Week Ten Day One

            The team sets out in the vehicles they used to get to New Lyshy in the first place but this time with a change in the membership. Arriving back at Esspis without complication, they return to their homes to retire after a long days journey. Randolph stays with the team while Kikah seems to have wandered off. Lilly makes a trip to see Dlar as soon as she can, anticipating a few new additions to her collection of dweomer craft. Arriving at Dlar's lair Lilly finds the top floor vacant and so lets herself in and descends the stairs. Finding that knocking does not elicit an answer and that she can hear music from beyond, she opens the door herself. Inside are a few hares playing music and Dlar, who seems to be trying to dance. He is not very good and seems to do little more than shift weight from one set of legs to the other. Noticing Lilly enter, "Lilly!!!, I am very happy to see you." She enters, "I have gifts." Coming forward a bit, "I like gifts, what are they?" Producing scrolls of cause fear, ray of enfeeblement, chill touch, unseen servant, spiderclimb, silent image, expeditious retreat and bone weapon in trade, she finds Dlar won't accept silent image as he already has it. She asks Dlar if she may stay and write up one more so she may offer eight, which Dlar says is okay, even going so far as to put down a blanket upon the dirt floor for her to work on. As she has already had a hard day, Lilly falls asleep while working on her scroll.

 

Week Ten Day Two

            Waking to find a blanket has been lain upon her, Lilly looks up to see Dlar staring at her, which it has probably been doing all the while she slept. Continuing to work, Lilly completes her true strike scroll and approaches Dlar with her collection. Dlar tells Lilly that the trade is a two for one, so for her eight she may get four first circle scrolls. She opts for its equivalent of two first and one second, being feather fall, colour spray and invisibility. She gives Dlar the copy of silent image as a gift, as she said she came with gifts and it was a good way to get out of a potential disappointment. Dlar stares at Lilly a bit more, then asks "Where is Rose? I do not see her, have not for a while." Hoping Dlar does not get mad Lilly replies that "Rose" is not coming back as she died. Dlar quickly becomes depressed, "I liked Rose, I miss her. You won't leave me too, will you?" Trying to keep on Dlar's good side, "No, I won't leave you, I can take care of myself." Coming a bit closer, "I like you. Your nice, fluffy and warm. Its cold down here. I'm cold. I don't like cold." Not being able to do much about that, Lilly gives Dlar's head a hug before departing for home. Arriving back, Lilly greets Murray, who gets up to greet her. She gives Murray the news about Jasper and he in turn gives her some news as well; "He is coming. He sends his message, a lithograph." Not quite following, she asks him what he is talking about. "The others, they tell me he is coming, Jhonovan. Look for his message, out in the streets". Taking this advice, she leaves and takes a walk about town, soon coming to realize what was meant. Book stores are selling a new item, a rather heavy, hard cover book with no title written by Jhonovan Shodi. Purchasing a copy of this "Horror Novel" for seven wafers she takes it home to read. The book, while not exactly a work of literary art, does certainly have some interesting material. The story deals much with the zelengorsk, something one would not likely find being written in Esspis. A few passages within catch her attention:

"the three pass though the floor and walls as if they are but smoke, moving with purpose to seal off Anthony's only means of escape. Nowhere to run, nothing but the steadily approaching, wispy clutches of the long dead who infest the halls like maggots upon a child's corpse. The dread-filled consuming shadow that accompanied the beings before him pervades the air so fully that it may be tasted upon the tongue, causing Anthony to gag with nausea. This corruption, so thoroughly seeping from the very walls like the dank of an old, unopened coffin, seemed to also find a nest within Anthony. Having little else, he knew that this feted pit in his heart may be the only thing that could keep him from joining the ranks of the majority. Forcing himself to reach within and draw up a portion of the stain that coursed so deeply, he draws it up to his hand to become a twisted shadow of salvation."

Within this passage is the hint of some kind of effect that Lilly catches onto. Making a spellcraft check DC 17, she manages to learn the spell netherblade from it. Elsewhere, having arrived back in Esspis, Marakin takes the opportunity to check on the importers and find out if his order had arrived. Previously he had put on order a set of thaumaturgical research books that would be essential to his plans of developing his own unique works in the Art. Fortune is with him as the importer has successfully brought in a number of such resources, enough to enable work on anything within the first circle. The cost of these texts, charts and manuscripts is five-hundred wafers, a hefty sum but certainly worth it to someone of his interests. The rest of the team retires to prepare for yet another day of service.

Week Ten Day Three

            Marakin begins the day by picking up a dozen jonuts for four chips to bring to work with him. Lilly takes a moment to prepare to learn invisibility (coming to nine hours in total). The team eventually meets up at their precinct and awaits the results of Luke and Grey Eyes performance in the Enforcer entrance tests. The results are good enough to get the two as team members, but as Krystal is now the team supervisor and leader its up to her if she wants the new additions. They are given till the next pay period to prove themselves as working members of the team and until then are given the rank of 7. With two new members added the team waits for Krystal to tell them the orders of the day. They have two choices, either go on patrol or accept an assignment that will take them to the boarder downs. The team opts for the assignment which is to investigate an area where reports of individuals walking about obliviously have been a nuisance and stop this from occurring before an accident happens. Using public transport to reach the area the team sets to a patrol to look for evidence and clues. Their first clue is handed to them as Krystal receives a message that four blocks away there is an individual matching the description given in their assignment, wandering obliviously in a yarded area. Arriving to the location given they find a buck lying down in front of a house. He seems to be staring up and muttering nonsensically, but does not seem to be causing any trouble. While debating what to do with him the individual in question sits up, but does nothing further. It is clear that while he does not respond to anything he is not stunned or in shock. A few moments later he even stands up, only to lie down again as the team watches on. Not wishing to take the time to bring him in and not wanting to leave him alone Krystal decides to cuff him so he won’t wander off. The team sets out on patrol once again only to receive yet another call, this time leading them to a place of residence. Arriving to note that nothing seemed out of the ordinary from the outside, the team moves in through the front door. Taking a moment to both look and listen the team notes that the decor is in poor taste, enough to perhaps warrant issuing a ticket, and that there are sounds coming from down the hall and to the left, a repetitive thumping sound. Carefully moving down the hall and looking around the corner they spot a buck who is repeatedly walking into a wall, staggering back, then walking into the wall again causing the thumping sound. Cuffing this one as well Krystal calls in to have him and the previous one picked up so that the team may continue their search without stopping unnecessarily. Examining him for a moment Krystal notes that he looks to be in the same condition as the last one and so there may be a common cause for their affliction, but she does not know what it is. Lilly coaxes her whisper to look at the buck, which then tells her it sees purple. Taking this to mean the buck’s aura seems purple rather than blue she then believes that he might be sick. Looking in the fridge of the house Lilly and Grey Eyes find a supply of salad flowers of which they take a sample, finding them ripe and crisp thanks to the cool environment they are in. Wanting a little something more Lilly takes a moment to think if there is a place in the area to get a snack, and in this part of the city the closest would be a school cafeteria, namely that of Greg D.S. school. Deciding that they can patrol on the way and perhaps pick up a bit of lunch once they arrive the team sets out. Arriving at the school that is a few blocks away they find a circle of students standing around someone lying down on the ground. Investigating they find yet another buck on his back looking up, oblivious to what is going on around him. This one checks out as purple to Lilly’s whisper as well, and also tends to mutter nonsense like the others. Taking another look around they spot a doe draped over a car in the parking lot. Her aura turns up as blue, somewhat less than average once again. Questioning the onlookers the team does not get much information. Most of the students don’t know these people much and were just watching them act funny. None of them seem to know what is wrong with them either nor can they give any tips as to what it might be. As this school and the events are occurring near the downs where Dlar lairs, Lilly turns to the team and says “I have to question an informant” before heading out on her own. On her way through the schoolyard Lilly passes by yet another doe with a blue aura lying down and muttering. Asking a few onlookers if they know her she finds no one does. Cuffing the girl and taking her along while the students can only watch what seems to be “official business” Lilly leaves the school grounds and heads to Dlar’s lair, the doe following Lilly’s lead complacently. Arriving at the front door of the den, Lilly lets herself in and looks for Annalisa who is found in what would be the living room.

