There's a certain weariness in the way the young, dark Eeee holds her wings, a subtle hint of exhaustion that runs counter to her wide-eyed smile as she walks with whispered step through the City of Hands. She is still clad as she had been when she was cast to the sands with Feli, weeks ago, though she doesn't seem to notice much, anymore, and she looks like she's had at least a few hours to rest and wash the sand from her fur.

A cheetah – and there are many of these here – walks up to Brishen. He has a few colored splotches on his fur. This is not unusual, given how many warriors utilize fur-paint, except that these seem to be random – the result of some sort of mishap with paint, rather than deliberate design. Still, the bright colors still convey a touch of festivity in the accidental effect.

Brishen grins, brushing a lock of curly hair from her eyes. She's had a chance to remove the braids, though it will be some time before the color wears from her fur. A free hand darts about as she shoulders her sturdy, weatherworn satchel. "Hello!" She gives the paint a curious glance.

The painted cheetah – wearing a smock and a tattered cap that also bear the brunt of the colored spatters – smiles and bows in response. He has a palette in one hand, and a folded easel tucked under one arm, along with a case that presumably contains supplies.

The slender, curly-haired Eeee grins, setting her satchel down beside her. She wiggles the thusly-freed fingers and whews. "I've been carrying that satchel forever – What do you paint?"

Brishen leans forward, neatly, at the waist, peering at the easel. Her wings stretch out in arcs behind her.

The cheetah just smiles, wiggling his ears, and shrugs. Showing a complete lack of manners, he just trots gaily along, with his folded easel and materials in hand, heading toward one of the stone staircases leading up one of the many cliffs bordering the terraced canyon city.

Brishen watches the cheetah leave, then grins and shrugs, picking her satchel up as she continues along her way.

There are many more encounters as Brishen heads through the City of Hands, but one particularly noteworthy distraction is when a female, matronly cheetah takes notice of her, and sends one of her children over to fetch the young lady bat. It's Pathfinder and her offspring! Or at least some of them, seated in front of a humble cottage along one of the cobblestone paths in this part of the city – built in a style that suggests more Nordikan influences than the more ancient structures originally in this place.

Bree's eyes get very large as she darts over to the cottage, dropping her satchel along the way. Her hands flutter about. "Hello! Hi!"

Pathfinder gets up and bows to Brishen, then signs, "Welcome back to the City! Have you a place to stay? We would be most honored to show you what hospitality we can in our humble abode."

The sounds of footsteps van be heard behind the Eeee, and a slight, weary chuckle. A black cat, and a much smaller cheetah walk towards Brishen, the younger feline looking about with wide eyes. "Oh, hello Bree."

Brishen waves her hands, smiling. "Don't bow! Please don't bow! It's just me! I'd be honored!" She tilts her head slightly, "You wouldn't know how I could find an apartment, here? I started looking, but then it occurred to me that I really had no idea."

Brishen grins at Feli and Last-Daughter. "Wow – Everyone's here." She smiles to Pathfinder, introducing the black cat and kitten. "Feli and Last-Daughter. I – uhm. I'm not sure if you've met either of them yet, but here they are."

Pathfinder nods, and starts to sign an answer, then looks questioningly at the black Khatta. "You know HIM?" signs the elderly cheetah, with a look of disbelief. She hurriedly bows to Jynx.

Brishen nods, furrowing her brow slightly. "I do." She peers at Feli, curiously.

Jynx smiles, and bows back to the older cheetah, "A pleasure to meet you, and yes, Miss Brishen is a friend of mine. No need to be so formal."

"Might I ask your name?" the black Khatta questions.

Pathfinder signs, "I am Path-Finder, and I am pleased to meet the Unlucky-One, Slayer of Bromthens, Friend of the Priest-Queen. And these are my children." She gestures to a number of cheetahs around her … a couple of males and a female, probably close to Jynx's age. Maybe a little older.

Brishen crosses her arms for a moment, then remembers that she sort of needs them. Her hands flutter about again as she smiles at Feli. "They gave me one of my many names. The one I like the most."

Jynx smiles, and bows to the gathered, "A pleasure to meet you! My companion here is Last-Daughter; she's new here." He turns to Brishen, "Did they?"

Brishen nods. "It's a long story."

Last-Daughter keeps her head bowed, one hand holding onto Jynx, and the other not signing a thing. She doesn't meet anyone's eyes, intently studying the ground.

