It's late at night, with clouds and a waning moon providing little light to illumine the good citizens of the City as they trickle into the Monkey's Head Tavern in ones and twos. Tonight's special is roasted Gooshurm, the scent of which is unmistakable in the calm air.

Chiaroscuro stumbles down from the upstairs floor, looking rather bedraggled. Due to the shake-ups in the temple, his 'guaranteed' lease was revoked, and he was forced to move into the tavern.

Envoy pokes her head inside and looks around.

Envoy spots Chia and waves! "So this is your new place?"

A single Jupani wearing a deep blue cloak enters, he looks about for a bit and is seated.

Half of the tables have filled already. One table near the door has been taken over by low-rank Jupani guardsmen. Their loud barks and whistles for beer drown out the background conversation.

Chiaroscuro pads over to Envoy, and smiles. "Yes, upstairs in room 5. Not as nice as the last one, but it'll do… and the owner lets me work odd jobs for him to keep the rent down."

Envoy smiles, "This place looks much more interesting too." She glances around at all of the 'interesting' people.

The cloaked Jupani pulls back his cloak after he is seated and comfortable. He remains quiet for the most part, only speaking to order a drink.

Chiaroscuro smirks a bit… "That's one word for it. But I will run the path Rik' has set for me." He leads Envoy over to an empty table, and pads off to fetch drinks from the bar for them.

Envoy says, "Is Rick the owner?"

A mixed-species feline brings the chalk specialty board over to Envoy and Chiaroscuro. She sets water before them in a pitcher and says, "I'm Ruffri. If you've never had Gooshurm, tonight's your night for adventure." She tries to keep a straight face and breaks into a grin. "Would you like a menu?"

Envoy says, "I think I'd like the Gooshurm."

Chiaroscuro returns with the drinks… "Just the usual for me, Ruffri. Have the boss add it to my month's bill."

The server smiles and bows her head. "It will be a few minutes. I'll be right back with bread for the table?" she asks, moving off before a response can be given.

The Jupani waves impatiently for his drink, mumbling something about the lower class.

Envoy looks at the table. "I didn't know you had to feed tables bread. Where is the mouth?"

Chiaroscuro says, "Another metaphoric statement, Envoy. 'The table' referring to those seated at the table." He takes a sip from a glass of ale. "In any matter, what have you been doing lately?"

Envoy finds all sorts of interesting things stuck to the underside of the wood, but comes back up and says, "Trying to sort out the changes in the Temple. It would be easier if anybody there actually knew what they were."

Envoy takes a sip of the drink Chia brought back from the bar.

Chiaroscuro nods. "The only message I received was that the Temple-reserved rooms in my apartment building had been eliminated, and that my rent would double if I stayed there. So until I find something other than day-to-day jobs, I'm making my home here."

A gray and white wolf morph enters the tavern and stands in the doorway. She's on the smallish side for a Jupani, and clearly out of place. The guardsmen near her look her up and down and go back to their messy repast.

The Jupani who had been mumbling earlier about the lower class is suddenly quiet as the Jupani female enters. He ponders her for a moment, and stands.

Envoy's back is to the door, so she doesn't notice the new arrival.

Envoy says, "What sort of job are you looking for?"

The gray and white wolf's attention is drawn to a large wire cage by the bar. The cage is crawling with vermites.

Chiaroscuro says, "Something with a fair amount of pay, preferably. Dancing or acrobatics again, that would be nice. Something dependable."

Chiaroscuro shrugs. "If and when Haskalah can finish the treatments, something off of Rephidim, even. I might rejoin Piti's show."

Envoy says, "I've noticed that private dancers seem to do well."

The Jupani male in the blue cloak proceeds over to the female wolf in the doorway an upon reaching her says quietly so only the closest ears might hear, "Do they bother, or perhaps interest you… Miss?"

Ruffri brings two pitchers of beer out for the guardsmen, deftly avoiding most of their pawing at her. She works her way over to Envoy and Chiaroscuro and sets a basket of bread before them. The steaming, dark loaf has a knife stuck in the middle of it. A crock of sweet butter is nestled in the napkin.

Chiaroscuro smirks a bit… "Those dancers are often required to do much more than simply dance, Lady Envoy… that work would not be pleasing."

