A foppish fox juggles wooden pins in the air, while balancing one on his nose, to the amusement of a cluster of young kids. His hat doesn't have much in the way of donations just yet, and a couple of wooden pins lying on the ground suggests that his act may need a bit of fine-tuning.

A big, plump snake hisses, "Fresh yiffles! Ultimate perfection – and free of infection!" His covered wagon has the canvas canopy lifted up on side, revealing several cages of blue-tinted furry creatures that look like a cross between a pig and a fox.

A young Rath'ani wanders aimlessly along the booths of the Bazaar, stopping here and there to look over wares or other interesting sights. Upon noticing the foppish juggler, the youth stops, watching for pointers in juggling … or maybe actions to avoid?

The foppish fox inadvertently obliges, as a young Naga sneakily yanks his tail, then puts on an air of innocence. The fox yelps, scrambling to regain his momentum … but he fumbles, dropping one pin after another, until they all crash into the ground. The pin balanced on his nose falls last, landing right on his foot. The fox yelps, then starts hopping around on the other foot, to the amusement of the cubs.

A black cloaked figure leans against a post holding up one of the stalls as he watches the foppish fox. A slight smile cracks on the slight reddish tinged gray muzzle beneath it, and the figure shakes his head a little to himself.

Mircus grins at the display, wondering at how difficult the timing must be for such a trick. He stoops to grab a nearby pin, and he tosses it back to the juggler.

The foppish fox is caught by surprise … but manages to bring his paws up in time to deflect the pin. More cub laughter. He clears his throat, then gingerly picks up the pins, and starts tossing them into the air again, resuming his act.

An old crow hobbles down from her covered wagon, hopping over a snoozing spotted white Rhian. A banner on the side says, "Madame Xanadu – Knows All, Tells All". She softly caws to herself, looking this way and that, and pacing while she does so.

A somewhat preoccupied-looking winged Exile pauses in passing, then jerks her head around and stares at the Korv.

The robed figure who was watching the Fop Fox (and still is, to an extent) wanders slowly over to another stall – half looking for something, half watching the 'entertainment'.

Another sign dangles just under the "Knows All – Tells All" sign, reading, "Elixirs and Potions and Exotic Remedies."

Shrugging slightly underneath the robe, Francisco walks over to the wagon. He remembers back from a hundred or so years back that travelling salesmen used to often call medicines 'potions', so maybe this vendor will have what he needs.

The winged alien approaches the Korv's wagon, watching for any sign of recognition on the part of Madame Xanadu.

Mircus blinks as he notices the winged aeolun nearby. What was her name… ? En… En… Envoy? Curiosity piqued, the youth makes his way towards her.

The old Korv looks up to the multi-tailed fox and the winged alien. "Ah! *KAW!* Zhu vish to see Madame Xanadu? I tell zhu zhur FUTURE! *KAW!* For only vun tenner apiece!"

The assistant Rhian snoozes, leaning against one of the wagon wheels.

Envoy blinks, then leans in closer to whisper to the Korv, "I don't suppose you have a little magic box with a tiny city in it full of treasure?"

*** Note to GW: Remove reference to multiple tails on the kitsune above.

The elder Korv caws, "*KAW!* No, but I haff many vundrous potions! Luff potions … potions to zhtop premature fur loss … and talismans and charms to chase away evil zhpirits!"

Francisco pauses just before getting to the wagon, recognizing Envoy there. After a moment's consideration, he continues and steps up to the cart also and waits until she has finished.

Disappointed, Envoy straightens up. "In that case, I suppose I might be able to tell you your future. Or a possible future, anyway."

Mircus finally weaves his way to the booth the winged aeolun is at… Since he's not sure whether he really recognizes her or not, he decides to be polite and wait until she's finished…

"Oh ho? *KAW!*" The Korv smiles. "Now, zhu need not give old Madame Xanadu furzher competition! Myzhtico ze Marvelous iz bad enough!"

Envoy blinks, "Mystico the Marvelous tells fortunes? I thought he was a Dream Mage… "

"Hmph," says the crow. "He vill try anyzhing. He interprets dreams to tell ze future. Zat is the same zhing, no?"