Annalisa: “Ahh, Lilly! So good to see you again, come in and be welcome”.

Lilly: “I have not seen you around much, I was here not long ago.”

Annalisa: “It cannot be helped that we may miss each other, its not as if I live here. Come, can I offer you a refreashmet? We have juice on ice.”

Lilly: “What kind?”

Annalisa: “I am not quite sure dear, something purple.”

Lilly: “Not right now. There seems to be something wrong with this girl, know anything about it?”

Annalisa: “Yes, I see she looks a bit lost and dazed. I would wager she is drugged.”

Lilly: “By what? Would this be the doing of any of you?”

Annalisa: “I should think not. It would not do to let evidence be found like this.”

Lilly: “Can you tell me what did this.”

Annalisa: “I cannot say for certain, drugs are not my expertise. I do not like to dabble with such things, I prefer to keep my mental faculties in working order at all times, they are my most valuable assist. Where did you find her, that may be the clue you need.

Lilly: “At a school.”

Annalisa: “Ahh, then it is there you should begin your search if you are so interested. It is not uncommon for enterprising students to try their hand at the marketing of simple pleasures such as this example might give.”

Lilly: “Sounds reasonable. I’m taking her down to see Dlar.”

Annalisa: “Ohh, alright dear, I shall wait for you up here. Ahh, I have something to tell you from Dlar.”

Lilly: “Really? What?.”

Annalisa: “We will be hoasting a little party here for our group and I am to hand out invitations to our members. Sorry I don’t have one on me at the moment, dear, but we ask that you attend. The event is going to be catered, more or less. The equipment will be rented but we will have to manage set up as only members and those “brought to see Dlar” are allowed to attend.”

Lilly: “When is it?”

Annalisa: “Three days hence.”

Lilly: “I’ll try to make it.”

Annalisa: “I have also been charged with asking if you are at all bothered by the collection of “friends” Dlar lays atop. As the buck’s will be up on this floor and us near Dlar we would like to take sensitivities into account.”

Lilly: “I live in a grave yard, its not a problem to me.”

Annalisa: “One more thing dear. A bit of advice on dress. Dlar seems to enjoy colourful things, perhaps you would want to attend in something with a lot of colour.”

Lilly: “Guess I have to go shopping. Anyway, I should be back soon.”

Annalisa: “Good luck dear.”

            Lilly descends the stairs, taking care that her victim to be does not trip and cause them both to fall. Opening the door at the bottom she walks into the darkened room where a pair of glowing eyes greet her.

Dlar: “Lilly! You’ve come back. I am happy to see you.”

Lilly: “Why would I not come back?”

Dlar: “Rose did not come back. You won’t leave me too, will you?”

Lilly: Noting Dlar strangely seems to be having problems with the concept of death “Rose is dead, she can’t come to you. Don’t worry though, I won’t leave.”

Dlar: “I missed you.”

Lilly: “I was here just this morning, I was not gone long.”

Dlar: “You left, I missed you. Now you’re back. I am happy to see you.”

Lilly: “Right…Anyway, I brought you someone.”

Dlar: Turning to regard the doe “For me?”

Lilly: “Yes, for you.”

Dlar: Noting the girl’s lack of response, taps her on the head with a claw “Oh? Is she broken?”

Lilly: “Something like that.”

Dlar: Inhaling deeply and tasting the air “You both smell good.”

Lilly: “Uhhh, enjoy.” Taking back her cuffs, Lilly moves the doe in front of her.

Dlar: Putting a claw behind the victim, drawing her closer then looking to Lilly “Thank you. You can go now.”

            Instincts already on edge and not really wanting to witness what will come next, Lilly gladly leaves the two alone to get more acquainted. Ascending the stairs Lilly returns to the living room to question Annalisa. Seeming to have been waiting for Lilly to return, Annalisa is already up and speaks first.

Annalisa: “This was your first time? The first sacrifice you have made?”

Lilly: “Ya.”

Annalisa: With some concern “Are you alright? The first time can be stressful.”

Lilly: “I’m fine.”

Annalisa: “Perchance did Dlar ask you to leave before taking the poor thing?”

Lilly: “Yes, not that I feel I needed to see that.”

Annalisa: “I have been with Dlar for some time now, and he always asks me to leave as well. The story is the same for everyone else I ask. I believe Dlar may be somewhat shy about it.” Taking a seat and snapping her fingers to a buck not far from here “Come take a seat, can I interest you in a little something to nibble?” The buck returns with a platter topped with four kinds of cheese cut into cubes, each with a small stick protruding from it. Thinking to herself that she could use a few servants like this, Lilly selects a red cube which turns out to be sweet and tart.

Lilly: “I was wondering. I know we can exchange scrolls here but how about spell books.”

Annalisa: “Ohh, that may be possible but would be a rare event I would think.”

Lilly: “Why would that be?”

Annalisa: “As you should know from how I brought you into our membership, our group is composed of a few different sets of individuals. One of which is “talented” girls like yourself whom Dlar wishes to see blossom with a little nurturing. It is with more ease and simplicity to work with single scrolls than with a spell book, but I am sure you can bring one in if you wish. If you have any questions about me or our group as a whole, please ask and I will do my best to answer.”

Lilly: "I don't have any right now, I'll just wait to bring this book down to Dlar when you figure its time."

            After a while of waiting, Annalisa feels it should be okay to visit Dlar again so Lilly can make her offer. Annalisa escorts Lilly back down to Dlar's lair and they knock on the door.

Dlar: "Ent tree."

Annalisa: "That means we can go in."

            Annalisa opens the door for the both of them, followed in by Lilly. Dlar still stands not far from where Lilly last saw it. Upon the ground lies the clothing Dlar's victim was wearing, sliced up one side rendering them useless. The doe herself is nowhere to be seen, but its fairly evident where she is.

Dlar: "Anna, Lilly, I am very happy to see you." Taking a deep breath of air, "You both smell very good. I am sorry Lilly"

Lilly: "Sorry about what?"

Dlar: "She is not done yet, so I can't pay you. How long has it been?"

Lilly: "Not long at all. Its okay, that is not what I am here about."

Annalisa: "Lilly wishes to propose an offer."

Dlar: "Oh? What is it?"

Lilly: "I have a spell book, it was Rose's. You accept scrolls and things, would you accept this?"

            Dlar looks to be thinking carefully, as much as a creature without facial expressions can look.

Dlar: "Okay, Lilly, I accept the book. Place it over there." Gesturing to the pile of bones it usually lies upon.

            Lilly steps up to the pile and sets the book down. Dlar comes up moments later and rearranges the position a bit, seeming more satisfied. A moment later, muffled screams are heard coming from Dlar.

Dlar: "Oh, how nice, I fixed her. She is singing for me."

Lilly: "Uh, that's great. I gotta get going here."

Dlar: "Okay. Come back and see me soon."

Lilly: "Don't worry, I'll be here for the party, okay."

Dlar: "Goodbye."

            Taking her leave of Dlar and Annalisa, Lilly returns to her team who has been questioning their now more aware prisoners. They really have not been able to get much out of them, little more than vague descriptions of who they bought the drug from despite some rather serious threats. With the group back together and pooling what they know, they are still unable to come up with anything solid. Krystal addresses the team and asks if anyone has a plan. Between them all they decide that since they are all just out of school themselves that they might be able to pass themselves off a students and go undercover. They agree to reconvene the next day in school cloths and make attempts to discover how and from whom the drugs are acquired. Lilly, never actually having attended school, will most likely have the hardest time here.

