynx jumps back, and arches a brow a the two, "Is this part of the act?"

"Ahh, but that's not all, my feline friend… the Scarf of Mystery has many magical properties." The Shiga waves his violet scarf in a circle, then looks startled as he loses his black one. "Here now, sonny. Don't be doing that, you're breaking my concentration." (And my disguise. Ksssh… )

Brishen giggles quietly.

Jynx crosses his arms and watches the two impatiently.

Buran carefully stands, brushes road-dust from her robes, and waits in line at the booth. By now, she seems to have made a choice and merely waits to reach the counter.

"Tricks!" the Gallah cub says again, as he tries to stuff the scarf up his sleeve. He doesn't do a very good job of it, but once he is satisfied he pulls it out again, and waves it around.

Ignoring the pup, Woodrow turns back to his 'volunteer'. "Well, never mind that. Where was I? Ah, yes, the Scarf! It can steal colour! Unbelievable? If you'll but give me your paw, I shall demonstrate… "

With some detachment, the Rath'ani scholar watches the Shiga (Woodrow the Wondrous) perform his tricks…

Jynx sighs, and holds out his paw, "Can it get rid of ring around the collar, too?"

"Tut-tut, unbeliever! You doubt the mystical might of Woodrow the Wondrous?" The lizard proceeds to wrap Jynx's paw in the Scarf of Mystery. He holds it there, mumbling things like, "Abracadabra! Ala peanut beetle and squibbit sandwiches!"

Jynx just waits, an uninterested expression on his face.

Woodrow takes the scarf away, and wads it into a ball. Grinning, he hisses, "Now the Scarf of Mystery contains the very essence of blackness, taken right from your fur. Do you still doubt me? Observe!" The reptile holds up a coppery paw, and rotates it a few times. "As you can see, nothing in my paw, nothing up my sleeve." With a few flourishes, the scarf is wrapped around the reptile's fist.

The puppy tugs on Woodrow the Wondrous's cloak, showing off his trick. He has managed to wrap the scarf around his head, tying closed his muzzle.

Dark brown eyes glitter as Bree finds it harder and harder not to giggle. She tries to help the pup out of the mess he's tied himself into.

"Ho, ho! Planning on becoming a magician too, my little friend?" Woodrow grins at the pup, waggling his eyeridges. "You'll need a Scarf of Mystery first! Only one of these can do… this!" He tugs the bit of zolk away, revealing a fist of glossy black. "Behold! The Scarf has transferred the colour to my very paw!" He opens his fist, and wiggles said paw.

Jynx arches a brow, and chuckles a bit at the trick.

The Rath'ani scholar looks clearly discomfitted. "A new species? Really?" He frowns, turning to look fully at Envoy for the first time, startling the Aeolun. From a distance it was not so obvious, but it seems apparent now from the lines in his fur and the way his hands tremble that the past months have not been kind to him. "But I doubt that I can be of much help to you."

The little cub's eyes go wide! He jumps, and tries to bark, but has effectively gagged himself. His tail wags up a storm.

Jynx laughs at the pup, and starts walking away from the stage, "Its been fun and all, but I'll leave the tricks to the it'uns."

Brishen grins at Woodrow. "Is this cub part of the show? He seems to have bound himself pretty thoroughly."

Woodrow's straw hat has come off, the Shiga looking clearly disappointed. "Come now! Wasn't that trick worth a shekel or two, Feli?"

The puppy, who might as well be called 'Tricks', nods rapidly at Brishen; Once his head stops moving, he staggers in a small circle.

With the hat off, the reptile finally notices Brishen. He starts, but doesn't say anything, the only indication he's spotted the Eeee being a narrowing of the eyes.

Brishen giggles to herself as she starts unwinding the puppy. "Stop wriggling!"

( Only if it'll get me away from here! ) the black Khatta shrugs, and fishes around in his pocket. He pulls out two shekels. "Here, don't blow it all at once."

"Ksssh! Two lonely shekels! Why, they can barely clink together," hisses the reptile, donning his hat again. "You should have some respect! I could tell you tales of magick that would make your warm blood turn to ice, and make your fur stand on end."

