Shadra vo Zhano, a strikingly muzzle-striped feline airship captain, grins to Ben. "Don't wander far now," she says to the little mouse. "Ah! This looks like a good place to leave you for a while. Makah, look after Ben'zhamin for me? He's vo Zhano, too. I've got business to tend to."

The puma captain reaches down to a booth's counter to let Ben walk down and inspect the merchandise for himself.

Ben'zhamin grins, waving to Shadra. "I'll be fine. I've taken care of myself before… "

Not far from where Ben was set down, three ottermorphs, wearing bright and gaudy clothes, clap in time.

Ben'zhamin grins and watches the airship captain leave. The mouse's ears perk up, and he wanders along the top of the counter to peer at what the otters are up to.

Two of them link arms. The third, and smallest, climbs onto their linked arms. They PUSH up, and the small otter does two flips in the air.

The three otters clap again, to gain some attention. A crowd forms around them.

The grizzled white one-eyed wolf, "Honest" Makah, grins disarmingly. "I shall do my best to make your friend at home! And how much better than I to make him feel so, as I, Honest Makah, make the finest in miniature furniture – carved from the purest of ivory from the Savan!"

Ben'zhamin thinks . o O ( Shadra has been so kind to me. There must be something I can… SAY! These kids are good! )

Shadra smiles, the corners of her eyes erasing the furrows of worry. "Ah, brave little mouse. I'll be back in half an hour, no more." She lays a few shekels on the counter for Makah and then sets off into the 'bargain frenzy of shoppers' (much as many unicorns might be called an 'exaltation').

Ben'zhamin glances again at Shadra… finally losing her in the crowd. o O { I wonder if she would wear a scarf if I purchased it? }

The two brawnier otters hold their hands near the ground. The smaller stands on his hands, on their hands. They raise him into the air.

Ben'zhamin grins and applauds! "Well done!"

The smaller otter lets go with one arm, and waves to the crowd for a moment. He then jumps off.

The crowd grows thicker around the otter-acrobats. What they do can no longer be seen clearly.

Makah quickly hides away the coinage, and smiles to the very small potential customer inspecting the hand-carved wares. "Vinu," he calls to a male cheetah standing nearby. "Keep watch over the little one, should I be distracted. It would not do if I should disappoint the lovely captain! Your whiskers if anything happens to him!"

Ben'zhamin continues to let his mind wander. o O { A blue bandana, around her neck? She would be quite dashing… }

Ben'zhamin inquires about the cost of the fine blue scarf on display just overhead…

Makah hmphs, looking away from the otters now that his view is obscured. "Not bad kids – but not as good as Tirro's lot," he appraises with a hint of begrudging.

Ben'zhamin hmmms. "Tirro?"

Ben'zhamin fingers the fabric of the scarf, inspecting the quality…

Makah looks to the little mouse. "Yes, as I said. You disagree? Bah." He waves such notions away.

Ben'zhamin chuckles. "Anyway, Makah… the price of this scarf might be… what? Mind you, I've priced scarves before… "

"Three coppers," comes a voice from behind. "Three coppers for the lovely scarf. Small price for small one, great bargain for great scarf!"

Ben'zhamin erps and turns to look.

Ben'zhamin wonders . o O { They can't be referring to me… }

A fox is busily looking around the bazaar. His right arm is held in a sling against his vested chest. He seems to be looking for someone. Next to him stands an elegant poodle, obviously wealthy and probably a noble.

Alyssa swaywalks alongside Jarik, her outfit of fine green silk fluttering as she moves.

Ben'zhamin blinks at the fox. There's something familiar about him.

A black mink smiles at Ben, wearing several scarves tossed about her shoulders. "You like the scarf, yes?"

Ben'zhamin shakes his head and dismisses the fox for just now. "Er, yes… the blue one?"

The fox points to the ivory stand and looks at the poodle. He seems to want to head that way…

Makah looks at the shekels on the counter. Certainly less than three coppers. He frowns. "You cannot afford the scarf, mouse. Too many coppers, and you have but these shekels."

Ben'zhamin gasps suddenly as a name filters up from a fading memory. o O { Jarik. }

Alyssa follows the fox's lead and gracefully moves after him.

A small Kavi, wearing a green ribbon, walks around the crowd watching the otters. He sees Jarik, then eeeeps.

The mink puts her hands at her hips and looks disdainfully at the one-eyed wolf. "What? You bargain for my customer? Mind your own wares! It is fine blue, much to be liked. Well worth three copper!"

Jarik finally noticies the small customer at the ivory stand. { Ben? No… it couldn't be… } he thinks…

Ben'zhamin sighs as he struggles with thoughts. He needs to get the scarf. He needs to wait for Shadra. He needs to attract Jarik's attention!

The Kavi tries distancing himself from Jarik – who he recognizes. He edges around the crowd…

Ben'zhamin calls out "Jarik! Over here!"

Jarik fails to notice the Kavi… for now.

Ben'zhamin grins . o O { I'll borrow money from him. AFTER I find out how he got here. }

Jarik blinkblinks; it is Ben! He moves his way through the crowd quickly, pulling Alyssa behind him.

Alyssa stumbles after Jarik… "Hey! Don't mar the silk, now."

"'Mind your own wares,'" mocks the wolf. "You hang your scarves on my booth! Shall Sala and Vinu watch your wares at the expense of mine? Or if one is gone, you will blame me, eh? You think too much of what you can get away with but for a pretty face! Bah!"

Ben'zhamin grins happily. "Jarik! What in the world are you doing here?"

The wolf looks up, just in time to see the approaching fox and poodle. "Aaaaaaaa! Back! Back! If you crush my wares, the end will not be heard of it! Shoo!"

Jarik waves to Ben! "I could ask you the same! Right now I'm looking for someone," he calls out. After a few moments Jarik reaches the stand, Alyssa in tow.

Alyssa tugs on Jarik's sleeve.

Ben'zhamin asides to Makah, "Shh… you may make a sale yet… "

Jarik looks to Alyssa?

The one-eyed wolf tries to shield the front of the booth with his arms. He whispers, "They destroyed my booth before! And they were to leave without paying, if Makah did not protest!"