Week Ten Day Four

            As agreed the team arrives to Greg D.S. school in their old school cloths, Lilly has also managed to find something for the occasion. Each randomly goes from class to class, trying to blend in and work up the confidence to try and find a lead. Using the Information Gathering skill and related talents they set about their work. Some do not do very well and are suspected of being not what they seem, while other do fairly well. What is learned is thus:

“Ohhh, your looking to pick up a pick me up huh? Well, I think you can get a bit from William for about three sticks, but I gotta warn ya, if your not tuff enough I hear you might take a walk and not cuz you mean to. Oh ya, you can find William walking down hall two between class, just press three sticks in his hand and he’ll pass ya a tube. He usually wears a grey cap with a few yellow stripes on it."

“I get it, your looking to get some purple case right? You can get some from Skip’s friend, William. You can find him in hall two between classes, he is the guy with the grey hat with the yellow stripes. Just hand him three sticks and he will give you a tube. I hear people are looking for him and Skip so he does not like to sell in the open much, wrap your sticks in something before you hand them over, and when you do say “click click click” to let him know you gave him three and he will know what ya want.”

            Once again pooling what they know, a simple plan is developed. Jasper will be the one to walk up and buy a sample, with Lilly close by. The rest of the team will be near in case help is needed. Locating William proves no problem and the sale goes smoothly. They figure they got this guy good already, but know that there is someone else named Skip in the deal too. If they want this done right they will have to find him. Jeffery takes the next step and makes a purchase as well. He tells William that he would also be interested in buying a larger supply, of twenty or more. William gets interested right away, assuring Jeffery that given just a bit of time a good supply could be prepared. He suggests that they talk about the deal after hours, outside of the school. Agreeing to be there later, Jeffery leaves to inform his group.

            Later that day Jeffery finds William outside the school after most of the students have left. Jeffery buys twenty samples for three sticks each and agrees to meet again three days later for another purchase. Lilly plays her part next, and using invisibility, she follows William into the downs and up to a house he enters. She notes its location and decides its a good time to attend the book signing at the "Read em and Weep" printer and book store, specializing in tragedy, romance and horror novels. Wanting in on this, Grey Eyes follows along.

            At the book store Jhonovan Shodi is at a desk with a small line of five people in front of it. Jhonovan has grey fur, black around the eyes and tips of his ears and fingers, his eyes are grey as well. Taking their places at the rear of the line, Lilly and Grey Eyes wait their turn. The wait is not long before Lilly has the chance to get her book signed and have a few words.

Lilly: "Your book, its really something, how do you write like, that?"

Jhonovan: "Oh, you liked it did you? I was not certain that a work like this would find much acceptance, the popular flavours tend to be a bit more uplifting and cheery and I’m not good with that sort of thing. I am glad you found it of interest."

Lilly: "Very."

Jhonovan: "What part did you find of particular interest."

Lilly: "You know, the part with the cool blade thing."

Jhonovan: "Not everyone likes that part, but its good to see you found it of significance. Pardon my asking, but I do believe I am to sign something for you."

Lilly: "Oh, ya. I have it right here."

Jhonovan: ”Ahh, I see this one has been opened and read already, you must have bought this during the promotion. I hope you found the material of value, enough so as to warrant the price tag.”

Lilly: "Oh, VERY worth it."

Jhonovan: ”As you may have guessed I have written other stories. I chose this one, my latest work, to introduce to your fine city. I don’t think you can find my other works available here by any means, they are not the sort of thing that would attract enough of a following here to make it worth an importers while. I may, however, have a few copies of some of my earlier manuscripts with me, I brought a fair collection of documents on my journey here. If you have sufficient interest, and of course funds, perhaps you would like to suggest a meeting place where I could see to it you obtain a copy?”

Lilly: "How about a place nearby to get a bite to eat while we are at it?"

Jhonovan: "Fair enough, I will meet you after I am done here."

            After having her book signed Lilly waits off to the side as Grey Eyes purchases a book of her own for seventeen wafers and gets it signed as well. While she heard a bit of this and that spoken between Lilly and Jhonovan she is unable to get Lilly to say much about it. Lilly later meets with Jhonovan alone as was planned. She pays twenty-five wafers for a copy of yet another novel, again with no title. It is bound in a compressed fibre, trimmed with glossy black metal to reinforce it against harm. Lilly pays 25 wafers for the book and happily takes it in hand. The story itself is rather short and easy to read, focused upon two characters, Keith and Melline. A summation of the story is something like this:

            The two grow up through school together, becoming better and better friends as life tries them, strengthening their relationship. Whenever she needed him, Keith was there to look after her, and when Keith needed baked goods for lunch or not, Melline was there for him too. Upon competing their education they agree to make a life between them and become life-mates. Before making the announcement the plan a day of taking in the culture of their home and purchase tickets to a musical performance being held two days hence. On the day of the event Melline went to meet Keith outside the theatre as they planned, but when she reached the area she noticed there was a commotion. A crowed had gathered not far from where she was to meet Keith, and immediately worry struck her. Asking a person in uniform what had happened she is told that there has been an accident. While moving instruments into the building for today’s event a line holding one of the heavier ones had snapped under its load which had fallen on a bystander. Looking toward the scene of the accident she did indeed see that a large crate had fallen on and utterly crushed someone flat, so much so nothing of them could be seen under the crate. Melline left the area before they lifted the crate to remove the remains as she could not stand the sight of the blood splattered beneath it. She waited to the side, hoping that fait was with her and it was not Keith, anyone but him. Alone she stood, until the event began, during, and after; still Keith did not show. After hours alone, waiting, the audience leaves and passes her by. Hoping that perhaps Keith was just unable to attend, she returns home alone.

                Without much sleep she awakes to the new day and in much lower spirits than she has been in months. Unable to hold out much longer she sets out early to visit Keith and find out if he is alright and why he did not show up. An answer she wanted and an answer she got, one that finally crushed her spark of hope. Keith did arrive as promised, and while waiting for her fait had chosen him to be the victim of chance. So as Melline said goodbye to her days of classes, she also said goodbye to her closest friend, doing what she could to ready herself for a life full of more changes than she was willing to take, and now she did not have someone to look out for her.

                Each week, Melline would visit Keith’s grave, to look down and think about what she had, could have had, and lost. Months pass and Melline still visits once a week, still attached to a part of her life that had ended. Slowly coming to terms she shows less and less frequently and starts to focus more on her herself her future. It was on a day she came to visit Keith, more out of habit now than of remorse, that while she stood with her eyes downcast that someone moved from behind. A hand holding a dampened cloth covers her muzzle as another pins her arm as it reaches around her. Melline struggles, realizing that the vapors from the cloth she smells will soon rob her of consciousness. Her senses beginning to dull she desperately kicks with her heel, catching her attacker in the leg, “Come on, why don’t you just relax, its not like anyone is going to miss you.” The fumes taking hold of her, Melline begins to sink to her knees, whimpering weakly. As she grows silent as her last cry is choked, a muffled sound continues in her stead. This one is less pleading and more incensed, one rising rather than fading. Melline focuses weakly in the direction of the murmuring, which emanates from in front of her, from Keith’s grave. From the soil protrude dozens of sharp white thorns, twitching and writhing in unison. Faster they twist, gaining ferocity as the murmuring rises in volume until they finally burst free of the earth and coalesce in the air as a veritable cloud of white shards. Allowing Melline to drop and backing away in wide eyed horror the lone standing figure becomes the target of a swarm of shattered bone which descend upon him like so many ravenous insects. Instantly his clothing rips and flesh parts, filling the air with a red mist drawn up from innumerable wounds. Pulling herself to sit as best she can, Melline has but the strength to watch as a violent yet strangely methodical attack takes her would-be kidnapper. The shards are not wild it seems, they dart about so fast its hard to tell, but an eye here, the tip of an ear slashed from the whole, and there a finger. Not a simple attack this was a true sadistic dance, played to the song of one voice screaming even as a severed tongue falls to the ground. Several moments pass before the steps of the dance change, one by one the shards embed themselves into their victim each eliciting a cry of agony, all save one which remains flitting madly in the air. This shard begins to draw away, seemingly having its bloodlust sated leaving the torn and bloody figure kneeling in pain. It stops with a sudden jerk, aligning its point with is now clear target. It vanishes in an instant only to appear in the forehead of he who dared lay a paw on Melline, silencing his last cry, his last gasp. A moment later the newly made corpse slumps heavily to the side, staring up at the sky with features twisted in the moment of death.

