The doors to the chamber cycle open, revealing a white, winged Exile standing outside, flanked by a couple of Jupani Guards. A black unicorn looks up from where he stands at a table with various papers arrayed upon it, and nods. "You may enter, Citizen."

Envoy steps inside, smiling as always. "Good day to you, Arch-Inquisitor. I have a lot to report, as you probably know."

The unicorn nods, and gestures to the Guards. The door cycles shut. "It sounds like you have had yet another adventure. I have heard greatly contradicting versions of the tale so far."

The Aeolun blinks in surprise, "Really? Which tale?"

The Aeonian relates, "I heard that there was an explosion at the pool, and then a great 'ice demon' attacked everyone. In one version, it tried to eat the Mage known as Scarlet. In another, it tried to eat you and a Skeek. In one version, it all went wrong when Wynona sneezed in the middle of casting a spell. Others insist that Wynona wasn't allowed anywhere near the pool, or to participate in the ritual."

"Actually," Envoy says, "it was an act of apparent terrorism arranged by a cabal of powerful mages that served the old Sabaoth. The purpose seems to have been to sour relations between Babel and Rephidim, but it may also be that they want to hide something and couldn't risk the scrying pool being functional."

The Aeonian nods. "Rumors have already been circulating that the High Prince Boghaz himself orchestrated this. Representatives of the College Esoterica have been demanding that the Temple take action." He pauses, then asks, "Did you observe the Mage known as Wynona Windcaller taking part in the ritual in any capacity?"

Envoy states, "No. But the Eeee being called Scarlet was definitely in control of the creature, at least according the Skeek Mage that was helping me and Roho. And she's not really Scarlet, either, she's Cryona Windcaller. Once she recovers at the College, you'll get more useful information, I'm sure. In the meantime, a few Temple bodyguards for her would be practical. The Eeee that used her for this plot will not want her talking to anyone."

The Arch-Inquisitor nods. "It is confirmed, then, the identity of the purported 'receptacle' of the consciousness of Mage Scarlet of Aelfhem. That name was mentioned in the report of the Spirit Mage, Zhu ye Qing, of the Nagai Empire. As for the status of Cryona … I have been informed that she is dead." He looks to Envoy. "I have not taken the trouble yet to investigate that particular incident."

Envoy blinks again. "Really dead, or just officially dead?" she asks, one eyebrow arched questioningly.

The Arch-Inquisitor looks at Envoy directly. "Officially dead, at the very least. As I have said, I have not yet taken the trouble to investigate the truth of this report."

The unicorn adds, "Incidentally, Mage Zhu ye Qing should be joining us shortly. If you have anything to report – or any questions to ask – without him present, now would be the time to take care of such things."

"Have you read my report on Fortunatis then?" the Exile asks.

The Aeonian nods. "It is most enlightening … and alarming. It will be some time before we are prepared to send another expedition to Fortunatis, I am afraid."

"Is the information to be considered classified then?" Envoy asks. "Even from the College Esoterica?"

"There are certain elements of the College Esoterica that are involved in studying what data we have. It would be unwise, however, to release our findings to the larger body of mages," the Aeonian answers. "There is a fear that someone might interpret these findings to suggest that Fortunatis might have untapped sources of magical power that might be overly attractive to some members of the College."

Envoy says, "It seemed to me that someone had already discovered that power, although may not have learned how to tap into it directly yet."

The Arch-Inquisitor nods. "That may be a possibility worth noting. That said, considering how little we actually know about this phenomenon – and the danger it presents – caution seems to be the best approach at this point."

Envoy pauses another moment, then asks, "Should I have wished for anything while I was interfaced, sir?"

The unicorn answers, "Perhaps we will never know, but there are countless legends of wishes being granted not quite as the wisher intended. This is something alien and powerful. There is no telling how it may have dealt with your commands or wishes. It is fortunate indeed that you emerged from the encounter with your body intact."

"I would like to consult with Morpheus on the encounter," Envoy says, "if that is allowable. He too is a Sifran artifact, after all, and it wouldn't require my actually going to the world of Morpheus."

