At least this place is not without its permanent establishments. One such establishment is the Unnamed Tavern. Also known as the Unknown Pub. On occasion, it has a sign out front, but it for some reason keeps getting stolen, and nobody can remember its proper name anyway, not even the bartender.

It is here that a certain black Khatta has been told to meet with a certain Rath'ani, bringing along a certain Naga archaeologist (and a certain Savanite slave, while we're at it).

Strains of strained music drift on the fermented breeze that wafts along the side-street, letting all but those with dead noses find the establishment easily.

A voice howls from inside the tavern. Is someone being horribly murdered? Nah… it's just singing, albeit very, very bad singing.

Jynx, along with the Naga noble Bassai and his servant Tekki, wait patiently for Fenter the Rath'ani – well, somewhat patiently at least. "Where is he already?" the black Khatta sighs, tail twitching impatiently.

Bassai hisses impatiently, "It was abssolutely necessary to come at night, wasn't it?"

Tekki's tail twitches nervously, betraying that he is rather worried about the choice of time as well.

Jynx shrugs at the Naga, "It's when he said to come. Besides, it's less crowded this way." He looks to the tavern, "Perhaps we should get inside to wait; it's not exactly the safest place out here."

The singing voice inside the bar wails on, "Oooooh wonderoususus Ambergrish *hic*, Beauteous as heaven aaaaboooove! If she gesh fat an' round *hiccup!*, they'd jusht be moooore to looove!" The voice sounds very familiar, like the voice of a certain Rath'ani…

Bassai says, "So I gathered. Yess … the singing may hurt but it will not kill us. Lingering out here much longer might."

This rendition is followed by several cheers, jeers, howls and loud clapping.

Jynx leads the way into the bar, his ears perking up at the singing. "I think we've found our raccoon," he says with a grimace.

Bassai slithers decisively towards the doorway, and inside.

A short fox in foppish attire sits next to the fireplace, playing on a lute, though his melody-playing seems to do little to compete with the sounds the patrons are quite capable of making on their own – that is, in terms of volume, not quality of tone.

Inside, there is Fenter. He's standing on a table soaking in the applause. His hat is turned inside out, and a pair of spectacles sit upon his nose. "Shank you!" He hiccups.

An Eeee with a long, flowing beard, claps enthusiastically, enjoying the raccoon's antics immensely.

Jynx looks over to Bassai with a sigh, "Well, there's our guide, more or less… "

Behind the bar, a Vykarin performs a pointless exercise of polishing a stained counter with a stained rag. But at least he looks like a very HAPPY bartender…

Fenter tries to climb off the table, and instead ends up tumbling down from it instead. He lands with a dull *whumph* and just lies there for a few moments, laughing to himself as if almost breaking his neck was hilariously funny.

The bearded bat claps some more, then staggers over to the bar, raising an index finger and waving it in front of the Vykarin's nose, then looking thoughtful and changing it to a COUPLE of fingers he holds up.

Bassai gazes impassively, surveying the room, then he focuses on the guide. "Yes … I see."

Now that Fenter's singing has come to a halt, the vulpine bard by the fireplace smiles, and plays more enthusiastically, now that he has a little less to compete with.

Jynx pads quickly over to the raccoon, and helps him up. "Umm, our client is here."

The Vykarin bartender fills a couple of mugs for the bat, and then helps himself to a keg that offers forth a stream of positively foul liquid that might as well be battery acid, except that it has no visible adverse effect on the Vykarin's mouth, and that nobody here should rightfully know what battery acid is, anyway.

Bassai glides over and looks down at the raccoon, expressionless. Then he turns to Jynx, "I remind you that I brought no valuables for this night expedition of yours."

"Fel- *hic* Fe- *hiccup!*… er… Jynsh!" the raccoon exclaims, his alcohol-soaked breath wafting into the Khatta's face. "How did you recognish me? I'm in dishguish!" He hiccups again and points to his glasses.

Jynx nods to the Naga, and scrunches up his nose at the coon's breath, "Disguise? What, as a raving drunk?"

Bassai says, "Very effective disguise, I must agree."

The bearded bat stumbles over to Fenter, a mug sloshing in each hand. As droplets splatter out, they hiss and sizzle as they hit the worn wooden planks of the floor. The bat sets one mug down on the table, then holds one down to Fenter's muzzle, taking some great effort to hold it in a position that is approximating "stationary" (that is, not deviating any more than a couple of inches every second).

Fenter nods enthusiastically, causing his hat to fall down over his eyes and his glasses to slide down to the very tip of his nose. Strangely, he doesn't seem to notice.

The bat deftly avoids the falling hat, then proffers the mug again.

"Shank you… " the raccoon responds, and swipes up the mug, downing its contents in a flash.

Fenter goes rigid… then starts shaking violently!

Bassai slides to one side.

The bat staggers back, then takes five tries to grab the other mug … He succeeds after only spilling half of its remaining contents, then swallows the liquid as well. He promptly collapses on the floor, his beard flopping over his face.

Jynx smacks his forehead. (Great!)

Fenter falls down next to the bat moments later. Perhaps his constitution is just a tiny bit better.

Fenter's legs stick up in the air.

There's a moment of silence as some nearby patrons watch the scene. It doesn't last long. They break out laughing.

Jynx grabs Fenter by the legs, and begins to pull him towards the door.

Bassai looks at the prone figures on the floor, "At what point will they commence guiding us?"

Tekki looks to Bassai, then grabs Fenter's other leg and helps pull.

"Well, he, not they," Jynx sighs.

The Rath'ani suddenly springs to consciousness. "Here now! Do I look like a wheelbarrow to you?"

Jynx glares up at the raccoon, "No, but I'm tempted to make one out of you!"

Bassai slides, following, letting Jynx and his slave do the work.

Fenter kicks his legs.

Bassai says, "Adjectives fail me, when I try to describe what you look like."

Jynx falls backwards at the sudden jolt upwards and the kick.

Fenter acks as the Khatta tumbles on top of him!

Fenter says, "WY-… er… MISTER STRANGE BAAAT!!!! They're heeere!"

The bearded bat stands up, then mumbles something about having to answer nature's call, and staggers out to the street.

Bassai o O { Well, at least if they were thieves they'd be better organized, unless this is some plot to lull me into a false sense of security. }

Jynx pushes the Rath'ani off, him, and stands. "Well, guess I'll have to show Bassai myself; I'll get to keep all the shekels that way anyway."

Outside, there's a shrill whistle that echoes down the street, answered by a chorus of little squeaks.

