There's a quiet rapping on the frame of the door to announce her presence, then Kin slips into the office. "Scholar Tinsnip, we recieved your summons at Snowshoe's. Has new information come to light or have transport been secured to the two first target areas the Cinders are active in?" she asks as glances toward Wanda as well. "And I hope it will not be an issue, but I have aquired the services of a fire mage."

Lilac, who has switched to her traveling clothes, stands with her hands folded. "Well, here we are! Just as you requested, Mr. Tinsnip," she says.

Jervis looks up from what he was writing. "Ah, good! Thank you for coming. I just wanted to let you know we've gotten some vouchers for you to travel with, if you've decided on your destination. You'll be able to exchange these for passage, I just need to know where you're going and how many of you. Gibson's retrieving the steel tome and stone, I presume that Anisa went with him, so they'll catch up with you if they're not needed elsewhere."

Wanda shrugs with her usual nonchalance. "As long as he doesn't know who we're working for, I don't think anyone minds how much work he does."

"Well, myself, Lilac and Mage Xander Lightfoot are the ones I am aware of other than Gibson and Anisa herself. Where are we currently positioned? If Viper's Hold is on the way to Sylvania, I ask that we go there first, as I believe it is the most active of Cinder's current activities. We then head to Sylvania from there; which I believe will also require a train ride," the Kiriga suggests. "But if Lilac wishes to go to Sylvania first, I am amenable to that."

"I hope he knows what he's getting in to," Lilac worries as she rubs her arm. "Maybe we should tell him? And oh," she shrugs a little, "I'm in no hurry to return to Sylvania. I mean, I've dealt with my, um … problem so far, so it should be fine, right?"

"He knows we are going into danger. Who we are with isn't really important," Kin remarks with a small shrug. "Whether we are freelancers or part of a larger organization … why should it ultimately matter?"

Lilac just shrugs again. "I don't know. It seemed a little dishonest, that's all." She smiles a little. "I'm sure it'll be fine."

"If he asks, we can be honest at that time. If he doesn't ask, it isn't important to him," Kin suggests.

"Okay," Lilac agrees.

The Skeek says, "Well, I haven't looked over the edge recently, but I think we're over open ocean, south of Lamu. So ships will probably Gallah-leg to the west to take advantage of coastal ports along Ai anyway."

"Are you going with us?" Kin asks Wanda.

The Skeek shakes her head. "Not just yet… I'd like to follow up on the other missing scholars before getting dug in anywhere." She grins that odd grin of hers. "I have a habit of turning up where you least expect me, though, so I may well catch up with you. If I can bring more information or help, I'll do so."

"Ah, good. I will not need to warn you about Xander, then," Kin remarks. Her head tilts and twists back to the scholar. "Has there been any news on the movements of Cinder agents since we last talked?"

"Or, have you heard anything more about the Ravenness or my, um, problem?" Lilac inquires.

Jervis puts his quill back in the inkwell, and waves the slips of paper he was writing on to dry the ink. "Not the Cinders specifically," he says, but his face turns grave. "I've heard the situation in Viper's Hold has worsened, however. Some of the rabble have condensed around regional warlords. It could be a prelude to a coup." He turns to Lilac. "As for your condition, young lady… well, precious little there either, I'm afraid. Has it… happened again recently?"

"The Imperial seat is also rumored to have sent a significant force into the Viper's Hold, or at least a significant warrior," Kin comments, then frowns. "I am not sure what affect we will have on that area. Unless there is an item we can remove that will calm the region, the three of us will not make a significant difference."

The Rath'ani's brows rise high enough that his glasses shift on the bridge of his nose. "They have? My word. Well, there's been no official declaration, but I wouldn't surprised if the Empire is moving forces into position to hedge its bets."

The human shakes her head. "No, not that I know of, anyway. Actually, our stay has been relatively peaceful. I even made some money playing at the local bars and taverns," the woman answers. She wags her tail, then glances at Kin. "Maybe, we can use all the chaos to mask our activities? Or, try and attach ourselves to one of the foreign groups, so we can move with them."

