Morning glows brilliantly over the multi-colored (dominantly orange and yellow) sails of the Eastern Flower out of Abu Dhabi, a luxury liner chartered for a cruise around the continent of Ai – its itinerary includes the exotic territory of Safar, the rich and splendorous Emirate of Abu Dhabi, the weird city of Noh, and the vast domain of the Naga Empire. The Himar has been crossed off the list of ports of call, however. Gangplanks down, the Eastern Flower is now loading passengers, luggage, and assorted cargo.

Aski Medes trundles up to the docks with a Technopriest in tow… Literally, as he is riding a cart which holds several large boxes of equipment and some smaller crates, all of which are marked 'Half Valley Expedition'. The old Rath'ani looks somehow younger, as if the excitement of launching a new trip reminds him of older days of bravery and daring. "Tally-ho, Buran! Are you looking forward to this?"

Buran hastily pushes some crates back up onto the cart just as they're about to fall onto the ground. She eyes the restacked crates warily. "I'll be looking forward to it once all this is loaded," she answers.

There's a light thumping from a crate … like its contents are settling as they're jostled. The box probably houses chemical supplies, judging by the faint smell from it.

Aski Medes drums his fingers on one of the largest boxes. "Oh, that will be taken care of for us by these delightful Kavis," he assures the Technopriestess. Remembering something, he turns to the mustelids as the cart pulls up to a stop. "Mind you! You'll be careful with the cargo, it'uns. They are – that is, my equipment is quite delicate and sensitive. There'll be extra for good, careful handling."

Carrying a large travel-bag, Envoy the Bard makes her way along the dock, wondering to herself if she's packed everything she might need for the journey.

A number of Kavi- six? ten? a dozen? scurry back and forth boxes, crates, and baggage. All wear orange headbands with flower prints, identifying them as crewmen for the Eastern Flower. Two more Kavi carefully (Well… for Kavi) drive the Dromodons along, one nodding to Aski. "Ya you betcha. Carrrreful."

A Khatta family makes its way along the dock, toward the ship. The mother of the family, a calico, fusses with a little white kitten's cloak, berating her for not bundling up properly for a journey. The father walks along, looking quite lost and out of place, nearly dazed as he looks about at all the ships. Surely he's seen a dock before, if he's a Rephidimite, as his attire suggests.

Bem follows Envoy closely, closely enough to suggest breathing down her neck. Its chitinous shell shows several scrapes and some dents, suggesting that whatever it did while Envoy was in the Empire, it was not terribly good for its exterior. "Functionality of present mission questionable," it rasps.

Envoy glances over her shoulder at the Zelak. "The functionality of everything is questionable, but that doesn't mean it isn't functional," she says.

A reddish-furred poodle – technically a Gallah – is dressed in a snappy blue uniform at the passengers' gangplank, welcoming the guests. "Welcome to the Eastern Flower," he says to some little puppies wagging their tails, handing them complimentary airship captain pins to wear. "Enjoy your flight!"

Two Kavi run up to Envoy. "Hi prettylady!" the red-furred, slightly taller one says. "Carry your bug for you?"

One of the Khatta family members, a young black cat, carries most of the luggage, although its more like tugging it along. He looks up at his father, fighting back a grin, "You okay, Pop?"

The Aeolun pauses and blinks at the two crew-Kavis. "Bem here can walk on his own, he doesn't need to be carried, thank you."

"Scout unit engaged in mission with unclear purpose," Bem responds. It glares at the Kavis, sweeping its notched chitin sabers to its chest in a gesture of folded arms, then follows Envoy in deadly quietness.

The father Khatta looks down at the black Khatta. "Just fine, son." He forces a smile.

Aski Medes gets up from the cart and then offers Buran a hand down. "Ah! Have you got your ticket, dear?"

The Kavis nod, and not spotting any other possible sources of package-carrying (and thus income), run over to the Black Khatta struggling with his luggage. "Hiyahey kitty!" The shorter, tannish one says in a female voice. "Bags too heavy, need some help?"

"Right here." The Sphynx sorts through her pockets momentarily and comes up with a ticket, its outer envelope showing faint traces of what might be oil of some sort.

The father Khatta interrupts the offer. "He's doing just FINE, thank you." He contradicts this by grabbing one of the bags to add to his own load.

A white-furred lady Eeee hurriedly covers her muzzle with a handkerchief as she makes a high-pitched sneeze. "Gah! I hobe de air id better fow by dose once we det doind… "

The captain picks just this moment to offer his hand to the father of the Khatta family. "Ah! You must be… " He peers at the ticket. "Dominic Kurai! Welcome aboard the Eastern Flower. Your rooms are on the third level, with the others in the 'Great Deal' class. I'm sure you'll enjoy your flight with us. A pleasure to meet you, … Lylia, and you… " He peers down at the black Khatta, looking for his ticket.

The red one says, "Oh but sir, this is a pleasure cruise! Why start it off with hard work?" He reaches for the handle of one of Jynx's bags.

Envoy begins recognizing some of the passengers as she and Bem reach the boarding line, and realizes this could turn out to be a chance to make ammends… or get into more trouble. She'll have to be extra carefull…

The old Rath'ani beams. "Excellent, Buran. Now let's see, where did I put mine… " He pats his vest.

"Sure cou-" the black Khatta is cut off by his father's command, and even though his load is now smaller, still sets his ears back. He had hoped to get rid of all the luggage. He looks up at the Captain, "I'm Feli."

The reddish poodle musses the black Khatta's ears. "Ah! I'm sure you'll enjoy your flight, it'un. And you must be… Eve! Welcome aboard, welcome aboard." He gestures for the family to make their way up the (thankfully) wide gangplank.

Jynx sets his ears back at the mussing, he doesn't like to be patronized, especially by a canine.

The little white kitten giggles loudly.

Aski Medes checks his pockets again. "By the First Ones, where did I put that paper?"

The Dromodon-led cart reaches the loading area proper, one Kavi squirming down and beginning to haul in luggage. The other grins crooked-toothly at Aski, saying. "See? got in carrrrreful." He then jumps down, hefting up a bundle of clothing with a flower-shaped paper sticking out the edge.

The old Rath'ani nods absent-mindedly as he checks his papers again. "Drat it! I could have sworn that I had it when we left my house."

Buran suggests looking among the crates, and even spends a few moments searching the back of the cart before the bundle of clothing goes by. Quickily, she snatches for the piece of paper. "Ah!" The paper is held out to the Rath'ani. "So you did."

Envoy makes sure to have her contract ready before getting to the head of the line.

"Ah! Bless you, it'un," Aski Medes says to Buran, taking the paper gratefully. He joins the line.

One of the crates developes a short, slim crack for a split second. It's coloured an odd reddish hue, and quickly disappears.

Jynx, still carrying heavy baggage, follows the rest of his family up into the ship. He keeps an eye on Dom, "Haven't you been on a ship before, Dad?"

Aski Medes looks disconcerted to find himself standing just behind Envoy. He looks over at Buran with some distress.

Dominic says, "Of course, Feli." He laughs. "It's just … " He shakes his head, and leads the Kurai family off to deposit their baggage in the "Great Deal" section of the ship…

Four Kavi each take a corner of a very large Box, hoisting it up shakily. "Whooo! heavy one." They start carrying it to the ship, josting it a bit out of curiosity. "Wonder what this be, eh?"

The Templar in blue follows behind her … mentor? Friend, certainly … after reminding the Kavis to be gentle with those crates.

There's a slight hiss from the box… more of a whisper. Sounds a little like rustling, but not quite…

The black Khatta grimaces at his father; what's bugging him? Shrugging, the young cat follows his family the rest of the way to their cabin; that way he can get rid of this baggage.

The line proceeds onward. Many of the ship's passengers for this trip are young, relatively clean-looking people of both genders, and some are holding hands as they walk up the gangplank. At last it's Envoy's turn in front of the Captain, with Bem looming over her shoulder…

The Kavi look chided, and carry the large box much more carefully… whispering to themselves over what might be in it, with ideas ranging from fanciful to ludicrous.

Envoy smiles to the Gallah and hands over her work contract.

The poodle beams and holds his hand out for Envoy's ticket… Then looks down at the contract. "What's this? Oh! You go on that gangplank, miss. You're crew, not a passenger."

"And really, didn't they give you a uniform? You're supposed to dress properly to represent the Eastern Flower," the Gallah continues. "Whatever are they thinking at the Bard's Guild?"

The other gangplank in question is being used mostly for transporting cargo up to the ship. It is on this wide board that the Kavis must now manhandle the large crate.

Envoy blinks, "Oh, I wasn't told about that. Things were a bit rushed. Can I get one on board?"

The Captain nods. "Oh, certainly. Just tell the Quartermaster to issue you one, Miss… Envoy." He hands the contract back to Envoy. "Oh, and be sure to keep your pet Zelak out of sight."

Bem hisses.

Aski Medes shudders and holds onto Buran's hand tighter.

Amazingly, the Kavis reach the deck of the ship with the crate intact, though now turned completely upside-down from its original orientation.

Buran pats Aski's hand gently. "What's wrong?" she whispers.

Free of luggage, parents, and sibling, Jynx wanders back out on deck to take a look around. Too much time with family can drive a cat clinicly insane.

"What's this?" a collie-esque, uniformed Gallah says at the top of the crew's gangplank as he stops the Kavis. "Hmm. Equipment for Half Valley. What's in this?"

The Rath'ani murmurs to Buran, "There's something about that Zelak that just seems wrong, and I've seen a great many of them."

Envoy leads Bem off to the other gangway, telling him, "We may have to get you a uniform too."