                Melline, wondering if its over, crawls to the side of the fallen buck, bringing her paw up near the final shard from around which blood is oozing steadily. As the blood soaks the fur around the wound a simple yet strange symbol appears on the bucks forehead marking him as one of them. Seeing this mark washes away any sadness Melline may have felt over someone’s death replacing it with a slight smile. She sits there in the grass beside the fallen, thinking about what had happened. Things began to become clear, she was sorrowful over the loss of Keith and the changes in her life but the important things had not changed as she had thought. Keith had not left her, he was still looking out for her, she was the one who was beginning to let go. Dumping out her purse Melline began to fill it with bits of bone she pulled out of the corpse before her. She had always meant to spend the rest of her life with Keith and now she was going to make good on that intent. Fastening her purse and regaining her feet Melline turned her back to the body and began the walk home, a walk she usually dreaded, the streets are not safe for anyone alone. She did not feel alone anymore, in fact she felt like baking. She had not baked so much as a tart since the accident months ago and it was about time to fix that. Keith always liked tarts.

            Certain that there is something of importance said near the end, Lilly tries to wrest a bit of insight from the words. Making a spellcraft check against DC 17 and attaining (4 ranks + 2 Ability modifier = 6) a roll of 17+6=23 she draws enough from the book to learn the incantation malicious whisper.

            With this pretty much summing up the day for the group, each heads home and gets rest before the next days events.

Week Ten, Day Five

            Collecting themselves back at headquarters the team prepares, each in their own way, to deal further with the drug problem they worked on the day before. Back together and with a few loose plans, they make their way back to the school where Jeffery concentrates on looking again for William. Once found, Jeffery thanks him for last days supply and asks if there is some way he could acquire a batch that is stronger. William, being only the provider and not the producer, tells Jeffery he will have a talk with his business partner and see what can be done. Deciding to wait on this, the group takes a five hour break to wait for the school day to end. Some members check out the cafeteria while some go to the library for a little quiet time, Lilly for one learns feather fall during this time. Jeffery, however, figures his time might be best used checking to see if there are any more victims of the drugs side effects. To this he finds some more people outside lying on their backs staring up into the sky. He arrests four, two buck's and two doe's. The buck's he takes back to headquarters to be looked after, the doe's he has other plans for. Once he has one in his care, he takes her, still rather oblivious, to Dlar's lair in the downs. The door is answered by Annalisa who believes he is there to attend Dlar's little gathering and that he must have received the invite from Lilly. He has not, but plays along that he has. As he is directed to the kitchen he asks that Annalisa hand the doe over to Dlar in his name, which she agrees to do for him. Saying he is still on duty and can't stay, he heads back out and retrieves on more doe for his total of two, also handing her to Annalisa. This time he moves into the kitchen to see what might be going on.

The buck's of Dlar's group pretty much have the run of the main floor, for what that is worth. They are provided peeled veggies, crackers, fruits and juice placed upon a slightly crooked table draped over with what looks to be a blanket. There is really not much there, but there are not many people there. He finds there are about six people in attendance, including the buck's that tend to trail behind Annalisa. Some of the buck's stand leaning against the walls sipping juice or selecting a munchy from a plate they hold. Others seem to entertain themselves with dice and a little gambling. It only takes a moment to get a feel for the room, most of the people here are a little board and seem a bit depressed, perhaps they were hoping for something more. Having a while to get to know his fellows, Jeffrey moves to the group of gamblers and tries to get in on the action. A past middle-aged buck and two much younger buck's, not much older than four, play each other in dice. The eldest buck, Matthew, has the ears of a lop if a slightly more sharpened face. His fur is a common brown and has black hair and matching black eyes giving him the look of someone hollow. Striking up a conversation with him:

Jeffery: "What's the price to get in on the game?"

Matthew: "Well what have we here? You look like a new guy. I'm Matthew, but most here learn that soon enough. Who might you be?

Jeffery: "I'm Jeffery, nice to meet ya Matthew"

Matthew: This used to be my place before Dlar moved in. I sill live here but its not really my place anymore is it, but I still keep an eye on things."

Jeffery: "You were here when Dlar showed up? Does that make you the first member? How did that all happen?

Matthew: "I guess unlike anyone here, I did not exactly join. I was here the day Dlar showed, although after looking me over he ignored me for the most part, was kinda funny. We both had something that needed doing, so we worked together on it, but not like I'm gonna tell ya what it was. Things just sort of kept growing from there, until Dlar had a small group to catch meals. You can see the result around ya."

Jeffery: "Don't you help out with that?"

Matthew: "Hunt for Dlar, oh no, never really did that and don't intend to. Dlar has enough doing that right now and I don't much feel the need to join in. Guess you got reasons, and you can keep em."

Jeffery: "How did Dlar get in this place, he's kinda big and the doors kinda small?"

Matthew: "Hahah, I'm not tellin ya how it happend. Let's just say Dlar and I both needed something done, and once it was done he just sortta stuck around."

            The two bunnies beside him are both white with white hair, wearing matching blue outfits. The whole look makes them look to be twins. Jeffery turns to the two:

Jeffery: "You two are a little young to be here."

Joshua: "You're a new face, or here to make some arrests. You here to take us in for skipping school, or for working for Dlar?

Jeffery: "No, well, maybe for skipping out on school."

Joshua: "I'm Joshua, and this is my brother, Tyler, to say we're in this together would be an understatement. Did you see all the ladies as they showed up? Both of us were, we made sure of that. They all look like they were dressing while on something or caught in an explosion at a paint shop. Glade we didn't have to dress like any of that, not that we'd mind being down there right now."

Jeffery: "The two of you really work for Dlar? How, how did that end up happening?"

Tyler: "How'd the two of us get in a mess like this? Well, you see my bro and I had some interest in this one gal, you see. We were kinda following her one day to find out where she lived, we were curious, and we see her get snatched by Vern over there. Since we saw him do it, he took us along, suppose planning on offing us so we would not tell on him. Dlar met us and thought we looked funny side by side and offered to let us in. I mean, there was a dragon with glowing eyes and everything, it was cool. We said ya, we'll join up, not like there was a fee or anything."

Jeffery: "The two of you hunt for Dlar?"

Joshua: "Hunting for the big guy, ya, we do that. Seems that since we are still in school, we're around a lot of, uhh, none to bright gals all day. Some are real twits, some not, so now we got an opportunity to improve the school atmosphere. Dlar gave us powers so we don't get caught, at least if we're smart about it. We get all that, and pay on top, I dunno what these other guys are so sour about, this is the coolest thing ever."

Jeffery: "Powers? Like what?"