Madame Xanadu looks past Envoy to Mircus. "Ho zhere! Do zhu vant zhur fortune told, good handzhome young man? Only vun tenner!"

Francisco coughs slightly into a black-gloved hand, deciding that he'll try and get attention after all.

Mircus starts in surprise – he'd been trying to just blend into the background. One finger pokes his chest in a 'Who, me?' gesture.

The Aeolun looks disappointed again, and looks further down the aisle for Mystico's stall. At least she didn't get called a 'seellee faairee'.

Madame Xanadu's beak turns up at the edges in a smile, and she waves both the cloaked one and the raccoon closer to her wagon.

Right next to the covered wagon can be seen a canopy, under which a white Lapi in a patched-up and worn-around-the-edges suit – a mockery of finery – sits on a chair, his fingers to his temples, surrounded by flickering (and almost burnt-out) candles, and odd knick-knacks and talismans.

The robed Kitsune steps closer, and asks, "You mentioned potions, yes? Do you have any 'Karnoran'?"

Mircus' hands waver helplessly, "Um… actually, I was just waiting to talk to… I mean see if… " He *eeps* quietly, then curiosity takes over and he pads a bit closer.

Envoy stops before the Lapi, but is unsure if she should interrupt his concentration.

"Karnoran?" hisses the crow in a low voice. "*KAW!*"

The Korv gulps, then nods. "Zhur, zhur, Madame Xanadu has some. For zhu … only one copper zhekel."

The Lapi, meanwhile, intones, "Come closer, curious one. Come and experience the wonders, the mysteries … of the Realm of Dream!"

Francisco briefly glances at the odd raccoon, then looks back at the Korv, and nods. "One copper. Of course," he says, and reaches inside an inside pocket of the cloak for the appropriate funds.

The young 'coon, however, is paying no attention to his robed 'companion'… he's lost interest in a conversation he knows nothing about, and is beginning to peer around, looking for something of more interest.

Stepping closer, Envoy tells the Lapi, "I haven't dreamed since arriving on this world. At least, not … normally."

"Quite strange," says the Lapi magician. "Perhaps I could cure you of this, through the realm of … " He makes a sweeping gesture with his wand, making some tinkling noises. "… magic!"

Madame Xanadu eyes the copper piece, then hobbles into her wagon. "I zhall fetch eet for zhu. But be quiet about vere zhu got it from, ya? Ees very rare."

"How would you do that?" Envoy asks Mystico. "Can you alter my mind so that it can dream again?"

The gray fox smiles slightly, which can just be seen as his muzzle pokes out of the opening in the robe. "But of course," he replies to the vendor, and idly flips the coin while waiting.

"Of course," says the Lapi. "Though, I am afraid, it may be a very expensive ritual. Requiring rare and potent material components, and a great deal of strain upon this magical mind of mine."

The Korv rummages around in her wagon, then comes back out with a vial filled with a dark red liquid. "Here. Eet ees zhurs."

Envoy has heard that before. "And you can guarantee your work?"

"But of course!" says the Lapi magician. "Satisfaction guaranteed, or every last shekel back!"

Francisco holds out a gloved hand to take the vial, with the copper coin between thumb and forefinger of his other hand.

Madame Xanadu swiftly puts the vial into the fox's hand, and pinches the coin with her wing-claw. "Zanku!"

Envoy hmms. If she can dream again, then that might give her a means to access her mind's underlying parameters. "How expensive would it be?"

The Lapi eyes Envoy, as if sizing her up … or calculating … or perhaps just deep in mystical thought. At last he says, "Only one silver shekel. So small a price, for restoration of your dreams!"

"And no iron pieces, please," says the Lapi. "I don't accept those."

The latter statement momentarily overrides Envoy's reaction to the quoted price. "Why not iron?"

The gray fox grins, pocketing the vial somewhere inside the voluminous black robe, then turns to leave the stall. As he does so, however, he looks again at Mircus, saying to him, "I believe it's your turn at this stall now, if you wanted something."

