Week Eleven, Day One

 

            After having a day off, the group reconvenes and returns to their investigation, possibility to finish.  Jeffery locates William and asks if the potency of the drug was lowered and if his special order was underway.  William lets him know yes on both, a reduction would cut down on unwanted side effects and his order is being taken care of.  Returning to his group, Jeffery lets everyone know that things are taken care of.  Satisfied with this, Krystal takes the group back to headquarters to report in.  Her superiors tell her that they will keep an eye on things to ensure what she says about the "correction" are sufficient.  Next issue is to find a new assignment, and they have to choose from boarder patrol, patrol in the commercial districts, or an assignment in the downs pertaining to the murder of enforcers in an area.  Looking for something interesting they chose the assignment in the downs.  Jeffery takes a moment to bring Krystal aside in private and attempt to show her how to employ the healing technique Kikah and shown him.  She does not have much success but will endeavour to learn.  Soon after arriving in the downs the team comes across a group of six who, when within thirty feet, draw their weapon and open fire.  Lilly casts project image to produce an illusory wall between the two groups.  Shots fire back and forth as targets emerge from around the wall, resulting in two prisoners being taken and the rest shot dead.  Calling in to have an escort ready to take the prisoners wait for them at the edge of the downs, the group heads to meet it.  On the way they are again attacked by another group of four, taking yet another two prisoner from this group as well.  Taking a moment to question them, the team gets no useful information besides that this group is called the Harrows, and wish to expel the "corrupt enforcers" from the downs.  Having little to go on, they return to the downs to better investigate this Harrow group.  It is not long before they are shot at again, this time by a lone pair.  When the team retaliates the pair run and duck into a house not far from where they were standing.  While the rest of the team check the front door, Jeffery runs around the building to cover the back exit.  Lilly takes it upon herself to look into the interior of the house herself, under the effects of invisibility.  She finds no one on the first floor, and descends a narrow set of stairs to the lower level.  Reaching and opening the door she finds at the foot of the stairs, she sees that there are eight individuals here, along with at least a dozen other "things".  Moments after she opens the door, the strange creatures begin to converge on her location and Lilly turns to run back up the stairs.  Hearing that Lilly is in trouble and most likely taking the quickest rout out of the house, the team members at the front of the door leap to the roof and run across it to the back yard where Jeffery waits.  Unlocking the door and running out to hide behind Jeffery, Lilly readies a chill touch spell as the creatures emerge and move into the kitchen area.  As these creatures, called narrlough, prepare to leap to the attack, the team readies attacks of their own.  In a mess of fists, shots and magic the group battles against over a dozen of these creatures until some of the eight from below come to the main floor and interfere with the battle.  Throwing flasks of acid, these Harrow members begin to deal more harm then the narrlough themselves due to the difficulty in avoiding the splashing, noxious fluid.  During this fight, Grey Eyes attempts to speak with these people, and to get them to understand that although they are enforcers, they are not corrupt and here to harm them.  Just how much good her talk did is unknown, but as the last narrlough are falling, they close the door to the back yard, separating the two forces.  Finishing up in the back, they plan to block each exit and deal with the others still inside.  While Jeffery and Marakin move to the front, the rest stay at the rear.  Entering and searching, they find that no one is there, they must have escaped while they were still busy.  Having little reason to stay in the downs besides running into more Harrow's and battling it out with them one by one, the team decides it would be a good idea to just return to headquarters and report in.  On their way out of the downs they come across six more Harrows.  Weapons already being drawn on both sides of the impending conflict, Grey Eyes decides to attempt a little diplomacy.  She once again fails to get much of use, but does manage to get them to agree to leave them alone if the team leaves the downs immediately.  Once again making their way out of the downs, Luke comes up with a small plan.  It may work if they assume more civilian appearances and try to join the Harrows, allowing them to act and learn from within the group itself.  Nodding in agreement, most of the team believes this to be a fine plan, and about the best any of them can come up with.  Knowing that Dlar's cult lies in the downs, Lilly, Grey Eyes and Jeffery believe it might be worth a trip to the lair to see if anyone has information on the Harrows.  Taking their leave, the three return to their homes to dress down for their trip back in.  The rest of the team makes it back to headquarters and waits to see if any information has been pulled from the prisoners.  What they do find is that the Harrows do not seem to have an admitted central leader, but each group works independently of the others.  Making it to the lair, Lilly ensorcells a doe which she plans to offer to Dlar upon arriving.  Once there they check for Annalisa and from a few of the bucks present on the main floor they hear that she is currently out but should return sometime later.  Next, the three take their offering down to Dlar and leave her with it while they return upstairs so Dlar may dine in peace.  Seeing that Annalisa has not yet returned, they leave to report in with their fellows.  They don’t make it, however, as a group that recognizes Jeffery passes them by.  Grey Eyes and Lilly are mystically changed somewhat to look different while Jeffery is dressed in older clothing, thus a few members of the Harrows remember him from the last encounter.  Trying to convince them that he is here only with two girls that were brining him to see a friend, they find themselves offered an “escort” in these down enforcer-less areas.  They are not taken out of the downs but instead to an old warehouse where they are subsequently handcuffed and set upon the ground.  The Harrows dislike Jeffery for being an enforcer and even more for returning, they also have little opinion for two does that would keep company with an enforcer.  After some debate it is decided to simply execute them cleanly and quickly.  Trying to talk their way out of it works little.  Lilly manages to get them to agree to kill her with her own blade, while Jeffery asks that he die on his feet swinging.  To his challenge he gets the reply of “Mine...”.  Everyone looks about to see who said this.  No one is found.  A moment later, again, “Mine.”.   This time its more forceful.  Then again, “MINE!” as the ground shakes, splitting as Dlar erupts from the floor.  Pleased to see the creature the girls shout “Master, good to see you”.  Dlar shoves old crates out of the way as it moves towards the Harrows, “Mine!”.  The Harrows reply with a volley, which does little against Dlar and its armoured body.  Using its strong limbs to leap, Dlar executes a simple flop onto a group of Harrows, crushing them utterly before getting up to continue the assult.  As some of the Harrows make a run for the door, Dlar rushes them and head-butts one hard, catching him against the door.  The door and what is left of the Harrow fly out into the streets outside as Dlar punches the door out and continues, breaking much of the wall as he half-exits from the momentum of his charge.  All the Harrows having fled, Dlar turns back to his cultists, “Lilly, Grey Eyes, you were going to leave me”.  It seems Dlar knew they were in trouble and had moved under the city using the older sewer system in the area.  With profuse thanks and promises not to leave Dlar, the three follow Dlar as it slips back down into the sewers, hitching a ride for the way back.  Emerging back in the lair through a new hole that leads into the sewers, Dlar lets them off and begins to shovel soil into the hole to seal it.  The three help out as best they can, Dlar patting down the work as a final touch with its head.  After thanking Dlar for saving them, Grey Eyes offers to allow Dlar to taste the fur on her tummy as a way of thanks.  Not wanting to look unappreciative, Lilly makes the same offer, while Jeffery suggests Dlar give them both a lick at the same time.  For the moment Dlar is more interested in Grey Eyes, her spirit being more attractive than Lilly's.  Not really of much use right now, Dlar dismisses Jeffery, who takes this chance to see William about his order.  After Dlar complements Grey Eyes on her flavour and the softness of her fur, she gives Dlar as close to a kiss as she can, licking the tip of its tongue.  This seems to please Dlar, and Grey Eyes notes the blue gleeah tastes reminiscent of soap candies.  Lilly, after hearing that it tastes a bit like candy, also gives it a try.  The two continue to allow Dlar to lick them here and there, offering their milk as well.  Dlar states that it favours eyes, which they also allow it to lick.  As gleeah gets in their eyes their vision distorts somewhat and things begin to take on a new light.  Dlar looks white, Lilly looks violet and seems to have someone near her.  The newly seen individual seems to be a doe of perhaps age two.  She has a sad and sullen expression but her eyes are closed as if in sleep.  The fact that she drifts some distance off the ground marks her as remarkable.  It turns out this entity is what Lilly's whisper familiar looks like when one is able to see into the spiritual realms.  Noting this rather important property, both of them decide they will make a point to obtain a supply of gleeah before they go.  Dlar seems to have a word for the tastes it experiences, it calls them songs, explaining that taste is what it does and a song is what it finds.  It seems a song is more complicated and pleasant than a simple flavour.  Lilly and Grey Eyes inform Dlar of things Annalisa seems to have neglected, such as the songs she did not let Dlar know about and about themselves in general.  They seem to do this all with the express purpose of discrediting Annalisa in Dlar's eyes so that they might have more influence over the beast.  By the time Lilly and Grey Eyes have finished sharing all they have, both of them are quite soaked in gleeah and more than just a little fatiqued.  Rather pleased with its servants, Dlar offers to let them know its own song.  Lilly, being the first to accept, finds herself being entwined by Dlar's tongue and drawn into its maw.  Grey Eyes watches a bit stunned as Lilly is subsequently swallowed.  Turning to her next, Dlar offers to take her next.  Checking with Dlar to see that she will continue to live after "hearing its song", she consents and finds herself joining Lilly a few moments later.  Sitting in Dlar's gut with gleeah all around them their vision changes again, allowing them to look at each other and view their respective spirits again.  They find that all that is left of the doe Lilly brought Dlar is a fleshless skeleton that lies half submerged in gleeah.  After some moment Dlar begins to play the song it promised them, causing the gleeah to flair with light.  Both Lilly and Grey Eyes feel a portion of Dlar's stolen essence flow into them, infusing their own spirits with light (+5 inherent Constitution bonus, need for food and sleep removed while bonus lasts.  Bonus dissipates at a rate of one bonus point per day).  After the light fades they find the effort has made Dlar to weak to even cough them back up, and so they must remain while it recovers enough to return them to the world.  Taking the time they have the two of them examine Dlar's stomach with the aid of a small light cantrip.  There are patches of somewhat rougher texture that seem to act as more sensitive taste receptors that line the gut, which they pay some attention so that Dlar might taste them better, much to its pleasure.  They also find that a little jewelery has been left in the stomach from previous meals.  Nine rings of various makes and types are found, and deciding they want them the pair ask Dlar if they might keep them.  It thinks this is a fine idea, letting them keep the rings and telling them that Lilly and Grey Eyes are its jewels now.  Taking that as a complement, they take the rings with them when they are finally spat up.  There are three normal rings, while the rest are enchanted in someway.  They will have to wait till later when they might find some way to tell just what the rings might be capable of.  Full of new vigour and the need for rest banished, the two decide to spend some of their newfound time to learn some of the spells from the scrolls they have acquired.  As they turn to leave Dlar asks them to stop, as it is dangerous outside and would like to see them come back alive.  Dlar grants them each a Soul of the Zamonudi, and then with ten wafers with which to get a meal of "scorched plants and rotten fruit juice".  With a word that they will be missed, Dlar lets them out so they may return home.  Once safe back at home, they then set to the task of learning from their scrolls and a few of Lilly's books.  Lilly studies her blink scroll, while Grey Eyes works malicious whisper from Lilly's book.  With what time she has left, Grey Eyes then begins to work on charm person.  Meanwhile, Jeffery manages to meet with William and discovers that the order he made is near done, and is brewing already.  It will be brought as soon as its done and packaged.  Happy with this answer, he returns home to spend some time with Kikah.  The two of them practice a form of mediation that is less mental and more body, feeling the ways of their inner light.  Luke invites Krystal out for a dinner, one higher class than she is used to.  Understanding the earnings of an enforcer in the medical profession, she selects items that are affordable and looks to enjoy them, although seeming more happy with her company than with her meal.  After taking her back home, Krystal smiles and nuzzles Luke warmly before leaving, letting Luke know she approves of the attention.