Envoy nods, "An acquaintance of mine was purchasing some artwork, and was able to identify you to me… "

The puppy stands still while Brishen frees him. As soon as he can open his mouth, he does. "Tricks!" he barks.

"There you go!" Bree smiles, crouching down to peer at the little cub. "Yep, tricks."

Jynx tosses the shekels in the hat, "Save it for the pups. There might be a market for puppy-cicles somewhere." He starts off again.

Tricks' gaze follows the fluttering scarf that Brishen now holds, until he is distracted by her clothing, and courier bag. He barks happily again, and paws at the satchel, jumping again.

"Is that so?" Frustrated, Woodrow wags his index claw at the Khatta. "Why… why… I'll have you know, I've seen the very spirits that sleep uneasy sleep in the graveyard of Rephidim!" He gives pause, uncertain as to why that came to mind. Something about this Khatta…

Brishen smirks, twisting about so her satchel's out of the reach of curious paws, and tickles the cub's ears.

Jynx stops, "Graveyard?" He thinks hard with his kitty brain…

Woodrow sniffs, and looks over at Brishen. "Tsk! And your giggling isn't helping things, you silly girl. Give the Wondrous Woodrow his scarf back!"

Jynx turns back to the Shiga, "Why did you say 'graveyard'?"

Brishen holds the scarf over the puppy's head distractingly.

Tricks jumps, and his jaws close on the end of the scarf. His weight drags the Eee's arm down so the puppy's feet rest on the ground again.

Brishen eeeeeks, spreading her wings as she tries to hold onto her end of the scarf.

"Because it's true, Feli… " The reptile crooks a finger, beckoning. "Lean closer, and I will whisper to you of horrors fit to drive stout Vartans mad, and make Titanians quake in fear." What the heck… it's a good story, and the Khatta seems interested finally… Now, if only he can hold this interest…

"So you wish the map to Shkarkin Hive." Aski Medes rubs his chin, and then says, "One gold."

( Maybe I'll be able to afford to replace that scarf, ) meditates Woodrow sourly.

The Gallah cub braces with his paws, and pulls back against the Eee, shaking his head and not releasing the scarf.

The black Khatta is about as interested as a bug is to a fly swatter, but he's still curious, "Don't I know you from somewhere?"

Buran finishes one of the breadsticks and begins consuming another. She seems to be rather hungry.

Brishen squeaks, wings a-flutter as she tries to keep from toppling over. She hands her end of the scarf to Woodrow. "Sorry!"

Tricks likes this game, he pulls just as energetically against Bambridge and growls playfully.

Woodrow raises an eyeridge. "If you know me, good sir, then I'm afraid you have the advantage. I've seen and heard many a thing in my days, but your name doesn't come readily to mind… " He grunts at the slobber on his scarf, then nearly falls over as the cub tugs on it. Before he loses his balance, he abruptly lets go.

Brishen watches as the cub tumbles past. "Eep?"

Jynx has to fight to keep from laughing as the pup goes rolling. Few things are as funny as seeing canine misfortune. "Yeah, in the graveyard… I think you were there that night… "

The reptile snorts, and dusts his breeches off. He leans next to Jynx conspiratorially. "One of these things I saw were the spirits of the graveyard," he whispers. "Yes, it's true! A band of mad mages gathered beneath the light of the procession, seeking to disturb the eternal rest of the dead. Clad all in white, they were, bearing a bound exile… "

Woodrow furrows his brow, not quite catching on. "Well, of course I was, if I'm telling this story."

Tricks tumbles across the cobbles, winding up in the scarf. As soon as he stops rolling, he springs up with a happy bark and rushes at the Shiga, bumping into him with his head.

Brishen giggles, covering her mouth with a hand. "He seems to like you, Woodrow."

Realization comes to Jynx, "So was I!" He crosses his arms again, "You, along with the rest of the wacky gang there, didn't lift a paw to help me when I fell down into the sewer!"

Woodrow wobbles a bit, clenching his teeth. "Gah! Yes, he seems to! Now make him leave me al-… " The lizard's head whips about to fix Jynx with a stare. "You… were there?"

