The sign outside the store reads, "Shiny Shoppe". Actually, it reads "Nicodemus' Shiny Shoppe", but the name of the proprietor is in much smaller letters … and is only listed in Vartan, anyway. To anyone unable to read Vartan, it just looks like a bunch of scratchings on a wooden sign. The store, however, proudly displays its wares, all sorts of things shiny – and even the windows are wonderworks, a few of polished horn strips, but others of cut and colored glass, some forming images – including at least one of a Vartan in a dramatic pose holding up some brightly shining bauble.

Nicodemus is an elderly Cervani-Vartan cross … looking like, essentially, a white male Cervani (deer) with wings. He is a stark contrast to his new business partner, Zoltan, who is quite a rarity – a full-blood Vartan who is totally black.

Envoy stands outside the Shoppe, and tries to read the sign. This certainly looks like the place Jakka described though, so she steps inside.

A jangle of crystal chimes ring out, announcing Envoy's entrance.

A little girl jaguar cub, Pouncer, scrawks out, "CUSTOMER!!!"

Zoltan raises his head up from a set of papers (held down by a fasceted glass paperweight of course).

Roho, who had just caught the door as it swung closed, flattens his ears backwards at the sudden bellow, "Yipe!" He pauses a second, then grins as he smells a familiar scent, and pushes the door open the rest of the way. "You looking for Zoltan as well, Envoy?"

Taliamelle bouncies, and runs up to Envoy, showing her a few shiny stones she has managed to tie together. "Wan' to play game?"

Enos, a smaller jaguar cub, keeps playing with a bag of marbles at Zoltan's hooves. He's being a good cub. He hasn't yanked Zoltan's tail for a half-hour.

Envoy blinks at the announcement, and then at Roho! "Roho! Zoltan is here??"

Envoy smiles at the little sphynx, "Maybe in a little while. I'm looking for Nicodemus, but if Zoltan is here… "

Zoltan pokes his head out from the curtains in the back room after hearing his name mentioned. "Customers? Helooo."

Nicodemus finishes putting some of his latest work down, and walks over toward Envoy … and the little winged feline with the heart-shaped spots who seems intent on taking her attentions. "Greetings," the Cervani-Vartan says in Rephidim Standard.

Roho smiles and walks up to the counter as well, "Hello, sir, I was wondering if… oh! Zoltan, hi, I'm glad you're here! I tried to catch you at the Vartan bar the other night, but you weren't there."

Envoy blinks again, as Zoltan looks a bit bigger than she remembers, and smiles at Nicodemus, unsure of who to pay attention to first! "Um, hello! Jakka said you might be able to help me." She taps her horn, "I'm looking for some amber, the same color as my horn."

Taliamelle ohs, dejectedly, and runs off to join Enos, jingling with every step. The shinies and discoveries that had filled her pouch, now fill every ankle, and wrist she has, as well as her neck an tail, in an almost overwhelming way.

A Savanite slave pokes her head out from the curtains, looks around, then disappears into the back room again.

Zoltan carefully steps around the cub at his feet and exits the curtained room. "Hello Roho, how you been?" He waits before greeting Envoy, should never interrupt a customer afterall.

Roho smiles, "I've been well… it seems you've put your earnings to good use. I wanted to ask you about that tea you gave me on the Silver Bell. Do you have any more? I'd like to buy some, if you do."

Envoy waves happily to Zoltan!

Nicodemus hmms, eyeing Envoy's horn, then nods and heads over to a display case. "Well, I have an assortment of amber jewelry … and also some raw pieces as well. I can drill holes for tail-brai – er … nevermind that, of course."

The black Vartan rubs his chin. "I leave it on ship I thinks… but I know where you can get more." He wiggles a wing in Envoy's direction and smiles.

Envoy follows after Nicodemus, "Raw would be best. Are you related to Zoltan?"

Roho nods, "Where would that be? The bar?"

