Enos busily arranges polished glass and chitin pieces in the play area, forming something that's roughly approximating a circle. Pouncer can be seen through a window, carefully patting down dirt around a seedling she's just put in the garden that Moon-Brow has designated as belonging to the spotted kit. Customers mill through the store, looking at all manner of shinies … including a large number of shinies (many of them iron) that have come in, purportedly by way of a bunch of Himarians who visited a far-off land called "Abaddon".

Moon-Brow mops the floor – so that it will be nice and shiny – while Born-in-Shame has been put to work polishing a display case. (He does a pretty good job at polishing, really. Probably practice from maintaining the armor that nobody here should know that he has.)

Nicodemus is probably up on the roof again, sun-bathing – or so he calls it. Business is good enough that he's certainly earned the rest, but it's mostly just because it's gotten terribly painful for him to be standing around in the store doing "busy-work" during the day.

Zoltan wanders into the Shoppe after dropping off a shipment of beads on the other side of the Bazaar. He makes his way over to the play area and squats down next to the cub, "What you making?"

Enos looks up at Zoltan and holds his paws up in a "pick me up" gesture. "BAW!" he squeals happily.

Obligingly, the Vartan picks up his son. "Where's Pa-papa?" He bounces the cub in his arms and looks back down that his son's creation.

"Ou dewwe," says the cub, pointing at a wall. "Baww." It's a slightly different pronunciation, which probably translates as "bar".

Shaking his head, Zoltan deposits the cub on his shoulders and checks around the Shoppe, seeing how business has been going over the past few days.

The Shoppe seems to be almost running itself, with the capable help that Zoltan has hired – especially in the form of the flightless Vartan, Red. Word has gotten out, and not only is this the Shiny Shoppe of Rephidim … but it seems to have gotten renown as the most noteworthy store of its type anywhere in civilized parts.

"You feel like taking a break?" Zoltan signs to Moon-Brow, pointing outside towards the garden.

The iron trinkets recently acquired are priced far lower than similar items would have gotten merely months earlier. Once upon a time, each one of these would have been a priceless treasure, more appropriate to place under heavy guard, than to offer as a "shiny" in a shop such as this. But with the influx of iron from a place where it can be found littering the ground, iron just isn't the rare precious material it once was. It's still USEFUL in a way that, say, gold wouldn't be if similarly available, but it requires a bit more maintenance for jewelry.

Moon-Brow bows her head to Zoltan. "You are most kind, master Zoltan."

Grinning, Zoltan heads out to check on the growth of Pouncer's little plant. The little metal beads he's braided into his own tail jingle softly. He finds a novelty in wearing iron for decoration, considering that one year ago he could have probably mortgaged the shop for what he now wears in his tail.

Pouncer can be heard singing a song to her plant. "… and the sun comes up, and up you grow! Big and strong, and just like so – DADDY!"

The cub hugs Zoltan's legs, her knees still planted on the ground. "I'm a gardener now, just like M – Star!"

"Hello sunshine," Zoltan scrawks, ruffling Pouncer's head-fur and seating himself down next to the cub. "So what type of plant is this? One of the kinds that catch bugs?"

Pouncer shakes her head, but her eyes light up. "Could I have one of those? Could I?" She remembers the question, then, and says, "It's a Coruscant Fiero! It only blooms once a year. And I'm going to watch it until it DOES!"

( Me and my big beak. ) The Vartan peers down at the plant. "We'll see. I'd rather not get something that might eat the rest of the plants if it runs out of bugs."

Pouncer squeals, "YAY!" as if Zoltan had just promised her one.

Moon-Brow signs, "Perhaps now is not the best time, but I should probably inform you of what has transpired in the City of Hands in your absence."

Zoltan's ears perk up (although it's a bit redundant). He glances around looking for spying eyes and then nods to Moon-Brow. "Wish I could have visited the Queen before I came back to Rephidim, but the Titanians didn't want to stop for me."

Moon-Brow sits down, then signs, "It's hard to know where to start. First of all, there have been all sorts of trouble. The Quartermaster Supreme's air-yacht was taken over by 'terrorists' who claimed to be of the City of Hands. Third-Eye claims that she has no connection, and nobody else claims responsibility, either."