Jynx's eyes narrow, "Yes I was there! And thanks to being there, I spent the next two months trapped in the sewers!"

"Ksssha! How in the Great Serpent's gullet could I have been cursed with this kind of luck?" Woodrow sighs, and shakes his head. "Thousands of Rephidians, and I tell a ghost story to you."

Jynx scowls, "Life's funny that way, especially if you've been the ghost a time or two. What were you doing out there, helping with the sacrifice?"

Back in front of the pastry kiosk, Envoy attempts to gain the attention ofAski Medes…

Envoy positions herself behind the Technopriestess, where Aski will be able to see her, and waves with her fingers to him.

The Sphynx absently brushes a crease out of her Templar robes. "I would be glad to be of assistance," comes the answer, "but I wish to clarify that I am not an Exile, though many think so."

Aski says, "But you have said that your past is a mystery to you – perhaps… " His voice trails off as he looks over the Sphynx's shoulder, trying to recognize that person waving at him.

Envoy gestures to Bem, hoping the sight of the Zelak will help the Rath'ani scholar recognize her.

Buran re-settles herself on her mat, sipping again from her glass. She begins to offer a possible solution to Aski's new problem. "The Temple has records, of my being 'found' at its mission in Darkside -" She realizes that the Rath'ani is staring at something behind her … and turns her head to look.

The Rath'ani closes his mouth, and then turns his attention back to Buran. "Excuse me for being distracted, Technopriestess. Where were we? Ah yes, your orphanage." He smiles a little, though it seems forced. "A terrible event. No child should grow up bereft of her natural relatives."

Envoy waves her fingers to the winged Technopriestess as well.

The winged Khatta surveys Envoy with interest. I have never seen anyone quite like this is the first thought to cross her mind. But manners – cultivated from years of Temple life – must come first. Nodding in greeting to Envoy, Buran turns to Aski. "A friend? I can go… "

Aski rubs his chin. "It is… a difficult matter to speak of, Technopriestess. But please stay. It is so rare now that I find another with whom it is possible to have a reasoned discourse." He lays a bony hand on Buran's arm.

Buran sips more juice. The level of liquid in the glass is dropping fast. "Will you excuse me for a moment, then? I'm a bit hungry," she confesses. "I haven't eaten since this morning."

Aski smiles. "Of course, Technopriestess." He looks about to offer to buy lunch, reaching to his pouch, but stops the motion and instead offers a half of the chewy-looking Rughrat pastry.

The Khatta shakes her head. "I wouldn't presume to take your food, sir. It would not be fair… " She seems to be analyzing the menu items somehow, reading more carefully than most would before making a choice.

Envoy continues to stand vigil with Bem until Aski has time for her, and occasionally glances over at the noisy magic show nearby.

The Rath'ani glances about the Bazaar, trying to look anywhere but at Envoy…

Envoy tries waving to Jynx as well, despite the Khatta's being part of the current show.

As Envoy closes to about five feet, the Rath'ani continues to maintain a studied fascination with Woodrow's show.

Seeing that Aski is (apparently) alone now, Envoy approaches closer to the small dining area.

The Aeolun tries clearing her throat for attention, then asking, "Excuse me, Scholar Medes?"

Aski jumps. "What – ah. I didn't see you there," he says. "Good day, Envoy." He tries to edge away a little.

Buran idly taps her foot, wondering what seems to be holding up the line. Could the booth's stove have broken? She hopes not – her choice of food is better warm.

The proprietor of the booth, a Kavi, beams. "At last! Fresh bread sticks, best in the Bazaar. Just for you, miss!" He opens the steaming oven and uses a gloved paw to slide the tray out, then drops three into a bag and hands it to Buran.

The Technopriestess looks relieved. Breadsticks, as fresh as they come! And hot, too! She pays the Kavi the amount posted on the menu, nods a polite thanks, and wanders once more toward Aski. In deference to the Rath'ani and to Envoy, however, she maintains a polite distance.

Envoy blinks at the reaction. She's becoming a bit more sensitive to the way people react to her lately. "Ah… I crave you pardon for startling you then. I was wondering if you could help me with something regarding Zelaks… and I also have some news about a newly discovered species you might find interesting."