There is a light chiming sound, the unicorn looks past Envoy to the door. He looks back to the Aeolun. "No official policy has been decided on regarding this 'Morpheus'. I cannot give you any official advice on your dealings with this entity. But I will not prohibit you from communicating with this being, so long as there is minimal risk to your person by doing so."

Envoy nods and steps aside, to make room for the next visitor.

The door to the Arch-Inquisitor's office cycles open once more, this time revealing a six-armed Rokuga Spirit Mage.

The Aeolun bows to Qing.

"Greetings, Mage Zhu ye Qing of Nagai," says the black unicorn. "Your report was very well-written, and to the point."

Qing slithers over the threshold, arms crossed, and chooses a spot in the room within convenient conversation range, while still keeping as distant from everyone as possible. He nods back. His shaded face holds no real expression, but seems tense.

Qing hisses, "Good. What further questions would you ask of me, Arch-Inquisitor?"

The unicorn adds, "At the revelation of the relationship between this ex-pirate and the Mage known as Wynona Windcaller, the latter has been taken into custody for questioning for her part in this affair. Have you any theories regarding the possibility of this Air Mage's involvement in this incident?"

Envoy blinks at the Inquisitor, but remains quiet.

"None," replies the pale Rokuga. "I was not privy to the relations or history of the recovering subject, and have only met the Mage Windcaller in passing. Neither am I an authority on Eeee politics."

The Arch-Inquisitor nods. "There has been a suggestion that the High Prince Boghaz himself might be behind this incident, and representatives of the College Esoterica have been demanding action, if that is the case. It has been proposed that Wynona Windcaller might somehow be involved in a scheme, with her cousin, at the bequest of the High Prince Boghaz, to sabotage the pool of scrying – tied to the suggestion, of course, that Wynona's actions the first time were intentional, rather than accidental."

"For what purpose?" Envoy asks. "Wynona would never act against Rephidim."

The unicorn adds, "I do not have the particulars memorized, but it was suggested that during Wynona's original journey to the Pool of Zahirinee, she later went to Babel, and that this coincided with the time that Prince Boghaz left Babel with his wife, Saraizadze. There have been vague suggestions that this was all part of some orchestrated plan that would ultimately lead to the Prince's ascension to the throne of Babel, and that the disruption of the pool was essential to making sure that their plans could not be thwarted."

Qing inclines his head a little. "I was given to understand that the healer aboard the ship at the time, a Zerda by the name of Roho, had some involvement with the situation prior to the incident that I was called on to assist with. He and the Exile there were at the pool, as far as I know. I wished to question Roho while on the ship, but the opportunity did not arise."

Envoy rubs her chin. "Does this mean Wynona's getting blownhalfway across the globe to Aelfhem when the Lalee-Papu exploded was also intentional?"

"The implication," continues the unicorn, "would be that perhaps the Lalee-Papu's destruction was not accidental, and that the idea that Wynona was somehow 'blown halfway across the globe' was a misnomer. It was suggested that Wynona was not present on the Lalee-Papu at all, but rather in Babel, and that the destruction of the airship was intended as some means of covering this up."

Envoy blinks. "Even I wouldn't have come up with logic that twisted. We know she was in Aelfhem, unless all of the Aelfin and the local Eeee tribes there are in on the conspiracy as well."

"To make matters worse," continues the Aeonian, "it has been suggested that Roho – the well-regarded doctor – could somehow be involved in all of this. He was, after all, present at the original disturbance, and was instrumental in the incidents that led to the Prince's departure from Babel with several of his most ardent supporters. Furthermore, he was assigned to watch over Mage Scarlet." The Arch-Inquisitor says, "There is even more, but it is difficult to follow, and without substantiation."

"Perhaps I orchestrated the whole thing, and used alien mind control techniques to carry it out," Envoy says. "That's just as plausible as all these other accusations."

"Don't say that in the presence of the College Esoterica," says the unicorn. "Although you have gained considerable good will for defeating that 'ice demon', the desire to throw accusations and point fingers is sufficient that someone might find credence in such a theory, and demand that the Temple investigate it."