 

Week Eleven, Day Two

 

            Arriving at work the next day, its seems Jeffery, Grey Eyes and Lilly have some explaining to do about leaving the group for so long without communication.  Fabricating a bit of a story, they just state that they were checking with their source on the Harrow and might have to go back in order to get what they were after.  Saying they will not be to much more than half an hour or so, Krystal allows them to go meet again and to join up with the group later at an address she writes down, an address to a sandwich house.  Walking back to the lair they find Annalisa in the sitting room, hair a mess, cloths askew, fur matted in places with blue and a sullen look upon her down-turned face.  Unmoving except for her eyes, which drift to look at the three, "What did you do to Dlar?"  Annalisa seems displeased with them as they are making Dlar less manageable by letting it know to much.  Soon into their discussion about Souls of the Zamonudi and the Harrow, Annalisa looks ill and excuses herself, seemingly sick from swallowing to much gleeah.  Hoping to get a supply of gleeah from Dlar, Lilly heads down followed by the other two.  Grey Eyes gifts Dlar with a case of sonic rounds, two tricrokran acid rounds and a crystal round.  She then shares a green gell with Dlar, which it seems to find sweet.  Lilly strikes up a deal, she will bring Dlar prey, and she will get some gleeah in return so she may rub it in her eyes for that enlightening sight it grants.  Agreeing to this, Dlar gives her a flask of the fluid before she departs.  Dressing for the downs and meeting back with the group, the plan to tackle the Harrow is solidified.  They are to enter areas they might be found and surreptitiously try to join their ranks.  A gather information check by Marakin reveals that they might find what they are looking for in a place in the downs called the "Sundered".  It is an area a few hundred years old that was shattered by some event that no one knows the nature or cause of.  Most of the area is walled off, but ways of entrance do exist.  The team locates an entrance to the area trough the collapsed portion of the back of what seems to be an housing complex.  Making their way through the building the team begins to understand how this place got its name.  While the structure is still more or less intact, it is cracked and crumbling as if it had been struck solidly by some force.  Their necromancer senses tingling, Lilly and Grey Eyes decide it might be best if they make some attempt to see if there are any "occupants" still here that might take offence to their trespassing.  Using a small eyedropper to inoculate their eyes with gleeah the two of them take a quick look about while still under its effects.  As they expected, there are spiritual entities still wandering the area, but they cannot tell if they are hostile, or violent, or what.  The first few they spot look as broken as the building they reside in, parts of them missing or floating detached from what would be the whole; shattered beings.  Moving past them and not gaining their attention they happen upon a cave in of the ceiling into the hall they walk down.  It is piled up near the wall and so passage by is still possible, but something is spotted quickly.  Protruding from the debris is a hand, reaching out and grasping weakly as if for help.  Lilly and Grey Eyes come to the realization that only they can see this and so this vision must be from the effects of the gleeah.  As the hand itself does not seem to be doing them any harm and knowing they are far, far to late to attempt a rescue of the unfortunate individual, they move on as if they saw nothing.  Continuously applying gleeah to their eyes, Lilly and Grey Eyes follow along with the group, hoping to keep their team away from what is to them obvious danger.  Further down the hall they notice a doe poke her head through a doorway to peek at them as they draw near, pulling her head back seconds later.  The fact her head came "through" the door they know that this person is not among the living.  Walking past the door cautiously, nothing strange or hazardous happens and so they continue without alerting their group.  After they make a few yards down the hall, she pops out again, but this time fully, and now following them from behind smiling all the while.  Not wanting to give their felonious necromancer background away if they can help it, Lilly and Grey Eyes simply urge their group to move a little faster, as the place is "giving them the creeps and we want to get outside again."  Krystal feels much the same way and agrees to pick up the pace a bit.  It is not long before they spot something down the hallway further up.  Someone is lying down in the middle of the hall, unmoving.  Getting closer they notice why, there is only half of him there, his lower portion seemingly torn off with his spine trailing out behind him like a bony tail.  Still moving quickly to keep away from their unseen pursuer, the torso picks it head up to look at them before dragging itself towards them with its arms.  Feeling that it is attracted to her brighter aura, Grey Eyes attempts to lure it closer to the walls so the rest can move past freely.  As she expected, it does drag itself closer to her.  Knowing there is a problem and information is needed, Lilly tries to speak to the spirits through her familiar.  Without being able to actually speak to the dead and understand just yet, Lilly has to read its lips from which she believes it says "Help.  I can't feel my legs. It hurts, it hurts."  Having little time to help someone already gone, she makes an attempt to communicate with the lady following them.  From this being she reads "Have you seen my laundry?"  Lilly has either botched reading this things lips, or it is indeed just searching for its laundry.  Having not seen any laundry, Lilly tells it she does not know where it is, and continues along to follow the group as they enter a stairway.  Krystal is still leading, stepping down the stairs though fallen bodies only Lilly and Grey Eyes can see.  As none of them stir neither of them says anything to Krystal about it.  They make it down to the ground floor where they find the entrance to the complex to be in ruin, its shattered and wide open but at least not sealed shut from a cave in.  As they move out into what looks to be a more or less normal looking street, aside from the clear damage to everything, Lilly and Grey Eyes can see the whole area dotted with fresh and bloodied bodies.  As the event here happened long ago and the bodies removed soon after, they know this to be for their eyes only.  Moving over the last of the rubble that was once the entrance, one of the bodies, stained red with its own blood, begins to stir.  Instead of getting up, it twists and squirms, moving itself forward with its shoulders.  A moment of watching shows its arms, legs, and perhaps back to be broken and beyond use.  Despite this, it is still creeping towards them on its back, its head twisting grotesquely to touch its chin to the ground, a smile spreading further than any smile should.  Taking Jeffrey aside, knowing he has some knowledge of the sorts of occurrences around them, Grey Eyes allows him to apply a portion of her gleeah to his eyes so that he might see the entity before them.  Agreeing that some things are best left alone they work to hurry the group along with Jeffery once again in the lead, some of the group believing that he knows his way around as he is more familiar with the downs area then most present.  Still continuing to apply gleeah to her eyes every few moments to help scan for danger, Grey Eyes spots yet another active spirit.  This example is a doe who crouches down on the crumbling sidewalk.  She looks from side to side and back again as if looking for something.  Coming over to investigate as well, Lilly tries to speak with her.  The only response she gets is "I lost it, I can't find it."  Bending down herself to help search for whatever it must be, Lilly eventually finds a tarnished earring down in the clogged gutter beside the walk way.  Handing the earring to the entity causes it to smile happily as it touches the lost piece of jewellery.  Holding it for but a moment the entity flashes and vanishes, letting the earring fall back to the ground with a clink.  Still trying not to look crazy, talking to air and rooting through debris in a gutter, Lilly bends back down to reclaim the earring before hurrying along to rejoin the group.  Moving along further on the road Jeffery has chosen something is seen that all members present are able to perceive.  On a matted section of an overgrown and weed-choked yard an old, worn ball rolls back and forth over and over again with no apparent cause.  This combined with the overall spooky ambiance, Luke and Krystal look to each other and mention that maybe they should not be here.  Once again applying precious gleeah, Grey Eyes and Lilly try to see what is the cause for this strange scene.  What is revealed is that two spirits, appearing to be that of bunnies, sit in the grass and roll the ball to each other in play.  Neither of them know how long the two spirits have been playing with the ball, perhaps since the day of the sundering, but it certainly looks as if its been going on longer than either of them have been alive.  As sad as it is, perhaps its not such a bad way to spend the ages.  As they stand near the rolling ball, Lilly's familiar whisper kneels down near the other two spirits and is accepted into the play group.  Instead of rolling from side to side, the ball rolls to three points in a triangle made up of the two original spirits and Lilly's whisper.  This change does not go unnoticed by the others who look on, the fact that Lilly and Grey Eyes seem to have altered the display without appearing to do anything gives some cause for worry.  Rather pleased with seeing her familiar so active Lilly crouches down and joins in, turning the triangle into a square of four participants.  However, it is not long before the group quite eager to move on, and away from this.  Lilly stands up and tries to call her familiar, "Come on, mommy has to go", but it ignores her and continues to play.  Lilly begins to leave and join up with the rest of the group, hoping that her whisper will follow once it notices her departing.  The whisper does, and follows as expected, although seeming a bit upset.  Still searching for anything that looks like what they were sent to find they later come across a well kept yard with a weed-free yard and a healthy looking garden.  The house in that yard is dilapidated and looks uninhabited in stark contrast to the condition of the yard itself.  Jeffery stops in front of it and says "Yup, this is the place."  Walking right up and knocking on the door gets no response.  Knocking a second time only threatens to bust the door from its weak hinges.  Checking the place out a bit more thoroughly it looks as if someone has recently tended the garden, as the soil looks freshly turned.  The rest of the property fails to turn up anyone, so Jeffery simply states "Well, we must have just missed them."  Its well beginning to dawn on more than a few of the members that maybe Jeffery has no idea where he is going, and considering where they are this does little to help their mood.  Walking back to the street and continuing on they soon pass a school and a more well kept building.  The building is furnished with a simple sign declaring it to be "Deeken Lunch Shop".  Looking in the windows they see that there are what appear to be actual living people within having lunch by candlelight.  There are very few patrons, perhaps five.  Walking right on in, Jeffery moves up to the buck behind the counter and starts up a conversation.  Some sandwiches, salads and juice are ordered by the group.  The fair is found to be made from forage, common plants found in the downs that are collected by those to poor to buy the city grown produce.  The taste and variety are familiar to those who grew up in the downs, such as Jeffery and Krystal.  Jeffery finds that the owner, the buck he is speaking to, is named Jake Deeken, and that this shop is something that is owned by his family since before the sundering.  Although the location is not as it once was, the family didn't give up on the business and stayed in spite of the destruction of the surrounding area.  The lack of bodily remains is explained to Jeffery.  Not long after the dust settled, teams were sent in to remove the bodies to placement in a memorial graveyard not far from the sundered itself.  Its obvious that leaving that many corpses to just lay about and fester can cause a whole heap of sticky problems.  He is also advised to watch out for the bathrooms in the area.  When Jeffery asks why, his answer is that they have not been looked after since the place came apart, and what he might find might offend his senses.  Examining some of the candles, Grey Eyes finds them to be composed of adipose wax (animal fat that has become alkalized by either chemical or enzymatic means to a consistency resembling soap or wax, often found in certain kinds of graves).  These candles seem to ward away the "less desirable" would-be visitors from the lunch shop, making it a safe place in the otherwise uncertain area of the sundered.  Done speaking with Jake, Jeffery looks about the shop in hopes of another conversation and perhaps a contact.  Of the handful of patrons Jeffery notices one that is quite out of the ordinary.  Sitting alone, as all the others are as well, this one wears a whole-body robe or cloak, covering so totally that Jeffery cannot determine any features or even sex.  The figure is sitting at a plate of a partially nibbled sandwich.  Asking "Mind if I take a seat here?", Jeffery is given the simple answer of "If you want."  The voice is feminine, so at least he knows that he sits across from a doe.  "Maybe you can help me, I was sent here to get in touch with the Harrow."  The figure seems to turn its head within the robe before speaking   "Hmmph, you would think someone would at least let me know to expect visitors."  Taking this to be a good sign, Jeffery tries to introduce himself by telling the creature across from him his name.  She reaches out with her hand turned on its side and just the tips of her fingers showing from her long sleeve, "I am Anosa."  Jeffery tries so explain his position and spin a yarn about how good a job the Harrow have been doing in cleaning the downs of the corrupted touch of the enforcers.  Anosa does not seem to take to his manner of speech and asks who it was that sent him here.  As Jeffery was not the one to speak to said person, he calls over Marakin to explain that part.  Marakin trips over his own words and story, Anosa becoming increasingly unimpressed.  "I am not certain individuals such as yourselves are what the Harrow would welcome, you seem to lack much."  Grey Eyes and Lilly have been listening in on their companions efforts with some dismay.  They happen to note that Anosa has an odd habit of "creaking" when she moves, making the two think she might be a construct or the like.  Applying yet more gleeah while trying not to be to obvious about it, they have a closer look at Anosa to try and determine if she is even among the living.  Much to their worry, they find that Anosa does not seem to be living or dead, as she has no discernable aura of any sort.  Looking about as lively though the gleeah tainted view as the table she sits at, Grey Eyes and Lilly have something else to wonder about.  Meanwhile, Luke and Krystal have taken a table in a corner that has a vantage of the whole establishment.  Surreptitiously, Luke risks the use of detect magic in an attempt to get a feel for what is around them.  The results he gets show that everyone here possesses some sort of mystical this or that, mostly of abjuration origin.  In a place such as this, there is little surprise that protective measures might be common.  After a little snack from the small menu they move back over to their group to inform them that they are in company of mystically aided people.  The news does not seem to make much impact, as it seems the rest of the group is a bit busy at the moment conversing, badly, with Anosa.  After hearing some of what his companions are trying to pass off as a story, Luke tries to take up the task and salvage the situation.  Managing to put into more eloquent words what the others could not, Luke convinces Anosa to give them a chance to show they have "what it takes" by performing a little task.  Anosa charges them with entering the nearby school and bring back a copy of a thesaurus that bears the school crest upon its inside cover.  Anosa says she will wait for them at the table for at least as long as it takes her to finish her sandwich.  Hoping to buy time, literally, Jeffery orders Anosa a second sandwich with which to occupy her time.  