The Kavi calls to Buran, "Come again, miss!" He begins preparing another set of Rughrat pastries to be baked.

Envoy kneels down next to the Rath'ani, and quietly asks, "What's wrong? Have you been ill? Does your condition have to do with your move from your former house?"

"Both my condition and my new abode are the result of rather difficult times," the Rath'ani scholar says icily. "In order to further my study of Exiles, I spent my life savings acquiring a certain Exile… whom you may remember. If I recall, certain tricks went on at that auction, creating bids without bidders, which resulted in tripling his price." He raises an eyebrow. "Perhaps you may even know how that came about?"

Envoy blinks and actually blushes beneath her fur. "I… I apologize for that, sir. I didn't know it was you bidding against me, and I was desperate to help my friend… "

"I seem to recall that you appeared at my house rather promptly after that incident," Aski Medes says quietly.

Breadsticks acquired and juice in hand, Buran settles herself on a nearby straw mat – not so close to intrude upon the Rath'ani and the Exile. She munches on a breadstick while idly watching the nearby streetshow.

"I seem to recall that we have been prior acquainted, and considering your memory, I would find it difficult to think that you had forgotten my voice," Aski says. He sighs softly. "In any case, I had hoped to make more further, detailed studies of the Exile and his accouterments, hopefully constructing an in-depth treatise on the subject of his life, which might have begun to help rebuild my savings, but he departed very soon after your visit… All in all, Envoy, it seems to me that I have little reason to remember you fondly. Apologies do not rebuild broken lives."

Envoy slumps, "I assure you that I did not intentionally try to bring you to this, Scholar Medes! An Officer of the Temple owes me two silvers, though. I don't know how much it will cost for me to charter transport to Shkarkin Hive, but I will gladly give you as much as I can for your inconvenience… "

Aski Medes frowns. "What precisely are you asking of me now?"

Envoy sighs, "I have to return to Shkarkin Hive to report on my mission, and for other reasons. But I don't know where it is located. I wasn't allowed to see the navigation charts during our last trip."

Envoy swallows at the requested price. "I also was hoping you could help me with an experiment in hybridization. All I have to offer in return is information about a newly encountered sentient species that lives in the deep oceans."

Aski says sternly, "Envoy, it may seem a great price, but all I have to trade now is my knowledge and skill. I cannot eat tales of deep sea creatures, Babelite or otherwise. Now, you bid twenty thousand shekels at the auction. I should think that even in the intervening time between then and now, that you would not have lost all of them so quickly. What I ask is a substantially smaller amount."

Envoy chews her lip, then says, "I never had twenty thousand shekels. I was bidding… cookies."

The Rath'ani starts. "… Cookies?"

Envoy says, "It was the only thing I could think of."

Buran starts to laugh, then is overcome by a fit of coughing. Whatever was so funny isn't immediately apparent.

"I spent my life savings… to outbid cookies?!" Aski Medes opens and closes his mouth once and then thins his lips. "That is behavior utterly immoral, unethical, and illegal, Envoy! I would have expected better of you. But then, perhaps no one has ever attempted to teach you what is and is not proper to do between well brought up sentients on Sinai."

Envoy squirms, slumping even more. "No Sir."

The Rath'ani coughs, and then turns pale in the ears, turning unsteady. "Twenty… thousand… cookies?!"Envoy lamely offers, "It was my first auction. I was afraid of what Jarik might do, or what might be done to him."

The Rath'ani sits down… or perhaps falls to his seat, a hand stretching out. "My… "

Looking up again at the Scholar, Envoy asks, "Are you alright?"

A sip of juice soothes the Khatta's throat, and the coughs stop. But Aski Medes is not so fortunate. She jumps up and hurries to his side, losing all pretence of disinterest.

As the winged snowmeow feels the Rath'ani scholar's thin wrist, she feels his heartbeat, erratic, but slowly stabilizing. Aski seems to be in a state of shock, pale and unsteady.

Envoy frets! "Is he alright?" she asks the winged Khatta.

Buran glances up at Envoy. "Ma'am? Please find a blanket and pillow. Quickly." Her voice is commanding but not unkind.