"They are rumors I gathered from the Heat bar where Imperial citizens and ex-patriots go," Kin says. "So, they are as reliable as any rumor may be. It is something to keep in mind. My concern is these Imperial forces may be Cinder agents. Remember the statement about the 'State of Being', which was implying unity. Perhaps they are forcing unification for a particular purpose. Or, they may be placing agents in positions of power to simply give themselves a more focused base."

"Mm. I don't relish the idea of sending any Curators into such an unstable area," says Jervis, frowning. "But circumstances as they are, we have little choice."

"I am capable and it is linked to my home which I have a duty to protect. I would go anyway," Kin says. "Some things are worth dying for."

"Luckily, we're not Curators," Lilac says in a cheery tone, reaching over to pat Kin's shoulder.

The Rath'ani blinks. "Did I forget to induct Miss Ryuu?"

"I am one," Kin tells Lilac. "It was done quickly as much was going on. I … forgot to mention it."

The scholar looks relieved. "Oh, I didn't forget then! Good. Now then, how many vouchers do I need to give you? Three?"

Lilac peers at Kin a moment, then folds her arms. "Oh, I see. Well, good thing I'm not," she comments.

"True. If you were, it may raise questions about our relationship such as how the collar did earlier," Kin points out. To Jervis, she says, "We definitely need three. But we may want to carry four on the off-chance we will need an extra one for some reason. It is better to plan ahead."

"Certainly," says Tinsnip. "I've authorized a few extra should they be needed, or should you need to go to another destination." He hands over several of the certificates, each neatly signed and imprinted with a signet. They read, "Office of the Treasury of the Rephidian Historian's League" and specify that they're worth the fare to be withdrawn from the treasury by association of the dock master, on the authority of one Jervis Tinsnip, scholar.

"I sure am glad I had a chance to play for the Naga at the bar; I think the experience will really prove helpful in the time ahead," says the human woman. Glancing between those gathered, she adds, "Um, I do have a question, though: what should I do, when we get there? Sylvania I know well – I was born there. But, Naga is relatively new to me, and, well, I'm also new to this secret agent business."

The scholar looks a bit at a loss again. "Well, I assumed you'd be assisting your mistress," he ventures. "It'll be a volatile situation, at any rate. One will have to be more or less prepared for anything."

"So, wing it?" The human grins, then shrugs again. "I can do that!"

"Well, then perhaps you should locate someone who is familiar with Naga and other reptilian life-forms. I am unsure where you will find such, however," Kin says in a complete monotone. "I believe our goal is relatively simple, locate just what the Cinders are interested in and remove it if possible. This can be achieved by remaining alert and associating with appropriate groups, such as the rebels or the Imperial army itself. We cannot say for certain until we understand the situation there."

Jervis straightens some papers out on his desk, then stands. "Yes, well, whatever you do, stay safe. Aside from the fact we don't want to see any of you come to harm, you can't send word back if you're dead. If you need anything, let us know. We'll see if we can put you in contact with a Curator in the region."

"Understood. When are we expected to leave?" Kin asks as she tucks the vouchers away into her robe.

"Well, I guess I'm ready to go, then. I've never been all that much for a lot of planning, anyway. It makes me restless," Lilac says, wagging her tail.

Folding his hands in his sleeves, Jervis says, "At your discretion, Kin. Our Curators work with a good deal of autonomy. That said, you'd probably best be quick. I don't see things in the region going anywhere but more out of control."

"Then we should pack and leave within a day. I will send word to Xander Lightfoot to pack as well and contact us when he is ready. We will likely be gated by when he can leave. Since we are likely to deal with magic and mages during this, I believe it is in out best interest to have some magic on our side," Kin says and bows to Jervis. "I hope to locate information, or disrupt their plans completely, as soon as possible. If you hear of anything coming out of Jadai, or about the family Tsuguri of Jadai, please send me word."

"I am so ready to borrow their seals, too," Lilac insists, grinning.

---

It isn't all that far from the Memorial Hall to the townhouse of Aaron Lightfoot, since both share the same neighborhood. As before, the curtains are drawn when Kin and Lilac arrive, but that hardly means that Xander isn't inside.

Kin walks up to the door and raps firmly on it. "Xander? Are you home?" she calls out.

Thump thump thump. One side of the double-doors open, and Xander says, "You don't have to shout, you know." He opens the door the rest of the way so the women can come inside.