Alyssa begins… "I thought… no… nevermind."

At the edge of the crowd, a Kavi races off.

Jarik blinks, "I'm sorry, M'lady… " He points to the mouse! "It's Ben! Old friend of mine!"

Ben'zhamin continues happily! "Have you seen… " The mouse's face falls. He looks stunned. He has completely forgotten a name.

Ben'zhamin blinkblinks.

The mink hmphs. "Makah, you fool. If my scarves were such to be broken and I received so many month's wages in compensation, I would hardly worry so."

Alyssa looks around, "Oh? An old friend? Where? I don't see him?"

Jarik introduces Ben to Alyssa, he points to the stand's top. "Him!" he smiles.

Makah hisses back to the mink, "Mindali, who can break a scarf? You know not how much Makah puts into these lovelies! It breaks his heart to see them dashed to pieces!"

Ben'zhamin waits for Jarik to get closer than shouting distance… and then halfgrins. "Jarik… it is good to see you." The mouse still looks a little distracted.

Alyssa bends down, offering a finger to the small mouse. "I am the Lady Alyssa. My father is a noble, you know. Jarik is my escort."

Ben'zhamin grins and bows. "My pleasure, Alyssa and pleased to meet you."

Jarik chuckles and shakes his head.

Alyssa smiles… "You are a charming and handsome fellow! What are you looking at? Some scarves?"

Ben'zhamin straightens. "Jarik… have you seen anyone else from Genocide? Er… "

Ben'zhamin rubs his eyes.

Jarik looks back and forth between Ben and Alyssa. Jarik has never looked, well, this happy. He tilts his head, "How long has it been? Over a year?"

Jarik shakes his head, "I'm afraid not."

Ben'zhamin says, "From home? And yes, milady. I wish to buy one for a friend. Alas, I haven't the coppers… "

Jarik smiles at Alyssa, "Ben was once a king."

Ben'zhamin pouts… and then blinks. "Er… once?"

Alyssa's eyes sparkle! "Well, we can't have… what?" She frowns at Jarik's words. "No." She continues, "Whose scarves are these, please?"

Ben'zhamin thinks . o O { Something… is wrong. }

Jarik nods, "I don't think your title holds here my friend."

Ben'zhamin thinks . o O { But I am still King on Genocide… ? }

Jarik looks at Alyssa, "M'lady… I'm terribly sorry about pulling you over here like that. It's just… it's just good to see an old friend."

A rather large stoat walks along the crowd. She peers into the scarf booth.

Jarik's hand drops atop his waist. It touches the chitin sword's hilt. He blinks and remembers WHY he is here.

Alyssa shakes her head. "I don't mind; it means I get to shop." She points, "Please, whose wares are these?"

The lady stoat walks into the booth… then she sees Alyssa. She blinks once or twice. "Dear, didn't I see you a few days ago?"

Jarik's ears suddenly flatten. His cheerful mood is gone.

Ben'zhamin chases all away from his mind with the face of his captain and friend. He grins happily to Alyssa…

Mindali, the mink, smiles to Alyssa graciously. "Noble customer, these are mine. Are they not lovely?" She holds up a scarf to display the thin golden threads that run through the sheer silk.

"And very cheap! Only five coppers the piece."

Ben'zhamin says, "Alyssa, what do you think of the blue one… ?"

Jarik looks up at Makah, "Sir, have you seen that worthless little thief Tirro?"

Alyssa nods to the stoat. "Perhaps you did." She smiles to the mink. "They are lovely. I would like a green one to match my outfit, if you please." She looks to Ben. "The blue is lovely… for a lady?"

Jarik turns and looks at the stoat, "Or have you seen him, M'lady?"

The lady smiles sympathetically to Alyssa. "I do hope that the water didn't stain your fine, fine dress."

Ben'zhamin nods. "For someone who befriended me when I was alone and had no friends."

Ben'zhamin blinks at Jarik…

Mindali beams. "Oh yes! It is very lovely and goes very well with your eyes, milady."

Alyssa sighs to the stoat. "Yes, it did, unfortunately."

Lady stout tilts her head. "Thief Tirro? Good gracious, he's no thief. He's here every so often juggling with friends. Mind you, he's not very good – but I give him a shekel or two when I see him."

Jarik nudges the mouse with his finger, "You're not friendless here Ben."

Alyssa nods… "I will take a green one… and… " she looks to Ben… "The blue one, for a new friend."

"That will be two iron, honored noble," Mindali says with a beam.

Ben'zhamin winks and grins at Jarik. "When I arrived, I was alone, Jarik. Although I was supposed to have arrived with… Tarin."

Alyssa nods, the coins appearing mysteriously in her hand. "A fair price."

Jarik blinks, "Tarin too?"

Ben'zhamin blinks. "Jarik… you seem… distracted."

Jarik frowns at the stoat, "He IS a thief. That little… "

The lady stoat peers critically at a red-and-blue scarf. "You might try the Open Arms, within Darkside. If he's not there, people there might know where he is."

Jarik shakes his head, "I'm sorry, Ben… I was robbed recently of my only possession."

Mindali accepts the coins and gives the silks to Alyssa. "You honor my shop with your purchase, esteemed noble! May the Sifras gift all nobles with your perception for quality." She curtseys.

Alyssa smiles… "You are quite welcome… are you here often? I may be able to send some business your way."

The one-eyed wolf, distracted with another customer – who is now the proud owner of several pieces of very small furniture – turns back toward Jarik. "Tirro, you say?"

Jarik finally notices that Alyssa is buying things…

Jarik nods to the wolf, "He stole a priceless heirloom of mine… "

Ben'zhamin nods. "Jarik, if you need help, you may count on me. But I must let Shadra know… "

"I would be most delighted!" the mink says with a brilliant smile. "And do think of me if you ever need a dress or two… "

The wolf looks suspicious. "Aha. The little juggler? You say he swipes things from you? Bah."

Alyssa's eyes light! "Dresses! You do dresses… I may consult you on that… my father is a noble, you know, and he always insists I am dressed well."