The Lapi says, "Iron … is … not so strong as it once was. All the iron flooding in from the Red Cliffs, you see. I'd much prefer a silver piece, or a combination of copper and ceramic."

Mircus has begun to wander off, his attention captured by a stall across the way. He starts slightly when addressed by the robed figure, "Huh? Me? Oh… no, actually, I was just looking around for… for… what was I doing?" He furrows his brow in thought.

Francisco tilts his head to one side a little at the 'coon. "For what?" he asks, trying to prompt for an answer.

"Oh yeah!" The Rath'ani nods suddenly, "Now I remember! I thought I recognized… now where'd she go?" He begins looking around for the winged aeolun again.

"'She'?" asks the Kitsune. "Which 'She' are you referring to? The cat's mother?"

"Oh," Envoy says, having hoped for a more esoteric answer. "Can you give me the names of other customers you've helped? I don't mean to question your abilities, but I can only afford one such treatment, and I want to make sure I'm getting the correct one for my problem."

Mircus answers distractedly, "Nooo… I was referring to… Aha!" Completely forgetting he has no idea of the identity of the robed figure beside him, the young 'coon grabs his sleeve and begins dragging him towards Envoy.

The Lapi responds, "I am afraid that, for the sake of the privacy of my customers, I cannot divulge any names. However… " He points over toward the juggling fox. "That young fellow over there would be glad to give a stirring testimony to my magical abilities."

The Kitsune blink-blinks as he suddenly realizes that he's being 'ushered' somewhere he didn't really intend to go. So much for incognito, runs through his mind.

Envoy looks over towards the Fop Fox, and considers. After all, she knows him to give stirring testimony for just about anything. In looking though, she spies Mircus and his robed companion. "Thank you for your time, Mage Mystico. I will strongly consider your offer."

The Lapi bows his head. "Come back any time!"

"Envoy? Hey Envoy! That you?" The youth waves cheerfully as he continues to drag his 'companion' along.

The Aeolun stands and smiles towards Mircus. "Hello, cartographer Mircus."

Mircus grins widely. It is Envoy. "Hi, Envoy! I thought I saw you in the crowd." He turns to the figure he's been dragging along and indicates Envoy. "Her." He blinks and drops the sleeve he's holding. "Um… Sorry, do I know you?"

Envoy smiles to the hooded figure as well.

The gray fox Kitsune sighs, and shakes his head. "No, you do not," he says back to the raccoon.

Perking her ears at a familiar voice, Envoy tries to see under the stranger's hood.

Francisco figures what the heck? and pushes back the hood of the robe. "Once again, Envoy; Good afternoon," he says with a slight grin.

Envoy blinks and smiles, "Francisco! You're dressed surprisingly blandly today."

Mircus manages to look abashed at this knowledge, "Oh. Sorry. . Well, um… Hi! I'm Mircus."

The normally gaudy looking Kitsune shrugs, nodding. "It is a rare occurrence, but there are times when you wish to move out and not have various people recognize you. Besides, the Collegia insists that I must wear a robe during 'school hours' – even if I am just out on a lunch break running errands."

Francisco nods to Mircus, smiling a little at him again, "Francisco – as in San."

"Ah, then you aren't trying to hide out from the law or criminals or worse. That's good to hear." Envoy puts a hand on Mircus' shoulder. "Mircus here is very brave. He faced horrible, tentacled doom with me in a haunted paquebot once."

Mircus pauses briefly, blinking, then nods, "Well, I'm Mircus Shadrackel, Francisco San. You're in the college? Wow."

Mircus blinks at Envoy. It sounds almost like she expects everyone she knows to be on the run from someone. "I don't like seafood anymore," he informs her solemnly.

Francisco tilts his head slightly at Envoy. "Tentacles? Reminds me of some bad films at home," he comments, and then nods to Mircus.

Envoy says, "You should clean your surfaces more thoroughly if your home is covered in bad films."

