A few days after acquiring the Kame Ikata painting, the Naga archaeologist Bassai has decided to give the college Esoterica a look-see in his research. It is currently mid-day, with many students bustling across the campus… except for a lone Rath'ani hunched near a tree, his face hidden by a book lying across his nose. Although, it's not hard to guess who it is… Those garishly bright-colored robes can only mark one person: the same raccoon who guided the Naga through Darkside with the help of that strange vampire bat.

Bassai lets his gaze drift around the buildings before alighting on the sleeping raccoon. He slithers forward and says with a slight hiss, "Greetingss, it seems I may require your assistance again, if you are not studying too hard."

Tekki follows softly behind his master.

Bassai reaches down and lifts off the book.

Fenter slowly peeks out from under the book (which happens to be upside down). He looks blearily at the Naga, shakes his head, looks at him again, then jumps up to his feet. "Oh! Yes… you're that nice snake gentleman. How can I help you?"

Bassai says, "Two things, I wish to speak to the healer Latania, and I wish to procure a book for my slave."

Bassai flickers out his tongue, "I have spent several days trying to puzzle out that picture by the insane artist, and I need some errand, no matter how trivial, to break my routine."

The Naga archaeologist rubs above his eyes, "Or I fear I will go inssane as well."

"La- La-… oh. Er… Which would you like to first?" The raccoon glances towards the library. "I don't think they sell books for slaves here. Just boring magic tomes about spheres and rubbish like that."

Bassai says, "Hmm… those would likely be useless to him, as he is obviously without a voice. I could not locate any adequate booksellers in the Bazaar, however, and thought something of more value could be obtained here."

Fenter cracks his back and fumbles with his own book. "Er… you think he might like this one? It's something I borrowed from one of the upperclassmen here." He holds out his tome… which has a picture of two Jupani in a romantic embrace, a trashy romance novel.

Tekki looks quizzically at the book. Slaves have little time for romance, after all.

Bassai says, "However, I wish to indulge his curiosity. I have seen one other literate slave who is allowed to read what he chooses in his brief spare time, and was very impressed with his facilities and foresight. I feel a little imagination would not hurt Tekki."

Bassai also observes the book, "Perhaps … perhaps not, I have never questioned him before on this matter. Tekki, what would you like to read about?"

Bassai says, "Normally I assign him books to read, on history, or technique, or proper record keeping and that sort of thing. This time I wish to give him a choice in subject matter. It is, after all, part of exposing him to culture."

The Savanite blinks. "I am flattered that you would even bother to get me a book, Master," the Savanite signs. "Whatever you deem for me to have, I am sure that I will enjoy."

Fenter hands his book to the Naga. "Here, it's yours. There's not enough pictures in it for me to appreciate properly anyhow." He dusts himself off. "So… you wanted to see Professor Latania as well?"

The Naga takes the book, looking at the cover, and flipping through a few pages with an unreadable expression. "Yes, a short consultation."

The raccoon nods. "Er, well. I can lead you to her room… She should be between classes right now. Although it would probably be best if I don't take you in there with her myself; she's been… er… a tad miffed at me lately. It's a rather long story."

Bassai nods. "I undersstand. That will be sufficient," he says, still flipping through the book, pausing to read a few sentences.

The Naga hisses, "Do you perhaps have access to books that are a little below the 'upperclassman' level? I do not wish to shock Tekki with material so departed from the dry topics he is used to reading about."

"Well then, just follow me." The raccoon grins and heads into one of the larger buildings on the campus. A few of the students look oddly at the pair as they walk by… but nobody stops them.

Bassai slithers after the raccoon.

He continues speaking, "Myself, I would choose something like children's morality tales, but that is my bias for stories of that part of cultures."

Fenter scratches his head as he leads the Naga along the passageways. "Let's see… I think I have a couple of cookbooks. There's also that thick book that I use to keep my table level… "

Bassai says, "What is the book that keeps your table level, and can your table exisst without it?"

Fenter says, "You know, I'm not rightly sure. I could go fetch it while you talk to the grumpy old deer."