Fenter stands and brushes himself off. Oddly, he's stone cold sober now. "Nonsense… I've found us a guide that can take us there in moments. Let us retire to the streets outside and meet him?"

Bassai says, "Yess, I would like to get moving."

Jynx sighs. "Lead the way then." He makes an exaggerated sweeping motion towards the door, meant for Fenter.

The raccoon struts out the door happily, looking for all the world like he's about to go on a lovely picnic. "Er… Mister… Bassie I think the name was? You're not nervous around vermites, are you?"

Jynx halts, and stares at Fenter. "No … You didn't… "

Bassai flicks out his tongue, with almost a smile. "No, it iss the other way around."

Bassai says, "And yes, my name is Bassai."

Fenter balks. "Er… if you mean what I think you mean, Master Bassai, then I would suggest that you keep that to yourself … lest you upset our guide." He smiles at Jynx, flashing his pearly white teeth.

A pair of little red glints of light pop into existence at the apex of a mountain of rubbish piled against a crumbling wall nearby.

Bassai says, "I will attempt to contain myself."

Jynx rolls his eyes skyward, "Why, of all people… "

Bassai says, "Lead on, please."

Jynx thrusts his paws into his pockets angrily, and follows the other two.

Fenter exits the door, heading for that selfsame pile of rubbish. "Because he agreed to do it for only a third of the money… "

The sounds of music (real and attempted) drift away as the Unnamed Tavern is left behind, in favor of a pile of rubbish.

Bassai signs, "Stay aware," as he passes Tekki.

Tekki gives a quick nod in response to his master.

Bassai follows his guides, towards the rubbish.

Jynx halts, "Third of the money? I thought you said you knew the way!"

The two little points of red light blink a couple of times at Fenter's approach, then start moving … down the side of the rubbish pile, along the side of the street, and … disappear into an alley.

Fenter says, "No… I said you didn't!"

Bassai says, "I do not think it is wise to discusss money this loudly, at this time, at this location. Pleasse, let us see if we reach our destination first."

The raccoon twists suddenly and changes direction to the alleyway. "Come along now… He's apparently in a hurry."

Jynx rrrs, and follows along.

One of the piles of rubbish on the other side of the street gets up … and walks off. A Kavi in rags, apparently. Maybe he's looking for a more quiet place to sleep.

Bassai slithers quickly after the 'coon and Khatta.

Tekki bristles at the motion of the Kavi, and then the entrance into the narrower and even darker (and dirtier) alleyway.

Fenter says, "Oh … don't be too concerned. If trouble arises, we'll simply scream like a grandmother and run like the blazes. That's how we found the place to begin with."

As the group enters the alley, little pairs of red lights glint out of every available nook and crack, winking and blinking.

Bassai hisses, "Excellent."

Jynx's fur stands on end, those stupid little rode-, er bug-, er, whatever, give him the creeps. Not to mention that wacko leader of theirs.

A bumbling voice from somewhere down the alleyway intones, "Good evenink." There is a pause. "BWAHAHAHAAHHAAAAA!"

Tekki dives in front of Bassai, brandishing the stick in his hands as if it were a sword, his tail lashing furiously.

Fenter replies to the voice, "Are we theeeeeere yet?"

The voice replies, "No. Or elthe you wouldn't need me, puny mortal."

Jynx sighs "Can it, bat boy. We've got a job and we're paying you, so we can skip the dramatics."

Bassai silently appreciates the swiftness of his slave again.

There's another pause. "Dithrethpect. I deTHPITHE thuch a tongue." There is a noise like the snapping of fingers, answered by a chorus of squeaks.

Jynx sighs, "Fine, fine, I apologize. Let's just get on with it."

The voice intones, "Oopth. Too late. Tthk, tthk."

Jynx shrugs, "Fine, Fenter and I will keep the money. I hid it just in case something like this happened."

A swarm of vermites bursts forth from the rubbish piles, stretching out like a couple of black tentacles toward the black Khatta.

Fenter leans against a wall and drums his fingers against the side of his face, looking exasperatedly up at the sky.

As the vermites pile over Jynx, the bat laughs, "MONEY? What do I care for MONEY? I haff my OWN plans! BWAHAHHAHAAAAA!"

Jynx shudders inwardly however; a bunch of creepy crawlies are a bit intimidating.

Jynx says, "Yeah, but money helps those plans, doesn't it? Or why would you be asking for a third of it?"

Bassai waits, impassively, watching the approaching horde.

Jynx acks! as he's covered.

As the vermites finally part, Jynx is left laying there in the street in his boxer shorts (or, that is, even if he didn't have any to begin with, he does now).

Fenter says, "Oh dear… "

Bassai says, "Your humiliation would seem to be part of hiss plans."

Jynx urgs, and stands, now a bit cooler than usual.

The bat says, in a deep, lispy voice, "It pleatheth me."

The bat, now standing more visibly on a pile of debris, waves his hands around, as if directing an orchestra. The vermites begin chittering in squeaky voices at his direction, creating a sound that approximates high-pitched laughter.

Jynx shivers at the cool night, and scowls at the bat, "Okay, alright, whatever! Let's just get on with it!"

Fenter jams his hands in his pockets and rocks back and forth. "He did that to me once too, before I became his arch nemesis."

Fenter sighs wistfully.

"Vewy well, then," the bat shrugs, and waves his hands some more. The vermites skitter out, dropping the Khatta's attire on the ground, before retreating to the shadows.

Jynx stomps over to his clothes and angrily redresses. "Now, Fenter says you know the way."

Bassai claps slowly, "Very impressive, maestro."

"Let uth be off, then. To the Home for the Thpiritually Dithturbed!" The bat spreads his wings and takes flight. The vermites begin to skitter along the alleyway, their squeaks making them fairly easy to locate, for those without night-vision. (Plus, the glittering red eyes help, too.)

Tekki relaxes visibly, seeing that his master is not bothered by any of this bizarre display.

Fenter catches up with the Naga. "Ah… he'll like you, you applauded him!" he whispers.

Jynx lets Fenter lead, preferring to keep his distance from the bat and his pets.

Jynx. o O ( Wonder why that loon of a Eeee isn't locked up… )

Bassai follows alongside the others, trying to keep the bat in sight, "It was a display deserving applause. I must recognize talent, bizarre as it may be."

Jynx hmms, "Yeah, and recognizing insane ego as well… "

Bassai says, "I was not sure you could guide me to the House of the Spiritually Disturbed, until I met him."

"Eeees also have veeery sen-si-tiiive ears… " Fenter remarks quietly.