Four Kavi all scratch their heads in puzzlement, and point to Aski Medes. This, however, suddenly means no support for the box. *THUD*

A ball of white fluff in the shape of a Khatta kitten, dressed in a sky blue dress partially covered by a dull brown cloak, skips along, 'stealthily' following the black Khatta from a distance.

Bem rasps, "Encumbrance would be detrimental to functionality of this unit. Scout unit is cautioned against recommendation of counter-functional procedures."

The steady hiss issuing from the box jumps suddenly in volume, then halts abruptly.

Aski Medes steps gratefully up to the gangplank and shows the Captain his ticket.

The Gallah inspects the ticket, and then Buran's. "Ah! Aski Medes. My father's told me a great deal about your trips. I'll look forward to hearing what you make out of your trip to Half Valley." He beams and gestures for them to go up. "Welcome aboard the Eastern Flower, and have a safe trip!"

Well, he was free of siblings. Jynx turns back around as he hears his sister's paws on deck. "Eve, didn't mom tell you to stay in the cabin?"

Aski Medes doesn't move however, as he looks up horrified at the activity at the top of the crew's gangplank, where the winged Aeolun is going. Several crew have started yelping at the Kavis to get their box out of the way or they'll do it for them.

Eve makes a vain attempt to dash out of Jynx's view by hiding behind a crate, her white fluffy tail swishing back and forth, still in view.

The Kavi stay where they are, next to the box, eyes darting back and fortth beteen the Gallah and Aski.

Jynx walks over to the crate, as quietly as he can, then grabs up his sister's tail, "HA!"

The collie quartermaster looks down at his schedule. "You didn't hear ticking, did you?" He frowns. "Just says here, 'Assorted equipment'."

Buran folds her hands in front of her, staying out of the dispute. But she fixes a glare on the Kavis.

Envoy waits next to the Kavis and the troublesome box. "Is something the matter?" she finally asks at the delay.

"Oh, dear," Aski says. "You go on board, Buran, I'll go sort this out." He totters on his walking stick, as the Captain looks surprised.

The Kavis shake their heads. "No Sir. "Didn't hear nothing." "Not one thing." The last grins lopsidedly, "I heard the dew falling on the wide plains of Lamu… " *Whap* *whap* *whap* "What, whaddisay?"

There is a panicked squeal from the owner of the white tail. "YEEEEEE!"

"Eh? What's this?" The Gallah quartermaster turns to Envoy, sees the contract clutched in her hand, then tells the Kavis, "Get this thing off to the side. You're blocking the way. We'll get back to it later. Welcome aboard, miss, you must be new here."

The owner of the white tail held by Jynx is NOT Eve, however, though it belongs to someone of similar size.

Envoy nods to the Quartermaster, "I was recruited on short notice." She eyes the box. Is that formeldahyde she smells? Aski Medes must be bringing along preserved specimens.

The Kavi heft up the box and quickly trundle it off to another part of the deck, then head back down the gangplank to haul more.

"So! Time for you to go back- huh?" Jynx looks down at the owner of the tail. "Who are you?"

"Well, you'll need to have one of our uniforms," the quartermaster says patiently. "Can you sew? You may have to make some alterations for your wings."

"If you would please be so kind as to unhand my tail, sir," the cloaked Cervani child answers Jynx, "I would be happy to make introductions."

Aski Medes totters painfully up the cargo gangplank, looking out of breath.

He is followed by Buran, who is discreetly ready to catch him should he trip or fall.

(Did I hear… ? No.) Something in the crate shifts as it is hauled off, whatever equipment is inside perhaps falling lightly against the side of the box.

The black Khatta looks at his paw, "Oh! Uh, sure!" He drops the tail, looking rather embarassed. "S-sorry, I thought you were someone else."

Envoy says, "Sew? I can probably manage it."

The old Rath'ani clatters up the gangplank, then stops for a moment to catch his breath. As he notices Buran, he tells her, "I'll be all right huff in a minute. Go up there for me please, and tell them, it's just… huff wind-monitoring equipment. It's very delicate, so it can't be opened and repacked."

The Cervani raises an eyebrow. "I pity the owner of the tail you meant to grab. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Brother Gavriel." He looks a bit small to be a 'Brother', but his tone of voice doesn't exactly sound appropriate for someone of Eve's age. Meanwhile, some kittenish giggling can be heard from the other side of the same crate.

The winged Khatta nods, hurrying off to have a word with the Kavi handlers.

The quartermaster nods, then gestures for Envoy to go on board. "Your quarters are on fourth level. You'll be bunking with, hmmm, I forget his name, but I'm sure he'll be quite reasonable as a room mate. If you have any questions or problems, come see me on second level, fifth cabin."

The Kavis seem to have dissapated, busily hauling other packages. If Buran could pick the ones from before out, she might have a chance, but with the identical headbands, they all look far too alike…

Envoy nods, and heads towards her berth.

Jynx's ears turns red, partly from embarassment, and partly from being tricked by a certain kitten, "My name's Feli Kurai, and you should pity the person who I meant to grab, especially now!" He says this last part a bit louder. Then he thinks, "Did you say 'Brother'?"

Buran sighs, settling for inspecting the condition of the crate.

The quartermaster turns toward the winged Khatta. "Yes, miss?" He looks down at the ticket clutched in her paw. "Passenger walk, please. You're on the cargo gangway." He gestures toward the other bridge to the ship.

The crate looks intact, though a bit scuffed.

The short priestly-robed one nods to Jynx. "Yes. I am a healer of the Temple Priesthood. I am normally assigned to the Intimidator, but now that the war with Babel is over, I'm taking a bit of a break … by simply riding another airship, ironic as it may be."

With only slight scuffing, it's presumeable that the contents of the crate are perfectly sound. If somewhat volatile…

"Aren't you a bit, er, young to be in the priesthood?" Jynx asks while looking over the crate for a soon-to-be-hurting sister.

Envoy's berths down on fourth floor are quite cramped; this room would qualify as a broom closet back in the Bard's Guild. There are two bunks. which would leave Bem standing either in the hallway, which is a bit thin for that sort of thing, or blocking both of the inhabitants from standing in the cabin at the same time.

Buran smiles at the quartermaster. "I'm just making certain that crate wasn't damaged." She indicates the crate, then adds, "Mr. Medes is very concerned that none of his equipment be danaged." She glances over the crate once more, then hurries back to Aski.

"Ah! Very good," the quartermaster says. "And this equipment is… " He realizes he's talking to empty air, and waits patiently, while waving other crew carrying cargo past, making checkmarks.

Aski Medes is still catching his breath, as several Kavis pile up behind him with another large box of similar size.

Bem, however, pauses near the crate. It leans down to sniff at it deliberately.

There's no sign of Eve, despite Jynx's investigation. She must have retreated while Jynx was distracted by the small priest. "No, actually, though I'm flattered that I'm so often mistaken for being younger than I am." The short priest smiles to Jynx, his dark, liquid eyes twinkling at the Khatta.

Envoy stows her bag under one of the bunks, and ponders what to do about Bem, now that the Zelak isn't hovering over her shoulder.

Jynx gives up looking for Eve, and looks down to the Cervani, "You mean you're am adult? Uh, no offense or anything." He puzzles.

Buran gently pats Aski's arm. "Are you all right, sir? I believe the quartermaster would like to speak with you."

The Aeolun leaves the small(!) cabin, and goes to get a uniform.

The scarred box sits in sullen silence. Its olfactory aura is plainly obvious to anyone within a few feet. It's anyone's guess what the heightened senses of a zelak would pick up.

"Just give me your arm, and I'll be all right," the Rath'ani puffs. He wobbles up the gangplank with the Khatta's help, then stiffens as he notices the Zelak inspecting the crate. "Er. Did you tell them what it was yet, Technopriestess?"

"None taken, young man," the 'Cervani' answers. "I'm an Aelfin, you see. I'm from Aelfhem, a little speck on the map on the fringe of the Ashdod Territories. Not that you should have ever heard of it, of course. We just don't come quite as large as you sky-islanders do." His body shakes in a quiet chuckle.

A nod answers Aski's question. "Equipment. Yes."

Aelfin. Where has Jynx heard that name before? "Actually… " He thinks hard, "I have seen your kind before, now that you mention it."

The Quartermaster taps his foot as the raccoon and the winged snow leopard make it to the top of the gangplank. "Well, step to the side please. Let's have a little more efficiency about loading this ship, if you don't mind. Now then, Master Medes, this equipment of yours, what's in it?"

The Aelfin's eyebrows raise at this. "Oh, really? Not incredible, but interesting nonetheless. In what context, might I ask? And do you mind if we walk as we speak? I came back abovedecks to get a bit of fresh air, you see."

Aski Medes slumps against the first loaded crates. "Wind-mon… Wind-" Patently out of breath, he looks over to Buran to finish the sentence.

Bem straightens. "Functionality of crate does not compromise mission," it rasps.

This odd statement causes the quartermaster to raise his eyebrows and tap his foot even more audibly.

Buran cradles Aski gently. "Wind-monitoring instruments," she tells the quartermaster. It's very fragile, I understand, and can't be opened or repacked. Please be careful with it."

"Sure, no problem." ( That way I can keep an eye out for that little terror ) Jynx walks along with the little Aelfin, "Now I remember. They had their own ship, the Aelfins I met that is. I was a passenger on it."

"Ah! Of course. I'll have a couple of hands take it down," the quartermaster replies. "Will there be anything else then?" He scribbles something down.

Meanwhile, Bem moves silently away, looking for its scout unit.