With the task out in front of them, the team musters up what courage they have and get ready to leave.  Catching on from the strangely open way Anosa spoke of how "The old residence might be gone, but they haven't exactly left either" that she might have some necromancy about her, Lilly also tries to buy a little time by offering Anosa the chance to read one of her books.  The only book with her is the one that Grey Eyes was reading last, the last one she bought from Jhonovan Shodi containing veiled hints about the spell malicious whisper.  Exiting the shop the team easily spots the school the are to attend, as its practically across the street.  The schoolyard is vacant save untended grass, old sickly trees and cracked sidewalks.  The entrance to the school is likewise in ruin, the doors no longer posing any barrier as much as they act as flooring.  Stepping inside they see the area was perhaps meant to impress a visitor, furnished with the school crest upon the ground large and prominent, and old empty display cases where awards might once have been.  Expecting some problems, Luke places an mage armour spell upon Krystal, Marakin and himself so that it may protect from "unseen hands."  Not having a lot of sandwich to waste, the group has before them a few paths.  To the left and right are halls with unknown destinations, and before them is a staircase leading to the second floor.  Not knowing where the library might be, but knowing it would be a good place to find what they search for, they take the left hall and move briskly.  Knowing that this today might be their last as it had been for many in that very building ages ago, Lilly and Grey Eyes hand out some of their gleeah to Jeffery to ensure an additional pair of eyes to keep watch for danger.  Taking a turn as the hall changes direction, Marakin detects a faint sound coming from his left.  Turning to find the cause he searches for some moments before he spots the source.  A wheel-based lock on one of the few closed lockers lining the wall is spinning slowly.  It spins one way before stopping and spinning the other, repeating this over and over.  Having a look with their tainted vision, Lilly, Grey Eyes and Jeffery see a buck fussing over the lock.  He seems to be trying to open the lock but is not having any luck.  From his expression and movements it seems he has forgotten the correct code and is unable to undo the lock.  How long he has been there, fretting over the lock?  With only a minor bit of urging, Marakin attempts to open the lock using his ears and skill, fighting the tendency of the wheel mechanism to spin of its own accord as it had been when he first noticed it.  Some minutes pass before Marakin hears the pleasant sound of the lock yielding to this attention and opening.  Once again, of its own accord, the lock comes free of its place to hover in the air a moment before clanking to the ground.  Three select members witness the buck rejoice as he removes the lock before he flashes and disappears.  The door slowly swings open to reveal a stack of old texts, about five-hundred years old, a school uniform and a box.  The texts seem to be of simple math, alchemy and botany.  Figuring they might be of some use, the texts are removed and taken alone.  The uniform is rather old and so is left.  The box, however, garners more attention, as it is strangely cold to the touch and is strangely long and thin.  Not wanting to attract any attention from their supernatural hosts, Lilly and Grey Eyes refrain from using any magic to try to open the lock and instead insist that Marakin try to open this one as well.  This proves much easier than the last lock and he opens the box to find what might be inside.  What is found does surprise everyone.  Crafted from some sort of crystal is a long sword, its blade already beginning to form frost.  The crystal is recognized as a common type used in cooling applications, and it seems in this case its properties are employed as a weapon more than a tool.  Marakin happily claims this as he is the one to free it from its container.  Not having the time to argue other ownership, the team moves onward looking for the book.  Checking rooms as they go, the team comes across one that is occupied by a class still in session after all these years.  All in attendance look as fragmented as most of the spirits here in the sundered, bits of them missing and partial limbs floating detached from the rest of the body.  At the head of the class stands the instructor, scanning the room with his arms folded over his chest.  In what is left of the desks sit many students with their heads down in writing and concentration.  It is recognized as a test writing.  Writing a test for this long without rest, its enough to make those who can see them wince.   Hoping to get some information from the instructor, Lilly steps up to question him.  No sooner as she tries to communicate does the instructor look at her sternly before opening a draw in the large desk before him and withdrawing an old sheet of paper.  Handing it to Lilly and pointing firmly at an unoccupied desk, Lilly gets the message.  She unhappily walks to the desk and takes a seat.  The desk creeks under her weight in protest, promising to collapse if not treated gently.  The rest of the team follows Lilly to her seat and watch as she starts to write.  The test seems to be a math one, and it is unfortunate that Lilly has never really attended any formal school.  She does the best she can, Grey Eyes watching and noting she could be doing better.  Finishing with the last question, Lilly takes the sheet up to the instructor, who takes it from her and lays it down upon the top of the desk in front of him.  Looking to a non-functional clock upon the wall, he then turns to the rest of the class and says something, something none can hear.  All of them looking up at once, they begin to stand and seem to bring something in their hands to the instructor, something unseen.  As each one hands in what they brought up, they flash and vanish, one after another until none are left.  The instructor picks up Lilly's paper along with whatever was brought up by the others before turning and vanishing himself.  Feeling that perhaps some good has been done, the team moves to the next room.  This one is empty save for a doe and buck in a corner, nuzzling and looking happy.  Figuring they could leave these two alone well enough, they simply keep moving.  The next room is thankfully empty of anything.  It is at this point Krystal turns to Luke and asks him how she looks.  Smiling and giving a diplomatic response he tells her she looks great.  She then turns to Lilly and Grey Eyes (who is now more aptly named Blue Eyes), and asks them their opinion on her appearance.  She looks wide eyed with worry and her hair is a bit messed up, which they let her in on.  She pouts and says she will be back in a moment, heading toward a bathroom door not far away.  Remembering something about the warning Jake gave Jeffery about bathrooms some of the team tries to stop her, telling her it will smell really bad in there.  She just states she will hold her breath, and walks in.  Lilly and Grey Eyes follow her in order to keep an eye on her should she get into trouble.  The bathroom does smell quite bad and is as cracked as the rest of the building.   Krystal walks up to the array of sinks and polished metal mirrors, now tarnished by time, and removes her hat to deal with her hair.  Lilly and Grey Eyes watch as she brushes down a few stray patches with her cheeks puffed with her held breath, making her look rather comical.  As Krystal continues to work on her hair, Lilly and Grey Eyes watch another doe walk up to the sink beside her, smile in her direction warmly, and go about washing her paws.  No one saw anyone enter the room and it takes a few moments to tell what is going on.  Neither magi see anything actually beside Krystal, the aura is actually in the mirror itself.  Soon another steps to the other side of Krystal, and it becomes obvious by her whimpering that Krystal can see them too.  Lilly and Grey Eyes move up to give Krystal a hand, who seems petrified on the spot.  As they approach, another image walks by in the direction of the stalls just off to the side of the mirrors.  Everyone now certain it would be a good idea to leave, Krystal is ushered out of the bathroom and back into the hall where all three of them catch their breath.  "Thanks" is all Krystal can say.  Her face changes to a look of despair "I left my medics hat on the sink."  Lilly agrees go to back in for it.  Looking in through the door, she fines the hat missing from the sink.  Again it takes a moment to see what happened.  The mirror now shows a young doe trying on Krystal's hat.  Not sure how the hat got in the mirror, or how to get it out, she just closes the door and informs Krystal that her hat is "gone."  Pouting again, but nodding, she turns back to the group and prepares to move on.  The rest of the hall has only a few more empty rooms which do not yield the sought after thesaurus, so they are forced to return to the entrance and pick another way.  Taking the rightmost hall Lilly spots a lone instructor at a desk in one of the rooms.  She enters and tries to ask this one where the library is.  This instructor seems busy looking over something and making marks with a pen, perhaps looking over tests.  He turns to her and points out the door.  Feeling she won't get anything here she returns to her group as they move on.  Further down the hall is a left branch that they decide to follow, finding it to end at a door leading out into the large field outback.  Certain that the library is not outside they turn back and continue on down the rest of the hall.  The hall ends in two larger rooms, the first checked is an alchemy class and lab, students and instructor still there.  The instructor looks out over the class, while five pairs of students look upon long broken apparatus before them.  Asking the instructor here as well, Lilly is pointed out of the room, much like last time.  Not sure what else to do here they check the last room in the hall which they find to be full of books.  None seem to be the thesaurus they look for, but instead are old story books.  Many of the stories are classics, but were perhaps more modern when they were last read.  Hoping they might be of some use or value, Grey Eyes helps herself to a few classics before leaving.  Making their way back to the entrance the team begins to ascend the stairs, the last path to take that is open to them.  Reaching the top of the stairs they have a look around.  There are three ways to go once again, to the left and right as well as straight ahead.  The hall ahead is made less accessible by the fact a goodly portion of the floor leading to it has fallen down into the school entrance directly below.  It is while they are surveying the area that sounds are heard from below.  Footsteps, slow dragging ones, emanate from the entrance area.  Using a small mirror, Grey Eyes angles it so she may look below and see what might be down there.  What she sees causes her to catch her breath.  Someone is down there, trailing blood in his path and looking about.  He looks rather wounded but seems to be rather unbothered by the fact.  She also notices that he has no eyes, just empty sockets that ooze, but still he moves about fairly well.  In each hand he carries a sickle, and it does not seem likely he is here to harvest herbs.  Moving once again the creature sings "I smmmell a red rivvvver."  Grey Eyes tries to determine its direction of movement, coming to the decision it is taking the left hall, the first one the team did.  Making sure everyone keeps quiet, Grey Eyes lets them know they have trouble and that it might be a good idea for them to find that book and get out, now!  They take an easy path to the left, finding a multimedia room alight with corpsefire, but no book.  Checking the right hall, they find an art room with a perpetually spinning pottery wheel upon which is a long broken and dried clay vase.  Not finding the book here either they check the room across from it.  They find it to be a storage room, both for general school supplies and that of art.  Moving back to the landing they hope that perhaps the missing floor area will buy them safety or at least time, they agree to try and cross the pit before them.  Making a go of it, Lilly leaps and successfully lands upon the other side where she waits a few moments for the others.  Next Grey Eyes jumps, landing upon the other side but to close to the edge.  Some of the flooring gives way under her, dropping her solidly to the entrance below.  Her heart already in drive and painfully aware that the buck will be on his way to investigate the sound of her plummet, she gets to her feet as fast as she can as she hears the sound of rapid footsteps towards her.  Scrambling up the stairs she reaches her team and prepares to fight for her life.  As the buck moves into the entrance, he begins to sing again "Where has my river gone, looong time passing".  It is just seconds before the sound of him moving up the stairs reaches everyone's already frightened ears.  Luke kneels and sets out his hand cannons, handing one to Krystal, and readies himself to launch as good a volley as he can.  Grey Eyes replaces her round with one of the crystal ones she obtained from Commander and hands another one out to her team.  Everyone gets their best shots ready for what is to come and hope its enough.  The stairway is dark, but they can hear him coming.  They are almost surprised as he rushes up the last of the stairs, as he has but small bits left of his ears, ears that they might have seen a split second sooner and been that much more ready.  Everyone fires, acid, bright flashes of light and mithral all strike the creature as it charges up the last step.  The assault sends it back down to the next landing where it crumples against the wall.  Reloading before going to check on it, Grey Eyes and Jeffery peer down the stairs at the fallen form.  Decending the stairs to make sure its good and dead, Jeffery fires another round into it.  Still not certain that this thing is good and down, Jeffery deploys as smoke grenade to obscure the area so that Grey Eyes can use neither blade to strip what spiritual strength it might have left in it without Krystal bearing witness.  Meanwhile, Lilly has moved down the hall and has found the library.  Not familiar with school libraries, Lilly just moves from area to area looking.  She fines a few other books of interest to take with her before she finds a thesaurus.  Grabbing it and checking for the crest before leaving, she feels something amiss, and so does her familiar who now clings to her leg.  Turning about to search the room with her gleeah tainted eyes, Lilly quickly spots what is making her feel uneasy.  Literately storming toward her is what must be the librarian, carrying a large ruler that appears to drip with some unknown effect.  Knowing she could have a very unhealthy fight on her hands, or a very spirited run (as it were), Lilly tries to talk to the spectre before things go much more sour.  Using her nearly nonexistent diplomacy skills and her necrology, Lilly surprisingly calms the spirit down from hostile to just unfriendly.  She is told that she may not take the books she chose without signing them out, and on top of that she does not even wear the school colours.  Getting the point, Lilly sets down her books and returns to the team.  Telling them that she needs a school uniform that can fit her, and an identification that will allow her to sign out books, or she won't likely be able to get what they need.  A quick look around the lockers on the main floor produces a suit that Jeffery and Grey Eyes think will fit Lilly, along with some various cards in a pocket.  Hurrying it up to Lilly, they toss it over to her.  Returning to the library in her new suit, Lilly manages to pull off signing out the books.  By now Marakin has used a grappling hook and rope to make a safer means of crossing, so Lilly has little trouble getting the texts back to the team.  With the prize in hand, as well as a few others, they make their way back to Deeken Lunch Shop.  Anosa is still there, sandwiches done and reading over the book Lilly handed her.  Presenting the thesaurus to Anosa, they get a nod of the hood in approval.  "Well, took you long enough to accomplish, but you did it.  Very well then, you may now return it."  A bit unhappy that they have to go back, they are somewhat pleased to find that Marakin had absentmindedly forgot to retrieve his grapple and rope, so making it back to the library if found to be quite easy.  With the pressing need to find the book now over, the team falls into arguing over the newly acquired blade.  It is decided that Luke should get it, as he is the most versed in its use among them, and Marakin is more a hand cannon sort anyway. 