Moon-Brow continues, "It just so happened that a Naga vessel was in the vicinity – over the Himaat – and came to the rescue. The terrorists immediately gave up and were captured … along with Long-Lope, who was pointed out as the 'leader'. She has never shown such an inclination in her life, I assure you."

"Does she know who might be responsible?" the Vartan signs, his eyes narrowing slightly.

"It would seem that the Emperor-Potentate himself is the best suspect," signs Moon-Brow. "Third-Eye received word from the Nagai Empire that Long-Lope was to be executed … but that if Third-Eye would come in person to the Palace of the Emperor-Potentate, Long-Lope would be spared."

"That filthy… " Zoltan glances down, realizing that there are two cubs present. "… snake. I hope Third-Eye didn't turn herself in? Although that would mean that her sister… "

Moon-Brow shakes her head. "Word just came back that Long-Lope disappeared from the palace. The Emperor-Potentate is furious. Rumor is that a wooden shekel was found in a forgotten, secret passage that was used in the escape."

"Do you know what the Emperor plans to do now?" Zoltan signs, remembering some words said to him a few days previous.

Moon-Brow shakes her head. "I have no idea. I would imagine that the placing of a hefty bounty for the hide of the responsible parties would be involved. Long-Lope certainly did not escape on her own."

A male cheetah – Born-in-Shame – pokes his head through the door from the main shop. "Visitor for Zoltan?" he signs.

Moon-Brow's signs continue, not noticing the quiet cheetah, "Also, the Twelve-times-Twelve have been playing power games with Third-Eye. They erected twelve idols around the palace, and announced to the people that the 'Old Gods' had returned. Some of the People worship many gods … some worship the Star … and others the First Ones and all manner of faiths. I do not know how Third-Vision is going to handle the division."

Zoltan holds a finger up to Moon-Brow and then rises back up to his feet. "Send them in." He brushes some of the dirt from his feathers.

A frown creases across Zoltan's face at that bit of news, but he holds back his signs for the moment.

The male cheetah disappears. A brief moment later, he returns, escorting a very nicely-dressed and immaculately-groomed black Khatta.

The Vartan places a hand to his chest. "Sir, welcomes to the Shiny Shoppe. Can I helps you?"

The Khatta in question peers around for the Vartan, and his face lights up when he finds him. "Sir? You don't have to call me that now!" The feline grins.

Moon-Brow averts her eyes, returning to the servant role, and tending to the flowers. Still, she sneaks a glance up at the black Khatta, furrowing her brow as if trying to remember …

The Vartan looks quizzical for a moment, trying to place the newcomer. Still… There are not very many black Khattas he knows in Rephidim. "Fe- Feli?"

"The one and only!" Jynx grins as recognition comes to the hippogryph. "I was back in town, and since we didn't get to talk much during our last time together, thought I'd pay a visit."

"Have a seat, Feli! Star was just filling me in on details at City of Hands." The hippogryph gives the Savanite a reassuring nod and seats himself on a bench.

Moon-Brow smiles to Jynx and signs, "You are looking very well-groomed today, sir."

"So what does Third-Eye plan to do abouts the trouble caused by the Twelve Times Twelve? Is there anythings she CAN do?" the Vartan signs.

Jynx nods, and sits down where offered, giving a smile and a nod to Moon-Brow. "Really? I just got back from there myself." The Khatta watches the cheetah's signing, and fights back an ear blush. "Gift from my Aunt Alysin, via my little sister."

Moon-Brow signs, "I have no idea what Third-Eye will do." She turns to Jynx, and signs, "You look like a prince! But then, you've heard that line before." She wiggles her ears amusedly.

Zoltan says, "Alysin? Like in Auction House?" Zoltan rubs his head, peering down at some of the shinier decorations on Jynx's clothing."

The male cheetah, meanwhile, just stands at attention beside the doorway, looking as much soldier as slave in that pose.

