The Candlemas celebration ran into the early hours, outlasting many of the participants. Those with enough stamina where still sprawled across the green, either on the grass itself or on blankets.

After the feasting, Arkold spent most of the night in the company of the Cartwrights, a Jupani family that had relocated from New Elamoore after being run out of business by cheaper wagon imports from Abu Dhabi. They lived in the town, over the wagon shop they ran, and were one of the few Jupani families in the region. Bluto, the father, intended to send his two daughters to school in Northern Shore next Winter.

After most of the adults had retired, Tulani found the teenagers to be a bit more friendly – the impression being that associating with strangers (especially ones just passing through or who were obviously different) was frowned on by the elders. She learned that the young adults here weren't very different from the ones who grew up in her own village; either looking forward to following in the footsteps of their families or else desperately hoping to escape to someplace more interesting.

The crew of The Kestrel had retired back to the boat, except for Bort, who had vanished at some point. Raneah slept on the deck under a heavy blanket, snoring loudly, and hadn't been roused by the sound of the local fishing fleet launching just before dawn.

The first rays of dawn poke at Arkold's eyelids, where he's sleeping on the deck next to Raneah. Unlike the mercat, the Jupani doesn't need a blanket thanks to the unnatural warmth of his body.

"Wuh? No I did'na do it … " The Jupani murmurs in discomfort at the unwelcome morning light. He props himself to sit up against the deckhouse. He rubs the base of his muzzle and the sleep from his eyes until the world begins to come together. Then his eyes widen and he pats his shirt. "Uh, no one in there eh?"

Aside from the hard weight of the silver balm-snifter, nothing seems out of place inside the Jupani's shirt.

The Jupani gives his head a firm shake. "I gotta stop drinkin' so much," he mumbles. Then he reaches under his shirt and draws out the pendant he's so fond of and takes a whiff of it. "Eh, tha's the stuff," he remarks with satisfaction.

As before, there's is a slight feeling of increased weight to the silver ball after Arkold exhales, along with the brief notion that something inside suddenly moves or shifts position. Otherwise, it's a fine way to wake up feeling refreshed.

Below decks Tulani shifts uneasily in her sleep, whispering, "No, … please, I'll be good!" and waking up with a sudden start, eyes wide, immediately sitting up and hugging her wings around herself.

The morning light is only barely penetrating the high windows of the bunkroom, but Tulani's eyes can still make out the captain's empty sleeping perch and the empty bunks across the aisle. The sounds of exhausted snoring come from the other two bunks near hers.

Curious, the Jupani holds the amulet to the light and squints to peer through one of the upper holes. "Anyone in 'ere, eh? Ain't no curses hidin' in there? Too' care of yer friend the canteen I di', so no funny business," he warns sleepily.

No light penetrates the tiny perforations, but the request does cause Raneah to stir. She rolls onto her side and blindly whaps Arkold with her tail.

Very awake now, Tulani rubs her face and tries to calm her breathing before standing up and heading to the deck for some air.

The morning air is brisk, but not harsh. From the deck, groups can be seen stirring on the village green and going about the final clean up, including the teardown of the maypole. The docks are almost completely empty, with only a few boats moored now.

As big a tail as it is the wolf is knocked on his back by the impact. He stumbles to catch himself and keep the pendant form falling out of his hands. Unfortunately he only manages to hold on to the pendant and hits the deck with a thump and a groan. On the other hand, the impact manages to shake the last remnants of sleepiness from him and he stares up in to the morning sky. "Raneah," he barks, "y'need a diet."

Once on deck the Sphynx slowly spreads her wings and tries to work out some kinks. Rubbing her neck, she leans tiredly against the rail, ears flicking back as the Jupani gets slapped by the mercat's tail.

The Siren merely mutters something that is muffled by her blanket that might be "breakfast" or "bug off".

Tulani walks over to Arkold, holding out a hand to see if he needs some help up, and giving Raneah's tail a wide birth.

"Oh, 'ey Tulani," calls the wolf to the Sphynx. He gives her a languid wave from the deck before climbing to his feet with her help. "Ain't 'ad a party like tha' since the the 'ol century party. 'Ow you feelin'?"