            Lilly and Grey Eyes take some time to more closely examine the two sickles obtained from their attacker.  One of them seems tainted somehow, and perhaps in a way that could prove useful.  As most others already have a blade of choice in their possession Grey Eyes decides to keep it.  Returning to the lunch shop without further incidence they let Anosa know that the test has been returned from where they got it.  "Well, that wasn't so hard now, was it?  You do look like you have had a long day, I suppose it would be prudent to offer you a place to sleep off your weariness."  Since everyone but Lilly and Grey Eyes, still hopped up on life, are getting dozy, they accept the offer.

            As Anosa stands to lead the way she creaks softly, once again making them wonder what is doing that.  Stepping outside, Anosa produces a candle much like those in the shop, and speaks as she lights it "In darkness and light, may this flame be our guide".  These words are spoken very softly, requiring a listen check to hear clearly, which Grey Eyes manages.  The group walk into a part of the sundered not yet known to them while following Anosa, their journey ending at a pair of cellar doors.  Unfastening them and lifting them open she turns to them; "Here we are.  After you."  Stepping down into the cellar they see it has been somewhat well maintained and has a lived in look about it, with ample furniture and bedding.  About the room are other hares, all asleep at the moment.  "Find yourself a place and lay down, might have a long day ahead of you."  As everyone finds a bedroll, Anosa takes a seat and seems to nod off there.  Lilly and Grey Eyes still feel no need to sleep, and so go back to their study of scrolls.  Lilly works on clairvoyance, sleep and hypnotism, while Grey Eyes tries blink, shield and touch of idiocy.  Luke takes Krystal aside and offers to share some fruit and a bed, both of which she accepts, handing her the copy of the botany book found at the school soon afterwards.

            While the others sleep, Lilly and Grey Eyes keep looking at Anosa and examine her, wondering what she is.  Neither of them see her breath.  Moving up to take a closer look:

 

Lilly: "Hey, Anosa, are you awake?"

Anosa: "I was until very recently.  Why do you disturb me?"

Grey Eyes: "Well, the two of us are wondering if, you know, you are an Artist like us?"

Lilly: "The things you talk about and they way you act, they make us believe you could be."

Anosa: "Well yes, I have been called an artist of sorts."

Grey Eyes: "What is your specialty?"

Anosa: "Carving.  I like to carve."

Lilly: "Really?  Uh, what do you carve?"

Anosa: "I carve expressions and representations of the cruelty and agony that an individual can inflict upon others."

Lilly:  "That sounds interesting, what medium do you use?"

Anosa: "Others."

 

            The two of them look to each other, coming to the realization that they could have a real psycho on their hands.

 

Grey Eyes: "We were also wondering if you were, perhaps, a practitioner of, shall we say, shadowed paths?"

Anosa: "Of what?  Don't dilly dally, if you want to say something, say it."

Lilly: "Are you a necromancer?"

Anosa: "There, I just wanted to hear you say it.  This is not the upper city, or the downs.  This is the sundered.  If you can't speak of necromancy here then where in Esspis could you mention it?"

 

            To answer their question as to her pursuits, Anosa begins to disrobe.  Both of them half expect to see bones underneath, and bones they do see.  They also see normal looking fur and healthy form for a doe.  Beneath her robes she does not wear what one would call traditional clothing, but bones that hug and entwine her body, covering more soft and vital area with durable plating.  The way the bones so smoothly curve and twitch slightly, both of them know that nothing ordinary is responsible for the outfit.  The bones look to be a full skeleton of a hare, complete with "skull cap".  Both Lilly and Grey Eyes get the feeling that they must have this method, as the outfit is fantastic.  They also are make note of the metallic portions of her outfit, not a pair, but a set of flensing knives hang on each side of her hips.

 

Grey Eyes: "Sweet, can you teach us how you did that?"

Anosa: "I would rather not.  I enjoy being the only one around here with this fashion sense."

Lilly: "We have tricks of our own we could trade you.  Us necromancers have to stick together."

Anosa: "We don't have to stick together so much as associate.  Tell you what, provide me two incantations, each, and I will let you in on my secret."

 

            Really wanting this, they both agree and provide Anosa with two spells from their selections each, in return they receive the armour of bones spell.  Also wondering about the candles, they ask Anosa about them.  They learn that they are a little "cottage industry product" that helps keep people safe when wandering in places of such "uneasy footing".  Anosa still needs her rest, and so excuses herself and reclines back in her chair, leaving Lilly and Grey Eyes to continue their reading.

 

Week Eleven, Day Three

 

            As the group awakens to their first day as Harrows, they are offered a simple breakfast before being introduced to the others they saw asleep the day before.  Anosa introduces them as Terra, Lance, Melvin and Paul.  As their first introduction to the life as a Harrows, they are given to Lance to guide them on their first patrol.  Using a candle to light their way, Lance escorts them from the sundered and back to the downs just outside its boarders.  Informing them that being so close to the sundered, and that it seems to have a tendency to have increased zelengorsk activity, this area requires them to act quickly to anything "unnatural."

