"Now, don't run off on me again," Shadra says teasing Ben as she carries the little mouse through the Bazaar. She stops by a shopkeeper to inquire if the honorable trader in cosmetics Temmis has changed locale recently, "Ah yes, and do you still sell those little sticky-burrs? The ones that were flattened and that you were selling for closing pockets?" Shadra's eyes sparkle.

The Bazaar bristles with activity this morning. Both the inscrutable eyes of the Zelaks and the glowering eyes of the Jupani guards that serve the Temple are watching over trade today, but that hardly deters the more legitimate traders, as long as they haven't any behind-the-board dealing to do…

Ben'zhamin sighs and halfgrins, settles on his captain's shoulder. "i promise, Shadra. no running off. I've brought you enough trouble to last awhile I think… "

Ben'zhamin simply leaves it at that.

The shopkeeper mutters to himself. "The vil-gro? No, no, no more. Very rare. Everyone wants some. Can maybe get you a little from next shipment, if you want pay ahead."

Ben'zhamin says, "Shadra… there is something i have been meaning to ask you."

Ben'zhamin grins. "Do you think it's possible that I could learn how to navigate an airship?"

Shadra slips a small five-shekel coin across to the shopkeeper. "Well, save me a couple patches… I think I could use some." She laughs softly. "And Temmis?"

Shadra looks surprised to Ben. "Hmm, navigate? Well, you couldn't pull the lines, but learn to read skysign and landsign perhaps."

Ben'zhamin erps quietly, and grins. He remains quiet as Shadra completes her transaction. "Yes. I am good with maps."

Ben'zhamin says, "If i am to live on an airship, I should learn something that will contribute."

The shopkeeper accepts the shekels, making the coin disappear. "Of course, of course, Captain. You know Minis is always good about these things. Mmm, Honorable Temmis… " He glances over to the guards. "Difficult woman to find, always moving about, she has many customers you know… Very busy woman." Minis grins and adds, "Always has that little something different about her. One to catch the eyes, she is."

Ben'zhamin looks about, scanning the market casually…

In the distance, a white-and-gold winged alien futilely attempts to engage one of the Zelaks in conversation.

Shadra nods to Ben, but remains more intent on Minis. "Now now," she says to the white ermine. "If anyone knows how to find Temmis, it's you. A consultation, of course, I can't quite tell whether to use spring or fall colors, myself." She raises an eyebrow.

The Zelak rasps again, "That information is classified, Citizen."

Ben'zhamin halfgrins at the white and gold creature. o O { Striking creature… }

Minis mutters. "Well, with the fires and all, she's had to change locations… " He looks about.

Ben'zhamin thinks . o O { Looks like she is about to get some flack from the bugs, though. Poor thing. }

Ben'zhamin's ears pivot as he half-follows Shadra's conversation…

Ben'zhamin frowns, thinking of the Zelaks and their role in the Darkside fire. As well as their hunt for his friends and the danger to Shadra.

Across the way, at the shop of Dildano the fumador and rare spice market, a large burlap sack suddenly falls over, spilling nuts out into the street.

Ben'zhamin snugs a little tighter against Shadra's neck.

The alien continues to question the Zelak, gesturing towards its mouthparts. Maybe it's asking about Zelak dietary habits?

Dildano, a heavy set Kavi waddles out with a look of annoyance on his face. He peers up and down the street, straining with his astigmatic eyes for the miscreant who's playing with his wares. "Kids!" he expostulates, with an air of disgust, as he begins to pick up the fallen bag of cashews.

Ben'zhamin mmmmmmmms. o O [ Cashews… }

Shadra confers with Minis. "Mmm. Corner across from the Three Thieves, behind the bush and … " She mutters to herself. "I don't know how anyone keeps track of all the streets." She patiently works the directions, then nods to the shopkeeper. "Thanks, Minis. Save some vil-gro for me!"

Dildano suddenly blinks as he picks up the bag, and 50 pounds of cashews spill out through a very large hole in the bag. Well… Not quite 50 pounds… More like 40 pounds of nuts and 10 pounds of fox! Tho perhaps that *does* constitute 50 pounds of nuts…

The Zelak stolidly informs the alien-seeming woman of white and gold, "That information is irrelevant to you, Citizen. Please desist the questioning of a Guard on duty or you may be arrested for interference."