"I always forget about those ears," Lilac admits as she heads inside. "Wow," she remarks once inside, "this family member of yours has some weird tastes."

"You might have been sleeping," Kin says as she steps inside. "Are you still willing travel with us? We will be leaving soon. We are first going to Viper's Hold to uncover what is causing issues in that land, then moving on to Sylvania. The places are linked and we are to determine why." The Kiriga sure gets down to business.

"There's only one suit of armor," Xander points out. "Otherwise he'd be a noble, I think. Wait, Viper's Hold? I think I have notices on that, hold on!" he says, then dashes down the hall and up the stairs.

"Suits of Armor make one a noble in these lands?" Kin asks Lilac.

"Found it!" the Lapi calls from the second floor, and then dashes back down. He seems to dash a lot. He waves a piece of paper, and says, "Got the Guild Agent's name for the region off the Hot Sheets."

"Region … " Lilac works her mouth a moment, then splays her ears, " … of the Hot Sheets? Oh brother."

"Will that be helpful?" Kin asks after Xander stops moving around. "And what does Hot Sheets mean?"

"Well, I am a Fire Mage," Xander reminds Lilac. "There are hardly any combat mages left in the old Empire territories after the last war. Lots of employment opportunities given all the factions."

"Oh, we just call the employment listings 'Hot Sheets' in the Guild," Xander explains to Kin.

"I am so putting that in a story. Something. It's too poetically obnoxious not to." Lilac just shakes her head, then suddenly wanders off to inspect the armor.

"We do not wish to be too obvious there, though, Master Lightfoot," Kin says, "I am not sure you would be able to capitalize on … hm. Actually, this may be to our benefit. We now have a way to connect with a specific group." She looks pointedly at Xander, "Through you. We can be your assistants or servants."

The armor is on a rack so that it hangs roughly the way it would on the wearer, assuming the wearer was over six feet tall and able to fill out the obviously female bronze breastplate.

"No reason to be associated with each other actually," Xander explains. "You're a swords woman, Kin. There will be lots of mercenaries. And Lilac is a bard, which is also a position each group will want to fill. The key though is to get in with a group before the fighting begins, otherwise we'd be targets."

"It may be difficult for me to blend in as just a mercenary," Kin comments. "But, we will deal with what we must. When would you be able to leave? And do you still wish to go with us?"

"WOW," Lilac exclaims after a moment. "Is this ceremonial? The woman who could wear this would be huge. Huge!" She stands on her tip-toes, leaning to examine the helmet. "Can I try this on?"

The Lapi hands Kin a second sheet of paper, which lists some of the prominent factions – ordered by their ability to afford the services of a Mage, of course. "Oh, of course I want to go! Someone has to watch out for you two and for Anisa. I've already made arrangements with the Guild that I'll be working on my own for awhile."

"Your head is too small, but you're welcome to try," Xander tells Lilac with a grin. "Although if you could actually fit into the armor, I think that means you have to prove yourself worthy of taking over a clan of Amazonians."

"Watch out for me?" Kin asks as she glances up from the paper she was just handed.

"The Empire isn't like Jadai, anymore than Rephidim is," Xander points out. "There are lots of different physical forms and a distinct class order in place. I doubt you'd be recognized as a Jadaian Noble in Viper's Hold – just as another Jingai, likely a mutant Shiga or some such."

"I'm glad I won't fit, then." Lilac has to strain to get the helmet off, but eventually manages it. She arranges her ears to fit through the ear holes, then dons the helmet. "I've only heard of Amazonians in stories, despite Amazonian being relatively close to my homeland. We just don't get that way, what with Bosch and Gallis in the way." Needless to say, the helmet dwarfs her head, making her look like a child in her mother's armor.

"That is not what I meant. It will be close enough to my homeland that certain … people may be looking for me. At least one of the factions will be aligned with those people, and we do not know which one," Kin comments with a small shrug. She offers the sheet back to the Lapi.

"Should we even try to get an audience with the Governor then?" the Lapi asks. "Do you know who has… whatever you're looking for?"

"I do not know yet. We are not even certain what we are looking for; only that it is part of the cause of the strife there. It may … it may be an artifact which has the power to mutate nature itself. It may be the cause of the beasts that are popular to hunt there," Kin says.