Nicodemus raises a bushy eyebrow. "No, I'm no blood relation. Now then, this piece right here has been uncut, yet look how nicely it filters the light when you hold it up like so … "

"There a couple of Vartan merchants in Bazaar, should no be hard to find someone that sell whats you need." Zoltan squawks, "Vartans got unique taste in food afterall."

Envoy admires the chunk of amber. "May I hold it?" she asks.

Nicodemus smiles. "Certainly." He hands the piece to Envoy.

Roho smiles, "Indeed they do. Anyways, I'm here on business, as well. A shiny shop seemed a likely place to buy glass panes for a small nursery I'm working on. Do you sell plain glass here?"

Envoy holds the chunk of amber up to her cheek, and looks… wistfull.

Envoy finally comes out of her reverie and asks, "How much? Can you put it on a neck cord?"

Zoltan rubs his beak, thinking. "No plain glass… but I know where you can gets it, and we gots tools you can use to cut it in right shape."

The black Vartan glances over his shoulder and squawks out something in the direction of the back room.

Roho nods, "Where is the best place?"

Nicodemus nods. "Yes, I can put it on a neck cord, though that does look a bit bulky to wear as a necklace. Now then … " He squints his eyes, digging in a pocket for his spectacles to check the price tag. All the prices are written in Vartan. "Two coppers," he says at last.

A Savanite hand pokes through the curtain, making a single sign before disappearing again.

Envoy smiles, "I'll take it then. Can you attach the cord without drilling into it?"

Zoltan grins at the Savanite then turns his attenion back to Roho. "I know abouts a Vartan glassmaker, happy fellow. He make good glass panels in any color you wants."

Roho's ears flick nervously as he catches the scent of the Savanite, but he politely doesn't show any other signs of recognition.

Nicodemus smiles at first, then furrows his brow again, cradling his muzzle with one hand. "Hmm. Perhaps something to clasp it … " He goes behind the counter and rummages through what looks like a junk box.

Roho grins at Zoltan, "Well, the color doesn't really matter much to me, of course… but for craftsmanship in glass, I don't think you can beat a Vartan." He grins slightly, "Of course, if it's made poorly, then it's easier to turn one shiny into a thousand… "

"He probably sell broken bits on side as little shinies." Zoltan squawks, grinning.

Envoy tries to peek into the box that Nicodemus is rummaging through.

Roho chuckles, "You get a discount? Anyways, what's his name, and where can I go to find him?"

Nicodemus digs around and produces some wire and some tools. "I'll throw this in for free… " He works on fashioning a link for the piece of amber with wound wire.

Envoy smiles, "Thank you, Nicodemus. I can see why the Vartans recommend you so highly."

Zoltan scrawks. "He name Osrin, I can take you to his shop if you wants. Probably give me better deal."

Nicodemus finishes things up, carefully inspecting to make sure none of the wire wraps are out of place. "There you go!"

Roho chuckles, "That he might. Though he could hardly be as bad as those in the market who give me horrible deals, on account of my sight!"

Envoy bounces on her heels, and hands over the copper pieces happily!

Zoltan seems a bit surprised. Most non-Vartans haggle a little bit. Not that he's going to complain, mind you.

Nicodemus nods and smiles. "A pleasure doing business with you." He puts away the copper shekels.

Envoy slips the cord over her head and tucks the chunk of amber into her blouse, out of sight, then heads over to Zoltan and Roho.

Zoltan smiles to Envoy. "Hope you likes new shiny."

Roho smiles, "Got some new jewelry, Envoy?" He turns to Zoltan, "Okay, when's a good time to come by, so we can find the glassblower?"

Envoy nodnods, "I like it very much! It's like a piece of home."

The Vartan smiles even more. "I here most anytime, maybe in afternoon? Store not very busy then and partner can probably manage without me for couple of hours."

The chimes ring out as another customer enters the store – this one a pepper gray female Jupani in a Temple Guard uniform with a red sash running diagonally from shoulder to belt. She looks about, her eyes alighting upon Zoltan.