Tulani's only answer at first is to stretch and give a mighty yawn, before she thinks back to the Candlemass celebration and replies, "Alright. Rather ruff night for me, but yeah, that was a good party!"

A spotted feline approaches along the dock, preceded by the scent of warm bread and sausage. It's one of the older Savanites, carrying a cloth bundle.

"Ruff eh?" Arkold asks with a grin. "Yer startin' to soun' like me." He sniffs the air, noting, "I smell food, don' yeh? C'mon an' will go pilfer that there Savanite."

The Sphynx grins as her eyes track the Savanite, before following after the older Jupani.

The Savanite in question hops up onto the deck, catches Arkold's look, and waggles a finger at him in the universal, 'Don't even think about it,' gesture. He points to the town, then to the sack, then down below decks.

"I think 'e's 'oldin' out on us," comments the wolf with mock suspicion as the Savanite walks by. "Never know with them spotties. They loo' all skinny, yeah, bu' they can eat a Rakhtor." He begins walking towards town and waves Tulani along.

The Savanite waggles his ears in amusement, then vanishes belowdecks to bring the food to his sons.

Tulani grins at the wolf's quip, waving to the Savanite as he disappears below deck, then snapping her wings out and with a hop, hovering over the wolf's shoulder. "I'll follow from the air a bit if you don't mind?"

"Jus' so lon' as yeh don' hit me with them there wings o' yours," answers the wolf. "I've 'ad enough awol appendages my way this mornin'." As he follows the smell of fresh food towards the tavern he does a bit of stretching himself. "I love this town," he tells Tulani. "Quiet an' peaceful, an' full o' good cheer."

From the air, the Sphynx can see the chimney-smoke from homes within the woods and the farms beyond, as well as the distant sails of the fishing fleet. Further out towards the North, the sunlight glitters off of what might be an ice floe.

Few of the shops have opened yet along the town's single road, but the Tavern is clearly open, and shows the signs of having already dealt with the early-morning crowd of fishermen and farmers. The aromas of baking and bacon-fat clog the air within, and a familiar Korv waves his now cast-free wing to Tulani and Arkold from one of the long tables. The second older Savanite is sitting next to him, finishing up his own meal.

Playfully brushing Arkold with the tip of her wing as she lands, Tulani waves to the captain, and turns back to the Jupani. "Well? What are ya waiting for? Let's get some breakfast!"

Arkold nods it ready agreement. "Don' 'ave to tell me twice," he says. He gives the captain a wave as he heads on in to the tavern to get his breakfast, saying, "'Ello there cap'n! Goo' to see the wing's better!"

"Aawrk!" squawks Silas. "Good timing, as I was just about to pay the tab. Breaker's on me today, so have a seat and chow down," he says, gesturing to the long bench. He flexes his wing a few more times, and says, "Should be flying again by the time we reach home port."

Tulani's perks her ears up at the idea of free breakfast, before smiling widely and saying, "Glad to see you're doing better." Looking to Arkold, she says, "Now let's eat!"

A Khatta boy (or possibly a girl) wearing an apron that reaches to his feet comes up and asks, "What'll you 'ave? Our basic breakers is fried slice, bangers, beans, and a cheesy-egg scramble."

"Oh, and we gots some nutty-bread muffins left too," the kitten adds. "Err, and maple syrup. And berry spread, apple butter, Rughrat butter, onion-toasty and compote, yeah."

"Got some oatmeal and grits left too," adds a female voice from what must be the kitchen. "And a dollop o' honey leftover."

After sitting across from the captain, the wolf rubs his head and then looks up as the serving boy (or girl) approaches. Apparently he has "special" dietary needs as he requests several helpings of bacon, an egg, some thin-sliced meat and a flagon of wine to wash it down. "None of that there bread or fruity stuff, son," he adds. "Gotta think o' me 'ealth."

The kitten yells Arkold's order back towards the kitchen, and then smiles and asks Tulani, "An' fer you, miss?"

After enjoying a vegetarian dinner the night before, Tulani is ready to indulge her more carnivorous passions this morning, licking her lips and ordering her own load of bacon, ham and sausage, as well as eggs. Pausing in thought before requesting grits as well, she grins at Arkold.