Pathfinder signs, "Creen's-Nightsong sacrificed her position and wealth with the Embassy to Rephidim in order to free us!"

Brishen ducks her head, slightly. "I wasn't the only one who helped, though. Envoy did so much – "

The black Khatta gives the little cheetah's paw a gentle squeeze of comfort, then looks back up. "Did she? That was very generous of her." He turns to Brishen, "Have you found a place to stay yet?"

Pathfinder shakes her head. "We are most grateful to Envoy, for certain. But while she risked much, you sacrificed much for us. We cannot belittle that."

Brishen blinks, looking down at the ground for a moment, then brightens up. "No! Not yet, anyway." She casts Pathfinder a lopsided smile.

Pathfinder signs, "Our offer still stands, Creen's-Nightsong."

Brishen beams. "And I would still be honored."

Brishen grins at Feli. "Yes, I do."

Pathfinder smiles.

Jynx grins to Brishen, "Good! This is a good place to stay, or at least it has been for me." He holds his smile a bit longer, then turns to Pathfinder, face sobering a bit. "I have heard that the Priest-Queen is in meeting with the Twelve-Times-Twelve; is this true?"

Brishen looks down at herself. "I don't take up much space, and all I have I'm carrying with me." She pauses, "A dragon ate my clothes. It's a long story."

Brishen's sign for 'dragon', since she doesn't know the real one, is lots of swooping with her hands, and the sign for 'fire'.

Pathfinder's smile fades at Jynx's signing, and she nods. "There has been much conflict in the City, and Long-Lope's fate is still in question. There appeared in the court twelve idols, and the Twelve-times-Twelve announced that the old gods had returned. This pleased many of the tribes, but the people who have returned to the City have adopted many faiths."

Brishen blinks. Her ears cant towards Pathfinder, reflexively.

Pathfinder signs, "The Priest-Queen is both Priestess and Queen, and it is traditional that she should be our religious leader. For some time, she was without signs on this, but a few days ago, the statues were reduced to rubble. It is widely believed that the Priest-Queen and a few among the Twelve and the Twelve-times-Twelve did this. It is feared that there may be greater conflict arising from this."

Brishen blinks. ( You didn't honestly think the City would be an island of serenity, did you? Don't act surprised! ) She glances at Last-Daughter.

Last-Daughter is still intently studying the ground.

"The old gods? I thought the People worshipped the Star?" Jynx looks puzzled. "And what of Long-Lope? I wasn't aware that she had returned. Why would the Queen destroy the statues?"

Brishen bites her lower lip, slightly, then crouches down to cast a sidelong glance at Last-Daughter. She brushes a lock of hair from her eyes. "Hungry? I have bugs, and bugs." She holds her hands out, where the kitten can see, but not too close.

Pathfinder signs, "The people of the City of Hands worship many different stars. Some call their deity the Star … but they may disagree on the nature of that Star. Others – many of them of the free tribes – worship many gods, covering different aspects of nature and life. Still others follow the faiths of the lands of their captivity. The Twelve-times-Twelve are from an older age, and it appears that they worship a pantheon closest to that of the free tribes. As for what the Priest-Queen believes … " Pathfinder pauses, then cautiously signs, "… she has never said, aside from a few references to the Star."

Last-Daughter looks to the hand, then nods timidly. She keeps close to Jynx.

Jynx grimaces, "What does this mean for Third-Vision? Is she in trouble now?"

Brishen smiles at Last-Daughter. "And for dessert, more bugs. I have some fruit, though, in case you don't want to eat something that can move on its own."

Pathfinder signs, "I do not know. The Twelve-times-Twelve are powerful. And the Priest-Queen … it is no secret that she has never fully made peace with her sisters for … her unfortunate past. There have been signs suggesting that the Priest-Queen is not fit for her position … " She looks about, then adds, "But they are only idle finger-wigglings."

The black Khatta frowns and nods, "Perhaps I should go speak with her, and see if she needs my assistance. She has always been a good friend to me, and I feel I owe her if she is in distress."

Pathfinder nods in response.

Jynx puts on a smile, and looks down at the kitten, "How would you like to meet the most important person in this whole city?" He wiggles his ears as best he can, trying to imitate the cheetahs' laugh.