The Arch-Inquisitor paces. "I find the accusations implausible as well. Action is demanded, however, and as a matter of keeping the College appeased, Wynona Windcaller will be held and questioned until such time as we have some means of showing progress in unraveling this plot."

Qing tilts his hat a little lower. "Whatever faction is responsible would have to have substantial financial backing and influence, as the caliber of mages involved in the mechanics of the spirit link spell would be exceedingly rare in any lesser group. Not to mention the organization required for such an intricate plan."

Envoy blinks. "Isn't that what Babel specializes in though, Mage Qing?"

The unicorn nods. "It has been suggested that the College Esoterica of Babel must be involved, and that the procedure meant to transfer Mage Scarlet to a new body was a sham, and that, in reality, Cryona Windcaller was left in her own body, and given instruction to impersonate the Water Mage, and to act as a saboteur."

Arch-Inquisitor Melchizedek continues, "If that is so, then the College Esoterica of Babel would have sufficient resources to do such a thing. However, if that is the case, they have covered their tracks … most poorly."

"Maybe that's the point," Envoy says. "Make the College look bad so that it pulls out its Babel branch. A necessary move if you want a nation to take an isolationist position."

"Or if you want to conduct proscribed magic on a large scale, and don't want to be interfered with," the Exile adds.

The Arch-Inquisitor nods. "An intriguing theory."

Qing moves his head slightly to regard Envoy. "Specializes in spirit, or in terrorist organization?" He doesn't wait for an answer, instead regarding the Arch-Inquisitor again. "It's difficult to say, regards the Collegia Esoterica of Babel. Though the Collegia is supposed to be autonomous, some branches have biases, and individual members may be willing to act on their own beliefs while wielding Collegia authority."

The Arch-Inquisitor nods. "It would remain to be seen whether the Collegia Esoterica could truly withdraw from Babel. To do so would require the Collegia Esoterica of both Nagai and Rephidim to agree on the matter, for proper authority … but it would not be fully complete unless some from within the College Esoterica of Ashdod were to agree as well, and withdraw from Babel."

"Collegia Nagai would likely shed no tears," murmurs Qing.

The Aeonian Arch-Inquisitor raises an eyebrow at this.

"Would that give Babel an excuse to go to war though?" Envoy asks. "I don't see what going to all this trouble accomplishes, unless it serves to sow chaos. This whole spirit-transfer business sounds like something out of Aeztepa."

"If it gave Babel an excuse to go to war," suggests the unicorn, "it would be one that could very well pit it against both Rephidim and Nagai. That would be a losing proposition at best."

The unicorn looks to Qing. "Of course, Nagai's role in this could very well be influenced by your testimony, since you directly witnessed part of what transpired."

Envoy cocks her head. "Yes. Unless that's also what they want. Losing a war like that would ruin the economy and topple the old regime. Cheaper to let other nations fight your revolution for you, I imagine."

The Exile shakes her head, and mutters, "I'm thinking like a dragon again."

The witchdoctor hisses, "Officially, as far as I know, Nagai remains neutral in this matter. Collegia Nagai passively disapproved of Collegia Babel's controversial 'spirit-transfer' experiment, and I am certain Collegia Rephidim disapproved outright."

"The key, then," suggests the unicorn, "would be who 'they' might be, who might benefit from this. Alas, this is Babel. There are far too many in a position to benefit from toppling of the current power."

Qing hisses, "So Collegia Babel is on shaky ground in any dispute."

"College Esoterica Babel, that is," says the unicorn, "as an entity, would seem to be harmed by this whole affair."

Envoy says, "Why not the Sabaoth's chief mages? Prince Boghaz never seemed interested in keeping up the tradition of being the immortal ruler, so perhaps they're trying to protect themselves?"

The unicorn nods. "The procedure purportedly used to transfer Scarlet to a new body was supposedly the same one used to transfer the Sabaoth to a new body to maintain his dubious 'immortality'."