            The area they patrol is sparsely populated, and so makes a good training ground.  The first thing to grab their attention is a flock of glings that pass overhead.  Lance just tells them to let them pass, they don't need any extra trouble.  The next event is far less subtle.  A heavy metallic clang is heard, followed by the visual effect of a sewer cover being flipped over by a black arm.  From the now open sewer come three creatures that a few of the group identify as flesh ghouls.  One of them stands nearly upright, looks right at Grey Eyes and says "Chewy" before advancing.  The group has to act fast.  Lilly and Grey Eyes, knowing that they are going to be prime targets, turn and run with the aid of expeditious retreat in order to draw them away.  Two go after them while the last moves towards Krystal.  Luke fires upon it and moves to block its path.  His shot does not seem to harm it, the round leaving no discernable mark.  The rest of the team fires upon the ghouls following the fleeing pair.  As they leave the immediate area, focus turns to the one drawing near to Krystal and Luke.  More shots are fired with more success than the first, but Luke is still subjected to its wrath.  Struck twice, he is wounded by its strength alone, but also feels its poisonous touch.  Krystal uses the cannon Luke gave her and actually manages to drop it with her simple, untrained shot.  Elsewhere, Lilly and Grey Eyes still contend with their pair.  Grey Eyes turns and fires upon the one chasing Lilly as Jeffery does the same, sending it to the ground, leaving just the one following Grey Eyes.  Not wanting to face something alone if she can help it, she doubles back and runs to the group for assistance.  Taking a portion of gleeah and anointing a cannon round, Lilly takes aim and fires at Grey Eye's pursuer.  As expected, the gleeah does its thing and begins to corrode the flesh about the wound.  The ghoul changes tactics, and contrary to their usual style, this one turns and runs.  Sight of it is lost as it ducks behind a building.  Not wanting to let it go, Lilly chases after it.  Catching up with her enhanced speed she takes another shot and manages to finish the ghoul off.  Bending down to examine the remain she begins to take "samples" that seem to be of interest to her.  Its not long before the rest of the team catches up to her and finds her by the fallen ghoul.  Grey Eyes seems to think taking a sample or two is a fine idea as well, and gets to work herself.

            Trying to pick up their patrol where it was interrupted the group follows Lance into what might have been a nice park once.  The park has not been maintained since the area became the downs, and so is quite wild and overgrown.  Laced about some old and dead-looking trees is a mass of white filaments.  Not knowing what it is or if it poses some threat some ideas are tossed around as what to do.  Marakin decides it might be worth the effort to see if its flammable, an so employs a simple flame finger cantrip.

            It seems he is right, as the filaments catch flame which then begins to spread.  The filaments themselves react to the attack and a portion of the mass "leaps" upon Marakin, entangling him fully.  Luke makes an effort to deal with the problem, but is likewise enveloped by filaments.  Feeling that should the flames make it to Marakins stored gun shells that there will be exiting consequences, Grey Eyes sets to work removing them by use of the filch cantrip.

            Working a bit secretly, the Lilly determines that the mass seems to have some sort of spirit, and so she might be able to attack that part of it and solve the problem.  Making a try at necrotic strike using her necrology skill she manages to summon up a nasty life-rending effect upon her hands.  Walking up to a section of the mass she touches the filaments, causing the whole of them to discorporate and fade leaving the former prisoners free.

            Continuing the patrol the team detects a noise, the sound of screeching.  Their experience tells them this is the sound of glings and so their attention is needed.  The sound is emanating from behind another house, so they split up, some go around the house and some take to the roof.  Looking into the back area they find three glings, purple in hue, laying waste to a tended garden.  This is most likely result of someone's hard work in order to feed themselves here in the downs, so its their duty, harrow or enforcer, to deal with the problem.

            As is usual, almost everyone opens up with a volley, except for Jeffery, who has other ideas.  While shots are fired, he rushes one gling and makes a grapple attempt.  While the two struggle for a moment, Jeffery manages to push the gling down into helplessness, from where a backstab attack finishes it off.

            Taking the horns as a way to end the fight they get ready for whatever comes next.  Lance says they did enough and its getting late, time to head back.  Jeffery knows that leaving Kikah alone caused her to run off, and that she should return home so she does not repeat that.  After some talking it seems most of the team wants to go home, but Lilly and Grey Eyes are happy enough to follow Lance back into the sundered.

            Making it back the two of them try to make trade for some of the candles that find common use in the sundered.  While talking over trade values they hear the door open and someone creak down the stairs.  As the stairs are earthen, its most likely Anosa.  As she comes into view they see she does not wear her robe, but is instead splattered with blood and carries a lacerated yellow shirt in her arms.  Performing a pirouette at the bottom of the stairs, Anosa begins to dance slowly with the shirt as if she had a live partner.  "Oh, I feel so creative, all thanks to a nice fellow I met today".  Not sure if its a good idea to ask, they do anyway:

 

Grey Eyes: "What did he do to make you feel creative?"

Anosa: "He was wearing a yellow shirt with white shoes, of course."

Grey Eyes: "Oh, you don't like that much I take it?"

Anosa: "Hmmm?  Those colours just don't go together, something had to be done to improve the image."

 

            As it seems Anosa will kill for "not much", Lilly and Grey Eyes figure it would be a good idea to be very careful around her.  As they begin to ask about the candles again, she asks Lilly "Do you want to cut in?" to which Lilly nods.  Taking the bloodied shirt and dancing, they get back to talking business.  A straight trade for a vial of gleeah is made for the candle, a good trade as far as Lilly is concerned, as she can get more with ease.

            Having what they need and wanting to see Dlar, the two get ready to depart.  "You two aren't leaving right now."  It sounded more like a warning than a statement, so they turn and look, ready to run for their lives.  "You're not leaving with my dance partner."  Lilly hands over the shirt without much hesitation and the two make their way out, quickly.

            Lighting a candle to keep danger at bay, the pair make a hasty exit of the sundered and get back into the downs.  Not wanting to arrive empty handed, they begin to look for a gift.  Not finding anyone vulnerable enough to take from the street, Lilly makes use of her clairvoyance spell to find suitable targets.  Within a house is someone alone, at least alone in a room, asleep.  The rest of the house is populated as well, but they are asleep too.  Using the phasing ability of blink, they enter the doe's room from an outside wall.  Casting sleep on her, and invisibility on themselves, they pick her up and move out into the halls to leave.  To make sure no one comes to her rescue to soon, they knock everyone out with liberal use of miasma spells.

            Taking her outside, they apply a gag and bindings so she will not be able to cause them trouble should she wake.  An expeditious retreat later, they are off and running to Dlar's lair.  Entering the lair and stepping down into the basement Lilly and Grey Eyes take their offering to Dlar.  Dlar is "Very happy" to see them back, and actually gets up to greet them.  Shifting from leg to leg in excitement he looks over what was brought.  Still fitted with a gag, the doe does not say as much as her wide eyes do.  Taking her in its maw, Dlar tilts its head back and in a moment she is gone.  Lilly asks Dlar if Katie got the message that she wished to see her yet.  Dlar nods and says that she knows and will see her soon.

            Feeling that its value is warranted, Lilly tries to score herself some free gleeah, hopefully without Dlar noticing.  "Would you like to have a taste of me?  I'd roll on your tongue for you, if you don't mind?".  Still happy about everything, Dlar agrees and opens its maw for her to get in, which Lilly does.  Caressing Dlar's tongue as it caresses her in return, she works gleeah into wherever she can so it can be retrieved later.

            Hoping to earn some of Dlar's affection as well, Grey Eyes sets herself to rubbing its tummy as Lilly continues her more personal approach.  Once she feels that she is coated in enough gleeah that she could squeegee plenty of it from her fur later, Lilly excuses herself from Dlar's maw and makes ready to return upstairs.  Grey Eyes and Lilly both say their farewells and promises of return to Dlar who is as sad as usual to see them go, and make their way back to the sitting room above.

            The floor is strangely quiet as they ascend.  Moving into the sitting room they find Katie seated on a couch with her legs crossed in front of her, a platter of cheeses to her left, a glass in her left hand and an attentive buck to either side of her.  Smiling as they enter:

 

Katie: "Ah, there you are, I got word you wished to see me?"

Lilly: "That I did, I want to know if you could tell me anything about these rings Grey Eyes and I found recently."

Katie: "Oh, you poor thing.  Set in the path of the Art and without formal training such I.  It must make it difficult for you."

Lilly: "There aren't many schools for what I do, my path is not yours."

Katie: "Well, show me these rings and I will see what I can do for you.  Cheese?"

Lilly: "I'd like that." (Selecting a red piece).

Katie: "You know, I would certainly like a slice of the cake I brought, how about you two?"

Lilly: "Oh, cake.  You brought cake?  I'm taking if your offering."

Grey Eyes: "I would like a slice, ya."

 

            One of the two bucks just sighs and turns to leave.

 

Lilly: "I really like your look."

Katie: "Oh, you mean these patterns?  I had as much as my pelt would allow placed on me with enough open to allow me to wear my ribbons so as to avoid problems."

Lilly: "What kind of problems."

Katie: "There are places where bearing all would be a problem, causing distractions and accidents.  What I have allows me to get by without being to much of a problem."

 

            Lilly and Grey Eyes present what rings they have to Katie as the buck returns with three slices of cake.  Katie looks the rings over while nibbling on her portion while Lilly and Grey Eyes look on eagerly.  What is found out about the rings is as follows:

 

Green gemstone ring, nonmagical: 20 G

Marbled metal ring, nonmagical: 10 G

Silver band set with flecked rock, nonmagical: 12 G

Helix of red and blue metal: Energy resistance, minor (10 resistance to electricity)

Black metal band set with a small animal tooth: Energy resist, minor (10 resistance to acid)

Yellow loop with three smaller ones:  +1 armour bonus.

Transparent grey stone embossed with jagged symbols: +1 inherent bonus to dexterity

Nipple ring of a yellow metal, from which hangs a small violet gem from twin fine mithral chains: +3 inherent bonus to Charisma.

Nipple ring of a black metal which wraps around a smooth, transparent sphere of pink crystal: Allows the wearer to move as if time stood still, granting one round of movement, per week.

 

            Lilly takes the black metal band set with a small animal tooth, the earring of a yellow loop with three smaller ones and the nipple ring of a black metal which wraps around a smooth, transparent sphere of pink crystal.  Grey Eyes takes the helix of red and blue metal, the transparent grey stone embossed with jagged symbols and the nipple ring of a yellow metal, from which hangs a small violet gem from twin fine mithral chains.  Lilly is understandably disappointed that she did not get the ring with influence over time.  To make matters somewhat less pleasant, it seems her nipple ring must be in sight for its properties to manifest.