The kitten dashes off to the kitchen with Tulani's order. "Good food 'ere," Silas promises, and is backed up by a contented belch from the Savanite. A shadow blocks the light from the doorway for a moment, and then Bort enters and shuffles over to sit heavily next to the Sphynx. "Wotta night," he complains, rubbing at his forehead and looking like he didn't get much sleep.

"I'm gunna have to carry you jus' like Raneah," remarks the wolf as he grins back. "Don' think my 'ol back could 'andle all that stress. Better eat now 'fore they 'ave to bury me." He winks roguishly and then turns to Bort. "An' you, eh, I be' you 'ad quite a night." The older wolf gives the Rhian a thump on the back, friendly-like.

"Oof," Bort responds, then rolls his shoulders. "Na' so hard there. That filly 'ad me put up shelves and plow her field," he reports, and pours himself a mug of water from the pitcher on the table. "Good cook though."

Tulani smiles at Bort, patting his arm sympathetically and saying, "Food is the window to the heart."

"Ha," Arkold barks with merry laughter, "An' I was thinkin' slavery ain't welcome 'round 'ere. Ain't you a sight, Bort, an' lemme tell ya somethin' abou' women: they ain't ever goin' to give you a break. But be gla' you foun' one who can cook a right fine meal, cause I ain't never been so lucky." He continues chuckling, but also takes to eyeing Tulani in a 'it's just a joke' fashion.

"Su'prised she didn't have me take down her winter shutters too, now 'at you mention windows," the Rhian grunts, and waves off the kitten as he comes to ask him for his order. When the kitten returns, he's bearing platters and a bowl of grits for Tulani and Arkold.

The Sylvanian Sphynx just sits there for a moment, hands folded in front of her with an air of complete innocence, before breaking fast and starting to chow down.

The wine is understandably watered down for breakfast, and Silas orders a pitcher of small-beer before asking for the check. "We'll be landing in Northern Shore evening after next, if we don't run into any spring ice," the Korv says. "What're yer plans beyond there, if I might know?"

The food manages to keep Arkold from chuckling too loudly at least. He digs in without another word, starting himself off with the bacon. Soon the greasy edible has slicked his fingers and his muzzle, but he looks for all the world content. He finds room to answer Silas between bites – but just barely. "Justininople," he offers, followed by, "Kurai," and, "lookin' 'round."

"Good," comes a voice from right behind Arkold's ear. "You'll need to find a Life or Chaos Mage, and Justininople should 'ave a few," Weewei says, having come up on the group completely undetected.

"Rut?" inquires the wolf as he turns around to stare at the old woman with surprise, a length of bacon hanging form his muzzle. "Rut 'ou rayin' 'ere?"

Startled, Tulani turns to the Khattan woman, pausing to swallow, before frowning deeply to her and saying, "What's the problem?"

The old witch plunks down Arkold's canteen on the table between his and the Sphynx's platters, and snatches up a sausage from the Jupani's plate afterwards. "Sorry, couldn't ken the spell on that thing," Weewei says. "You've gotta take it to a big-time Mage and see iffen 'e has any better luck."

"Well, Dagh take it," curses the Jupani after he lifts his muzzle and downs the bacon in two quick gulps. "Tha' curse-ed … uh, sneaky 'ol san' cat. I ain't goin' shufflin' off from no canteen."

"Mateh went bad finally?" Bort asks, while Silas peers closely at the canteen. The Savanite just scoots a bit further away down the bench, and makes some sort of warding gesture at the thing.

Staring unhappily at the canteen, the Sylvanian Sphynx turns to the older Jupani, saying confidently, "Certainly not!"

"This thin' is why you been burnin' up, Arkold?" Silas finally asks. "I can't sense nuthin' from it, meself."

"S'cursed," the wolf explains with an irritated glare at the offending item. He gives Tulani a resolute nod in agreement before gesturing in frustration at the mateh-holder some. "Y'know, magic an' 'and wavey in-can-tations. S'why I can' get cool."

"Ye could try drinking something lukewarm or cold outta it," Weewei suggests, somehow procuring a piece of bacon in the process. "Can't say as it would change nuthin', though. But you drank hot from it and got hot, so it stands ta reason, don't it?"

Tulani nods at the logic in Weewei's statement as she finishes her grits, then offers the last of her sausages to the Jupani and Weewei, stating that she is 'full up to here' and making a hand motion near the top of her throat.

