Since the defeat of the jaguars, the time on Paradys has finally been that which could be called peaceful. The golden trees DO indeed "sing", according to the reports of some Eeee scouts, but even then, they can only be heard if you actually venture right up to them – and the Eeee report that, at that subdued level, the effect is actually fairly pleasant (if a bit bizarre).

The Freedom's Dream has been moored again, though this time at the airship graveyard, which has become a new base of sorts, though most of the Vartans (if one accepts them as such, rather than merely "Half-Vartans") have returned to their Tower. Boghaz's crew has been especially busy with exploring the wreckage and salvaging supplies to make some additional repairs to their own ship, and to get a bit of booty as well to justify their journey.

Twilight-Wing has been resting. Jezebel has been quiet and reclusive. And Zoltan's body has been rebelling, making him bedridden after the battle, until this day – though it's still sore, and he's still in bandages.

Zoltan limps onto the deck, stretching his sore limbs in the sunlight and feeling the rays soak into his glossy black coat.

Boghaz is standing on the deck, near his wife, Saraizadze. She hasn't been very visible through much of this whole ordeal, but now that it's safe, she's seen about far more frequently.

The bat captain and prince notices Zoltan, whispers something to Saraizadze, patting her hand, then walks over to Zoltan. "Greetings, Zoltan."

The black Vartan approaches his captain and makes a couritious bow to his wife. ( Hmm… she has more money to shop with now, should we ever be able to return to town again ). "Hello," he squawks. "How go search through wreck ships?"

Boghaz smiles widely. "We have found the treasure of Paradys. It's just that it seems that it was all brought by other persons who came seeking that legendary treasure."

"I glad that you gets some gold from this. Make up for all you lost." He looks out over the graveyard, idly glancing at the charred remains of the black ship before wrenching his eyes away. again.

Boghaz nods. "Yes, and there were some of our number who will be left with reminders of this adventure for the rest of their lives … and some of our number who never got to see our victory. They will not be forgotten. I will make certain of that."

Zoltan stretches his sore arm. "With you permission… was wondering if you mind if I go outs exploring a bit? I getting cabin fever from being in bed for so long… and there still some mysteries that I think Paradys still hides."

The bat nods. "Certainly – I don't mind in the least. We owe a great deal to you, and to Doctor Roho. I'll see that you each receive a good portion of the salvage we retrieve."

"As for Roho… " the bat smirks, "I think he certainly needs a vacation. Don't say anything to him, but I've passed the word around to my crew that it would be STRONGLY appreciated if they did not go to him with trivial sniffles or scrapes or the like, and give him some well-deserved rest."

Zoltan smiles. "He been good help. Very wise Zerda. I honored to know and gets his counsel."

( I wonder if I should fetch Jezebel… she could use a distraction. ) the Vartan thinks to himself.

Boghaz nods, looking off into space. "Some day, when I return with honor to my homeland, I will see that Roho gets the respect he is due." He turns back to Zoltan. "As for you, I can't understand a word they speak, but I gather the … Vartans … think highly of you for your role, as well."

Zoltan nods. "Was maybe fate bring me here. I likes to think I relative of Shokar come to rescue he tribe… but who know. Vartans on here good peoples, now they fly free of winds and hunters. Hope it stay that way."

The wind shifts direction, stirring the trees on the edge of the "graveyard". Creens sing and flit amongst the trees, some chasing after bugs, a few arguing with colorfully-plumed birds.

The bat prince nods. "Yes. I don't think I will plan on spreading the word about this place. If the Vartans wish to leave Paradys, they're free to do so, now, but I worry about their home being disturbed by more treasure seekers. I'm particularly worried about the machines I heard about within the Tower. I don't know what the Temple would do if they heard about such things here."

"Temple no so bad. I works with them in Rephidim from time to time," Zoltan squawks. "Although they probably kick all Vartans off if they find out abouts it. But maybe they know what all this was for." He inhales deeply, smelling the breeze.

Boghaz nods. "Yes, maybe they do. But then, that is not necessarily a selling point with me."

Zoltan flicks his hail nervously. "I heard news abouts war. Where you going to go now? No can go home to Ashdod … and maybe no welcome in Rephidim anymore either. But I probably no welcome there either with bounty hunter after me."

The breeze carries the scents of so many flowers, and plenty of the smells that are not so sweet, but still a part of what makes this island what it is. Clouds roll by, accumulating and swelling around an invisible "ring" around the island, and not entering any further than that.