            Inquiring further, Lilly asks Katie if she has any goodies for trade today.  With a smile and a nod, Katie produces her current wears, a few potions and scrolls.  She makes a purchase of a gaseous form potion (75 G) and a stone skin potion (1500 G).  After looking over the scroll list, but not having any on hand, she strikes a deal to produce some in trade soon.

            Elsewhere, Marakin has made his way to the alchemy academy and attends an hour long class.  Fresh from his class he decides it might be prudent to examine the labs available.  He finds them well maintained and stocked, enough so to meet his requirements.  With his resources more clear in his mind, he sets about devising a project or two.

            By now, Jeffery has returned home and greets Kikah.  Pleased to see him home she offers him a "sammich" and asks him about his day.  He sighs and informs her that he has to go back out later, under cover, to continue his current mission in the downs, and that he must deal with witches.  Kikah is, as expected, disgusted by the idea of Jeffery having to deal with withes and offers to come along to help out, she could always skip work saying she was sick.  Not wanting Kikah to get in harms way, he tries to dissuade her, having little success.  He explains to her it would be dangerous as members of his own group are witches, mentioning Grey Eyes as one who polluted the path of physical arts that they both share with witchery.  Kikah is aghast, while Jeffery is just purifying himself of the pollution of witchery, here is another girl doing the opposite.  Her countenance darkening, Kikah vows to follow Jeffery as his aid, and help him deal with these witches permanently.

 

Week Eleven, Day Four

 

            Rested and ready for whatever their new positions as undercover Harrow, the group begins to come together again after some time to themselves.  Back in the cellar Lilly and Grey Eyes finish up working on more scrolls and take a moment to speak with Anosa about her seeming lack of an aura.  Anosa just tells them both that they are not ready, but not taking that answer they ask why.  Anosa smiles, drawing a flensing knife from her side.  Grey Eyes takes a few steps back while Lilly stays her ground.  Anosa drives the knife clean through her left hand for no apparent reason, removing it and letting blood run from the new wound.  Before it runs to far it stops and retracts into the wound.  Turning her hand this way and that it is seen that there is not so much as a drop of blood to be seen around the wound, although blood can be clearly seen within it.  The pair also notice that the knife used is bloodless, as clean as before it plunged into Anosa's palm.

            The two necromancers look to each other in wonder, puzzled as to how this was possible.  Grey Eyes asks if it has something to do with her being a blood ghoul.  Anosa just smiles and shakes her head "No, my blood is not my blood".  The answer was a blood ghoul, but one that was residing within Anosa rather than Anosa herself.  At some point she must have met a blood ghoul and stuck a deal with it, allowing it to exist within her veins in exchange for the qualities she would acquire. 

            Done with talk, Anosa assigns them Terra as a supervisor for the day, who will then chose their location.  Terra informs them that they will be on boarder patrol, not news they wanted to hear.  In order to link up with everyone they use a radio to let them know to meet at Rosie's Noodle shop in the downs, from where they will head to their task.

            Almost everyone makes it to the shop, it seems Luke could not make it and the rest of the group will have to do without him.  Shortly before they arrive, Jeffery decides it might be a good idea to make sure Kikah does not try to attack Grey Eyes or any other "witches" on sight.  Jeffery tells her that while Grey Eyes might be a witch, she is a good which trying to use her powers to help, and is a good healer.  Kikah is not impressed, such help is tainted.  Reassuring Jeffery that she can handle herself and deal with Grey Eyes, Kikah ends the conversation as they make it to the shop.

            As Jeffery and Kikah rejoin the group, Kikah smiles and looks the group over.  Her eyes pass over everyone before resting on Grey Eyes.  Smiling manically and taking Grey Eyes by the shoulders:

 

Kikah: "Oh hey ya, you must be Grey Eyes.  Jeffery has told me a lot about you."

Grey Eyes: "None of it good, I bet."

Kikah: "Well, I'm happy to meet you and glad we will have the chance to work together."

 

Taking up a bit of soup and sammiches the group heads out under Terra's lead to patrol the boarders.  Moving out beyond the last buildings of Esspis they set themselves up to intercept anything that might try to enter from the wilds.  As is the nature with such a job, their is either nothing at all or abject danger.  The quiet is good as it lasts but eventually keen eyes spot trouble.  Some hundreds of yards out is a group of cheetah making a line toward Esspis, and through them.  It looks to be a large group, six, and the team starts to wonder if they can handle something like this.

            Knowing he does not want to be on the receiving end of arrow fire, Jeffery uses a chaff grenade to set up some cover.  Hoping that the cheetah are open to discussion, Lilly takes a draught of a tongues potion and tries to speak with them.  Grey Eyes remembers that Kikah used to live as a farmer, one who most likely had to deal with carni's like this.  Asking Kikah what she used to do in a case like this, Kikah responds "Just run up and pound them."  That said, Kikah looks to do just that, running through the chaff with Jeffery in tow.  Its soon obvious that Lilly's words do not distract these creatures from their attack, and soon Jeffery and Kikah are able to attack.  Jeffery stops long enough to fire a shot as Kikah simply runs into range and jumps at the nearest cheetah.

            Figuring that now is as good a time as any to give her spells a test run, Lilly incants malicious whisper and directs it against an approaching attacker.  The deep, spirit rending pain shakes the cat's moral and sends it running.  Marakin fires a shot well enough to drop one of the felines cold followed by a crystal round from Grey Eyes that similarly affects her target.  Jeffery takes an arrow from a nearby attacker shortly before melee is entered.

            As yet another runs to her Grey Eyes uses the only good weapon she has, her tazer, to great effect, shocking the cheetah into helplessness.  Marakin takes a more physical approach and runs head-on to his target, jumping and stabbing with his blade.  The wound is made but the cat still stands ready.  Lilly redirects her whisper to Marakin's target, doing enough to send it to the ground.

            Back at range, Jeffery and Kikah exchange blows with their targets, managing to fight them down solidly while taking less than fatal wounds.  Stopping to kill his, Jeffery turns to see how things have gone back near the rest of the group.  Grey Eyes binds her captive and taunts it a bit, reveling in her success.

            Now that they have a prisoner its time to decide what to do with her.  Some suggest that they haul her about till the end of the day, that way if wolves attack they can throw her to them and make a run for it.  Others figure its not worth the drag on their speed and that a few shots to the head would clear that problem up.  Between them, Lilly, Grey Eyes and Jeffery come up with what they figure is a superior solution.  They can carry the cheetah till the end of the day but after that they can offer her to Dlar, who most likely has not had much carni in its diet.  Dlar gets feed, the predator dies and they earn some favour, it all seems perfect.

            Using some of the scavenged bows they construct a crude litter of sorts with which to drag their prisoner behind them with.  While she has such a creature in her possession and before Dlar recives her, Grey Eyes samples more of its milk, usually a privilege reserved for those who can afford to pay for something so exotic.

            Returning to their duty of guarding the city border they pull their burden behind them and try to keep their eyes sharp and attentive, perhaps the cheetah who fled would return.  Such is not the case, as they spot not cheetah, but wolves.  In the distance now, but closing as they walk toward the group are two wolves.  Turning to Kikah once more, Grey Eyes asks "So Kikah, what did you do when wolves attacked?".  Shrugging, Kikah answers "Much the same as with cheetah, but we try to jump on their backs and beat them, or maybe zap them.  But, you know, there were usually more than just one of us trying.  Oh well, I was a farmer long before I was a soldier, its time to tend the fields".  Kikah locks arms with Jeffery and looks on in determination as the wolves advance.

            Hoping to make this a quick victory for them, the group begins by opening with ranged attacks.  Lilly using a sonic round, Grey Eyes acid, Jeffery one of his special drug rounds, Luke a standard, Terra a heavy and Krystal to frightened to move, a barrage lays into a single wolf in an attempt to slay it.  Hurt badly but still moving, the wounded wolf and its companion pick up the pace and continue their charge.

            Addressing the party, Terra yells "We've got company!".  Looking about long enough to find out what, they notice that from behind them comes a lone individual; Anosa.  It seems Anosa has come to check up on how the team is doing keeping Esspis safe from outside threats, and her timing is good in order to help deal with this threat in particular.  As the team readies to fire one more time as the wolves close, Anosa is seen skipping up toward the unwounded wolf.

            Again shots are fired, Lilly with an explosive round, Grey Eyes with a crystal round, Jeffery with an armour puncher and Luke using sleep instead, the wolf hits the ground in what must be a fitful slumber.  Anosa herself approaches the wolf of her ire and selects a flensing blade from her side.  As she comes within striking range the wolf lashes out with a claw and catches Anosa hard in the chest.  A spray of blood leaps into the air as its claws rake open her flesh, only to stop in mid-flight and return to the wound from which it sprang.  Recovering, Anosa returns the favour, opening a long strip of red with a slice of her blade along the wolf's chest.

            Seeing the wolf down and sleeping, Lilly takes the opportunity to strike a helpless foe and runs up to its fallen form.  Circumventing Anosa and the wolf she reaches her target and fires a round, putting it into a sleep few ever wake from.  Not far away, Anosa and the wolf continue their struggle.  The wolf reaches out for Anosa again, but misses.  Anosa uses her blade to slash open her left paw which she then places over the wound on the wolf's chest, letting their blood mingle.  In a mix of both confusion and pain, the wolf cries out as Anosa's tainted touch takes effect.

            As the rest look on, the two last combatants continue to try to strike each other but none land a blow.  In the scuffle, Anosa loses her purchase upon the wolf as it pulls away.  Even while separated somewhat, tendrils of blood twist and gyre between Anosa's paw and the wound upon the wolf.  Still howling in pain and apparently having its fill of battle, the wolf turns to flee.  Taking the opportunity to hit a foe when its down again, Lilly aims and fires into its fleeing back.

            The moment of crises over, Anosa steps up to Terra and asks for a report on the team's performance.  Terra is much pleased, several predators lay dead and not one loss on their end.  As the team is doing so well there is discussion about allowing them to be harrows, but perhaps not of their little group but one of their own.  Pleased enough, Anosa dismisses them from the rest of the days patrol to let them return home and rest up.

            While on their way back to the downs of Esspis, Grey Eyes catches Anosa staring at her tail.  When asked about this, Anosa just says "Oh, nothing, just thinking about this "rash" on my chest".  Not wanting to make any more of this, Grey Eyes drops the point.  She believes it is due most likely to the blood of a buck now flowing in Anosa and influencing her behaviours.

            Lilly, Grey Eyes and Jeffery excuse themselves and say they are going to turn the cheetah in for a bounty back in town.  Leaving the rest to their own business the three drag their captive into the downs after laying an invisibility spell down upon it.  Making their way without incident to Dlar's lair they happily take the cheetah downstairs to meet her host.  Dlar is expectantly happy to see everyone, and happy to see a cheetah up close.  Dlar remembers seeing cheetah before, a long time ago when it used to fly high above the world.  In its reminiscing Dlar stretches out its wings and extends it neck upward...into the ceiling.  For a moment Dlar almost looked as close to majestic as it is likely to get, only to have the scene shattered by thumping its head.