The pale Rokuga leans back into his coils, flicking his tongue once, slowly. "I witnessed only the end of this groups tool for sabotage, that being the spirit-link spell on Cryona and the other, deceased, subject. That, and how it was used and worked. I do not know the significance of the pool that was attacked. What was it used for?"

"This procedure was held in great secrecy – It was not even considered more than a rumor that such a ritual existed, until after the fall of the Sabaoth's rule of Babel," adds the unicorn. "It would seem likely that one or more of those few mages would be involved. Even if the ritual were a sham, their involvement would be required to show a face of authenticity."

The unicorn says, "Reportedly, this pool was used by Mage Zahirinee – a Scryer, of the Sphere of Light – in personal experiments to enhance his ability to make predictions about the future, to see into other lands, and even to reveal truths about the past."

"Not necessarily, Exile," hisses Qing. "They touted the ritual as unearthing 'ancient magicks' … a rediscovery that wouldn't necessarily involve the original designers."

"A good point, Mage Qing," concedes the Arch-Inquisitor.

"That would have given the Mages tremendous political clout, since the Sabaoth needed them," Envoy speculates. "When powerful people suddenly lose all of their influence, do they try things like this?"

Qing hisses, "What were Zahirinee's political affiliations?"

The Arch-Inquisitor nods to Envoy, then says, "That is entirely possible, Citizen. Either out of desperation, or an attempt to regain lost power. Or revenge." To Qing, he nods, and says, "Mage Zahirinee is purportedly neutral. His affiliation is officially with the Collegia Esoterica as a whole."

The unicorn says, "I should note that it was Mage Zahirinee who exonerated Mage Wynona Windcaller by his testimony,from responsibility for the destruction of the Lalee-Papu, and by means of using this pool of his."

"We would seem to be at an impasse, then," murmurs Qing, adjusting his glasses. "Has Cryona recovered at all yet?"

"The last I had heard," says the unicorn, "she had died. Or, that is, the official word out is that Mage Scarlet has died. There is no official word of Cryona, though the name has gotten out enough that it is a badly kept secret in the College Esoterica and the Temple."

The corners of Qing's mouth creases a little. "I was under the impression she – Cryona – was in stable condition, if comatose. She could be a key figure in subduing this political kraken."

Envoy says, "I'm sure the Temple spies in Babel will be able to follow up on any leads Cryona provides."

The witchdoctor's eye-ridges smooth slightly at the mention of Temple spies.

"I am not at liberty to speak of such things, Citizen Envoy," responds the Arch-Inquisitor.

Envoy asks, "What about spies in the College Esoterica itself? Everyone must have spies there."

Qing declines to comment, though for a moment it looks like he might.

The Arch-Inquisitor says, "Even if I were to speak of the possibility of whether or not there might be spies in the Collegia Esoterica, Citizen, it would not be particularly wise of me to speak of such things in the presence of a member of the Collegia Esoterica. Would that not be reasonable?"

"Oh, of course," Envoy agrees, as if she thought the Inquisitor would talk about it in any case…

The Arch-Inquisitor says, "Now then. Mage Zhu ye Qing, I wanted to confirm whether you would be submitting the same report to the College Esoterica of Nagai that was submitted to Rephidim Temple."

"I shall," replies the spirit mage, with a slight nod of his head. "I wish to bring this before my superiors, that they may decide how this course of events may affect them. They may wish to reserve the right to have someone represent their interests in the matter, having access to evidence and witnesses. It is not for me to say, of course."

"Of course," agrees the Arch-Inquisitor, nodding. "Your cooperation so far has been commendable, and has helped the Temple greatly."

The snake inclines his head slightly forward. "Do you have further questions?"

"No, at this time, I do not. Thank you for your time, Mage Zhu ye Qing," responds the Arch-Inquisitor, and he pulls on a chain. The door to the chamber slowly cycles open once more.

"Very well. I would recommend speaking with Roho to fill in the rest of the details. I may do this myself, if time permits. We will contact you again later, Arch-Inquisitor." With that, Qing slithers over his own back to move out the door.

The door cycles shut again, leaving the Arch-Inquisitor alone with the Exile for the time being.

The Arch-Inquisitor looks to Envoy. "Have you any further opinions on this matter, Citizen?"