The black Khatta smirks, "Believe it or not, I have. Er, sorta… " He fights a look of bashfulness, then nods to the Vartan. "Yup, turns out Alysin was my great aunt on my father's side; I had no idea. She left me and Eve most of her inheritance." He grins, then turns back to a serious face. "Did you say you were talking about the City of Hands? Things haven't been well there… "

Moon-Brow repeats, for Jynx's benefit, "Word has reached us that Long-Lope has been rescued from the palace of the Emperor-Potentate. A wooden shekel and a cape were the only clues left at the scene."

Shaking his head, the Vartan signs, "So I've heard. I wish I could go to the City and whip all of the Twelve Times Twelve into line… but… I gots other obligations now. I will probably no be able to visit or leave Rephidim as much as I used to anymore."

Jynx frowns, "That's too bad. I know Third-Eye would be overjoyed to see you, especially since your journey through the tower." He sighs, then looks back to Moon-Brow, "Wooden shekel? That sounds familiar for some reason… "

"I just hope our few meetings will be friendly ones," Zoltan signs. He pauses to rub the underside of his beak. "Sound a little familiar to me… not remember where though."

"Me neither," signs the Khatta. "Why are you going to be stuck on Rephidim? Is the Temple after you? It is tax season, you know… "

Moon-Brow glances up to the male cheetah, then back to Zoltan. "Can he be told to be at ease?"

Pouncer is closely inspecting a plant. She swats at it. *splut* She squeals happily. "Wigglyworm!" She holds up one hand, showing a green splotch on it. It isn't wiggly anymore.

"Yike! He so still I keep thinking he a statue… " Zoltan turns back around to the other Savanite standing at the door, "Born-in-Shame, this is a friend. You can relax." He turns back to Jynx, "I've pledged myself to Knights Templar. When I come back from Abaddon I bring with me a suit of armor that belong to a Champion named Shadows. The original Champion is long dead, and I asked to be considered to replace him. I under the authority of Rephidim Temple and Golgotha now."

The male cheetah's shoulders shift a bit. This must be his idea of being at ease.

Jynx grimaces, refraining from any Temple jokes from now on. "Ah, I see… " He looks awkward for a bit. "So you're going to be a Champion? That's weird, I've never heard of a Vartan Champion."

Moon-Brow raises an eyebrow.

Pouncer looks incredulous. "You never heard'v the Champion of SHINIES?"

The black cat chuckles to the kitten. "I'm afraid I haven't."

Zoltan grins at the cub and nods. "For now there only one Vartan Champion. And I MIGHT be one someday. I needs to train and work my way up the ranks first though. Will probably be years from now before I even make it as a Lancer."

Pouncer says, "He's ALREADY a hero!"

"Well, that's new. Can't say as I ever saw you of all people working for the Temple." Jynx grins, adjusting a bandage that sits on the tip of his tail. "This won't put any strain on your relations with the City, will it?"

Moon-Brow hides a concerned look on her face by going back to her gardening.

"I not trying to be a hero, shinyfur." Zoltan winks at the cub. His expression sobers at Jynx's words, "If Rephidim goes to war against the City of Hands… I… I serve Rephidim. And if I have to be someplace else because Temple ordered me to if City falls under attack, I have to go where I told."

The black feline frowns, and falls silent.

Moon-Brow looks up to Jynx, and signs, "So, how have you been doing lately, other than getting a new look from your … sister?"

Zoltan distracts himself by producing a handkerchief from his pocket and dabbing some of the worm goo from Pouncer's hands.

Jynx looks startled as he notices the signing, then a smirk comes to his face. "Oh, I've been fine. If you call having your mind warped by a stone, getting shipwrecked off in the desert, and being rocketed off to another world fine."

Enos squirms, making a fussing noise that is his not-quite-proper way to let it be known that he wants to be put down on the ground.

"Do tell?" signs Moon-Brow. "You're positively begging to be asked, with teasers like that."

The Vartan gurks and carefully sets the other cub down, freeing his hands considerably. "Sounds like you had quite a few adventures as well."

Enos pads over next to Pouncer, and then finds her stash of "gished" bugs lying nearby. He starts helping himself, digging through the shells.