The Kitsune chuckles, then looks pensive for a moment, then asks Envoy. "Talking of things like tentacles and other things slimy… You wouldn't happen to know what Shigas do with discarded skin, would you?"

Mircus blinks at Envoy, then again at Francisco. "Eww… what would anyone want to do with discarded Shiga skin anyway?"

Envoy blinks. "No, I'm afraid I don't. I would assume they ate them, or stored them ritually."

Francisco glances at Mircus, and replies simply, "Mage stuff."

Envoy asks, "Are you trying to construct a voodoo doll perhaps?"

"Ate them? Euuu," the fox comments to Envoy. "I guess it was too much to hope they leave them out every other week in a plastic bin for recycling… "

Mircus scratches his head. "Oh." He sounds disappointed – his curiosity clearly unsatisfied. Beginning to fidget, the 'coon starts to glance around at the bazaar again.

"As I said to Mircus here, Envoy – I need it for 'Mage stuff'," the Kitsune says.

"Mage stuff?" Envoy asks. "Do you mean another scavenger hunt from Haskalah?"

Mystico the Magnificent waves to Mircus. "Come, come! What is this I hear of tentacled horrors? Are you beset by nightmares? Unable to get a good night's sleep? Mystico the Magnificent can help you conquer your fears … and get a good night's sleep! For reasonable prices."

Francisco considers his answer. "Something like a scavenger hunt, yes," is his reply.

Mircus blinks at the hawker, momentarily distracted, "Unable to get a good night's sleep… ? You mean you sell cots? Or beds?"

The Aeolun drops the subject of discarded skins, and asks, "I don't suppose you know any Mages that are researching mind control? Other than Mind Mages, that is. They all claimed that they couldn't help me."

Mystico waves his wand, making some more tinkling noises. "Nay … I sell not beds … but dreams. I am a master of the world beyond the closing of your eyes."

The gray fox balls up a gloved hand, and rests it just under his muzzle thinking. "No one immediately comes to mind. However, I don't know that many mages within the Sphere of the Mind. Perhaps I could make inquiries?"

Now completely distracted, Mircus pads towards the Lapi, "Selling dreams? But how do you carry a dream? I mean, can you just put it in a pouch?"

Francisco adds, "Anything in specific you are looking for, Envoy?"

The Lapi waves his hands around in arcane gestures and sweeps. "I can guide you through the realm of dream … help you to discover long-lost memories … help you to tap into your inner self… "

Envoy smiles, "Would you? It's possible that a Chaos or Life Mage may be able to help. I'm trying to change the way that I … think. I could probably do it myself, but that would require a large amount of magical energy in a chemical form that I could metabolize, and I doubt such a solution is possible here."

Mircus ohs. He peers down at himself for a moment, thinking about 'inner self.' He scratches his head, "But how could you know what I've forgotten? I don't know what I've forgotten."

Francisco's eyes widen a bit. "Whew. That would be one heck of an aspirin," he notes. "Anyway, I will see what I can do."

"Ah, but you have remembered … deep inside," says the Lapi in strange tones. "Part of your mind has locked out such memories … but in dreams, you can open doors that have remained long closed. By the marvelous ways of magic… " He makes a tinkling noise as he waves his wand in punctuation. "… you can be provided the key."

The Kitsune glances up at the clock tower, then looks back at Envoy. "If you will excuse me. I still have much to do before I have to be back at the Collegia."

Envoy smiles, "Thank you, Francisco."

Mircus nods at the Lapi. That makes sense – you can carry a key in a pouch."That makes sense. Thanks for the explanation." Grinning, he turns and pads back towards Envoy and the fox-mage.

The Lapi frowns. "I … can give a demonstration!" he says, almost pleadingly.

Envoy turns an ear back towards Mystico at the mention of a 'demonstration'.

The gray fox smiles back. "No doubt we will run into one another again in due course," he says, then turns to leave, just in time to see Mircus heading back towards them. "I was just on leaving, Mircus. Perhaps we shall meet another time," the Kitsune offers.

Francisco puts his robe's hood back over his head, and walks off, disappearing quickly into the hubbub of the bazaar.

