Evening on Rephidim, the streets changing character as shops close, furries head home to dinner through the lengthening shadows, and, as a fox and an Aeolun head away from Alysin's Auction House, the light of the sun is replaced by the sparks of candles and oil lamps in countless windows along the streets. As the merchants close their doors, other establishments, the inns, grow more noisy and crowded, snatches of singing and the clatter of dishes drifting from their doorways.

After a few block's worth of travel, the direction of the two becomes apparent… towards the Temple of Rephidim itself.

Zephyr glances around during the entire trip, always suspicious of just about everything in the city. "I hope Wyn's done her work already… I said I'd pick her up a few minutes from now, so we could go get some dinner. I hope she doesn't mind waiting a while to eat."

Envoy asks, "Are you two living together now?" Behind her, Bem shows as much suspicion as Zephyr does.

Zephyr tries his best to ignore the Zelak, which he obviously isn't comfortable around. o O { Bugs… } "Mm-hm… I don't think either one of us want to be out of each other's sight for long, now, after all we've been through. Though I'm not too crazy about being in the Temple at night. Guess it's better than out here, though."

Envoy smiles, "Rephidim can be very interesting at night."

Zephyr flicks his ears. "I think I've had enough of the 'interesting' parts of this place. They usually cause injury or cost you money." He looks back at Envoy. "You've… grown a lot, seems like. How are you existing here, anyway? I thought you were… um… part of that tower, or something?"

Envoy nods, "Well, ever since Lothrhyn built Chimera the necessary instructions for creating an autonomous remote were stored within my ansible. When the gate delivered me here and contact with Lothrhyn was broken, the new design was implemented, using the remaining mana reserves in my body."

Zephyr's ears swivel confusedly as he keeps walking, quickly. "Kind of like a backup comp in a satellite when it loses its groundlink? Or are you… well… completely on your own, now? Just you, as yourself?" He doesn't look like he really understands the concept that well. Ahead of him, the Temple gates grow more distinct, torchlight reflecting dully off the chitin of the guards.

Envoy hmms. "I suppose I am on my own. I have a lot of stored knowledge, but my experience is still my own." She looks over the fox, "How have you been adapting?"

Zephyr looks up ahead, then glances at the Zelak behind Envoy, then at her. o O { Wonder if she gets in free and clear 'cause she has her own bug? } He winces a little at the question. "Me… I'm still myself. Even if on this world I've been locked down, locked up, beaten up, flushed down a sewer, thrown from a crashing airship, and they still think I killed their leader." He halfsmiles. "Other than that, just fine."

Zephyr looks down a bit. "It's not me I worry about all the time, though. It's Wyn. She's… lost her memory. And I don't know if she'll ever get it back."

Envoy smiles, "It sounds very interesting. Wyn has always had difficulties with her memory, it seems. Did her Dreams open the gate that brought you here?"

Zephyr's gaze drifts up to the gates ahead. "I think so. Watchfire went wild, something tore a hole in space, seemed like, then we were pulled in and ended up here." He turns to look at the Aeolun. "She doesn't remember anything of our time before here, but… I thought she was gone. When I found her… ." His eyes close. "As long as she's alive, safe and just… here, where I can be with her, that's all that matters. I think she knows I care about her."

Envoy nods, "I think this may have happened to her before, but I don't really understand how her magic works or how it is connected."

Zephyr shakes his head, and his expression clears. "I don't either… Anyway, she's doing alright now. She's working, she has a safe, clean bed and can get enough food. And until we can get somewhere else, someplace nicer… I'm going to make sure she always has that. She deserves a lot more, though." He slows as he pads up to the Temple's massive gates, letting the Zelaks recognize him. "Do they know you? Wyn should be out in a second… she… She… well, knows me now, knows she trusts me… But Envoy? I don't want her to think she's forgotten what important. I'm letting her start fresh and clean, only letting her know that I care about her a lot and did before, too. I like seeing her happy."

Envoy nods, "I won't talk about what she doesn't remember anymore then. I'll wait here for you."

Envoy says, "I arrived here through the same gate, following a strange dragon."

Zephyr's ears perk. He idly scuffs at the ground with a hindpaw as he waits. "Dragon? Hope it wasn't like that one that went after me, is all." He smiles a little. "Oh, you can talk about some things… stuff that might unlock her memory. I just don't act like she's forgotten is all. If that makes any sense." He nods to the Zelaks at the doors, then can't resist making a vaguely insulting muzzle-gesture behind their backs as he passes them. o O { Bugs… }

Envoy starts 'chatting' with one of the guards in the odd clicking language Zelaks use, apparently trying to sell it a box of cookies.