Bassai says, "That would be most pleasing. In the meantime, Tekki, hold this book. You may read a little of it, to see if it engages your interest."

Tekki bows as he accepts the book and inspects the cover while he walks behind his master.

Fenter rounds one more corner and then points the Naga towards one of the classrooms. "She's in there. Just watch what you say… She's been in a snit recently."

The Naga slithers ahead, "She is between classses? I have no wish to aggravate her further. Is there any particular subject I should avoid mentioning to her, asside from yourself?"

The door that the raccoon points out is currently shut, but a light shines through the small window.

Fenter says, "Yeah… I think she's having lunch right now or something. And as for things that might aggravate her… uh… ," he looks at Tekki. "I guess you'll know it when you say it. It's so hard to tell with these life mage types."

The raccoon makes a clumsy little bow that causes his hat to fall over his eyes. "Well, I'm off to go fetch that book. I'll meet you outside when you're done."

Bassai nods at the raccoon, "I see. Well, I will attend your return here after I speak with her." Then, he progresses up to the door, pausing just before he knocks to make sure he isn't interrupting anything.

There is no sound behind the door… No, wait… There's just the slightest noise… like someone shifting in a squeaky chair.

Bassai knocks on the door, inducing the aggravated response, "I'm having lunch… I have no time for students who are too lazy to study for themselves." He flickers out his tongue, then hisses, "I am not a student come to see you; I am Bassai, the archaeologist."

He then opens it, and slides forward into the doorway, "I hope I may come in."

The white Cervani's voice softens considerably. "Oh yes. Indeed, please come in. Pardon my harshness; one rarely gets a moment's peace here."

Bassai slithers forward, nodding, "I understand; I am no stranger to academic circles, though my pursuits are much more mundane than your own. I wished to consult with you on a small matter."

Tekki follows behind Bassai. The book tucked under his arms and his eyes downcast.

Latania gestures to a seat near her desk. "Of course. I always have time for a fellow scholar. How may I be of service to you?"

The Naga slithers forward, slipping into the chair and wrapping a few of his coils around the legs, resisting the urge to squeeze. "In the near future, there is the possibility I will be exploring a site in the near arctic."

Bassai says, "As you can imagine, I am not partial to cold conditions, and I fear even summer temperatures will cause me much difficulty. You are a healer, and part of what you do involves altering the state of the body, usually from wounded to healed."

The Cervani takes up a teacup and sips delicately from it, listening. "Ah… and you hope that I may possibly be able to alter your ability to react to cold?"

Bassai nods, "I do not wish any permanent alteration, I seek just a temporary solution to maintain my temperature. I thought I would investigate a more… " He pauses and looks around, "… esoteric solution, should the mundane one be unworkable."

Latania thinks. "I'm not sure if I'm capable of such a thing. Definitely not while I'm up here on the island." She rises from her desk and goes to a bookcase, flipping through the pages. "As you know, magic does not work as well here on the island as it does on the ground. But there is another hindrance, such a great alteration… and then a reversion back is beyond the power of a single life mage. You would need several, and the ritual itself would take days." She closes the book and places it back. "It would be very… expensive."

Tekki stands quietly behind his master's chair, as he was not directed to a seat.

Bassai hisses pensively, "Expense will not be a problem if it serves the glory of the Nagai Empire. However, they will insist that all other methods fail before I pursue ssuch an option. Your description of the ritual also implies some risk… "

The Naga nods slowly, "I had envisioned perhaps a herbal mix, or short ritual that would slow my rate of cooling. Not an extensive one such as you desscribe."

Bassai says, "I will have a camp set up, with a heated area that I plan to venture out from; I merely wished to extend my periods away from the warmth."

"Sir, I mean no insult to you by saying this, but the ritual may run beyond even the finances of the Nagai Empire. The cost would be several fortunes easily." Latania sits back down in her chair. "My last extensive healing job ran many many gold, and was funded by an inquisitor for the Rephidim Temple." Her expression melts into a scowl for a moment, "Even if it was only for Titus' miserable runaway slave."