"Oh, a few. But regardless, I'm just glad to be where I can relax for a while… or try at least." He looks at the Vartan, "Besides, I know you've had your share as well."

Moon-Brow rolls her eyes, then waves a hand at Jynx. "All right, fine. I'll wait until the book comes out, then."

"Yeah! You should try writings sometimes, Feli!" Zoltan winks. "I hear there a play abouts you right now. You already gots an interest."

"Oh yeah, that," the Khatta grimaces. "Another product of my little sister, she fancies herself a playwright I guess." He looks to Moon-Brow, "Well, what do you want to know?"

Zoltan peers sidelong at Enos just to keep an eye on him. He also glances at the sky on occasion.

Enos is busily arranging some of the shiniest – and most intact – bug shells in a circle … or, that is, an irregular shape that most closely resembles a circle as opposed to any other recognizable shape.

The sky is clear, for the most part. Occasionally an airship can be seen, or a loose Creen.

"What is it you making again?" Zoltan scrawks to the cub. He gives Feli his best 'my son's going to be an artist someday!' fatherly type look.

"BAW!" squeals Enos happily.

Pouncer adopts a "know-it-all" demeanor and says, "He's learning 'bout shapes in Scouts. He thinks everything round izza BALL."

Jynx chuckles at the kitten. "He's getting bigger than last I saw him."

"Well it nice of you to share you shells with him, Pouncer. Maybe you could get Enos to make some pretty shell rings around you favorite plants?" The proud father grins at Jynx, "I missed them so much when I away. Scout school has taught them so much, and the Temple took care of Nicodemus after Babelites came in and destroyed original shoppe. I a very lucky man, Feli."

Pouncer proudly scrawk-mews, "I got my PEST CONTROL badge 'fore anyone else!"

The black Khatta smiles. "Yes you are; I envy you sometimes." He wraps his tail around his ankles. "What are your plans besides going into the Temple? I'd imagine that takes quite a bit of your time."

Moon-Brow gets up and walks over to Born-in-Shame. She starts signing a few things to him.

"Is no sure… I want to check on Paradys and see if my father wants to guard it. He seem to like to be alone, and after all I done to him it least I can do to leave him alone in place I know he can live out he days happy." Zoltan glances back at Moon-brow. "I also DO wants to visit City again. Despite everything, I still will always view queen as a dear dear friend. And I thinks she understand my reasons for joining the Knights better than anyone."

Moon-Brow nods solemnly.

The previously 'quiet' male cheetah signs, "What is required to join these Knights? Are those here different than those on Abaddon?"

"Your father?" The black feline cocks his head curiously, "I guess I never met him. And yes, I know Third-Eye would like to see you." He watches the signing of the cheetah, his brow furrowing. "That's right, you were on Abaddon! What was it like there?"

"You need sponsorship from a Champion… The rest is mostly training and trails. I not know everything myself. And I think they the same as knights on Abaddon, but ones here been separated from those of Abaddon for long long time." Zoltan rubs a sore spot on his shoulder, where a Lancer whacked him during training recently.

Born-in-Shame signs, "The land there is earth, not greenery, like this. This world is like one great bio-dome to me. You are privileged to live in this land … but machines do not work properly here. It is the price for such bounty. In my land, my kind are not slaves as they are here. It is hard for me to accept such a role, but I am not highly regarded amongst my people as it is. I was born out of wedlock, so my title is Born-in-Shame, and so shall it be, until I earn a name for myself. I come here to find a quest, to earn my name."

Jynx blinks at the handful of signing, "Oh, I… see." He rubs his eyes as though they were strained by watching all the sudden signing.

Zoltan blinks as well. It's probably the most he's seen Born-In-Shame sign since he got to Sinai.

Born-in-Shame, having 'said' his piece, doesn't look like he's about to continue the trend. Besides, he probably notices the surprised looks on the Vartan and Khatta. He returns his hands to his sides.

The Khatta stops rubbing his eyes, and turns back to Moon-Brow, "So, umm… what have you been up to?"