Zoltan attempts to look the part of the happy shopowner and bows in greeting to the Jupani. He clears his throat, "You used to live in place with lots of shinies?"

Nicodemus walks up to the Jupani, but she says something in a quiet tone to him, which prompts him to nod and go tend to something else, giving a curious glance in Zoltan's direction.

Envoy glances at the Jupani, recognizing the Temple Scout den leader uniform. "Sort of. My… mother… had lots of amber. That's where I get my colors from."

Envoy is fairly certain that a detailed description of Lothrhyn would give the Vartan nightmares, so leaves it at that.

A soft jingling is heard, and then Taliamelle emerges from the back, running through the shop hands full, giggling.

Zoltan just nods and folds his hands behind his back. He looks at Nicodemus and then back to the guard. "Can I help you?" he says… the slightest tinge of nervousness coloring his voice.

Enos and Pouncer are in hot pursuit, dashing after Taliamelle, giggling loudly, prompting Nicodemus to squawk in alarm.

Envoy blinkblinks at the little Sphynx again, and the other two… cubs?

A Savanite wearing a leather headband, her ears flushed red, sprints out, in pursuit of the cubs.

Envoy gasps, "Jezebel!"

The female Jupani looks disdainfully at the convoy of spotted feline runners, ignoring Envoy's outburst, then replies, "You are Zoltan Cambios?"

Envoy looks at the spotted kittens, then at Jezebel, then back to Zoltan with wide, questioning eyes.

Zoltan steps forward, he squawks something sternly before answering. "Yes."

Taliamelle falls, and tumbles, recovering amazingly well, before stopping sheepishly in front of Zoltan. Apparently, there is more tomboy in her than just her clothes.

The Savanite gives Zoltan an embarrassed look, and snatches up first Pouncer (the larger target) and then Enos. She hasn't any arms left, so she sprints back with just the squirming and loudly protesting jaguar cubs.

Roho blinks at the sudden commotion, waiting for the sounds of breaking glass or something.

The black Vartan gently moves Taliamelle behind him, his hands gripping her shoulders protectively.

Taliamelle blinks back after Jezebel, then looks back and forth, questioning Zoltans movements with her eyes.

Zoltan's eyes remain on the guard.

The female Jupani looks down at Taliamelle, across at the jaguars, then back to Zoltan. "I see that what I have to offer may be quite valuable to you. I am Sergeant Danae Sapphire, here on behalf of the Temple Scouts. We have heard about you and your family, and would like to offer you a chance to see that your nestl – er – cubs receive a proper education in a disciplined environment."

Taliamelle gasps, and her white wings flutter out from behind Zoltan's back momentarily. The big guard has come after her.

Envoy whispers to Zoltan, "She wants them to go out and sell cookies!"

Zoltan relaxes a bit. "I not think I interested. My cubs much too young."

A pair of arms appear around from behind Zoltan, as Taliamelle hugs her suddenly. "Zol'an not let scar' man take us. Yes!"

The Sergeant nods. "Your youngest cub is too young, yes, but the two elder ones look to be of proper age. We are also considering an 'Early Start' program for ESPECIALLY young Scouts, though that is still in development at this time."

Sergeant Sapphire raises an eyebrow at Taliamelle's use of the word 'man', then adds, "As for the 'Early Start' program, I believe that was prompted by, believe it or not, a two-year-old member of the Scouts who was responsible for record achievements for the youngest age bracket. Mostly in Entrepreneurial Activities."

Envoy eeps… and takes a few steps back.

The hippogryph erks! He scratches Taliamelle's head. "I thank you… but we going to be moving soon. And I think my cubs be happiest with me."

Taliamelle cringes. Spoke too soon. She runs off, wings fluttering behind her. "No' take me! No!"