Brishen tilts her head, slightly, then rummages around in her satchel. When she holds her hands out, there's a slice of red, candied fruit in one and a honeyed locust in the other. She smiles at Last-Daughter. "You pick."

Last-Daughter seems torn between the two … then grabs the bug. She munches on it hungrily, then licks her paws. To Jynx, she signs, "If you would like. I don't want to be any trouble."

Brishen giggles, quietly, then hands the slice of fruit to Last-Daughter as well. Then, she signs to Pathfinder. "I should go with him – I'll be back though, tonight."

Pathfinder bows. "We will have a place prepared for you."

The slice of fruit disappears just as quickly as the bug, accompanied by smacking noises.

The black Khatta twines his tail around the cub's in a friendly manner, "You're never a trouble! Let's go!" He looks back up to Pathfinder with a smile, "I thank you for sharing your time with me, and it was a pleasure to meet you."

Brishen blinks, then bows as well, stretching her wings out in arcs behind her. "Thank you!" She grins, then turns to follow the Unlucky One.

With the well wishes of Pathfinder sending them on their way, Feli Kurai (aka "Unlucky-One" and "Jynx" and various other names) and Brishen (with her own collection of aliases) reach the Palace. They are let into the central chamber, the "throne room" of the Priest-Queen, where Third-Vision reclines on a mound of cushions and pillows that serve as her seat of power.

The black Khatta bows out of respect as he enters the chamber, motioning for Last-Daughter to do likewise. "Good evening, your highness!"

Third-Vision looks quite regal, wearing a gold-trimmed crown that is shaped like several twining Creens. Some sort of smooth gem or glass piece covers the third eye that is her namesake, and it glows as if back-lit. At her side is a fierce-looking furred creature – known to the Savanites as a "Blue-Hunter" or "Claws-and-Fangs", but also known as a Krenn. This one is nearly black-furred, though the lighting creates highlights of blue.

Around her arm is twined a smoky-looking multi-legged serpentine creature … or an illusion of one. It appears to be somewhat translucent, obviously a creation of magic rather than nature. A few other shadowy shapes glide about her "throne", overt – yet subdued – demonstrations of her magical powers.

Brishen bows, deeply. She can't help but cast a curious glance towards the creatures of shadow. ( This is not something I remember from my last visit here. Hm. )

About the chamber are the Twelve-times-Twelve … and the inner circle of the Twelve … as well as numerous acolytes being trained to fill any gaps in their ranks. She pauses in the middle of some signed speech, letting them all wait as she turns to address her new visitors. "Greetings, and welcome back to the City of Hands, Unlucky-One and Creen's-Nightsong. It is good to hear you have returned, successful, from your quest."

Jynx raises his head and nods with a smile. "Yes, the Artifact has been… pacified. I'm surprised that it went as easy as it did. Oh, and we've brought back a friend." He motions to the little Cheetah at his side, still clutching her paw.

Last-Daughter curtseys to the Priest-Queen.

Third-Vision nods to Last-Daughter, then to Jynx and Brishen. "It is good to know that this wicked artifact has been at last destroyed." She pauses, then signs, "Have you any word of Redeemer-of-Shadows?"

"We met up with him when we returned from our journey," Jynx signs, "but I am afraid that he had other urgent business to attend to."

Third-Vision looks visibly relieved, and nods. "I am sure he has much such business."

One of the Twelve-times-Twelve – one who sports long raven-black hair that hangs to one side, covering half of his face, and who wears an emblem that looks like some sort of angular rune – claps his hands, then signs, "Your highness, I beg your pardon, but – "

Third-Visions snaps to face the mage, and thrusts one hand toward him in a silencing gesture. The Krenn at her side growls, and the black serpent around her arm twines itself even more tightly.

The ebon furred Khatta grimaces at the quick exchange, "I apologize for interrupting any conversation you were having with your court, your Highness. My real reason for being here is because I have heard that things are somewhat… uneasy?"

Third-Vision turns to face Jynx. She looks at him for a while, then turns to the rest of the assembly. As she signs … shadowy hands form above her "throne" echoing her signs. "I am the Priest-Queen. You chose me, and not to be a figurehead, but to fill the position and to perform the roles that position entails. I will not tolerate any more meddling of this sort. I have watched your arguments for too long this evening. Begone."

Jynx blinks, he's never seen Third-Vision just 'dismiss' the Twelve like this.

Brishen grits her teeth, slightly, but doesn't say a thing.