BlueFox yarps, wagging his tail as he gets spilled out of the bag with a muzzle full of nuts! He dashes away from the angry Dildano, with the nearsighted Kavi in hot, angry pursuit!

Ben'zhamin grins as things happen in the market, adding to the hub-bub. He chuckles… and then blinks and hangs on as Shadra moves…

Ben'zhamin doesn't get a good view of the fox. o O { A stray dog. Hmm. }

Envoy turns away from the Zelak, and spots the blue streak zipping between people's feet.

Shadra nods to the white ermine, Minis, then begins to walk down the Bazaar, incidentally passing the talkative alien.

Ben'zhamin peers at the alien while she's close…

BlueFox dashes along, tongue lolling in the wind as he knows this game too well! He bounds along, looking back over his shoulder not wanting his pursuer to get too far behind.

Envoy's profile is only a few feet from Ben, but she's tracking the blue animal and doesn't see him.

Dildano, huffing and puffing, and not seeing where he's going blunders along like a Spider-Rat-Bat in a china shop.

"Stay close," Shadra whispers to Ben. "Keep an eye out, Temmis's the sort of woman who doesn't like guards poking into her business."

Ben'zhamin blinks! "Envoy?'

Dildano blunders along on his two left feet and *right* smack into Shadra in his singleminded pursuit.

"What's that?" Shadra asks, as she begins to walk on. She yelps and swats Dildano away, spinning to confront him.

First one long ear turns towards the name, and then the rest of Envoy's head swings around… just in time to see the collision!

Ben'zhamin thinks . o O [ Shadra is going to eat me… wha!? }

"OOF!" expostulates the angry Dildano, and he falls to his rump. "Damn that fox!"

Ben'zhamin hangs on for dear life…

Envoy finally focusses on the mouse clinging to the tall cat's shoulder… "King Benjamin?"

Shadra grrrrs… A quick pat-check satisfies her that it wasn't a pickpocket's attempt. "Careful where you're going, shopkeeper," she mutters. "*I* am not a fox. For that matter, I'm not sure if that little blue thing is one either. Looks like one, though, except for the color."

Dildano peers up at Shadra, squinting to see her face. "'Scuse me." he grumbles, and tries to fumble to his feet.

Ben'zhamin nods, scrambling to climb back onto Shadra's shoulder. "Envoy! What are you doing here?!"

Shadra adds as an aside, "Three shekels on the fox."

Dildano squints around, "Well, I don't know what it was, but it's eaten my cashews… " he grouses. He peers about, and shrugs angrily before heading back to his shop.

Envoy blinks three times, and leans closer to Shadra's shoulder. "I was talking to this Zelak here… "

Ben'zhamin thinks . o O { Shadra -is- going to eat me if I keep bringing people home… }

"Two on – " An enterprising Kavi changes his mind as the shopkeeper gives up. "Never mind. Your shekels are on their own."

Ben'zhamin says, "Shadra… this is a friend of mine from where i was before! Envoy, this is Shadra, my blood-sister… "

Envoy turns to look in the direction the fox ran for a moment, wondering how shekels could stick to something moving so fast?

Shadra laughs, and then turns to look over to the white-and-gold creature. "The Zelak? Never talk to them, they'll think you're trying to corrupt them half the time." She glances over to Ben. "Indeed? She looks quite exotic."

Envoy says, "Blood-sister? What is that?"

Ben'zhamin erks, "Never mind, Envoy… later. how did you arrive on this planet?"

Ben'zhamin says, "And did anyone come with you?"

Envoy says, "I followed a strange dragon through a gate where the Heart of the Mountains used to be."

Shadra looks curious to Ben. "Oh! *That* old a friend." She nods thoughtfully.

A Savanite servant appears in the background, looking carefully about the Bazaar. He spots Shadra, and walks towards her, unhurriedly but deliberately.

Ben'zhamin nods. "Jarik is here, and some others."

Envoy says, "I am no longer a Remote, Benjamin. I have a brain now. I've met Jarik… who else is here?"

Ben'zhamin says, "Tarin may be here as well."