Boghaz shakes his head. "I am not sure what I will do. Unless the crew gets restless, we may remain here for some time, and work on salvaging more of the 'graveyard'. As long as the Vartans do not protest, I would like to pursue the notion of getting another airship out of this to add to my fleet. But then, it would be good to get back to civilization, and get some more supplies to help in the effort."

The hippogryph looks intently at Boghaz's feet. "Would you rather I leave you service? Would probably keep you safer if hunter come."

The captain takes a while before he replies, "I have to be honest with you. The thought has crossed my mind. I also worry about that slave of yours. There is something about her that stirs up my Savanites. They still follow orders, but … I don't know. There's something different about them. I don't like it. I don't like it one bit."

Zoltan nods grimly. "She… hrrr… had attitude problem for bit. I think it fixed now though." He looks back up at his captain's face. "All you have to do is say word, and we both leave. Would rather not, but if it mean safety of ship and crew, I do its." He anxiously looks out to the graveyard again and then to the jungle.

Boghaz shakes his head. "I won't ask such a thing of you."

Zoltan puts his hand on his captain's shoulder. "You good person, Captain. I think I going to think options over while I explore. You see my slave anywheres?"

Boghaz shakes his head. "I imagine that she is belowdecks somewhere. I haven't seen her much about since the battle."

Zoltan squawks, "I go look for her there." He turns to go, but pauses at the stairway that leads down. "Oh… Captain? Thank you for being honest."

Boghaz nods.

Zoltan quietly descends the staircase, opting to look in his quarters first for Jezebel.

The cheetah starts as the door opens, then relaxes when she sees it's Zoltan. Although most of her wounds have healed, one of the scars runs to her lip, where there's no fur to conceal it.

"I going to explore jungle," the Vartan signs. "Would like you to come if you feel up to it. Also, we need to talk about what to do about bounty hunter."

Jezebel looks down at the floor, then nods and looks back up to Zoltan. She tosses her dust rag aside (She must have been doing some cleaning) and goes over to her collection of herbs, gathering a few things to take along, and then she appears to be ready.

Zoltan holds the door open for Jezebel.

Jezebel steps through, into the corridor outside, still sorting her pouches.

Seeing that the Savanite's eyes are occupied elsewhere, Zoltan resumes speaking. "I hoping to find out what happen to Shokar. Kryago say he disappear in jungle one day, maybe that good place to start looking, yes?"

Jezebel nods absently.

Zoltan frowns a bit and heads back to the deck.

The Vartan whistles to some of the Eeees on the deck, gesturing that he'd like to go down with the Savanite. Less strain on his wings than flying down after all.

The Eeees nod and wait for Zoltan and Jezebel to get on the loading platform, then lower them down to the ground at the edge of the airship graveyard.

Jezebel steps off the platform as soon as it reaches the ground. She just stands there for a bit, closing her eyes, letting the breeze play with her frazzled hair.

Zoltan patiently waits for Jezebel's eyes to reopen before continuing. He quietly looks at the bits of wood at his hooves.

Bridges of wood and rope go between many of the wrecked airships, some of them upright, some capsized, and a few of the bridges lead up to the edges of an eroded bluff, and to the fringes of the jungle outside the area.

Zoltan gently nudges Jezebel's shoulder, pointing to the bluff. "Look like a good place to start?"

Jezebel nods, looking very passive, without evidence of much opinion about the matter.

With a sigh, Zoltan makes his way across the bridges towards the bluff. After he's gone a distance from the airship he looks back Jezebel. "What is the matter?" he signs, looking concerned.

Jezebel shakes her head, then looks to Zoltan. "I am sorry. I am just troubled with many things."

"Like what? I no like to see you so miserable," Zoltan signs, wincing as a sore spot in one finger decides to suddenly make itself known.

Jezebel signs, "The future. I do not know what it holds, and I am not sure I want to know. For now, we are safe, but where shall we go? And what shall happen to the City of Hands?"

Zoltan's ears droop a bit. "Don't know." He glances at the bluff again and mentally connects the bridges and pathways towards it into what he hopes is the most direct route. "At least we in this together… although… Boghaz is nervous abouts you. I not tell him yet about you 'gift', or that hunter after you as well. No likes lying, and he maybe find out anyway when we meet up with hunter. I thinking maybe it be safer if we try and make out on own, would rather avoid that if possible… but if it look like only way we have chance."

Jezebel looks to Zoltan. "We? You've already fulfilled your end of any bargain, and I've almost gotten you killed – again. And you still sign about 'we'?"