"Really? How novel! Not having an airship, that is, but taking passengers," the Aelfin priest muses. "You see, we have airships of a sort in Aelfhem, though we don't use lighter-than-air gases. We rely on heat. Hot-air envelopes, you see. That limits the range considerably, but … ah … they can be more maneuverable in some instances, and less prone to explode if introduced to fire."

"I don't believe so, sir," Buran answers. She glances at Aski as if asking for a confirmation.

Aski just nods.

"Uh-Huh," Jynx nods along, trying to look interested, but the conversation makes him want to fall asleep.

Several Kavis pick up the crate and huff! start loading it into the depths of the ship.

Buran says, "Well, if there's nothing more, sir… " She helps Aski to his quarters.

The Aelfin priest continues at length, telling Jynx more than he ever needed to know about hot-air envelopes, the Aelfin homeland, and all sorts of barely-related tangential topics…

At last the captain shouts out, "All aboard who's not staying ashore!" The gangplanks are pulled away and the good ship Eastern Flower begins to lift, many of the passengers tipping the ship away from Rephidim as they lean over the railing to wave at their friends…

It's dark in the crate… Very dark. The thing has been filled up with a voluminous quantity of cloth to soften impacts, but still, Qing feels quite bruised.

Lying amidst the cloth, coiled several times over himself, the Witchdoctor silently fumes, by both of the word's definitions.

In search of the spare uniform locker, Envoy makes her way carefully through the cargo hold, quietly wondering what gets done with the crates after they've been unpacked.

The only light in the cargo hold comes from slits in the side of the ship, which admit daylight in long slanting rays.

Footsteps can be heard through the battered walls of Qing's crate.

"Hello?" the Exile calls, hoping that the supercargo will be on duty still. "Is anyone else down here?"

(That voice again… it is the Exile… tsshh… ) Qing continues to remain motionless.

Nothing answers from the darkened recesses of the cargo hold. There are clear paths marked out by white paint on the decks, but boxes and luggage often overlay or entirely block some of these, making it a maze.

Envoy continues to search, trying to read the shipping labels in the dim light. Maybe she can get Bem to stay down here… and organize things.

The shipping labels don't seem to be of much help. About half the crates are marked 'From: Rephidim' and to various ports of call, but others are tagged as the personal luggage of various people. This, for instance, is Technopriestess Buran's bag, and that would be the various crates associated with Aski Medes's expedition to Half Valley. Beyond that would be the luggage of the family Kurai.

Envoy sighs, as she realizes the ships stores are probably all the way at the back, behind the passenger cargo. She decides to get a better view of the maze, and starts trying to climb up over some of the sturdier looking crates.

The spirit mage listens to approaching footsteps, waiting expectantly to be released. Upon hearing footsteps on his crate, however, he grimaces. (That must be the Exile, and not the Technopriestess. Bah… if it hadn't been for those Kavi, perhaps I'd be comfortable enough to not mind waiting here.)

There do appear to be a great many more crates and bags and boxes stored behind the luggage and cargo.

A bit more light peeks into the hold as Buran quietly opens (and then closes) the hatchway leading to it. Upon spotting Envoy, she frowns. (What's she doing in here? I hope she hasn't inspected those crates.) Outwardly, she says nothing, watching Envoy in silence.

The Exile, once she's up there anyway, decides that going over the top of the cargo will probably be faster, and starts to search out a route towards the far crates.

A bit more clambering puts Envoy safely out of sight behind a wall of what purportedly is the Travelling Karamazi Brothers' wardrobe, and amidst more practical supplies, such as huge bales of canvas for sails, coils of rope, and the like. Hm, but where are the spare uniforms? Perhaps they're in that closet.

Perking her ears to listen better for any sign of Envoy, Buran makes her way to the crates in question. She begins her work by inspecting them for apparent danage since she last saw them.

The two biggest crates, where the Nagas are hidden, look functionally undamaged. In fact it will probably take a great deal of effort to open them up.

Or at least a good-quality pry bar.

Envoy, meanwhile, makes no attempt at silence as she tries to open a closet elsewhere in the hold.

The closet opens… And reveals a wide assortment of carpenter's tools.

A crack opens in one of the large crates, much like it did on the dock. It remains open this time, however, a crimson orb balefully staring out of it.

The Exile pauses a bit to examine the tools, then tries to reseal the closet before moving on to the next.

These look sharp… But probably not what Envoy needs for a uniform. The next closet contains various parts.

Buran furtively glances about to make certain she's still alone, then whispers (very softly), "Are you OK?"

On the other side of the pile of crates and baggage, Envoy keeps opening closets, lockers and cabinets in her search.

"I am unhurt," whispers the mage-in-the-box. "It is becoming uncomfortable to hold this position, however. And stuffy. Who else is in the hold?"

More tools. Canvas and pots of sealing agents for repairing holes in the ship. Bottles of spices, sealed tightly; probably for replenishing the kitchen.

The Sphynx assumes the pretense of a random inspection, just in case someone should happen along. Again she whispers. "Envoy… an Exile."

A blade touches Buran's shoulder. "State identity and function," the owner of the voice rasps.

Qing opens his mouth to speak again, but says nothing as he spies another form through the view-slat of his box. A Zelak?

Buran just barely manages to maintain her composure (and the pretense of 'inspection'.) "My name is Buran," she says as calmly as she can. "I am inspecting my equipment. Function? Well, I suppose you could call that my function at the moment."

Envoy perks an ear at a familiar sounding rasp, but why would Bem be down here? Is he following her again? "Is that you, Bem?" she calls over the mountain of cargo.

The Zelak rasps, "Unit designated Buran is performing function." Its voice is cold and flat, but nevertheless, it withdraws its blade. Hearing Envoy, the Zelak proceeds that way.

Bem clambers over the crates with a fluid mechanical efficiency that reminds Buran of Temple equipment.

After Bem has departed, Buran carefully peers into the crate again. "Ssshhh. They're still here. I can't let you out until they're gone."

"Are you here to help me find the uniforms?" Envoy asks the Zelak. "Who were you talking to?"

"Negative, this unit's function is to protect scout unit Envoy," Bem replies sharply. "Unit was questioning servitor unit designated Buran, in performance of function inspecting equipment."

Envoy blinks. "Well, did she need any help?"

Bem reminds Envoy, "This unit's function is not to assist worker units."

"Very well." The murmur from the box sounds irritated at first, but it smooths out, as all the subjects of Qing's ire are out of sight. "Your willingness to come here despite your aversion is appreciated," the whisper acknowledges.

"Even if doing so indirectly serves to protect me?" Envoy asks, trying to find a loophole in the Zelak's logic. Especially since he hasn't done all that well at protecting her lately.

The Zelak looms tall in the darkness of the cargo hold, the thin horizontal rays of light making it seem striped. "Scout unit has not demonstrated cooperativeness in assisting warrior unit with its protection. Scout unit should remain with warrior unit to assure maximum protection."

Buran moves over to the other crate after explaining to Qing that as a healer, she couldn't have left him there and, besides, she wouldn't want to stay in that crate, either. The second crate is also subjected to inspection.

Nothing answers from inside. Perhaps Minister Bassai is just asleep… Or perhaps he's dead or suffocated.

Envoy says, "Buran has acted to protect scout unit when you were absent. Since she has done your duty in the past, you should help her with her duty now."

Bem pauses, then replies, "Statement is illogical."

Envoy gives up, and starts to climb back over the crates herself to see if Buran needs any help.

Bem follows closely behind.

The winged Khatta has returned to the first crate and is about to try to open it when she detects approaching footsteps. She looks behind her.

The Witchdoctor reluctantly closes the slat in his box.

What greets Envoy is the sight of a winged Khatta glancing up at her, apparently inspecting two crates.

Envoy climbs down and smiles to the Sphynx. "Hello Buran! Do you need any help?"

Buran casually clasps her hands behind her back and steps in front of the crate – conveniently, right in front of the removable slat. "Thank you, no." she says cheerfully. "I'm just making sure those Kavis didn't damage anything." She glances at Bem momentarily before continuing. "Everything seems to be in order."

The Zelak rasps, "Completion of functionality is admirable." It glances over at Envoy meaningfully.

Envoy smiles, "That's good to hear." Ignoring Bem's glare, she asks, "Did you need these delivered to your cabin?"

Buran looks surprised. "These? No. They stay here."

Envoy says, "I noticed you came with Aski Medes. Is he going on an expedition?""

Buran sighs. "Yes. Would you excuse me, please? I need to get back to him. He isn't in the best of health lately, and I must finish this inspection." She tries not to sound too harsh.

Envoy blinks, then nods. "Sorry for the interruption. I hope you enjoy the cruise, Buran. I have to go find a uniform now… " The Exile trails off and turns back towards the lockers.

Bem follows Envoy silently over the crates.

The Technopriestess resumes her task – her real task, that is, of opening the crates.

The Zelak rasps, "For what is scout unit searching cargo hold?" Its voice trails over the hold, giving Buran an idea that they're far enough away to allow her to take care of this little task.

The second crate spills forth an unconscious Naga… The Minister has, amazingly enough, maanaged to fall asleep in all the excitement.

The bulk of the contents of the second crate are his luggage, of course. And a leather briefcase, making Bassai a minister with portfolio.

Buran spends a few minutes mixing Bassai's luggage and briefcase in with the rest of the goods in the hold while Qing takes a few minutes to recover.

With the lid pried off the first crate, the distinctive white Rokuga rises over the top, holding his upper half up with all six hands on the rim of the box. His coils pour themselves over the lip of the structure, and touch onto the floor, piling below. He nods at Buran, touching the brim of his bowl hat to straighten it, and then makes his way to the exit.

Buran calls (softly) after Qing. "Don't let anyone see you!" she admonishes.