            Tyler looks to his brother, and they both nod. Tyler holds his breath and seems to concentrate, seeming to disappear only to reappear a few moments later. Suitably impressed and making a note to ask Dlar about that later, he makes his way over to the buck that leans against the wall. He is holding a cup of juice and watches the others gamble with a board expression. He is recognized as one of the three bucks that work with Annalisa. He is about Jeffery's age but does not have the build, looking much more thin. He has a common look to him, brown fur, hair and eyes; a good combination if one wishes to blend in. As Jeffery approaches him:

Avene: "Hmm, I was wondering if you would show. Not much going on here for us really, not that I expected it. As long as I worked here, I get the feeling I am being ignored, and this kinda confirms it. Its like bleeding juice and cookies, at least get us something real to drink, you know what I'm saying? Anyway, I'm Avene, and I hear you're Jeff, welcome to the team for whatever that means for you."

Jeffery: "How did you get in this group?"

Avene: "How did I come aboard? As you might guess its because of Annalisa. I won't get into the details, but she decided I might be of use to her and got me to join up, not that I knew that was her plan at the time. So ya, guess you could say I got suckered into this, but its not that bad. Sure, if I get caught I'm as good as dead, but at least my chances are a lot better than any of those tails downstairs, Dlar does not have the interest in me that it does in them. All I gotta do is not get found out, and I can live as long as I can get away with."

Jeffery: "Do you work with Annalisa, or do you work alone?"

Avene: "How do I catch my gifts? Well, I would like to say I do it all myself, but that's crap, look at me. With a bit of surprise I could secure what I need, but if I slip up I am likely to get hurt. You see, I work with Annalisa, so most of the time I have to do what she says, else Dlar gets mad. When I manage a little time on my own, I try to use a few "bargain price" sleeping potions I pick up from some of the other gals working here. They can be pricey, but sometimes I can get a few cheap cuz they were a bad batch and don't last long. But I don't need long do I?"

Jeffery: "I have someone working on a more potent version of a drug that I might use to sedate victims more easily."

Avene: "Well, that could work too. I just use potions as they are available and not very valuable if not really made properly.

            After his talk, Jeffery decides its time to head back to the school and back to work before he is missed. During all this, Marakin is looking for entrance into various programs and schools of a more technical nature. He finds he can apply for about one-hundred-twenty-five wafers to engineering courses, and that there is a mystic collage. As the end of the school day approaches the team reunites and gets ready for their next step.

            Jeffery locates William again and asks how his request is going. William informs him that he has not had a chance to talk to his supplier and could at best get back to him on it by the start of the next school day. Okay with this Jeffery returns to the group and reports. It is decided that Marakin, being a bit more stealthy than the rest, should shadow William to see if he returns to the same house or goes elsewhere, just to make sure. As this is set in motion, Lilly mentions she has a function to attend and will be taking her leave. Hearing this grabs Grey Eyes's attention:

Grey Eyes: "A function? What kind of function?"

Lilly: "A party."

Grey Eyes: "What kind of party?"

Lilly: "A dress up party."

Grey Eyes: "Is there food?"

Lilly: "Yes, there is a spread there."

Grey Eyes: "Ohhh, can I come?"

Lilly: "Well, I guess I could get you in."

Grey Eyes: "What should I wear?"

Lilly: "Oh, a nice dress."

            It is decided that Grey Eyes will be coming along to the party with Lilly and Jeffery. Meanwhile, Marakin shadows William to discover anything that might be of use. Using his hide and move silently skills, he follows William to a grocery store. Going in after him, he notes him buy produce and herbs before leaving. From there, William moves into the downs, looking around as if checking for anyone following him. This might be normal behavoir in the downs, but he does not seem to notice Marakin. Arriving at a house, he unlocks the door and enters. Marakin soon makes his way to the door and tries to unlock the door, successfully using open lock. Satisfied, he relocks the door and watches the place until he tires, learning little more.

 

Arriving at the lair in the downs, Annalisa answers the door once again:

Annalisa: "Good to see you could make it, dear. Please come and make yourself at ease. Most of our sisters and brothers have already arrived and are down below with Dlar, whom I am sure will be pleased to see you. The catered meal is already set up, so I hope you brought your appetite."

Lilly: "I always bring my appetite."

Annalisa: "Oh, nice to see you back, Jeffery. It seems you brought a friend?"

Lilly: "Ya, she's with us, is that okay."

Annalisa: "Of course, the more, the better. Come right in."

            As Jeffery heads back to the kitchen again, Lilly and Grey Eyes head down stairs to the door that opens to Dlar's lair. The door is open slightly as if indicating one is welcome to enter. Lilly pushes open the door and step in, Grey Eyes behind her. The room is furnished with new lights which brighten up the place a bit. A simple carpet covers most of the floor now and there is a room-length table loaded with soups, stews, pasta, roast and grilled vegetables, drinks and several deserts giving the room an inviting aroma. Just off from the far end of the table is a group of four does, dressed in the days bright colours, play an assortment of wind instruments providing a soft and unobtrusive melody. A number of doe's, many of which are dressed in colourful clothing and holding drinks, stand on the carpet and seem to be exchanging small-talk and advice, some look in your direction and smile, raising a glass to your presence. Dlar itself rests atop its bonepile which has been moved to a corner of the room, allowing more room for the carpet and spread. Although its been moved, it looks exactly as it did when last you were here, each skeleton in exactly the same place and position. Dlar's head is cocked at a strange angle and the flat of its head is oriented towards the musicians. Grey Eyes quickly notices Dlar, and comes to the realization she could be in trouble. Lilly and Grey Eyes step up to Dlar:

Dlar: "Lilly! I am so happy to see you, thank you for coming, it means a lot to me. Please, enjoy the plants and fluids. Take this chance to meet some of the others, and trade freely with my approval today."

Lilly: "I am happy to see you too, Dlar."

Dlar: "Oh, you have someone with you?"

Lilly: "This is Grey Eyes."

Dlar: "She looks very good. For me?"

Lilly: "Not just yet. Maybe later."

Dlar: "Okay." (Lowering its head to the floor and looking depressed.

Grey Eyes: "What's this blue flaky stuff on the bones?"

Dlar: "Spit."

Grey Eyes: "Really? Can you open your mouth"

            Dlar opens its mouth, allowing Grey Eyes to see an ample amount of blue goo resembling dish soap. Taking their leave, Lilly and Grey Eyes move to the table and survey the spread. Looking about her, Lilly decides to speak with a few of her fellows. The first she moves to is a smallish grey-furred hare of about age five. She wears a suit of pink, green and orange.

Lilly: "Hi."

Jessica: "Oh, hey ya. I'm Jessica, and you are?

Lilly: "I'm Lilly, nice to meet you Jessica."

Jessica: "Dlar really did a lot for us, changing the look down here. I was not sure what to expect, but this looks a lot more open and comfortable then it did the first time I was brought here."

Lilly: "I don't know, I kinda liked the darker look of before. Dlar mentioned we could trade, do you have anything?"

Jessica: "Yes, yes I do. I have a few scrolls and some potions, if your interested."

            Jessica produces scrolls of Disguise Self, Silent Image, Blur, Hypnotic Pattern as well as 2 Potion of Invisibility 30 G and 1 Blur Potion 30 G. Lilly thinks over the offerings, and makes a few selections before moving on. Nearby is an average looking earth-tone doe, going on maybe her eighth year, nothing special looking about her. She wears yellow, blue and pink, a real eyesore but perhaps appropriate today. Her stance is tall and proud, her look confident. She holds a fluted glass of some emerald green drink.

Lilly: "Hello."

Cecelia: "Hello there, you must be one of the new ones. I'm Cecelia, good to meet you. From the look of you, you never attended a mystic academy, so your most likely just home taught. I myself am a full enchantress, maybe your just starting out on that road yourself?