"Are you really holding Wynona in a Hospitality Suite?" the Exile asks.

"That is correct, Citizen," answers the unicorn, "although it is not necessary to show her the usual 'hospitality' associated with such accommodations."

Envoy nods. "How is she holding up?"

The unicorn replies, "She appears to be despondent, and is heartbroken over the death of her cousin, and her inability to prevent it. When questioned, she says nothing to indicate that she is behind any plot to disrupt the Pool of Zahirinee, but appears to believe that she was somehow responsible by her mere presence. Her morale is … lacking."

Envoy frowns. "May I visit her then? Perhaps I can cheer her up. I have a chance to be tested for applying to the Sphere of Earth at the College, so I could talk to her about that."

The Arch-Inquisitor nods. "That would be permissible. I can arrange for that, if you wish."

Smiling again, Envoy nods, "That would be most appreciated, sir. It is okay for me to pursue training in Magic, isn't it?"

"Certainly, Citizen," replies the Arch-Inquisitor. "The Temple wishes for nothing less than for you to be able to find your niche in Sinai." With that, he pulls on a chain, and the door to the chamber begins cycling open.

Envoy bows and ducks out through the portal once it has finished opening.

The door to the cell of Wynona Windcaller slides open. A Jupani Guard barks, "Visitor for you, Wrong-Way." Then, he steps away, making room for Envoy.

Envoy enters the cell, and waves. "Hi Wynona!"

The Eeee Mage looks up from her bunk in the plain-featured room with its plastic-looking walls and colorless furnishings. Her dull expression quickly lights up in surprise. "Envoy!"

The Guard slides the door shut again, and there's an ominous CLONK … well, maybe not ominous, but loud, at least.

The Aeolun gives the Eeee a quick hug. "Are they treating you okay? This is much nicer than the cell I was stuck in."

"Oh! Oh … yes … they haven't tortured me or anything … yet," adds Wynona, gulping.

Wynona suddenly breaks into tears. "I heard that Cryona's dead. I … I was so useless!" She buries her face in her hands. "… everything … oh … "

Envoy wraps a wing around the Eeee, "Don't worry, Cryona is only officially dead for now. And if you'd been around, you might have gotten hurt while she was possessed."

Wynona looks up, blinking confusedly at Envoy. "Only … officially?"

Smiling and nodding, Envoy explains, "According to my dragon mother, the difference between being really dead and officially dead is the identity of the corpse. Which is to say that it's a cover story, for her and everyone else's protection."

Wynona quietly mouths an "oh" … then, after a long pause, smiles at Envoy. "Thank you … thank you … this … this changes everything!"

"Well, you'll still have to stay here for awhile," Envoy says. "There's a lot of finger-pointing and blame-spreading and conspiracy-mongering going on at the College, and quite a bit of it is aimed at you right now."

Wynona slumps. "Oh … yes … yes, I … caught a little wind of that."

Wynona looks up to Envoy. "I didn't do it. Honestly I didn't. I owe so much to Mage Zahirinee! He showed me what really happened on the Lalee-Papu. If not for that … I don't think I could have lived with myself! I would never want to hurt him, or little Skiree!"

Envoy says, "They're probably just trying to cover for their own embarrassment at being caught so unprepared. I mean, you at least stayed and tried to do something about the monster while the others all ran. I know you didn't do it, Cryona told me who was really behind it. Or who she thinks was really behind it, anyway."

Wynona looks up. "Who? Who is it? Maybe I … " She slumps. "No … I can't really do anything about it … but it would help to know. I mean, I know I didn't do it, but I'd feel a lot better knowing who did, if that makes any sense."

"The Royal Mages, or whatever they call themselves," Envoy confides. "They worked for the Sabaoth, and kept the method of transferring his spirit from one body to another alive. They performed the ritual to put Scarlet into Cryona, only they really made her into a sort of puppet to carry out this plot of theirs."

Wynona sinks down. "That's pretty bad. The Royal Mages? They're … awfully powerful."