"The Beast Lands," Lilac tells Hotfoot in a conspiratorial voice. Her voice echoes in the helmet, making her sound a bit tinny. Stepping aside, she reaches to try and pick ip the bronze sword nearby. "A sword! Of METAL! Wow, this," the minute she tries to move it, it tilts ominously towards her, forcing her to throw her weight against it, " … gak!"

Xander rushes over to Lilac to help right the sword. "Watch out it's… heavy!" he warns too late.

Kin just shakes her head.

"Who … would … lift this … thing!" Lilac, with Xander's help, manages to return the sword to its holder. She still has the over sized helmet on as she wipes her brow. "See," she waves at the sword, "is why I am not a warrior."

"It's my aunt's sword," Xander explains.

"Why is it not with your Aunt, then?" Kin asks, "And do you have an interest in swords, Master Lightfoot?"

"My only interest in swords is that they not be pointed at me," the Lapi notes. "And as for why it's here… uh, family thing. My cousins pass it around to keep it out of the hands of their mother, so that she can't go fighting again. And something about succession. They also call it 'the family curse' for some reason."

"You must have the biggest aunt in the whole history of Lapi," admits the human woman. She carefully takes the helmet off and, being unable to put it back, places it safely on a table nearby.

Upon hearing it's called the 'family curse,' Lilac suddenly hops away from the armor. "I don't need more curses!"

"She makes an impression, yes," Xander says, then turns back to Kin. "So, anything you need to take care of before leaving? Want me to make the travel arrangements through the Guild office?"

"We have vouchers to cover the travel. We even obtained one for you. I was not aware that your guild could arrange travel. Would it be easier to allow them to schedule the trip?" Kin asks Xander.

Meanwhile, Lilac is busily patting her head. "Kinny! Do I look cursed? More cursed? Gah!"

"Depends on if you're in a hurry or not," Xander says, smiling. "The Mage's Guild can get me passage almost instantly, instead of having to make reservations in advance. Of course, if no airship is going to Viper's Hold anytime soon it won't matter."

With a glance to Lilac, Kin says, "You look the same as you always have. Except for a bit of dust in your hair, that is."

"It would then depend on when you wish to leave. I can leave whenever is necessary," Kin notes. She then pauses … and growls. Loudly. "I cannot believe I forgot," she says.

"I live out of a duffel bag already… what did you forget?" Xander asks with concern.

"Master Longtooth should be arriving soon. He may worry if I am not present when he arrives," Kin says.

"I suppose we should wait for him, then," the Lapi suggests. "Where is he supposed to contact you when he arrives?"

"Snowshoe's Tavern," Kin says, "It was arranged when Gibson, Lilac, and I left Jadai. He may also have more information on events."

"Oh, whew. I don't know what I'd do if I have more to deal with." The bardess brushes the dust out of her hair, then quickly wanders away from the armor to inspect something else. Whatever it is, it seems to have gotten her nose moving. "I smell herbs. Funny herbs."

"He is the one who taught me how to fight," Kin tells Xander. "He is wise and powerful. But there are two things you must never do around him."

"What two things?" Xander asks, then comments to Lilac, "There are apothecary supplies in the basement, and some teas up here, and probably some stuff on the tribal fright masks. Did you want to wash your hair? There's a shower upstairs."

"The first is do not bring drink around him or he will drink it. The second is never, ever mention black Khattas to him. He has … a feud with one," Kin says.

"The Sable Paw, I believe his nemesis was called," Kin adds.

"I suppose you mean alcoholic drinks, right?" Xander asks. "I mean, he won't drink just anything he finds in a bottle right?"

"Third, don't jump out and surprise him so he goes "wah!" and throws his gourd in a pond," the bardess adds. She tilts her head at the offer of a shower, then nods. "It would be nice to get a shower before we leave."

"He may drink anything found in a bottle yes. He may assume it is alcohol," Kin answers.

"I'll be very careful with my supplies then," Xander notes, and then automatically asks Lilac, "Do you need any help lathering up or toweling off?"

Kin lets out a sigh and shakes her head.

"Oh, someone has to keep Kinny company," Lilac replies to Xander, smiling. "I can dry myself off. You two have fun, and remember: expressive," the human woman adds in Kin's direction. And, with that, Lilac heads for the bath.