Bassai nods, "I see, I'm afraid I will have to attempt the more mundane option then." He pauses, then continues, "I was not aware Titus possessed any more slaves. I thought he had sold them all."

The white Cervani leans back in her chair and steeples her hands. "This was before his misfortune. I was hired to heal a withered old Savanite with cancer… but my employer neglected to mention that the slave was a rebel… She ran away with that witch at the time when I was to do my second healing," she scowls again. "And when I returned to the Temple to collect the last of my payment, I found several inquisitive Inquisitors waiting for me as well. It was not a pleasant experience."

Latania glances at Tekki, who shrinks down under her gaze. "The Aeolun at the Kujaku party is a suspected co-conspirator of his. She was my liaison between the Savanite and the Temple. Have you had any experiences with her? I believe I saw the two of you speaking to one another at the party."

The Naga shifts on the chair, his coils sliding and repositioning around the legs. "I see, it is indeed a shame to get such trouble for your efforts."

Bassai says, "I have spoken briefly with the Aeolun. My experiences with her have been awkward at best. She has most unusual opinions, and I fear, a rather complex fantasy to explain them all, and the workings of the world as well."

He continues, "I feel the attentions of a mind mage would do her great benefit. She has perhaps an inherited psychosis as a result of her unusual parentage, evidenced by her wings."

The Cervani's voice lowers to a hiss. "Do not let her fool you. She is not what she appears to be." Latania gestures towards the doorway. "She makes you feel that she is innocent or naive', or insane… and then uses it to get you to let your guard down, to tell her secrets. I have forbidden one of my students from speaking to her anymore after learning that she apparently tried to blackmail him by revealing that she knew very private and personal information about him."

Latania continues, "They told me all about her when the Temple interrogated me after the incident with Titus' slave."

Bassai flickers out his tongue, "I appreciate the warning; I am ussed to keeping my secrets close. However, I will certainly maintain vigilance and distance." He pauses, "This may be presumptuous on my part, but could I have a few more details?"

The Naga leans closer to the desk, his coils tightening around the chair, "… on the rebel witch, and the slave you healed, and the incidents you were involved with. I am worried it will have some influence on my research."

The life mage rests her chin on her folded hands. "Of course. Well, my knowledge is slightly limited about those things, beyond what the gentlemen at the Temple told me. From what I understand, the slave I healed and the rest of them are dead now. Crushed under the rubble of some city in the Savan. I wouldn't be surprised if the rebel Inquisitor did it himself… He thought nothing of killing innocent people when he burned Darkside."

Bassai says, "Yesss, I suspect I know the city you speak of. It is a pity; I would like to have seen it. The loss of a great many slaves is also unfortunate, but in this case perhaps not so tragic."

Tekki studies his book a bit more.

Latania shrugs. "They were rebels; they stole a ship with absolutely no remorse at all. I hope they rot; it's what they deserve." She coughs. "My apologies for my harshness, but as I said… my experiences with the Temple after that were not at all pleasant. And I was not given so much as a warning that it might put me into danger."

The Naga sits back on the chair, "Rebellions are very disruptive; I certainly would not appreciate one during my expeditions, and I understand the Temple to be quite harsh as well. Your reactions are understandable."

Bassai says, "I am now even more concerned over finding adequate help. Tekki I trust completely of course, but I am worried about the attitude evidenced by the events you were involved with. My apologies; I should not be bothering you with my troubles."

"Oh, they weren't so bad after I managed to convince them of my innocence." the white Cervani says. "But they made sure to warn me thoroughly about any further dealings with the Aeolun after that. After seeing how she went out of her way to insult me – with not even a glimmer of remorse or such for my ordeal at the Temple – just confirmed my suspicions about her. I was even more shocked when I learned of the blackmail."

Latania smirks. "I can think of many whom you should not take with you."

Tekki reads some of the book. His eyes go wide.

"I will conduct myself as if I was in a pit of vipers when I am around her." The Naga smiles, "Again, I do appreciate your warning. Whom should I not take with me?"