            Grey Eyes releases the cheetah from its bonds and steps back as Dlar moves up to her.  "Be sure to sample all the songs she has to offer, master" Grey Eyes says while smiling in a less than warm way.  With but a satisfied glance back as they leave Dlar to enjoy its exotic dish, they ascend the stairs as the cheetah's terrified screams echo below.

            Hoping to find out just what Dlar's gift of a soul is worth, Grey Eyes looks about for the twins she heard of, Joshua and Tyler.  She finds them here today, sitting in the kitchen with what looks like a bag of candies and baked treats.  She asks them about the soul and how to employ one, but they seem busy with plans and don't really want to waste time talking to her for nothing.  She offers them some treats from her emergency goodie supply in an effort to get them to talk.  For the moment they still don't seem open to discussion.

            Lilly locates Katie again, now with scrolls in hand for trade.  Unfortunately, the scrolls Katie has available are either to much for Lilly, the wrong school, or just something she is not interested in.  An agreement is made that they will meet again soon when Katie has new stock, and for now Lilly only accepts a glass of juice and a few cubes of red cheese.

            Hoping to pry a bit of advice from the twins, Grey Eyes steps out to buy a copy of the new Nibbles.  She is able to acquire a copy for four wafers.  Once back at the lair, they wait for Dlar to finish with the cheetah before getting down to the business of trading scrolls.

            Lilly tries to butter Dlar up with complements to make it feel good about itself, in hopes of getting a better deal.  The ploy seems to work, and she receives scrolls of Bestow Curse and Glitter.  While reading her new scrolls, Lilly baths in Dlar’s gleeah while Grey Eyes gives him a tummy rub.

            Finishing up their meeting with Dlar, Jeffery, Lilly and Grey Eyes move upstairs and speak a moment with Annalisa and then with Ethan.  Done in the lair, they all head back to the sundered and meet up with Anosa.  It seems Anosa wishes to get her hair done and offers to take them along.

            Agreeing to go with Anosa, the three follow her and her freshly lit candle out of the sundered and into the downs area.  The establishment chosen is called “Curl Up and Dye”, somewhat fitting.  Each of them take a seat, except for Jeffery, who is content on simply listening to the conversations of the other patrons.

            Everyone having being spruced up to their standards follow Anosa’s lead back to the Sundered by candlelight.  With still a fair bit of time left in the day a few plans are made and the group spits up to pursue their own interests.

            Jeffrey and Kikah take this chance to sample the dinning of the city and spend some time together.  Marakin returns to the academy to attend a few classes to try and keep informed.  Lilly and Grey Eyes, together as usual, visit a tailor to commission some new clothing.  Lilly selects black cloth with purple trim to be made into a robe with an oversized hood for her long lop ears, cost of 12 wafers.  Grey Eyes selects a robe as well but of grey fabric, cost of 8 wafers.  All five meet back up in the Sundered after their matters are taken care of.

            Back in the Sundered and safe in the cellar everyone settles down to rest and prepare for the events of the next day.  Jeffery and Kikah don’t settle down to quickly and enjoy each other’s physical company first.  Grey Eyes is not feeling to tired just yet and opts for a way to cure that.  Thinking Lance is cute, she asks him if he would like someone to snuggle with and keep his bed warm.  Thinking it over for a bit wondering if Anosa would upset, he decides that she would not likely care at all.  Accepting the offer the two spend the rest of the night together.

 

Week Eleven, Day Five

 

            After awaking and getting a little breakfast together, Grey Eyes asks Anosa what the days tasks will be.  What she gets in response is “You are not worthy of my attention today, I leave you to Lance” as Anosa simply turns and leaves.  Everyone turns to Lance expectantly.  Grey Eyes walks up to him and asks “So, what is the plan for today.”  Lance just got up like everyone else and has no idea.  He says he will head out and see if there is any news.  He comes back later with a few stories and quickly informs everyone about what he heard.

            Lance tells them a camp of wolves not far from the city limits has been located.  They have not done anything that is known about just yet, but the fact they are there certainly means they are up to no good.  Since they are not likely expecting an attack they might be taken by surprise and dealt with should the proper plan be used.  The other bit of news seems less straight forward.  Near the border between the downs and the commercial districts there has been a series of deaths.  This would not be an issue normally except the circumstances around the deaths have been puzzling.  Individuals of varying ages have become ill and fatigued shortly before falling over dead.  There are no signs of any known disease or wounds.  The only connecting factor is these deaths occur a certain area only and people are asking questions.

            Giving both matters some thought they decide they might have a go at the wolves.  Kikah is asked how simple farmers such as herself dealt with wolves when they attacked.  Her answer is simple; “POISON!”.  Unfortunately she does not know much about poisons herself and suggests that they ask an elder.  No one is quite sure what she means, as old people are generally rare and useless.  To Kikah, elders are people with both talent and luck enough to find tricks for survival, like a knack for poisons.  Not really having anyone to go to off hand, Grey Eyes has the idea to call her parents at work since they must work with all sorts of drugs and toxins.  Her mother is off on an extended lunch break and her father has little to say but the contempt he has for her line of work.  Her next idea is trying the zoo, which has to deal with large animals.  Calling one up does not yield much as if such a poison was available that could deal with wolves there would not be much of a problem with wolves anymore.

            Marakin excuses himself to try and talk to someone who might be knowledgeable in the area of poisons.  Turns out his idea was to ask his parents.  They themselves were never much for toxins, but say they might be able to refer him to someone who is.  This is not much to work with, so he has to leave empty handed for the moment.

            Now with a new idea, Grey Eyes and Lilly make a stop at an apothecary to pick up a mithril and adamantium canisters.  Taking these with them they make their way to an industrial waste dump in the boarder downs.  Both of them are turned away at the gate by the guards despite offering sums of money for access to the waste pits.  Not daunted, Lilly uses spider climb and invisibility to climb the wall at the back of the facility and freely collect the waste in the two canisters.  They leave with their goods planning to later test it for its properties.  Intending to use it as a weapon anyway they stop by a weapons store and pick up a few grenades and venom rounds that can be used as vectors.

            Knowing they plan to use some sort of chemical agent in their attack, Jeffrey decides now is a good time to go see William and collect on the order he made some time ago.  Locating William in the school halls, he asks for his order.  William does not have it on him and so makes a trip back to his supplier to pick it up in person, taking it back to Jeffery in short order.  10 syringes of Blue Case extra-strength in a back pack.  With a goodbye, Jeffrey is on his way back, with similar plans of using venom rounds.

            Meeting back up later and discussing their progress, it is decided that they skip the wolf problem for now and see to the mystery.  After this change of heart they ask Lance to show them the way to the area where the deaths have been occurring.  A quick look about the area reveals nothing out of the ordinary so a better source of clues or information is needed.  Hoping the bodies of those who died in the area will have some evidence a trip to the morgue is made.

            Five blocks away is the closest morgue for the area and it is here where the bodies are kept for the time being.  The team is met by the greeter at the door and it is her they first question.  She personally has no knowledge of what goes on behind the doors in the back.  She also refuses to let them go in the back to see for themselves without the proper authority, such as a badge or precinct number.  Luke shows his badge and states his number, which seems to be enough to allow them past.

            None of the bodies in back are numbered, labelled, or otherwise identified.  Asking around for better identification they find that the person in charge of that and in possession of the notes is not in currently.  Figuring she can get what she needs using her “talents”, Lilly prepares to use her necrology.  Not wanting any more problems than they need, Jeffrey invites Kikah and Krystal to lunch while the others examine the bodies.

            A quick look with a film of gleeah in the eyes reveals a handful that do not even have the slightest shimmer of a spirit, as if it had been drained already.  This is very unusual for those so recently dead and so it is thought someone or something had stripped these individuals of  their essence.  Closer inspection shows the flesh to be somewhat sunken and sullen, signs of some sort of negative burn.

            Grey Eyes calls up her parents again for assistance, but they are of no help on the issue.  Lilly cuts a body open and checks the condition of the internal tissue.  All throughout the body the tissue is likewise negatively burned and withered.  This lends more evidence to the idea that something attacked the whole body.

            Having gathered what they can at the morgue, the team collects Jeffrey, Krystal and Kikah from lunch and returns to the death site.  Expecting the worse everyone readies their weapons.  Hoping for a little supernatural consultation, Lilly tries to talk to her whisper, which is found to be dormant at the moment.  Left to her own means, Lilly continues to scan the area using gleeah in her eyes.  From time to time she administers a quick health check to passers by to look for tissue damage.  Everyone checked appears to be normal, so the problem is not due to some dangerous field in the area.

            Moving across the street into the commercial area the search continues from building to building.  Grey Eyes is the first to notice a rather strange aura upon a buck.  With her gleeah-tainted vision she sees shadowy arms caressing the front of the buck.  While not looking withered he does look fatigued from lack of sleep.  Moving to look from behind, only a near formless blotch is found attached to the shadowy arms.  No sooner has she moved to the back to get a better look does the entity peel itself from the bucks aura and move slowly towards Grey Eyes.  Having no problems walking away safely, she tries to lead the entity someplace quiet and secluded to deal with it.

            Finding a few moments with no witnesses, Lilly and Grey Eyes bind the entity to a skull Lilly was carrying.  After having it bound they try to question it about what it is and wants.  They get no response and conclude it is not only mindless but to much of a nuisance to be left alone.  Lilly strikes it with a neitherblade and puts an end to it.

            Happy with their results the team takes a moment to go for sandwiches.  After a short break they return to the area and check to see if there are any more of the entities around.  Convinced there are not they return to lance in the sundered.

            Taking some time for themselves, Luke and Krystal head out for a late day snack of steamed sprouts and specialty layered juice (1 stick, 1 chip).  He later takes her home.

            Settling down for the day Jeffery snuggles with Kikah, and Grey Eyes with Lance.

 

Week Eleven, Day Six [End of Week: 425 party XP]

 

            Another week comes to an end, and the team is usually entitled to a day off.  Since they are not currently under Enforcer hours as much as Harrow, they are not all that certain they are as free as they would like.

            Waking up Grey Eyes snuggles a bit with Lance, and Jeffery with Kikah.  Wanting Kikah to feel looked after, Jeffery leaves to buy enough breakfast for himself and three others.

            While waiting for breakfast Grey Eyes asks Kikah what she wants to do on her day off:

 

            “Day off?  Every day is a day off.  Usually I would go out to end my field, but I dont have          one anymore.”

            “Well, want to go to a movie or something.  We can get popcorn.”

            “Pop-Corn?  That sounds strange”

            “Its dried corn that you heat up till it explodes and cover it with butter”

            “Sounds really violent.  What are you up to?”

            “Nothing, just want to get to know you better”

            “I don’t know...I should ask Jeffery about it.”