Wyn is the last worker still at work in her office when Zephyr arrives. She swishes her tail hello when the fox arrives and grins, shuffling the papers a little for balance. "I'm almost done," she wufs. She substitutes her stack of papers with the ones still in the 'in' box and carries the new stack to the next desk, replacing the papers in that 'in' box.

Wyn wufs, "Turn around, please."

Wyn motions with her paw, indicating Zephyr's to turn to face the door.

Zephyr rfs? and turns around, facing the door, ears swiveling curiosly. "Why?"

Wyn says, "Just 'cause."

Zephyr focuses his ears on the wolf, though. "What, Top Secret papers, they're giving you now?"

Wyn makes a circuit of the office once more, this time removing five or six documents at random from the 'out' box on each desk. She carries these into the back room and drops them into the refuse bin.

Wyn wufs, "Something like that."

Zephyr, never having worked in an office himself, stays looking at the door. "Sounds likeyou're busy, though… "

Wyn stops by her desk and takes her work log from the shelf and writes down a time two hours hence.

Wyn says, "OKie. I'm done. You know, I get a lot more done when the others have left."

Zephyr looks up at the ceiling instead. "You know, I might be tempted to mess with their important papers a little, just to see them scrabble over their bureacracy." He turns around and smiles again. "Of course!"

Wyn hugs Zephyr hello and wrinkles her nose. "Ech. You smell like a bug!"

Zephyr hugs back and ughs. "I do? Great… Envoy's got one, I've been with her and it. I hate bugs." He noses the wolf softly. "I… um, hope you don't mind delaying dinner a little, we kind of have to check on someone. Do you remember Jarik?"

Wyn brushes at her fur and thinks . o O { I prolly smell like a bug too. I wish I had time for a bath. }

Wyn says, "I'll wait. No, I don't think so. Who is he?"

Zephyr watches Wyn. "Fox, knight, but not a fox like me, he walks like a human and all? Okay, not important… but he's in trouble. He… well… was sold, like a slave. He wasn't in good shape, either. From what I heard, the scholar who 'bought' him is a nice old guy who's just curious about Exiles, but… I need to check. Quietly. And if he's not free, I have to free him."

Wyn says, "Another Exile."

Wyn says, "Have to? Is he family?"

Wyn looks Zephyr up and down. "You're planning to do this before dinner?"

Zephyr shakes his head. "No. But you knew him. I met him a few times, and he's an honest, honorable warrior. Besides… nobody can be bought and sold. They had chains on him. Shackles."

Wyn falls silent, following Zephyr out without further comment.

Wyn thinks . o O { I do hate the furs that sold me. Do I hate all of the furs that sell people? }

Wyn thinks . o O { It doesn't make sense to risk all for the sake of someone I don't even know. }

Zephyr gives Wyn's paw a gentle squeeze as he pads towards the Gate with her. "Hey, I hate slavers too. If he's not okay… you need to keep your ears and claws sharp too. Neither of us can afford to get soft in this place. I'm going to see if it's okay if we go out beyond the City to hunt, too."

Wyn says, "No one cares what I do as long as I show up for work on time. As long as I pass my next review, I'll get some free time every other week."

Zephyr watches Wyn's eyes as he approaches the gate's inside guards. "Good. I'm doing okay with the odd jobs too, for now. This… tonight, no risks, okay? I just know your heart's not in paperwork, I… don't think you ever have to sneak up on memos and forms. Do you?"

Wyn softly wufs, "My super says that I'm doing a good job in an office where no one gets things accomplished."

Outside the Temple gates, Envoy has abandoned her efforts to sell cookies to the Zelak guards, and is watching Bem hunt vermites.

Zephyr's ears flick. "Um… But if nothing gets done… You mean he's saying you do? That's a compliment… I think?" He shrugs. "But, if it gets money, who cares?" He smiles again and pads towards the gate. "Out, thank you?" o O { She's right. I do smell like a bug. Yuck. }

Wyn walks past the guards without looking at them.

Envoy smiles and waves to Wyn and Zephyr.

Wyn says, "Good evening, Envoy."

Zephyr follows, then waves at Envoy. "Alright… you said you know the address?"

Wyn blinkblinks sleepily and stretches in the cool night air. "I wonder if I'll get used to working days," she wufs to herself.