The bat and his diminutive minions lead the way along. The alleyway gives way to even less appetizing surroundings which must belong (without too much of a leap of logic) to the fringes of Darkside. The path seems to be leading the group along just that – the fringes – for quite some distance, before taking a sharp turn and diving more into the heart of this region. Perhaps this path is well-chosen, for to this point, not a single living person has been spotted … though there have been a few suspiciously-shaped "bundles of rags" lying here and there.

Bassai slides along quickly, following the bat still, "Now I have no doubts at all," he replies, as quietly.

Bassai checks to make sure Tekki is staying close.

Jynx avoids the bundles at a distance, his night vision giving him a better idea of what they really are.

There are a few shouts and then a couple of screams up ahead, but by the time the group approaches their apparent sources, there's nobody to be seen in the immediate vicinity. A few lights can be seen further down the street, though, indicating the presence of some taverns and brothels and other places of business to be open at an hour such as this.

Tekki, for his part, is most CERTAINLY keeping close to Bassai. It would not do, after all, for him to wander off and get killed, and thus set his master back for the considerable expense of finding a replacement.

Fenter says, "Wyckyd must be clearing the path for us. How very nice of him."

Jynx says, "Yeah, a real saint… "

Bassai says, "I appreciate his effortss."

A few seedy-looking individuals cast baleful glares at the group as they pass by. They don't approach, but there's definitely a look of menace in those beady Skreek and Kavi eyes.

Fenter makes a point to try extra hard next week to thwart Wyckyd in his next world domination attempt… Wyckyd always enjoys that.

Jynx shudders. o O ( Wasn't I just in this situation a few weeks ago? )

Eventually, what "night life" can be found thins out a bit, giving way not merely to derelict buildings but something that could more properly be called "ruins". A broken street circles toward the only source of light for some distance, a tall, many-eaved manor that looks as if it may have been designed by an architect meant to live within its walls – Without a doubt (especially thanks to the sign in front), this is the Moz Ezley Home for the Spiritually Disturbed.

Bassai hisses in a manner akin to a sigh, "At lasst."

Jynx looks to Bassai, "Well, this is the place. As to how you're going to get Ikata out, I have no idea."

Light shines amber, filtered through windows of polished horn instead of glass. Under the light of the Procession, the shingles on the roof seem to be fashioned of a similar blue as the sky itself. The way the walls angle inward, the effect gives the illusion, upon standing at the gate, that the building is much taller than it really is.

Fenter says, "Maybe we can get in the way we saw Kame and his little ratty friend enter?"

Fenter looks for the window.

Jynx shrugs, "Yeah, but they had help." He looks up at the window as well.

Bassai says, "That sounds like a good suggestion."

Reaching the window requires passing between the stone "sphinx" sentries at the open gate. That is, the "sphinxes" in this case resemble great spear-bearing leotaurs, minus wings.

Jynx frowns, "And as I remember, it wasn't exactly the most inviting way to get in."

The swarm of vermites has dispersed entirely now … aside from the occasional sighting of vermin that would be not of any notice under normal circumstances, that is.

Bassai observes the statues, then the window, "It might be possible."

Fenter starts to skip past the sphynxes. "You know, lad… for someone so anxious to find this place, you seem quite eager to leave."

The grounds of the manor are bordered by jumbles of broken stone … that, once a little more attention is given to them, appear to be monuments and cenotaphs belonging to the long-abandoned cemetery of the Old City. (Due to changing traditions and a particular lack of real estate available to commoners, additions haven't been added (legally, anyway) for longer than anyone likely can remember.)

"I wasn't the one anxious to find it; he was," Jynx motions to the Naga.

Jynx hmms. "Maybe if we just wait, he'll show up. He seems pretty adept at escaping."

Fenter walks under the window and looks upwards. "Ah… you were merely anxious for his money then. Tsk, no sense of adventure."

Jynx sighs, following the raccoon, "I've had enough adventure for one lifetime thank you very much."

Bassai slides past the statues, wishing they were placed a little closer to the building. ( That tree however… )

Fenter begins making a chorus of noises at the windowsill. Pop-click noises, squawks, hisses, squeaks, growls…

Bassai slithers to the base of a barren tree overhanging one of the statues, "This might be possible," he says, as he touches its surface.

The window Fenter stands under is completely dark. From a nearby window which happens to be lit, however, there emit a long series of cackles and hysterical laughter, which break off immediately at a sound like the crashing of cymbals.

Jynx looks quizzically at the Rath'ani, "What are you doing?"

The barren tree holds Bassai's weight easily. Tekki stands underneath, looking up at his master, apparently not quite sure what to do next. The branches of the tree stretch across part of the yard, and come tantalizingly close to one of the windows on the second level of the estate – on the wing opposite the one Fenter indicates.

Jynx looks up at the window, trying to make anything out.

Bassai slides along the tree, carefully, listening for any telltale cracking noises, and approaches the far window.

The windows, made of strips of horn that have been stretched out and straightened and polished, have an amber-like translucence that serves to let light in or out, but fails to allow one to see through with any clarity, save for any shadows that might be projected against the surface. Presently, no shadows present themselves to Jynx's eye-level, save for those of curtains.

Jynx hmmms, and looks up at Bassai, "Be careful up there!"

The window is presently closed, and apparently could be opened by simply sliding it up. If this is meant to keep anyone inside, the security must not be terribly tight, by all appearances presented so far.

Fenter frowns at the silent window and walks over to the tree.

Bassai, in a very prone position that would be inadequately termed crawling, looks down at Jynx, "I am."

Tekki keeps himself under Bassai, arms held out in preparation to try to catch his master should the branch break.

Jynx walks over to the tree, and jumps up the trunk, being careful to avoid any branches Bassai is on. "Sure you wouldn't rather have me or Fenter do that?"

Bassai wraps his rear coils around the branch, and stretches out into space reaching for the windowsill.

This tree must be positively perfect for climbing. It presents Jynx with no difficulties in reaching the lowermost and then higher branches.

A shadow appears behind the window.

Fenter keeps his ears pricked towards the window.

The windowsill is JUST within reach of Bassai's outstretched hand.

Bassai hesitates, reaching for the sill, but feeling he should pull back, he wavers, he cannot balance here indefinitely.

The window panel slides upward, with an audible creak.

Jynx hmms, thinking that a cat or raccoon could do this more easily than a large snake.

Fenter flinches, he makes a nervous hissing noise up at Bassai.

*creeeeak*

Bassai as silently as possible stretches down, hanging to where Tekki is, then slowly uncoils from the branch, piling on the Savanite.

Tekki lets out a gasp of air (and would probably say "OOF!" if he could) as he catches his master and rolls to the ground.