The stoat says, "Yes, but what else can they do? I mean, it's not like the Kavi live long enough to do anything USEFUL."

Jarik is admiring Alyssa's new scarf… "Very nice, M'lady… " His ears catch the wolf's voice, "He did. That festering little rodent took my sword."

Ben'zhamin grins a happy grin and mutters something about a 'clan sister.'

"It would be a great honor for my entire lineage. Merely ask for Madame Etcousan," the mink murmurs.

"The little Kavi, he is but a jokester. Would harm none," the grizzled wolf insists. "But he keeps ill company. That is why the rumors, I think. The 'Open Arms' – It is a foul place. No place for such a little one. No place for any large ones, either."

Ben'zhamin carefully folds the blue scarf and wears it like a backpack. It looks for all the world like a parachute on the mouse.

Alyssa nods… "I will, thank you." She turns her attention to Ben… "I hope your lady friend likes it, sir."

Ben'zhamin says, "Alyssa… I am in your debt."

Ben'zhamin bows.

The stoat shrugs. "I've never been there, myself, but it can't possibly be that awful, could it?" She peers at another scarf. "Of course, it's a lot safer for them than it is for me to go there."

Jarik hrms; the 'Open Arms'. He looks down to Ben, "Your company would be welcome, Ben… " He looks at his right arm, "I could use an extra arm."

Alyssa smiles with delight! "You are so charming! I would like to know more of you."

Ben'zhamin nods, and turns to Makah. "Please, tell my clan sister Shadra where I have gone?" The mouse gives Makah a shekel.

Jarik turns to Alyssa, "Very nice scarf, M'lady. Excellent choice" He smiles.

The one-eyed wolf snorts. "The 'Open Arms' is as foul a place as any. As any as you may walk into and walk back out alive, if you are lucky, and even luckier that you have so much as a coin left on you. A den of thieves and harlots and … " He turns toward Ben'zhamin. "Gone? But – You go to the 'Open Arms'? And you think Shadra will wish me to keep my hide?"

Alyssa beams at Jarik… "Thank you, sir Jarik." She takes the scarf and carefully ties it about his good arm.

Ben'zhamin says, "She will understand. Tell her that I went in aid of a friend, and that she should come?"

Mindali flutters a feathery fan. "You flatter me beyond my measure, noble lady. My family, we are simple cloth dealers and tailors. Your glory reflects like the firebird among pigeons." She waves her fan to Alyssa in a courteous farewell, head bowed.

Jarik looks at his scarf'ed arm? "M'lady?"

"Beware!" chides the wolf. "Dark are the times, and ill has befallen such circles. If you should be found in such company by the Inquisition, I am not responsible!"

Ben'zhamin erks?

Alyssa smiles to the mink… "You are very charming… I shall return in a day or so to talk with you more, if that is acceptable?"

The mink smiles. "Of course, milady. I am at your service."

Alyssa smiles to Jarik… "Every noble lady has a champion, sir Jarik… "

Ben'zhamin blinks. "Er… alright, Jarik… I'm ready."

The iron coins vanish away into hidden coffers.

The stoat lady shakes her head. "Hardly! That place has been up for years and years! The Inquisition couldn't possibly not know about it, so it must be okay."

Alyssa smiles once more to Mindali.

Jarik offers his hand to Ben, "Hop on, O' King of the coves."

Ben'zhamin steps into the offered paw…

Makah shakes his head. "Bah. Honest Makah hears much – but there is nothing for your ears. It is trouble, and that is that. If you cannot believe Honest Makah, then there is no more to say." He crosses his arms indignantly.

Ben'zhamin says, "I believe you, Makah! But Jarik is a friend… "

Jarik lifts Ben up. He turns to Alyssa and sets the mouse on her shoulder. "Now, be careful M'lady. He's well known to be quite the charmer. Many ladies have fallen for him." he winks.

Ben'zhamin juts his chin, looking fierce. "And I am Vo Zhano. I stand by my friends."

Alyssa laughs, eyes twinkling. "I shall be careful, sir Jarik."

Makah waves his hand. "Bah again! Shoo shoo! If it is to doom you go with friends, then be on. Tell me no more about it. And, Vo Zhano, your friend Shadra will certainly think to stand by YOU first by boxing poor Makah's ears. But mind it not. Worry not for poor Makah. But a humble vendor is he, and no concern of kings and nobles."

Jarik smiles to Alyssa, "I know" He smirks. "Now good Makah, which way to this 'Open Arms'?"

Alyssa tucks her arm into Jarik's good one, hitching her shoulder up funnily to avoid shaking Ben'zhamin.

Ben'zhamin smirks. "And why do I get the feeling that 'Broken Arms' might not be more like it… "

Ben'zhamin grins and, as he will, leaps to Alyssa's shoulder.

Makah holds up his hands wardingly. "It is enough to have Makah's ears boxed. Do not test Shadra for more, if she learns Makah would show her friend the way to the Open Arms! Find your own way – If you should get lost, you will be none the worse, says Makah!"

Jarik hmphs.

Jarik looks to Alyssa and Ben, "Well, shall we head to this 'Darkside'. This will prove to be… interesting, I'm sure."

The wolf grins. "Find Tirro, and perhaps he will show you the way, yes?" He laughs, and returns to tending to business.

Ben'zhamin settles on the poodle's shoulder, if she doesn't protest. "Jarik… what have you lost?"

Alyssa reaches up to gently pat Ben'zhamin's head.

Ben'zhamin grins innocently to Jarik, and winks.

Jarik almost looks ashamed, "Do you remember my sword, Ben? The crydonian sword I've always carried?"

Ben'zhamin nods. "Yes. And it was stolen?"

Jarik turns his left hand upward, revealing a thin cut along his palm, "Yes… "

Ben'zhamin ers. "You'll have to let me look at that, Jarik."

Ben'zhamin grins up to Alyssa. "I've had some training as a healer… "

Jarik smiles to Alyssa, "Now M'lady, let us be off."

Jarik says, "Actually, I'd like you to look at my shoulder later… I'm not sure of the extent of the damage."

Ben'zhamin nods grimly.

Ben'zhamin says, "Sounds like you had a rougher arrival than I, Jarik."