Bem comes out of the alley, and sniffs over Wyn to make sure she's safe.

Wyn says, "Ack! Get away!"

Zephyr hrms. "I'm not… ack! Envoy, call off the bug, please!"

Envoy says, "Yes, it's in the Scholar's Quarter, near Freedom Park."

Wyn pushes at the zelak and backs away.

Envoy clicks at Bem, who gives Wyn some space. He's still got the Temple Scouts beret from Envoy's uniform on one antenna.

Zephyr flattens his ears and slips between Wyn and the Zelak. "Can you have it… not do that?"

Envoy says, "Sorry about that, Wyn. Would you like some cookies?"

Wyn growlies at the zelak. "I'm not allowed to greet people certain ways. You better behave unless you'd like to be sitting on those antennae."

Envoy says, "Bem is a bit overprotective. He's my bodyguard, but I can't really order him around or anything."

Wyn's ears perk up and her attention changes its focus. "Cookies? What kind of cookies?"

Zephyr looks back at Wyn. "How are you not allowed to greet people?"

Zephyr's ears perk too. "Since we're not getting dinner yet… What kind of cookies? Anything but that 'chocolate' stuff."

Envoy looks through her pack… "I've got Fat Mints and Bailey Beetles cookies left."

Wyn rolls her eyes and says to Zepyhr, "Just be careful where you sniff furries when you're inside the Temple. Even the Jupani don't do it where anyone is looking."

Wyn snifsnifs. Cookies?

Zephyr blinks at Wyn and then glares up at the Temple. "What kind of savages are they? Wierd customs… "

Zephyr moves closer to the cookies. "Real bugs?"

Wyn hehs. "We're weirder, to them."

Envoy blinks, "Fake ones would be too hard to make, I think."

Envoy says, "Anyway, they're real enough for the Eeee."

Zephyr licks his nose. "Sounds good to me… Let's get going? If you don't mind sharing, Envoy… Wyn, you like bugs?"

Envoy starts to lead the way out towards Freedom Park.

Wyn says, "If I can eat it, I like it."

Envoy hands over a box to Zephyr. It has a brightly-colored, cartoon Eeee in Inquisitor robes rubbing his belly and going 'Yum!' on the cover.

Zephyr pads alongside Wyn, gesturing up at the Temple again. "You know most of the furries in this place don't even have instincts or anything? I'd like to see them out in the woods, would be fun to watch. We're weird? Hmph." He blinks at the box, sniffing at it. "See? Look at their art." He holds the box up for Wyn to see. "They're wierd."

Zephyr grins and tears the end of the box with his teeth, then hands some cookies to Wyn. "Thank you, Envoy… "

Envoy says, "You're welcome. There's the park up ahead, have you ever been there before?"

Zephyr shakes his head. "No. No reason to be up this far."

Wyn munches contentedly. "I could eat a whole box of these. Wherever do you get these, Envoy? Is there a stall at the Bazaar?"

Streetlamps like up the park with its small fishing pond, and the large bronze(!) statue depicting the First Ship.

Zephyr playfully noses Wyn as he walks. "Maybe you shouldn't eat those. You already smell like a bug."

Envoy says, "I get them from the Temple. They're Temple Scout cookies."

Wyn gahs!

Envoy spins around for Wyn, "And they even gave me this neat uniform!"

Wyn says, "For free?"

Zephyr munches happily on a cookie, eyes sparkling as he grins at Wyn. He blinks? "Temple Scout?"

Envoy says, "Well, I'm supposed to give the money from selling the cookies back to the Temple."

Wyn says, "It's very pretty."

Wyn stops munching and looks at the cookies in her left paw. "Er, how much are they?"

Wyn eyes Zephyr and thinks . o O { Back in the box. Baaaaack in the box. }

Zephyr stares at the statue as he passes it. "Huh. Sublight, looks like. No wonder they've forgotten everything, probably took them generations to get here… ." He trails off at the mention of money. "Do I owe you, Envoy? How much?"

Envoy says, "The boxes cost 1 shekel, but I'm supposed to sell them for 5. It doesn't make a lot of sense… "

Wyn says, "You should sell them for 7 and keep the difference. Do you have any raggedy clothes?"

Zephyr sighs, then smiles warmly at Wyn. "Eat." He pulls out a few shekels from his pouch and passes them to Envoy.

Envoy says, "I can cover the cost."

Envoy turns down one of the long avenues leading from the park. It's relatively clean, with the middle-class look of small townhouses and apartments – none higher than two stories though.