Envoy pats her friend on the back, "Why do you think the Prince kept them around? Do you think he might have had a hand in all of this?"

Wynona looks aghast. "The High Prince? I … he … but … No, I couldn't honestly think he'd do such a thing. It's so … so … Well, I'd say it's so Babelite, but he's not like the rest of them! He stuck with Zoltan through that whole affair on Paradys … and … no, I just can't believe that."

Her expression, however, betrays doubt.

Envoy hmms. "The Prince would have to play the game to stay in power, until he was strong enough to change the rules, wouldn't he?"

Wynona just slumps. "Maybe."

Changing subjects, Envoy says, "Well, that's for the Prince and the Temple to work out. The important thing is that those Mages no longer have a hold on Cryona. Oh, I also met a nice Earth Mage that thinks she can get me tested for entry at the College!"

Wynona nods. "Well, yes … and … oh? Really?" She perks up again. "You're going to become a Mage? For real? I mean … tested, of course. But … really?"

Envoy nods enthusiastically. "What was it like when you first started at the College, Wynona? Was it fun?"

Wynona squeaks, smiling. "Oh! It … it was wonderful! And … and frightening, too! It's so hard to describe. I was scared, yet excited at the same time. I was so afraid I'd mess up so horribly. And … well … actually, I did, but everyone else had their goofs, too."

"Really?" Envoy asks, "What are some of the common ones?"

Wynona squeaks, "I think the best part was, really … my first cantrip. I learned this little cantrip that let me talk in a squeaky voice. I mean, a really squeaky voice. Most couldn't even hear me! But I was so excited! I had really cast a spell – myself! Oh … but that wasn't a goof. Uhm … "

Wynona scratches her head. "Well, mis-cast spells, really. I mean, there are always the students who get hold of some advanced texts and think that they can study on ahead, and get into more advanced spells before they should be out of cantrips. And sometimes when those get out of hand … things get … interesting."

Envoy's eyebrows perk up. "I'll have to be careful about that. I have a tendency to get ahead of myself. That's why I have to hold my tail high, so I don't step on it from behind."

Wynona blinks. "Really? I didn't know that was possible. But … I don't have a tail, so I wouldn't know. But … yes, it's good to not get ahead of yourself. It doesn't really hurt to read a bit ahead, and get an idea where you'll be going next … but it's not such a good idea to just dash out there before it's time."

"Is it okay to read everything ahead though," Envoy asks, "so long as I don't try any of it?"

Wynona nods. "Oh, sure! Sometimes it helps me to understand better what I'm doing now. Or, I mean, what I was doing then. But, frankly, most of the time I'd just get confused going that far ahead, so I didn't bother all that often."

"Did you get your own room?" the Exile asks next. "What did you do when you weren't studying?"

Wynona says, "Well … I spent a lot of time practicing … and a lot of time reading about airships, and travel and faraway places. Sometimes I had my own room, but that was the exception, not the rule. I usually had one or two roommates. Usually fliers, like me, usually with a window, thank goodness! But then, most of the dorm rooms in the School of Air have windows."

"There probably aren't many fliers in the School of Earth," Envoy says. "But I'll be studying Air too eventually. Did you ever build your own airships?"

Wynona shakes her head. "Uhm … no. Not really. I mean, there was this one laboratory project where there were some models of different airship types with cutaway sections you could remove to see the various parts, and you had to name them … but … frankly, I've forgotten most of them now. I'd flunk the test if I took it right now!"

Envoy giggles. "Are there any rivalries between the different Schools, or do they all pretty much cooperate on projects?"

Wynona says, "Oh, there are so many rivalries! But it's good-natured for the most part. Except for the really poor sports who nobody likes much anyway."

"Did they have magic competitions," Envoy asks, "with different teams?"

Wynona nods. "Yes, there have been those … but only between students of the same Sphere, for the most part. I never really cared too much for the competition. I was always so afraid of losing that I couldn't really focus on winning, I think."

"You shouldn't worry about things like that, Wynona," the exile advises. "If you don't lose and make mistakes first, you can't improve. We must both be nearly perfect by now!"

Wynona laughs! "I wish!"