Alyssa frowns, taptapping her foot. "Jarik."

Jarik looks to Alyssa, "M'lady?"

Jarik almost smirks at Ben, "You know me, Ben – Jarik the punching bag."

Alyssa says, "I can't go to Darkside dressed like this! I don't want to ruin these clothes."

Ben'zhamin erps.

Ben'zhamin grins a little.

Jarik nods to Alyssa, "Good point, M'lady. Perhaps we could take a quick trip to the temple so you can change?"

Ben'zhamin says, "Er… and she might get mugged, Jarik. She should look more… ruff-and-tumble."

Alyssa raises an eyebrow. "I never look ruff and tumble, sir Ben'zhamin… my father is a noble, did I tell you? He says ladies should never look ruff and tumble. They can be ruff and tumble, just not look it… "

Ben'zhamin nods. "Well… hmmm." The mouse looks hopefully at Jarik? :>

Alyssa continues rambling on about clothing and ruff and tumble.

Jarik looks at Ben, "Yes?"

Ben'zhamin asides quietly to the fox. "What do we do about Alyssa?"

A white-furred squirrel gasps at the edge of the Bazaar and rushes forward. "Lady Alyssa! Alyssa do Verani! What have you been DOING to your clothes?" she exclaims in horror.

Ben'zhamin blinks, as the problem may solve itself.

Jarik hrms, "M'lady… I'd like to have you stay at the temp… " He turns to the shouting?

The maid brushes at Alyssa's clothes. "Your father is very worried about you, young woman. We have been looking all over for you! Don't you know that you have a very important dinner tonight?"

Ben'zhamin hops to Jarik's shoulder.

The maid gives Jarik a 'You CORRUPTOR' look.

Jarik looks at the Maid, "I was asked to show her the sights… I am."

Alyssa nods… "Oh, yes, I forgot!" She pushes the maid away a bit… "Oh, stop! I'm coming along." She smiles at Jarik and Ben'zhamin… "You will come to the dinner, later?"

Jarik looks at himself, "I'm… not really dressed for a dinner, M'lady."

Ben'zhamin grins and bows. "We should be honored… "

Jarik hmms, "If you could find me a nice outfit I could borrow, "I'd love to come."

Ben'zhamin elbows Jarik's neck.

Alyssa waves her hands. "No matter, no matter. I will leave clothing for you both." She points to her maid… "You will take care of that, yes?"

Ben'zhamin covers a grin, his eyes innocent. "I'm a size 8."

Jarik winks at Ben.

Alyssa laughs and patpats Ben'zhamin. "Of course you are."

"Really! What will your father say?" The maid sniffs disdainfully. "But, well, after yesterday, I suppose that he will be hard put to refuse you anything. Very well. But come, Lady Alyssa, we must go and make you ready! First Ones, your fur! Your coiffure!"

Jarik says, "If you will… nothing too flashy… I look silly dressed like that.""

Jarik gives Alyssa a hug, "Take care, M'lady."

Ben'zhamin suddenly imagines Jarik in the Court of the Sun King and dressed accordingly. "Zounds."

Ben'zhamin patpats Jarik. "Before dinner, we must survive the Open Arms."

The maid bustles off with Alyssa, tugging on her hand. "Come, milady! We must call a carriage, if we are to get back in time!"

Alyssa smiles and kisses Jarik's cheek. "See you later." She patpats Ben'zhamin.

Alyssa wavewaves and follows her maid.

Ben'zhamin grins and waves to Alyssa!

Though Honest Makah was very reluctant to give directions, other passersby are aware of the Open Arms. Down this street, past a row of ramshackle houses with missing shutters (stolen for firewood), beneath a crumbling arch… Was it left or right? Either way, it can't be much farther now… In a rat's warren of alleys.

Ben'zhamin blinks. "Er… Jarik… what did this thief look like? You said he was a… Kavi?"

Jarik looks around, "You know Ben… I'm glad Lady Alyssa didn't come with us… This is no place for a lady."

Jarik nods, "A small ferret, dressed in black. I believe he was fairly young."

Across the intersection, a beggar coughs up black spittle onto the trodden dirt.

Ben'zhamin says, "I have to wonder. It was a group of Kavis… I think… that were going to ambush Shadra and her crew. I have to wonder if the Kavi aren't repressed somehow."

Ben'zhamin blinks. "I thought I saw someone like that just go into the Open Arms." The mouse points!

The beggar mole hacks.

Jarik blinks to Ben, "Where? Which building?"

Ben'zhamin hrms. "Jarik… this place must have a back door too. Just to the left… see the sign? Er… well… what's left of it?"

Perhaps fifty feet away, some dull thuds sound as a group of thugs beats up some hapless victim – behind a crumbling brick wall. Just another bit of misery in Darkside.

Jarik looks at the sign, "Er, I see what you mean."

Ben'zhamin says, "Maybe I should sneak around to the back? I have my blade."

Jarik hmms, "That may not be a bad idea, Ben. I'd like it if no one was able to sneak out."

Jarik looks at the mouse on his shoulder, "But, no risks Ben! I don't want to lose a friend, okay?"

Ben'zhamin nods. "Can you drop me off unseen? And yes, no risks… more than usual… "

Ben'zhamin says, "Here, I've got it… "

Jarik leans against the wall of the "Open Arms." He stretches up with his left hand and without being seen, removes Ben from his shoulder.

Ben'zhamin leaps from Jarik's tail from the fox's hand and swings to the ground, scampering off as Jarik walks along.

Jarik blinks, "Okay… that works too."

Ben'zhamin stays close to building and shadows.

Jarik takes a deep breath, "Okay Knight, be careful. These people are NOT going to be helpful."

A vixen wearing too much makeup and too little clothing winks suggestively to Jarik.

Jarik smiles and nods to the vixen, "M'lady, you may catch cold dressed like that. Why don't you get some nice wool clothing?"

The vixen walks toward Jarik, hips waggling suggestively. "Because I've been waiting for someone like you to warm me up, sugah."

"For just one silver," the painted lady says in a deep voice, "I'll make it worth your while… " She licks her lips.