"I have a ticket… I will be fine," murmurs the reptile, turning back to help Buran with the unconscious minister. "If I find those kavi, however… "

The minister is unceremoniously hauled up over Buran's shoulder, and that's how she stealthily carries him to her quarters (after replacing the lids on both the crates.) Hopefully, he'll have a ticket on him so that she doesn't have to hide him there for the entire trip.

The cargo hold falls silent behind the two snakes and the winged Khatta.

It takes some time, but Envoy finally does manage to find the uniforms… And they weren't in the back lockers; they were in a rack near the front of the cargo hold, hidden by some boxes. Ah well, a little exploration does no one any harm. Bem looks disgruntled however, and refuses to even consider a uniform.

"You should try to be more flexible, Bem," Envoy suggests as she finds a uniform that will fit her. "Camoflauge can be useful."

"Flexibility is not a designated directive for this warrior unit," Bem rasps in response.

Evening on the Eastern Flower finds the airship heading over the dimly Procession-lit wilderness toward distant Safar. For the first night, the Captain is hosting a mixer to allow the passengers to mingle and get to know each other. As a special treat, two Guild-licensed bards will be on hand to provide songs. Chefs sweat in the kitchen and uniformed busboys bring out new dishes regularly for the guests.

Aski Medes, pleading a need to rest and recover in his cabin, has sent Buran up to mingle, which leaves the other cot free to house the Nagai until they have recovered from their travails…

Envoy tugs at the tunic of her hastily-modified uniform, which keeps wanting to bunch up between her wings.

Adjusting her dulcimer strap so that the instrument can be played while she's standing, the Aeolun looks across the deck for a stage or other area for performers, as well as looking for her as yet unseen fellow Bard.

Buran wanders up onto the deck. Tonight, she's chosen to wear the dress that served so well at Candlemass – the deep-blue one with the silvery pattern. Her first few minutes on deck are spent gazing over the railing at the beauty of the nighttime sky.

The Captain walks over to join Buran. "Ah! A delight to see you," the reddish poodle says, taking Buran's hand and bowing over it. "Please, do come and join us. There will be dancing in an hour, and as you can see… " He gestures to Envoy. "Our bards will be here to entertain you. Complimentary drinks at the bar."

The crowd seems to be young and eager for dancing music at the moment, a tortoiseshell-patterned Khatta coming up to Envoy to request Lark in the Springtime. "Yeah! Something with real swing to it." He flicks his tail expressively.

Buran blushes, smiling at the Captain. "Oh, but it's beautiful up here. I always take a few minutes to admire the stars. But the food does look delicious!"

Envoy smiles and starts to play a dance tune that's usually popular among Jupanis.

Looming behind Envoy, however, is a sight that tends to frighten away the more curious… Bem stands nearby, silent and motionless.

The Exile in turn watches the crowd, trying to judge their tastes. Maybe she can try showing them how to square-dance later.

The Captain beams to Buran. "Of course! The stars have always been our silent partners, guiding us at night." He bows in a courtly fashion, then excuses himself to attend to some of the other passengers, which allows her to see…

A foppish fox in an ill-fitting uniform seems to have a taste for hors d'eouvres, which he greedily snacks upon, when he can filch a few. He has a lute slung over his back, but seems not inclined to use it for the time being, since his mouth is otherwise occupied.

Zoltan brushes some little golden hairs off of his chest and makes his way to the snack bar. He discreetly grabs a goblet and then quietly mingles, giving Envoy a small nod as he passes.

The mixed-species poodle trots off to tend to the needs of some of the newer-arriving passengers. "Ah! Mr. Do Varr," comes the distant voice. "I do hope you'll enjoy the voyage… "

Following a bit behind Zoltan, Jynx walks onto the deck, he in turn followed by his Parents Dominic and Lylia. The young cat grabs a few hors d'oeuvres, and downs them much too quickly as to be polite.

Dominic takes Lylia by the arm, smiling … until he sees Envoy. He immediately frowns, and looks around for who-knows-what, and then leans over to whisper something to Lylia.

Jynx looks back at his dad and grimaces, what a way to start the evening.

Buran blanches as she catches sight of the Foppish Fox. I thought I'd… never mind. Shaking her head, she nibbles on some of the hors d'ouevres and chitchats with other passengers.

Envoy blinks as she spots the huge black Vartan. It seems like all of her friends are on this cruise. She hopes they don't decide to kill her, as much as Bem might like that…

The Black Vartan doesn't appear to be all that social, prefering to just quietly sit with his drink and relax for a bit, his ears focused on the music and his eyes watch the sky overhead.

A very shaggy Jupani, a businessman from his dress, bumps into the hors d'oevres tray. He hiccups as he clumsily grabs some and stumbles away, mumbling something about finding another drink. [hic]

Envoy segues into another dance tune, this one requiring her to imitate some wind instruments with her voices.

Jynx gets another heaping mound of finger food, and finds a place to sit. He watches the other members do their stuff, downing food rather quickly.

A short 'Cervani' in priestly robes takes advantage of his short stature to walk along, right underneath some trays, stopping to watch Envoy and enjoy her music with all four of his tapered ears. He smiles faintly at the sounds.

The foppish fox, meanwhile, sees Jynx downing hors d'eouvres … and, looking faintly jealous, as if looking upon a rival … steps up his pace a bit, downing a few more snacks himself, cramming them into his long vulpine muzzle.

The Exile smiles back to the little Aelfin as she 'sings'. Nobody else seems to have smiled at her yet.

The black Khatta frowns as he notices the familiar fox, and decides it's notsafe with him around. Jynx gets up and goes over to his parents, who make pretty good shields.

The Captain stops near Envoy, listening critically, then smiles. "Ah, a fine rendition," the poodle says. "You're doing an excellent job, bard, keep it up." He glances toward Bem, then continues on.

Zoltan gives Jynx a quick wave from his spot near the deckrail. He motions to an empty spot beside him.

Envoy glances back at Bem while she performs. Maybe she should try to talk him into dancing a little…

The shaggy lupine finally sees a drink tray through the crowd (and the hair falling over his eyes). He shambles past some gossiping poodles, a foppish fox that's stuffing his muzzle, and the music entertainment in his quest for another drink. [hic]

Bem says nothing… Perhaps because Envoy hasn't actually said anything to it.

Dominic, who was just in the middle of surreptitiously giving Lylia a nuzzle when he thought nobody was looking, frowns at the interruption from Jynx. "Ah … Hello, Feli. Found any new frien – Ah, look, dear," he switches to addressing Lylia, "the Baron of Paradys! And co-owner of the Shiny Shoppe."

From behind his parental blockade, Jynx notices the Vartan. "Hi dad. I'm going to go talk to the, uh, Baron for a bit. Bye!" Quickly, the young cat makes his way over to the Hippogryph.

The shaggy Jupani squints. The drink tray seems to move away from him no matter how fast he stumbles on. "[hic] C'mere little klinky drinksh, I sheeee yooooooo. Shtop movin'! [hic]" He cackles loudly as he shambles on, "Hee-hee, klinky drinksh, dassa good one. [hic]"

As Jynx departs, he catches just a bit of "I'm really glad Feli conjured up this whole story to get us to go on a cruise for once… " from his mother.

Buran smiles politely at various guests, stopping to chitchat with one or another as she selects some choice foods – especially some delicious cheese and crackers – to put onto her plate; from one of the mingling servers, she obtains a glass of bubbling champagne. Suitably equipped with food and drink, she strikes up a conversation with a nearby clump of travellers.

The Vartan sidesteps a bit to allow Jynx a bit more room. "Is nice to see familiar face. I no good at socials… just wanted some fresh air, and no felt like going to bed just yets."

Envoy continues to perform, alternating between fast and slow dances, and watches the passengers mingle.

The shaggy Jupani manages to bump into the server with the drinks, "Why hello, klinky drinksh, dere you are. Thought you could get away didja? [hic] You aren't dat fasht, lemme tell YOU." He picks up two glasses. "One fur Jushtyn Theim, and the other fur Justhyn Theim. [hic]"

Jynx nods to Zoltan, "Me neither, but this beats being sent to bed. I guess my mom still hasn't caught on yet." The cat snickers a bit, "But she's in for a surprise."

The other travelers talk pleasantly with Buran, who finds out they're a pair of Ashdod residents, taking the long, expensive way home after the war. The husband is rather reserved, though the wife is quite outgoing.

Justyn empties one glass in a single gulp. [GLUG] As he brushes away the hair from his eyes he sees Buran next to him with a champagne glass. "Why hello missy! [hic] And what might you be doin' here? [hic]"

The Vartan takes a sip from his cup. "Let them just enjoy theyselves for now. Airship ride can do wonders for you, my life no been the same since I started taking regular trips again." He gives the Khatta a wink.

A Savanite wanders by, balancing a tray on one hand, garbed in Himaatian-style robes, though, being a slave, not adorned with the traditional kadiban headdress popular amongst natives of Abu Dhabi.

The Eeee couple look distatefully at the drunken lupine… squeak-whispering between themselves in the Eeee tongue.

"It is a bit relaxing, when you don't have to work and aren't falling over the side all the time." Jynx smiles, and settles back in his chair. "There's a lot of familiar faces here tonight."

Zoltan's eyes widen just a tiny bit at the sight of the Savanite. He motions the slave over, looking as though he wishes to simply examine the items on his tray.

The Sphynx nibbles on a cracker. "Enjoying this beautiful evening and this excellent company, of course!" she answers, obliquely complimenting the Eeee. Surreptititiously, she tries to edge her newfound friends away from the Jupani, commenting to him on the excellent quality of the food.