Chiaroscuro smiles. "Ah. Thank you, Ruffri." He cuts half the loaf for himself, spreading it with butter.

Envoy watches the buttering closely.

Envoy says, "Maybe you could open an acrobatics school for Kavis?"

Chiaroscuro sets the knife down and chews on the bread, contemplatively.

The gray wolf startles, nods. "Pardon. I am just curious. These are 'Vermites'."

Envoy picks up the other piece of bread and butters it, just like Chiaroscuro did.

The Jupani male speaks, "Indeed they are… you look a bit lost, would you perhaps like a table?" he says quietly, smiling a little.

Chiaroscuro says, "Perhaps… but doing that in any real sense would require a place to practice, a guarantee of regular customers… I'm amazed Piti got the show working together as well as he did, he was a sharp businessman."

Chiaroscuro says, "If it weren't for the skullbuzz, I'd be with the show now… "

Chiaroscuro chews on the bread some more, slowly.

The gray wolf nods. "I would. I have no money. It's OK?" she says.

Envoy nibbles on her piece of bread. "What other exercises has Haskalah prescribed for you?"

The Jupani nods and his smile brightens, "Certainly, I am always ready to pay for a lovely lady… " he says, offering his paw, "Do come along."

Ruffri brings a sizzling platter from the kitchen area and carries it at shoulder height through the room. The Jupani guardsmen pound the table and bark as she passes, throwing bread and condiments her way when they realize she does not plan to stop.

Chiaroscuro counts off on his fingers… "More blindfold walking, spending time with my ears plugged, meditation, focus on vibrations, and more tests in her office."

Envoy perks up at the mention of tests, "What sorts of tests?"

Ruffri sets a platter of hot roast Gooshurm before Envoy. Cooked, the meat is a sickly greenish gray. Garnish of carrots, beets, and russet potatoes make the presentation colorful. Roast garlic, carmelized onion and mushrooms top the affair. The plate comes with a side of dipping sauce and a finger bowl of water.

Envoy smiles to Ruffri, "Thank you. It looks fascinating!"

Chiaroscuro mmms. "Various things to check how well I can focus through distraction… puzzles, writing, fast games of K'Trinzhai with her and anyone convenient. And some magical tests to see what best reduces… " his voice trails off as Envoy's food arrives.

The gray wolf goes with the Jupani to his table and sits down across from him. She smiles and swishes her tail. "I've not been here before," she says. "I am glad for the company."

Envoy begins sampling the vegetables and garnishes.

Chiaroscuro munches on his bread slowly, making it last a while, occasionally adding more butter.

Ruffri smiles. "Silverware is available if you wish it," she says. "I wouldn't, though," she adds, pointing to the far wall. From head height to ceiling, the wall has been impaled by silverware of many varieties. "Some of our guests feel obligated to keep things informal."

Envoy nods, and picks the meat apart with her claws.

Envoy says, "Would you like some, Chiaroscuro?"

The Jupani takes a seat after the lady, he smiles and removes his cloak no longer feeling a need for it, he is wearing what looks to be wearing the clothes of a rich man or noble. He speaks, "I am glad to offer, for I am in need of company myself… It has not been the finest of days you see… Oh do forgive me, I am Arkold Volkenheld, and you… ?

Envoy chews on a gob of grayish green gristle.

The gray wolf looks at the male across from her, studying him. She runs one paw over her ears and smiles. "Wyn," she says.

Chiaroscuro smiles at Envoy. "It's your meal, Lady Envoy, I would not want to… well, perhaps a few bites." He takes a potato and carrot from the tray, and eats them with the same slow, measured pace.

Envoy says, "What is the 'usual' that you ordered?"

Ruffri grins at Envoy and says, "What do you think? Is it not a most unique and wonderful way to curb your hunger?"

Chiaroscuro holds up the last bit of bread significantly, before popping it into his mouth.

Ruffri's tail twitches. She watches Envoy interestedly, as if preparing to make her negative reaction a joke.

Envoy blinks up at Ruffri. "It's very interesting, yes."

Arkold smiles and flicks an ear, "Wyn… a lovely name." he looks the wolf over more, seeming in the smallest bit puzzled. He asks, "Would you like a menu?"

Envoy smiles, "Would you like some, Ruffri?" Chew chew chew.