Mircus pads up to the two others and stops, "Oh… well, nice meeting you, Mister San." He waves.

Envoy asks Mircus, "Did Mystico just offer you a free demonstration of Dream magic?"

"Yes! Free! Just a brief demonstration of my considerable powers," says the Lapi. "For either you, sir, or the lovely lady."

Mircus hmms? at Envoy, "I think so… " He turns and peers at Mystico.

"Or … both!" offers the mage.

Mircus hmms. Free? Well, if it's free… He pads back towards the booth. "What kind of demonstration?" he asks curiously.

Envoy approaches as well.

Mystico waves his hands about, lowering his gaze so that only his eyes can be seen behind his weaving hands. "A journey … a short venture into the marvelous world of dream … a shared dream. You shall know that it is real … for you shall have each other as witnesses. Is that to your liking?"

Mircus scratches his head and protests mildly, "But it's not really safe to sleep here, is it?"

Envoy smiles, "That sounds interesting. I'm more used to shared dreams than… personal ones."

"Sleep?" the Exile asks Mircus.

The Lapi says, "You shall be in a trance, under the safety of my tent, away from the hustle and bustle of the Bazaar crowds. I assure you, you shall be perfectly safe and at ease."

Envoy smiles, "I'm game. I was in a trance before, when a Spirit Mage put me into a candle."

Mircus scratches his head, considering, "It certainly sounds interesting enough, but… " He pauses and blinks, "Into a candle?"

"Well," Envoy admits, "More like into the flame."

Mircus appears amazed, "But … wouldn't that burn?"

"The ways of magic are mysterious … and not to be understood by the mundane," intones the Lapi magician.

Envoy shrugs to the Rath'ani. "That is the nature of flame, but this was a magical flame."

Mircus ohs and scratches his head again, "I suppose it'd be okay to see. I am curious."

"Please!" says the dream magician, gesturing to a couple of spots on a rug interwoven with well-worn and faded sigils. "Be seated … and prepare for your journey into the unknown!"

The Aeolun sits cross-legged in one of the indicated spots.

Mircus shrugs and walks over to the other, flopping unceremoniously.

The Lapi gets up, using colored powders, stones and candles to arrange a circle and create complicated patterns surrounding the Rath'ani and Aeolun. He mumble-chants to himself as he performs this lengthy ceremony.

Mircus manages to stay interested in watching the Lapi for a while, before boredom begins to set in. "Hey Envoy – it's been quite a while since the paquebot. Do you know how any of the others are doing?"

Envoy whispers, "Well, Roho has his own hospital now, and Naomi works there. Chipper vanished, and I haven't seen Scholar Pawtuxet in quite some time either."

Mircus ohs quietly, "I'll have to go visit Doctor Roho and Naomi, I suppose. See how they've been doing. Haven't really thought about the paquebot recently."

The rabbit seems to move more quickly. The people in the Bazaar seem to blur as they move along as well. The shadows can be seen creeping along the broken cobblestone street.

"I'd like to return there someday," Envoy says, "and try to communicate further with the Cepheids."

Mircus blinks and watches in surprise. This is definitely different.

In a flash, the Lapi is seated at a third point inside the circle, forming a triangle with the Rath'ani and Aeolun. The sky outside the tent grows dimmer. The Lapi's eyes pop open and shut several times, making a nearly comical effect.

Envoy watches with interest. This isn't at all like her previous dreaming experiences.

Mircus peers at the Lapi. He tries to figure out what eye-blinking would have to do with dreams … then remembers that only mages are supposed to understand this and attempts to fidget as little as possible.

The sky darkens and lightens, blurs passing through the street, the Bazaar being torn down and set up again and again and again. The Lapi is still sitting there, although over time, some of the poles supporting the tent start to droop, and a strong gust of wind blows the canopy away.

It's gone in an instant, and the poles are immediately lying on the ground. Time continues to seemingly pass at an alarming rate, and the Lapi seems to waste away before the eyes of the two others within the circle – although they themselves are unchanged.