Shadra's gaze sweeps across the bazaar, across the Savanite's face without reaction, and back to where she was going. "Can we talk out of the way a little? me and Ben, we were just on our way to visit someone… "

Ben'zhamin blinks and nods. "Can you follow us, Envoy?"

Envoy shrugs to Shadra. "I have nothing else to do."

Ben'zhamin giggles to himself, wondering how Shadra took Envoy's revelation that she has a brain now.

The Savanite reaches Shadra, and bows elaborately.

Ben'zhamin watches the stranger approach with suspicion.

BlueFox suddenly dashes by with a big blonde spider in his mouth. A big blonde spider? No… It's a wig! Now where would a fox get a blonde wig?

"Ah, just shopping?" Shadra nods understandingly, if distracted. "Perhaps you'll let me show you around some of the quieter places. You get better deals there, not out here where there're all the noisy customers." She nods to the slave with some puzzlement. "Yes?"

Envoy smiles and watches the blue fox zip past.

The Savanite shows Shadra a small ceramic medallion, and indicates for her to follow him.

Shadra frowns. "Hmm… " She glances back to Envoy. "On second thought, why don't you stay for a bit and chat with your friend, Ben? I'll be back in a few minutes."

Ben'zhamin blinks, looking worried. "Alright, Shadra. If you say so."

Envoy holds out her hand for Ben to step onto.

Ben'zhamin says, "Be careful."

Ben'zhamin steps into Envoy's hand.

Shadra smiles. "Oh, I'll be fine, it's you I worry about." She winks.

The puma captain nods to the servant, turning to follow him.

Envoy sits down crosslegged in the street, and swings her dulcimer into her lap for Ben to stand on.

The Savanite nods, and leads Shadra around the corner, in the direction the fox came from. They migrate through a number of twisty streets, until reaching a small corner shop.

Ben'zhamin halfsmiles. o O { Puma's can find death as cheaply as mice on this world. Keep your innards -in-, my heart. }

Envoy says, "Did you come through the vortex, Benjamin?"

Ben'zhamin blinks, trying to get his mind to change gears. "You know, I don't remember, Envoy. I do remember coming by choice, and with Tarin. We did not arrive together."

Envoy nods, filing away the information.

Ben'zhamin says, "It is -very- good to see you. There seems to be a natural memory loss associated with making the trip. And it progresses over time, seemingly."

Envoy says, "How did you meet your blood-sister? I didn't have any local memories when I arrived."

Ben'zhamin halfgrins. o O { Envoy gains a brain, while i am loosing my memory. }

An angry yell is heard down the street.

BlueFox runs by with a roast chicken leg in his mouth.

Envoy giggles… "I wonder what the fox did with the yellow hair?"

Ben'zhamin relates the story of the ambush to Envoy… about how is actions alerted Shadra and crew, and how the crew of cats adopted him as a clan member…

Ben'zhamin blinks. "That was a fox?

Envoy says, "A clan? I am part of the Bard's Guild here, is that like a clan? I was brought to this city as a circus freak."

Ben'zhamin nods. "not many of your kind here, Envoy. yes, that is something like a clan. It's like being in a guild and a family all at once. A tightly-knit family… "

Envoy says, "I think I understand. A clan is a voluntary family, like a marriage?"

Ben'zhamin nods. "Yes… something like that."

Ben'zhamin says, "There is some ritual involved. We mingled our blood, she and I."

Ben'zhamin shows Envoy the scar on his palm.

Envoy smiles, "I'm glad you have found a place for yourself, Benjamin. What blood type is she?"

Ben'zhamin deadpans. "Red."

Envoy grins, "I have red blood now too. No more milk."

A caracal airship sailor walks into the bazaar amidst another surge of shoppers and between the cries of "Just-baked pup tarts for sales!" and "Buy a fresh daquelon for your family! Great tasting, juicy, lots of essential vitamins!"

Ben'zhamin says, "Envoy… there is something you should know. This world is very different from… from… from the one we came from. More dangerous in a lot of ways. you will have to be careful."

The caracal airship sailor strikes Ben as a little familiar-seeming, despite the dirt smudged on his face.

Envoy says, "I have to eat and sleep and … I've been told not to undress in public."

Ben'zhamin blinks, and frowns. "Envoy… please carry me over to that caracal?"