"Thankee, lass," Weewei says, and makes half of the meat vanish in a blink.

"An' I coul' jus' get hot an' col' like I went an' got seasons," remarks the wolf. Still he eyes the canteen consideringly before picking it up and emptying it. Then he commences filling it with watered-down wine. He also spears his egg with his knife and stuffs it in his mouth before it can break free. "Things I do," he mutters as he chews.

"You ain't really gonna drink from that thing again, are ya?" Bort asks Arkold, then grabs the pitcher of small-beer that Silas had ordered and takes a swig from it.

The wolf seems to consider the canteen again. "Y'got a point there, Bort. Maybe I'll jus' take goo' 'nough an' save drinkin' from it if we up an' run out o' better ideas," he says.

"How's yer wing, Silas," Weewei asks the Korv, leaning across the table to take a look at it. "Shipping out for Ivory Sands soon, I reckon?"

Casting Arkold a concerned look, Tulani says, "If anything changes, let me know, okay?"

"Aye, and my wing's fine," Silas answers. "Arkold, don't be mentioning yer condition or this canteen of yours in Northern Shore, eh? Wait until ya find a Mage in the capitol."

The wolf puts the canteen back down in front of him and props his head on his arms to stare at it. "Yeah I'll be tellin' you," he answers Tulani. He rolls his head to face the captain and nods stiffly. "Uh, yeah. Thinkin' they ain't goin' to like magic eh? Guess with tha' war o' yers an' all."

"Plenty of cursed gewgaws in Sylvania already," Silas says, nodding. "Folks won't care to have more being brought in, you see?"

At that Arkold rolls his head to glance at Tulani. "Well," he says as he sits up, "ain't nothin' that should stop a man from havin' 'is bacon. An' I ain't abou' to worry on this, ain't the first problem 'o mine an' won' be the last." He pops a strip of bacon in his mouth and chews defiantly.

Weewei nods, and bids the captain good luck, then saunters off into the kitchen. "Ginny, got any fried slice left?" she calls as she goes.

Tulani stares off into space for a moment, before grinning to Arkold and saying, "That it shouldn't!" She takes a piece of bacon from his plate, still grinning.

"I swear you're tryin' to starve me," says the lupine with a somewhat forced grin. He taps his claws against the table and glances towards the harbor. "Bu' I'm thinkin' I ain't hungry no more. A trip, an' I mean a goo' fast one, is soundin' mighty pleasin' right now."

The final stretch of the journey from Galway Cove to Ivory Sands in Northern Shore is indeed a fast one, although not on account of Arkold's wish. The spring thaw announces itself with the occasional roaring boom or crack as pieces of the Vykarin glacier to the north break off into the sea. The rush is to make port before the cold currents bring the ice into the main shipping routes.

There is no marker for the border between Tursdi and Sylvania, but something in the air itself suggests the transition. The light seems heavier somehow, the trees along the shoreline thicker, and the water a little darker. Even Raneah spends more time on the deck now rather than swimming alongside the boat.

Nothing happens to slow down Captain Ocho's schedule though, and The Kestrel makes port in the town of Ivory Sands just when the Korv predicted, right around dinnertime.

"If yer willing to pay for it, you cold probably catch a coach to Justininople in the morning," Silas tells his passengers. "Don't know that they'd take on Raneah though. She's gotten a bit big."

Tulani thinks for a moment, then suggests, "Raneah could take an inlet here. There are rivers and other bodies of water crossing Sylvania, we could probably meet up somewhere?"

"Itchy fresh water?" the Siren asks, being a creature of the sea and therefore preferring salt water.

"Uh, s'that safe?" inquires the Jupani as he leans against the bow of the ship. He looks out at the approaching shoreline with apprehension clear on his face. "I dunno what it is abou' this place, bu' I ain't felt so ill at ease since Abaddon. An' if the folks here don' like magic, wha' will they think o' Raneah swimin' aroun'?"

Frowning sadly, the Sphynx replies, "Good point Arkold", before asking the crew in general, "Any other ideas?"