Jynx watches the Vartan, then looks over to the slave. What's going on here?

The Savanite server obediently wanders over to Zoltan and Jynx, swinging the tray around to display some xocholatl-filled pastry confections, topped with little sweet and chunky stars.

The hippogryph scratches at his head as he tries to 'decide' which of the treats he wants. His fingers flick a bit.

Justyn nudges Buran and leans over to whisper to her. Unfortunately, he can be heard on the opposite side of the room. The fur must do something for his hearing. Or the drinks. "Ya know, theesh Eeee-hee-hee-hee [hic] remind me of my rubber ducky back home. [hic]" He leers at the Eeee, "Squeak Squeak! [hic] Ha-ha!"

The Savanite calmly nods to Zoltan and Jynx, offering them their choice of the confections.

The black Khatta, on the other hand, takes many 'samples' of the choices.

Zoltan scoops up a couple for himself as well. "Thank you." he scrawks.

The Savanite bows his head, then moves along when it appears the two have depleted the tray to their heart's content.

Buran says firmly but gently to the Jupani, "Would you excuse us, please?" To the Eeee, she says, "The view is much better on the starboard side of the ship."

Envoy switches to another popular Jupani tune.

The male Eeee growl-squeaks, pushing up the sleeve of his garment… his wife barely restraining him, whispering "Eteeeil, don't get in another fight, we have to be on the ship with him for another two weeks… "

Laughing to himself, Zoltan pops one of the treats into his beak. "I getting jumpy I thinks… " he mumbles to the Khatta.

Another Savanite server, this one female, sway-walks by, bearing a tray of large dates with sesame seeds sprinkled on them. She is dressed in Himaatian style as well – in accordance, of course, with the ship's Abu Dhabi registry.

Justyn perks a shaggy ear at the music. "OOOOOOO, purty mushic. [hic] Better'n my rubber ducky even, ain't that right klinky drink, HEE-HEE! [hic]" He picks up another drink to replace his empty one on his way over to the entertainment.

And yet another Savanite heads by, this one pausing near Jynx with some sticky meringue-like cookies.

Watching the besotted wolf come her way, Envoy tries to think of a way to keep Bem from doing something embarrasing if the Jupani gets too close.

The Eeee couple is treated to a very relieved glance from the Templar in blue.

Jynx, mouth full of pastry, shrugs, "Oh well, it's notlike you don't have a reason." He smiles to the Savanite, and takes one of the cookies with a mischevious grin, "These are Eve's favorites," he pops it into his mouth, "Too bad she can't have any, I'll have to tell her about them later."

Zoltan elbows the Khatta lightly. "Save some for her. You know, I bet she no tease you as much if you try to be nice to her."

The black Khatta takes a few, wraps them in a napkin, and stuffs them in his pocket, "I guess, but I think she'd do it anyways. She has too much fun."

"*ACHOO!*" comes a high-pitched sound from just below a pair of pointed ears that poke up from behind a bored-looking Jupani who blocks a good view of the owner of the voice.

The Vartan's grin grows even more. "You rights, there all sorts of familiar faces here… WYNONA!" He waves a hand at the… uh… ears.

Justyn shambles over to to the source of the music. He nearly falls over three times as he leans forward to brush the hair from his eyes and sees Envoy. [hic] "My mommy ushed ta shing dat to ush when we were pupsh. [hic] He sniffles, then sings along. Apparently he doesn't remember TOO well because he keeps forgetting words here and there. "Meeeeemorieeeeeeesh. . ."

The ears swivel in Zoltan's direction … then go around the lupine obstacle, revealing a white-furred, platinum-haired bat who is attached to them. The air-mage is adorned in sky-blue robes (nicely matching Eve's dress, really, if they were to stand together) and proudly displays a ring that identifies her as an alumnus of the Collegia Esoterica.

Bem says nothing, only continuing to watch the entire crowd.

Wynona weaves her way amidst the crowd, taking advantage of the intermission to use a handkerchief, then putting it away before she reaches the Vartan and Khatta. "Oh! Hello, Zol – Er, I mean, BARON Cambio!" She smiles pleasantly.

Envoy winces slightly at the unwanted accompaniment, and tries to sing louder to drown out the Jupani's voice.

The middle-aged, shaggy lupine sings, "All aroooOooOOooone… All arrOOoooone… " Louder singing doesn't seem to be helping, as numerous people in the crowd turn to stare, appalled.

The foppish fox looks up, and frowns. "Now, now, that's just entirely TOO amateurish! Here, let me show you how it's REALLY done!" He swings his lute down from his back and almost LEAPS up to the stage.

Envoy happily lets the fox take over.

Again, Bem says nothing. Apparently horribly bad singing is not considered detrimental to the functionality of the scout unit.

"Baron… hrr… I still think people is talking to someone else most of the time when people say thats." the bird shakes his head and swirls his drink around. "I wanting to asks you about something when you got the time… about Vartan you say you saw that looks like me."

The foppish fox strums his lute, and croons a "Mimimimimimiiiiii!" as he warms up. "Ahem. Now then. Prepare to be entertained, my good Jupani! You are in the presence of a true bard!" He executes a quick bow.

Buran's expression of relief turns to one of outright surprise and pain as the wolf's … singing (dare we call it that?) assaults her sensitive ears. Then further dismay becomes evident as foppish Fox warms up.

"Oh!" Wynona replies, ignoring (or trying) the tumult on the stage. "You mean Herbir?"

The Jupani peers blearily at the foppish fox through a fog of alcoholic beverage. "She jussht left," he says, turning to look after Envoy.

At the sound of the fox, Jynx sets his ears back. He thought he was through having to listen to this stuff anymore. ""Someone who looks like you?"

Zoltan winces a bit. "Yah. That his name." he glances at Jynx, "Cambio Herbir… my father."

Envoy looks around at the various groups, noting especially the people she knows. But despite the break from performing, she feels unsure about approaching anyone. Especially with Bem hanging around.

The foppish fox sings, "Over the jungle, but under the night,
Just you and I fly through the air,
With you here, it is a miracle flight,
And the time passes on without care… "

The foppish fox plays a melody, still singing, "Memories they fade, and days turn to years,
But love shall last longer still,
But still we sail on, through laughter and tears,
For in life, nothing but you is so real… "

The Jupani, not to be outdone, sings (even more worsely), "Shtarrrrz, in der muldidooOOoooodes… " He reaches out for the fox's lute. "Cannsh be a proper bard widout proper inshtrument. Gimme."

The fop makes a discordant "GAAAACK!" as his lute is wrenched away.

Wynona squeaks inquisitively. "Cambio Herbir? I never knew his first name. Or that you were related. Of course, that EXPLAINS a – Oh! What happened to your chest?"

"Lemme sshow you how itd done," Justyn says. He begins banging on the strings, as the size of the empty circle around the wolf and the fox increases. "Dere wassa farmer an' he hadda hog, Brom-then-for-esht hog was its name… " What emerges from the lute is not music.

The Vartan idly rubs at the mark. "Himar happened. I gots caught in boomer blast." he shakes his head. "It explain a lot how?"

"How you looked so much alike," Wynona completes her thought, blinking at mention of Himar but not asking further.

The Captain rushes up quickly to join Envoy. He whispers, "Please! Can you stop those two fools? They're ruining the whole evening! We contracted for bards, not drunkards!"

"Uhh… " Envoy says, unsure of how to proceed. So, she goes over to the Gallah and taps him on the shoulder.

Zoltan nods. "Hrr… I know it no a plesant memory for you but… do know wether or nots he survive airship crash? I think you may be only person who can tell me for sure."

Jynx's attention goes back and forth between his companions and the musical (if they can be called that) shenannigans happening not so far away.

Buran rubs her temples, trying to hold back the developing headache. She muses on whether or not she should try to save the evening, although she's never performed anything in public. In fact, the only times she's sung anything were when she was in her quarters off-shift. She doesn't really realize she's said anything out loud for the Eeee to hear.

The two Eeees Buran was speaking to look distressed. "The entertainment is a little too lively for us," the wife confesses to Buran. "Maybe we'll retire to our quarters soon… "

Justyn blinks goggle-eyed at Envoy, stopping his strumming. "Whut? I wassht just sshowing da fox here how itsh really done." He bangs the strings again, eliciting another musical groan.

Envoy tries to think of something that can distract the drunken Jupani. Actors have to improvise, afterall. "Pardon me sir, but you've won a special prize. It's waiting for you at the bar."

Wynona frowns, shaking her head. "Honestly, I cannot say, Baron Cambio. I only know what I do of the event by the images shown to me by a seer's magical pool. I was in the middle of a spell at the time. I missed the entire incident, waking up in Aelfhem. Only after a considerable journey could I even learn for certain that I myself was not to blame for the disaster." She frowns at the memory. "I lost many friends on that ship."

The foppish fox whines loudly at the abuse his lute is sustaining, nigh-indestructible as it may purportedly be.

"I understands. Hr… you know how old he was? And… and if he was ever… a… pirate?" Zoltan nervously fidgets with the cup in his hands, absently spilling a few drops of the liquid onto the deck.

Justyn beams. "A prizzh! Whassh shorta prize?"

Jynx's attention is fully on his friend now, not liking that look of distress.

Envoy blinks. "The sort that you have to pick up right away. Or someone else might drink it first."

"A pirate?" Wynona raises an eyebrow. "Oh, surely not. I mean, he never spoke of his past, really, but I can't imagine a nice Vartan like that being a PIRATE."

Wynona says in a confessing tone, "… though, at times, he DID seem a bit … uhm … loosely hinged. No offense meant, Baron."