Envoy stands up, transferring Ben to her forehead, where he can hold onto her horn. She walks over to the caracal.

A widely-grinning Kavi greets the Sailor. "Ah! A sailor! You must have just arrived in town, or you would already have tried R'nch's Kyootcumber Salsa. Come here, and try some… only 2 shekels a serving… "

The caracal stops to speak with a grizzled-looking wolf selling ivories. The morscoops did not appear to have done well, so the current selection features odd-looking utensils. "Hmm… No, thank you," the caracal says. "I do not need a furnip fwaddler. You're certain you don't know anyone who… fixes things?"

R'nch's wide smile narrows, and his voice drops several levels in volume. "I might know… someone."

Envoy smiles and taps the caracal on the shoulder, saying, "Excuse me, but my friend would like to talk to you."

The caracal glances over to R'nch, then blinks, whipping around. "Ah! – er, which friend?"

Ben'zhamin waits until Envoy comes close… and then eeps at Envoy. "Er, hello Tuzan… "

R'nch glances back and forth from Envoy to the caracal, tail twitching nervously.

Tuzan frowns, then nods to Ben as he catches sight of the mouse. "Ah! The little blood-brother. Ben'zhamin. I was not expecting to see you here. Are you out shopping by yourself again?" The caracal smiles, baring his fangs a little.

"The last shopping trip was perhaps not adventurous enough for you?" Tuzan flickers an ear with humor.

Ben'zhamin blushes. "Actually, I am here with Shadra. I ran into a friend of mine… Envoy, and Shadra is running an errand. This is Envoy."

Ben'zhamin grins and gestures to the creature upon whose horn he is sitting. 'And yes, I have had enough adventure for a time."

Envoy waves to the caracal.

R'nch steps back to his stand, noisily hawking Mild, Medium, and Kill-The-Waashu Hot Salsa.

Envoy turns one ear to listen to the spiel.

Tuzan nods to Envoy politely. "Ah. Good day to you." Something flickers behind his eyes, and then he tosses two shekels to R'nch. "A salsa strong enough to kill waashus sounds suitably unique. Would you care to join me in a little culinary adventure, Ben'zhamin, Envoy?"

Ben'zhamin says, "Are you out running errands, Tuzan? And… um, i might try some of the mild, certainly… "

Envoy smiles, "I enjoy learning new chemical combinations."

Tuzan suggests, "And a *small* amount of your salsa, for a small mouse… A quarter shekel more, merchant?" to R'nch.

R'nch reaches up and retrieve a small jar of green and black salsa. The scent alone is strong enough to be smelled at 3 feet, with the jar tightly closed.

BlueFox yelps and jumps down from R'nch's shelves as his hand comes near!

R'nch grins. "Even such a small fellow will need a half-shekel's worth. Gennoh?"

BlueFox knocks over a small jar as he flees into the street!

Envoy giggles and claps at the sight of the blue fox!

Ben'zhamin acks at the fox!

"A quarter," Tuzan insists, then backs off with surprise at the fox. "And nothing the fox stepped in either."

R'nch growls at the blue… thing… that's knocking over his supply, but is not about to lose this sale. "Very well, a quarter's, then."

Ben'zhamin braces himself for the 'experience.'

Tuzan grins a bit fangily and taps the small ceramic coin down next to the two shekels already there. "A mouth-watering experience you will not want to miss, I daresay, blood-brother," he says.

A painful howl is heard up the road a bit, as someone tries to lick something out of his fur.

R'nch serves up Ben a spoonful of salsa, on a small dish, stil enourmous compared with the mouse's size.

Envoy holds the dish up for Ben.

The caracal takes a small jar and unscrews it, then dips a finger in and tastes it. "Mm. Not quite home cooking, but not bad either." He laps his nose with a raspy pink tongue before capping the jar again.

Ben'zhamin takes a deep breath, and samples the sauce…

Envoy looks at the caracal's jar. "May I try some?"

Tuzan obligingly unscrews the jar and offers Envoy some of the 'kills Waashus dead' salsa.

Envoy dips a gold-clawed finger into the jar like Tuzan did, and then sticks it in her mouth.

Tuzan recaps the jar and waits for a reaction from the two.