Envoy giggles too. "I suppose if I get accepted, I'll be taking classes with the children. Will the older students make fun of me, do you think?"

Wynona shrugs. "Not really. People start learning at all different ages. They'll probably stick you with someone your own age … or at least close to it … or … you know … how old you look, that is."

"That will be interesting," Envoy says. "You're already like an older sister to me, so having a roommate should let me learn lots of things."

Wynona smiles. "That's awfully nice! Well … yes, having a roommate around can help … or it can be a distraction. It all depends on how serious your roommate is about learning."

Envoy blinks a few times. "What else is there to be serious about in school though?"

Wynona says, "Well, learning should be all you're serious about. But some aren't there to learn. Some are there because they managed to get lucky and are just there expecting a free ride because they tested positive for magical aptitude. Some are there because some rich parents got them in."

Wynona sighs. "Some are more interested in finding a nice Mister Mage and settling down and becoming a 'Mrs.'. It all depends."

"Oh," Envoy ponders, "The Chaos students must have lots of fun tricking them out of their money then. Are there lots of married mages?"

Wynona nods. "Yes. And sometimes their kids may become mages, too. But it's not a given. Magic aptitude doesn't seem to be genetic. It's not really clear what it's determined by."

"I think being exposed to it so much woke up my talent," Envoy says, leaning back against the wall. "What with the rituals and demons and zombies and Priest-Kings and such."

Wynona says, "You've had quite a few adventures, at least. Have you ever thought of writing a book about them?"

Envoy nods. "Eventually. Once more people can read. Until then, I still know enough about being a bard to tell stories."

Wynona giggles. "Maybe you could turn them into songs!"

Envoy grins. "Well, I'll probably sing my cantrips at least."

Wynona nods. "I think you'll make a great mage. You've got the memory for it, at the very least."

Envoy nods, and says, "I'm more concerned about having the concentration needed."

Wynona says, "That's just something we have to work on, really. It'll come to you eventually."

"And the charging money part too," Envoy says. "That'll be hard."

Wynona smirks. "You'll get used to it."

"So how are you really doing in here?" Envoy asks. "Do they let you out at all? Are you eating okay?"

Wynona says, "Well … it's Temple food. It's nourishing, I suppose. And … no, I'm not being let out. Yet."

Envoy grins, "Want something from Little Babel Express instead?"

Wynona giggles! "A nice idea, but I don't think they'd let you bring anything in. Don't worry about me. I … I'm certain this will all get straightened out … eventually."

"I might be able to get stuff in," Envoy says. "They've gotten used to me here."

Wynona sighs. "Well … that's nice, but please don't get yourself into any trouble on account of me, okay?"

"I can't promise that," Envoy giggles. "But at least I think I can make them stop calling you Wrong-Way."

Wynona smiles. "Thanks."

Envoy hugs Wynona again and stands up, "I'll try to get you some good food too." She taps on the cell door.

The door slides open, revealing a waiting Jupani Guard.

Wynona makes a little wave to the Exile. "You take care!"

Envoy slips out and waves back, "Don't worry about me."

The Guard slides the door shut. "This way, Citizen," he whurfs, showing the way out.

Envoy gestures for the guard to lean in closer so she can whisper to him.

The Guard's ears perk curiously, and he leans over. "Rrr?"

"You really shouldn't call her Wrong-Way anymore," Envoy whispers to the hulking lupine. "After all, she helped discover the Pit of Himar on Abaddon, and bring the news back."

The Guard nods. "Ah … yeah … good point." He gives Envoy a grin and a wink.

Envoy smiles, "So, I'm going to Little Babel to get her some candied grasshoppers, and planned to stop at Bromthen Heaven on the way back. Should I pick you up a sandwich or something?"

The Guard clears his throat, standing straight. "Ahem. I'm … on duty."

Envoy stands up straight as well. "Of course, sir. I'll leave it in the cafeteria for you then."

The Guard shakes his head, smirking faintly, and heads down the hall. "This way, Citizen," he repeats. "No sense keeping Wynona waiting."

Envoy grins and follows along.