Bassai slides off him as quickly as possible, so he doesn't hurt him, then watches the window from the shadows.

Jynx holds on tight as the tree shakes from dislodging the snake, and tries to be as invisible as possible.

The window creaks open. A blindfolded Skreek dressed in a toga (or perhaps a bed sheet) looks out the window both ways, holding a little glass bell in one hand. "Ydobon," says the Skreek. The rodent retreats back into the room, and the window creaks shut again.

Fenter scoots so that the tree hides him… well, almost – His tail pokes out.

Bassai says, "Thank you, Tekki," as quietly as possible to his slave, then waits, then listens.

Jynx looks down to Bassai from the tree, "Should I try that window again, or one that's not lit?"

Tekki doesn't even nod, doing his best to keep his breath as shallow – and quiet – as possible, casting a worried gaze at the window.

Bassai says, "If another is in reach, yes, but that one would seem to be conveniently unlocked already."

Jynx hmmms, and looks to the other windows for any prospects.

Fenter says, "Ohh … I think it was little squeaker guy I gave the stuffed toy to."

Fenter climbs up the tree, heading for the window.

Bassai waits, not wishing to overburden the tree, remembering who he's with.

The tree branch creaks and protests under the weight of the Khatta and the Rath'ani.

Jynx glares at the raccoon, "Get down! Its gonna break!"

*creak*

Tekki begins to flail his hands furiously at his master.

Bassai backs out from under the branches of the tree.

Tekki scoots out from underneath the tree as well.

Fenter merrily climbs on towards the window. "Hello! Mister rat!"

Jynx tries to make his way down the trunk, only to be blocked by the Rath'ani.

*crick*

Jynx digs his claws into the wood, "Move! We're gonna fall, you dimwit!"

Bassai says, "Try to relax when you fall; I hear it minimizes the damage."

Tekki looks for some bushes to make a hiding place. He finds some. He uses his newfound cover.

Fenter inches out onto a branch. "Oh don't be silly. This tree has been here longer than the three of us put together."

*creak*

The window slides open. A blindfolded Skreek head pokes out of it again.

The Khatta sighs, and looks worriedly to the ground. As he does so, his back legs slide of the branch, and he is left dangling.

Fenter waves happily to the Skreek. "Hello! Remember me?"

"Your friend painted me all up in bug entrails!" the raccoon adds.

Jynx yipes! "Enough with the talk! Pull me up!"

The Skreek turns back toward the room and says, "Hcnarb eht gnikaerb, ereht tuo si ydobon."

Bassai slides over to the Khatta, reaching up to catch his legs, "Release yourself."

The Skreek vanishes again, though this time the window remains open.

Bassai prepares to catch Jynx's weight and slide him to the ground when he does.

Tekki breaks out of his hiding place, dashing over to Bassai to lend his aid.

Fenter says, "Ah hah! Our entryway!"

Fenter scrambles towards the window.

Jynx hangs on for a bit longer, a worried expression on his face, then he lets go, tumbling down onto the Naga.

The branch bobs up once the Khatta's weight is suddenly released.

Bassai guides the Khatta's fall so he slides to the ground, with Tekki's assistance and only a little straining.

Tekki checks to make sure his master isn't flattened, then lets out a relieved sigh.

Jynx instinctively digs his claws into the catchers to slow his fall, even though he is in no danger and on his feet.

Fenter grks as the branch bounces upwards; he clings tenaciously and continues toward the open window.

The window remains open, revealing several occupied beds in the room inside. It only requires a significant strain to reach the window. Well … that is, if one were agile, it would be no problem.

Bassai stiffens at the scratches, but says nothing.

Tekki winces, but, as is only appropriate, he says not a thing in protest.

Fenter leaps for the window!

… He makes it!

*CRASH* *CLATTER*

The tray inside the window, however, does not.

Jynx heaves a sigh of relief once he is on the ground. "Thanks… Now, should we follow him?"

Bassai says, "Yess… "

Jynx blinks up at the raccoon. o O ( He's insane… )

Bassai says, "In a moment, if no one reacts to the noise."

"AIEEEE! Quit swatting at me, madame! And smooth down your tail! *OW!*"

A high-pitched Skreek voice insists, "Ereh si ydobon!"

Jynx runs under the raccoon, to catch him in case he falls.

"Hallo! Would somebody mind dropping a rope or somesuch down to my companions on the ground? MADAME, please!"

There are more pauses, more protests, and then there's a FLOP as something long and mostly white shoots out the window. It's a rope, after a fashion, comprised of bed sheets tied together. How original.

Jynx blinks at the rope, then looks back at Bassai, "Well, I guess this is our entryway."

Bassai says, "Yess, so it would seem. Please go first and we will be prepared to catch you, should you slip again."

Tekki looks at his scratches at the mention of the prospect of catching Jynx again, but nods at his master's declaration.

The Khatta gives Bassai an affirmative nod, and begins to scamper up the bed-sheet rope, trying to avoid the flailing Fenter.

Bassai looks at his slave, "I will go next, then yourself. Be careful, a fall with no one to catch you could be quite damaging."

Try as he may, the Khatta doesn't seem to be making much progress. Apparently bed-sheet-climbing isn't in his repertoire of amazing skills. Or maybe it's just not his night.

Jynx keeps trying, digging his claws into the cloth to hopefully give some support. o O ( Maybe I should try the tree too… )

Bassai hisses up at the window, "Guide, organize the lunatics to try and pull him up."

Suddenly, the sheet "rope" jerks and swings. *WHOMP* The Khatta is bonked against an overhang while hanging onto the sheets.

"Ouch!" protests the Khatta.

A bedraggled Rath'ani's head pokes out from the window. "Get r-… er… never mind."

Fenter pokes his head back in.

A Savanite walks up to the bed sheet rope, and stands next to it, waiting for his turn to enter.

"One the count of three… one… two… nonono madame, you're pulling in the wrong direction!"

Jynx grabs on and makes an attempt at grabbing the overhang and pulling himself inside the windowsill.

Bassai slithers to see the new Savanite, standing beside the sheets.

The Savanite taps his foot impatiently, then takes the remainder of the "rope"hanging out the window, and ties it around his tail. Soon, he's hoisted off theground. Ooo. That must be painful. *BONK* Yes, definitely painful.

Tekki cringes.

Bassai says, "I don't advise you try that method, Tekki."

Tekki looks relieved at his master's assessment.

Jynx looks down at the Savanite and winces at the painful sight.

Fenter pokes his head out and tries to grab onto Jynx.