Moon-Brow smiles and signs, "Gardening. I'm fixing up this place so it will have more than just a storefront for those who WALK in. Plus, I was sent here to keep an eye on the little ones while Zoltan was away."

The Vartan coughs. "For which I appreciates, even if it mean I gots to wash dirt out of cubs' fur twice a day now."

Jynx just nods along, making a wistful gaze at the cheetah before he snaps back to reality. "Yes, well, that's good. Makes the old place seem more inviting."

Moon-Brow signs, "Are you back to stay for good, Unlucky-One?"

"It's not old!" Zoltan snorts, trying to look mock-indignant.

Pouncer giggles! Enos follows Pouncer's lead and giggles as well.

The black Khatta holds his hands up in defense with a grin, "I know, I know! I was just joking!" He chuckles, then turns back to Moon-Brow, grin lowering a bit. "I'll only be here a few more days. Aunt Alysin left me an estate in Sylvania in her will, and I'm going to go check it out. Besides, my parents kicked me out of the house." He shrugs.

"Sylvania?" echoes Moon-Brow.

"Is that on this world?" ventures Born-in-Shame, breaking his 'silence' again.

Jynx nods, "Sylvania. And yes, it's on this world. Seems she left me an entire castle, and a village too." He shrugs. "It's a place to stay until I can get something here, and it's fun for a little adventure."

Born-in-Shame's ears perk at the sign for "adventure".

"A castle? Sounds impressive… hrrr… What you know about Sylvania?" Zoltan scrawks, passing a few decorative stones to Enos for his 'baw'.

Enos starts lining up the stones in wiggly rays that radiate out from the center of the "baw". With some imagination, it might look like a wheel with four spokes. Or three and a half, more likely.

"Actually, I don't know a thing about Sylvania." The Khatta shrugs. "But that's never stopped me before. It's either go there and check out my inheritance, or stay here at the Pink-and-Pretty-Palace-of-Doom." The cat sticks his tongue out and makes a sour face.

Born-in-Shame's ears perk again at the mention of the "Palace of Doom".

"Not that kind of doom," Jynx signs to the warrior cheetah.

Zoltan blinks. "The… wha? What other kind of doom is theres?"

The black Khatta chuckles, "The kittenish kind. Anyways, I'm going to book a flight tomorrow out for Sylvania and take a look around. It seems interesting enough, although I hope it's not as feminine as Eve's place." The cat frowns. "Aunt Alysin thought that she had two nieces instead of a nephew."

The Vartan represses a chuckle. "Well, you be carefuls in Sylvania. Maybe I come visits you in you castle after I finished here."

Born-in-Shame signs, "Master Zoltan … might I have leave to accompany this young warrior on his quest? I shall protect him and use this chance to learn more of this world beyond the sky island."

"If I'm still there, I'll be expecting you!" Jynx grins. "It's no City of Hands, but it was free, and that's the best price you could ask for."

Zoltan rubs his beak. "Is up to you, Feli. You mind having company?" He drops to sign, "What abouts you armor? It more prone to accidents on surface."

Born-in-Shame signs, "I must learn its limitations here."

Jynx blinks, not expecting this from the warrior cheetah. "W-well, I guess he can come along if he wants too. But it's just a boring old castle." He shrugs. "I don't think we'll run into any monsters or anything."

"No… no monsters at all." Zoltan quietly agrees and leans back to eye Moon-Brow nervously.

The black Khatta looks at the setting sun, playing with the bandage on his tail. "Well, it's getting late. I guess Eve'll be expecting me back soon. She wants me to go watch that play of hers again. At least this time I'm not in it."

The Vartan eyes Jynx's bandaged tail curiously but keeps his questions to himself. "Take care, Feli. I hopes to see you again soons."

Jynx stands up with a stretch, and nods to the gathered company. "Born-in-Shame can meet me tomorrow at the old Alysin Estate if he's still eager to go, but until then, I'll see you later!"

As the young black Khatta leaves, Moon-Brow quietly looks after him. It's all very solemn for a moment, for some strange reason, until Pouncer points out the bandaged tail of the departing feline and whispers to Zoltan, "Gish?"