Ruffri shakes her head quickly, surprised. "An Epicurean!" she laughs. "I will go and speak well of you to the cooks."

Envoy blinks and smiles, and goes back to eating the interesting meat.

Wyn looks over the menu with Arkold. "The vermite are fine with me. It seems a lot to ask so much for them."

Arkold nods, "So the vermite then miss? Feel free to order anything you like," he says with a constant smile.

Envoy finishes off her meal in a surprisingly short time.

A tough-looking Khatta, siamese-patterned so that he looks as if he were bandit-masked, wearing an apron leans out of the kitchen. "Yo! Chipper," he calls to the mongoose.

Envoy sops up the last bits of juice from her plate with a piece of bread.

Envoy thinks, o O { That must be Rick. }

Chiaroscuro mmrrfs. "Pardon me, Lady Envoy. It seems I'm being called… " He pads over into the kitchen area.

"We're out of thyme," the Khatta explains to Chiaroscuro. "I need you to run down to Gembert's… "

Wyn swishes her tail. "I've never eaten most of these things," she says. She touches Ruffri's tail as she goes by. The feline turns abruptly, eyes flashing. "Yes? What can I get you," she says shortly. Wyn points to Vermite on the menu. "One of these. Choose one. I don't have to kill it myself," she says.

Arkold smiles, "I'll have one of these… " he points to one of the more expensive items on the menu.

Ruffri pads off, returning with drinks before going off to the other side of the tavern.

Envoy looks over the clientele again, now that she's done eating and Chiaroscuro is off on an errand.

Wyn says, "Are they short-handed? It seems a lot for one server to cover this whole place."

Envoy spots the two familiar wolves and waves to them! "Hi Wyn, Arkold!"

Wyn looks up and smiles. "Envoy."

Wyn says, "I met Envoy just the other day, Arkold. Do you mind company?"

Arkold nods, "They must be… or they are just greedy." he winks and suddenly jumps as he hears his named called, jumping perhaps more than the usual fur might he turns and waves, "Envoy?" he looks at Wyn, "Oh yes, certainly… do call her over."

Wyn waves Envoy over.

Envoy picks up her drink and drags her chair over. "How've you two been?"

Arkold looks to Envoy as she takes a seat, "I've seen better days hon… though the lovely Wyn has brightened my spirits somewhat."

Wyn says, "I lost myself, shopping in the Bazaar. By the time I got back to the Temple, the doors were closed and no one would let me in. So I'm prowling the night away. And look… I met a wuf!"

Envoy nods. "The Temple is acting oddly still."

Wyn chuckles softly and drinks. "All of this is odd to me."

Arkold tilts his head, "Something is wrong at the temple… ?"

Envoy says, "They are 'reorganizing'."

Arkold hmms and nods, "Such an odd bunch, those of the temple."

Wyn says, "_I'm_ not of the Temple."

Wyn swishes her tail and flikfliks her ears. "Sorry. I'm a little nervous, Arkold. You're the first wuf I've talked to."

Arkold smiles at Wyn, "I do hope I have not disappointed you." he says.

Envoy says, "Did Arkold tell you about his family yet, Wyn?"

Ruffri stops at the table long enough to refill water and Wyn's iced tea, and is off again.

Wyn says, "No! Never. Oh. I'd like to hear about your family, Arkold."

Arkold umms and looks about, speaking far more quietly than before to avoid any of the less desirable from hearing, "Well I am Arkold Volkenheld second son in the family Volkenheld… My father is an important herbal importer."

Wyn eeps! as she realizes her food has arrived and she did not even notice. She eats the vermite with a practiced relish. Though it's not really enough for dinner by itself, she leaves the vegetables that come with the main dish alone.

Envoy watches Wyn eat, and is a little disappointed that she doesn't ask if the Vermite (with six legs) is a bug or not.

Wyn whispers, "Why are we whispering?" and grins.

Arkold also missed his dinner's arival, he roles up his sleeve and begins eating in the delicate manner of nobility.

Wyn swishes her tail and leans forwards. "I'm just a wuf," she whispers. "I'm not even Jupani. I can't tell you more than that, 'cause I don't even know myself."

Arkold blinks and looks Wyn over again, "Not a Jupani? How can that be… ?"