Zephyr blinks. "Wyn, that's a sneaky way to make money. I like it." He grins and his tail swishes.

Wyn swishes her tail for the fox and nods.

Envoy says, "Sometimes I get 10 shekels for a box. For some reason, people don't wait for their change after Bem hands them their cookies… "

Wyn says, "Almost everyfur in my office has a second income. I'm learning a lot."

Zephyr looks satisfied at that news. "Good." He blinks at Envoy, then glances at the bug. "I wouldn't."

Wyn says, "Bem is a slimy bug and he's too big to stomp, that's why."

Wyn glares at the zelak.

Envoy pauses in front of a nondescript townhouse with a small garden. "He's not slimy. Only the Queen made some slime when she bit me. This is the place."

Wyn thinks . o O { He looks like he should be slimy. }

Zephyr pbths. "They're still bugs. Bugs should be pounces, squashed, or eaten. Not follow you around."

Wyn gives Zephyr a 'what now?' look.

Bem clacks his mandibles once.

Zephyr stops… and looks up at the house, then leads the way into the shadows. "Just listen for a second, see if we hear him. Envoy, please make the bug be quiet?"

Envoy smiles, "That means he likes you, Wyn."

Zephyr looks back at Wyn, then gestures to the house, flattens his ears, and crouches a bit. "Windows.", he whispers. "Look for windows, try to see in. If he's there, then we'll see about a distraction, maybe with the bug, so we can get in."

Wyn says, "Heh. I'll bet. We understand each other, I think. Don't we, Bem."

Zephyr stares at Wyn… then giggles silently, he can't help it. "Awww… he likes you. How cute." His eyes sparkle, and he sneaks off into the shadows before he can get bit.

Wyn says, "Why don't I just go knock on the door and say hello?"

Zephyr pokes his head back out of the shadows. "Because the person who lives here might have lots of bugs if he's not nice. Strong ones."

Wyn wrinkles her nose. "I'm not going to get into trouble."

Wyn whispers, "Envoy, can I have a couple of boxes of cookies, please?"

The front door swings open and out steps a robed figure.

Zephyr smiles slowly. "That… just might… wait! Down… "

Envoy pauses in handing over the cookies to Wyn, looking up at the door.

Zephyr ducks down, ears perked, then slowly peeks at the figure. He lifts his muzzle, sniffing.

Wyn takes the cookies and swishes her tail. She waves animatedly.

Wyn walks toward the figure. "Hiyas. May I speak with the Mistress of this house?"

Envoy starts to tell Wyn that Aski isn't married, but hushes herself.

The figure rushes over to Wyn and sweeps her into a hug, "Lady Arwyn! It's been… well, 2 years!"

Zephyr jumps! as the figure rushes towards Wyn, letting out a sharp yelp as he leaps into a pounce towards it…

Wyn erfs!

Envoy's view of the happenings is immediately blocked as Bem steps between her and the others.

Wyn says, "Ah, it's just 'Wyn'. Who are you?"

Wyn swishes her tail. "Buy some cookies? They're cheap at a tenner a box, and the money supports a good cause."

The figure while still hanging onto Wym gets slammed full force by Zephyr, sending them sprawling. The hood falls back revealing a rather surprised fox, "Hey… !"

Wyn thinks . o O { This is going to make it more difficult to make a sale. }

Zephyr starts to scuffle… then freezes, sniffsniffs… and rolls off the figure, standing up and tucking a somewhat cheap chitin dagger into his pouch-belt. "Jarik. I… sorry. We… were going to rescue you."

Zephyr's ears relax, and the predatory wildness fades from his eyes. "I… um. You rushed towards Wyn, I thought… Sorry about that." He grins a little. "They let you go?"

Envoy pokes her head around Bem's bulk. "Jarik? You're free? Oh no!! You didn't kill poor old Aski did you!?"

Wyn puzzles.

Jarik sits up and eyes Zephyr, "Well, hello to you too. Afraid to disappoint you, but I don't need a rescue. Not this time anyway." He chuckles, "More or less. I'm not a slave, I'm, well, to be… I'm to represent exiles in some research Aski's doing."

Jarik gets back to his feet, "Aski's quite well, Envoy. He's just sleeping right now. We were up for awhile, he had many questions to ask."

Zephyr pads quietly alongside Wyn, reaching to brush at Jarik's robes. "This is Jarik, Wyn… " He glances over the other fox. "Represent… you okay, though?"