"Oh, the legends 'bout mermaids are all pretty good ones hereabouts," Silas says, puffing on his pipe. "Good omen and all, like seeing a shelwhal. There'd be no problem with her staying here while you go about your business inland, unless you get a wagon or cart to carry her around. And if you do, you'd better be able to protect her, cuz' it ain't like she could run from anything nasty."

"There it is then." Arkold turns from the shore and leans his back against the railing. "Raneah, y'can either stay 'ut 'ere with the salt an' sea an' maybe some friendly people or y'can come with us into that," he points towards the forest, " … an' whatever lurks within. I'm thinkin' what with the cap'n 'ere an all, an' the friendly-sorts, y'might like it 'ere. Bu' if you wanna come with me I ain't never denied y'that before and I ain't goin' to now. 'Course, I'll be back 'ere when I'm done."

The Siren slaps her tail against the deck indecisively, and turns to Tulani. "You promise me to look after Arkold, so he doesn't get in trouble, or gamble, or get too drunk, or hurt himself?" she asks the Sphynx.

Arkold nods. "Yeah tha's usually Raneah's job," he says jokingly, but also with a hint of worry in his words.

The Sphynx nods grimly, clasping the mercat's arm, before stating, "I'll watch him!" Grinning to Arkold and giving him a little salute, she jokes, "Tulani reporting for duty!"

"Yeah," says Arkold as he rubs his chin. "Y'know I'm a disaster right? You up to this, kiddo? Heh, welcome aboard." And he returns a sloppy salute.

Patting the Jupani's shoulder and smiling widely, Tulani quickly assures him, "You're wrong; you're only half a disaster!"

"Whut, an' yer the other half?" He punches her lightly in the shoulder and turns around to watch the town in the distance. "So 'ow far is this Justani-in-ople? Go' any plans there, eh?"

Raneah returns Tulani's salute, and smiles. "You'd better bring him back, or I'll have to hunt you down and sit on you," she mock-threatens.

"An' you won't live through tha' fish tale," quips the wolf from the bow.

Tulani muffles a snicker, "Justininople is a short ways away, so we should get going."

In the light of morning, with the night mists burning away and the sun casting rainbows in the treetops, Sylvania takes on a magical aspect that seems not the least bit ominous. The heavily fortified buildings, with their thick walls, shutters and numerous colorful hex signs and holy symbols are the only indication that the land might be dangerous.

The coach outside the Snark's Nest tavern is a big one, with iron-wrapped wheels and enough sharp spikes and projections to make a hedgehog envious. The six Dromodons harnessed to it are also barded in spiky armor, as is the driver and the two crossbowmen on the roof. A bored-looking Rhian loads trunks and other cargo into a rear compartment, while the group of travelers assembles nearby.

"Don't drop dat," growls a huge, shaggy wolf with an equally large sledgehammer hung across his back, as the Rhian struggles with a chest.

Tulani takes a deep breath of the cool air before stepping up to the coach, smiling lightly and speaking clearly in Sylvanian, "Hello! Can you give us a ride to Justininople?"

Circling around Tulani, Arkold moves to help the Rhian with the chest. "Lemme give you a 'and up there, fellah," he says while doing so.

The driver turns to look down at Tulani. He has Khatta features under the broad brim of his hat, and tells her, "40 shekels per seat, 20 fer baggage. Two-day ride, room and board for the roadhouse included in the fare."

The Rhian grunts something to Arkold, and moves on to the next piece of luggage once the chest is secured. "Hey, no nosing at my stuff," the Titanian warns Arkold.

Arkold turns to look at the other wolf, and in fact look up. And up. "Don' be thinkin' anythin' of it, there, stranger," he tells the larger man. "Think o' it as, uh, stickin' together for us wolf-types and a right friendly gesture. Eh?"

The shaggy black-furred Titanian thrusts out a paw towards Arkold, and barks, "Blarf!"

Not having any real luggage, the black Sphynx hands over 80 shekels, and quickly moves to pull Arkold away from the Titanian.

The wolf considers the hand for a moment, as if wondering what sort of crushing energy a man of the Titanian's size could generate before he seems to think better of holding back on the etiquette and gives the other wolf a shake. "Arkold?" he offers uncertainly.

The Titanian breaks into a big grin, and shakes. "Yah, hello. Yer kitty wants you," Blarf says, nodding towards Tulani.