Envoy whispers to Arkold, "Wyn likes romance novels."

The Jupani guardsmen at the table near the door get up and go, leaving a huge mess around the table and on the floor. The debris includes one of their comrades, who's hunched under the table in a stupor.

Wyn smiles and shrugs. "I don't know, Arkold. It's true, though. Hey, I do not."

Arkold looks to Envoy, raising an eyebrow.

Envoy says, "You used to read them a lot, Wyn. Just ask Zephyr."

Wyn says, "Oh."

Wyn says, "Envoy, I'd rather not talk about that."

Envoy blinks. "Are you remembering more then?"

Wyn says to Arkold, "I had an accident of some sort when I came here. I don't remember anything before then."

Wyn shakes her head slightly for Envoy.

Arkold smiles and leans over towards Wyn, "Romance novels, hmm? A romantic… how rare… " he says softly.

Wyn thinks . o O { First wuf that'll talk to me, and he'll be running out the door inside of ten minutes if we start talking about me. }

Arkold pulls back a little, "Accident? When you arived? So you are not from our wonderful floating city?"

Wyn slowly says, "No."

Wyn says, "How's your food? That's 'steak', isn't it? I like mine that way, too – still red."

Arkold smiles, "So where are you from? I told you about myself… I would like to hear about you."

Wyn flikfliks her ears.

Arkold tilts his head still smiling, waiting for Wyn to speak.

Wyn says, "Thank you for dinner, Arkold. I am grateful."

Wyn skritches one ear lamely.

Envoy watches everything closely, building up her body-language database.

Wyn eyes Envoy. "I'm an Exile. I don't know where I'm from, or how I got here."

Envoy remains quiet.

Arkold blinks, his ears go back in a look of suprise, "An exile? I knew there was something different about you… "

Wyn says, "I'm what you see. I know my name, and that's about it."

Arkold nods softly, his smile never fades, "An exile… how very interesting… " he says almost to himself.

Wyn thinks . o O { I have had some difficulties. The Temple is keeping a friend of mine to assure my good behavior until an official hearing. }

Wyn thinks . o O { Ack! Don't say that. }

Wyn says, "Perhaps I should go."

Envoy says, "Go where? You said the Temple was locked for the night."

Wyn nods. "It is," she wufs.

Arkold shakes his head and places his paw on Wyn's, "Oh no, please don't! But if you must… please tell me where I can find you again."

Envoy says, "Perhaps you could get a room here tonight?"

Wyn comes around the table and hugs Arkold lightly. "I'd better," she wufs softly. "It may be damaging for you to be seen with me. I hope not. I'm a guest of the Temple until my… er, for the time being."

Wyn says, "During the day, I'm outside, wandering the city. Now that I can understand what everyone is saying, I'm all curious ears."

Arkold hufs, "Damaging? Certainly not… If you need a place, I will glady pay for it… If I might see you again that is… "

Wyn smiles and swishes her tail. "That's very kind of you. I'll politely decline, and offer my real thanks. I would feel funny. I am used to the street and the night. I can stay up until the morning comes and the Temple opens."

Envoy nods. Wyn may have lost her memory, but Envoy doubts she's lost her reflexes…

Ruffri stops by to leave two checks on the table.

Arkold nods, looking rather sad at Wyn's decline to his offer, "Oh… well, that is up to you miss… I will be sad to see you go." his ears wilt, and his voice seems to take the tone of one rather hurt.

Ruffri smiles and says, "We appreciate your business. Deeply. Please come again, and bring your friends."

Wyn thinks . o O { Ut oh. I must have said the wrong things. }

Arkold looks at Wyn, "Well… hmm… is there perhaps somewhere I might meet you at a later time… if I cannot provide you a place?"

Wyn says, "Three hours before the sun goes down, I'll be up. A bit after that, I'll look for you in the Bazaar, how's that? I'll look forward to it."

Wyn eyes Envoy sideways, wondering what she's thinking.

Envoy is thinking about frogs.

Arkold ears perk up, "Oh good! I shall be there, miss." His smile returns and he no longer sounds hurt.

Envoy says, "Take care, Wyn. You can always contact me through the Bards Guild."

Arkold stands and offers Wyn a paw.