As Jynx looks down … *BONK* *BANG* And then the raccoon grabs him.

A couple of shingles clatter to the ground, landing near Tekki's feet.

Jynx rrrs and lets out a small feline hiss at the rough treatment, then tries to help Fenter pull himself inside.

Tekki looks at the method of entry, then points hopefully to the tree, looking at his master.

Fenter PULLS the Khatta in. Inside there's a black and white Kattha batting at his tail.

Bassai slides over to the tree, deciding the bed sheet is not the method he'd like to use. As carefully as before, he slides up the tree and along it – listening for more creaks in case the branch has been weakened.

The tree doesn't give much in the way of protest. Perhaps it is … more bark than bite?

Bassai reaches opposite the window, and waits, to make sure it is clear of strange Savanites, blind bats, flailing cats and crazy raccoons.

Jynx lets out a sigh of relief once inside, and surveys the interior of theroom.

Inside the room, there are several persons of varying race, most of them with towels or pillowcases or other cloths wrapped around their heads.

Most of them are presently tugging at the "rope". At last, the Savanite whose tail is tied to its length is pulled roughly into the room. He lies in a dazed state on the floor.

Fenter turns his attentions back to the Kattha, who continues to swat at his tail. "Madame… do you mind?"

Jynx freezes, a look of complete puzzlement on his face. o O ( Uhhh, oooookay… )

For the present, it seems the entrance to the room is clear, as the fallen Savanite is dragged away.

Bassai stretches out, as before, reaching for the windowsill, his coils tightly holding the branch behind him…

It's a bit of a stretch … but the Naga makes it. Whew!

Fenter follows the Savanite. "Hey! Come back, I wanna get another painting from you!"

The Kattha follows behind Fenter, hissing, yowling, and swatting angrily at his tail.

Bassai grasps the sill, and uses it to pull himself inside, getting his torso through the window. With something to hang onto, it shouldn't be too difficult to slide in, and it isn't.

Jynx sticks close to the side of the window, waiting for Bassai to enter. He can't shake the heebie-jeebie feeling he gets from all the furs in here…

The Savanite being dragged along shakes his head, finally coming to, and he stands, pulling free of those so helpfully dragging him along.

Tekki waits until Bassai is in, until he attempts the same feat. He isn't as confident as his master … but he seems to be making it all right.

Jynx, eyes still focused on the occupants of the room, whispers to Bassai, "Perhaps it would have been easier to try the front door?"

Bassai stands by the window, leaving it as clear as possible while preparing to assist his slave across should he miss his jump.

Bassai says, "Admirable suggestion; we'll have to remember it for next time."

Tekki makes the leap … and scrabbles against the shingles outside the window, at last making it in, and collapsing just inside the sill.

Bassai grabs Tekki and helps him through, "Good, very good, Tekki."

Bassai says, "You would not be as useful if you damaged yourself. Now, to see to the artist."

Fenter swats at the cat that seems to have taken a dislike to his tail. she responds by bristling her tail and hissing again, then bounding over to hide behind Jynx.

The Skreek slams the window shut. "Ereh si ydobon!" At once, the occupants remove their pillowcases and towels and other cloths from their heads – all of them, that is, save for the blindfolded rat, who keeps his in place. He walks about the room, a glass bell in one hand, and a stuffed Jupani doll tucked under one arm.

Jynx looks back at the Khatta, "Uh, hi there… do you, umm, come here often?" He begins to inch away from the other cat.

Bassai looks around for the other Savanite, sliding in the direction he last saw him being dragged.

Kame Ikata looks about the room, then smiles when he sees Bassai. He executes a gentlemanly bow, his tail swaying behind him.

Jynx quickly darts over to Bassai's side, trying to avoid the 'inmates'.

Bassai returns the bow with a humoring politeness, "It is good to see you again, I wish to converse with you."

Kame Ikata stands up straight again and just smiles at Bassai, his ears wiggling.

The Kattha, a black and white digitigrade female, responds simply by mewling up at Jynx and rubbing against his legs. "Purrpurrpurrpurr!"

Fenter walks up to join Bassai. "Do you need a sign translator, sir?" he glances at Tekki. "Er… never mind."

Bassai says, "I want you to tell me about the inspiration for your pictures, the City of Hands, and the night you spent alone there."

"Uhh, gee, that real, umm, nice of you… " Jynx looks for an escape route, or at least something else to distract the Khatta.

Bassai says, "Thank you, but that will not be necessary" to Fenter.

Kame Ikata smiles to Bassai.

The cat makes another sound, "Feep!" She mews, and then grabs Jynx's tail. She purrs happily and grooms it.

Bassai gestures, "Must I ask you this in sign as well? What have you seen?"

Jynx makes an 'ewww' face, and pulls up his tail. "Umm, I already took a bath this morning." He tries to put Tekki in between the cat and himself.

Kame Ikata signs, "EYE! EYE EYE EYE EYE EYE!" Actually, he's not repeating the same word. He's going through several different signs which, in Savanite Sign, all mean, with slightly different connotations, "eye". Some of them may have had differing meanings, perhaps, long ago, but now they form just an abundance of synonyms.

The cat ROWRS and tries to grab the tail again!

An enthusiastic-looking Jupani lumbers into the room. His tail swishes back and forth, and his tongue lolls as he sees the Kattha who has taken an interest in Jynx. He tip-toes unstealthily up to the Kattha, and reaches out with one hand.

Jynx darts to the other side of a bed, trying to hide, then peers up to watch the wolf cat duo.

The cat spins around and hisses at the Jupani, swatting at his hand and then running to hide behind Jynx.

Bassai repeats the signs back to Kame in the same order, "EYE! EYE EYE EYE EYE EYE! There are not enough meanings in this. What is the eye you mean?"

The Jupani whimpers, and retreats across the room, his tail tucked.

Jynx yikes! and back up against the wall from the Kattha, "I th-think he's trying to say 'hi'… "

Kame Ikata looks to Bassai, then at those around him … and claps his hands together three times. Immediately, a Skreek, a Gigi and a fox dash out of the room.

The cat hisses in the direction of the Jupani again and then snugs up to Jynx. "Purrpurrpurrpurr!"

Tekki keeps watch over the window, which he has opened up just a crack, so he can peek outside.

Bassai holds out a pencil and a note-pad to Kame, "Draw what you mean."

The fox, Skreek and Gigi return to the room, carrying a bundle of supplies. The cheetah begins to sit down on empty air … which is suddenly occupied by a stool.

Unfortunately, the stool is in less than impressive condition, so this act is not terribly artful as it could be, since the stool cracks and collapses, dumping the Savanite onto the floor.