"Heh, kitties," remarks Arkold as if sharing some inside joke with the other wolf. He gives the man a firm shake, and turns to follow Tulani. "Somethin' wrong?" he asks.

The coach rocks slightly as Blarf takes his leave and squeezes in through the door.

Not noticing a threat, and with focus now on her, the black Sphynx says, "Uh, nothing. Were you going to introduce me to your new friend?"

"Oh that's Blarf. Uh, I think. Could'a sneezed an' all, not quite sure, bu' 'e's a Titanian. Kind'o like us Jupani, city-types, an' the wild-ones out in the Himar. Jus', y'know, bigger. Lots bigger," Arkold explains. Then he thumbs the coach and adds, "Y'can meet 'im inside. I'm goin' to pay my way an' join yeh in a sec."

Tulani taps Arkold on the shoulder as he turns saying, "I already paid for you, let's go." She then hops up into the coach.

"Really?" The wolf's ears perk. "'Ey, you're a real pal. Right, let's get goin',"

The Sylvanian Sphynx offers a hand up to Arkold from inside the coach.

The inside of the coach has two bench seats facing each other, with a storage shelf above for carry-on luggage. Unlike normal coaches though, the windows are not curtained: instead they have heavy shutters that slide into place, each with an arrow-slit. The shutters are closed in the rear-left corner, where a vaguely female figure sits, shrouded in shadow, the black lace veils hanging from a broad-brimmed hat completely hiding her face. Next to her sits an emaciated Gallee poodle, dressed in black footman's livery and looking somewhat vacant.

Across from the shadowed woman sits Blarf, who has to hunch forward slightly to avoid getting his ears caught in the luggage rack. A smelly bag sits in the rack atop him. In the rear left corner sits a Khatta girl, little older than a kitten, dressed all in white and with all white fur and hair. Her yellow eyes seem too large for her head, nearly bulging out, and she stares directly and unblinkingly at Tulani.

Upon seeing Tulani's expression as she notices the poodle Arkold steers himself to sit with the Gallee instead of Blarf. Then he indicates the spot beside Blarf with a nod of his head to Tulani and grins. "Cheery decor in 'ere," he remarks to no one in particular.

The pale Khatta girl turns her head slowly, then stares at the side of Arkold's face. "You're warm," she says in a voice that's barely above a whisper. On the opposite side of the Jupani, the uniformed poodle might as well be asleep with his eyes open for all the life he shows. Blarf just grunts.

The black Sphynx sits placidly next to the large Titanian, smiling slightly in thanks to Arkold

Blarf reaches into the sack over his head and pulls out a big, well-chewed bone, which he starts to noisily gnaw on. After a moment of this, he looks sheepish and takes the bone out of his mouth, timidly offering it to Tulani.

"An' yer short, kiddo," say the Jupani. He gives the kid a fond pat on the head and grins as he thumbs towards Tulani. "Never seen anythin' like her before?"

Tulani gags and covers it with a cough while waving a hand at the Titanian's offer in the universal, 'no thank you' gesture, before sticking her tongue out at Arkold.

The girl continues to stare at Arkold. "Yes," she whispers, then introduces herself, "I'm Muffin. But you can call me Muffy." Across the way, Blarf shrugs and goes back to masticating the bone.

"Nice to meet you Muffy," offers Arkold in a friendly voice. He gives the girl a little shake, gentle with her hands. "I'm Arkold, an' that there is Tulani." He gestures vaguely in Tulani's direction.

"Hold up! Hold up!" comes a voice from outside, and a few moments later a tall Eeee clambers aboard the coach and sits down next to Tulani. He rests what looks like a medical bag in his lap, and is dressed in a conservative gray cloak. He also sports a broad-brimmed hat (must be the fashion) and dark sunglasses. "Whew! Almost miffed the buff!" he lisps.

Smiling politely to Muffy, the Sylvanian Sphynx politely reaches out to shake her hand, saying, "Nice to meet you!"

"Well yeh didn't miff the Blarf," Arkold points out. He glances at the other people surrounding him and makes with introductions to them as well. "Arkold," he introduces himself as he holds out a hand to the woman and poodle.