Several of the Twelve-times-Twelve look as if they have been struck across the face. Some start to move, then others. Their departure from the chamber is far from the orderly procession that they typically make when handling affairs of the City.

The inner circle of the Twelve leave last, at a head-nod from the Priest-Queen. At last, all that remain are Brishen, Jynx, Last-Daughter, and an assortment of servants and courtiers tending to the throne room and its guests.

Jynx bows deeply, "I apologize if we have caused a disturbance, Queen Third-Vision."

Third-Vision gestures to some cushions, then signs, "You are not the cause of my troubles. Far from it. It would please me to hear of your adventures, if you have the time."

The ebon Khatta gives a small smile, and makes his way over to the cushions, helping Last-Daughter to her seat. He waits for Brishen to sit before he himself does likewise.

Brishen settles down on the offered cushions, then reclines in the Babelite fashion. She glances at Feli and for a moment a faintly concerned expression shadows her bright eyes.

Jynx meets the gaze for a moment, curious at the Eeee's expression. He then turns back to the Priest-Queen, "First, I'd like you to meet our companion. Last-Daughter, this is Queen Third-Vision, Queen Third-Vision, this is Last-Daughter." A smile crosses the cat's face.

Last-Daughter curtseys again, then gets back down to her seat in the cushions. Third-Vision smiles and nods to Last-Daughter.

"As for our story," continues Jynx, "it was indeed strange."

Brishen raises a brow, slightly, looking at Jynx. "Strange as dragons, Feli."

Third-Vision nods, and looks to Jynx and Brishen expectantly.

Jynx nods to Brishen, then continues, "Our first trial cam on our trip to the Forbidden zone. While on the ship, the Artifact called out to many, and its only thanks to the Star that it didn't consume us. But it worked its magic again, and we were attacked by a dragon!"

Brishen looks at Third-Vision. "It claimed that I was the chosen one – I think it has probably made that claim of many."

"The ship was ripped apart, and the beast seemed to be after Brishen and I exclusively," continues the Khatta. "Many crewman were lost, and if it had not been for Brishen, I'd most likely be dead as well."

Third-Vision nods, watching the hand-signs intently. Most of the shadows around her throne slowly fade away, although the shadow-serpent remains twined around her right forearm … and the quite real Krenn remains at her side as well.

Brishen smiles at Feli, weakly. "I think we helped each other too many times to count who saved who, Feli."

"The ship was destroyed, and I found myself at the Dragon's mercy. Brishen distracted it, and saved me from plunging into the desert below. We feared that at first we had lost the Artifact, but found a group of scavengers trying to steal it," the cat rests his paws for a moment, then continues. "We retrieved the Artifact from them, and were attacked by yet another beast, but the artifact seemed to keep it at bay." He smiles at Brishen, and nods. "We made a pretty good team."

Brishen rubs her forehead, "The Shriken. I hope I never have to see one again." She smiles at the Unlucky One. "We did, didn't we?"

Third-Vision smiles at this, nodding again. She idly strokes the neck-ruff of the Krenn.

Brishen's wings rustle, faintly. "I'm not sure the artifact kept the Shriken at bay. It was calling to them, but they couldn't see it – or us."

Jynx smiles, and nods lightly. "We did." He looks at the bat for a bit, than back to the Priest-Queen. "The Shriken tried to follow us, but we were able to escape it in the middle of the Forbidden Zone. And that's where the real strangeness started."

Third-Vision nods, her ears twitching at the mention of the Forbidden Zone.

The cat scratches at the back of his ear. "Inside the zone, all was peaceful, although outside in the desert there was a storm. In the middle of the Zone, we found a great Tower, almost ruinous, but not quite. We found passage inside through a strange window that opened when we came near, and closed behind us when we entered."

Brishen nods. "There were twelve windows in the tower – But the others didn't look out to Sinai."

The black feline nods to the Bat, "They seemed to look out to other worlds when we cam close! They were all strange, but we came upon one that held a red world, like Abaddon. It didn't seem to nice, and then we saw these horrible machines come near the window. Without thinking much, we jumped through a window that showed a strange gray word full of floating buildings and other weird things." He shakes his head, "it seemed as though we were stretched and pulled, and thrown through space! But then we came out into another tower."

Third-Vision nods again, enwrapped by Jynx's strange narrative.