The cheetah continues walking along with the hippogryph, as their path takes them to the bluff and the edge of the jungle.

The Vartan manages a smile. "Slaves on ship say that I you advisor or bodyguard… not understand full meaning of sign. If this was just some bargain… I probably give up long time ago. I likes you… you remind me of way I was many years ago. I think you still make good Priest-King someday." He steps out across the bluff and breathes in the air again. He examines the stone beneath his feet, curious as to how it became so worn down.

The stone looks not quite so much eroded, upon closer inspection, as violently blasted away, though the vegetation and earth around it looks like it has struggled to keep its perch on the broken edge.

Zoltan kneels down and touches the stone with his hand, digging at it with a talon.

Jezebel signs, "I trust you. I will never understand you, but you have gone out of your way to help me, without reason. Some day, you shall be rewarded. If it's not by my hand, I am certain you are destined to be rewarded regardless."

The stone is hard, though fragmented in places enough that little shards come away with the talon's scraping.

Zoltan stands and wipes the dust from his hands. "Wonder what hit this so hard," he mumbles to himself, peering out over the edge of the bluff at the ships. Perhaps the ships slammed into it as they were sent to the graveyard. "Well, after what happen in Savanite village… and I see how you wrongly accused of attack on Storm-Hand, it make me rethink few things. Also… " He frowns, not entirely comfortable with being so open about this. "… I had strange dream one night; think they were you memories."

Jezebel shrinks back, signing, "Memories?"

The Vartan kicks at the stone with a hooved foot, testing to see how strong it is. "From you childhood I guess. One was when you do dance for you mother… and she punish you." His hands fumble for a moment. "I sorry… should not have brought up. I probably no happy if someone dream about my memories from childhood. Most of I trying to forgets."

Jezebel looks visibly nervous. "Please. Don't stop. What else did you 'remember'?"

Zoltan scratches his head, trying to figure out what would have the power to smash stone like this. He looks back at Jezebel. "Dreamed of night when you grandmother died. Saw how it was all very bad accident, know you no meant it to happen."

Jezebel's scarred lip trembles, and she looks down, then completely turns away from Zoltan, looking to the trees.

The Vartan nervously pokes at the stone a bit more with his foot, unsure of what to say. Finally he starts toward the jungle. "I sorry," he finally whispers. "Thought you should know abouts dream… but I guess memory still very painful."

Jezebel looks back to Zoltan. "You know about it all … yet you still help me. What can I possibly sign?"

"It all happen over ten year ago," Zoltan signs. "I not same person I was ten year ago."

Zoltan examines the trees, looking for any sign of a path into the jungle.

Jezebel looks to Zoltan, pausing a bit, but then snaps her gaze away to follow the hippogryphs as he looks to the jungle. She seems to be looking for the same thing, and points out a likely spot which the hippogryph noticed already.

Zoltan readies his talons for hacking through the jungle and prays that his sore arms are up to the task. He begins working his way through the path, keeping his eyes open for anything that might prove interesting.

The way through the jungle is, initially, without much to see, aside from the occasional Creen or cluster of flowers. The Vartan comes across various trails, especially close to the airship graveyard, but the vast majority of them are either old, or else belonging to Vartans or Eeee.

The vast majority, that is. There's a fresh trail, and it's not that of a flier.

"Sometime I wish I have Roho's nose," Zoltan squawks. He notices the fresher trail and begind searching the ground for tracks.

The tracks indicate plantigrade feet … small ones – too small to be any of the Eeee.

Zoltan flashes a 'be watchful' sign to Jezebel and begins following the trail, scanning around for any signs of movement as he makes his way forward.

Jezebel lurks behind, looking about anxiously, and frequently looking to Zoltan for a cue. As the trail progresses … the hippogryph gets an idea that he must be getting closer. One of the broken branches was fairly fresh. Then, there's a sound of a very angry Creen up ahead, making quite a fuss.

Zoltan drops to all fours and creeps forward and a much slower pace; his eyes dart about as he looks for any signs of movement.

Ahead, a colorful Creen can be seen darting about. By its movements, it's harrassing something down on the ground. It would seem that something has disturbed its nest.

The Vartan motions for Jezebel to follow him and ducks into the vegetation parallel to the path. He works his way towards the Creen's nest, hoping to get a peek at the disturber through the plants, and also hoping that the plants will provide adequate cover, in case whatever it is happens to be dangerous.