Lilly: "No, my path is a little darker."

Cecelia: "Well, I wish you luck in your focus."

Lilly: "Do you have any scrolls and such for trade?"

Cecelia: "You're hoping to get a little of what I have, aren't you? Well, I might be willing to part with a few of my tricks for an even trade of a few of yours, interested?

            Cecelia produces scrolls of Hypnotism, Sleep, Touch of Idiocy as well as 2 Potions of Heroism 75 G. Lilly takes interest in the potions most of all and buys them immediately. After some moments of debate, she steps over to another individual in hopes of finding even more. She next picks one of the most flamboyant looking individuals down here. She is a tall attractive lop with soft, light-grey fur and about age six. Her clothing is as provocative as it is coloured, she wears a veritable rainbow of strategically placed ribbons that entwine her body, from which hang quite an assortment of little tools and objects. Her ears are studded with at least a dozen large sparkling earrings, something only a creature with ears that size could manage. From the rather eccentric outfit and clutter of items she seems to be an ohrnomancer.

Lilly: "Umm, excuse me?"

Katie: "Wowa, nice fur there girl, you could almost braid it. I'd ask ya what brings you here but I bet its the same as all of us, some free food and a chance to gossip, am I right? As I am sure you know, you're talking to Katie, and you would be...?"

Lilly: "I am Lilly."

Katie: "Uhh, ha, nice name I guess, anyway, good to meet you. Oh, careful of the punch over there, I think someone spiked it (she grins mischievously)."

Lilly: "You look like you're ready for trade."

Katie: "You wondering if I got some stuff for ya? I might, but it comes at a cost like anything else."

            Katie does have a fair about to offer. Wrapped in her ribbons and elsewhere are the following: scrolls of Floating Disk, Magic Weapon, Resist Energy, Acid Arrow, Scorching Ray, Blindness/Deafness, Arcane Sight, Stinking Cloud, Blink, Ice Storm, Fabricate, 5 Potions of Mage Armour 5 G, 4 Magic Weapon Oils 5 G, 3 Potions of Bull's Strength 30G, 3 Potions of Cat's Grace 30 G, 1 Potion of Darkvision 30 G, 2 Potions of Invisibility 30 G, 1 Potion of Protection from Arrows 30 G, 3 Potions of Protection From Energy (10) 30 G, 2 Potions of Fly 75 G, 1 Potion of Gaseous Form 75 G, 4 Potions of Haste 75 G, 1 Oil of Keen Edge 75 G, 2 Potions of Tongues 75 G, 1 Greater Magic Weapon Oil (+5) 300 G. Ring of Protection +1 200 G, Ring of Energy Resistance Minor (5) 1,200, Wand of Magic Missiles (3rd level) 225 G. Elixir of Love 15 G. Taking quite some time to go through all available, Lilly buys up several items and trades Jasper's old spell book for scrolls.

            Getting low on trade goods herself, she moves onto another member. Just an average doe by the look of her, she seems to have got around the colourful clothing idea by just wearing miss-matched articles, giving her the look of someone who steals their outfits from a laundry mat. Her fur is a coco brown and her ears are a bit droopy, as if uncomfortable with the ambiance and company.

Lilly: "Hello, I'm Lilly."

Laybraya: "What, you need something? I'm, uhh, Laybraya, how you feeling? Got a lot of rather creepy individuals down her today...from the look of it your one of them. You got the dust of the sleep upon you, guess I better not ask any further."

Lilly: "You don't really look okay down here, how did you get in this group?"

Laybraya: "How did I end up in this mess, guess you could say I was not a good listener back then. I had a feeling I should just stay home because something might happen, but I didn't listen. One of the bucks upstairs, Josh I think he name is, dragged me into a side street on my way to the pharmacy. It was then I knew I should have stayed home and that I was in trouble, but not the kind I was expecting. He brought me here and offered me to Dlar. Dlar figured I was maybe something special and asked if I wanted to join up instead of...well, you know, the alternative. What choice did I have?"

Lilly: "Any wares to trade?"

Laybraya: "I don't really have much flash, as you can tell. I don't know a lot about what others would call exiting spells, I'm just a diviner, I am supposed to see things coming, and I pay more attention now. I make a modest living by helping people find lost keys, track down stolen property and that kind of thing. I have a few little offerings if your interested.

            She brings out scrolls of Comprehend Languages, Detect Undead, Identify, Detect Thoughts, Locate Object, Clairaudience/Clairvoyance. Finding a few of interest, Lilly trades for what she needs. Feeling done here for now, Lilly attempts to leave but is stopped by Grey Eyes.

Grey Eyes: "You're not going to leave me here alone, are you?"

Lilly: "Oh ya. Guess we should have a talk with Dlar."

            The pair step up to Dlar. Lilly makes a case that Dlar should allow Grey Eyes into his cult rather than just devour her now. Dlar states that there are already enough members and Grey Eyes looks good enough to eat as it is. Deciding that this might be more difficult than she thought, Lilly moves to the door in order to speak with Annalisa to gain a little help. Grey Eyes follows Lilly, to which Dlar rises from its bonepile and interposes its head between the two girls and the only exit.

Dlar: "You can't go, Grey Eyes. You have to stay down here, with me."

Grey Eyes: sniffles in deepening despair.

Dlar: "Please, go to the tables and feed, it seems to make you creatures feel better."

            Not knowing what else to do, Grey Eyes makes her way to the table to try out a few of the offerings while Lilly takes her leave and goes upstairs to talk with Annalisa.

Meanwhile...

            Jeffery has gone to the kitchen area again to find things have not changed much since he was last there. Having not talked with two of the buck's there he decides to go chat with them a bit.

Jeffery: "Hey, you're with Annalisa, right?"

Vern: "Its you huh, Annalisa mentioned a little about you. Don't mind me, just what's out the window is a bit more entertaining for me than what's in here. Ya, names Vern, in case you were wondering. You hear that, you just barely hear music coming from downstairs, they got musicians, bloody favouritism. I guess that kind of favouritism I can do without, considering the cost at the end."

Jeffery: "Ya, there is that. How did you end up working for Annalisa?"

Vern: "Oh, ending up with Anna? Well, watch it or you might end up the same way I am. When I first met her, I thought I might ask her if she was interested in going out. Long story short, she lead, I followed, now I got a job and she's the supervisor."

Jeffery: "I don't see what you get out of it, from what I can tell you can't even touch her."

Vern: "Ya, you got that right. All of them down there belong to Dlar, and you can't really do anything with them without Dlar's okay. Besides, all they gotta do is whine to Dlar and Dlar gets mad. We're not worth as much to Dlar as they are, so I tell you, you don't want Dlar mad at you."

Jeffery: "You hunt for Dlar, right, maybe with Annalisa?"

Vern: "My ways? Well, considering how I was lead on, I don't really have a lot of respect for the womenfolk anymore. I use my natural colour, some handy shadows, and hunt near schools. I know it sounds rather cruel, but really I can't think of a better use for them anymore, and Dlar seems to find them agreeable. I usually just ask for a little cash, you know, pad the wallet, so its not like I am a chronic hunter, more an opportunist."

            Fine with how much he got from Vern, Jeffery next moves to the last member present he has not spoken with. This one is a buck with brown fur and splotches of white.

Jeffery: "You're one of the ones who works for Annalisa, right?"

Ethan: "Ya, my name is Ethan. Nice of ya to stop by again."

Jeffery: "How's the spread?"

Ethan: "Not great, but hurry up and pick up what you want before I beat ya to it. Blast it, I got a sniff of what the girls got down there when the door was open for a few moments, and I tell ya its NOT juice and sandwiches. I guess I shouldn't complain, I mean, for us this is free, they have to pay for their lunch, eventually. Yah, I got a feeling I would not mind watching Anna pick up her tab when the time comes."