Mircus blinks, rubs at his eyes, then blinks again. Wow…

Envoy asks Mircus, "Is this a dream now?"

Mircus peers around, "I don't know. I hope so. If not, I'm missing a lot of days of work."

The Lapi collapses … and soon he crumbles away into dust. The street is desolate, and the Bazaar does not appear again, though occasionally a blur hints at something going by. The days pass by in a staccato light/dark flash, with a dizzying effect, as the buildings themselves decay and fall into ruin.

Mircus blinks. Notes solemnly, "Then again, if it's not a dream, I really don't have to worry about working at the guild anymore."

The Exile smiles, and decides to try something. She calls out, "Kujaku! Kujaku! Kujaku!" Turning to Mircus then, she says, "I had to try that. I wonder if this is a dream of the future?"

Mircus scratches his head, "It certainly looks that way. Uhh … 'Kujaku'?"

"I had a friend that would come when I called that," Envoy explains, "before the magic went out of my former world."

Mircus ohs, obviously not understanding. Maybe this is another of those things commoners aren't supposed to understand? Shaking his head, the Rath'ani peers around at the world again.

The city is laid waste, until the passage of time slows, goes faster, bounces back and forth, and finally – and abruptly – stops at sometime in the night, with the Procession shining dimly down from above.

Shining, that is, save for a shadowy silhouette that blocks out part of the view. It peels itself away from the darkness, forming a bat-winged silhouette … which happens to sport a cat-like tail. It glides down, seating itself in the position vacated by the Lapi mage.

Envoy looks at the ruins of the city, then at the new arrival. "Hello," she says. Would Kujaku appear as a bat-cat in this universe?

Mircus watches the strange shape curiously, wondering what's about to happen. Impulsively, he waves.

The silhouette resolves itself into a black creature that looks to be part Khatta, part Eeee, somewhere in between, but something else as well … the faint glow to his eyes is the best evidence of that. "Greetings. I am Morpheus."

"I'm Envoy of Lothrhyn," the Aeolun says, then gestures to her companion, "And this is Mircus of … Rephidim?"

Mircus takes this all in stride – if the world can end, why can't this happen? He nods at Envoy's statement. "Mircus Shadrackel." He remembers his manners. "Pleased to meet you, Morpheus."

"My pardon for intruding. I hope you weren't in the middle of something important. I was just curious," says Morpheus. He turns to Envoy. "Your dreams taste different."

Mircus scratches his head. Dreams taste? Uhh … "No … actually, we were just curious, too." He grins.

Envoy smiles, "Thank you. I don't dream normally at all, and when I did before… well, I was still pretty much awake. I take it you are another Dream Mage, like Mystico?"

"No … no, I do not think I can call myself that," the hybrid creature says, looking uncertain. "I do not think there is an easy occupation to assign to myself. Right now, I am only an observer. Or, perhaps more accurately, an explorer."

"Really?" Envoy asks. "Are you an Exile? I'm designed to explore, but lately I'm trying to change that."

Mircus perks slightly, "Exploration? I've done a little exploring – I work with maps."

"Interesting," says the silhouette creature with a nod. "I have not dealt with maps myself. And … " He turns to Envoy. "You speak of design in a curious manner. You speak as if you are of artificial origin."

"That's a very astute observation, Morpheus," Envoy smiles. "I am artificial. A living artifact … as long as you're willing to ignore the 'ability to grow and reproduce' parts of the definition of life."

Mircus blinks at Envoy's declaration – this is news to him.

Envoy says, "I'm trying to break out of the mold I was cast in, at least mentally, however. I'm trying to find out if being able to dream again will help me achieve that."

"That's rather amazing, Envoy of Lothrhyn. I am an artifact myself – or so I had been called by my previous possessor," says the feline-bat-creature.

Mircus listens silently for the moment – this is as interesting as a new map!

Morpheus turns to look at Mircus. "Hmm. How good is your memory, Map-Maker Mircus of Rephidim?"

Envoy blinks three times. "Do you … live here then? In dreams? Or do you have a physical form somewhere? What sort of artifact where you? Where you part of a larger organism?"