Sergeant Sapphire says, "Very well then. But while you are coming up in the world, being a businessman and such, you may find it difficult to be able to support three young cubs … and to be able to hire a private tutor for them at the same time, especially with the added extravagance of a personal slave – And don't pretend that she can teach them proper diction."

Envoy hmms… Personal tutor?

"I understand, ma'am." Zoltan scrawks. "But… hrr… " He sighs and shakes his head. "I consider you offer. Maybe you give me paperwork on what exactly you do with my cubs? I worried abouts they treatment… and I no think I gots to explain why?"

The female Jupani smiles. "We are not unfamiliar with such cases as having … unfortunate markings that might cause misunderstandings. But, I assure you, they would receive the best education the Temple has to offer – and look forward to lucrative and prestigious job placement upon graduation." She reaches into a pouch, and pulls out a roll of typeset papers. "Here. This should give you a better picture of what the Temple Scouts have to offer."

"Oh yes … and a complimentary packet of Temple Scout cookies," the Jupani adds, her smile flickering ever so briefly to a look of disdain, before brightening again. "They're delicious, of course." She sets the packet on a nearby countertop.

Zoltan arches an eyebrow at this and accepts the papers. "I look them over. And maybe you could give me tour of you facilities if I do consider."

"I only want best for my cubs, if I suspected mistreatment… " Zoltan lets that phrase fade off.

The Jupani nods her head. "A tour for the parents is standard. Now then … I should let you return to your customers. If you have further questions, never fear, you will be contacted again." She clicks her boot heels together as she bows. "Good day, Citizen."

Envoy hmms. She didn't know the Temple Scouts actually approached parents.

Zoltan squawks. "Good day."

The Vartan picks the cookie box from the shelf before the cubs attack it.

The female Jupani leaves, her tail swishing behind her, and the chimes ringing again as the door closes at her departure.

Zoltan bends down and presses the box into Roho's hands. "You smell anything funny in here?"

Roho sniffs the cookies, "Well, if extra-fattening counts, then yes. But no poison, that I can smell." He grins.

Envoy says, "The ones made from beetles sell the best."

Zoltan takes one out and munches on it in little nibbles experimentally. "Is slightly tempting offer if they sincere." he squawks between bites.

Envoy shakes her head, "I don't think you should allow the Temple to have access to your children, Zoltan. They might be used as hostages or something. And how did they even know you had them?"

Zoltan licks his fingers. "They no hard to miss, they cause big trouble in bazaar last week." He suddenly squawks something to the back room.

Envoy whispers to the Vartan, "It's quite possible that they know about your involvement with the City of Hands… "

Roho rasps, "I think it's a bad idea, Zoltan… it's not my business, but I don't trust the Temple as a parent, no matter how kind some of its members may be."

Taliamelle pokes her head out suspiciously, then smiles. She toddles back to Zoltan, her curly locks falling around her face.

Zoltan frowns a bit. "If they want to get information from me… they gots better ways of doing it than this."

Envoy reaches into one of her pockets, and pulls out a paper-wrapped peppermint for Taliamelle.

Taliamelle looks up at the adults with big eyes. "Zol'an send me to scar' temple guard?" She eyes the peppermint, but is still distracted.

Zoltan shakes his head and ruffles the sphynx's headfur. "Of course not. You only go where you wants to go."

Taliamelle notices the box of cookies. "Cakey-cookie'!"

Taliamelle grins aloofly. "Okay, I wants go eat sweets!"

Zoltan holds the box over his head. "You gets one after dinner."

Envoy can't resist, and reaches out to tickle the Vartan while his arms are over his head. "I've missed you, Zoltan! You have to tell me all about your adventures on Paradys!"

Nicodemus raises his eyebrows in alarm at the antics of Envoy, but says nothing.

Zoltan's feathers poofle out and he stumbles back a bit, almost bumping a display case.

Envoy giggles.

Taliamelle giggles too and bouncies a bit!

Zoltan hugs the cookie box in his arms. "Please no do that, Envoy. There lots things breakable here… and half of stuff owned by me now."