 

            Jeffery returns soon after with his goods and shares with Kikah.  Grey Eyes tries to hint to Lance non-verbaly that she is hungry too.  He enters the stores and comes back with clean water and dried vegetable chips.  Grey Eyes is not very impressed, and pouting, nibbles what she is offered while watching Jeffery and Kikah enjoy better fair.  Seeing that she is growing upset, Lance offers her pudding from the stores to help better her mood.  Jeffery debates with Kikah about sharing what they have with the others, later deciding they can have what is left after the two of them are finished.

            Luke returns to see Krystal, and take her out personally for breakfast before going to headquarters to pick up this weeks pay.  It seems he has something in mind and makes a stop at a jewellers.  He places and order for earrings and a necklace featuring medic symbols of a red colour.  Remembering that Krystal wears five earrings, three in one ear, two in the other, he orders five of them.  He is not sure what else to specify and leaves the details up to the jeweller.  He asks that is be budgeted to 70 G and pays up front.  He is quoted about a weeks time before its done.

            Grey Eyes, Jeffery and Kikah go back to headquarters to pick up their weeks pay much as Luke did before hopping on public transport to take them to the movies.  Grey Eyes wants to see an old “classic” horror that is over two-thousand years old.  Paying the four chips per ticket, they enter.

            With his tasks done, Luke returns to see Krystal back home.

            Back at the theatre Grey Eyes prepairs for her classic movie viewing by purchasing a large popcorn with extra, extra, extra butter with a little extra butter on the side (1 stick).  Jeffery gets a more normal popcorn with but a little butter, large sodas and three handfuls of candy (1 stick, 5 chips).

            The movie itself plays out well as a classic, with mysterious disappearances and evidence of a predator.  The predator turns out to be a unique creature much the size of a hare with black body markings.  Turns out the predator was played by herself, a xeno actress that lived two-thousand years ago named Christina.  She is eventually hunted and killed, but the disappearances continue.  The plot twist is there was two predators, one small, the other large, a dragon.  Grey Eyes seems to enjoy the movie, but Jeffery and Kikah seem less interested in the film and more and more interested in each other.  Making good on their plan, they pair engage in activities with a higher rating than the movie playing.  Wanting to have a little time with Kikah, Grey Eyes asks what she wants to do next.  Kikah and Jeffery are content enough with what they are doing at the moment and pay her little attention, leaving her to herself.

            Remembering the texts taken from the old school in the downs, Grey eyes takes them to get apprised for value.  She finds them to be of value in their current condition (4-5 wafers) but could be worth more with some restoration work.  Hoping for a little more from these old and rather hard to get books Grey Eyes leaves to find a bookbinder to aid with restoration.

            Lilly is still back in the sundered by herself for her time off.  She is not exactly alone and shares the cellar with Anosa.  With no one else around to give her orders or tasks she takes the moment to speak with Anosa about perhaps being allowed a bit more access to necromantic lore.  Anosa states “You are not ready, you still have not completed your tasks given to you by Lance.  Stop wasting my time until you do”.  The task was to deal with wolves just outside the city limits near the downs.  Not an easy task and one not attempted alone.  Having no luck here but still feeling needy, Lilly returns to the Read em and Weep book store.

            The trip is not without a few problems.  While walking alone through the sundered Lilly comes across an odd situation.  Almost in her path are four arms, crawling under their own power without body or mind to direct them.  More interested than horrified, Lilly asks her whisper Fluffy what it might be able to tell about the arms.  Seems there is no outside force seen directing them, and their spirit is very small and weak, only enough to move an arm.  Deciding these things could be a good study Lilly moves to pick on up and stuff it into a bag.  The arms are not totally harmless and leap at her when she comes close.  Two of them strike their target, scratching and gouging Lilly.  The arms prove to be possessed of less than supernatural strength and Lilly is able to snag one arm and get it into a back where it continues to move.  The remaining three arms continue their attack, and Lilly retaliates.  Using a ray of enfeeblement spell she weakens one of the arms.  This seems to decrease its effectiveness leaving Lilly to deal with two more active ones.  Lilly begins to fight with more deadly force, calling up a netherblade to attack these things directly at their essence.  While taking several wounds Lilly finds that a single strike is enough to extinguish the small essence of these arms.  Bloodied but still standing, Lilly takes her bag and continues to make her way to the book store.

            Once at Read em and Weep Lilly asks if there have been any new books, or perhaps older ones from her favourite author, Jhonovan Shodi.  The clerk suggests she try a romance novel as Mr. Shodi’s books are so morbid.  Lilly says she likes them fine, and insists on getting more.  The clerk can’t find any older books, and no new ones have been made since the last one she got.  With nothing new to buy she instead places an order for any of Shodi’s books that she does not yet have, on special import if need be.

            Luke invites Krystal to meet with his sister Lisa, the one who taught him what he knows of the Art.  She accepts and the two pay a little family visit.  Luke mostly wished to improve his selection of incantations as he was feeling a bit limited.  Lisa says she can’t really help him, but might be able to see him to someone that can.

            Discovering that there is a small paper publisher within easy walking distance, Grey eyes makes her way there to see if she can find someone who works there able to help restore her texts.  The receptionist appears less than knowledgeable of the actual workings of the business but says Grey Eyes might want to talk with Jerry, in back and downstairs.  The basement is well lit but is heavy with the smell of chemical agents used in the process of paper, ink and perhaps other things.  From a few words its obvious Jerry is both obsessive about his job while simultaneously hating it.  He is to busy to deal with the books currently but can put in some extra hours to help out...for a price.  He expects the process will take nearly three days, and that Grey Eyes should drop by then to see how things are going.

            Done with what she can do about the restoration Grey Eyes takes a swing past Dlar’s in hopes to find Lilly.  Lilly has already made it out of the sundered and has been doing a little hunting for Dlar.  She wants a strong, vibrant victim but those are to rare for her to find.  Not having much luck Lilly returns home to snuggle a bit with Murray so that he can feed.  With that small obligation taken care of she returns to the streets with a somewhat lower expectation.  She settles for someone more average but her selection is not alone.  A pair of doe’s walking together, only one of which Lilly will likely be able to catch.  She walks up to them and spins a quick story about being new in the city and having trouble finding her way back home.  They don’t seem to buy it fully, so Lilly calmly attacks the closest one with her tazer.  The device lands well enough, but does not shock its victim to the point of being stunned.  In a moment the two doe’s are running and Lilly gives chase.  Quickly incanting expeditious retreat for a speed enhancement, Lilly chases her original target and lands another touch of the tazer on her victims back.  She drops nerveless to the ground where Lilly picks her up and drugs her to keep her easy to handle.  Knowing she can’t carry her victim all the way to Dlar Lilly takes her to a nearby hotel and hires a cab from out front.  The cost is a little extra to be dropped off in the downs, but well worth it today.

            Also wanting to hunt for Dlar, Grey Eyes decides to try and find someone easy.  Taking the time to find a few available prostitutes, she selects one that looks healthy in a blue outfit and approaches her.  Grey Eyes asks if she would be willing to provide mutual feminine company.  Krystal, as her names turns out to be, appears willing but for a slightly higher price (10 wafers).  Hooking their arms together Grey Eyes leads her to the downs.  Krystal informs her that going into the downs costs more, half again as much more.  She pays up front and leads Krystal into the house and down to Dlars Lair.  There is sound behind the door but its not quite sure why, it appears to be music.  Knocking and hearing an “enter” she does just that pushing Krystal in before her.

            Cecelia is in front of Dlar in some kind of aerobics outfit dancing to the music.  Dlar is also trying to dance, but is capable of little more than swaying its neck and shifting its weight from foot to foot.  Krystal is stunned by the sight of Dlar and does not move.  As Grey Eyes wants her to get closer she just tazers her from behind and drags her.  Stripping her of clothing Grey Eyes offers her up to Dlar as prey.  She teases a little of Krystals milk onto her fingers and offers that to Dlar as a taste.  She places her fingers on the tip of Dlar’s tongue before taking it in her fingers and Dlar sample its new victim.  After some moments to savour, Dlar picks Krystal up and gently swallows her.

            It is at about this time that Lilly makes her way down with her own offering.  Dlar has just taken Grey Eyes victim and is ready for another.  Lilly carries her victim the rest of the way to Dlar and offers her up.  Dlar states that “She looks broken”.  Lilly explains she is just sleepy and will taste okay.  She strips the doe and lets Dlar swallow her a short time before the drugs being to wear off.  As she begins to scream and struggle “She is fixed Lilly, I like her.”

            Meanwhile Grey Eyes is talking with Cecelia about her dancing and music, which seems devoid of any singing.  She asks if Cecelia would be willing to perform a show of lovemaking with her for Dlar, who might find it amusing.  “I think I’ve done enough work her for today...I’ll just be upstairs if anyone needs me.”  Cecelia does not appear comfortable with the notion and just wants out

            Shrugging it off Grey Eyes goes back to Dlar, strips, and offers herself to amuse Dlar’s palate.  Dlar seems to very much like the idea, and lets Grey Eyes take its tongue and guide it as she wishes.  A lick, a little milk, she tries to keep Dlar engaged.  Lilly wants in too, more to sneak some of Dlar’s gleeah for her own use than anything.  Lilly can’t really work her way in to easy as most of Dlar’s tongue is wrapped around Grey Eyes.

            Katie, who was expected to show up at some point soon, makes her entrance unannounced to the lair.  A few quick and amiable greetings later she presents a small package to Lilly saying “I remember you saying you liked my “outfit” so I got you this.”  The package holds three separate ribbons that can be done up much like Katie’s own.  Katie shows Lilly how to put them on once, then goes to do a bit of trading with Dlar.

            With another idea of how to better herself, Lilly climbs back upstairs and looks for the buck that serves her cheese often.  He is still there and asks if there is anything he can do for her?  She says she’s hungry.  His name is Vern and Lilly remembers him as one of the two bucks that was with Analisa the day she first saw her.  Vern and Lilly head into the small kitchen and he starts to look about in the fridge.  Ready-made cheese snacks, drinks, sandwiches and a few ingredients.  He offers to cook her up something simple, but she stops him and says “That’s not the hunger I’m talking about.”  Lilly runs her paws under his shirt through his fur.

            Vern is both a bit confused and concerned.  Dlar takes a stern dislike to his girls being touched by the bucks of the cult, and they are in fact very much second class.  Lilly figures its okay since its something she wants not the other way around.  After helping him out of his simple pants and shirt, Lilly sheds her ribbons in moments and engages Vern on the kitchen floor.  Hoping he is distracted enough to let a few words go she talks a bit about him and Analisa.  She finds out a few bits of information that may make the effort worth it.  Vern does not think Dlar is all that stupid, just of alien thought and thus hard to figure out.  Dlar is also very passive, to the point Dlar crawled onto its bone pile for comfort when Analisa yelled at it.