Jarik blinks, "M'lady… it's… rather crude to walk and act that way… "

Meanwhile, around back, Ben overhears the sounds of some arguing voices. "Shaddap! You done told me all about that fortyrillion times! *SMACK!*" "But it was the greatest – you gotta – " "{hisssss}"

Ben'zhamin frowns and draws his blade…

Ben'zhamin sneaksneaks…

"Well? Aw, come on! You SAW it. I was tellin' the truth, all the time, don't you believe me, Mask? Hey – Where'd Hood get off to?" A scraggly-looking creature in the back alley looks around. He might be a rat … or maybe a raccoon. It's hard to tell.

Jarik rubs his neck, "I am a knight, M'lady. I must decline your offer."

Ben'zhamin frowns, and flattens against the side of the building, sneaking along.

"I already heard it, I already heard it. Shaddap already. Go find some new rumor to brag about. The way you talk about it, you'd think YOU done stole the sword." A second creature, rodent-like, but with mask-like markings on his face suggesting a raccoon, threatens to punch his partner.

Ben'zhamin ahs! A stolen sword! The mouse creeps closer.

"Hey, but that's somethin'! I mean, if we could do something like THAT, only better, why everybody'd be talkin' about US!" the first creature exclaims. He appears to be a filthy raccoon, only with a hairless, worm-like tail that gives him a rattish appearance.

Ben'zhamin winces and stays clear of the tail.

Ben'zhamin thinks . o O { C'mon… who stole the sword? }

Ben'zhamin looks about, still looking for that door.

*smack!* "That's the whole problem, Wormy. You go around gettin' everyone talkin' about you – and soon 'nuff, you get a sharp pain in the gut. The steel kind. You gotta be quiet and stealthy, see? Like ol' Mask. You don't go blabbin' about things where everyone and sundry can hear!"

From somewher above the feuding people, someone says, 'Shhhhhhhhhhhhhh!'

Ben'zhamin hrms… and then freezes!

The cowed rat-like raccoon nods. "Yeah. Like you, Mask. Sorry. Yeah, you never say NOTHIN' to no one. Maybe – Huh?" He looks up. "Hey! Look! That's him! That's the one! See? Huh?"

A large piece of fruit preserve lands on Mask's head.

Ben'zhamin looks up.

"OOF!" Mask rubs his head. "No, that's a piece of fruit, you knucklehead! Only why's it raining fruit, anyway?"

On the roof is the silhouette of a Kavi. He wears something dark – in the light, it can't be told what color.

Tirro whispers, "People are at the front door looking for me, you dolts! Shut UP about the sword!"

"Anyway," Wormy whispers loudly, "Where'd Hood go?"

Hisssssssssssss!

Ben'zhamin grins… and looks for a way up to the roof. He thinks this character would slip off, should he try to fetch Jarik.

Mask looks over generally in Ben's direction. "Ah! There's Hood. What's he got there?"

Ben'zhamin acks to himself.

Ben'zhamin thinks . o O { Hood. Hissing… ack… }

Ben'zhamin turns…

Jarik is out front. He stretches a couple of times, preparing in case any fighting breaks out. He's at a severe disadvantage with his swordarm in a sling but…

Hissssssssssss! A forked tongue flicks at Ben, as a pair of gleaming black eyes regard him, glinting in the faint light.

The giant snake's jaw opens wide. Real wide. Real real wide. And it shoots forward at Ben!

Ben'zhamin spins to one side, slashing with his foil…

Jarik's ears flatten and he pushes the front door open.

Hissssss! The serpent snaps to one side, his upper body dancing.

Ben'zhamin thinks . o O { Shadra will kill me if I get eaten! Wait… }

Ben'zhamin dances backwards, keeping his blade between he and the snake and his weight on the balls of his feet…

"Go, Hood, go!" Wormy cheers, bouncing up and down. "What do you think he's got, anyways?"

Ben'zhamin grits his teeth, slowly retreating, facing the cobra…

The snake-creature's lower body coils and slithers about. His upper body, however, has a pair of humanoid arms and a torso. His neck begins to flare out, expanding into a wide, ribbed hood. The snake's mouth opens, as it hisses again.

PTOO! The snake spits at Ben!

Ben'zhamin thinks . o O { Snake's mom got too many rads… }

Ben'zhamin covers his eyes with his arm and jumps sideways!

Mask looks worried. "Hey. Hood's actin' weird. What's he doin' SPITTIN' at it?" He begins to step forward.

Ben'zhamin ducks in and back, slashing at the beast's underside…

Ben'zhamin thinks . o O { Oh, Great… }

The snake slithers and skitters back and forth, the lower body coiling and rolling and recoiling about.

Ben'zhamin looks for any hand hole or nook as he weaves.

"Holy guacamole! It's a mouse, and it's got a SWORD!" Mask exclaims!

"Yeah, yeah, so a mouse with a sword, I seen plenty of those. But … hey, where? You joking at me? Oh, wait, you mean a mouse!" Wormy looks surprised.

Ben'zhamin says clear of 'Hood's coils on top of everything else…

Ben'zhamin thinks . o O { Come to Bismark, Hood… }

"Back off, Hood! 'e's got poison on the tip! I can see! WHACK him with something!" Mask follows his own advice by picking up a crate and holding it over his head, preparing to hurl it at the diminutive defender.

Ben'zhamin decides that the best thing to do… is run between Mask's feet.

Ben'zhamin think . o O { Jarik… }

Wormy fumbles around, and procures an empty glass bottle. He flings it as far as he can – which is pretty far, mind you – except that the aim is WAY off. It flips through the air, over the roof.

**CRASH!** The bottle shatters on the street in front of the Open Arms.

"Whoo, Wormy. If only the mouse were a few hun'red feet taller, you would have got 'im!" Mask taunts.

Jarik hears the shattering glass and notices whwere it came from. He releases the door and runs toward the back alley. { Ben… argh! You better be okay… } he thinks.

Tirro sees Jarik and slinks a bit higher on the roof, away from casual observation.

Wormy glowers at Mask, and lets loose with another bottle. Whipwhipwhipwhipwhip! **CRASH** It impacts the side of the building, just under the raingutter.