Nicodemus hmphs. "That doesn't mean it's any better to break MY half."

Envoy blinks, and covers her mouth! "Oh, I'm sorry Zoltan! How can you possibly put half of all this on your tail though?"

Roho chuckles, "How do you decide which half a broken shiny belonged to?"

Zoltan grins. "Broken half is mine I thinks."

Nicodemus hmphs, hiding a grin. "Much better." He looks down again, returning to cleaning a new piece.

Roho nods, "Then you get all the extra profits from selling pre-diminished shinies."

"I partners with Nicodemus now… we going to open second shiny shop together. Maybe in Faraon's dome," Zoltan scrawks as he gestures for the group to join him in a more open section of the shop.

Envoy says, "What did you find on Paradys, Zoltan? Besides two jaguar cubs that is. And what happened to Jezebel? I didn't think she was capable of blushing like that."

The Vartan smacks himself in the head and squawks to Roho as he sits down on a crate in the back of the room. "Jezebel just needed friend. She changed now."

Taliamelle tags along, moving amid Zoltan's friends, and getting in the way at odd times.

Envoy smiles and waits for Zoltan to tell the rest of the story.

Roho breathes a sigh of relief as the sounds of commotion from the back room fade, "Bedtime for the cubs?"

Zoltan whispers something to Taliamelle and smiles. Then scrawks, "Maybe… they run active for awhile and then drop like stone. I hope I never give my father this kind of trouble."

Roho chuckles at Zoltan, "Or perhaps they just go into stealth mode… " His ears prick up.

Taliamelle blinks up at Zoltan, then runs off.

The not-quite-as-little-of-the-two jaguar cub, Pouncer, walks quietly toward the group. Slowly, not making the least bit of noise, and not looking like she's in "stalk mode", either.

Zoltan holds out a hand out to Pouncer and whistles something in Vartan.

Pouncer smiles to Zoltan, then looks toward Envoy.

Zoltan's ears suddenly flatten against his head. He jumps up from his seat and tries to pick up the cub.

Pouncer doesn't make so much as a squeak of protest or any struggle as Zoltan picks her up.

Taliamelle comes running back in. "Pouncer go… ne" Her voice drops dramatically in volume as she notices the cub in Zoltan's arms.

Envoy smiles to the cub.

The Vartan holds Pouncer tightly and pushes through Envoy and Roho, heading to the back room.

Pouncer smiles back to Envoy. "Goodbye," she says, as she's rushed away, in a voice that is a kitten's voice … but still doesn't sound quite right. It lacks that Vartan accent, for one thing.

Envoy hmms, "Zoltan found the cubs on Paradys, yes?"

Taliamelle puts a finger curiously to her lips. She stares after Pounce, her brows furrowed.

Roho blinks, "What was that?"

As the big black Vartan rushes into the back room, he finds Enos sleeping peacefully where he ought to be, the sheets rising and falling with each breath. Pouncer's place is unmade, indicating a brief occupancy, but is presently empty for obvious reasons. Jezebel is sitting on the floor, hugging her knees, staring wide-eyed at the wall, and the flickering light-play across it thanks to the candle.

Pouncer, meanwhile, has fallen asleep in Zoltan's arms.

Envoy says, "Zoltan's cubs, he found them on Paradys?"

Zoltan nudges Jezebel's back to jolt her awake. He hands begin to shake.

Jezebel jerks her head toward Zoltan, shrinking away, staring wide-eyed at Pouncer … and then slowly relaxing, though her breaths are heavy. She signs, "She has followed us."

"Necropolis?" Zoltan squawks as he looks at the cub in his arms. "No… oh Dagh… no." He puts Pouncer in her bed and then signs with trembling hands, "Tell me what happen."

Jezebel staggers to her feet, walking toward Zoltan and kissing the sleeping Pouncer on her ear, prompting an unconscious ear-flick. She does the same to Enos. She just looks at Zoltan and signs, "I will do cleaning now." She grabs a broom and walks toward the curtain.