The Cervani ticks the names off on her fingers. "No Skreeks or Kavi… they shall steal you blind. And if you bring Savanites, make sure they have a stern figure to keep themselves under control."

Bassai nods, "Tekki is trained in site mastering to handle things in my absence, and I am rarely absent. I will remember your advice on the other races. It is so hard to find good field help."

The regal ringneck Naga coils to rest on one arm of the chair, "Is there any healer you could recommend for some field work, or even one not fully qualified that needs experience? Accidents do happen, and it never hurts to be prepared."

"The Rath'ani are usually very skilled… with a few exceptions." Her tone seems to suggest that she might mean someone in particular. "As for healers… mages do not run cheaply. In my experience out in the field, usually those trained in mundane field medicine work as well as most mages." Latania thinks for a moment. "Where specifically is your expedition?"

Bassai hisses, "You musst understand this information could be very damaging… Tekki, please check outside to make sure no one is listening at the door." The Naga turns back to the Cervani, "Very damaging, should my rivals obtain it."

Tekki places the book under his arm and goes to peer outside the window at the door.

The Cervani arches an eyebrow.

Tekki swishes his tail and nods to Bassai. All clear.

Bassai waits while his slave checks, then leans closer to Latania, "I have gone to considerable effort to locate this site, and I trust your confidence, but not that of anyone who might pass outside. I do not want to chance a rival learning my destination."

He hisses in a frustrated tone, "They can be quite persisstent. I will be exploring a site in the Vykarin Wastelands."

"Goodness. Have you found a golden city?" Latania looks a bit surprised by all of this. "Ahhh, I can see your need to try and keep warm then. Perhaps you should also see to hiring a Vykarin as well, as a guide and a translator if you do not know the language."

Bassai swings his head from side to side, "I cannot go into further detailss, but will try to find a translator, as you suggest. You can understand now my desire to explore all possibilities against the cold."

The ringneck Naga flickers out his tongue, "I suppose I will also settle for a herbalist healer. Do you know of any interested in work? I am only recently arrived to Rephidim, and do not have the knowledge to select one myself."

The Cervani ponders. "Not offhand. Although I shall look around. Perhaps we could hook you up with an apprentice life mage; they're no good for raising the dead or major injuries… but one can never tell."

Bassai says, "I would appreciate your efforts in that regard, but please do not waste your time needlessly. I will send Tekki, or visit myself in a few days to see if you have chanced upon someone."

Tekki makes a soft barking noise – the signal that someone is coming.

Bassai sits back up abruptly in the chair.

"It is the Rath'ani." Tekki signs, relaxing.

The Cervani asks, "What's going on?"

Bassai nods back to Tekki, then turns to Latania, "As you can see, some Savanites are certainly more useful than others. Nothing, just some students passing outside; his posture tells me there is nothing to worry about."

Latania grimaces. "As long as Savanites know their place and behave. Experience has soured me."

Bassai says, "I have spent a great deal of time and effort training my slave, and he has become extremely useful. I certainly would spare no expense to heal him; I would not want my efforts and his experience to go to waste."

Bassai says, "Well, as you know, it is the Nagai's burden to spread the benefits of their culture to lesser developed ones. In the case of the Savanites, considerably more benefits still need to be imparted to them. Some individuals I feel, excel beyond the average."

The regal ringneck Naga proudly says, "Tekki is one of them."

"Understandable, after such an investment," the life-mage says. "Hopefully your slave will appreciate when you do for him and won't decide to suddenly rebel and run off, leaving all of Rephidim to pick up the pieces."

Tekki shifts nervously as he looks out the window.

The bell outside begins to ring.

Bassai says, "I doubt that would be the case; his service to me has not been menial. He has perhaps seen more history and culture than many citizens of Rephidim. I doubt he would trade that, for a savage life in a jungle, or one as a hunted runaway."

"The bell has rung," Latania says, just a trifle coldly. "Classes are about to resume, so I will need to focus on my work again for the students."