Bassai says, "Oh, I see that you are better supplied than I."

Jynx sighs, running out of places to hide. "Wh-why don't you go say 'hi' back to h-him?" He hides his tail.

Kame Ikata gets back up, smiling at Bassai as if nothing at all were the matter, and sits on the Skreek instead, as the easel is set up before him. In a flurry of activity, he begins painting on the canvas before him.

Bassai slides around at an angle where he might watch, then says to Tekki, "Stay back; the pigments would be hard to get out of your fur."

The Jupani, emboldened again, snatches a blanket off of a bed (ignoring the occupant he's deprived of its use) and sneaks over toward the Kattha.

Tekki nods, and remains at his position by the window, well clear of the flurry of brush and paint.

Bassai thinks, o O { … and I want to be sure what he paints is safe for you to look at }

The Kattha doesn't seem to notice the Jupani just yet, and instead puts her hands on Jynx's shoulders and kneadkneadkneads happily with her claws. "Purrpurrpurrpurrpurr!"

Fenter sits quietly, trying to look unpaintable.

Jynx OUCHES! and jumps back, falling over the bed beside him in an attempt to retreat.

The canvas, unlike most, was dark – near black – to begin with. In fact, it seems that the canvas is actually some article of clothing that has been stretched across a frame. As for what is being painted on it, it seems at first to be the same image, over and over, painted in a grid … except that, upon further inspection, there are progressive changes in each image, as Kame Ikata paints starting in the upper right corner, then working down … then up and to the left to the next column, repeating the cycle once more.

Bassai watches, trying to follow the small changes, looking for any meaning.

The cat jumps onto Jynx's back and begins to knead blissfully with hands and feet.

Each image looks like a stylized eye surrounded by swirling, tentacle-like shapes. From one panel to the next, it would seem that the tentacles writhe and twist, most of the time remaining in a horizontally-and-vertically symmetrical arrangement, save for allowances for artistic imperfections.

Jynx flails wildly at the clawing, and attempts to push the Kattha off his back.

Kame Ikata finishes the work, and gets up off of his Skreek "stool", as he allows the paint to dry. The picture now contains sixty-four panels, arranged eight-by-eight.

The cat CLINGS! They must not trim their claws here very much.

The Jupani sneaks up behind the Kattha and Khatta … and throws the blanket over them both.

Bassai watches as each image develops, then looks at the whole completed work, a safe distance from it, as it dries.

"FEEP!" The cat yowls angrily.

Bassai says absently, "Tekki, make sure no one gets close enough to the easel to knock it over… " and continues to stare pensively.

The fox, Gigi and Skreek immediately YANK Kame Ikata's art supplies from him and dash off with them, leaving only the easel and the current painting. The cheetah painter, meanwhile, dusts his hands.

The black Khatta lets out a muffled "Yeouch!" and struggles inside the blanket.

The Jupani takes a step back … then dives onto the blanket-feline-pile!

Jynx OOFS! and begins to claw wildly at the wolf from inside the sheet.

Bassai stares at each eye in sequence, focusing on the single image, forming it in his mind, then moves onto the next one. He asks the artist, "Where did you see this?" totally forgetting to look to see the reply in sign.

The black and white Kattha struggles and yowls angrily, but can't whap all that well through the blanket.

Kame Ikata taps himself on the forehead and smiles.

Bassai says, "Where in the city?"

The Jupani takes a bit of the punishment, then pulls the Kattha off of Jynx, holding her in the blanket. He smiles broadly.

Kame Ikata smiles at Bassai and shakes his head.

Bassai says, "Yes, I know you're touched in the head. Oh … You imagined it; my apologies."

Jynx falls to the ground panting from being squashed and clawed. And looks at the Jupani, wide-eyed.

Bassai looks at Kame, "A dream?"

The cat hisses, growls, shrieks, and yowls. "FEEEEP!!"

Kame Ikata just smiles at Bassai, oblivious to all the discordant noises.

Fenter watches a bug on the wall.

The Jupani happily sighs and clings to the blanket-enwrapped bundle of slashy claws, as if he were holding a clutch-toy. He rocks it gently side to side.

Jynx simply shakes his head, and painfully stands, making his way over to Bassai and trying to ignore the wolf and cat.

Bassai rubs at the base of his neck in a pensive way, focusing on the Savanite, also ignoring everything beyond himself, the artist, and the painting.

The cheetah painter points off, at one of the walls. There's nothing particularly interesting about the wall, however, that would seem to warrant directing anyone's attention to it presently.

Bassai looks at the wall, curious, for no other reason than simply it was indicated.

The blanket wiggles around and yowls angrily!

For what it's worth, it's the north wall.

Jynx winces as he looks at the scratches all over him, and glares over at the two loonies.

Bassai looks at the images of eyes again, then the wall, trying to find a connection.

The Jupani hums happily, rocking the wiggling blanket back and forth. At last, though, he looks as if he's getting exhausted, so he walks back over to Jynx. "Here," he barks, and tosses the blanket back to Jynx. "All done!"

The cat springs from the blanket, every hair standing out on end. "FEEEP!"

Jynx is taken off guard. "I don't want it!" he yells.

The eye images offer no visible connection with the nondescript wall. (Nondescript, that is, save for the occasional crack, squashed bug and stain, but those don't form any detectable patterns.)

Bassai tries to visualize each image on top of each other, hissing quietly, "But what, why, what did he get into that brought this on… " he seems to be asking just himself.

A Vykarin at the far end of the room begins howling, until Kame Ikata drops his arm.

The black and white cat curls herself around Jynx and starts smoothing her fur down.

Bassai looks at Kame, "What was your master doing, before just before you saw this?"

Jynx grumbles, and tries to step away from the feline circle.

Kame Ikata smiles … then collapses to the floor in a heap.

Bassai nods, "I gather he is still doing that … Interesting… "

The cheetah painter snores exaggeratedly.

"ROWR!" The cat growls, and clings onto Jynx.

Bassai says, "Did you touch anything, eat anything?"

Kame pulls out of the heap, sitting cross-legged. He nods to Bassai.

Jynx flinches, and tries to shakes the Kattha off, suppressing the urge to hiss himself.

Fenter tries to have a conversation with a fox in a huggy jacket. "Nice air you have here."

Bassai sinks down, closer to Kame's sitting eye height, "What was it; what did it look like?"

Kame looks around, then grabs a cup off of a nearby tray. He guzzles a bit of it, then flings the rest of the contents of the cup into the air. Ordinary water, by the look of it.