Brishen shakes her head. "That red world may have been Abaddon. And we met the soldiers in the skull-masks again, though I don't remember seeing any of their iron carriages."

Jynx nods, "There were a few of them here on Sinai when we returned, but we'll get to that. Where was I? Oh yeah, when we came through to the other side, we looked out on a strange gray world. We went through the gate, and found ourselves light as air!" The cat grins.

Brishen smirks. "It made carrying you easier."

The black Khatta gives an embarrassed grin.

Brishen tilts her head, slightly. "It was Morpheus, where we finally brought the artifact. I'm still not sure if we made the right choice, but that is where we went: I don't want to know what the soldiers with the iron carriages would have done with the artifact."

Third-Vision nods soberly.

Jynx shudders, "I'm glad we avoided them, they were more horrendous looking that any warrior I've seen on Sinai. On the gray world, however, it seemed as though there were no inhabitants. In the distance we saw a shining beacon-like light, and in the other direction we saw a floating palace type structure. We decided to set out for the palace." The Khatta's ears grow red at this point.

Brishen grins, faintly. "I keep on meeting people in peculiar places. I think Feli shares the trait. The castle we saw from the window was cast from the dreams of Feli's sister." She squints, "And I still think you should be nicer to your sister, Feli."

The black Khatta sets his ears back, but nods. "Yes… it seems that the palace was one of the dreams of my little Sister, I believe you met her back a while ago your highness. Needless to say, it wasn't too pleasant for me. It was there that we learned of Last-Daughter and her plight." He motions to the cub. "She was in the dream as well, but wasn't created by my sibling. She was merely an apparition at the time, but was somewhere else on the world, herself asleep and dreaming. She had been trapped there for many, many years, and we set out to find her. We were amazed that one of the people was to be found on Morpheus."

Brishen passes a candied beetle to Last-Daughter, surreptitiously.

Last-Daughter nods, but doesn't add anything in sign.

She seems to welcome the distraction of the beetle, and quickly stuffs it in her mouth.

"It was also here that we… " the feline pauses, "disposed of the artifact, using the power of my sister's dream."

Brishen passes another beetle to Last-Daughter, then pops one into her own mouth. Crunch!

Third-Vision signs, "Last-Daughter, then, lived alone on this world?" She looks to the young cub.

A look of relief crosses Jynx's face. "Well, yes and no. You see, the strange beacon we saw was really from her… ship I guess you would call it. We made our way to it, and found it to be a monstrous vessel. We seemed to be pursued by some strange creature, and eventually found our way inside the craft." The feline's eyes go wide as he signs to Third-Vision, "And the amazing part, is that the ship seemed to be made by the People!"

Brishen nods. "It was as large as the Temple, in Rephidim."

"If not larger!" adds Jynx.

Third-Vision's eyebrows both raise. "This is most fascinating."

Jynx nods in agreement. "All the writing was in sign, and it seemed as though the ship was made to travel through space itself!" The cat pauses to calm down. "While inside, we found refuge inside what seemed to be some sort of atrium, and at night, we saw what we at first thought were the People, but only turned out to be more apparitions. We slept, and then searched when we woke."

Brishen looks at her hands, frowning slightly. "We saw many dreams, on Morpheus."

The black cat frowns, patting the bat's hands comfortingly. "Yes, it seems the legends are true that Morpheus is where all dreams take place. We searched the ship, and eventually came to a room that held many of the People in strange tubes filled with green liquid. There were many machines, and they seemed to say that all the People were… dead."

"We feared the worst," continues the cat, "and that Last-Daughter may have passed as well, but we came to another room and found her. Of everyone on the ship, she seemed to be the only survivor. Brishen used the machines to release the cub from her long sleep, and Last-Daughter was well." He smiles at the kitten. "She seems very different from most of the People I've met, and isn't from Sinai at all! But I digress… we found our way back to the atrium, got some sleep, then made our way back to the tower."

A tear trickles down along the side of Last-Daughter's muzzle.

Brishen's wings rustle as she scoots over and hugs Last-Daughter. A hand flutters, out of the kitten's view. "Her father – Others she knew."

Jynx frowns, feeling that he may have said something wrong to hurt the cub, but continues. "We went back through the window to Sinai, and found the other tower full of those soldiers from the red world! We attempted to flee, but they didn't harm us, instead ushering us out of the tower and back to the Desert. It seemed that many people had come from afar to trade with these soldiers- some sort of strange warrior humans -for metal, and even stranger, they paid for it in dirt." The feline shrugs in puzzlement, twining his tail about Last-Daughter's to comfort her.