Zoltan grabs Jezebel's arm and wrenches her back.

Jezebel drops the broom with a loud clatter, shaking as she looks to Zoltan. She nods her head jerkily.

The Vartan growls loudly, as if he's hoping to scare some invisible presence hovering in the room.

Jezebel just shrinks more at the sound, and tries to coax her hand free from Zoltan's grasp.

Envoy perks her ears at the sounds of commotion coming from behind the curtain, but doesn't investigate.

Zoltan gently releases Jezebel's arm. "What happened… you must tell me."

Jezebel signs, "Pouncer got up from bed. But she wasn't Pouncer. She spoke clearly … 'You had your chance.' That's all she said … but HOW she said it." Jezebel shakes her head, covering her face with her hands.

Zoltan snarls again and hisses something in Vartanspeak, his eyes flash angrily.

Nicodemus casts a concerned glance toward the curtain. He walks over to Roho and Envoy. "Hmm. Would you care for something to drink?"

Envoy blinks, and hadn't even noticed Nicodemus' arrival. "Yes please. Water or juice if fine for me."

Nicodemus looks visibly alarmed at something – but surely not over a preference of juice and water. "Of course. Yes. I'll get some. Now … How about you, sir?"

Roho swivels his ears back towards Nicodemus, "Huh?… oh, umm, nothing for me, thank you." He fidgets nervously.

Taliamelle plays quietly on the floor all this time with a few shells, and a piece of shiny scrap, trying to toss it between them.

Zoltan inhales deeply, "I must warn you sister… and Twilight-Wing. He must know. Don't let cubs out of you sight… and try and stay with me if you can. Hopefully she no can possess more than one person at a time"

Jezebel nods, and signs, "I don't know where Twilight-Wing is. He signed that he has some business to do in Rephidim, as he has learned new things about my candidacy."

Nicodemus nods, and walks off, hooves clicking on the wooden floor. He returns after a while with a very nicely polished (if slightly scratched) enameled wood tray, and pours some juice for Envoy, though he also has a few more cups and a pitcher of cold water as well.

Envoy asks Taliamelle, "Would you like some juice? I don't know your name yet, I'm afraid. I'm Envoy."

"Fire-Mane is interested in joining… but she need your approval to do so." Zoltan signs. "We sign more about it later… I think we gots other things to worry about right now."

Jezebel blinks at Zoltan, then signs, "I … am very tired now." She sinks down into a chair next to the sleeping cubs.

Zoltan frowns and opens the curtain. He doesn't want to leave his friends alone; but also doesn't want to leave his family alone with… whatever it is. He whistles to the groups and seats himself next to the opening in the curtain.

Taliamelle stares up at Envoy a moment, then holds up her paws to show her. "Taliamelle Paradyse" She smiles widely.

Envoy smiles, "That's a pretty name." She glances up at Zoltan.

Taliamelle follows Envoy's gaze up to Zoltan.

"Please sit with me here." Zoltan squawks, pointing to the area around him. "I not want to leave my family alone just yet."

Envoy scoots her seat over. "What's wrong?"

Roho sits down near Zoltan, "What is it?"

Nicodemus moves the tray over to a more convenient location, then returns to his work, so he won't be eavesdropping.

Zoltan squawks, "Not sure yet… but I worried that part of Paradys might have followed me here." He glances through the opening in the curtain. "I think it alrights for now." ( I'll find out next time I sleep, I guess… give me strength. )

Roho goes slightly ashen, "I see… is it what I think it is?"

Envoy blinks at Roho's reaction…

Taliamelle shifts position, and moves over to Zoltan on her knees. "I follo' you here"

The Vartan keeps an ear pricked towards the curtained room. "I not know… but I think so." He reaches out and hugs Taliamelle as she moves closer.

Envoy swishes her tail in agitation, "Will someone tell me what's going on?"