Through the plants, the hippogryph gets a glimpse of some spotted fur, roughly golden, belonging to a small figure. There seems to be another there as well.

Zoltan reaches out and removes some of the plants obscuring his view; did some of the jaguars survive? Perhaps these are their cubs.

That would seem to be a likely hypothesis. A cub has gotten into a Creen's nest, and is fending off the (very angry) Creen in question, while a smaller cub cowers nearby.

Zoltan inhales nervously and makes a soft chirruping noise, announcing his presence in the bush. He keeps his low stance, hoping that if the cubs see him more on their level he won't frighten them as much.

The little cub turns its head toward Zoltan, crouched down to the ground. The larger one looks as well … and then goes down as the Creen whacks it in the side of the head. The jaguar cub lets out a loud cry and flails about, trying to drive the winged lizard back.

Zoltan erks and emerges from the bush. He rushes toward the nest and bats away Creen, while holding a shielding wing over the cub. "You'll lay more eggs later," he squawks to the Creen in Vartan.

The Creen doesn't respond except with a threatening display … and then it speeds away, taking flight from the much MUCH bigger "birdie".

The Vartan slowly lifts his wing to check on the condition of the cub underneath.

The cub underneath looks fairly filthy and a bit scraped up, but otherwise in good condition, all things considered. The cub growls at Zoltan. The smaller one just stays crouched down amongst some plants, perhaps fancying itself hidden, watching the hippogryph with wide eyes.

Jezebel slips up behind Zoltan, doing her best not to make any sudden moves.

Zoltan slowly reaches into his pack and pulls out some sticks of dried meat. He takes a bite out of one and makes some exaggerated 'yum-yum!' motions by rubbing his stomach and smiling as he chews. He offers the remainder of the strip to the cub.

The cub sniffs at the strip … then makes a snarling noise and pounces Zoltan's claw, ripping into the dried strips with his teeth, rather ferociously.

The Vartan quickly lets go of the strip and pulls his hand back, making sure his fingers are intact. After he's sure that they're indeed still there, he offers a second strip to the 'hidden' cub.

The second cub takes longer to sniff at the strips, and is a bit less ferocious in attacking them, but hungrily devours the offering nonetheless.

"They probably no eats anything since black ship burn down," Zoltan whispers to Jezebel. He digs through his bag a bit more and pulls out the remainder of his food supplies. Hopefully they'll be a bit less fierce once they have full bellies.

Every bit of food Zoltan offers, the cubs devour, and it would seem their fear of the Vartan and Savanite dissolves just as quickly as the food vanishes. In short order, Jezebel has the smaller cub in her lap, stroking at his headfur as he gulps down a few last morsels.

Zoltan scratches his chin; the language of the cannibals was something he never learned. He decides to start with the basics. He points to himself, "Zoltan." and then points to the cub in the next. He makes a questioning noise.

The kitten looks intently at Zoltan's finger, looks as if it's pondering something, but then just looks back up to Zoltan … and lets loose with a stream of unintelligible words in some other language … a language far more complex than anything suggested by Kryago that these jaguars should be capable of.

Zoltan kneels down and offers the cub a spot on his shoulder to sit. "Jezebel… did you ever see any kittens when you was in village?"

Jezebel shudders, and closes her eyes tightly.

The cheetah nods, then signs, "Yes. There were kittens, but they led them away. I knew something horrible was happening, but I refused to see."

The Vartan scoops up the cub and scratches his tummy. "I no ask for details… "

Jezebel nods, looking down.

Zoltan begins searching the area a bit more, looking for a new path to explore or perhaps signs of more cubs.

No new trails present themselves to the Vartan. These cubs were evidently wandering around by themselves.

Zoltan bounces the cub playfully. "Maybe I give you new name… one I can pronounce. Wonder what other Vartans think if I call you Shokar? Maybe I think of easier name… What you thinks if I call you Pouncer?"

The cub giggles, and doesn't seem to protest … Not that the cub can understand a thing Zoltan is saying. The jaguars, after all, had a bit of a language barrier with the Vartans.

Zoltan places the cub on his shoulder and rises to his feet. "You think there maybe more around here?" he scrawks to Jezebel, unable to sign on account of balancing a cub on his shoulder.

Jezebel signs, "Since we now know there are some, perhaps the others can know to search for them."

The cheetah rises as well, carrying the smaller cub in her arms, who has dozed off.

Zoltan nods and heads back down the path they came from. He makes his way to the point where the several paths intersect and branch off. The exploring bug is still in his system.