Third-Vision puzzles over this, echoing "Dirt?" idly with one hand, but she shakes her head and returns to watching the signs.

Brishen wrinkles her muzzle slightly. "Though, if they were from the red world, I could understand why they'd want dirt. I can't think of anything that would grow in the soil I saw."

The black Khatta shrugs again, "Your guess is as good as mine. We found refuge with a kindly Khattan merchant who allowed us to share his tent, and remained there for nearly two weeks, since we lacked transportation to return. Finally, we came upon Redeemer-of-Shadows out of the Blue! We found a ride with him back to civilized lands, and from there came to be in your presence." The Khatta bows again.

Third-Vision smiles at the mention of Redeemer-of-Shadows, then nods her head. "Thank you for the recounting of your story. No doubt the historians will ask for it again while you are here, so it can be recorded properly."

Brishen tilts her head, slightly. "I admit to being confused – Who is Redeemer-of-Shadows?"

Jynx smirks, "It's a good thing we are using sign. If I had to speak it, I'd probably lose my breath!" He smiles, then looks back down to Last-Daughter, and takes her paw. "Our new friend here may need some time for adjustment. This has been much on her, as on all of us."

Third-Vision nods. "You are of course more than welcome to stay, and to visit me in the Palace often." She turns to Brishen, and signs, "The Redeemer of Shadows is the best friend I have in this world, and the first friend I ever had. If not for him, I would be dead, many times over. In the City of the Sky, he is known as a businessman, but here we know him as a hero."

"Redeemer of Shadows is Zoltan's sign name, Brishen," Jynx says aloud.

Brishen furrows her brow, slightly. "I – Zoltan?" She blinks. "Wow. It seems like everyone has a dozen names."

"Only those who earn them," Third-Vision signs.

Brishen blinks, then nods.

Jynx grins, "It would seem that is true here." He turns back to Third-Vision, "The Artifact is now disposed of, and we need not fear the Society of Cinders and their plans any longer." The cat says this with a bit of triumph, but quickly gets back to matters at hand. "Now, what seems to be going on here? I have heard talk of bad things."

Third-Vision shakes her head. "Do not be concerned. The Twelve-times-Twelve have thought themselves wiser about the governing of the City than myself. To an extent, that may be true … but I am the Priest-Queen. They cannot be allowed to play power games with me. It is my duty to be the ruler of these people. For some time, I decided to keep my hands still, to let the Twelve-times-Twelve play their games."

Jynx's ears perk up in confusion, "I do not wish to pry, but what have they been doing? I have heard talk of Long-Lope… "

"I saw the strife they created," Third-Vision signs, "and I cannot undo that now. If I advocate any religion, I will alienate the rest. If I advocate none at all, I alienate all of them. My hand has been forced, but I will not let it be in the direction that my 'aides' had intended. I will not reward them for such actions. If they decide to rebel against me, then so be it. I cannot rule as a puppet." At the mention of Long-Lope, she saddens. "Our friend has gone to rescue her, but he has been long gone. His work cannot be easy. I await word from him."

"Rescue her?" The Khatta looks confused, "Has she been kidnapped?"

Third-Vision nods, then signs, "Long-Lope was aboard a pleasure yacht owned by the Quartermaster Supreme of the Temple, when several of the People attacked, taking charge of the ship. They claimed to be acting in my name, yet I assure you they were not."

Jynx sets his ears back in alarm. "And they have her?"

Third-Vision continues, "A Naga vessel just happened to be in the vicinity, and at the mere mention of a threat from the Nagas, the rebels surrendered. The Nagas took Long-Lope as well, claiming her to be the ringleader. She is to be executed. They have refused to set a date."

Brishen sneaks a glance at Last-Daughter, and passes her a honeyed locust. She leans close, a hand darting in the subtle equivalent of a whisper, "Those are my favorites."

Third-Vision's eyes lower, as she signs, "A messenger presented me word from the court of the Emperor Potentate. If I turn myself over to the Nagai Empire … she will be spared."

Last-Daughter munches on the locust, missing the latest exchange of signs.