Zoltan just shakes his head rapidly back and forth. His eyes continue to dart nervously into the curtained room.

Envoy frowns, "I don't suppose this has to do with an adult female, maybe a mind-mage? One that moves like your daughter?"

Zoltan's ears flatten against his head and he hugs Taliamelle closer. "You one of hers? You not take my children if you is… "

Envoy blinks? "What?"

Roho rasps, "I thought we destroyed her… "

Envoy says, "You mean she was real?"

Zoltan doesn't say a thing… his feathers begin to bristle.

Taliamelle blinkblinks. "Who is her?" she asks finally, her voice not sure whether to be hurt or curious.

"Someone that can't hurt you." the Vartan whispers in Taliamelle's ear as he hugs her.

Taliamelle clambers up into Zoltan's lap, and snugs back softly. Her eyelids are starting to droop.

Envoy begins to describe her meeting with the disturbed mind-mage, Isstan, and his attempt to exchange the memories of his dreams with her, and the convulsions he went into just as she was seeing a vision of a powerful female feline coming through a crowd of shadowy figures towards her…

"Bah… magical hallicination. Mind mages nothing but trouble." Zoltan says as he strains to keep the growl from seeping back into his voice.

Envoy says, "But this figure moved just like your daughter did before you went into the other room. I might not be entirely certain of what was real and what was imaginary, but my memory is not flawed."

Taliamelle nods against Zoltan's chest lightly. "Magic… no goo'… " Her voice trails as she drifts off.

Zoltan looks down at his hooves as he strokes the cub's cheek. "I not know what to tell you, Envoy. Just that if force that touched me touched you… you know without a doubt."

Envoy says, "I don't think it quite got through to me… but it may have killed poor Isstan."

Zoltan shakes his head again. "Never saw it kill anyone."

Envoy swishes her tail, "Well, are you going to tell me what 'it' was??"

"Can't." Zoltan scrawks. "I took oath to keep secrets of Paradys."

Envoy blinks, and looks hurt.

Envoy says, "What if this thing still wants whatever it came after me for, if it was coming after me and not Isstan?"

"If it was… there no be any 'what if'… you would know," Zoltan scrawks as he cradles Taliamelle in his arms.

Jezebel peers out from the curtain, looking at Taliamelle … and hearing the discussion. Once she has Zoltan's attention, she signs, "Shall I put Taliamelle to bed?"

Envoy frowns.

Zoltan holds the cub out to Jezebel and nods.

Envoy turns to the fennec, "Are you under an oath as well, Roho?"

Roho nods to Envoy, "I took the same oath as Zoltan has."

Jezebel takes the winged cub, casting a LOOK at Envoy before disappearing back through the curtain.

Zoltan mimics Envoy's frown. "Some things better left unknown, Envoy. I sorry you no understand that."

Envoy says, "I can't possibly understand that! You say this 'thing' is maybe here, and from your reactions it's obviously dangerous. How can keeping it secret possibly help? How can people defend against something they don't know about?"

"And mixing theories and rumor might create monster that no there. It no a threat to anyone but me right now… so I deal with it. If it threaten you, then I help you." Zoltan scrawks. "And a promise is a promise. I insulted that you no even waited until you alone with Roho before asking him if he took same oath without even considering that there may be reason why I took it."

Envoy stands up, "Well, forgive me for putting truth and safety above honor. I spent weeks in a cell thinking that I was responsible for killing Isstan, and was nearly executed. Instead, I only had my mind tampered with. I'm obviously mistaken to think I have some right to know what really happened."

Envoy turns and stomps out of the room.

Zoltan opens his beak to say something, and then closes it and shakes his head.

Nicodemus half-heartedly waves, "Come again… sometime?"

Envoy waves to Nicodemus, and then leaves the Shoppe.

Zoltan rises from his seat on the floor and bids Roho goodnight before vanishing behind the back curtain to join his family. He doesn't think he'll sleep very well tonight.