Jeffery: "So, what's your story, how did you end up here?"

Ethan: "My enlistment? Well, like the other two cursed fools, Annalisa was my ticket. I don't really want to get into it, but lets just say if I were a doe I would be feeling plenty like I was stabbed in the back without mercy. Self serving, egotistical little bitch, I wanna see her self-serve herself to Dlar just for contrast, so I gotta live long enough to see it. What? I know she acts all polite and nice, but that's it, an act, don't think otherwise."

Jeffery: "So, you a hunter too?"

Ethan: "Hunt? Me? No sir, I don't hunt for Dlar and I never will. I just live life normal. I go to work every day like most and just try to get along in life. If I find a doe I like, I'm gonna keep her and Dlar can stuff it. If she ends up being a waste, well, Dlar can have her too."

            After speaking with the last member there, Jeffery walks up to the entrance to speak with Annalisa. He asks her if Dlar had a chance to "sample" the two gifts he brought. She informs him that they are in a waiting room, as their screams from within Dlar might upset some of the guests they would all have to wait till later. Saying that he would only like to check up on the two he brought he asks if he could see them. Leading him to the waiting room and unlocking the door for him, Annalisa leaves him to check on them himself. Inside he finds quite a few doe's, each blindfolded, gagged and bound hand and foot lying on the floor. Walking up to one, he injects her with a dose of the drugs he had bought in order to observe the time it takes to come into effect. Next he steps up to another doe and makes an effort of convincing her he is there to help get everyone out. Telling her they have to wait until the party dies down, he suggests a little "physical activity" to pass the time. Trying to get her heart rate up, he injects her suddenly with a does of the drug to see if it will work any faster in this situation, which it does. Happy with the results, he rebinds her, and leaves, locking the door behind him.

            Reaching Annalisa, Lilly speaks:

Lilly: "Uhh, I have a problem."

Annalisa: "What is it, dear?"

Lilly: "Dlar wants to eat Grey Eyes, that girl I came in with."

Annalisa: "You did bring her here for that purpose, did you not?"

Lilly: "Well, no. I brought her here to join us."

Annalisa: "You really should have brought that matter to my attention when you arrived, if not sooner."

Lilly: "Well, things did not work out exactly as I expected."

Annalisa: "So, why is it you wish to save this girl, is she someone special to you?"

Lilly: "Not really. We work in the same enforcer team, I just met her and she is sort of a friend. You know, dabbles in the same things I do."

Annalisa: "She does not sound very important to me. Who would be the better friend to you, this girl or Dlar?"

Lilly: "Dlar, I guess, but I don't want to lose her just yet."

Annalisa: "Why not turn her over, take the rewards, and find a new friend."

Lilly: "I just might, but not right now. Can you help me get her out of this?"

Annalisa: "Perhaps, but I don't see the point. You will have to do this on your own."

Lilly: "Not what I want to hear. Can you tell me anything that would help me, as I seem to be making little headway with Dlar."

Annalisa: "Dlar wants to see us happy. If you're not pleased with something, sob a little and things should go more your way."

Lilly: "Hmm, guess I'll try that. Thanks for the help."

            Lilly heads downstairs and rejoins Grey Eyes, who is still trying to blunt her sorrows with a free lunch. Both again step before Dlar and the debate starts anew. Lilly, doing her best to look sincere, sobs and sniffles as she speaks:

Lilly: "Please, master Dlar, let Grey Eyes join us. Allow her to help me."

Dlar: "But she is bright, there is no need to wait, I should take her now."

Lilly: "If you let her join, she will bring you many other bright doe's for you, and she will grow brighter."

Dlar: "But, she might not come back, like Rose who came here with you."

Lilly: "But she will come back, I promice. Please don't eat my friend."

            Turning to face Grey Eyes:

Dlar: "Tell me, little one, why should I let you join rather than take you?"

Grey Eyes: "I know I look nice and bright, but I am just starting. If you let me live I will become brighter still, and bring you others."

Dlar: "I don't want to lose you to, stay here with me and join your light with mine."

Grey Eyes: "I would like that, but please, let me become even more bright for you." Sobbing and pleading.

Dlar: "Okay, you may join."

Grey Eyes: "Thank you, master."

Dlar: "Do you wish to be marked?"

Grey Eyes: "What is that?"

Dlar: "It marks you as mine, so that others will leave you be."

Grey Eyes: "Other cult members and dragons will leave me alone? Sounds good."

Dlar: "Where do you want it?"

Grey Eyes: "Where can it be put?"

Dlar: "Anywhere on your fur."

Grey Eyes: Removing her top and placing a hand between her breasts "Place it here."

            Dlar "paints" a symbol in gleeah where Grey Eyes indicated. After looking it over, Grey Eyes puts her top back on.

Dlar: "Welcome to our family, Grey Eyes."

Grey Eyes: "Thank you for accepting me."

            Grey Eyes returns to the table to snack and try to calm down. After calming down a bit, Grey Eyes and Lilly go back upstairs to rejoin Jeffery before leaving. Its late, and all return to their homes, looking forward to their day off.

 

Week Ten, Day Six [Party Award of 250 EXP for the weeks "work"]

 

            A day to relax or perhaps work on personal development. Krystal has decided to spend the day working on her budding garden in the back yard. Lilly and Grey Eyes go to work learning some of the scrolls picked up, a full day to work on them is very helpful. Lilly learns touch of idiocy while Grey Eyes learns expeditious retreat. Marakin puts forth some applications to an Academy of Alchemy, Collage of Engineering and to Archen Academy (Thaumaturgy) Tuition 600 G. At the Engineering Collage he manages to have a small ranged weapon on his familiar repaired and have it identified as an old Tricokran communication/security device.

            Luke Ayala plans a more busy day for himself. He starts out by visiting an importer. Upon arriving he asks if they carry rare herbs and the like, to which he is told they do indeed. He makes a purchase of three bulbs of the lavesah plant for 15 G each. These bulbs he takes to Krystal's and Jeffery's place in the downs. Finding Krystal in the back yard digging a garden bed, he offers her the bulbs and his assistance. Together they complete a section of the garden bedding and plant both the bulbs and some other seeds Krystal had. After the job is done, Luke offers to take Krystal out of a bite to which she happily agrees. They go to a place in the commercial area that sports a garden fresh buffet for 2 G 3 sticks a person. After a bit of small talk over soup, steamed sprouts and salad Luke takes Krystal for ice cream. Walking her back home they say their farewells, Krystal going inside and Luke returning home himself.

            Jeffery also has a plan set out for himself today. First he goes to meet up with William again to see how his order is going. He is told that his extra-strength order is being worked on but that it could be costly because of the extra resources going into them. Fine with the news, he takes the short trip into the downs to see Dlar.

Dlar: "Jeffery, I am happy to see you."

Jeffery: "Good to see you too. Did you receive those two girls I brought you?"

Dlar: "Oh, yes. I received two in your name, I thank you, they were sweet." Gesturing to two skeletons near its left claw, the skulls of which grin up at Jeffery.

Jeffery: "You are welcome, I am glad you enjoyed the gifts. They are really gifts, I do not ask anything in return for them."

Dlar: "I like gifts. Thank you."

Jeffery: "Ummm, may I look over what you have as rewards in your pile?"

Dlar: "Okay. You are allowed to look, I am supposed to let that happen."