Ben'zhamin's ears blush. His eyes go wide and start tearing.

Ben'zhamin says, "UNgh… !"

Envoy blinks her eyes three times… then another three times to clear the tears. "It is very spicy."

"Ah, haven't cultivated a taste for the hot yet?" Tuzan teases.

R'nch removes a pitcher of water from behind the counter. "Thirsty, sirs, ma'am? Water is only 5 shekels a glass, finest spring water in all Rephedim."

Ben'zhamin swallows, his throat catching flame. "Ack!"

Envoy glances at Tuzan, "The sauce is not actually hot, it is cooler than body temperature. There is an organic chemical which bonds to certain receptors on the tongue for an extended period of time, producing a burning sensation. I would suggest drinking milk instead of water."

Ben'zhamin acks…

"Five shekels? That's robbery," Tuzan says with a laugh. "Quick, Ben'zhamin, let's see if we can find someone cheaper before your throat burns up into little cinders!"

Ben'zhamin nodnods, panting!

Envoy crosses her eyes, trying to look up at the mouse on her forehead. "Are you alright, Benjamin?"

R'nch quickly offers, "Three Shekels! And for the little mouse, half."

A splash is heard up the road as a fox is seen drinking from a watering trough

Tuzan gives R'nch a sideways look before picking up Ben and walking quickly to the side of the Bazaar, apparently looking for a barrel that catches rainwater.

Envoy smiles to the salsa merchant, "Thank you, but I'm not thirsty." She hurries to catch up to the caracal…

"Aha! That looks… Well, not like fresh spring water, but it's free," Tuzan says mischeviously to Ben as he walks quickly toward the trough.

Ben'zhamin thinks through the pain. o O { I would guess that the sky island must import or catch all its water. No wells here! }

R'nch sighs. "One tries to make an honest profit… "

Ben'zhamin nods, looking to see if Envoy is following…

Tuzan holds his hand down so Ben is waist-deep in the water.

Envoy reaches the rainbarrel.

BlueFox looks up, muzzle dripping with water. And sees… a toy!

BlueFox wagwagwags his tail, looking at the mouse!

Ben'zhamin places his muzzle in the cool water and washes his mouth out…

Envoy says, "Look Ben, it's the funny blue fox!"

"Shoo, fox," Tuzan says, glancing with amusement at the little vulpine.

Ben'zhamin says, "Wow… wow… that stuff was -Hot-. I think I owe you a trick, Tuzan… "

BlueFox ignores Tuzan and jumps over onto the other side of the trough, balancing. He pads over to sniff at the mouse.

Ben'zhamin grins.

Envoy doesn't see the three shekels Shadra said were on the fox, though.

Ben'zhamin erks…

Ben'zhamin says, "Careful… we don't know if he's tame or not. And he -is- a carnivore… "

BlueFox sticks his nose right in Ben's face. SNIFF SNIFF SNIFF SNIFF. He licks his chops.

Tuzan places Ben on the side of the trough and kneels by it. "Oh, he must be tame enough. They tell stories about a blue fox around this part of town," the caracal says pleasantly. "They say it's good luck to see it."

Envoy says, "He's already eaten a chicken leg and some salsa though. You can still smell it on his breath… "

Ben'zhamin erks. "Um, Tuzan… "

Not to mention about 10 pounds of cashew nuts…

"Don't you feel the good luck rubbing off on you?" Tuzan says with a fangy grin.

BlueFox puts a paw on the mouse-toy's head. "Yerf!"

Envoy blinks at Tuzan. "Luck? Is that what makes the fur blue?"

Ben'zhamin looks nervously at the fox, and then tumbles into the water…

BlueFox yarps and wags his tail! He leaps into the water with a SPloosh!

BlueFox foxpaddles after the mouse!

BlueFox picks up the mouse by the scruff in his teeth!

Ben'zhamin says, "Ack! Help! Someone!"

Envoy turns back to the water and makes a grab for the fox and the mouse!

Ben'zhamin reaches for his foil…

Tuzan yelps and jumps back from the water, anxious not to get wet. "Hmm… Well, he IS a blood brother," he mutters to himself. The caracal frowns and then charges after the fox. "Hey! Drop that mouse!"

BlueFox leaps out of the trough with a soggy sHLURP!