Mircus looks thoughtful. "Um … Pretty good, I suppose. If it's a map, I can guarantee I can remember it. Why?" He peers curiously at Morpheus for a moment, then starts searching his pouches for a large scrap of paper and a stick of charcoal.

Mircus pauses briefly to blink at Envoy. How could anyone live in dr – … right – another of those things commoners don't understand. He resumes searching his pouches.

Envoy watches Mircus for a moment, wondering if writing on something in a Dream will make a difference.

Morpheus looks at Envoy, as if pondering her barrage of questions, then turns to Mircus. "Your charcoal won't help you much here. I'm afraid you are in the Realm of Dream right now. You can take with you back to the waking world only what you remember. And as for your questions, Envoy of Lothrhyn … Yes. Yes. Yes. I am not sure how to answer that. And perhaps."

Mircus doesn't appear phased in the least by the winged cat's information, "… but if I can see it, it's easier to remember, right?" He finally pulls out a wrinkled sheet of paper and a small piece of charcoal, then stops in mild confusion. "Um … What'm I supposed to remember, anyhow?"

Envoy smiles, "I can remember things." Then she frowns, "But I can't reproduce a map, even though I can memorize it."

"Nothing right now, necessarily," says Morpheus. "It just occurred to me that it might be … interesting … sometime to take you on a tour of my home. To have a record made of it. It might be useful someday. Though I am not exactly certain just how yet."

Envoy asks, "Where do you live in the waking world? I'd like to visit you sometime if I can. It sounds like we have much in common."

Mircus appears mildly disappointed, then perks slightly, and begins scratching on the paper, talking as he works, "I'd be glad to help – maps are interesting! Well, when you're not in a floating island with poisonous squids anyhow."

Morpheus says, "I'm afraid there's not really any way of visiting me just now. But … perhaps later. I shall think upon it. For now, my only means of contacting either of you would be through dreams … and only those with magic involved, alas. I seem to have certain powers over the realm of dream … but nothing quite so potent as to tap into dreams as I so please."

Mircus pauses in his scratching, looking slightly crestfallen. "Then… um… how will… I know! I wonder if Myt … Mytso … Mystico? Mystico charges much… "

Morpheus shrugs. "I have no idea. Hopefully not much. His creativity seems rather stunted." He looks around at the ruinous landscape.

Envoy frowns. "My dreams were always magical before. Even if I undergo Mystico's treatment though, I don't know if they would have that quality anymore. I think any residual magic I may have is tied up in my biology."

Morpheus hmms, looking contemplative. "So … I take it you are in some sort of ritual here. What was it meant to accomplish, might I ask? If it's personal … "

Envoy shrugs, "Just a demonstration, to get us interested in paying for more advanced services."

Mircus snickers quietly, "It was meant to convince us to hire Mystico for something."

Morpheus raises an eyebrow. "Ah. I must confess I'm a little disappointed. Ah well. I've seen plenty of dream mages delving into this realm for the sake of entertainment."

"How much magic is required in order for you to interact?" Envoy asks.

Mircus shrugs and points out, maybe to himself, "Oh well – you get what you pay for."

Morpheus says, "I have no idea how much is required. For some people to interact with my realm, no magic is required at all. They just seem to be especially … gifted somehow. But then, perhaps that is simply magic in another form. I know little of the workings that make my existence possible."

Envoy ponders. "If you gain more control, perhaps you'll be able to create a place where regular dreamers can meet you. Or at least, lucid dreamers. I don't want to lose contact now that I've met someone I can sympathize with."

Morpheus smiles and reaches out to lightly touch Envoy's hand. "I am intrigued as well. I would like to find out more about you … and what it means to be artificial … yet alive." He turns to Mircus. "And as for you … I am sorry we haven't so much in common, but I certainly would be interested in making use of your services. Alas, I have nothing substantial to offer you by way of payment. The best I can do is guide you through dreams … but any competent dream mage can claim the same ability."

Envoy says, "They charge for it, though."