Justyn's eyes light up. He gets up from the stool, but wobbles unsteadily and is forced to lean on Envoy, something he doesn't seem to mind. "Lead me rigsht there! I done won a prizsh, shee, foxy?" However, unfortunately for the importunate fox-bard, he seems to be keeping the lute.

The fopfox just whimpers pitifully.

The Captain wrings his hands. "Oh, dear. What sort of… prize do you think she means?" the poodle says to the bartender.

Buran politely excuses herself from the Eeee and makes her way to Justyn.

Zoltan shakes his head. "None taken. Thank you, Wynona. I suppose he never mention anything about he family either?" He glances over at Jynx, and forces himself to smile in an attempt to lighten the look of concern from his friend.

Envoy sighs, and leads the Jupani over to the bar, hoping he'll conveniently pass out by the time they arrive.

Wynona shakes her head. "I'm sorry. I can't help you there. There were many aboard the Lalee-Papu who were not keen on sharing stories of their past." She bites her lip, then speaks in more hushed tones. "Myself being one of them, of course. They don't call me 'Wrong-Way Wynona' for nothing." Her ears blush fiercely.

The shaggy lupine puts his arm around Envoy's shoulders. "You knowsh, you shore shing pritty. Wid your shingin' an' mah lutin', we could win more prizshes, right? Dah all-Himar howlalongsh… " His face turns darker for a moment.

Clearly, the Exile thinks, this Jupani has not yet come to terms with his grief over the loss of his homeland. And his breath is making her light-headed as well.

The Sphynx' eyes fasten upon the lute, hoping to return it to its proper owner – as damaging as that might be to the evening. If only the Jupani will relax a bit more … Buran also decides that even if she doesn't have a bard's training, anything will be better than that howling everyone was just treated to.

As the two reach the bar, the Captain leans closer to Envoy and whispers, "What prize are we supposed to give him? This isn't funny!"

Wynona quickly tries to change the subject. "Say … you being a Baron and all now … It seems like you're not the only one who's gotten 'promoted' recently. Captain Boghaz has become – have you heard? – High Prince of Babel!" She smiles at the notion.

Other couples start to chat again, daring to hope that the evening will yet recover.

Envoy blinks at the Captain now. "Give him a free drink and call it a prize. This isn't in my contract," she whispers back.

Wynona sighs wistfully. "I heard that Saraizadze's gown at the ceremonies was positively LEGENDARY… "

The Captain turns to the bartender. "Mix up one fast, and make it strong," he hisses.

"You just fine, Wynona. You help us lots on Paradys and against Babelites on Intimidator. If anyone ever say you no good, tell them that you gots reccomendation from a Vartan." Zoltan manages to wink at the bat, but his mood quickly drops again. "I no see my father since I was very young… was hoping for chance to say goodbye or some hope that what I hear no true. Is just hatchling dreams." He brightens again at the news of his former captain, "Boz-has is Prince of Babel now? Wow… "

Envoy tries to extricate herself from under the Jupani's shaggy arm.

Justyn gets onto a barstool, then pats the one next to him for Envoy. He lolls his tongue and looks expectant. "Sho, wheresh da klinky, klinky drink? Oh… The prizzh." He puts the lute onto the bar as his trophy of the encounter.

The foppish fox sees his chance … and LEAPS up onto the counter in an attempt to pounce upon his beloved lute!

Wynona nods. "There was a bloody revolution in Babel right after word got back of the defeat of the Plaguebringers in Rephidim."

Envoy looks at the seat next to the Jupani, then looks to the Captain.

Dominic, his mood shattered by the 'entertainment', walks up to Jynx. "Feli, would you be so kind as to check on Eve? This commotion might have awakened her… "

The Captain whispers to Envoy, "Do you want him up front again, singing?" He looks exasperated, forced to hover about until the situation is resolved.

Envoy sighs, and sits down next to the Jupani.

Buran also edges toward the lute, just in case the fop should miss it.

Zoltan sips at his drink a bit more. "Will you be goings to Babel anytime soon or is you on ship for work?"

Justyn, not seeing the glass the bartender is filling with something that looks vilely black, says to Envoy, "Lemme show you that klinky 'lil number… " He grabs at the counter and comes up with the fox's tail, pulling it over, then begins strumming it. "Klinky, klinky, klinky 'lil drinky, you're the one for meee… "

Jynx looks up to his father a bit annoyedly, but is glad at a chance to go stretch his legs. He stands and turns to Zoltan, "I'll be back, I have to go check n the squirt." With that, he heads down to the cabin level, munching on a few of Eve's cookies.

"Klinky, klinky, klinky, wif lossha icy, you're cold in maa tummy," Justin continues to caterwaul, eliciting more pained looks from the Captain as he claps his hands to his ears.

Wynona elaborates, "It's ironic, really. It is said that the Sabaoth was slain by the very one who saved him. Some Rephidimite who came to Babel with a shipment of healing medicines, and gave some inspiring speeches to the Plaguebringer pilots to encourage them to destroy the enemies of Babel … then turned on the Sabaoth and struck him down herself when popular opinion turned against him. But that's Babel for you." She shrugs. "I don't think I'll be heading to Babel anytime soon. I'd like to wait until the fires cool down a bit first."

The admittedly-hilarious scene earns a double-take from Buran, who doesn't lose more than a few more seconds to snatch the lute away from the Jupani and move away from the bar.

The fox WAILS discordantly, clinging desperately to his recovered lute.

Envoy just keeps smiling and nodding to the Jupani. My friends won't even look at me, Bem is getting flakier, I'm sharing a closet with fox, and now this, she thinks. And people think Feli has bad luck…

Unfortunately the pressure of the confusion has confused the winged Khatta… Who is now holding onto a fox's tail.

The whining fop-fox is still attached.

Justyn looks confusedly down at his empty hands. "Where loosh go?"

Quoth the fop-fox, "*Whine!*"

The bartender holds out the glass. A pug-nosed old dog, he looks quite blissfully tone-deaf. "Well, ya want it, mac?" The quartz tumbler is filled with a viciously black substance that oozes about.

"What lute?" Envoy helpfully asks. "Weren't you going to show me how you can hold your breath until you pass out?"

Justyn says, "Hah! You ainsh sheen noshing yet. I k'n hold mah breath 'til YOU passh out!" He begins to huff and puff.

Buran apologizes to the fopfox, then sighs. (I must be losing my touch.)

"Hrrr… sound like someone saw opportunity to gain power and decided to make they move. What became of person who kill Sabaoth?" the hippogryph asks, thinking about another person he knows of who could be just as oppostunistic and doing an amazing job of ignoring the wailings of the fox.

The air-mage smirks, and says, "Well, amazingly enough, she's managed to become ambassador to Rephidim. Quite the career move, don't you think?"

The foppish fox, meanwhile, sniffles, having gotten a whiff of alcoholic breath. "Mmmm … I feel … " And then he's out like a light. He's still clutching onto the lute, though, in a vulpine deathgrip – even if he's not dead.

After contaminating the air with large quantities of alcohol-laden breath, the shaggy middle-aged Jupani firmly holds his breath, cheeks puffed out.

Zoltan shakes his head. "Amazing, yah." he coughs. "So… you goings to be taking trip for whole route or do you gots stop someplace soon?"

Buran raises an eyebrow at the Fop. "My… "

Minutes tick by as the Jupani holds his breath, his chest puffed out heroically.

Envoy tries to sneak away from the bar while the lupine is occupied.

Wynona says, "Oh, I might look around Safar, but I've been there before. Now, Half Valley sounds a bit more exotic. And safely away from any battlezones, thank goodness."

Justyn exhales and says, "Hey! I washnen done yet! You gotta sshtay here sho I k'n shee you passh oush!"

Envoy turns reluctantly back, but sees the passed out fox and says, "Well… HE passed out for me."

The shaggy Jupani looks annoyed. "Oh, thash righsh." He tries to remember what it was he was doing, then collects the glass from the bartender. *GLUNK!* He tosses it back in one gulp. "Klinky, klinky, klinky 'lil drinky… "

Wynona says, "Ah well. If you don't mind, I think I'll see if I can get some more of those pala-fruits. Such lovely hors d'eouvres they're serving here! So good to see you again, Baron!"

With a resounding thud, Justyn falls over from his chair to the deck, out cold. The crowd nearby applauds politely.

"Ah. Well, if I knew of anyone lookings for good air mage, I reccomend you. I supposedly gots own airship somewheres in Rephidim, but I needs to repair it before I gets crew… and then I need some place to fly it." Zoltan smiles. "Good seeing you again too, Wynona. Maybe we run into each other again sometime."

The bartender says to Envoy, "Wild Turkey Black. That'll be eight shekels."

Wynona curtseys to Zoltan … then quickly disappears into the crowd.

The Captain breathes a sigh of relief, then presses through the crowd to take care of some of the minor nobility on this cruise.

Envoy blinks three times at the bartender. The last time she was involved with that drink, she got her hand broken.

Zoltan goes back to nursing his drink and quietly watching the goings on deck.

Buran nods to the Captain as he passes her – the Eeee presumably having gone below – and shakes her head, murmuring "How do you ever stand it?"

"Dear," the poodle says to Buran, taking a moment to bow over her hand again. "I just think of my retirement in three years and the luxurious house in Abu Dhabi to which I'll move, and nothing seems quite as important." He smiles brightly.

Buran finds herself agreeing. "It's been quite an evening… fortunately, the 'unplanned entertainment' seems to be closing down. But the food was lovely, and the company is excellent. With a few exceptions, of course."