Wyn says, "Jarik. OK; I'll remember. Let's kidnap him out to dinner, or else raid Aski's larder."

Envoy says, "Do you have a place to stay?"

Zephyr grins lopsidely at the other fox. "Not wise to deny a starving wolf her dinner… Up to you? I think… we have some catching up to do, too."

Jarik holds up a bandaged hand and wrist, "No worse than usual." He smiles, "No need to kidnap me, I'm free to wanderas I choose. Up to you where we eat, I didn't go many places last time I was here. Way too busy investigating the assasination… "

Wyn shivers at a sudden sense of the city closing in on her.

Zephyr watches Wyn's eyes for a moment. "Envoy, do you know anyplace that's nice and open to eat? Lots of plants, maybe, closer to the edges of the city?"

Envoy says, "The Monkey's Head Tavern should still be open, but it's near the Bazaar. I don't know what might be open in the wealthier parts of the city though."

Envoy says, "We could always get some food at the tavern and just eat at the Park though."

Zephyr smiles. "Sounds good to me."

Jarik dusts off his cloak, "You'll have to lead. I've been in himar for months."

Zephyr gently brushes Wyn's shoulder. "You are definitely going hunting out in the countryside this weekend."

Zephyr looks at Jarik. "Where's Himar?"

Envoy nods, and starts to lead the way back down the street, explaining to Bem that Jarik is a friendly warrior.

Jarik walks along, "Not really sure. It was after my airship exploded. I ended up in jail there for killing three street thugs."

Zephyr glances at Wyn, then back again. "I think they accuse every Exile of something. We're both criminals too."

Jarik looks at Envoy and then Zephyr and Wyn, "If any of you heard rumors about the knight of the Azure Flame, well, that was me."

Envoy says, "Really? Did you bring your band of outlaw vigilantes with you?"

Jarik says, "I was banished from Rephidim because I angered several inquisitors. "

Zephyr chuckles. "Oh, that's hard to do."

Jarik chuckles, "No, they're waiting back in Himar. I figured it was safer to travel here alone."

Envoy says to Zephyr, "The only thing I've been accused of is being the illegitimate daughter of Inquisitor Raphael Melchizedek. I think I'm partly responsible for his being sent out to do field work though… "

Jarik looks to Envoy, "That sounds like the work of Moffat, actually. Melchizedek was probably the most honorable of the inquisitors."

Zephyr's ears snap back. "Mel… That sadistic… You got him punished, Envoy? Thank you! Just wish it was worse, though. Like getting thrown down a… sewer."

Envoy says, "Although, having his assistant Azhtar run off after being wanted by the Audit might have done something as well… "

Jarik blinks, "I heard she was killed some time ago, Envoy."

Envoy blinks, and pauses. "Who told you that?"

Wyn walks along quietly.

Jarik snarls, "Moffat, of course. Azhtar was probably the only friend I had here during that time."

Zephyr looks aghast at Jarik. "Honorable? Honorable?! He had me beaten up, tortured… He… If I had gotten out of those restraints, he wouldn't be around, I can tell you that."

Envoy frowns at Zephyr, "He was always nice to me." To Jarik, she asks, "Did Moffat say anything about the supposed circumstances of her death?"

Jarik looks at Zeph, "Compared to the others, Zeph… he was honorable."

Jarik says, "You never met Moffat, did you Zeph?"

Jarik looks at Envoy, "He said she was killed and didn't go into specifics."

Envoy says, "Well, when I left her, Azhtar was under the protection of several mages in a hidden Savanite city."

Zephyr shakes his head. "I don't want to meet anyone else in that Temple. Whole thing's corrupt."

Jarik nods slightly, "Good. I'm glad she has her freedom, Envoy."

Envoy nods to Zephyr, "Moffat is probably the one that had you framed for murder. It's best that you avoid him."

Jarik looks at Zephyr, "I lived there for awhile. It's much more corrupt than you've seen. I'd call it a boil, but that's too polite."

Zephyr turns to look at Wyn. "They're not bothering you any, are they?"

Jarik looks at Zephyr, "Wyn's living there? Keep an eye on her. Moffat is a womanizer from what I've heard and seen."

Zephyr growls softly. "We both live there, for the time being. She works there, I work outside."

Envoy says, "Are you staying with Aski Medes, Jarik?"

Zephyr looks up. "And if whoever that is tries anything… If I don't remove him from existance, she will."

Jarik nods to Envoy, "Yes. He's a rather nice fellow."

Jarik looks at Zephyr, "Not if he's surrounded by his usual bug brigade."