Bassai nods, "I am sorry to occupy so much of your time, and thank you again for your assistance. I will consider and use your advice carefully, as you have certainly had more experience with the matters we discussed – albeit, bad ones."

Latania picks up a stack of papers and shuffles them. "Just remember my words. Watch with whom you speak; you never know what some people might use against you."

Tekki makes another soft bark as the hallway begins to come alive with wandering students.

The Naga rises from the chair, "Yes, always sound advice. I will leave you now to your classes. Thank you, Professor Latania; you have been most generous." He slithers towards the door, pausing before he exits, "and it is so rare to find that."

Bassai leaves the office, to join with the throng of students in the hallway.

The Savanite follows behind the Naga, closing the door softly behind him.

Bassai signs, "Come," at Tekki, and looks for the raccoon, indicating he wishes a corner between him and Latania's office before he says anything further.

Fenter rushes up to Bassai. "I have the book, sir! It's… er… a book on minerals written by a Vartan. Lots of nice pictures of shiny stones." He holds up the thick tome.

Bassai's pupils widen a little as he observes the book, "This is quite good; I believe it may interest Tekki as well. I am sorry for the secrecy, but I undersstand the professor Latania does not approve of some of the company you keep."

Bassai says, "While I share many of her opinions in regard to that company, I have no wish to upset her further, or cause her to suspect conspiracies and blackmail. She seemed a little upset over the attention I spare for my slave."

Fenter coughs. "Wellll… it's a bit more complex than that. I stole a few items from the school several weeks back, and almost ended up getting the boot for it. Instead, she and I had a very long… talk."

Fenter lowers his voice to a whisper. "I was ordered to not leave the school grounds for several weeks. Which was why I was in disguise when we met last."

Bassai flickers out his tongue, then replies as quietly, "Then I should thank you again for your assistance. Do not worry about these… talks, overly much. You will find they are valuable experiences in time, though much more enjoyable when you deliver them."

Fenter says, "Oh… I've already learned a very important lesson. If you squeal like a yiffle you can get off a little easier."

The Naga hands the book on minerals to his slave, "Here you go; this one may also be of interest to you," then turns back to the raccoon, his slit eyes narrowing in focus.

Bassai says, "I should warn you, that it is not always a good idea to be mistaken for a yiffle."

Tekki fumbles with the much heavier book, but manages to get a good grip upon it. His tail swishes.

Bassai says, "Finding that lesson out the hard way, might be rather unpleasant for you."

Fenter gulps! "Y-Y-yessir."

The Naga nods down to the raccoon, "That's good, and do not look so afraid; I am only trying to assisst you in avoiding future trouble. Not all problems may be approached in the same manner. In any case, I have a problem I must re-approach now."

Bassai says, "How much will these books cost, or should I have my slave return them when he is finished with them?"

"Of course, sir." Fenter thinks on Bassai's last statement as he starts to lead the Naga out… "I'll tell you what: if you can have your slave bring me a couple of bottles of Danberk's Silver Cognac sometime, I'd consider the debts paid. It's only five shekels a bottle… You can get it at the Three Thieves." He itches at his shoulder nervously. "It's just that with my confinement here… I don't get out as much as I used to for replenishing my home stock."

The Naga slithers along with Fenter, "Yes, that is an acceptable trade. I will send him tomorrow or the next day. I do not want him wandering the streets at dusk alone; some citizens are not as respectful of property as they should be."

Bassai flicks out his tongue, "I hope you will be able to survive until then."

Fenter grins, leading the Naga out the door and into the courtyard in the front of the college. "Mid-day will be fine. I'm not hard to find around here." He extends a hand. "A pleasure doing business with you again, Mister Bassai."

Bassai bows to Fenter, shaking his hand, "I will do so; thankss for your assistance." Then he turns and slithers away through the courtyard, Tekki tagging along behind with his burden of two books.

Bassai can be heard to distantly say, "At least maybe those will keep you from idly fretting about the room as I study the painting; it was becoming distracting… " his voice trailing off into a hiss with the distance.