The Kattha snugs herself onto Jynx's leg. "Purrpurrpurrpurr!"

Bassai nods, "So water or wine, something long gone spoiled perhaps, or contaminated. It had no unusual colour, smell?"

Jynx sighs angrily, and sits down on an unoccupied bed, dragging the Kattha along. He crosses his arms and glares down at her, "Let me know when you've had your fill."

Kame Ikata smiles and shakes his head. Then, he leans forward, and with a conspiratorial look to one side and the other, then back to Bassai, he signs, "They are coming."

There's a loud pounding on the floor … issued, no doubt, by someone from below, wielding a broom handle or similar implement.

Bassai signs, "The keepers of this place?"

"Feep!" the cat replies and hugs onto Jynx's leg. She purrs blissfully.

Bassai hisses, very quietly, "Shhh … The guards are coming, start to exit."

Kame Ikata looks around, at the way the "guests" of the room are hurriedly getting into bed, and he wiggles his ears in response.

Bassai says, "… or hide."

Fenter dives into an unoccupied bed!

Jynx looks over at Bassai, "Leave or hide?"

Bassai moves to take the picture, "Okay?" he asks, and looks to the window, or for a bed with enough space.

Bassai says, "Either, just quickly, go."

A big Jupani dives into an unoccupied – whoops! It WAS unoccupied just a moment ago, but this bed now contains a raccoon. *THUMP*

Kame Ikata gets up and hands the picture to Bassai, smiling as per usual.

Jynx follows Fenter's lead, and attempts to hide in an unoccupied bed, trying to shake loose the Kattha.

Fenter OOOMPHS!

Bassai nods in thanks, slithering for the window, giving a last check in case there is a bed he could hide under.

The cat that had attached herself to Jynx's leg quickly extracts herself. She dives into a bed and begins burrowing around under the covers.

Tekki slides the window open … and scrambles outside, clinging to the sill and the overhang just outside.

Jynx, now free of his feline shackle, throws the sheet over his head and lies perfectly still.

Bassai grabs Tekki's hands, and coiling around a nearby bed, leans out the window holding him, and lowering him far enough down that he can touch or is safe to drop.

Kame Ikata grabs some flowers from a vase, and holds them in one hand, adopting a cherubic pose, standing on one foot, flowers held out in one hand, balancing with the other.

Tekki's feet wiggle for the ground, and at last he drops, landing with a soft thud and rolling to the grass. He signs that he's all right.

Bassai grabs the painting, and hands it down to Tekki, then judges the distance to the branch and the ground.

*thump* *thump* *THUMP* *THUMP* Footsteps approach, in the hallway outside. Heavy footsteps. Or maybe that's "hoof- steps".

Tekki puts the painting aside, then positions himself to catch his master as before.

Jynx sweats underneath the covers, thinking that maybe the window was the better of the two options…

Bassai signs to Kame, "Interfere please," then slides out the window, slowly stretching down to Tekki.

The black and white Khatta crawls in circles under the covers. She makes little high pitched humming noises and seems to be batting something around under there…

The door to the room opens, revealing a big ornery-looking Rhian who looks none too pleased when he sees Kame Ikata right in front of the door, striking a "graceful" pose. "You again," he snorts, and reaches for the painter cheetah, not even noticing the open window.

Bassai slides down, reaching his slave, trying not to coil to heavily or suddenly on him, but rushing as he hears the hoof-steps getting closer.

Jynx freezes completely at the sound of the hooves.

Tekki rolls to the ground again, absorbing the fall, none the worse for the wear … though a bit anxious at the almost-discovery.

Fenter's nose itches. All that wolf hair.

The Rhian drags Kame Ikata out of the room, the latter still holding the flowers and hopping on one foot as he goes.

*SLAM* The door closes loudly. The window falls shut from the force of it.

Bassai lands on the ground and Tekki, with a little noise.

The courtyard is empty … save for Bassai, Tekki, an original painting by Kame Ikata, some stone statues, a barren tree, and some vegetation.

Jynx peeks out from under the sheets, and when he's sure the coast is clear, makes a beeline for the window.

Fenter SNEEZES!

Bassai is glad he slide out so quickly. He rises, helping Tekki up, then picking up the painting, and watching the recently shut window.

The wolf grumbles and says, "Bless you."

Fenter tries to wiggle out of the bed.

Jynx tries to force the window open.

Bassai says quietly, "Excellent Tekki, Excellent… "

The window seems to have firmly shut itself this time. It stubbornly stays closed, despite Jynx's efforts. What lousy rotten luck!

Jynx rrrs, and pulls ever harder. "Hey! Fenter! Come give me a paw!"

Tekki digs through his pack, and finds some rag cloth, which he uses to bundle up the painting (once certain that the paint has dried) for better protection.

Fenter scrabbles on the floor, trying to pull his foot free from under the Jupani.

The Jupani innocently whistles, not moving a bit. Nopenope, he couldn't possibly INTENTIONALLY be pinning that poor raccoon, now could he? Nawwwww.

Bassai smiles, pleased at how well Tekki has learned the lessons of protecting important finds.

Jynx sighs, walks over to the Jupani, pops a claw, and pokes the wolf in the side, "Let the coon up!"

Bassai looks once more at the window, "They seem reluctant to leave."

The Jupani looks decidedly unimpressed at Jynx's claws. "Grrrrrrr."

Fenter says, "ACK! My foot's going numb!"

Jynx hmms, and thinks. He gets an idea…

Fenter scrabbles a bit more.

The Jupani looks concernedly at Fenter, and says, "Trade feet?"

Fenter looks back up at the wolf. "Excellent idea!" He holds up his other foot.

The Jupani smiles obligingly and takes the other foot, planting it and letting the other free.

Jynx forgets his idea and watches the two puzzledly.

Fenter says, "Ahem… Now where was I? Ah, yes. I was about ten seconds away from screaming like a banshee!"

The Jupani says, "Okay. I'm all set. You can struggle again."

Fenter says, "Much obliged!"

Fenter pullpullpulls!

Jynx sighs, and walks to the window. On his way he grabs on of the broken stool legs and prepares to smash the window.

Bassai wonders what is taking them so long. { Leave or wait, leave or wait … Somehow this place seems appropriate for my guides. }

Fenter pauses in mid pull. "Why don't you ask the blindfolded ratty fellow to open it for you?"

Fenter resumes struggling.

Jynx stops midswing; for once the coon says something reasonable. He looks for the Skreek.

The Jupani looks rather pleased with himself.

Tekki sighs, and looks to Bassai.

Jynx tosses the stick away, and it sails by the Jupani closely.