Envoy leads the group past Freedom Park again, and back towards the now mostly empty Bazaar area.

Wyn says, "No one's bothered me in particular, Zephyr."

Zephyr mms. "Still, I'm glad they let me be there nights."

Jarik glances about, remembering this is where the chase began. He tilts his head, "I take it you were the one accused of killing the Captain whatever, Zephyr? The description matched."

Zephyr rolls his eyes. "There's an assassin who looks just like me, Shadowspite. She did it, I assume. I was to be the decoy. Worked pretty well."

Envoy hmms, and thinks Zephyr may be able to help Jarik with his investigation…

Jarik says, "I figured as much. To be blunt, the guards couldn't tell a fox from a wolf from a Zelak. Most are rather dense."

Envoy says, "They have a vested interest in not telling their superiors what they don't want to hear."

Jarik nods to Envoy, "I told ther superiors the truth about things, which is why I was banished."

Wyn makes mental notes.

Envoy says, "Here it is," and points to the sign over a well-lit Tavern. The Monkey's Head.

Envoy says, "Don't order the Gooshurm though, there have been reports of people reacting badly to it… "

Jarik cringes, "Agh, not THOSE things."

Jarik looks over his shoulder, "How have you been, Lady Arwyn? You look well."

Wyn says, "I suppose I'm all right."

Wyn swishes her tail.

Jarik says, "You don't remember me, do you?"

Wyn says, "It's just 'Wyn'. I don't remember anything from before and 'Arwyn' always sounds like someone else's name."

Wyn says, "No."

Zephyr softly pats Wyn's shoulder. "S'okay. Let's get some food?" He smiles at her and swishes his tail a little. "Jarik's a knight, always has been."

Wyn enters with everyone else.

Jarik nods slightly and proceeds into the tavern.

Envoy convinces a couple to leave for a smaller table, without even having to ask them. Maybe being followed by a Zelak isn't that bad…

Wyn watches curiously.

Jarik waits for the others to sit first.

Wyn sits, and opens up a menu.

Zephyr slows his pace a little to move beside Jarik. "Jarik… She's lost her memory, I'll tell you later. I had to get her to trust me all over again." He pads back to Wyn and smiles, then pulls out a chair for her.

Zephyr settles down and looks over a menu. "What've they got that's not too wierd? And what's a 'gooshurm', anyway?"

Jarik says, "A worm, Zephyr, a worm that likes to lick foxes."

Zephyr blinks and almost drops the menu. "Okay. Now I'm convinced this world has something against vulpines. Likes to lick foxes? Just foxes?"

Bem doesn't sit down, but just scans the crowd.

Jarik nods, "Yes, JUST foxes. I've had… the experience."

Wyn laughs and has to put down the menu and cover her muzzle with both paws.

Envoy grins at Wyn. "Gooshurm tongues are very chewy after they've been boiled, too."

Wyn erfs, "Sorry. I had some friends fill me in on Gooshurm a while ago. I thought they were mostly filling my head with stories."

Zephyr gives Wyn a sideways look. "Uh-huh… Just wait'll we run into something that likes wolves." He giggles too, though. "They don't grow up here, do they?"

Jarik look at Zeph, "Just don't go to the desert, trust me."

Wyn says, "Down on the ground."

Zephyr pokes his muzzle back into the menu again. "I was in the desert. Those Kavi things thought I was their sacrifice of the week. What's this 'waashu' stuff? Spicy?"

Jarik looks at the menu, "Who else is here?"

Jarik acks at Zephyr, "No waashu, they… explode."

Wyn reads the menu slowly through, and then orders what she always does… vermite.

Envoy says, "They're poisonous too. Another Exile, Chiaroscuro, told me about them."

Jarik says, "I've encountered one in the sky. Sure it was dead, but they tend to gather gas then pop."

Zephyr blinks again. "Exploding food. Oh, I just love this world… " He sighs and scans over the menu again. "Vermite? They have that? Good. Safe. I'll have that too."

Envoy orders some live vermites as well, for Bem, and a fish fillet for herself.

Jarik decides to order a simple fish fillet, cooked well. And NOT one of those odd things that the Nobnakim sell.

Zephyr's ears perk at Envoy. "They serve live? Even better." He grins and changes his order, then orders a hot drink, too. "Who else is here, Jarik? Except for us… just Ben is all I know of… "

Wyn says, "Tarin is here."

Wyn says, "Another fox."

Jarik nods, "I remember Tarin."