The poodle finally notices Arkold, and tentatively shakes his hand. "This is the Lady Veil, and I am her servant," he says. As the coach gets underway with a lurch, the Eeee tilts the brim of his hat, and says, "Awwow me to intwoduce myself; I am Doctaw Twig, at yoaw service." Muffy just stares at her hand for a moment after Tulani shakes it, then turns to look out of the window. She still hasn't blinked or changed her expression. "Muffy," she says, possibly to the Eeee.

"Blarf!" the Titanian says to the Eeee, reaching across Tulani to shake his hand.

"Lady Veil huh?" Arkold peers at the woman, scratches his head, and then leans back. "Well I sure see wha'cha mean. Don' think I 'ver 'eard of the Veils. Where do yeh hail from, m'lady?"

Smiling to each of the people in the coach, even the poodle, Tulani introduces herself, "Tulani, nice to meet you."

"Oh, uh, and 'ey there," adds Arkold as he reaches to shake the bat's hand. "Nice to meet'cha."

"The Lady Veil is from Tempest County," the poodle answers for his mistress. "You are not Sylvanian, sir?" he asks Arkold in return.

Looking concernedly at the Khatta girl Tulani quietly asks, "Are you traveling by yourself?" while wearing her friendliest smile.

"S'that obvious huh?" answers Arkold. "Naw, I ain't from Sylvani."

Doctor Twig shakes Arkold's hand cheerfully, and twists in his seat to give a little bow towards Tulani. "Chawmed, madam," he says, and as he dips the Sphynx can glimpse a definite red glow from behind his sunglasses.

The poodle says to Arkold, "Neither was I, originally, until the Lady… took me in. Now this land is in my blood."

"Adoption by a noble house, eh? I know 'ow it is." Arkold grins, then frowns just as fast. "I mean, 'uh, I come across tha' sort of thing. I don' mean to say it's happened to me an' all. I'm jus' a mercenary. Could say gold runs in my veins."

"We all travel alone in the end, don't we?" Muffy answers Tulani in her whispery voice.

On noticing the bats eyes Tulani tenses a bit, almost unnoticeably, and scoots a bit away from him, having been raised with stories of vampire Eeee, but as long as he's not doing anything threatening she's alright.

Blarf's large hairy arm rests across Tulani's shoulders as he feels her move closer. "Kitty want bone?" he asks her, despite her declining his previous offer. "Good for teeth!" he asserts, and smiles wide to show just how sharp and pearly-white his teeth are. And oh-so-big as well.

"Great country you got 'ere Tulani," Arkold says as he leans back in his seat. He pats Muffy's head again as his arm swings near her on their way to being folded behind his head. "An' interestin' people."

"It is certainwy a beautiful day for travewwing," Doctor Twig offers, opening his window slightly to let in the morning air. "Moaning is the beft time of the day, I feel."

Tulani is surprised by the Titanian's sudden comment, and finds herself wishing for the open sky. She declines one more time, "No thank you." Turning to the Eeee, she smiles a bit nervously, and says, "It is, isn't it? I always like that quiet moment just at dawn; it's so wonderfully quiet."

"Me, I like sunset," says the Jupani. "Day's over, an' y'can see the sun just sitting and sparklin' over the waves."

Doctor Twig smiles brightly to Tulani, and reaches up to brush his own, large ears. "I can certainwy appweciate that sentiment, as well as yoaws, Mistah Awkold. The birth and death of the day awe magical times."

Turning away from her window, Muffy produces a small flute from the pocket of her gown and begins to play a soft, hauntingly melancholy tune.

"Well, uh, I don' really think o' it as death of the day. More of, uh, it kind o' takin' a rest," explains Arkold. "Bu' I can see what'cha mean. I guess I'm jus' a bit tired of, uh, deadly sentiment."

Then the Jupani grins. "Fine thing for a mercenary to say, eh? Don' mean I won' do my job. Bu' I don't go out o' my way for tha' part either," he adds.

The Sphynx' ears perk up a bit at the sound of the flute, quickly lowering again as she notices the sad state of the song being played.

Eventually, Blarf stops worrying his bone to listen to the music.

Tulani regards the other people riding in the coach and thinks, "I had forgotten how many different people live here… "

Arkold shifts his hands and settles back more so his head is angled towards the ceiling. For now he seems content to listen, to think, and to wonder what may be in store for him and his companion in the strange backwater land.