Jynx's tail trashes about, "If you turn yourself over?! Of course not!" A wave of anger crosses the Khatta's face. "Those vile snakes, always plotting someone's downfall!" He sighs, and looks back up, "Who has been sent to rescue her?"

Third-Vision signs, "The Wooden Shekel."

"The Shiga?" Jynx blinks at this, "is he able to do such a task? I thought he was just a thief!"

Brishen's brows go up. "He's a lot more than a thief."

"For my sister's sake," signs Third-Vision, "I hope he can steal people as well." She frowns.

The Khatta grimaces, and nods. "I hope the Star helps him along his way." He gives another long sigh, and remains silent.

Third-Vision signs, "So, Unlucky-One, what will you do now?" She has a definite look about her of trying to change the subject.

Brishen looks down at her hands again, then shakes her head. Someday, she'll be able to speak with the Wooden Shekel again – To thank him. She glances at Feli.

Jynx jolts slightly, being brought out of his silence. "I'm not sure yet," he signs with a sigh, then looks down at Last-Daughter. "I need to find a home for our little kitten here, and that is my first priority at the moment." He smiles at the cub, "I hope to show her around the city."

"We would be glad to arrange for a tour guide, if necessary," signs Third-Vision. "Perhaps we can learn much from her in turn. Do you plan to introduce her to your charming little sister? … or, reintroduce, as the case may be?"

Brishen blinks. She turns to the Unlucky One. "Eve is in the City of Hands?" She grins. "I'd like to meet her as well."

The black Khatta grins, "I suppose that's up to her, although after peering into the mind of my sister, I doubt anyone would want to return." He winks. "But in honesty, I wouldn't feel safe bringing her to Rephidim, there are still many who look down upon the People there. I think she will have to stay here for the time being." He turns to Brishen, "No, she isn't, thank the Star! She's back home in Rephidim."

Third-Vision shakes her head. "No, she is in the Sky City, as Unlucky-One signs. I have heard that she has been quite fortunate, and has taken to writing a play about her heroic brother."

The Priest-Queen smiles amusedly.

Last-Daughter's eyes light up. "I could meet the princess for real?"

Jynx turns to Third-Vision, and blinks. "She's doing… what?" He stares in disbelief for a moment, then turns to Last-Daughter (still a bit taken aback), "Maybe I'll bring her here to meet you some day soon."

Brishen flinches, slightly. "I don't think it would be a good idea for me to return to Rephidim. Not as Brishen." She manages a weak smile. "Tell your sister I said hello, when you see her. Perhaps, someday, I'll meet her in person."

Jynx grimaces, and nods to the bat. "She'll be amazed, I'm sure."

Third-Vision nods. "I will personally vouch for Last-Daughter's well-being. If she is indeed from our brethren from the stars, she may have much knowledge to impart upon us. I will let her stay in the Palace if she so wishes."

The black cat smiles, and looks down to Last-Daughter, "Would you like to stay in the palace? You'll be a princess of your own, just like the White One!"

Last-Daughter giggles at the notion.

Brishen grins at Last-Daughter. "And you can have all the bugs you want."

Jynx makes an ick noise, "Nah, you can have Bromthen forest Hog, much better!" He winks at the kitten. "I thank you for your help, your highness. You are always a good friend." he stands up from his cushion, and stretches. "I'm afraid it's getting late, and time for all good kittens to be in bed. It'll be nice to have an actual bed for that matter!"

Third-Vision smiles and nods. "Pleasant dreams, then."

The black Khatta takes Last-Daughter's paw in his, "Will you be okay here? I won't be far."

Last-Daughter looks up to Jynx, then nods her head … then throws her arms around Jynx, hugging him tightly.

Last-Daughter sniffles, then signs, "I wish I had a big brother like you."

Brishen wrinkles her muzzle slightly, then yawns. "Now that's a pleasant thought." She stands, stretching her wings out to their fullest extent, then looks over to Third-Vision. "I could return with the Unlucky One, to Rephidim, if there is something there that would fit my particular skills." She smiles, faintly, "I know the city very well. It would be good to put that skill to use."

Brishen grins at Last-Daughter. "I'll be at Pathfinder's house, if you want to see me. It's not far from here."

Jynx purrs lightly, and hugs the kitten back, "Well, now you do." He gives her a light pat on the back, then stands back up. "Goodnight, your highness, goodnight Brishen. I hope your dreams are… well." He smiles, and makes his way to the palace exit, and off into the night.