Zephyr smiles. "He is? I remember him."

Wyn says, "He works in the docks."

Envoy shows Zephyr the part of the menu with 'Naga House Specials', which has most of the live food listings.

Jarik says, "Hm, I'll have to go see him at some point."

Zephyr nods. "Sounds about right… " He glances over what Envoy shows him. "What, most people here like dead food?"

Envoy says, "Yes, Zephyr. Not all species can properly digest raw flesh."

Envoy says, "And some just like the flavor of cooked food."

Envoy mentally recalls the number of taste buds normally posessed by canids, and doesn't try to push cooked food on Zephyr…

Zephyr looks up as a covered basket is placed in front of him. He sniffsniffs at it and grins, then it moves a little. "Perfect. So… any ideas as to what's going on in the Temple now? Seems to be busy with backstabbing and plotting… "

Jarik looks at Zephyr, "We may be able to prove your innocence and take down some of the temple higher-ups if you're interested."

Wyn says, "I'm not sure I should hear this conversation go this way. I work inside the temple walls, and I'm not the only one that reads body signs to learn what's going on."

Envoy says, "There has been a major reorganization after the recent Audit. I am without a patron in the Temple now, and there are a few there who would rather see me out of circulation. The Captain Astromancer has been buried, but there are too many rumors and no real information about his replacement."

Zephyr slips a small moving furry bit out of the basket and quickly swallows it, then almost chokes as Jarik speaks. *cough* "What?!"

Envoy says, "If you uncover any solid evidence in your investigations, I might be able to get to someone who can use it though."

Zephyr looks sideways at Wyn. "What's wrong with… well… I think we're in enough trouble, can't hurt… " He smiles.

Jarik nods and takes a sip of water, "I have an idea who was behind the assasination. A suspicion, anyway."

Zephyr's ears perk. He looks extremely interested now. "Who hired Shadowspite, you mean?"

Envoy says, "I advise continuing your investigation outside of the Temple though, Jarik."

Jarik nods, "I need to locate some people I knew on the street. They may have more information."

Jarik says, "Also, I need to locate a poison dealer. I want to prove my innocence as well."

Envoy passes the Bucket-O-Vermites to Bem when it arrives, and mechanically eats her fish fillet.

Zephyr quietly finishes the rest of his vermites, then orders a bowl of various fruit. "Anything that clears up this mess. If you can do that, just so Wyn and I can get out of all this, find a nice, quiet place… "

Jarik looks at Zephyr, "I would wager the hiree was Moffat. I'm not certain but I have my suspicions."

Zephyr sips his drink. "Can you prove it?"

Zephyr says, "And will anyone in that place listen? "

Jarik says, "Not yet."

Zephyr looks at Wyn. "What about the Inquisitor that talked to us? He seemed to want to try to prove who did it all too, didn't he?"

Jarik says, "Melchizedek would have listened, I imagine. But we'd need proof."

Wyn says, "You talked to him more than I did. I don't believe any of them."

Jarik says, "All of them are corrupt to some extent. But, some do believe in the temple. They would probably help us."

Zephyr chuckles. "Mel wouldn't listen to me. Considering I tried to bite him. I did get his subaltern pretty good… and some guards… "

Zephyr rolls his eyes. "Believe in… Jarik, what's to believe in? It's a burned out-old colony starship they've made a religion out of. And that they keep secrets of for the sake of greed."

Jarik looks at Zephyr, "They believe it's there to keep law and order, Zephyr. Some do, anyway."

Jarik taps his claw on the table, "Reguardless of a symbol's origin, they have great power over most people."

Zephyr gives the other fox a look at the mention of 'law and order'. "They have great power, though, I'll give you that. That's why we came back, we knew otherwise they'd get us eventually."

Jarik says, "They are corrupt. I fought against it during my short time here. I was there when they burned Darkside."

Envoy doesn't mention the possibility of Melchizedek eventually returning from his mission, since she doesn't know if it will be within her friends' lifetimes.

Jarik takes another sip of water, "If you want to make a difference Zeph, you have to give them a better symbol to believe in."

Zephyr settles back in his chair with his drink. "Sorry, world-saving's not my business. I'll help innocent people if I see something I can help with, but I'm not on a crusade. I just want to get free and clear of the yoke they've got on Wyn and I, so we can settle down somewhere quiet. The world and the rest of the universe… " He sips his drink. "Can take care of themselves."

Jarik sets his glass down. "I know I haven't 'changed' the world. But, for a few people I've made a difference. That's what counts to me."