Fenter says, "I have an idea! Why don't I lie on the bed and you struggle on the floor for awhile?"

The Jupani ponders this, then brightens. "Great idea!"

Bassai says, "We'll wait a moment longer, Tekki, and see if they're coming out. I don't relish returning through Darkside without them."

A pair of points of light – red light – peer out from the darkness nearby, in the courtyard. "Hmmm. So. You haff found Kame Ikata?"

Bassai nods, looking at the light, "Yes, Maestro, we did. Your assistance was greatly appreciated."

Fenter says, "Ah! wonderful. There're some jolly interesting cracks on the floor!"

The big wolf gets up, grabs Fenter, and places him on the bed. He then drops to the floor and sticks up his foot for Fenter to sit on.

Jynx continues to search for the Skreek, anxious to leave this place.

Fenter happily sits on the Jupani's foot.

*ding*

Bassai hisses, "How much do I owe you?"

Jynx's ears perk up at the sound, and he looks for its source.

Wyckyd hmms. "Five theckelth."

The source seems to be immediately behind the door that leads to this room. *ding* That time, it sounded a bit more faint.

Jynx rrrs under his breath. He makes his way to the door, slowly trying to open it and peer outside.

The Jupani scrabbles and makes a big show of trying to pull free from Fenter.

Bassai nods, "That sounds reasonable; and how much more to get us safely back to where we met you, or the Three Thieves Inn?"

Fenter rocks back and forth on the bed. "Are you comfortable?" he asks down to the Jupani.

The door opens without any trouble at all. Someone seems to have forgotten to lock it. That is, if it was locked at all in the first place.

Bassai counts out 5 shekels as he waits to see if his other guides are leaving or not.

The Jupani nods up to Fenter. "Yes. Very comfortable. This is such fun!"

The black Khatta looks around at the hall outside the door, and if possible, the front door.

Just outside the door, the Khatta can see a retreating light – a lamp balanced on the head of a blindfolded Skreek who is holding a glass bell in one hand (with a stuffed Jupani clutched under the arm) and a little rod in the other. He's walking down a set of stairs, still managing to keep the burning lamp balanced on his head.

Jynx looks back at Fenter and the Jupani, "Uhh, guys, could you do a, umm, time out while we leave? You can do it again later… "

The Jupani looks up. "Oop! Looks like your friend is leaving. Maybe you should follow him. I'll go play with Feep." He grins mischievously.

Fenter says, "Um… thank you very much, sir." He rises from the bed and follows after Jynx. "Enjoy yourself!"

Feep pokes her head out from under the bed. Her fur *POOFS* out nervously.

Jynx sneaks as quitely as possible into the hall, and follows the Skreek.

The Jupani giggles to himself and sneak-sneaks over toward Feep. "Here kitty kitty kitty!"

The Skreek is working his way down the stairs at a pretty good pace for someone balancing a lamp on his head. He reaches the bottom of the stairs, and turns left.

Feep HISSES at the Jupani and dives back under the blanket. A cloth mouse with the backside chewed off falls out.

Jynx follows behind the Skreek at a respectful distance, and he keeps an eye out for any possible way out.

Fenter quietly follows. Perhaps he should have asked that nice wolf fellow to open the window instead.

The blindfolded rat stands at a door. He opens it.

Meanwhile, out in the courtyard … Bassai can see the front door open. A blindfolded rat is standing just inside, with a lamp balanced on his head.

Bassai hisses lightly, "Ahh… " and waits, watching the balanced light.

Jynx peers out the door, and to freedom. He looks back at Fenter, "Hurry up!" The Khatta makes his way quickly to the door.

"Og," says the rat. "Lleweraf."

If the rat has any compulsion to stick his foot out to trip the Khatta or slam the door in his face or something naughty like that, he represses it. Jynx makes it out the front door without incident.

The Khatta quickly nods thanks to the Skreek, and rushes out to meet Bassai.

Fenter chases quickly after, giving the rat a pat on the head as he exits.

Since the rat happens to have a burning lamp on the top of his head at the time…

Fenter AIEEEEEEEESSSSS!!!!! "OWOWOWOWOWOWOWWWWWW!!!!"

Bassai waves, "Over here."

Fenter kisses his poor little hand!

The raccoon makes it outside, too … though not entirely without incident.

Jynx grits his teeth, "Quiet!!"

The front door slams shut. *WHAM*

Fenter says, "A person *mwah* tries to be *smooch* nice… "

Jynx runs over to Bassai, and pants to regain his breath.

Wyckyd guffaws. "Aha! You goodygoody two-thoes!"

Bassai says, "Good, you made it, I was conssidering leaving you."

The Khatta pants, "Gee… how *gasp* nice of *wheeze* you."

Wyckyd intones, "Onwy the fowces of dawkneth thall pwevaiw!" He strikes a dramatic pose, his eyes glowing redly in the darkness. His hair twitches a bit in the faint breeze.

Fenter says, "The forces of darkness wouldn't happen to have any bactine, would they?"

Bassai says, "Can the forces of darkness get us back safely to the Three Thieves Inn?"

Jynx would love to make a snide remark at the bat, but refrains.

"No," says Wyckyd.

Fenter says, "Drat."

"And yeth," Wyckyd adds.

"Too many quethtions at onthe," the bat shrugs. "Leth go, then?"

Bassai says, "I would appreciate that then, yess. Let's leave."

Jynx, now with his breath again, quietly follows the Eeee. o O ( Maybe Gnarr isn't so bad, considering the alternatives… )

Fenter fans his hand in the air, trying to cool it off. "Reminds me of a philosophy lesson I took in school once about the sound of a hand clapping. Now I know what one feels like … especially after it's been burned on a lantern."

Bassai slithers to follow the bat. "We'll treat your hand once we're safe," he says to Fenter.

Led by a red-eyed, black-furred Eeee and his multitude of miniscule minions, our heroes find their way through the dangers of Darkside, back to the relatively less-than-dangerous region in which can be found the Three Thieves Inn.

Fenter thinks, . o O ( I think I'll treat my hand to a nice dry sherry at the end of all this, not to mention the rest of me… )

Bassai nods, "Thank you Maestro, minions, guide and Jynx. Tonight was very successful. Here's what I owe you, and here's a little extra for a drink. I'm afraid I can't join you, as I am quite worn out from this."

Bassai pays them each their 5 shekels, with a 3 shekel bonus, "I'll be retiring to my room now. Goodnight, gentlemen."

Bassai does, then spends a better part of the night staring at Kame's picture, before finally going to sleep, with more questions, and fewer answers.