The Technopriestess – who also seems to be familiar with the art of healing – softens her voice a bit. "I hope so," is her reply to Envoy. "Please hurry."

Envoy jumps to her feet and looks around, then goes quickly to Bem and says, "Get a pillow!" The Exile then runs towards the cloaked Shiga without waiting for a reply.

Aski Medes reaches up and tries to hold onto Buran's hand, but his grip is rather unsteady. "Th… Thank you, Tech… "

Bem clacks and follows Envoy.

The Aeolun runs past Brishen, nods hello to Jynx, and says to the reptile magician, "Please excuse me, but I need to borrow your cloak!" The Exile then attempts to strip the garment from Woodrow the Wondrous.

Brishen's eyes get very wide.

Jynx, his attention now diverted from the reptile, becomes puzzled, "Envoy?"

Brishen flutters over, resting her hands on Envoy's shoulders. "Wait! I have some blankets at my apartment. It's not far from here." She pauses. "Um. Stop trying to strip the nice street magician."

"You've lost weight, haven't you, Feli?" Envoy remarks casually to the black Khatta, then turns to Brishen and says, "I need a pillow too! It's an emergency!"

Woodrow scowls back just as darkly. "I was averting disaster! Those fools were about to split some five-tailed Kieltan open to raise Dagh! Thankfully, they just got everyone else." The reptile shudders, and points. "Now what in the Serpent's name were you… sssssksshoh! What do you think you're doing?" The Shiga clutches his cloak, trying to wrest it away. "This isn't some seedy bar-show!"

Tricks just looks confused at the sudden commotion.

"Envoy, what are you-" the black Khatta notices a commotion over Buran's way, "What's going on?"

Buran gently lowers Aski to the ground before he collapses completely. "Be still, please," she murmurs softly. "Help is on the way." The healer picks up the straw mat she'd occupied a few minutes ago and rolls it up; it serves to elevate the sick Rath'ani's legs above the level of his heart.

Brishen darts off through the crowd, throwing herself in the air once she reaches a relatively clear spot. She doesn't live far away, apparently, because within a few minutes she's returned with an armload of rather garishly-colored blankets.

Envoy pats the Shiga on the nose, "Sorry about that." Then she turns and runs back towards the Technopriest and the Scholar.

Aski Medes gasps for breath, but stays still as Buran desires – He has no energy for anything more.

Jynx forgets about Woodrow for the time being, and curiously follows after Envoy.

Brishen furls her wings as she lands next to Envoy, thrusting the pile of blankets into the Aeolun's arms. "Here!"

Woodrow harumphs, and gathers his cloak back around him, adjusting his straw hat. "What's all the commotion? And where did that crazy Eeee go?" Against his better judgement, the reptile meanders over to the stir.

"Here are the blankets!" Envoy calls as she clutches the mass of blankets and turns towards the winged Technopriest. "Thanks, Brishen!"

Buran raises her voice, turning to the Kavi in the booth. "Water! We need some warm water! I've a hurt man here! And put some salt in it! Hurry!"

The Kavi blinks. "Salt will cost you extra," he says. "One shekel?"

Brishen oh dears.

Jynx, being a short cat, gets on his tip-toes to peer over some onlookers, "What in Dagh's name is happening here?"

The Rath'ani stares up at the sky, which is presently clouded by mists to a near-white. "Wings," he murmurs.

Woodrow glances back and forth in the chaos, between the fallen Rath'ani, and the vendor. He clacks one of Jynx's shekels on the booth counter. "Here! Get the woman the salt water, you idiot, that Rath'ani is hurt!"

Buran yells back, "You've got it! Hurry!" Blankets are thrown at her; she covers Aski – except for his neck and head – with them.

Tricks, sensing some danger in the whole commotion, tears off with his souvenir scarf from Wondrous Woodrow.

Brishen ends up next to Woodrow. "Hi," she says, cheerily. "The Guard will be here soon."

The Kavi catches the coin. "Right away, sir!" He reaches down in his cooking supplies and scoops up a shaker of salt, some lumps of rock crystals still visible in the glassware, and starts shaking it vigorously. "That much?"