Jarik stops, right BEHIND Mask, "Excuse me. Just what are youu trying to do to my friend?" He reaches down with his left hand and picks Mask up the the collar, just a few inches off the ground.

Mask grumbles, and hurls the crate, showing his superior aim by … smacking it against Hood's head. **CRASH**

Hood wobbles as a few pieces of rain-rotted wood slide off his nose. "Gee. Thanks, Ma – " *klunk*

Mask growls, "Now look watcha done! You knocked my aim off! You backstabbin' sneaky … whatever you are!"

Ben'zhamin sheathes his foil and climbs up Jarik's tail. o O { Have to tell him Tirro is on the roof! }

Mask says, "Yaaaa!" as another bottle comes whipping by. It misses by several feet. "Who's side are you ON, anyway, Wormy?"

Jarik looks into Masks eyes. He smiles, revealing shiny white canines, "I am Sir Jarik, I asked you a question. You'd best ANSWER it," he snarls.

"Get outta the way, Mask! I can't hit 'im with you standing in front of him like that! And, boy, you look funny with your feet dangling like that!" He hurls another bottle.

Tirro looks frantically to the other two roofs. Both buildings to either side are much taller than the Open Arms – and the fire code doesn't apply to this part of town. No stairs to jump to.

Jarik doesn't notice Ben climbing on him…

Ben'zhamin ergs, working up Jarik's back, hopping to his shoulder…

Jarik blinks, and notices a change in the weight on his shoulder. His ear swivels to the side…

Tirro looks about, quietly, for any missiles to throw.

Ben'zhamin climbs to Jarik's ear and pant-whispers! "Jarik… Tirro… on roof… "

Jarik looks toward the roof and realizes he has no time to mess with these fools. "Hang on Ben, okay?" he says. He waits a moment for the mouse to get a good grip. He then spins quickly, getting enough momentun to hurl Mask…

Jarik doesn't have the strength to throw.

*BONK!* Wormy's bottle impacts Mask's thick skull. **CRASH!** The glass shatters as it lands on the ground.

"Badebadebadeba!" Mask shakes his head rapidly, trying to knock out the cobwebs. He realizes he's about to become a projectile … and bites fiercely into Jarik's hand. "GNAR!"

Jarik sighs and realizes he just can't get enough force to do much with Mask. He yipes! and immediately lets go.

Ben'zhamin draws his blade, and works out along Jarik's arm!

Ben'zhamin. o O { Eeep }

Mask OOFS as he's dropped to the ground. "EEE!" He lands on the broken glass!

Tirro, after some tugging, pries loose two roof shingles. Some dust drops from the top of the roof.

Wormy looks around, but can't find any more bottles. He finds a corset instead. He flings it in Jarik's direction. Light and less than aerodynamic, it doesn't go far. Wormy growls, and rummages around for other garbage, then starts just scooping up armfuls and flinging it the foot or two or three that he can manage, making more ruckuss than damage.

Jarik looks up to the roof. { Great… I can't climb. Not in this condition. } he thinks, { How do I get up there? }

Tirro sees that he's been discovered, takes aim, and throws the roof shingle down at Jarik.

Ben'zhamin manages to hang on to Jarik. He grits his teeth. "How is your throwing aim, Jarik?"

Jarik yikes! He tries to sidestep the shingle!

Jarik looks to Ben, "Surely you don't want me to… ?" He looks at the roof?

The heavy earthen shingle hurtles downward, shattering as it impacts the ground. "OW!" Mask cries out as bits of broken clay hit him while he's trying to pull bits of broken glass out of his hind end.

Ben'zhamin nods. "Don't miss… "

Tirro tries to correct his aim, and throws down the other roof shingle at Jarik.

Mask growls, and grabs at Jarik's feet with a sweep of his arms!

Ben'zhamin eeps and hangs on as Jarik avoids the shingles…

Tirro works to pry off more roofing material.

There is a stuttering hiss from behind, as a wobbly-looking snake shakes his head and slowly rises. "Humma humma humma? Whazza?"

Jarik moves to the other side and flattens against the building… or at least he tries! Mask has a hold of his feet! He grabs Ben with his left hand and bends over, hoping the shingle won't do much damage to his back.

Ben'zhamin in turn keeps his foil away from Jarik. "I'm ready, Jarik… "

**SHATTER**! Heavy clay shingles impact Jarik's upward-facing tail-side. Mask groans as he gets a bit of the flak, and releases his grip, covering his face.

Jarik aaaaaghs!

Jarik winces and stuggles back upright. "Tirro! You'll regret that!", he shouts. "Okay Ben, time to fly… " he warns. He pulls his left arm back and *tosses* Ben upward, trying to arc him onto the roof.

"Yes, thank you," the snake wobbles and whisper-hisses, "I'd like the fillet mignon, and could I have the house wine with that?"

Tirro finally pries up another shingle.

"Take THAT!" Wormy cries triumphantly, as he hurls a half-eaten cantaloupe in Jarik's direction.

Ben'zhamin grrs and tries to stabilize his flight, aiming to skewer a thief…

Tirro moves close to the edge, and tries to drop a third shingle onto Jarik.

Another rotten cantaloupe follows after – though the delivery is a bit off. It shoots straight up … up … slows … and goes down.

*SPLAT* Wormy really should work on his throwing arm.

Jarik gets an idea! He falls over! He remembered Mask was holding his legs right below him. Have fun with that shingle, Mask…

**CLATTER** "OOOOHHHH!" Mask gets the shingle.

Tirro oopses!

Ben'zhamin arghs and, grabbing corners, releases the scarf he bought for Shadra.

The snake hisses, "Waiter! Check please!"

*pop!* Ben's descent slows considerably as a blue scarf catches the air, the threads dark glitters.

Tirro kicks at several tiles. Dust flies. He does not see Ben's improvised parachute behind him.

Jarik tries to kick at Mask to get him off his feet

Ben'zhamin lands, rolling a bit. He only takes a second to orient, thanking his friend Shadra…

Mask rolls over, yelping again as he falls back onto the broken glass. "AIIIEEEEE!"