The Captain nods. "Oh yes. Ah well, now if only I could find someone with some real singing skills to fill out that empty place in our roster. I really don't think that the fox will prove suitable." He furrows his brows. "Perhaps we can sign someone on in the Safar… "

Envoy quietly says to the bartender, "The Captain ordered the drink for the Jupani, not I."

The Vartan drains his cup and places it down on the tray of a passing servant, quickly snatching up a full one in its place. He looks out across the railing of the ship, at the ground below and the procession above.

The bartender pulls back his hand. "Ah, right. Habit," he grumbles. He steps out from behind the counter to start dragging the two passed-out canines somewhere inconspicuous.

Envoy numbly returns to the bow, and starts singing and playing her instrument again.

Buran murmurs softly to the Captain, "I'm hardly a formal bard, but I could try it, sir." She pauses. "It's not my day job, so they say, but … " She shrugs slightly. "I wouldn't be able to give you a lot of time, I'm afraid."

The poodle turns toward the railing, then flicks his ears back to Buran. "Ah? Well, it could hardly hurt," he says with some interest. "Perhaps you'd care to give the audience a taste of your music? The other bard looks as if she could use some help."

A young human with hair that's just a bit too long and is overdue for a brushing walks along, dressed in fine cloths that are a grade heavier than that worn by most of the furred species. He is accompanied by an older Rhian who has the demeanor of an attendant, though the trappings of a noble.

Zoltan straightens himself up a bit at the sight of the human – he looks familiar…

The Captain adds, "If you prove out well, then come see me in my stateroom and I'll draw up a contract for however long you can spend with us. Ah, excuse me, I see someone I should greet." The poodle steps quickly over to greet the human. "Good evening, Czarevich, I hope you're enjoying the voyage… "

Buran excuses herself and heads below to retrieve her handmade lute from her baggage.

The young man nods in return to the Captain. "And a good evening to you as well. The voyage is delightful and the entertainment … most unusual." A smile winks into existence briefly on his face.

After retrieving her (blue and gray) instrument from the cargo hold, Buran checks on Aski Medes.

The Rath'ani is slumbering.

( I really AM seeing all sorts of familiar faces on this trip. ), the hippogryph thinks to himself. He straightens himself out and walks over to the human. "Hello again, Czarevich. I never gots to say my proper good-byes when we last meet, but that was a bad nights for many people I thinks. I hopes you doing well?"

Justinian spins around on his heel to face the Vartan. "Ah, Baron! It is a long time between meetings. And, yes … that was a most unpleasant night."

Buran, struck by the peaceful smile on her companion's face, gently pulls the blankets up under his chin and pats his arm gently before closing the cabin door and heading onto deck again.

The Captain beams. "Well, the entertainment can only improve from here," the poodle says. Satisfied that the Czarevich seems to be enjoying himself, at least for now, he moves on to avoid disturbing the conversation.

Zoltan pauses to give Justinian's Rhian 'attendant' a quick bow before focusing on the human again. "What bring you here? You goings to go to Half Valley as well?"

Justinian laughs at this. "No, actually, I'm taking a detour at Safar. This was the most comfortable means of conveyance there to be found on such short notice from Rephidim."

"Really? If you no mind me asking, what business does you gots in Safar? That where I gettings off as well." the Vartan scrawks, swirling his drink around a bit.

Returning from his errand with his sister (and depositing the cookies where she will find them), Jynx walks back on to the gathering deck. First stopping to tell his parents he's back, then making his way back over to Zoltan.

Normally able to perform for hours, Envoy is surprised at how fatigued she's beginning to feel. Maybe it was the Jupani's breath, she thinks.

Justinian grins, looking quite amused. "Well, you see, it would seem that a representative of Sylvania has been invited to attend the coronation of the leader of a tribe located near Safar. It's not often that such invitations pass my way, so I volunteered to play the part of ambassador. If I hadn't, I might have been 'volunteered' anyway, as … 'practice' … for my future role as leader of … " He makes a sweeping, almost mocking gesture, "The grand, unified nation of Greater Sylvania!"

The black Khatta comes to stand next to the Vartan, "Well, I'm back, and Eve was out like a light." He turns to look at Zoltan's companions, "Oh, uh, hello."

The human sips at a drink that looks like nothing more potent than plain water. "This tribal shaman probably has more real authority than I ever will, truth be told. I doubt I could pull enough strings to send an invitation that nice to just about every ambassador on Sinai… "

Buran slings her lute-case over her shoulder and sets about seeking out the Captain.

At the moment, the reddish poodle seems to be laughing with a group of poodle nobles from Rephidim, a mixed group of ladies and gentlemen.

"Looks like we mights be traveling together then. I gots an invitation as well as well as my… ah, Feli!" Zoltan scruffles the Khatta's headfur, "As well as my friend heres. Oh, I also wanted to thank you for information you was able to tell me abouts Necropolis last time we speak… I been finding that it no easy to learn things abouts her."

The winged Khatta waits patiently for the Captain's attention, taking advantage of the opportunity to admire the Procession.

"You're quite welcome," the human responds. "We've been having to deal with a few would-be 'necromancer lords' back in Sylvania, so I've been brushing up a bit on the old legends myself."

Jynx waves a shy paw at the others, "You're going too?" ( Why'd they invite one of those human things? )

"Ah-hah! That's a good one," the Captain says. Noticing Buran, he excuses himself to whisper to her, "What's the matter? Is there something else you need?"

Zoltan arches an eyebrow. "Recently?"

Buran shakes her head and whispers back, "No. Should I go ahead?"

"Mmm-hmm," says the human with a nod, and then he takes another sip, looking quite nonchalant. "So, I don't think we've been introduced." He nods to Jynx, casting a glance to Zoltan.

"Of course, of course, dear lady," the Captain says. He makes shooing motions to the Technopriestess, then rejoins the gathering.

Envoy tries to focus on her performance, but one of the drawbacks of an eidetic memory is that simple associations can trigger a flood. Feelings of guilt upon seeing Aski Medes again, Wild Turkey Black making her remember her beating in the Missing Shekel. Zoltan, triggering all of worries about what things nobody wants to tell her. Jynx's invitation to the Coronation, digging up unwelcome recollections of the Priest King and her various imprisonments in the Temple.

The Vartan smacks his forhead. "My manners, I sorry. This is Feli, Feli Kurai of Rephidim. Feli… this is Czarevich Justinian."

Buran finds an empty chair to sit on, where the bards were earlier, and starts to tune her lute as softly as she can.

"Oh, uh, a pleasure to meet you." The young black cat makes a smile to the human. "Where are you from again?"

The Czarevich bows his head to Feli. "A pleasure to meet – " He laughs pleasantly, as his own words echo Jynx's. "Sylvania, a nice little place of ruins, fog, forest, mountains, invading barbarians, superstitious wanderers, and bickering counts and countesses, neatly tucked away by the Vykarin Sea, in the shadow of Chronotopia." He pauses to take a breath. "I think that about covers it."

Envoy shifts to more instrumental tunes, rather than letting her voice show her stress. She watches Buran gratefully.

"Chronotopia? I've been there." The Khatta thinks of conversation, not sure what to say, "It was, uhh, cold. But the nice kind of cold."

Zoltan chuckles.

Justinian grins. "Personally, I'd prefer to move a bit further south, myself. I haven't the advantage of fur, after all. But seeing as I'm the heir to the throne and all, I have certain obligations. But thankfully that involves a lot of travel until I get tied down at home. I can wait."

"The Savan goings to be a nice change for you then." the black hippogryph scrawks.

Not having fur… Jynx ponders asking what that's like, but decides he better not. It can't be all that fun…

The human remarks, "Oh, it's a change, all right. Maybe a little TOO far south for my liking. Safar has its amenities, but only at great expense. And my allowance has its limits." He grins. "So, Baron, how about yourself? You too have received one of these curious invitations?"

Zoltan strokes his beak with a talon. "Justinian, you mention that you been studying more about Necropolis, you find anything interesting outs that you no knew last time we speak? Maybe something relating to prophecy on how to destroy her for good?" He finds himself patting his pockets a bit self conciously at the mention of money. "Yah… me and Feli both gots invitations. I think it going to be a nice celebration."

Jynx nods, "It should be fun. I hope you like ham." The cat grins wide.

Buran finishes tuning her lute, hoping that the first time it's used in public will hold up to scrutiny. She mentally pages through her admittedly-small repertoire of music and decides to try a quiet ballad.

Envoy finishes up her current song when she sees Buran is ready.

The crowd doesn't seem to be paying too much attention to the musicians right now; they seem to be having more fun just talking to each other, some flirting or even nuzzling boldly in public. (the horror!)

Buran takes a deep breath, murmurs a quiet plea to the First Ones for success, and begins. The song is slow and mournful, about a long-lost friend who has left someone behind.

The night came and went
Like the times that we spent
Hiding out from the rain
Under the bright Bazaar tents

I laughed and you smiled
It lasted a while
I never knew what I had
Until I lost it all again…

Justinian says, "Well, really, it's hard to tell what's a legend about Necropolis and what is not. In Sylvania, every ghost, every walking shambling corpse could have some tie to the 'Avatar of Necropolis'. Or maybe not. It's not like they come with convenient labels. However, there are a few useful tips when fighting the undead. First and foremost … try everything, no matter how superstitious or silly. It just might WORK."

"Undead?" Jynx looks at Justinian and Zoltan puzzledly, "What are you two talking about? You haven't started telling ghost stories while I was away did you?"

Some of the heads start to turn. This sounds like a good song for slow-dancing. A pretty Khatta lady leads her suitor to the center of the dance floor and starts to rock with him slowly, her dress hem trailing out prettily.

Envoy retreats to the railing, and sits down with her back against it and pulls her knees up to her chest as if for warmth.