Morpheus smiles. "Perhaps you can get another one of these 'demonstrations', then. Alas … I think this particular demonstration is about to come to an – I was right." He starts fading away.

Envoy blinks, and tries to hold onto the fading form's hand…

Mircus snickers at Envoy's comment, then exclaims, "Hey – holdonasec! Here!" He tosses (or attempts to toss) the sheet of paper to the winged cat. On it is a rough sketch of Morpheus.

Mircus notes, "I had to do something with the paper once I had it out, right?" He waves, as the winged cat fades.

Morpheus' laughter can be heard, as his silhouette dimly appears to catch the fading paper.

And then, both dreamers' eyes snap open, revealing the tent in the Bazaar. It's still daytime, the Lapi is still alive and in one piece, and it seems as if not much time has really passed at all. Minutes? Well, judging by the shadows, perhaps an hour.

Envoy blinks several times, and looks at the Lapi mage.

Mircus shakes his head vigorously for a moment, blinking at the sudden change. How he feels can best be summed up in one word: "Whoah."

The Lapi blinks a few times, and for the briefest of moments there is an expression of surprise on his face. However, he quickly covers it with a smile and a laugh, as he claps his hands together. "Well? Have you any doubts lingering, my friends?"

Mircus notes cheerfully to Envoy, "Well … that was disorienting!"

Envoy asks the Lapi, "Will you be able to teach me how to enter a trance-state as part of restoring the ability to dream?"

"Certainly!" says the Lapi. "Why, we could arrange as many sessions as you wish, to more fully unleash your abilities to tap into the hidden realm of sleep. And … for a session packet … I offer discounts!"

"How many could I get along with my treatment for one silver?" Envoy asks.

"I… " The Lapi drums his fingers on his muzzle, eyeing Envoy sideways, then says, "For you, I am willing to make an extra special bargain. A bargain which I would offer to no one else except such a discerning shopper such as yourself. For … ah … two silvers … I can give you … ah … "

The Lapi pulls out some arcane-looking papers that look vaguely like a calendar.

Mircus waits quietly … listening.

The Lapi says, "I happen to have several … ah … openings in my calendar. I think, for two silvers … I could give you a bargain package of sessions – one a day – from now until halfway to Unity Day."

Envoy hmms.

"Would I need to pay both silvers up front, or would just one be enough?" Envoy asks. "I only have two, and they represent my total wealth at the moment."

The Lapi ponders. "Ohhh … one would be fine up front. Another after your sessions are complete – and only if you're satisfied, of course."

Envoy smiles. That gives her time to supplement her finances at least, especially if she can find work with the Inquisition. "Alright, I agree to those terms."

The elderly Korv pokes her beak over Envoy's shoulder. "Bah. I could geev her forzhuns much cheaper Zahn zhat!" She looks to Envoy and caws, "Zhu bargain heem down to half zhat EASILY."

The Lapi hurriedly shakes Envoy's hand. "Done!"

Envoy blinks at Madame Xanadu, but it's too late to bargain now. Not that she ever learned how anyway.

"When can we start?" the Exile asks the Dream Mage.

Mircus blinks at all the goings on and pipes, "How much for one session?"

"Why, tomorrow, of course – " The Lapi turns toward Mircus. "Ah … for you … a special bargain rate at one copper."

Madame Xanadu shakes her head, waddling away. The Lapi scowls after her.

Mircus scratches his head, carefully keeping his hands out of reach of the Lapi, "I don't know. I don't really make all that much."

The Lapi shrugs. "Well … if you change your mind, you know where to find me!"

Mircus starts mumbling the (current) exact route to the dream-mage's stall under his breath.

Envoy stands and bows to Mystico. "I'll bring the first payment tomorrow then." Knowing her fortunes isn't nearly as important to her as being able to control them, at least a little bit.

Mircus stands quickly, and nods to the Lapi, "I'll certainly think about your offer … though I'll have to see if I can afford it." At a thought, Mircus is immediately distracted again, and wanders off, curiously checking his pouches for a particular piece of scratched-upon paper.