Wyn says, "Where is that, Envoy? The Bard's Guild. Is that where the learned people are?"

Envoy says, "It's where the street musicians learn."

Wyn takes Arkold's paw.

Wyn says, "I'll look it up."

Envoy smiles and swishes her tail.

Arkold lifts Wyn out of her seat, seeming to chuckle slightly at Wyn's comment on the learned people though trying his best to hide it.

Arkold walks Wyn to the door and turns to smile at her, "Do take care, Lady Wyn."

Wyn says, "I will. Thank you."

Wyn disappears into the night.

Envoy smiles to Arkold. "Enjoy your dinner?"

Arkold returns to the table and nods, "It was wonderful… " he says with a dreamy smile across his face.

Envoy hmms. "Was it drugged?"

Arkold blinks and asks, "Wha? Drugged? Oh no… why do you ask?"

Envoy says, "You look a little loopy. No pun intended."

Arkold smiles and nods, "I suppose I did… That Wyn, she… well… " he looks down a bit, his ears rather red, "She is enchanting… ," he says in a dreamy voice.

Envoy blinks three times. "Even though you don't really know anything about her?"

Arkold nods, "I don't know, there is just something about her… I know she's an exile, but… " he trails off.

Envoy says, "I'm an Exile too. I knew Wyn from before she came here, but I'm hoping her memory will return on its own."

Arkold blinks in suprise, yet again, "You too?"

Envoy tilts her head to one side, "Am I not obviously alien?"

Arkold looks you over, "I… oh I'm so sorry… Please pardon my rudeness but I never noticed… "

Envoy says, "Why would that be rude?"

Arkold hmms and shakes his head, "Simply that I did not notice, but if you do not find it rude no harm done, hmm?" he smiles and winks, "Could you tell me about Wyn, if you wouldn't mind?"

Envoy says, "What do you want to know about her?"

Arkold smiles and leans forward setting his head upon a paw, he flicks an ear, "Everything… "

Envoy says, "I don't know everything about her, I'm afraid… "

Arkold tilts his head, an ear wilting in disappointment, "Then just what you know… ?" he asks.

Envoy hmms. "It would help if you could ask specific questions. It is difficult for me to guess what Wyn would consider private."

Arkold ahhs and nods, "Of course, how foolish of me… Well… what are her interests?" he asks, ear perking up again.

Envoy thinks. "She likes hunting, and spelunking, and bathing, and tea, and chocolate, and romance novels, and being with friends. Although sometimes she likes being alone and undisturbed."

Arkold nods as if noting down each of her interests in his mind, "You say you both came from the same world? Could I ask about that?"

Envoy says, "Of course you can ask about it. I may not answer every question though."

Arkold nods, "Of course not… what was it like?" he asks.

Envoy says, "Green."

Envoy says, "With some gold, and red. And blue for the sky and ocean."

Envoy says, "One mountain range was purple."

Arkold blinks, and nods slowly, "Hmm… how odd… I can't imagine anywhere but this world."

Envoy says, "It wasn't the world Wyn was born on though."

Arkold tilts his head and comments, "Yet other worlds? How did she come to your world then?"

Envoy says, "I think she walked. It was never made clear to me."

Arkold flicks and ear, a look of amazement on his face, "She… walked?? Wyn must truly be a master of the stars… she's… amazing." he trails off to a dreamy voice he seems to have when talking about her.

Envoy tilts her head the other way. "Are you sure you're alright?"

Arkold blinks as if awakened from a daydream, "Umm… oh yes fine miss, umm… Why do you ask?" he asks, unaware of his own actions.

Envoy says, "You keep… drifting. Your eyes lose focus and just stare out at nothing, and you smile."

Arkold hmms in though, then looks at you, "I do… ?" he asks.

Envoy nods. "Perhaps you are tired?"

Arkold nods, "Perhaps I am, I should get going I'm afraid… " he says.

Envoy says, "Do you need an escort?"

Arkold blinks, flicking an ear, "An escort? Well if you would not mind walking with me I would enjoy the company."

Envoy nods, and pays for her dinner at the bar before joining the young noble.

Arkold hmms and turns to Envoy, "I almost forgot… " he says, walking to the bar to pay his own. He soon returns to walk out with Lady Envoy.