Envoy falls into the trough with a soggy SPLOOSH.

Tuzan stumbles over Envoy's outstretched legs. "Hey! Ben! Shout out!" he calls, trying to untangle himself.

BlueFox dodges the Carcal! he knows this game too! I got the mouse/ball/frisbee! Betcha can't get it!

BlueFox dashes a few feet with Ben by the scruff. Then sees the Caracal isn't chasing.

BlueFox's tail droops a bit.

BlueFox puts the mouse down and sniffs at it.

Envoy crawls out of the trough and pushes the wet hair from her eyes, "Where'd they go??"

The caracal struggles to his feet and bares his claws, getting ready to spring.

Ben'zhamin bounces and dangles, unable to twist around to get a hand on his foil…

Ben'zhamin draws his blade, once on the ground. "Shoo!"

BlueFox wags his tail and bats at the stick!

Ben'zhamin pants, eyes wide and frightened…

The caracal springs for BlueFox! "SKAT!" he yells.

BlueFox tilts his head at the mouse?

Ben'zhamin backs towards Envoy…

Envoy heads after Tuzan, dripping everywhere.

BlueFox SLURRRPS The mouse and dashes off!

"Well, it seems as if the First Ones have been watching over you," Tuzan says with some laughter though he doesn't seem entirely sanguine over the matter. "You'd better get back up on your friend's hand before we lose you to the legend of the Blue Fox."

Ben'zhamin falls back on his bum with a thump…

The Savanite and Shadra return, the Savanite bearing a large backpack on his back. His steps seem rather unsteady for such an apparently strong creature.

Envoy kneels down towards Ben. "Are you okay, Ben? Did you see which way the fox went?"

Ben'zhamin bites his lip and blinks at the caracal.

Ben'zhamin says, "Yes… Envoy… I'm fine I think. Just… a little shaken."

Ben'zhamin rubs the back of his neck. It's smarting from having the fur pulled.

Shadra calls to Envoy, "What under the Procession's Lights are you doing here? Did you and Ben decide to go exploring?" She seems quite well-humored, and nods to Tuzan. "Shopping for salsa, I see."

"Indeed, Captain." Tuzan glances over to Ben. "It seems to be adequately hot enough."

Ben'zhamin doesn't mention the fox incident to Shadra.

Envoy looks up at Shadra, "We fell into the trough."

Ben'zhamin says, "Um… so we came here to get -free- water."

The Savanite glances at Ben'zhamin, Envoy, and Tuzan in turn, not realy raising his eyes.

Shadra shakes her head. "Well, I found Temmis and s – he'll be coming with us to consult with our … clients. So come, Ben, it's time to be heading back." She looks toward Envoy. "Contact me another time and I'll show you the better shopping to be had around here, yes?"

Ben'zhamin grins finally at Tuzan. The Caracal will find wood slivers in his bed tonight! "Um, Envoy… you -do- have a place to stay?"

Shadra makes a 'You trust her not to sell us out?' look at Ben.

Envoy says, "I live at the Bard's Guild, Ben."

Envoy says, "Thank you for your offer, Captain Shadra."

Ben'zhamin looks at Shadra and thinks. o O { Envoy would never mean to harm us… but she might innocently blurt something… ergh. }

Ben'zhamin relaxes as the issue is resolved for him…

Shadra smiles. "Welcome." She nods to Envoy and holds her hand out for Ben.

Ben'zhamin says, "Well, we shall see you about. We come to the market often. "

Ben'zhamin climbs into Shadra's hand.

Shadra gives the slave a sideways look. "Well, let's go meet Temmis… at the ship." Her eyes twinkle.

The Savanite nods, and trudges on, following a step behind Shadra. He makes eye contact with Ben'zhamin, and winks… a mysteriously feminine wink.

Ben'zhamin settles on Shadra's shoulder, sighing. He feels vulnerable… more so than on Genesis, or anytime before. No technology, no magic… only his friends between him and a messy end. He sighs, having learned a lesson tonight.

Envoy wrings out her tunic, making sure not to take it off to do so. She still seems to draw looks though…

Shadra looks back to Envoy, then whispers to Ben surreptitiously as she walks down the street, "Her brain… How recently did you say she got it?"