Ben'zhamin works close behind the Kavi, sword at the ready…

Tirro finally gets two more missiles to hurl. He turns around.

Mask hops up, dancing about, trying to pick bits of glass out of his backside.

Jarik drags himself over to the wall of the 'Open Arms.' His lower back is screaming, getting up is not an option at the moment.

"Yes, thank you very much. My ride is waiting at the door? So kind of you. Here, keep the change… " the snake wobble-hisses.

A black female equine in startlingly pretty clothes peeks out of the back door. "Stop that ruckuss," she exclaims. "Customers are starting to complain about the noise!" She slams the door again.

Tirro walks to the edge, where he sees Jarik writhing in pain. He raises the shingle above his head. "Yield me the sword, stop fighting me, and you'll live," he calls down.

Wormy sputters and coughs, spitting out bits of rotten cantaloupe. "Don't worry, Mask! I'll AVENGE you!"

Ben'zhamin pulls back, and then thrusts the foil forward into the back of Tirro's leg.

Tirro OUCH!

Ben'zhamin pulls and runs.

Mask looks up with wild eyes. "No! No, please! Don't AVENGE me! Put that down, Wormy! Put it DOWN!"

Jarik yells back, "Never, you disgusting rodent!"

Tirro gets woozy. The shingles fall from his grasp, rather than be thrown.

Ben'zhamin blinks. o O { Disgusting rodent? Must talk to Jarik… }

Wormy grunts, hauling back with whatever he's got… preparing to hurl it forward with all his strength. "Don't worry (grunt) Mask! I'll ( grunt) save you!"

Tirro catches himself, as he lies down on the roof. He is knocked out very quickly.

Ben'zhamin calls down "Jarik! Got him!"

Jarik pushes himself against the wall. He forces himself upright and pushes with his legs. He's trying to stand back up.

Ben'zhamin thinks . o O { What do I do with him? }

Ben'zhamin searches the Kavi quickly.

A large cask – for some reason buried in the rubbish until Wormy unearthed it – is hurled forward. The labelling on it circles around as the container circles through the air. Perfume. "Ode de la Skunk".

Jarik winces, "Well done Ben! Now, how do we get him down here."

Mask shrieks! "Aaaaaaaaaaaa!"

Ben'zhamin calls "I can't push him… !"

Ben'zhamin idles briefly…

Jarik looks around the alley. "No… wait! there may be a way to the roof inside… ", he says.

The ceramic cask shatters against the wall, splattering the cask's contents everywhere … and filling the air with a pungent vapor.

Jarik gags, "I like the inside idea better already."

Mask runs howling out of the alleyway, disappearing down the street.

Tirro just lies there on the roof.

The snake wobbles a bit. "Oh dear. I'm terribly sorry. Did I do that? How rude of me. I shall see to opening a window at once. Dear dear."

Ben'zhamin erghs and continues to search Tirro, looking for a sword…

Jarik looks around for a crate or something to get to the roof.

The snake collapses in a pile of rubbish, sending several bottles rolling across the ground.

Jarik gives up and just walks in the back door.

*KOFF!* *GAG!* "Aw, crimey! What IS tha – " "AUGH!"

** What'cha roll in? **

Ben'zhamin holds his nose as the smell wafts. o O { Jarik? Where are you? }

Carousel turns with disgust. "Drunks! Don't you know enough to come in the front, not the back?" The pretty black equine's pink clothes contrast sharply with several sharp-looking daggers she's wearing at her belt.

Jarik says, "I'm sorry M'lady… I need to get to the roof… "

A female skunk swaggers over toward Jarik, running a glove along his lapel. "Heya, big boy!"

Jarik thinks. o O { Okay, lying may be necessary here. *shudder* But, I don't want any more violence.}

Ben'zhamin drags at Tirro's pouch. o O { Stealing from thieves is ok… ? } :>

"The roof, hmm?" the skunk purrs. "Sounds rather … " she tiptoes her fingers along Jarik's lapel. "… exotic. I like that."

Ben'zhamin leaves the pouch to one side, and returns to search Tirro for Jarik's sword…

Jarik moves away from the Skunk, "I saw someeone collapse up there! I'm a doctor, he may need help!"

Carousel says with flared nostrils, "Our ladies' rooms are NOT open to the likes of you. Do you think they're common strumpets to roll with anyone who has a few coins?" Her hand slips to a dagger.

"Don mell like no dogtor!" a ferret remarks nearby.

"Oooo," the skunk purrs. "You're a DOCTOR, hmm?"

Ben'zhamin blinks! . o O { This thief doesn't have the sword! }

Jarik says, "I'm sorry M'lady… I'll leave immediately… point me to the exit?"

Jarik tries to keep away from the skunk.

The skunk tries to keep Jarik from keeping away from the skunk. "Hey now, I hear doctors make lots of shekels… "

Carousel gestures to the back. "Out! The way you came."

Ben'zhamin pushes Tirro's pouch off one side of the roof, so that it falls behind some clutter. He then recovers Shadra's scarf…

Jarik says, "Please M'lady! I need to get to the roof… "

Ben'zhamin looks at the rather large Kavi, nervously. o O { Jarik… }

The mare raises an eyebrow. "Perhaps, dear 'doctor', if you have the money… You should then use it to purchase a little time in a communal bath, change your clothes, and return to enjoy treating some of our little 'patients'." She waggles her tail.

Ben'zhamin looks over the edge of the roof. o O { Jarik? }

Jarik ums, "I'm sorry M'lady… I couldn't. I just need directions to the roof. I'm in no shape to spend an evening with you… "

Jarik looks around for a staircase or something.

Jarik keeps moving AWAY from that skunk.

Ben'zhamin thinks . o O { I hope this place doesn't get raided… }

"I, 'doctor', am not one of the working girls," Carousel says with a frown. "So what if there's someone hurt on the roof? If they start to raise a smell, we'll have the body taken away." She narrows her eyes.

Inside the great hall, there are two wooden stairways leading up to the upper landing. A few steps are missing. So are some of the teeth of the "ladies" leaning on the railing up above, who smile and wave … until they catch a whiff of the Ode de la Skunk.