Wyn gets up quietly. "'Scuse me for a bit. I'm going to see if a friend is here," she wufs.

Zephyr looks at Wyn as she gets up… "Everything alright?"

Wyn pads into the back, breathing a sigh of relief once she's out of hearing range.

Jarik nods, "You also have a reason to stay out of it." He glances toward Wyn, "You have a reason to stay alive."

Zephyr looks after the wolf, then sighs as she pads into the back. o O { Shouldn't have argued, I know it bothers her… }

Jarik says, "If I was in your place Zephyr, I'd stay out of it too."

Zephyr nods quietly, looking back into his drink. "Idealism can get you in trouble. Or dead."

Zephyr looks up and towards where Wyn left again. "And I definitely do have a reason to stay alive."

Jarik shrugs, "Death doen't matter to me anymore. Look at me, I'm scarred and worn. I've been betrayed by my own species. I don't have anything but my beliefs."

Jarik looks up, "It was a female fox that sold me out to the temple."

Zephyr looks down at his own fur. Though he's gotten injured quite a bit, his healing by the mage has left him without any scars, his form in perfect shape, his fur neat and silky. He suddenly feels guilty. "A… female fox? Jarik, that I can relate to. Shadowspite, the assasin? I think she was my species exactly. Digitigrade, no hair… that got to me, being betrayed by that… "

Jarik says, "The one who sold me out was a digigrade with a wig. I should have known better."

Zephyr blinks. "You don't think it was Shadowspite herself, do you? She… I've been thinking maybe she was even from my homeworld, there aren't any others exactly like me here. Almost, but not quite. At least, not that I've met yet."

Jarik says, "She was golden furred. Though I think it may have been bleached. The fur changed color a bit during the time I was around her."

Envoy hmms, listening to the foxes outline a consipiracy.

Zephyr quietly chews on a piece of fruit. "Well, if it was Shadowspite, she could have killed you as quickly as the flick of an ear. I know." He softly taps the side of his head. "I still have her memories."

Envoy says, "Would you recognize the mind mage who did that if you saw him again, Zephyr?"

Zephyr shakes his head. "Cloudy. I think that's the strongest bit he did, much better than the part making me believe I was her. Hiding himself."

Zephyr says, "Plus I was chained to the floor at the time. "

Envoy decides to ask Isstan about mages that might work like that…

Zephyr rfs. "I have been trying to find leads on my own, through the underworld bits of the… um… business I'm connected with now. No luck. So, Jarik, Envoy… if you can find anything that'd get me free, or more importantly, get Wyn free… I'd be in your debt."

Wyn returns to the table with a tall glass of water.

Envoy says, "I always keep my eyes and ears open."

Jarik says, "No, you wouldn't be in debt to me. Anyway, time will tell. I don't want to get into much trouble while I'm here. Not yet, anyway."

Wyn softly wufs, "I don't mind working. It's better than being hunted."

Envoy says, "Well, if you need my help on anything, I can be contacted through the Bard's Guild."

Jarik nods, "Oh, say hi to Veilanika for me sometime, Envoy?"

Envoy says, "Of course, Jarik!"

Zephyr smiles at Wyn. "I know. Me too. But I'd rather get out of the city and go live in the mountains. I think you would too." He smiles at Envoy and Jarik too. "I'll keep in touch with both of you… Jarik, you have a place to stay, you said? I think we'd better get back to the Temple before the gates close up…

Wyn nods.

Jarik nods, "I've got accomodations for a month. It's great to see everyone again. I'm glad you two are alright." He smiles at Envoy, "I'm also glad you seem to have adjusted. You were a bit, well, naive last I saw you."

Jarik stands and bows slightly, "I must be going. Take care everyone, I'll see you later, I'm sure."

Wyn says, "Goodnight, Jarik."

Zephyr stands slowly, happily full. "Wyn? Back to… well… home for now?"

Jarik head out the door and back toward his current residence, leaving the others in the bar.

Wyn says, "I think I'd rather go for a walk."

Zephyr rfs… "After all day of paperwork? I would too." He joins Wyn, waving to Envoy and smiling. "Glad to see you again, Envoy… and you're doing really, really well on your own." He turns, and follows Wyn out of the inn.

Envoy says, "Thank you, Zephyr. By really well I assume you mean 'out of jail'?"

Zephyr chuckles and nods. "That, too. You seem to be the only one."

Envoy lingers behind to try and sell cookies to the waiter…