Zoltan nods, remembering the 'cursebreaker' technique the Champion of Roses taught him. He shakes his head to the Khatta, "No… I just been having ocassional dealings with something that I like to get rid of for good someday, and I wants to be prepared if she decide to suprise me anytime in near future."

The music continues, Buran gaining confidence and her voice growing stronger. The refrain is louder, though by just a bit, and it does have a faster tempo, again by just a bit.

Listen to the sky-island winds
Listen to the music that they make
Listen to my heart break
Every time they fade away

Listen to the mournful rains
Their sad song drifting low
Like the tears that rolled
Down my face as you turned to go.

Dominic Kurai looks to his lovely wife, Lylia, and makes a "shall we?" gesture toward the main floor, as he takes her hand in his, smiling.

Justinian chuckles weakly. "When you live in Sylvania, you hear more than your share of ghost stories. In any case, many of the legends are true … simply because the undead themselves in life believed in them strongly enough. Argue what you will about the nature of the soul, but a walking corpse still retains something of an imprint of the life that once dwelt therein. And one who believed in nothing has no essence strong enough for magic to work with to create a creature of the night. The strongest of the undead are therefore those saddled with the most weaknesses as well, poetically enough."

Jynx turns his attention towards his parents. Now would be a ripe time to rib the daddy cat, and Jynx's huge grin expresses this, but he decides to let them off and have some fun for a change. It's kinda cute.

Buran continues, though she inwardly smiles at the positive effect the music seems to have.

My long cool evening walks
Listening to the city bustle
Took your voice from the air
Until they played those old songs

And all this time
I've tried to keep you off my mind
But there's moments that I find
The memories keep rolling along …

Again, the refrain comes, again more upbeat than the verses proper.

The black Khatta looks back to the human, "You mean ghost are a normal thing there? That seems kinda… morbid."

The hippogryph gives Feli's shoulder a pat. although his attentions are still focused on Justinian, "Someone told me abouts old legend, that I could destroy Necropolis with weapon not forged in this universe. I thought it maybe mean exile weapon called 'boomer', but that ended up being used in Himar by crazy Eees. I gots a strange exile flintlock as well, but those no safe to use on ground… You would think people who write legends would try and be more specific, eh?" he chuckles.

"A true wraith-hunter is more than a warrior or a walking repository of legends," Justinian carries on, "but most of his work lies in finding out the identity of the person whose abandoned husk he is fighting. What they believed. What they held dear. And, of course, the legends popular in their region. If the local village story-teller keeps talking about vampires being slain by wooden stakes, then, by the Procession, sharpen up some sticks! And if you need a weapon from an Exile world … then it doesn't matter if it makes sense, so long as someone believes it."

And the interlude, dreamy as if the singer is reminiscing about long happy summer evenings spent with someone loved.

Walking down in Freedom Park
You did love the sound of the music there
How the sun played on the lake in the morn
And you come to mind once again…

This repetition of the refrain is quieter, more … from the soul.

Envoy's memory storm finally runs its course, leaving her some attention to devote to her surroundings again.

A dazzling noble pair of Kujakus dance by on the floor near Envoy, their tails like veritable firebursts of colors.

The Aeolun perks up slightly under the stimulus of all those colorful feathers.

Jynx's interest in the human's conversation begins to wane, much like it did for the Aelfin earlier. ( There sure is a talkative bunch on this ship. )

Zoltan's eyes fall upon the mark on his chest again, he rubs his thumb across it as another possibility crosses his mind. "So you say… belief is important part of it? What if skeptic faces such thing… someone who no believe what creature's powers can do, or if they gots strong will and refuse to believe, can it weaken them?"

Buran slows the tempo of her playing and quiets her voice, trying to evoke the sadness of someone who is leaving home forever to escape the torrent of sad memories. It's not too much of a stretch for the Sphynx as the visions of her past come to mind once again, and she thinks of her parents, hoping to finally learn who they were.

Decision to leave made
I watch the sunset fade
And I think of you when I hear the Bazaar close
I won't change my mind
I knew all the time that I'd go
It's a choice I made long ago…

The final refrain is just as heartfelt, finally fading into silence after the last chord. Buran stares out to the horizon, lost in thought.

Envoy waves to Jynx from her spot at the railing.

Justinian frowns and shakes his head. "Unfortunately, it doesn't quite work that way. Not in Sylvania, anyway. Now, in Rephidim, you might have some skeptics who scoff at the undead. But you aren't likely to have any undead popping up that hail from THERE. Not as magic-starved as Rephidim is. No … you can doubt the reality of a brick wall all you like, but it'll hurt just as much when you run into it."

As the last note fades away, the delicate black-colored Khatta lady rests her chin on the shoulder of her cougar-colored partner. She murmurs, "That was a lovely song. I hope they'll have more like that… " and then separates to hold hands with him as they walk to the table for some more hors d'ouevres.

There's a bright look in Justinian's eye, though, as he raises up a finger at a remembered point. "However … that's the weakness of those who DON'T believe. But you're right … there are plenty of tales of those with strong faith who can resist the powers of the walking dead. Unfortunately … with the theories I've just told you, I can't tell you whether that means it depends on the faith of the one fighting the undead … or simply because the undead creature THINKS that someone with faith should be immune to his powers." He wrenches his mouth in a grin. "It's a messy business. Wraith-hunting is no science."

The bird glances at his Khatta companion, noting his growing boredom, "I noticed, still… is tactic. I been noticing that I been gettings better at resisting certain types of magic sometime, but I think that just due to training and learning to focus. I thanks you for you help, Justinian… maybe we can talks more on trip through Savan."

The Templar-turned-bard fingers her instrument. "If only Aski could have heard," she murmurs as the lute is replaced in its case. "He'd have loved it."

Justinian nods, sipping his drink as he slows down from getting evidently worked up while talking about this particular topic. "Certainly. In any case, the basics tend to work the best. Thistlebark stakes, a nice silver dagger if you can afford it, anything and everything consecrated by a Priest, woven necklaces of pungaspice, holy symbols … the works. And if it doesn't work … at least you can use the pungaspice as flavoring for lunch." He smirks.

Out of the corner of his eye, Jynx notices Envoy. "Um, will you two excuse me for a minute?" He takes a glance at the dance floor to make sure Dominic isn't looking, then makes his way over to the Aeolun.

Envoy looks up at Jynx and smiles weakly. "Hi Feli. I guess the invitation was real, if you're here. Is your father still upset?"

Justinian nods to Jynx, then slips in, "And, really, as hard as it is to believe, a good sturdy sword can actually work against some otherwise supposedly ethereal ghosts. It never hurts to try. But … ah … I'm losing my audience. Perhaps I should mingle some more, and catch you later, Baron?"

"I think… hrr… I think that I may have weapon I needs with me, but I just no realize it yet." Zoltan strokes at the mark across his chest again, as if noticing it for the first time. "Of course, see you at the ceremony, Czarevich."

The black Khatta nods to Envoy, "Yes, it was real, we're on our way to the Safar. And as for Dominic, it'd probably be better if you avoided him for a while." Jynx sits down next to the Aeolun, "Sorry, about the other day, with Dad and all. He juat gets a bit… overprotective at times."

Czarevich Justinian bows to Zoltan, then heads off, the silent Rhian following behind him.

Envoy nods. "It's just as well. I pretty much have to avoid everyone nowadays, even Zoltan. He needed me last time we went this way, but I guess I'm pretty useless this time out. I didn't even get an invitation."

Jynx grimaces, "Well, uh, maybe they just forgot?" He's not very good at consoling people.

Envoy says, "No, I think the only people that remembered my help just aren't involved anymore. Jezebel is probably the only candidate now, and she and I were on opposite sides before."

Glancing at Jynx, Envoy adds, "I don't even know why your family was invited."

At the mention of Third-Eye's second name, Jynx looks around nervously to make sure no one is watching. "From what I hear, she was against everybody back then. But she's nice now." He looks around some more, "Oh, and by the way, you probably better nor mention her name, or at least that's what Zoltan told me to do."

"My family?" Jynx thinks, "Well, I sorta… helped them out a bit. I guess she wanted it to be proper."

Envoy blinks at Jynx. "Because you spilled glue on… one of the princesses?"

Jynx's ears turn deep red, "Well… that was a long time ago." He looks around a bit more, "I helped them after that, fighting with slavers and getting information for Jeze-, for the one we're talking about." He tries to keep from sounding like he's bragging, "I also helped fight the Babelites."

Envoy's eyes go wide now. "Will you tell me all about that? I was a prisoner down in the Empire during the invasion."

Buran walks to the rail and stretches; it's a full stretch (which includes opening her wings as if to fly and working the kinks out of their muscles.) Going belowdecks to sleep is beginning to look very appealing.

The black Khatta looks around yet more, since all this talk could get him into trouble. "I'll tell you about it later, since there's alot to tell. But you have to promise to keep it a secret."

Jynx catches a glimpse of a white-furred air-mage bat who just happens to meet his gaze for an instant, but then turns away, to chat with some other Eeee. Maybe she heard something? Or maybe the Khatta is just being paranoid…

"Everything's a secret, it seems," Envoy says. "But thanks for talking to me, Feli. I don't feel so abandoned now." The Exile stands up and retrieves her dulcimer. "I'd better go back to work, and try to lull these folks to sleep."

Buran makes her way belowdecks and into her cabin, exhausted.

Shuddering at the eye contact, Jynx stands back up as well, popping his back and tail. "Well, judging from the looks of everyone, that shouldn't be too hard," he says with a smile.

Envoy smiles to the black Khatta, and starts playing some light chamber-music.