Jarik goes into the great hall, "I'm terribly sorry for the intrusion… "

"Phah! Where's a bouncer when you need one?" grumbles a wolf.

Jarik moves OUT of there quickly.

Carousel snarls. She signals to Marselles. An unruly customer to throw out the front. A badger begins to move after Jarik.

Some of the customers – at least, some of those who are sober and capable of motion – start to make their way out the front, to avoid the odor. The Open Arms is losing customers.

Jarik sighs and shakes his head. His left hand slips to his dagger and he keeps moving toward the staircase.

Marselles reaches in his vest and pulls out an odd wooden contraption… Odd until he snaps out the arms of the folding crossbow.

Several pairs of beady eyes regard Jarik from dark shadows. There is a glint of steel as a rat picks at his teeth with a stiletto.

Ben'zhamin thinks . o O { Jarik? } The mouse looks back towards the airship docks. o O { Shadra? }

A desert cat on the balcony moves to intercept Jarik. "'Sir'," he says with sarcasm. "I'm afraid that I'll have to ask you to leave. At once. Your kind is not wanted here."

Jarik focuses on the staircase. The fox prepares for the enevitable. { Death comes for us all doesn't it? No great adventures, just some seedy bar. } he thunks.

A number of doors with nameplates line the hall that leads away from the balcony.

The ones on the right seem to be the ones that might open onto the roof where Ben is…

The skunk's eyes glitter, as she looks at Jarik. "Come now. Don't be such a spoilsport. Why don't you come with me for just a bit? Surely you're not in such a hurry."

Jarik looks at the cat, "I'm ready to die. Are you?"

Marselles takes a string from a little slot in the crossbow and strings his crossbow. Then begins to load a bolt.

Click. Click click. Clack. The action is repeated in several quarters about the room.

Ben'zhamin paces nervously on the roof…

Jarik turns and walks toward one of the doors that may lead to the roof.

Ben'zhamin sighs . o O { All the dangers I've faced, and all the adventures I've had. And now to end my life like a frisbee. Thrown onto a roof, and no way down… }

The desert cat blinks. "Drunk I know… But even drug-heads aren't THAT stupid." He motions to Marselles to hurry upstairs and join him, and draws a scimitar of glistening chitin. Obviously this fool is going to try something stupid.

Jarik mumbles to himself as he approaches the door, "To live with honor. To help the helpless. To walk into death's arms, head held high. I am a Knight of Crydon, I will die as one."

Marselles reaches the balcony and turns swiftly, levelling his loaded crossbow on Jarik. Slyboots hisses, "One last time, dead man. Stop."

The nameplate on the door reads: "Captain's Suite".

Jarik turns to look at Marselles, "I died three years ago with my family. You'd only finish the body." With that, he turns the knob on the door.

From inside the room, a voice purrs, "My, what big eyes you have!" "All the better to see you, dear!" "Oh! My, what big EARS you have!" "All the better to HEAR you, dear!"

Jarik shakes his head, "I'm trying to get to the roof. You can kill me there if you like. I thought I saw Tirro fall down up there. I was going to help. His death can be on your head too."

"And – oh – my, what – EEEEEEEEEEE!" The vixen shrieks as the door swings open, hiding behind the bed, just slow enough for Jarik to get an eyeful of a rather flimsy red number with a matching cape and hood. A big burly wolf is in the bed, in a frilly nightshirt and a bonnet on his head. He does NOT look happy!

Jarik ignores the couple and just looks for a way to the roof.

A heavy blow thuds upon Jarik's head, no doubt from the big bruiser of a bruin behind him who just exited another room. Blackness.

A few moments later, a desert cat shinnies onto the roof and looks across its shingled surface.

Tirro is still asleep on the roof.

Ben'zhamin hides just over the far edge of the roof, hanging, unseen.

"Aha! There's Tirro," he mutters. "Dagh-taken fool. Wonder what he was doing up here." Slyboots shinnies down to collect the thief.

Ben'zhamin thinks . o O { That's not Jarik. }

The desert cat slaps the ferret's face a few times. "Wake! Wakey wakey."

Tirro doesn't weigh too much, and can be carried by the strong cat.

Tirro says, "Huh?" He shakes himself. "Wha?""

Tirro mumbles, "Fee' weak."

"You fell asleep. Musta been watching stars," Slyboots says with a laugh. "Some drunk was asking after you. Knew your name and all. Wanna come in and see what we're going to do to him?"

Tirro tries to rouse himself.

Slyboots gives Tirro a helping hand up.

Tirro slumps against Slyboots, and barely manages to stand.

The desert cat starts to drag Tirro in through the opened roof hatch.

Tirro swaggers, but with Slyboots' help, sets himself in the corner of the room where Jarik is.

The room is filled with the pungent aroma of Ode de la Skunk, despite efforts to ventilate with the windows open.

Ben'zhamin sneaks to the gable… and peers in.

Tirro just watches. He's feeling – and looking – green.

This is apparently one of the servant bedrooms, with four narrow beds flat against the walls. Jarik has been bound and gagged and then tied flat to a bed with leather straps; Slyboots props Tirro up on another of the beds, and the badger Marselles watches with dark eyes and loaded crossbow.

Slyboots says, "'Ere's the guest who waas askin' after ya, Tirro. Don't he smell awful?" The caracal grins fangily.

Tirro points wearily. "Tried… kill me."

"What's that? Think he deserves worse than a little fur off the back?" Slyboots flicks his ears toward the ferretoid.

Ben'zhamin eeps, seeing Jarik. This is too much. o O { We need help… but who? }

Tirro says, "Jus'… shave 'im. Give 'im lesson. Is with Temple. Too many 'gainst us."

Slyboots grins. "Hah! Yes, that'd give 'em back a little of what they gave us."

Marselles bares his fangs.

Ben'zhamin looks for a way in. o O { I can only hope that Shadra gets word from that wolf, and comes here. }

"So! Jomin. You wanted a little of the drunk that crashed your party?… " Slyboots nods to Marselles, who opens the door to let in a large black wolf half-dressed, who looks rather angry. "Here. We've got some razors you can use… "