Buran gently slips a pillow under the Rath'ani's head. "Where's that water?" she asks of no one in particular.

Envoy falls to her knees at Aski's side, opposite Buran, and wails, "It's all my fault!!"

"That's fine, that's fine! Just take it to the priestess, you fool!" barks Woodrow.

Jynx looks perplexed – Is this the same Envoy he once knew?

The Kavi offers the glass of salted water to Woodrow. "Your salt, sir."

Glancing over his shoulder, the reptile watches his Gallah audience member make good his escape. "Bah, my favorite one, too." He snatches the glass, and hurries over to the scene, stooping by the priestess. "Salted water."

Onlookers watch curiously. "What do you think is going on?" one Jupani asks another. "Ah, probably some kind of show."

The glass is gratefully accepted. Buran helps the old Rath'ani to sit up enough to drink as she holds the glass to his lips. As she kneels to do so, a glint of light reflects from the pendant around her neck.

Jynx just watches on dumbly, not sure if he should even try and help. (Remember who he is… )

Aski weakly sips the water and then makes a face. "S-s-salty… "

Brishen keeps an eye out for the inevitable constabulary.

"Ten shekels says the old geezer kicks it," someone says to another in the crowd.

Buran murmurs softly to Aski. "It's to make you better. I know it tastes bad, but you know what they say about medicine." Her whiskers arch forward and she smiles slightly.

Envoy turns towards the voice of the wagerer with a scowl.

Aski Medes drinks the water, head pillowed, legs raised on the rolled-up mats. He slowly begins to look better, color returning to his ears. "Thank you," he whispers to Buran.

Jynx looks at the bettors with ears back and an angry expression, ( Gee, passionate crowd… )

Brishen decides to make herself useful, and flutters into the air. There've got to be some guards around, somewhere…

The street magician pats Buran on the shoulder. "It's working!" he enthuses. "A miracle right before our eyes!"

A few minutes find Aski Medes resting considerably better. "I may well owe you my life," he says to Buran. "I don't know if what knowledge I possess can help you, but if there is anything… "

Envoy sighs with relief as Aski recovers.

Jynx hmmms… ( Shoot… maybe I should have bet on his getting better, then at least I wouldn't feel guilty now… )

It is always a relief to see a patient on his way to recovering; this is no exception. Buran smiles at the Rath'ani, gently squeezing his hand. "I am always glad to help a friend," is her heartfelt response. She starts slightly at Aski's offer. "I wouldn't know what to ask," she confesses. "Or if I could take anything. You must not have much. It wouldn't be right."

The betters exchange shekels. The crowd starts to dissipate. "Get better lines!" a Skreek calls to Buran and Aski Medes.

Aski smiles softly. "Perhaps there will come a time when what I know may be useful to you, Technopriestess." As he slowly gets to his feet, leaning on the winged snowmeow, his gaze falls upon Envoy.

Brishen catches an updraft over the Bazaar, giggling to herself as she darts up to perch on a nearby roof. From here, she can see how the aged scholar is doing, and keep an eye out for any guards that might be approaching. She doesn't have the time to be arrested, today.

Jynx stays put as the rest of the crowd thins.

Envoy shrinks under the Rath'ani's gaze.

Woodrow wraps his violet scarf around his face again, looking relieved at the Rath'ani's improving condition. He places something in one of his pockets.

"As for you," Aski Medes says sternly to Envoy. He sighs. "You have a great deal to learn about doing what is right. But perhaps you are capable of gaining that knowledge."

Buran wraps an arm about Aski's waist to support him, having draped one of the blankets about him to keep him warm.

Envoy smiles slightly at the encouragement. "I will try, sir. I've learned a lot in my two years so far."

Aski huddles into the blanket, and then says softly, "I will lower the price to three silvers… Under three conditions."

Envoy blinks at the sudden generosity, and leans closer to Aski. "Yes?"

"First," the Rath'ani scholar says. "You must tell me everything you know about this 'new undersea species'. Even if what you have is no more than hearsay, it deserves to be written so that others may read about it later."

Envoy nods. "I can recite the report I prepared for you."