            After taking a few moments to examine the collection of scrolls, cash and weapons, Jeffery takes his leave and heads to a dance club wearing his suit. Buying some ale and watching the comings and goings he spots a lone doe with brown fur and black hair enter. Walking up to her he strikes up a small conversation and asks her to join him for a drink. She accepts and takes a seat at a table with him. She orders a pressed root drink while he still sips from his ale. He asks her what she does, finding out that her name is Sally and that she is a grocery clerk with aspirations for manager. He tells her he is an enforcer, going so far as to show his badge. Knowing he is an enforcer seems to make her more comfortable around him. Jeffery orders a bottle of higher class wine (20 wafers) which the two share before trying their luck on the dance floor. Sally dances with her head lowered and wriggles her ears while looking like she does not notice Jeffery staring. In her left ear is a small earring. After a brisk dance the two agree to get something to eat at a restaurant nearby called Don's. After taking a seat and looking over the menu Jeffery notices something familiar about the back of a waitress. Trying not to look like he is obviously interested in her he discovers once she turns to head to the kitchen that its Kikah. A little surprised he holds it in check and orders along with Sally, choosing stew, bread and pasta. While they dine, Kikah notices Jeffery and quietly sneaks back into the kitchen. Soon after Jeffery pays for the meal and suggests a movie. Checking the showings they find Nibbles Twelve is playing, which Sally is interested in seeing. Paying for entrance, Jeffery for the most part tries to keep from falling asleep at the rather uninteresting movie that Sally is enthralled with. After the movie, Sally asks him what he would like to do next. The two debate going to his or her place, but decide on checking into a hotel. It is here that Jeffery finds that his day has been successful as he coaxes Sally into bed. Purposefully trying to exhaust her, Jeffery succeeds and allows her to fall asleep. Leaving her in bed, Jeffery gets back into his suit and returns to Don's. Taking a seat in what he believes is the area Kikah is responsible for. As expected, Kikah emerges from the kitchen and aproaches the table, her eyes growing wide as she recognizes him. She immedialty turns and ducks back into the kitchen, only to be tossed out again by what might be her boss. Walking back up to Jeffery's table she looks down at him, smiling but with a stern look:

Kikah: "How may I help you, Sir?"

Jeffery: "Just a soup. Good to see you again. Look, I'm not here to drag you in anywhere, I just want to talk."

Kikah: "I'm working. I do get off in an hour if that suits you."

Jeffery: "Sure, that will do."

Kikah: "I will be back with your soup, Sir."

            Kikah does return with the soup, which Jeffery takes his time in sipping as he has an hour to kill. As the hour rolls around, he pays for the soup and steps outside to wait for Kikah. Some time later she emerges, wearing a jacket over her uniform.

Kikah: "Well, whatdaya want?"

Jeffery: "Like I said, I wanted to talk to you."

Kikah: "I'm listening."

Jeffery: "Why did you leave?"

Kikah: "Leave? Your pretty much abandond me in this strange city. I'm a long way from home, the air tastes of a refinery and the whole place is covered in grey dust. I don't like it here. I can't even forage for food because the place is poisoned."

Jeffery: "Ya, really sorry about that, I should have looked after you better. And this job, you deserve better than this. How much do you make."

Kikah: "About five a day, an tips."

Jeffery: "Not bad, but I could get you a job with us where you can use your fighting skills."

Kikah; "I'm not really much of a fighter, I used to be a farmer..."

Jeffery: "Well, okay. Where are ya staying?"

Kikah: "I got a little apartment. Its not much but its good enough for me."

Jeffery: "Look, if you can forgive me I have a place you can stay rent-free and it has a garden. My only company is Krystal, you remember her right? The two of you could work on the garden together."

Kikah: "You think I'm that stupid, remember I don't like you. You're a bloody witch."

Jeffery: "Look, about that. I only know a few witch tricks so I can get by in this world. I can't just make myself run fast like you, so I needed something that could.  Surrounded by withes as I am, even those in my team, all of them but Krystal, I had to adapt to survive."

Kikah: "You're stupid and so is everyone else here, anyone can do it but no one does."

Jeffery: "Just like them, I won't be able to know how either, without a teacher. Can you help me, I can give up being a witch if you teach me."

Kikah: "Oh is THAT it? Bring me home and have me teach you my skills, then abandon me again?"

Jeffery: "No, no not at all. I really like you, I want you to stay."

Kikah: "Really? What is it about me you like?"

Jeffery: "Well, one, your a great fighter, I could use someone to spar with. Two, I love your determination, you never give up. Three, I find you quite lovely."

Kikah: "That is what I don't like about this place, no one says what they mean or really mean what they say. Everyone is just smoke and mist and its hard to tell what's what. I am not a good fighter, I'm just a farmer. Its not that I am determined, I just made an oath not to return home until I had dealt with Lyshy, and I want to go home. Tell me the truth or I walk."

Jeffery: "Okay...well, I do find you lovely and admire your talents, like the one you taught me. I would like you to stay with me, as my friend or lover, and perhaps one day to be mother of my bunnies."

Kikah: "So you want to learn what I have to offer, and you find me attractive worth keeping around for sex?"

Jeffery: "Well, kinda...yes."

Kikah: "Fair enough, I accept."

Jeffery: Momentarily shocked by the bluntness of this creature "So, should we go to your place and pick up your stuff, maybe seal our agreement there?"

Kikah: "Sure, lets go.  Just one thing, if I see you use witchery in my presence, I'll kill you."

Jeffery:  "Understood."

 

            Along the way, the two stop at a candy store. Looking at the displays Kikah's eyes grow wider than he has seen yet. Seeing that she has a thing for sweets he picks up a few bags of candy and some ice cream. Finally making their way to Kikah's apartment, Jeffery finds it to be little more than a one room dwelling with little furnishings. Setting down the bags he asks her if she would like some ice cream. Already disrobing:

Kikah: "I thought we came her for something else?"

Jeffery: "Ya, but the ice cream will melt."

Kikah: "Just put it in the cooler for now then."

            Thinking that is as good an idea as needed, Jeffery slides the ice cream in the cooler and joins Kikah on the bed. Allowing her to take control from here, she decides to show him another skill. Jeffery feels her enact the field around her as he did back in Old Lyshy as she moves with increased speed. From this rather impressive display he manages to get enough of a feel for this skill that he might use it himself with effort, a skill called alacrity. Collapsing on Jeffery's chest, panting, Kikah excuses herself and walks to the table to root though a candy bag. She selects three red candy sticks and eats them like they were nothing but a vegetable stick. Munching the last of the sticks on her way back, she climbs back into bed. Jeffery decides to show her a trick too, but something less of skills and something more of kinky things to do with ice cream on Kikah's overheated body.

Kikah: "This indirectness Esspis has with things does seem to have an entertaining side."

Jeffery: "Glad you like it."

Kikah: "I suppose you really must like me, I could not even imagine doing what you are to someone I did not like."

Jeffery: "I spoke the truth, I really like you."

Kikah: "Well, if you will help me with my few belongings I am ready do move in with you at any time. I do not think I will miss this place."

            Figuring he cant stay up much longer anyway, Jeffery agrees to help with the move immediatly, and the two pack up what is in the appartment. Kikah has only her groceries, old uniform and her double bladed sword, along with what Jeffery brought. Along the way to the new home, Jeffery gives his newly learned skill a try and both he and Kikah sprint through the streets (Movement of 120). Running out of steam before making it home, they walk the rest of the way. Jeffery questions Kikah about how she managed to recover from her performance in bed so fast so as to run along with him. She explains that its the candies, the three sticks she ate so fast. With that in mind he hands her a bottle of soda, taking one for himself and finds it does slowly return his energy. His energy does not return before he gets home, and besides he is getting quite sleepy. After he helps Kikah put her foods in the cooler he gives her a quick tour about the place, ending with his room. Kikah begins to strip again and gets into his bed, taking that idea Jeffery does the same. The two just snuggle and go to sleep in silence.