Brishen lands nearby, once it looks like things've calmed down enough, and giggles quietly at Woodrow's violet scarf. "Sorry about that."

Buran murmurs something quietly in Woodrow's direction.

Aski shakes his head. "Not yet. There will be time for that later. Secondly, you must promise to think hard before you take actions. From what I have seen, you fail to consider the consequences of your actions, and whether others might be hurt by them. Think of others, and do good for others, rather than only asking for yourself. Promise me, Envoy, that you will do better."

Envoy blinks. "I can only promise to try to do better, sir."

The lizard stands, his look of concern easing somewhat. "Well done, healer. The Rath'ani is obviously in good paws, priestess." He listens a moment, then nods. "As you wish." The lizard turns, and makes his way back to the booth, glowering at Brishen for a moment.

"And finally, you will commit no chicanery in obtaining these three shekels I do ask of you," Aski Medes says sternly. "No trickery, no deception, nothing that is illegal under Rephidim law. I will not take money that has been won through evil means."

Jynx watches the lizard go. ( The king flatterer… )

"I happen to think violet is my colour, Br-… oof." The reptile bumps into Jynx. "Excuse me, how clumsy." He lifts his nose at the black Khatta, and orders a glass of water from the booth.

Jynx oofs, and just glowers at the lizard, "Yeah, clumsy… " He moves away from the reptile and continues to watch Envoy and the others.

Brishen smirks faintly, then bounces along after Woodrow. "That was a wonderful show!" She beams at the Shiga, brushing a lock of hair from her eyes.

Envoy blinks three times now. "Of course not, sir! I have earned all my funds honestly."

"There is honesty, and then there is true honesty," Aski says sternly, a bony hand on Envoy's wrist, reminding Envoy of how he came to be in his condition of shock.

Envoy frowns, "Unless keeping certain things secret counts as deception."

The Aeolun winces at the reminder of Aski's condition.

Aski says firmly, "To shade the truth by concealing part of it, or by misstating it, is to make it no truth any more, but a lie. Knowledge cannot be built on lies, Envoy." He leans on Buran's arm and whispers to her, "Technopriestess, will you help me home? I hate to impose upon your kindness… "

The lizard fiddles with something in his cloak, and raps on the counter. "Kavi! A glass of water! No salt this time."

Envoy blinks, and wonders then if all her work for the Temple was somehow dishonest…

The Kavi nods. "Right away!" He fills up a wooden cup with water from a lukewarm container and hands it to Woodrow.

"Huh… and thanks for being such a big help with it too, Brishen," sniffs Woodrow, accepting the mug. "That zolk scarf wasn't cheap, you know." With a rustle of his cape, he returns to Buran, mug in hand.

Brishen slumps, digging the toe of a sandal into the ground. "I feel kinda bad about that." She brightens up a bit. "I can give you one of my scarfs. It's really neat, and a friend of mine said it was yellow."

Brishen hmfs, following the Shiga. Pinning him down to one place for more than a few seconds is proving difficult.

Buran nods thanks, accepting the cup. To Aski, she replies, "Of course I will take you home. I won't rest until I see you in bed. You need to recover." Her Temple robes and healer's insignia are a reminder of how serious that duty is to her.

The reptile turns his head to give Brishen a thin smile. "Yellow, lovely. If I didn't know better, I'd think you were trying to kill me."

Aski Medes smiles. "You are a life saver, lit'un." He gestures toward Nihil Voikin's shop for Envoy and Buran, and then totters that way with the winged Khatta's help.

Envoy stands up, looking somber, and follows along.

Brishen brushes a lock of hair from her eyes, then tilts her head slightly. "It's not THAT yellow. I think." She smiles. "I have others, though. And you're probably never going to find that puppy."

Woodrow sweeps his cloak around his shoulders once more, watching the healer and her charge, and especially that glittering pendant, leave. "Yes, you're probably right, Brishen. Well, no matter. Care to visit Little Babel for some lunch? Feli's buying."

Jynx watches the others go off, then heads towards home with a shrug, ( Oh well, beats the usual entertainment at home… ) He puts his hands in his pockets as usual, and makes a funny face, ( Coulda swore there was something in here… what was it? )